ã€ŠImmortal&#x27;s Journey with the Goddessã€‹


 Chapter 1: Graduation from normality

    The auditorium buzzed with a hum of anticipation as the graduates filed into their seats, the air thick with the scent of fresh flowers and polished wood. Rows of proud parents and family members filled the seats, cameras poised and eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and sentiment. The graduates, dressed in their cap and gown regalia, shifted nervously, their faces a blend of excitement and relief.

    The stage, adorned with garlands and banners proclaiming congratulations to the class served as the focal point for the ceremony. The principal, draped in ceremonial robes, took her place behind the podium, ready to deliver the customary words of encouragement and reflection. Behind her, a backdrop of the school¡¯s crest symbolized years of hard work and achievement.

    As the ceremony began, the echoes of past memories seemed to reverberate through the hall¡ªwhispers of late-night study sessions, the laughter shared with friends, and the bittersweet moments of growth that had led them to this day. Each name called out during the presentation of diplomas was met with cheers and applause, marking not just an end, but a new beginning for the students who had gathered here one last time as a class.

    Amid the sea of graduates, one figure stood slightly apart, blending into the crowd with an almost deliberate subtlety. He was a young man with black hair and eyes, easily lost in the uniformity of his peers. Unlike the others, who chatted animatedly or posed for pictures, he maintained a quiet presence, his gaze fixed forward but distant, as if observing rather than participating.

    His demeanor was one of calm detachment, neither overjoyed nor sad on his graduation day. His gaze watches the stage where graduating learners climb with smiles on their faces, receiving their papers as they go.

    After a while, someone sat next to him carrying a bunch of snacks in his arms.

    "Hey Kai, buddy. What you day dreaming about when it''s already evening! Liven up a bit, would you." Said the brown haired boy as he sat.

    Kai shrugged, then said evenly.

    "Seriously, dude. Did you really have to take so much?"

    "What can I do, it''s free! You know what they say, opportunities are hard to come by, so take as much as you can." Said Aron without a hint of shame on his cheerful face.

    "Correction, it''s not free. The stingy organizers made us pay for the snacks beforehand. And you just made that saying just now. By the way, good job on making out money''s worth." Kai said, while taking portions of Aron piles of snacks.

    "Hey, that''s mine!"

    "I''m your friend, what''s yours are mine. Besides, just take some more later."

    "Huh? Do you have any idea how humiliating it was to be stared at by everyone as if I''m a pig?"

    "The heck, when did you discover shame?"

    Aron fell silent, thinking if he really was ashamed.

    At that moment, someone''s hand grabbed both Kai mad Aron heads. Making a mess of their hair as Paul vigorously laughed.

    "So this is where you two had been! Haha, it''s really hard to find you people in this crowd." He looked around, and added wistfully. "But damn, this day had finally come. It feels like it was only yesterday when I started high school. Time sure flies."

    Paul then tapped on the student occupying the seat situated on Kai''s other side. Dark red hair, tall figure and brown skin armed with bulging muscles outlining through his graduation attire. The student flinched, and proceeded to leave his set available.

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    With that, the band of three delinquents was complete. Aron, a shameless joker of the class that enjoyed snacking all the time and a vigorous student boosting a body builder physic that instills dread on others despite being a highschool student himself. In their middle was Kai, emotionless at most times and wasn''t much of a talker. However, the two had known him long enough to see his crazy side.

    "Hey Aron, since the snacks are free, why don''t we throw a party at our dorm tonight!? Graduation only happens once, we''re going to party all night long!"

    Kai listened as they planned their night, which only stopped when the surrounding applause got noticeably louder and cheering rose up a notch.

    All of this was because of the entry of a particular student. As he climbed the stage, praises rang all around, especially coming from girls that shouted their admiration to the handsome guy with bright blonde hair and an enchanting smile that seemed to befriend everyone. It was Gail, a rich and talented young man everyone admired and served as the student council president.

    Paul clicked his tongue. "Handsome bastard, not only did god give him that... That damned face, but what''s with the riches and sharp mind?! Where''s justice in that?"

    Kai sighed calmly.

    "And here''s us, the average son of society."

    "I don''t get this people, I''m more charming than him though? Above that, I can make you laugh harder! Watch me Kai, I''ll show you my ultimate stripping technique!" Said Aron, tears of envy dropping from his eyes.

    "Please don''t do that, you might leave all of us traumatized."

    However, their bitterness soon disappeared as a goddess descended on the stage to claim her honor. The cheer was louder and claps were wilder because this time. It was the boys that sang praises. Hazie''s silky pink hair flutters softly as she walks with elegance under the blinding spotlights. Each step made the male students hearts beat faster, their cheers of admiration got louder. Even more when her mesmerizing eyes dyed in lovely pink gaze warmly at the sea of students, coupled with a perfect smile.

    Such lively reaction for the school''s most beautiful learner that represented their pride in numerous events is expected from the crowd. Furthermore, she''s by far the most perfect lady they ever seen. A great figure and charm that naturally suited all proportions, hailed from an elite family holding unimaginable wealth. She''s known to excel at every subject, sports included while maintaining a reputation of a delicate lady serving as class A president.

    All these traits allowed her to achieve the highest honor that seemed impossible to attain for most - Flawless badge, awarded only to students that made zero mistakes and earned the highest mark in every task.

    Therefore, earning another thunderous praise from everyone. So loud that it''s deafening.

    "She''s so cute I can die! Ahh, please let me die in her embrace!" Heart was pumping in Paul''s eye, expressing his exaggerated admiration. Just like other male students, some even perform wild tricks as if they had lost their mind.

    They''re just so happy though, to finally graduate and for their goddess hard earned achievement. Which is everyone''s pride, because their batch mate had accomplished the impossible.

    Aron was saying nonesense beside him.

    "For your information, I''m Hazie''s ex-boyfriend, she confessed to me once in elementary. No! In highschool!..."

    But it fell in deaf''s ear, for Kai was in a trance right now as he gazed at the joyous celebration before him. He was smiling, but halfheartedly.

    Because his thoughts were preoccupied by a realization. The first in line to the stage was class A, the grandest section responsible for teaching elite students such as Gail and Hazie and many more outstanding learners.

    The ranking counts down, ending up with class F, Kai''s section. The lowest class there is, where delinquents were discarded with little hope of passing the school year.

    Yet here they are - albeit, remnants, they still graduated after pushing through the trials of academic studies. Still, compared to the shining stars, his like a small meteor in the galaxy. Tiny and lightless, so did his talent.

    Noticing his friends gloominess amidst the celebration, Aron asked.

    "What''s the matter Kai? Running out of energy? Here, grab some soda, it''s the best fuel we have right now." Aron offered Kai a soda he previously shook, failing to hide his anticipation for a funny outcome.

    Kai accepted and nonchalantly opened it in Aron''s direction, spraying it at the prankster instead. As he did, Kai said wistfully in a calm tone that could barely be heard in all the laughter and Aron cursing.

    "Nothing, I was just thinking about what comes after this."

    But Paul heard him, Paul leaned to ask.

    "Okay genius, so what comes after this in your mathematical calculation? Do we become nation presidents or something?"

    Kai chuckled.

    "Maybe, not sure. However, for me, I''m more likely to begin working Instead of entering college."

    Truth be told, he had long lost his parents, so did their support. Kai was only relying on pension to continue studying, lacking financial support was also the reason why his stuck in Class F, where tuition and budget requirements to graduate are way lower than other sections.

    "Huh! Why is that?"

    Kai gazed at the stage, feeling melancholic at the sight of the professional professors and exalted students being congratulated by their teachers and affluent parents.

    Honestly, he felt envy of everyone. Not only do they have what he longed for, and didn''t have his worries. They''re also blessed with talents, even the shameless Aron possesses outstanding traits such as brimming confidence and socializing skill. Paul, although lacking a bit of intelligence, he was really good at combat coupled with a warrior strength and determination.

    While Kai... Had none.

    A grin twisted on his lips.

    "Why, cause it''s the same at the end of it all. We study, then study some more before working in offices until death caught us. A boring and peaceful life devoid of danger, wouldn''t you agree?"

    "Then why not apply in a training camp with me, there''s lots of excitement there! cool guns, loud gun fires and war! I think you have the potential to be a tough soldier Kai! I''m still considering it, but are you in or wh-"

    All of a sudden, Kai''s world turns black.

 Chapter 2: Gods

    "Where am I?" Kai wondered, disoriented.

    The grandeur of the hall and the vibrant stage had vanished, along with the jubilant noise of his friends. Instead, he found himself engulfed in an oppressive silence within an infinite realm of darkness. The blackness stretched endlessly around him, with the goddess beauty serving as the only company.

    It took him a moment to recover from the shock of seeing her godly visage, and a moment more to compose himself. Having calmed down, Kai asked the lady with some hesitation.

    "Umm, hi there. May I know where I am?... Or, is this a dream?"

    Hearing him, the goddess turns to look. Allowing him to meet her captivating silver eyes. Kai struggled to not be mesmerized by that gaze, and maintained a calm facade in front of her. However, it soon crumbled as she tilted her head in response with an innocent smile.

    ''Damn, that''s so cute.''

    He covered his face with a hand to hide his leaking expression, afraid to look like a creep to her as he waited for her reply... Which, never came even after a minute passed.

    The goddess just kept her head tilted, as if clueless about what he just asked. Without speaking a single word.

    Finding it odd, Kai asked in concern.

    "Uh, are you okay?"

    Still, she didn''t utter a word as if she couldn''t.

    ''Don''t tell me she can''t talk.'' he thought, but a part of him argued due to her mature appearance hinting at the years she had lived. Surely, she learned to communicate in those years, right? Albeit, in a different language.

    ''She won''t speak though, what am I going to do now?'' leave her, or...''

    A naughty idea entered his mind, but quickly dismissed it for his not a slave of lust. Furthermore, Kai had to prioritize figuring out what''s happening here. Where did Paul go, the university and his classmates? Why did everything just disappear? Replaced by an eerie, dark world where only he and the goddess stood.

    Most importantly, the goddess before him had an undescribable presence that differed from a normal person. Being around her feels holy, coupled by her transcended beauty. It''s only right to call her a goddess. Because of this, Kai being a growing man can''t help his carnal desire from surfacing inside his mind. But was restrained by his morals, and the oddness of the situation. Why is she here? standing solely in the middle of an eerie place. His wariness overcomes unimportant lust. Kai is a rational individual, who had fine control over his mind and body. He wouldn''t have lived this long without a parent, otherwise.

    Realizing communication was no use, Kai remained silent just like her. Bringing them in an awkward stalemate, staring at each other without exchanging a word or clear purpose. Kai stared at her expressionlessly, masking his wonders on what the heck is going on here. And where is this place, why is she not talking. Still, it''s hard to be indifferent under a goddess''s attention. She looked at him adorably, donning a pure smile of an angel with a touch of amusement. Curiosity tinted her silver ires as she studied him with interest.

    ''This is torture.'' He thought, finding the attention of a goddess uncomfortable rather than pleasing.

    Before it got unbearable for Kai, something finally shifted in this never changing dark world.

    The sky suddenly spoke, sounding deep and ancient.

    It let out a long sighed.

    "So you''re the cause of the sudden destruction. Do you have any idea what you just did, Ariella?" Anger was sipping in the daunting voice, and simply hearings his words felt suffocating for a mere mortal, Kai. A testament of the speaker authority, whatever or whoever it is, his existence is not like any other being Kai had come across before.

    Before he could process what''s happening, another domineering voice resounded. His voice was like thunder, that even the boundless dark sky above shuddered.

    "Enough, Ashfred. Considering that you are speaking to a newborn god, there''s no point in scolding someone who can''t understand yet. And be gentle on her, would you! I don''t want her to learn your grumpiness."

    ''A God?'' Kai questioned in his mind, finding it hard to believe. Then again, the situation unfolding before him are beyond scientific explanation. He can only believe the mighty words of the so called Gods as a insignificant, mortal listener. His mind race, along his wildly beating heart.

    ''Who are they calling a newborn God?...'' He slowly looks at the goddess beside him, who''s eyeing the sky with a clueless expression.

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    If anyone seems like a newborn here. Mentally, that will be her.

    His thoughts were interrupted as the deities conversation went on. Their voices were too overbearing to ignore.

    "Hmp!... You do have a point. But still, she had summoned a chunk of space containing living beings from other dimensions to bring into her immature world. She may be an infant as a God, but this action still broke our policy!" Said the first God, who was called Ashfred, emanating righteousness with an agitated tone.

    However, the second deity seems against his statement.

    "Everyone makes mistakes, Ashfred. Besides, it''s just one infrastructure bearing a few mortal lives."

    "Don''t you dare justify her fault, Bardam! A sin is a sin! She violated living beings which goes against our policy as righteous Gods. Our Devine Court is made for the sole purpose of upholding the laws!" Ashfred said angerly in response.

    Bardam, who had been calm let some infuriation slipped in his voice.

    "So are you saying we should execute a God for mistakenly transporting a few mortals? You do understand the value of our kind, do you? So tell me, would others agree with you?"

    Hearing his reasonable statement, Ashfred calmed down a little.

    "I never stated she deserves execution, Bardam. My point is that, these violation to not go unpunished."

    "Is that even necessary?"

    "Incompetent judgement is what creates Dark gods, Bardam. Remember that. So of course, it is! She needs to learn the consequences of her unrighteous deeds. Otherwise, similar issues will arise in the future."

    As their heated discussion went on, an undescribable sense of inferiority dawned on Kai. It felt strange to eavesdrop between two deities conversation. They didn''t speak his language, yet Kai understood their speak fluently. As if everything they say is too perfect, to not be comprehended by anything who hears. However, he can''t understand their logic.

    As they mentioned, only one infrastructure was summoned, which contains a few mortal lives. One of them was Kai, obviously. Then... Does this mean his not the sole transmigrator? But the whole university itself?!

    What disturbs him the most is that, this impossible phenomenon is resulted by a young God, middling.

    These events change his life. No, the life of every student in that university. Yet the Gods speak as if this is an insignificant matter, but still give them justice.

    However, Kai''s most important worries right now are not the outcome of these trials. Because simply hearing the Gods conversation was putting too much pressure on his mortal being. It shattering him from within, the more he listens.

    Kai''s head was buzzing, constantly assaulted by indescribable sensation of being weakened. He looks down at his trembling hand, unknowingly shuddering by the Gods leaking anger in their voice.

    Interrupting them to give him repose was out of the question. Because he can''t imagine these lofty beings paying attention, or listening to the request of a lowly existence such as him. Heck, he might anger them instead. The Gods could probably kill him if they willed. After all, his already dying by just hearing their agitated words.

    His vision blurred.

    ''Damn... Is this how I''m gonna die?''

    Death by eavesdropping is a bit of a comical way to meet an end. That said, at least he heard and knows what true God really is. His life isn''t great, but it''s end is. Somehow.

    Yet Kai didn''t feel content or honored. Instead, he gazes at the black sky above with eyes full of defiance.

    ''Why should I die because of the likes of you... You''re no Gods.''

    He refused to die, however, Kai could do nothing about it for their power is absolute. While his just a mere human.

    He silently sighed as his consciousness began fading. However, as if the heavens grace him once again. Something soft and warm touches his trembling hand, filling him with the essence of life. All the pain, headache, discomfort and sense of weakness suddenly vanished. Replaced by sensation of being reborn again, he felt alive than before.

    When he came to his senses, Kai found himself holding hands with Ariella, the goddess. Kai flinched back due to the shock of being held by a lady. It was his first time! after all. Ariella stared at him in confusion with her pure eyes. Not understanding his action.

    As they were doing these, the two Gods came to a conclusion.

    "I suggest sealing her power for now, until she matures. However, simply robbing her authority won''t make her learn the effects of her mistakes. She must realize the value of each life, as a God who will govern her own world someday."

    "Reasonable enough. You have my agreement... So, I''ll leave her in your care then, Ashfred. I''m sure she''ll make a fine God under your guidance."

    Ashfred laugh.

    "Oh, my apologies. But I already have multiple pupils of my own and a prosperous world I''m busy managing."

    "As do I."

    Said Bardam before Ashfred could make an excuse to pass him the responsibility.

    Tense silence settled between them, each was unwilling to take the newborn God under their care. But leaving an immature, powerless God without proper guidance might bring disastrous consequences.

    That''s when their gaze landed on Kai.

    "You, boy. State you name."

    ''Oh, gods.... No!''

    With a bitter smile, he replied sensing an apprehensive outcome.

    "Kai, sir."

    "Well, Kai. Young mortal from Earth, you are bestowed the honor of caring for Goddess Ariella. Her mind are too pure, that she haven''t realized the life of mortals. You shall accompanied her into discovering morality of life. Show her the ways of mortal as you live, and instill the value of life, no matter how insignificant it may be."

    Said the sky in a solemn tone as if they''re giving a sacred prophecy to a devoted believer.

    That believer though, think otherwise.

    ''This lazy bastards, aren''t you just pushing responsibility to me?''

    Kai cleared his throat, before saying hesitantly.

    "What if I refuse?"

    He could barely take care of himself, let alone, a goddess. Furthermore, Kai was just an average student, he rather not get himself involved in the affairs of higher existence.

    The Gods, being lofty as they are replied flatly.

    "Then you''ll die."

    Then added.

    "And don''t think your thoughts are hidden from us, young man. Disrespecting a God is a grave sin, but worry not. As merciful as I am, I will let it slide this time... However, considering you''ll be Ariella''s guardian and teacher, it would be unjust for you to handle the task with a mortal body. So, let me bestow you a parting gift."

    "Huh?" Kai''s jaw dropped, disbelief written all over his face.

    However, the Gods had already left. Their presence vanished as fast as they came.

    Kai stared at the sky, dumbfounded. Besides him stood an oblivious Ariella, a newborn God that had been left in his care.

    And that''s how the adventure of an immortal young man and immature goddess begins in broken worlds.

 Chapter 3: Forest

    Kai had a complicated expression. Never in his wildest dreams did he think of one day being transmigrated from a different world, with an immature goddess under his custody.

    Coming to his senses, he realized his hand was still holding Ariella''s delicate and soft hand. He let go, giving Ariella an unreadable look.

    No matter how beautiful she may be, the Gods abandoned her in mortal care. And if memory serves him right, Ariella''s power is sealed by now as consequences of her mistakes.

    ''Seriously, why give a girl the power of gods if she can''t even speak.''

    Then again, his life is too low to understand the reasoning of deities. However, Kai thinks the Gods aren''t perfect because they made a mistake by choosing him to teach a young goddess about the value of life. In other words, humanity.

    Ariella possesses overwhelming authority, yet lacks sympathy for lower lives. Such as Kai, and his fellow humans. Therefore, his mission is to instill understanding on her mind, that their life isn''t to be treated as toys, because they have feelings too.

    However, in the aspect of humanity. Kai failed in that subject, himself. Growing up devoid of parents guidance, his character was on the shady side. His cynical, unfriendly, unsociable and did plenty of mild bad deeds in order to survive in life.

    That''s why the Gods had chosen the wrong person for the job. Because as an unheroic person himself, Kai was unsuitable for raising a fine goddess. Heck, she might grow to become a dark God in his care.

    That''s why he would rather not care for her, if possible.

    Then again, the gods words are absolute. Kai can only swallow the responsibility given to him.

    If there''s any benefit to this, Kai received a parting gift from a deity!

    ''It would be too shameless of them to pass me their responsibility without compensation. I''m just a student, for goodness sake.''

    As for what it is, he didn''t know. But considering the mighty origin, Kai had high expectations. It can be an overpowered skill, or a legendary pawn under his commands. Perhaps it''s an item that bends logic, an all knowing book or world shattering sword!

    There''s too many possibilities. Kai can''t wait to find out. But before that, he needed to solve an urgent problem. Where is he and the other students and staff of the university?

    Well, they''re not in the forest his currently in. Kai was sitting on a fallen timber as he pondered about his predicaments, the noon sun was shining above the bright blue sky. Bathing the peaceful forest with radiance. Melodious chirping of birds can be heard, along the leafs rustling in the wind. Not far away, a river flows, murmuring in his ears.

    After the lazy Gods passed down their work on Kai, and sealed Ariella''s divinity. The two of them were expelled from the boundless dark world, bringing them where they are now. A forest in the middle of nowhere.

    His thoughts were interrupted by a rumbling noise, Kai looked down dejectedly.

    ''I''m hungry...''

    Water isn''t a problem thanks to the nearby river, but food is a different story. Because to get one in this wilderness, Kai need to hunt feral animals or find fruits to fill their stomach. The problem is, Kai had zero experience hunting and can''t identity what plant is edible or poisonous. This isn''t Earth, after all. The unfamiliar greeneries surrounding them suggest so.

    While his troubled by their circumstances was playing somewhere, finding the forest wonderful and an interesting place instead of a dead zone, where who knows what kind of beasts lives. All the while unaware of suitable source of food. Considering she''s a goddess, Ariella probably don''t require eating to keep on living. But Kai do, though.

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    As he sat on the timber, depressed over the uncertainties. Ariella gently tap on his should, taking Kai''s attention.

    "What?" He said in a haggard tone as he turn to look.

    Truth be told, his upset on Ariella for being the source of his everything that happened. However, he can''t blame her, for she''s merely a child in a goddess body. There''s no point scolding her, even the Gods knew this.

    In response to his rude attitude, Ariella offers him a freshly picked flower with a beaming smile. Erasing his irritation away in an instant. How could he keep hating such an angel? It''s simply impossible.

    "Uh, thanks..."

    Her smile grew wider upon receiving gratitude.

    One things Kai learned, is that, Ariella isn''t completely clueless. She understands in a certain extent, although, not fully.

    "Go back now, I''m busy doing something here."

    A little reluctant, Ariella left to play somewhere. Kai studied the flower for sometime, feeling a bit envy of Ariella''s innocence. She''s too pure to know their worries, at the same time, too innocent to protect herself and be responsible for her actions. Unlike him, she''s free from the worries of living. Maybe that''s one thing he needs to teach her?

    Thinking of her, Kai felt the urge to check on her not far behind him. The sight of her sitting on grass, surrounded by colorful flowers and tamed animals seeking for her affection was mesmerizing. She seemed loved by the world, as nature bends for her grace. The grasses shifts towards her, the flowers seems to stare at her in awe. And otherworldly animals yearned for her touch, devoid of their usual hostility as they near. The birds flew above her, waiting for their turns to rest on her finger or slender shoulder.

    Light showered on her silky, silver hair. Adorning the presence of the goddess.

    However, their joyful party is disturbed as the devil approaches, appearing as a young man in a black student uniform.

    Sensing him, the animals became hostile. They distance themselves from Kai as he stopped behind their goddess, then said with a pretentious smile.

    "What you got there."

    Noticing him, Ariella showed Kai the cute bunny-like animal she''s petting. It looks like a fat rabbit with big eyes that begged to be petted, adorable short legs and white, floppy furs. But compared to the goddess holding it''s plump body with pride for Kai to see, it''s cuteness fall short.

    However...

    ''Damn, that''s fat... I wonder what it tastes like?''

    Forget about cuteness, Kai is starving here. The furry creature suddenly shuddered under Kai''s hungry gaze, feeling an apprehensive outcome.

    His lips twisted into a menacing and patted Ariella''s head.

    "That''s really cute... Can I have it?"

    Ariella nodded in response, happy to give her bunny to Kai. Besides, she has more of them.

    The fat rabbit trembled as it was passed on Kai''s cold hands. After that, Kai disappeared in the nearby river, and came back with a grilled meat after a while.

    ''Man, I''m so bad.''

    Guilt creeps on his conscience, tormenting him for killing an innocent animal entrusted by an innocent lady. But a weight of this degree felt natural for Kai''s heart. Life is a jungle, where the strong tramples the weak. He learned that at a young age, that if you remain weak. You won''t survive in a world that discarded the weak. Thus, he would kill an adorable bunny if it meant putting food on their plate. Of course, committing sins far worse than that is beyond him. Even if he does so, Kai won''t be able to cope with it quickly and it would be because of a deep reason.

    Shrugging his guilt, Kai focused on the bright side of things. At least now, Ariella and he won''t starve to death. However, it felt strange to be the devil that sins to feed an angel.

    "Come here Ariella, it''s time to eat."

    Ariella shook her head, not wanting to eat.

    ''Do she even eat?'' He questioned himself. However, she may be a goddess, Ariella still has a mouth for consumption. Thus, Kai persisted.

    "Okay then, don''t blame me if you starve later. Good luck finding food by yourself."

    Once again, Ariella didn''t listen as she keep playing with the animals.

    He sighed.

    ''This is going to be problematic.''

    How is he supposed to take care of a disobedient lady? Between the two of them, Kai knew the best is resolving whatever problem may arise. So, she needs to listen to him or complications might happen in their journey.

    "The hard way it is, young lady. Are you gonna eat or are you gonna eat, choose!"

    There''s not really an option there.

    Ariella gave him a questioning look, pouting.

    "Ok, I guess this is where we part... Make sure to take care of yourself out here." Kai then pretends to leave, expecting Ariella to feel lonely and reflects on her attitude.

    She needs to learn to obey, and this is the only way he knew to instill that lesson.

    Kai walked further and further away, not looking back to scare her more.

    However, Ariella didn''t follow even after a minute had passed. Suddenly, Kai felt something amiss.

    He ran back, and saw Ariella no longer alone where he had left her.

    Kai cursed.

 Chapter 4: Bandits

    Hiding behind a tree some distance away, Kai glared intensely ahead.

    Ariella was entertaining herself with the flowers when he pretended to leave. However, now, five men were surrounding her. Each wore varying clothes meant for hunting in the wild, a bit tattered and dirty. However, what bothered him the most was their perverted expression as they tried talking to the goddess, blushing at the sight of her beauty.

    With each moment, their approach is getting closer to Ariella.

    ''What should I do, what should I do.'' He thought repeatedly, hesitant to charge head on to save the damsel in distress.

    Kai had expected to encounter other humans in this world, because all participants of the graduation ceremony were probably dragged into this mess according to the conversation of the gods. So, he already anticipated meeting his peers and professors who are in the same boat as him. Hoping to tag in their group, and follow their leadership towards safety.

    However, it seems other humans aside from them inhabit this world. And Kai were unlucky enough to meet a troublesome bunch of them. If his judgement is correct, those guys are hunters aiming to catch some wild animals. That said, their messy attire stained by unknown liquid and harmful weapons looks suspicious.

    Nevertheless, Ariella was in trouble. For the Hunters isn''t showing concerned expressions, but more like excitement as they gazed at her body like hungry beasts. He can''t blame them, though, because Ariella is a Devine being possessing a goddess body. Her charm is too attractive for mortals to ignore and her innocence is too concerning.

    He know he should be saving her, but are currently hesitating. Because first of all, five grown men were too much for a student to handle. Can he stopped them? No, he''ll probably get beaten up and fail in saving her.

    ''But...'' He leaned on the tree, feeling heavy.

    Kai is no hero, his just a ordinary student from a low background. Partially a delinquent, but mostly introverted in nature who stayed silent at most times, caring for himself more than he would care for others. After all, as someone who lost parental guidance at an early age, his personality isn''t that bright due to the things his struggles had instilled in him.

    He isn''t a rich kid that had access to advance combat education taught by professional couches unlike childrens from elite families. Therefore, Kai had no confidence in fighting five men for a beautiful girl''s sake he recently met.

    Still, he isn''t a completely heartless person. Kai''s thought''s was conflicted, a part of him finding it ironic that his supposed to teach her the value of mortal lives. Yet here they are, experiencing the hideous side of humans at their first day. Five lustful men enchanted by her beauty, planning malice upon to satisfy their carnal desire. On the other hand, her protector was reluctant to interfere, afraid for his own safety.

    Then again, is he truly safe?

    His eyes suddenly widened in realization.

    "Hey there, missy. What you doing out here in the wild alone?" Said a man with a wide smile.

    "The wilderness is pretty dangerous for a lady, why don''t you come with us to our base. We''ll shelter you there if you have no where else to go. Hehe, in exchange..." Another fat man said, failing to hide his malicious intentions.

    However, a wary hunter among them voiced.

    "Quite it, would you? What if she''s with someone? Look at her clothes and more importantly, that face! She looks like a royalty, why would a noble lady be alone here of all places."

    The others shrugged.

    "So what? There''s five of us here, we can handle whoever they are."

    "Yeah right, not like anyone would go against our gang. Besides, our bandit''s liar isn''t that far away. I doubt they can get back to us after we''re done."

    "Hey guys, what about the boss? Surely, he''ll be delighted if we present her to him, she''s more valuable than wild animals were supposed to catch! Just think about the rewards we''ll receive."

    Some nodded, but other hunter suggest otherwise.

    "Yeah, yeah. But before that, how about enjoying ourselves first because that fat, stingy bastard won''t share with us for sure."

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    Ariella watches them, not understanding their bulgar conversation due to her immature mind. Clueless to their vile intentions, she offered them a flower with a smile.

    "Oh, what''s this missy? For me?"

    Ariella nodded happily, viewing everything with simplicity and softness.

    That''s when that simple picture of her of the world will end though.

    Instead of taking the flower from her hand, the bandit ignored it and gripped her soft wrist. Her eyes widened, as she was violently pressed down to the grasses. For the first time since coming to consciousness as a goddess, Ariella felt pain.

    The bandit loom above her, wearing a vicious grin of hunger for her body. While his companions also advance, emitting bad intentions towards her.

    Surrounded by vile people without power to shield herself, Ariella''s heart beat faster. Her innocent smile crumbled along the pure look on her eyes as a new sensation entered her mind.

    For the first time, she felt... fear.

    The man leaked his lips.

    "Let''s see what''s hidden in that pretty dress of yours." Said malicious bandit, trying to grab a hold of her dress of the terrified, powerless goddess.

    However, before he could. One of their members suddenly let out a pained yelp, before falling on the ground, unconscious.

    A fist-size stone that was thrown carrying enough force to make it bounced on a bandit head dropped heavily on the soil, its surface drenched by blood.

    Silence settled over them, as all heads spare the bloody stone a glance before turning to the sender - A young man donning a neat academy uniform, appearing out of this world in the bandits eyes.

    ''D-damn... I, I really did it.'' Kai tried acting calmly to the best of his ability, but his trembling hands betrayed it all. It couldn''t be help, because Kai lack experience in real combat. Furthermore, this is the first time he throws a stone with all his might! With the intention of seriously harming one of the bandits.

    He succeed, however, now. All attention was focused on him, piercing him with angered glares as if trying to dig through his skull.

    Under this pressure, it isn''t hard to figure out the outcome.

    ''I''m dead.''

    The leader left Ariella and check on their unconscious comrade. A moment later, he voiced with evident rage seeping in his rough voice.

    "Brat... I hope you''re prepared to die."

    He inhaled deeply, then roared!

    "KILL HIM!!"

    By then, Kai was already running away.

    Of course he knew this would happen.  Striking down one of the bandits meant enraging the entire group, therefore leading to his approaching doom. His also aware he can''t win against four adult men, yet despite all the disadvantageous odds. Kai choose to save Ariella from their savagery instead of caring for his own safety.

    Why?

    It''s not because his heroism kicked in, for he had none, whatsoever. It''s simply because the gods are no joke, so did their words. Which they used to dictate him as Ariella''s guardian from now on, with the sole mission of teaching her the value of mortals. He didn''t believe in humanity himself after suffering their cruelty, but Ariella, a goddess must not be stained by their vileness. For it may bring disastrous consequences.

    A mere human like him stood no chance against the gods wrath, so wether he liked it or not. Kai had to save her from the dark side of mortals and Instead, make her unknowledge the positive traits humans could offer.

    Which is what his doing now by saving her.

    Sprinting away with all his might with the bandits at his tail, Kai''s stamina was depleting in a noticeable rate. His heart beating wild, as fear of death pursuit drive him to surpassed his speed limit. Kai had never run this fast before! Unfortunately, the bandits isn''t much slower than him in terms of speed.

    The sounds of their threatening

    shouts and dashing feet''s never lessed, implying the distance between isn''t decreasing at all!

    Only now did he realized the importance of physical fitness, making him regrets not exercising at a daily basis to Improve his average build. It can''t be helped, because he originally belonged to a peaceful world where life didn''t demand a strong physic to have an easier livelihood. Exercising is a choice there, not demand.

    Apparently, raw strength matters more here. To the point it decide life and death.

    He gritted his teeth, trying to comfort his situation.

    ''If I can drag them away from her, maybe they''ll get lost in the forest or whatever!''

    However, he forgot an important factor... Weapon.

    Amidst his run, unexpectedly, it wasn''t insufficient stamina that made him fall. But a dagger thrown at his back, burying inside him. It was too quick to process, all he felt was an abrupt pang erupting in a certain area behind him. A pain excruciating enough to make him unconsciously straitened, causing his focus to crumble. Kai stumbled on the ground, carried by inertia as he rolled a few meters before coming to a stop.

    Agony constantly assaulted his back, which was intensified by his uncontrollable roll. Still, his mental fortitude held his consciousness awake. The pain helped, too.

    When his awareness cleared, the first thing he notice was the taste of blood on his tongue. Kai was facing down, laying on the ground. He shifted his head slightly, hearing the bandits walking towards him with unhurried steps. As if the hunt was over by the fall of their pray, now all that''s left is take his life.

    His breathing was labored, his eyes bleak. Kai''s body was tormented all over, making the slightest move a struggle.

    ''F*ck... I really am gonna die.''

    He felt cold a the thought of death, his body subtly trembling. The urge to cry was there, too. But he suppressed it at best as he could, a bad habit of his to hold back tears no matter the pain because no matter how much tears he produce, it won''t make things any better.

    ''I... I, I don''t wanna die.'' no one does, it was everyone''s greatest fear.

    A fear greater than anything, far greater than the fear of pain and fighting. With that in mind, Kai fought against the agony of moving his body. Stand, face his foes and pull out the dagger from his back. Every action hurts like hell, but his fear of death dwarfed his reluctance to feel pain.

    "Oh, aren''t you a tough one!" The bandits laughed and mocked.

    While Kai pointed the dagger drenched by his own blood at them, indignant to simply die.

 Chapter 5: Agony

    With trembling hands, Kai feels the dagger cold and merciless handle. Its rusty blade was no better, foreboding ominous lethality. Promising an unpleasant outcome.

    Kai didn''t want to be in this situation, but fate was never in his hands. What happens, Happens. The only thing he could do was adapt to the presented circumstances, no matter how dire it may be.

    In his weary eyes, he watches as the bandits slowly approach. Dread grip his heart, aware that with every step they make, his fear got nearer.

    Soon, the bandits stopped a few distance before the young man. Their faces wore a mocking expression with a mix of anger.

    One of them spat..

    "Brat! I hope you''re prepared to face our wrath.  You piece of sh*t."

    Another said with a dark expression. "You''ll pay... I''ll make sure you''ll pay!"

    The other, though was more vicious than the rest.

    "Oh, I have an idea. Why don''t we make him watch as we ravaged his girlfriend? Wouldn''t that be more fun?..."

    Their threat, their mockery... None of it matters to Kai, because for him. It''s either do or die. Ariella was none of his worries, because she''s technically a stranger in his life... A stranger he must not be allowed to be tainted by darkness at all cost.

    Besides, he already put himself in this mess. There''s no turning back now.

    Taking a deep, shaky breath. Kai''s tired eyes glared intensely at them, then... When a bandit arrogantly walks to apprehend him.

    He ran straight with all that is left of his might!

    Knives were a common tool and weapon on Earth, every household has one. So he was lucky to get a hold of this dagger, because this is the weapon his most keen on wielding. It''s simple yet deadly enough to defend himself against bandits.

    Charging straight with both hands tightly gripped on the handle, the bandit was a bit startled for a moment, before flinching to avoid Kai''s attempt. There were hesitations in his moves and lack of murderous intent, an ordinary student determination to kill is too weak. Too inexperienced... Thus, the bandit evaded his attack at a hair''s breath with a side step, then stick out his foot. Kai''s foot tripped, causing him to stumble forward.

    The bandit that tripped him laugh.

    "You haven''t fought anyone strong, haven''t you kid. That sloppy moves of yours are pathetic! I wonder how you get that girl follow you. Oh, I get it now, you''re probably a pampered noble!"

    "Let me guess, you''re a noble young man that thought it would be fun adventuring in the outside world with a pretty lady as company, right? Right? Haha, what a ridiculous dream."

    Weakened on the ground, breathing heavily and a mind in turmoil at the verge of panicking. Kai felt hopeless. Now, his surrounded by the bandits from all sides in a vulnerable state.

    Well, Kai never stood a chance I''m the beginning. Considering he lived in a world devoid of dire danger that shaped him into a unskilled fighter who lacks combat aspects such as determination and technique. His just a ordinary citizens brought in a dangerous world. Furthermore, his outnumbered and outmatched in the start of it all.

    His defeat is inevitable, for Kai can''t miraculously manifest hard earned experiences out of nothing. He had imagine fighting against many enemies older than him multiple times to kill time, mostly results of his imagination to entertain himself. However, when faced with reality, Kai was given a hard slap.

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    Reality and fantasy was completely different things.

    He lost, there''s no point on fighting a losing battle. Yet his defiant to give up, despite the extremely disadvantageous odds. It felt strange, really. To be faced with unwinnable situation yet hope for victory, Kai isn''t normally like this.

    The bandit loomed over him as he struggle to get up. As he did, he saw the man wicked grin, with a blade in hand.

    "How''s the wild treating you? Huh? Arrogant brat!"

    Before Kai could recover enough to be capable of attempting another attack. The bandit''s sword went in Kai''s abdomen. His eyes opened wide and he coughed out blood, his skin paled. While the bandits watch his suffering with twisted satisfaction on their faces.

    Kai lingered for a moment, then said through gritted teeth.

    "Ah, f*cking great... Thank you."

    Now, it was the bandit''s eye that widened... Because Instead of falling into despair, begging for to spare his life or steeping back in fear. Kai reached out to the bandit hand, then Impaled himself deeper Into the sword, it tip coming out from his back. It''s painful, sure, but Kai was aware that agony is all that awaited him in their hands. So, he rather experience hell with these scam''s!

    The bandit was startled, and that''s all the distraction Kai needed to deliver a stab on his enemy with the other hand! His aim was hasted, so did the power put into the stab.  Making its lethality minimal. It''s understandable considering his fatigued body and these being his first time stabbing someone seriously. But Kai made up for it by quantity!

    Me motion his dagger to stab in and out of the bandit body as quick as he can manage. The man tried to stop the young man onslaught from littering his shoulder full of holes, but without a weapon. His one free hand is harmed by the knife''s sharp edge, as well.

    The two fell down, with Kai dominating on the top.

    "Hi-his killing me, his going to kill me! Help me out here!" Shriek the man desperately, horror was written on his face. The previous smugness he boosted was nowhere to be seen, replaced by fright and expression of utter fear.

    Seeing the twisted grin on the young man lips, the bandit paled. Thinking Kai went crazy.

    There''s no need for him to call for help, though. Because the moment a conflict began, the three other bandits had already unsheathed their weapons and rushed in to aid their endangered comrade.

    "You crazy brat!"

    Another sword went through Kai''s back, emerging out of his front, followed by an axe burying on his back shoulder, close to the neck.

    He gritted his teeth, resisting the sudden agony the bandits brought. It hurt so much to the point he felt like fainting, but he can''t. His Ariella''s last line of defense from this savages, so he can''t falter yet. Furthermore, the thought of not waking up again was far more dreadful than excruciating agony.

    Fortunately, the previous torments he experienced starting with a dagger striking his back before being pierced by the sword had helped Kai to adapt to sensing receiving extreme pangs. Making it so that his sensory organs won''t be overwhelmed by the following torments.

    Blood flowed down the blade, and more from the grave wound given by the axe heavy edge. Kai''s black and white uniform was drenched by crimson liquid. Dripping on the bandit under him, who laughed at his grave state.

    "Not so great now, huh? This is what you get when you messed with us."

    Kai''s movement was hindered by the pain, however, he refused to stop without killing this bastard!

    He raised the dagger once more, intending to bring it to the bandit''s heart, finally killing him even if it''s that last thing he will do. Sensing eminent danger, the bandit shuddered.

    However, at that moment. An arrow swiftly travel through distance, landing on the young man head. The third bandit took a while longer to attack due to conditions of handling a bow, more so to release an accurate aim.

    It was worth the delay though. Because the arrow hit the target head, standing still on his raven black hair.

    The bandit who''s in danger rejoice upon seeing this. He wanted to praised his companion accuracy, but before he could. His eyes widened, as he felt the chilling blade of a dagger pressed on his heart. Soon piercing it.

    Bewildered, he stared at Kai''s eyes. Deep and emotionless with a hint of madness raging within... Those aren''t the eye of a dead man.

    He gasped in disbelief.

    "What... Are...yo.."

    Was his last words.

    The others wore the same confused looks, rattled by the young man capability to move despite having his skull poked by an arrow. No, if one analyzed meticulously, his heart was grazed by the blade, too.

    He should be dead by now. Those wounds were supposed to doom a mortal life, yet here he is. Still breathing... Alive.

    Their minds struggle to comprehend this fact happening before them, refusing to believe it.

    The young man sighed heavily for the his enemies to hear, then looked over his shoulder. Giving the bandits who impaled him with a sword, Inflict a gaping wound on his shoulder back using an axe and the one who plant an arrow on his head a cold gaze.

    His lips curved, as these words were said in a chilling tone.

    "So... Who''s next?"

 Chapter 6: Immortality

    The following scenes were gruesome, to say the least. Everyone was startled by Kai''s impossible feats - his heart punctured, his skull pierced, which he exploited to kill the fat bandit wielding an axe, closest to him. His dagger slashed the air, this time, without hesitation after being killed by them. The dagger stabs the plump man''s head, taking his life.

    Kai had learned his lesson, albeit, the hard way. He experienced death itself, which wasn''t pleasant at all.

    Viewing his enemy as he views fellow humans will only make things complicated. The overflowing emotions raging in his mind and pain coursing through his body nulled his humanity. Now, he only knew it was either kill or be killed, at the same time, his mind was confused at his own undying state.

    The bandit holding the sword impaled on Kai''s back took a step back, his lips shuddering.

    "Ma, mo - monster!"

    Horror painted his eyes, as he said those words. Then, a realization dawned on his mind.

    "Run! His a Pla-"

    However, before he could warn the archer behind. A sword cut his throat. Blood spayed all over Kai''s body, dying his student figure with that of a sinister killer.

    The archer tried to run frantically in fear, but the sword that slit his comrade throat was soon sent flying on his back.

    Kai felt odd for some reason, because it seems his battle performance suddenly enhanced. His will got stronger, the sharp of his blade got sharper and every strike he intended to unleash followed his expectations accurately. His mind is in peace, devoid of unnecessary thoughts as it analyzes the battlefield, the opponent''s movements and so on.

    As if his in a trance, driven by an external force that made him act as a battle machine in warfare, rather than a normal young man.

    Nevertheless, he won. After killing the last bandit, only then did Kai allowed himself to show tiredness. Having been exhausted physically and mentally, he swayed then fall on his back. Before he lost consciousness, though. The beautiful figure of a goddess entered his blurry vision, followed by absolute darkness.

    The next thing he knew was the evening sky and darkening woods. Kai woke up at evening,  found himself laying on piles of grass. It felt comfortable on the back, but nothing beats the softness of the hands gently wiping the blood off his skin.

    Apparently, Ariella put in the effort to make him a comfortable bed to lay on and even took it upon herself to clean his body with her own dress.

    Kai silently studied Ariella''s face, secretly cursing himself.

    ''...I can''t even hate her.''

    That charm of her''s was the origin of trouble, taunting men''s to desire her grace. If she wasn''t so mesmerizing, perhaps the recent issue with the bandit''s would be avoided. Technically, it was her beauty''s fault that landed him in all the agonizing perils, yet Kai struggled to bring himself to put a grudge against her. Partially because she''s just too adorable and partially due to him understanding Ariella''s vulnerable condition, which needs care more than grudges.

    Then again, she''s trying her best on her own.

    When Ariella notice Kai had awaken, her worried expression softened as a relieved smile bloomed on her face. She seems to want to hug Kai, but became reluctant midway. Apparently, Ariella developed a trauma against men after the bandits malicious attempt to her.

    Kai sighed, trying to reassure her. His voice sounding oddly flat.

    "You okay?"

    Ariella humbly nodded, a bit gloomy upon recalling unpleasant events.

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    He lingered for a few while more before feeling like getting up. Miraculously, the severe wounds exerting pain throughout his body was gone, replaced by healed skin beneath tatters on his uniform. A testament that those injuries had existed, and wasn''t a dream at all.

    There''s only one term that could describe his state...

    ''...Immortality, huh.''

    An undying body that persists to keep on living despite receiving injuries grave enough to cause his death. Healing quickly when given a bit of time to respite. Kai can only call himself immortal, an individual that surpassed the mortal realm so did its limitations.

    His immortal body was surprising, but not unexpected. The gods said taking care of a young goddess wasn''t for the soft of heart... And body. The parting gift they mentioned was probably this ability. So he would continue living despite the hurdles on their journey and stayed at Ariella''s side no matter what.

    The gods was without a doubt not joking when they assigned these job to him. Maybe because it would decide whether a god would be raised decently or became dark God, resulting unmeasurable damage.

    It felt heavy, to bear a responsibility of this significance by himself. His performance might very well concerned the fate of this world and life of countless living beings. Death isn''t even an option anymore, only progress.

    Then again, if Kai look at the bright side of things. Having a growing goddess in his care was kind of advantageous. No, it''s extremely advantageous! If he managed to raise Ariella well, which would form an inseparable bond between them. Wouldn''t that give him a goddess who will heed his words? Possessing holy power beyond comprehension?

    Raising from his feet, Kai said as he intended to collect some woods for fire.

    "Everything is fine now. The bad guys are gone and no one would harm you anymore. I''ll make sure of it."

    Once again, his tone lacks the touch of emotions it usually had just this morning.

    However, as Kai turned to leave, Ariella grabbed on his shirt.

    Seeing her pitiful appearance, reluctant to be left alone. Kai can only sigh softly.

    "Wanna help? I guess the more the merrier, it would be quicker with an extra hand."

    Ariella cheerfully smile, delighted.

    Soon, a dancing flame produce warm radiance in their camp. Kai and Ariella had moved away from their original spot as precaution if ever the bandits comrades wonder there as they searched for woods. Followed by starting a fire, which wasn''t easy. Kai struggled, but having learned the general knowledge of how to start a fire by generating friction with spinning sticks, his on the right track. So it didn''t take that long to successfully produce sparks after multiple failed attempts.

    Staring blankly at the campfire, his thoughts seem lost. Only now after getting sufficient rests did he have time to ponder over what he has done... He killed fellow humans.

    Kai had imagined taking a life would be a bit uncomfortable, but isn''t that disturbing. Perhaps even a heart wrenching experience in reality, depending on the circumstances. However, differ to his expectations, he felt blank and emotionless. Instead of being guilty to the point he can''t sleep. After the deed is done, the world seems dull and bleak, his view of himself didn''t change much. Nothing more.

    Actually, realizing his lack of empathy disturbed him more than killing a human would.

    ''I know my character isn''t that bright... But it wasn''t this broken, right?''

    He never consulted a psychologist before due to the lack of budget and Kai deeming it unnecessary. So he wasn''t sure how psychopathic his personality developed.

    Perhaps Kai''s personality was already broken by Earth competitive society, all the while devoid of parental guidance on how to be a good human. Which made it worse. Furthermore, the ones he killed are vile individuals who would feel delighted to see him suffer, adding the reason why his indifferent in their death, rather than shredding sympathy.

    Still, he can''t help but subtly feel disgusted with himself. Not wanting to like this. As things stand now, his already showing signs of being a heartless murderer.

    His forlorn gaze watch as the fire dance, mix of bleak yet conflicted emotions can be seen on his dim eyes devoid of light. Kai''s hand was bleeding from the bruises it suffered for the sake of creating a flame to warm their night. However, the fire mundane warmth is incapable of warming his cold heart.

    His hands hurt, but made numb by the torments of deathly strikes he suffered recently.

    Kai misses the apartment on earth, the modest yet comfy bed and a roof over his head. Especially the company of his two rowdy friends, Aron and Paul who shared the room with him. Remembering them, he can''t help but think about yesterday''s joyous event that congratulated their achievements and celebrated their long awaited uprising from high school. Just then, weren''t the three of them planning on using Aron''s thick face to take a mountain of snacks for their own party in the dorm? Stay up all night in joy not caring about tomorrow. He even chatted about a rigid future plan with Paul, unsure which carrier path to take in the innovative world of humans.

    Living on earth would be much better, more peaceful. However, for some reason. Kai''s desire to return was halfhearted.

    ''I guess this is what they mean by the saying; Be careful what you wished for."

    Then again, looking at the goddess sleeping on his lap. A smile found its way on his lips.

    "It''s not too bad."

 Chapter 7: Wild pursuit

    "Damn, what a crazy dream..." Kai woke up, mumbling to himself upon remembering the dream he had. Disregarding the goddess involvement, the gods assignment and the bloody battle with the bandits in which he only survived because the gods made him immortal. Made it more of a nightmare, than a dream. What''s strange is that, unlike the usual dream. Kai''s memory still recalls the events vividly, without blurry pieces.

    "Yeah right, like hell something like that can be real. Argh, did we party too much last night?"

    He looked around, expecting to be in the usual shared apartment in the school dormitory. Where Paul and Aron''s double-deck bed and his stick on the cement wall. However, the room was nowhere to be seen, as were his friends. The memory of their late night party after graduation also didn''t exist. Instead, a vivid reminisce of impossible events was itched in his mind.

    ''... It''s not a dream.''

    The woods surrounding them were testament to that undeniable fact.

    Kai''s nonchalant mood drop, replaced by stern gloominess.

    Everything that happened so far was real, so were the following events.

    He sighed.

    "There''s no changing it, I''m not a god."

    But Ariella is one, immature as she may be.

    Waking the sleeping beauty comfortably resting on his arms with a gentle shake, she opened her pure silver eyes.

    Ariella had become more attached to him last night due to the fear of darkness. Decreasing her guard down towards him. She must have acknowledged that Kai is her guardian, the only one she can rely on and trust in this feral environment.

    "Get up now, Ariella. My arms are numb."

    But she only shifted, not wanting to part away from slumber.

    ''I hope she won''t grow up to be a lazy goddess. F*ck, my arms are hurting.''

    "If you''re not gonna move, then don''t complain to me if you don''t have a fellow tonight. Cause I won''t be lending my arm anymore." Yet she remained stubborn for a while more before finally letting him go.

    In these times, Kai realized how troublesome babysitting a goddess can be. His already feeling the weight of responsibility that parents bear. However, unlike them. Kai didn''t even do anything to deserve this! He had no romantic relationships to speak of, let alone, careless sexual intercourse to accidentally promote himself to parenthood. Perhaps after experiencing those things makes this kind of responsibility deserving. But he didn''t even get the slightest taste of romance, yet his supposed to be guardian? Dying can''t even spare him from this job.

    ''Damn those Irresponsible gods!''

    Unlucky for them, they choose the wrong person to raise a goddess.

    Kai''s tummy rumbled, implying his hunger. But where would he find food in the wilderness without hunting experience? Practicing will surely be time consuming due to the trials and errors before successfully catching food. Fortunately, he already had a irresistible bait in hand.

    Just like what he did yesterday, Kai left Ariella alone for a moment to let her play with the furry animals. Then ask to give him one from the kind hearted Ariella.

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    Little did she know that she''s handling her playmates to their death...

    ''Ah, I''m so bad at parenting.'' Thought Kai as he bit on grilled meat without shame. Even though Ariella was enjoying her breakfast beside him.

    After having their fill, Kai left Ariella to set off. They''re not staying here forever, of course.

    Kai stretched his stiff bones. Sleeping on the ground isn''t that comfortable, unlike a soft mattress. It leaves him an aching body as he walks.

    "We''re getting out from this forest today to find a human settlement outside. We will be safer there, I think. Who knows, maybe we''ll even encounter some of the graduation participants that have been summoned like me."

    He fell silent, passing the trees of the forest under the shadow of their leafy crowns. The morning sun hung high above.

    An evident factor Ariella lacks is knowledge. Kai being merely an average highschool graduate lacks expertise in teaching. Still, he did the best of his capabilities for her to learn by listening to his blabbering as they travel hoping she learns about society on the way. Ariella seems to understand his language for some reason, or was her godly ear capable of understanding anything spoken?

    He isn''t much of a talker, so Kai felt uncomfortable at first. However, being the sole speaker made it feel like his talking to himself, which is a relief.

    After a while, he spoke again gazing up in a wistful tone.

    "But you know what, I kinda like it here... Alone, without relying on anyone or having to deal with complicated society to earn a living. Even though you''re a goddess, you probably didn''t know this. Humans are the most complicated creatures, they built countless structures serving different proposes such as hotel, hospital, school and so on."

    A sad smile appeared on his lips.

    "Honestly... I don''t even know how to keep us both alive once we''re there. But well, what happens, happens. Like how we are together now, even though I''m just at my graduation yesterday."

    He let out a heavy sigh.

    "That''s life for you, You never know what you get."

    Just as he said that, he noticed unnatural details in the tree''s top before them. Kai frowned, stopping on his tracks. His eyes narrowed, gazing at the spot.

    ''What''s that?... Wait. Wtf!''

    Kai''s body became stiff, his eyes opened wide. Its focus frozen on a camouflage creature hiding in the verdant cluster of leafs above. If one looked closely, they would notice a long body coiled on the branches, covered in green scales. And if one traced it''s line, they would see what Kai is seeing.

    A single eyed head of a reptilian creature, glaring at back with hunger in its vertical eyes!

    As for its size... Kai didn''t even know a snake could grow that big.

    Kai cursed.

    ''And it gives us a f*cking snake, thanks a lot!''

    Ariella was just about to give him a questioning look when he suddenly grabbed her by the hand.

    "Turn back!"

    Kai dashed back as fast as he could while holding Ariella''s hand. Fortunately, her being a goddess didn''t disappoint. Her speed isn''t much slower than him, rather, Ariella looked as if she''s doing a normal run instead of desperate scape for survival. On the other hand, Kai was haggard.

    ''There''s no way I''ll be eaten by a snake!''

    His immortal, true. Accepting that fact wasn''t quick for Kai, leading him to think deep into it. Which touches the question, what are its disadvantages? As an undying man, there''s situations Kai didn''t want to be in. One of which is being trapped inside an anaconda''s digestive system!

    It would be torture for an immortal, that''s for sure.

    A rumbling sounded behind them followed by sinister slithering soon after. Of course, a predator won''t easily let go of its prey. The monstrous reptile came down from the tree and chased after them!

    However, Kai found the sound it make odd. Driven by curiosity, he took a quick glance over his shoulder.

    Letting him witness the snake''s entire glory.

    Clad in green leaf-like scales that aid It''s disguise and boost a body length of a few meters as thick as a man torso. He wasn''t fooled though, because snakes are generally known for their body expansion when consuming prey. A snake that big is capable of storing him and Ariella within it''s belly. However, what shocked him the most is its legs!

    ''Why do it have limbs?!''

    A snake wasn''t supposed to have one, let alone, a dozen short legs that let it crawls like an insect. Then again, Kai is not on Earth anymore. The same animals don''t exist in this world, so did their evolutionary limit that restrain their threat against humans.

    Kai runs with all his might, hastily draining his stamina in the process. He would love to conserve his strength, but the monstrous reptile crawl too fast. Demanding every ounce of energy from him just to keep distance between the predator and prey. On the other hand, Ariella wasn''t even showing signs of fatigue. He even thought the goddess was enjoying this, treating it like a fun game of chase.

    Eventually, Kai was running low on energy. His leg muscles are burning, begging him for rest. Sadly, he doesn''t have such luxury. The reptile doesn''t only appear monstrous, it''s endurance are that of a beast, as well. Fighting it in a game of was a fools errand.

    His growing desperate to the point he frequently glance at Ariella. She doesn''t seem tired, rather, she''s enjoying herself thanks to her superior physic of a goddess. Which isn''t solely beautiful, but strong too. So... Having already used her for his shameless mischiefs, it wouldn''t hurt to make her carry him, right?

    He struggled to imagine it, not even wanting to picture the comical scene of Ariella piggybacking Kai. Still, his shamelessness knows no bounds.

    ''Yeah, that''s right. She can''t abandon her teacher to be eaten by that snake, she needs me! Furthermore, helping others is a must to become a good goddess.''

    He was just about to spout sh*ts. When a arrow flew by, accompanied by more. A shrill wail of the pursuing snake sounded behind them. Kai stopped, turned to look and saw the monstrous reptile being constantly ravaged by hunting arrows. It cried, struggling in pain as it tried to flee away. However, a harpoon landed on its eye, piercing the brain within and taking its life.

    The snake fell heavily on the ground, then a rowdy cheering sounded afar from multiple voices.

    Kai sighed in relief. The voices of other humans imply they encounter civilization, marking his return to a safe society of humans instead of roaming in this dangerous wilderness where unimaginable creatures lurks.

    With a smile of his face, he face the approaching humans with a friendly demeanor. However, his face fell t

    he moment he recognized them.

    ''Ah, life. F*ck you and your ancestors if you even have one! F*ck my luck too!''

 Chapter 8: Cages

    Kai wearily opens his eyes only to see the sight of a dimly lit room his in. No, it wasn''t a room. Rather, a cage made of thick wooden slabs in a dim place. Was it underground? Or somewhere else. Kai didn''t know, however, if there''s anything he remembers. That will be what happened earlier.

    In his groggy state, the memory of the bandits resurfaced in his mind. Back then, Kai and Ariella were saved from the crawling abomination. However, as it turns out. They mistakenly venture close to the vicinity of bandits lair.

    They weren''t saved. But faced new perils.

    What follows next was his desperate struggle against the bandits, which he obviously lost due to their overwhelming quantity. Each was a mischievous individual armed with harmful weapons and a tainted mind eager for violence. Peoples Kai didn''t want to encounter nor prepared to fight. Still, he struggled to flee with Ariella even if it meant fighting their way through. Of course, he doesn''t hold such power... Under the overwhelming barrage of punches sending him in a world of pain, his world became blurry then fell unconscious.

    He lost, which cost...

    Kai suddenly gasped.

    "...Ariella? Ariella?! Where!?-"

    His panic words were cut as a bitter realization dawned upon him. His alone in a cage. With Ariella no where in sight. Kai''s hands are tied, his freedom in bars. While the dim lantern light seeps through the narrow seams as a futile endeavor to eliminate his dim world.

    Here, no matter how loud he calls out, the goddess his supposed to take care of won''t come. She''s no longer by his side, obligatory or not. Because she''s been taken by the bandits after he fell unconscious.

    His heart shrunk, feeling the heavy consequences of his defeat.

    "No way..." His voice frail.

    Their time together was short, but Kai had learned to care for her. She''s like an innocent little sister, viewing everything with curiosity and light. As if the world around them was a wonderful paradise, devoid of darkness. Kai had long lost that light because the world isn''t kind to naive people. Still, a part of him yearned for that foolishness. To see life without problems and put on a careless smile, meet others without doubt and dubious judgment. To be happy without care in the world, treating life to be full of wonderful things. Instead of a complicated food chain, where the strong tramples the weak either physically or economically. A vast competition for greatness for the winners and sorrows for the defeated.

    Kai wanted to protect Ariella''s innocence, partially hoping for her to grow up as a benevolent goddess of a wonderful world.

    Unfortunately, his one of the weak. Therefore, he failed to do so. No one can blame him though, an entire gang of bandits are just too much.

    He gritted his teeth to the point it aches, for the sake of holding his tears.

    ''No excuses, I''m a bad guardian, I know... Why did those Irresponsible gods even give me this job. I hate it! No... I can''t do it. They knew I''m just a random f*cking human!''

    But no matter his reasons were, the gods won''t probably listen to an insignificant mortal like him. That''s when Kai suddenly chuckled, finding a thought funny.

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    Was Ariella disregarded? Being born as a God, she might pose a threat towards senior deities. So, she''s abandoned in the cruel world of mortals to be degraded from the divine. Do gods also have politics where greed fought? Disregard the feelings of lower individuals of which they trample to achieve their goal.

    Thinking about it, Kai realized how sad Ariella''s situation truly is. He wanted to help her, shield her light because that''s probably the most honorable thing he will do in this damned life of his. Then, his eyes lit up upon recalling certain details before he passed out.

    The bandits mentioned bringing Ariella to the "Boss" as a gift to earn merits. So all hopes aren''t lost. There''s most likely a delay before that, due to leading a large gang requires a competent mind for management, which takes time. Leaving him a few idle hours to fool around before rest.

    Maybe, maybe he could rescue Ariella before the bandits leader gets his hands on her. However, his hopes quickly diminished due to an obvious factor blocking his path.

    Kai is imprisoned, with hands tied behind his back and a thick wooden slab encasing him. Something his immortality can''t break. As if that wasn''t enough, numerous bandits inhabit the entire lair. An army he can''t win against.

    "Ah... F*ck"

    Kai let out a long sigh, then bumped his head on the cage slab a bit hard. It hurts, but the disappointment of himself and inability to formulate a better solution was so stressful. Kai rather feels pain than thinks. It was soothing, somehow.

    So, he kept bumping the back of his head as the frustration of not being able to conclude a feasible rescue plan grew.

    Bam, Bam, Bam...

    The goal was simply too difficult, every idea he came up with is countered by tough challenges ahead. It was impossible with his current strength, that is. Eventually, his banging got harder to the point his head bleed, the frustration is driving him nuts. His Ariella''s only hopes, but he can''t do a thing. It was...

    "For god''s sake, can''t you quiet down. If you can''t sleep, then let others sleep! Stop banging on the wall!"

    A feminine voice sounded behind, coming from the other side. Kai was startled for a moment, before looking over his shoulder with wary eyes. The gaps between the wooden bars aren''t that wide, therefore, the light flowing within is dim. More so on the other cage behind him which is further back, enabling it from receiving light at all. It was dark and silent previously, making him assume there''s nothing there. To his surprise, someone is also imprisoned there.

    However, it wouldn''t change the fact that he couldn''t save Ariella. Having quickly lost interest, Kai returned to his previous gloom and leaned back. Saying in a flat tone devoid of emotions.

    "Yeah... No."

    He wanted to keep banging his head and she couldn''t stop him. Pain is the only solace available for him from the excruciating frustration of inability.

    "And why? What you''re doing is not benefiting any of us. So please refrain from bumping your head on the wall, you only have one. And let me sleep in peace here."

    Her voice emits a demanding tone and a noble bearing of a royal lady trained for fancy courtesy. Her ways of speaking sound odd for Kai, who has grown used to conversing casually in a modern society.

    However, he was curious about something else - a starling detail that made him feel amiss.

    "How did you know it was my head?"

    She had no way of knowing the exact body part his using to bump due to the lacking visibility of the dark place they''re in. Which can be anything, really.

    "I heard it." She responded shortly in a nonchalant tone.

    ''She must have a really sharp ear...''

    Silence hung over them. Kai wasn''t much of a talker, and the other party only wanted to nap in silence. Kai simply stared blankly on the bars in front of him, where steams of light flowed through narrow gaps. His mind stuck on a repeated endeavor to rescue Ariella, which all ended in varying defeat. Its helpless...

    Eventually, a heavy sigh escaped from his lips.

    "I know I''m being irrational, it''s just that. This head of mine can''t work properly."

    A restrained, irritated soft sigh response in return.

    "So that''s why you''re jogging it." She said, then claps sarcastically. "What a nice idea. Do mined it might break, I don''t want a smelly corpse as a neighbor. Dying like that is just beyond idiotic."

    "It''s just not working right, right now. I''m not that dumb."

    His neighbor smirked.

    "Still denying that you''re dumb, eh. Isn''t that adorable." She chuckled.

    Being teased by a girl doesn''t feel nice in this desperate moment. Kai felt the urge to smack whoever she is.

    "Then if you''re so smart, how about solving my problem, genius. Tell me, how will a single idiot rescue a girl from a bunch of f*cking bandits?"

    She chuckled again, saying in a playful tone.

    "Easy, just slaughter them and everyone lives happily ever after."

    Kai would have claps to praise her in a sarcastic manner. If only his hands aren''t tied.

    "Damn, you''re so smart. And how will I do that, genius? Summon a meteorite from the sky?"

    "I know, that praise was sung to me many times I lost count. As for your question, stupid sir. If you could make a meteorite fall, then do so! Although, it would also kill the one you''re trying to save and yourself, included." She sighed. "Actually, please don''t. I don''t want to die in the hands of a moron."

    Forget about smacking her, Kai wanted to kill her already!

    She continued, her voice oozing with pride.

    "However, as smart as I am. I know of a better, simpler way."

    He wanted to return the mockery, but refrained himself because of her last words. Whether it''s a trick to insult him or a genuine offer, Kai would swallow his pride for that tiny hope of rescuing Ariella.

    "What''s that?"

    She smiled, or he thought she smiled due to the presence she was expressing and said.

    "By releasing me."

 Chapter 9: Zara

    There was silence between them, broken only by Kaiser''s unexpectedly serious tone.

    "You''re not tricking me, are you?"

    Asked Kaiser warily, doubtful of her exaggerated words. To claim her freedom alone can devastate the entire lair is hard to believe.

    Her response though was brimming with confidence.

    "Why would I, Zara trick a pitiful fool? I have my own principles to uphold, I''ll have you know. Furthermore, I''ll be more than happy to massacre those hooligans after all they have done to me. I have enough of this place!"

    "Massacre the bandits? You say that even though you''re imprisoned like me. By the way, can you stop with insults? Its really getting on my nerves and you claim to have principles? Nice talk lady, you might have convinced a fool."

    His neighbor, named Zara continued as if she didn''t hear a word he said.

    "I can kill them all, and I will. They only caught me because I was in my weakest state back then when they found me. However, even in those unfavorable conditions. Those hooligans only managed to bound my strength in a cage. None of them, even their so-called Boss dared to get near me. I can''t blame them. They must have been so terrified." Now, she sounds like bragging.

    Zara is about to say more boisterous stuff when Kaiser bangs his head again in frustration.

    "Argh, Fine. Whatever. Just tell me how to get you out, quickly! Time is running."

    Wether she''s tricking him into helping her to be free, Kai doesn''t care anymore. His not one to easily trust, but Zara''s is his only hope against the bandits. Albeit, dubious.

    His taking a gamble for Ariella.

    "So, you really are a fool."

    Standing up, Kai paused upon hearing her words. Was he a fool? Come to think about it, the most rational decision is to abandon Ariella in this hopeless situation. Additionally, she''s more of a unwanted burden, more so when he gets back to society where he doesn''t even know how to feed himself, let alone another.

    Then why risk rescuing her? And deal with a potentially dangerous individual, Zara?

    He didn''t know why either. Perhaps it''s fear of the punishment the gods might bestow if ever he failed on his assigned duty, or something else? Kai isn''t sure, himself.

    "I guess... but it doesn''t matter. Hurry up and tell me what to do, I can''t waste anymore time. She needs me."

    After a stretch of silence, Zara said nonchalantly as if she figured out the situation.

    "...I see, then if you would. Enslaved me."

    Kai was dumbfounded, thinking he heard wrongly.

    "Umm, what?"

    "I said, make me your slave. Oh, pardon my mistake. I forgot to introduce myself first, how forgetful of me. As I have said earlier, I''m Zara. Belonging to the Beast clan who possessed the lineage of Beast. Similar to mystical creatures, my kind can also form Sacred Bonds with our chosen companions through exchange of blood."

    Kai are wise enough to comprehend it. Having seen multiple fantastical things, his mind easily accepted the existence of magical contracts with other creatures similar to fictional stories on Earth. However, instead of magnificent animals of mass destruction, his forming a contract with a woman? Which can also be referred to as enslaving.

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    That said, there''s something he doesn''t understand.

    "And why is there a need for that? I don''t get it, aren''t we like, ah, think of a genius plan to outsmart the prison, then escape? What''s the connection of contracting with our escape?"

    "Truly an idiot you are, that''s what''s actually were doing. Hmm, I guess you do deserve an explanation. You see, those cowards were too afraid of me back then after I singlehandedly killed a few of their men. So, they simply gave up taming me and instead, resort to using a special form of shackles to retrain me. Now that I think about it, consider yourself lucky young man! Many men tried courting me, most used violence. Yet all of them are either dead, suffered varying injuries or gave up. The bandits Boss included, that bastard is probably still thinking that mere imprisonment in this lonesome cage would break my will and accept him as my master. What a joke... But hey, here I am, willingly offering myself to a foolish stranger. Aren''t you lucky."

    ''Yeah, sure. I give a lot of sh*t in your confession.'' Kai held back his thoughts from coming out. He didn''t like Zara one bit.

    Zara continue.

    "Anyway, as I was saying. This shackles bounding me is restraining my vitality constantly, leaving me with insufficient strength to break free. My strength alone isn''t enough to free myself, I need external aid. That''s where you come in, I need to form the Sacred Bond to give that extra power. The bond will synchronize us, your strength will be mine, so did my strength be yours. With our power combined, I can break these shackles."

    Her voice had a resolute conviction, proving her certainty on her solution. However, a dejected sigh of disappointment escaped from her lips.

    "Too bad... If only that''s possible."

    Making Kai frowned.

    "What do you mean by that?"

    She said after a bit of hesitation.

    "Performing the required ritual demanded us being near each other. Needless to say, unless one of us can pass through these bars, that won''t happen. I''m incapable of doing that thanks to this short chains binding me." For a moment, clacking of chains sounded from the darkness. Proving Zara''s words.

    On the other hand, Kai only had his hands tied by thick ropes. Binding his hands, but overall, his other limbs are free to move and the distance he could go in the cage aren''t limited by anything. Making him more capable of taking it upon himself the task of breaking through.

    However, the problem remains. Although the cage wall separating them is made of wood, its thickness made it as tough as iron bars.

    Gazing at the wooden bars before him, Kaiser eye had a hint of reluctance. His wariness only grew when he shifted his gaze into the darkness in the other side, where Zara dwell. Or something else entirely, mimicking a lady''s soothing voice.

    "Having trouble with the wall? We can always give up, but I doubt the safety of your lady if she''s not proficient in combat." Said Zara, as if she''s staring at him.

    True, Ariella would be in grave danger without him. Rather, this world including himself might be devastated by the gods wrath if something horrible happen to the Goddess. More importantly, he cared for Ariella''s innocence personally.

    Kai shook his head, dismissing all hesitated as he steel himself to take on a gamble. Whatever creature his negotiating with, as long as it can devastate the bandits and offer him hope in rescuing Ariella. Nothing matters anymore.

    His prepared to risk it all. Though, the courage driving him through these dreads are mostly due to the fact that he can''t die. He have nothing to loss!

    "Nah, that won''t be a problem. I''ll just break them." Said Kai as he took multiple steps back and checked for any lingering guards outside. Seeing no one around, he took a deep breath.

    ''This is going to hurt.'' Kai thought bitterly.

    "Pardon?"

    In response, a loud bumping noice resounded on the wall. As if someone ran straight to the flanks at full speed, producing a loud collision upon impact.

    Because someone really did. Soon after, another blow sounded harder than before, followed by another.

    Listening to this, Zara can''t help but ask.

    "Are you really that desperate to the point you''ll insist on forcing through the objective with brute force? Was she that precious to you?"

    On the other side, Kai swayed yet hold his stand. Before walking back once again in preparation for another charge.

    "Not really, we just meet her the other day."

    With his shoulder muscle upfront, ready to ram the flank. Kai pounced forward swiftly, driven by his foot while holding dread for the impact which brings pain.

    "Is that so... You''re making me feel a bit envious of her."

    Bam!

    However, her words fell on def ear. Kai was too preoccupied with ramming the barrier to waste time in anymore chatting. Kai''s expression was dark, knowing that every seconds of delay may risk Ariella''s safety.

    Bam!

    ''Ah... F*ck, that damn hurts.'' He thought, gritting his teeth.

    Still, he can''t stop. Fortunately, after the gruesome experience of being ganged up by multiple bandits, his pain tolerance had increase dramatically. Compared to being impaled and struck by sharp blade, ramming himself on a wall feels mild.

    Bam! Bam! Bam!

    He keeps going, repeatedly charging and retreating before pouncing again. Eventually, the targeted wooden flank began creaking.

    Its size might have made it comparable to iron, but wood are still wood. Therefore, it is cracked under constant ponding of Kaiser pounces. His shoulder which acts as the main ram ached, as if the muscle fibers beneath are crushed by his abusive use. Kai''s head hurted too due to the continues shocks. Still, he keeps going.

    Eventually...

    Creaked!

    The flank snap in two, creating a gap wide enough for him to go through. Kai stumbled forward, blood marred his shoulder, some were flowing down from the side of his head that occasionally hit the hard wood in the numerous pounding process.

    Nevertheless, he succeeded. Now, all that''s left is contracting with Zara, whatever creature she is.

    Groggily picking himself up, Kai held his dizzy head and waited for it to stabilize. Before looking around her cage. It was too dark to see.

    "You''re quite the sight to behold." A teasing chuckle sounded from the darkness, seemingly mocking his haggard appearance.

    Unfortunately, Kai can''t see her to return a word.

    ''You won''t hear the end of me once I see what kind of monster you are.''

    That said, it wouldn''t change the extremely poor lighting on this place. That''s when he remembered a conventional item owned by almost everyone - Phone, he had a cellphone! Everyone does due to how useful it is.

    ''Things have been too wild lately, I even forgot this thing exists in my pocket.''

    Indeed, the unbelievable revelations of gods and weight of his sudden responsibility before plunging in a world of violence overload his mind. To the point his phone is deemed insignificant in this feral world he found himself in. More so when it runs out of battery soon, making it completely useless.

    However, it can still shine in this dark moment.

    Smiling faintly, he turned on the flashlight.

    ''Now, let''s see who you really are. Zara, you talk big with that-''

    The moment it shine, Kaiser jaw dropped. His eyes wide in disbelief.

    "Wait, A-are you..."

 Chapter 10: Release the Beast

    Under the elimination of the flashlight, Zara''s true form was revealed. Not betraying her sweet, feminine voice. She appeared to be a lady with long black hair. However, dirt marred her features - her fair skin was stained all over with a mix of dried blood. The light armor she wore made of black leather plated with a few metals was visibly worn out, damaged and battered. Testifying to the rough life she fought to live before being bound by heavy shackles on her neck, chained in this place for an unknown amount of time.

    Zara''s physical state isn''t good either, it''s evident she was deprived of food in this cage. Despite her desperate condition, Kai can''t bring himself to pity her. Because even after falling this low, her crimson eyes burn with dreadful intensity of extreme defiance. Unwavering and even taunting others who dare get close. But more importantly, the wolf ears standing on her head looks unnatural for Kai. It''s both adorable and somehow deadly, acting like a sensitive sound radar to know where to hunt her prey. Furthermore, isn''t she like of those wolf-girls in fiction? Seeing one in real life really startled him.

    "Are you a dog?" Gasped Kai in surprise, a part of him wanting to get back at her previous mockery.

    Zara beamed a wolfish smile, seemingly friendly but visibly retraining the urge to slaughter the young man.

    "Excuse me? I don''t know what creature you are referring me to, but I''m guessing it''s something bulgar. I''m a proud Beast kin!"

    Her furry ear suddenly shifted, causing an abrupt silence between them. Eventually, Zara sighed and said calmly.

    "Hurry now, the watchman''s are arriving thanks to your loud stunt, it won''t be pretty if we get caught before the bounding completion. They''ll be here soon."

    "Yeah, yeah. I''m in a hurry too. So, how do we do this?"

    The beast girl lingered for a moment, before responding.

    "Simple, really. It''s a mere exchange of blood between us. However, there are strict conditions to meet. Firstly, both parties had to be aware of their position. Although, I''m reluctant to admit. Me, being the lone beast-kin here are obligated to be in the lower position meant to serve you as my master. Secondly, both had to genuinely accept each other for what they will become... You will be the Master, know that. And worry not, I already prepared myself to be a servant, obligated to heed your command after this if it meant freedom. Though, can you promise me to not get overboard with your orders?"

    Kai nodded, understanding the underlying logic behind her reasons for revealing this much information in the contract they''ll form. As the partner, his required to possess deep understanding of what Sacred Bond is. Which include the benefits bestowed upon him as the upper position holder. Zara must be aware that attempting deception will only cause further delay due to lingering doubts in Kai. If ever they fail saving his valued girl, then she''ll be at his mercy. Furthermore, informing him that she won''t be able to disobey his orders will solidify his trust in her promise. Therefore, erasing all dubious reluctance to form the Sacred Bond.

    "Quick question, are there any bad side effects?"

    "None at all. Only me being by your side for eternity."

    ''It''s like being married. I think I''m too young for these. Still, who would have expected I''ll be married to a wolf girl in a damned cage as a reception... Damn, as if babysitting a Goddess isn''t enough. Well, whatever. Let''s just get done with this.''

    Surprisingly, Kaiser isn''t happy nor sad at the thought of having her as his loyal servant. Zara''s dirty appearance isn''t that appealing, really. Her smell isn''t nice either, she had the scent of carnage, dried blood and death.

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    "Are you ready?" She then smiled mockingly at him. "It would be pathetic of you if you can''t even accept me as your servant. If that happens, I might as well give myself to that fat bandit boss."

    Let''s not forget her harsh character that can''t seem to stop insulting him. Kai felt Ariella is enough, she''s sweet and much prettier than her. In fact, she''s the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. No wonder Ariella had already landed him in trouble two times already.

    "Cut the crap and be done with it, we can undo the contract after we rescue her."

    Zara''s smile widened. "It would be my pleasure, umm..." She blinked a few times, staring at Kaiser''s blood-dyed hand which he brought in front of her face in wonder.

    "What?" Asked Kai.

    She frowned, killing intent can be sense at her crimson eyes that glow in darkness.

    "You don''t really expect me to consume spoiled blood from your stupidity, do you?"

    "Can''t you?"

    It is from a bleed caused by repeated pouncing to break the cage wall, it''s still relatively new but not fresh.

    "... So that''s how it is. I''m already seeing my future with you. Sure, I''ll be glad to. In return, I bleed so much the last time I fought, it had long dried, but still doable. So you can lick my body in exchange. With that, the Sacred Bond will be fulfilled."

    ''Not complete. Tsk, ain''t no way I''m licking you! Furthermore, my blood is a thousand times fresher compared to yours.'' He did not expect a simple exchange of blood would be this troublesome. Having no knife with him, Kai thought that his bleed earlier would suffice. He forgot his dealing with a woman, a picky one at that.

    "I don''t have a knife, neither do you. Any idea, genius?"

    She thought for a moment, then said with a sigh.

    "Ever thought of using your teeth? Of course you don''t with that moronic mind of yours. Here, bite my thumb to the point it bleeds, I''ll do the same with yours at the same time."

    Kai wanted to retort back, but restrain himself to not waste anymore time. Besides, he can spite Zara plenty when the contract is sealed. Without further ado, he lowered himself and shoved his thumb on Zara''s mouth. Intentionally doing it when she''s unprepared.

    Apparently, she had the same idea.

    Both glared at each other, disliking one another yet willingly performing a ritual akin to marriage. By then, the footsteps of multiple individuals can be heard, announcing the watchman''s arrival due to the noise Kai made earlier.

    Hearing this, as if they had a tacit understanding. Kaiser and Zara bite down at the same time, secretly applying more force than necessary to further their partner suffering.

    This... Doesn''t look "Sacred" at all.

    In the next moment, someone''s cry sounded.

    "F*ck, Argh! my thumb. Did you really have to bite that hard? I heard my finger bone cracked. Damn you!" Kai was reduced to the floor, glaring at Zara, who had an amused expression. Apparently, she''s far, far stronger than she looks, defeating Kai in biting battle.

    Her gaze distant, feeling an eerie yet satisfying sense of power.

    Kai felt it too, an indescribable sensation of something blooming within him. His wary at first, before letting it spread freely inside him. Aware that it''s part of the ritual. Furthermore, it emits no harm or anything dangerous to be dreadful of. Instead, Kai felt power surging in his soul upon its arrival. As if a beast synchronized with him, giving him beastial might and sharp senses of a predator. He smell more, heard further and saw clearer, enough that even the complete darkness of the room can''t completely hinder his vision. No wonder Zara could see him even though it''s dark.

    The stiffness of his muscles also disappeared, making him feel like he could achieve more flexible positions. Run faster and last longer.

    ''This... is Zara''s?''

    Kai didn''t fully believe it when Zara said the Scared Bond would synchronize their strength, giving what''s hers to him and his to her. Creating greater power with unity. His mostly at the receiving side, because his human body offered average strength compared to hers. Still, it is startling to know that Zara''s physic possesses this much strength. Which added to his own puny body. And she used that strength to crush the bone on his thumb, he would never forget this.

    Nevertheless, her claims of singlehandedly taking on the bandits might not be a lie.

    Standing up, a satisfied smile appeared on her lips.

    "Finally.."

    Then, Zara gripped the shackles around her neck which already had plenty of dents caused by her finger due to multiple attempts. All of which failed because of her insufficient strength. However, not anymore with the addition of a single young man stocking over her force.

    The iron collar stayed tough for a while, but soon groaned under the pressure of her pull. The lock held strong, then eventually snapped.

    As it dropped, the clamor of heavy iron sounded along the rattling of chains.

    At long last, Zara is finally free. By then, the rushing overseers had already arrived at the exit of her cage. Only to realize that they are too late. The bandits paled, frozen in fear at the sight of the maiden that once devastated their turf. Memories of what happened months ago still fresh on their mind, the day she singlehandedly slaughtered one third of their members in a injured state.

    Now, that same calamity was no longer bound by chains. Her crimson eyes glowed with silent hatred in the dark cage, glaring at her prey.

    Meanwhile, holding his pained thumb, Kai was lying on the floor between the tensed group of bandits and the deadly woman.

    ''I''m in the way, aren''t I?'' True, Zara isn''t advancing because his sprawled in front of her, blocking her way. It would ruin her cool scene if she bent down and shun Kai away.

    So, he awkwardly crawled aside.

    Only then did the slaughter begin.

 Chapter 11: Carnage in the Prison

    Kaiser settled in a dark corner and turned off the flashlight on his phone. The moment the light faded, he instinctively flinched, sensing movement. His eyes darted back to Zara¡¯s position¡ªonly to realize she was gone. Then, a man¡¯s tortured scream split the air.

    His gaze shot to the bandits, their expressions now twisted with horror. One of them lay sprawled on the ground, a pool of crimson spreading beneath him, his body a bloody mess. Kaiser¡¯s breath caught in his throat.

    ''She¡¯s too fast...''

    He had only taken his eyes off her for a second, yet in that moment, Zara had already claimed a life. The remaining bandits barely had time to react before another man fell, blood gushing from his torn throat.

    ¡°R-retreat!¡± one of the hooligans stammered, his voice trembling with fear as he took a step back. ¡°Call for¡ª¡±

    His words were cut short as his throat slashed in mid-sentence. His body crumpled to the ground, lifeless. But that''s just the beginning. Zara had already slipped behind the group, silently blocking their escape route like a predator stalking her prey.

    She stood in the faint lantern light, her silhouette outlined with lethal grace. The slender curve of her waist and her lithe, deadly form seemed both beautiful and terrifying. Her hands, stained with fresh blood, dripped slowly onto the dirt, creating crimson pools at her feet. Her eyes¡ªglowing an eerie crimson¡ªbore into the bandits with an intense, almost playful malice. Her furry, pointy ears of a beast only added to her demonic aura, looking like dark horns. Casting her as a beautiful yet deadly maiden.

    A cold smirk curled her lips. Her voice dripped with venomous amusement.

    ¡°I remember you. You¡¯re the one who often refuses to feed me¡­ And you¡ªbad-mouthing a helpless lady? How rude. Did your parents forget to teach you any manners?¡± Her gaze flicked to the others, her tone mockingly sweet. ¡°Cowards... Where¡¯s your courage now?¡±

    The men stood frozen, trembling in fear. Their eyes darted between the blood-soaked bodies of their comrades and the lethal figure blocking their escape. But Zara had no intention of letting them speak or beg for mercy. They wouldn¡¯t get the chance.

    The world around Kaiser seemed to slow, his vision sharpening as the Sacred Bond heightened his senses. The enhanced clarity allowed him to witness her every movement, every strike with terrifying precision.

    Zara¡¯s body blurred into motion, her limbs moving with a lethal grace that was mesmerizing and terrifying at once. To Kaiser¡¯s enhanced vision, her movements were now visible, but that didn¡¯t lessen the shock of her ferocity. She moved like a wild animal, her lithe frame darting between the bandits with an otherworldly speed. The desperate screams of the men pierced the night, the scent of blood growing thicker with every kill.

    Zara¡¯s fighting style was an art in itself¡ªa feral yet fluid dance of death. She used no weapon but her own body. Her stiffened fingers cut through the bandits¡¯ armor as though it were paper. With a single, precise motion, she slashed across a man''s throat, blood spraying into the air as he collapsed. Another bandit swung his sword in a wide, clumsy arc, hoping to catch her off guard. But Zara ducked under the blade with ease, her body twisting gracefully before her hand shot upward, the edge of her palm cutting through his neck like a dagger.

    Blood splattered across her face, but she didn¡¯t flinch. Her eyes gleamed, filled with dark amusement as she spun around, bringing down another man with a sharp kick to his chest. The force of the blow shattered his ribs, his scream turning into a sickening gurgle as blood filled his lungs.

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    Another bandit charged at her, his sword raised high, his face contorted in desperate rage. But Zara was already behind him before his sword could descend. Her hands, now slick with blood, gripped his head, twisting it violently. There was a sharp crack, and the man¡¯s lifeless body collapsed to the ground like a ragdoll.

    The remaining men, realizing the futility of fighting her, attempted to run. But Zara was quicker. She dashed toward them, her form nothing but a blur in the dim light. Her fingers, rigid as blades, sliced through one man¡¯s back, cutting into his spine. He fell with a scream, writhing in pain. She finished him off swiftly with a clean strike to the throat.

    Another tried to flee in the opposite direction, but Zara¡¯s hand lashed out, gripping his arm with an iron grip. With a savage twist, she snapped his elbow, the bone jutting out grotesquely. He howled in agony, but Zara silenced him with a vicious kick to his head, the force of which sent his body crashing to the ground, his neck bent at an unnatural angle.

    Kaiser watched in horrified awe, every movement burned into his mind. The bandits were outmatched¡ªmere children before a seasoned predator. Their weapons, their armor, their numbers¡ªnone of it mattered. Zara¡¯s hands were enough to reduce them to nothing more than lifeless corpses.

    The last man standing dropped his sword, his hands trembling as he raised them in surrender. ¡°P-please... I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Zara was on him before he could finish. Her hand shot forward, gripping his throat tightly, her nails digging into his skin. She pulled him close, her crimson eyes boring into his with a terrifying intensity.

    ¡°You should have thought of that before you joined these cowards,¡± she whispered, her voice cold as death. With a swift motion, she ripped his throat out, blood gushing from the wound as his body convulsed in her grip. She let him fall to the ground, his life draining away in seconds.

    Silence fell.

    Zara stood amidst the carnage, her breath steady, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the aftermath with dark satisfaction. The ground around her was littered with bodies, blood soaking the earth beneath her feet. She glanced at her bloodied hands and wiped them casually on the cloak of one of the fallen men, her expression one of quiet satisfaction.

    Kaiser¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, the vivid sight of her carnage burned into his mind. He had known she was dangerous, but witnessing her like this¡ªmoving with such ruthless efficiency¡ªit was as if he had watched a nightmare come to life.

    Her red eyes flicked toward him, locking onto his. The bloodlust was still there, simmering just beneath the surface. But then she smiled¡ªa small, almost gentle smile¡ªand in that moment, she seemed like the same Zara who had teased him only hours before.

    ''She¡¯s a monster'' Kai thought, his eyes still wide from witnessing the slaughter.

    Zara smiled at him, a sharp, knowing smile that sent another shiver down his spine.

    ¡°What? Can¡¯t stand?¡± she teased, her tone light despite the bloodshed around them.

    Kai steadied himself, fighting to maintain his composure.

    ¡°By the way, shouldn¡¯t you grace me with the honor of knowing your name? Or do you prefer I address you as Master?¡±

    He hesitated for a bit, before replying, trying to keep his voice steady.

    ¡°Kaiser, but you can call me Kai for short¡±

    She chuckled softly. ¡°Kaiser... A big name, fit for an emperor. You don¡¯t strike me as one, though.¡±

    Kaiser also implies the title of emperor, hinting at the big expectations his parents must have for him. Sadly, they passed too soon for him to prosper as one. Not like an average kid like him would actually achieve great heights.

    ''I didn''t even that''s what it meant.''

    Kai shrugged, unwilling to engage in banter after what he had just witnessed. Part of him was still afraid to say anything that might offend her. He had believed her claim to be strong before, but after seeing her dark side firsthand, the fear was real. Even now, he could feel the tremors running through his body, a visceral reaction to the carnage around him.

    Deciding to ignore her, Kai attempted to move forward. He had to focus¡ªAriella was still waiting for him, after all. But as he stepped closer to the bodies littering the ground, the sight and the stench overwhelmed him. His stomach churned violently, and before he could stop himself, he doubled over and vomited, the bile burning his throat.

    ''I thought I could handle this...'' He had imagined situations like this during his school days and his tolerance against disgusting stuff''s is above average. But reality was far more horrifying than anything he could have prepared for. The repulsiveness before him was too real, too overwhelming.

    Zara chuckled behind him, and then, much to his surprise, she patted his back gently in a mocking attempt to comfort him. ¡°First time, huh? Don¡¯t worry. Judging by your character, you¡¯ll get used to it soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Yeah... I guess,¡± Kai muttered, though deep down, he didn¡¯t want to. The thought of becoming desensitized to this level of violence was terrifying in its own way and viewing dead bodies as if they''re average things was unacceptable for his morals.

    But life was unpredictable, and if this was what it demanded of him, he would have to adapt¡ªwhether he liked it or not.

    Eventually, Kai managed to pull himself together. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and forced himself to walk out of the cage, leaving the scene of carnage behind him. The weight of what he had just witnessed pressed heavily on his chest, but he couldn¡¯t afford to dwell on it now.

    There was still much to be done.

 Chapter 12: Preparation

    Zara¡¯s judgment was keen, as she had predicted, Kai quickly grew accustomed to the nauseating sights around him. He didn''t feel like puking anymore, his near fine despite only a few seconds passing.

    He glanced at her discreetly. Being so close, he realized that Zara was slightly taller than him, and her wolf-like ears¡ªperched atop her head¡ªwere surprisingly adorable. He even wondered if she had human ears beneath her sleek black hair, though he didn¡¯t dare stare too long, afraid of offending her. Despite her strange allure, "cute" was the last word he would use to describe a killer.

    As he stepped out of the wooden cage, a wave of relief washed over him. But the feeling of freedom was brief. Dim lanterns lined the cave walls, casting long shadows and giving the space an eerie, oppressive atmosphere. The flickering light barely pierced the darkness, illuminating the grime and blood that stained the stone floor. The entire place felt suffocating, like a tomb, the gloom only intensifying the grim reality of where they were.

    Kai¡¯s eyes soon fell on several other cages not far from where they stood, each one holding more prisoners. It wasn¡¯t hard to figure out what had happened here¡ªthe bandits had kept others captive, likely intending to sell them as slaves.

    Kai couldn¡¯t help but think that he might have ended up in one of those cages, too, if not for Zara¡¯s intervention and his own stubborn determination to free her, despite the risks.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zara asked, noticing him hesitate. She now held a sword she had taken from one of the bandits, and Kai could only imagine how much deadlier she was with a real weapon in her hands. The gleam in her eyes made it clear¡ªshe was eager for more bloodshed, anticipating the bandits waiting outside the cave.

    Kai pondered for a moment before speaking. ¡°You can go ahead. I¡¯ll catch up in a bit.¡±

    Though the Sacred Bond had enhanced his strength and senses to match hers, Kai knew that brute force alone wouldn¡¯t be enough in a real battle. He had no fighting skills to rely on, and without them, he¡¯d only end up as a burden to Zara, holding her back from her killing spree. Moreover, he needed time to adjust to the heightened senses that came with the bond¡ªhis vision, hearing, and smell were now far more acute than any human¡¯s, and it was disorienting.

    But beyond that, there was something else he needed to do here.

    Kai watched Zara¡¯s back disappear into the darkness ahead, exiting the cave to face the battlefield outside where countless bandits infested the lair. Before she left, he had made sure she would prioritize finding Ariella. Still, an uneasy feeling lingered in his chest, unsure whether he should be more concerned for the bandits or for Zara. Mostly, though, his mind was on Ariella.

    With a sigh, Kai turned back toward the corpses of the dead overseers. He knelt down to retrieve the keys from their bodies, struggling to pry them loose from stiffened hands and dealing with the sickening nauseousness. Once he succeeded, he made his way toward the other cages.

    The dim lanterns cast faint, flickering light across the damp, gloomy cave, revealing the terrified faces of the prisoners inside. Most were scarred men, some in better condition than others, while others looked close to death. As Kai approached, many of the captives cowered, mistaking him for one of the bandits responsible for their pain. The echoes of the cries from earlier still clung to the air, making it easy to see why they feared him. A few remained composed, subtly hiding their fear, while others boldly met his gaze, rare flashes of defiance in their eyes.

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    There were only men here, and the grim thought crossed his mind about what fate might have befallen any women the bandits captured.

    Just as Kai was about to speak, a voice called out from one of the cages.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it! Hey, wait! That uniform¡ªyou¡¯re from Earth, too!¡±

    Kai¡¯s head snapped toward the speaker, eyes widening in surprise.

    ''Another student.''

    Hurriedly, he moved closer to the cage. His suspicion was confirmed. It was indeed another student, wearing the same uniform from his former university, though this one¡¯s clothes were torn and ragged, his coat long gone. A wave of relief washed over Kai. He wasn¡¯t the only one lost in this world after all. The loneliness he¡¯d felt since arriving here eased slightly, but guilt quickly followed. Relief meant acknowledging that someone else had been dragged into this unkind world too.

    Still, it''s a relief to know others in the same boat as him exist in this world. Confirming the gods words back then. With plenty of transmigrators around, building a community of their own aimed to aid each other is possible. Or perhaps already existed, where he could come for help in this unnatural world.

    This world was no paradise, after all.

    The other transmigrator leaned against the wooden bars, allowing Kai to take in his appearance under the dim lantern light. His dark hair, though dirty, was brushed aside neatly, and his sharp blue eyes gave him a striking look despite his grimy face and worn-out clothes. He was tall, with a build that made him appear more mature than the situation might have allowed.

    ¡®Tsk, this guy must¡¯ve been popular in school,¡¯ Kai thought with a hint of sarcasm.

    ¡°I¡¯m Gabriel, from Class B. I was in the middle of cheering at the graduation ceremony, and the next thing I knew, I was in a forest! Then I got captured by those things. Thank God I¡¯m not alone¡ªI thought I was a goner! Please, help me as a fellow student! I don¡¯t want to be sold off and die before I even find out what my ability is. I¡ª¡±

    Kai raised a hand, cutting him off. ¡°Stop. I¡¯m in a hurry, so make this quick. What do you mean by ¡®ability¡¯?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Gabriel looked confused.

    ¡°Just tell me, dammit.¡± Said Kai, straightforward.

    ¡°Well, uh... After talking to the guys here, they told me I must be a ¡®Player¡¯¡ªotherworlders who get unique abilities. But I don¡¯t know what mine is yet. It¡¯s supposed to reveal itself eventually, and with it, I could have broken out of this cage by now. But as you can see...¡± Gabriel gestured at the bars, his desperation clear. ¡°I still don¡¯t know mine. So, um, can you please help us? I¡¯m begging you! I promise I¡¯ll return the favor!¡±

    If what Gabriel said was true, which is likely. Then other Earthlings could develop abilities too¡ªskills that might help them survive in this unforgiving world. Kai wondered. He already has immortality, which is given by the gods as compensation for taking Ariella under his care. Or for him to not die, making it inconvenient for them to find a replacement. Sacred Bond is a magical contract that synchronizes fantastical Beast or Beast-kin with their chosen Master, it''s not an ability of his own. Considering this, his chances of having a hidden ability was high.

    Gabriel cage mates might also be lying, but the term Player sounds familiar. That''s right, he heard it before when the bandits were killing him. One of them warned, "his a Pla-" but died mid-sentence.

    ''Oh, so that''s what the bandit I killed back then wanted to say. Its Player.''

    With this, the Intel of Transmigrators having existed in this world before them was solidified, so did the unique abilities Players are known for. His curious about his hidden power, but doesn''t have the time to ponder or experiment to find out.

    Kai sighed, already intending to help. ¡°I planned to from the start.¡±

    He unlocked the door and handed Gabriel the keys, passing the responsibility of freeing the others onto him. The prisoners, seeing this act of kindness, stared at Kai with newfound hope. Some began shouting to be freed, their voices filling the gloomy cave with noise.

    But the clamor was quickly silenced as Kai struck a nearby metal bar with his sword, the deafening sound reverberating through the cave. Silence fell immediately, the only sound left was the faint drip of water in the distance. Obviously, he took a free sword too.

    Kai¡¯s voice broke through the silence. ¡°You¡¯ll all be freed. Don¡¯t worry. As for the bandits outside... my, uh, "friend" is already out there fighting. I don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll make it though, but either way, you¡¯re free to do what you want. I won¡¯t force you to do anything because I can¡¯t. But I would "appreciate" it if you could at least take down some of the bandits that imprisoned you.¡±

    He turned and started walking toward the cave exit, the tip of his sword dragging along the dirt floor, leaving a faint trail. Without looking back, he added with a hint of sarcasm.

    ¡°Of course... cowards are free to run.¡±

 Chapter 13: Battlefield

    The other prisoners hesitated briefly, pondering Kai''s words before gradually freeing themselves from their cages. Kai, on the other hand, strode forward, showing no signs of fear or hesitation. His outward composure masked the uncertainty he felt inside.

    He knew his limits all too well. The "Sacred Bond" with Zara had granted him beast-like strength and heightened senses, but what good was strength without the skill to wield it effectively? Unlike the feral precision Zara displayed in battle, Kai had little to no understanding of combat. He could swing his sword with raw power, but hitting his target accurately was another matter entirely. Still, he was driven by the one advantage he had¡ªhis immortality. Knowing he couldn¡¯t die gave him a strange sense of confidence, even if his impact on the battlefield would likely be minimal in the grand scheme of things.

    Especially against such overwhelming odds.

    The bandits vastly outnumbered them, and it would take more than brute strength to turn the tide. That¡¯s why Kai brought more allies into play. He had told the prisoners he wouldn¡¯t force them to fight, but he knew full well that their escape meant they had no choice. The bandits wouldn¡¯t let their human ¡°products¡± just walk away. The slaves would be forced to fight for their freedom, whether they liked it or not. Their presence would at least divide the bandits¡¯ attention, giving Zara and himself a better chance of success in rescuing Ariella.

    After all, as strong as Zara was, Kai doubted she could realistically take on all the bandits alone. He shared her strength through the "Sacred Bond", and while formidable, even she had limits. She might be able to cut through dozens of enemies, but exhaustion would catch up to her before she could eradicate every last one of them.

    That¡¯s where his plan came in.

    ''Damn, why do I feel like a commander? A good one, at that!'' He couldn¡¯t help but smile to himself, feeling a surge of pride for having come up with this strategy. Maybe he had a hidden talent for strategic warfare? Though his speech to the prisoners had been awkward, it had the desired effect.

    Behind him, more than a dozen footsteps followed, the liberated captives marching forward like an army of their own. Kai''s smile widened slightly, his heart racing. A mix of nervous anticipation and dread gripped him, knowing the terrible battle that awaited outside. Already, he could hear the distant clang of steel, the roar of warriors, and the agonizing cries of the dying. The weight of the coming battle pressed on his chest.

    Yet, for some reason, it made him feel more alive than ever before.

    Before he could dwell on that thought, someone ran up beside him, tapping him on the shoulder. It was Gabriel, his fellow student.

    ¡°Hey, bro!¡± Gabriel called out, his voice bright despite the grim circumstances. Mostly because his mundane hearing enabled him from hearing the battle outside.

    ¡°I wanted to thank you again. Seriously, you¡¯re a life saver. I forgot to ask earlier¡ªwhat¡¯s your name?¡±

    Kai glanced at him with indifference, slowing his pace slightly. Gabriel was tall, with some muscles in his lean stature yet seemed like the kind of guy who was popular with everyone¡ªeasy-going, friendly, the type of person people gravitated toward. He must¡¯ve been well-liked at school, not just for his looks but for his approachable personality. His presence was a stark contrast to Kai¡¯s more reserved nature.

    After a brief pause, Kai finally responded, ¡°Kaiser... from Class F.¡±

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    Gabriel¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Class F? No way! I heard Class F had a tough reputation, no wonder you¡¯ve got the guts to hold a sword. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if, when we reunite with the other sections, Class F gains an exceptional reputation."

    Kai frowned slightly. He never liked receiving praise. Compliments always made him uncomfortable, and he didn¡¯t see himself as anything special, especially in this situation. His flat reply came out almost automatically, ¡°Maybe.¡±

    The conversation died there, Kai¡¯s awkwardness in social situations quickly shutting down any attempt at small talk. Gabriel, however, being the social butterfly he seemed to be, was already thinking of a new topic when Kai abruptly stopped in his tracks. The moonlight filtering into the cave entrance caught his attention.

    They had reached the exit.

    The oppressive darkness of the cave gave way to the pale radiance of the moon, casting long shadows across the open clearing outside. The vast expanse of grass stretched before them, and to the right, nestled against the mountainside, stood a mansion¡ªa structure that looked both ancient and foreboding in the moonlight.

    But all of that paled in comparison to the battle unfolding in the clearing near the mansion.

    Kai¡¯s gaze was immediately drawn to the figure at the center of the chaos¡ªa lone woman, surrounded by bandits. Zara.

    She danced through the hateful crowd like a whirlwind, her movements fluid and lethal as she wielded twin swords. The blades gleamed in the moonlight, flashing as they cut through the air and tore into the bandits that dared come near her. Every strike was precise, every movement calculated, as if she were performing some deadly ballet on the battlefield. Her ferocity was unmatched, yet there was a strange grace to her fighting style¡ªa mixture of elegance and savagery that left the bandits scrambling in terror.

    Blood sprayed across the grass, and bodies fell at her feet, but Zara showed no signs of slowing down.

    Kai stood frozen for a moment, watching in awe. Even with the strength he shared with her, he couldn¡¯t imagine being able to move like that. She was a force of nature, unstoppable in her pursuit of death.

    The noise of the battle intensified as more bandits rushed in, hoping to overwhelm her with sheer numbers. But Zara, with her crimson eyes glowing in the moonlight, cut them down one by one, her twin swords slicing through armor and flesh with terrifying ease.

    ¡°Kai, that¡¯s your friend?¡± Gabriel asked, his voice shaky as he took in the scene. ¡°She¡¯s... unbelievable.¡±

    Kai nodded, his mouth dry. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s Zara.¡±

    But as powerful as she was, he knew she couldn¡¯t hold out forever.

    Kai¡¯s grip tightened on his sword as he took a step forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn¡¯t sure how much help he could be in the coming battle, but one thing was clear: Zara needed him out there. And Ariella still needed to be rescued.

    "Wait, I know we¡¯re gonna fight to escape but... don¡¯t tell me we¡¯re going against "that"?" Gabriel blurted out, his voice betraying the growing fear inside him. The other prisoners, catching up to Kai, stopped in their tracks. Their eyes widened in horror at the sight of Zara''s brutal battle, murmuring their doubts and complaints among themselves.

    Kai halted abruptly and glanced over his shoulder, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You''re free to hide," he said, his voice calm yet laced with challenge, "but I doubt you''ll live long that way... Steel yourselves! You either die as a slave or die as a warrior. It''s up to you to decide."

    With those words, Kai dashed forward, leaving the fearful murmurs of the prisoners behind. He knew they had wills of their own¡ªeveryone does. And unfortunately, Kai wasn¡¯t exactly overflowing with charisma to bend those wills to his cause. Some would undoubtedly hide, cowering away from the inevitable confrontation, but others¡ª*the tougher ones*¡ªmight fight for their freedom. His speech had been blunt, but it wasn¡¯t empty; there was truth to it. Now it was up to them.

    He gritted his teeth, his face grim as he sprinted ahead with newfound speed and strength, the wind whipping against his face. Every stride he took, he could feel the raw power Zara had given him through the *Sacred Bond*. It made him faster, more agile than he¡¯d ever been. But despite this, Kai knew his limitations. The chaotic battlefield ahead, where Zara stood as the epicenter of violence, wasn¡¯t where he needed to be.

    Not yet.

    Zara was already the main focus of the battle, and the bulk of the bandits were being drawn to her deadly dance. Kai couldn¡¯t afford to dive into the heart of that chaos, where enemies could swarm him from all sides. He wasn¡¯t like Zara¡ªhe lacked the skill to handle multiple opponents at once. Even with his immortality, being overwhelmed would mean being butchered, helplessly torn apart.

    ''No,'' he thought. ''I can¡¯t let that happen.''

    Instead, he veered to the side, deliberately avoiding the thick of the battle. His plan was simple¡ªcircle around the main skirmish and catch any bandits off guard, picking off stragglers in smaller groups. He wasn¡¯t there to fight head-on but to backstab loose enemies, create distractions, and slip into the mansion under the cover of chaos.

    Rescue Ariella. That¡¯s the priority.

    The sounds of battle¡ªclanging swords, dying screams, and battle cries¡ªgrew louder as he approached the edge of the battlefield. Keeping low and moving swiftly, Kai weaved between trees and boulders, staying just out of sight. He could still see Zara, her crimson eyes glowing like fiery embers in the night, cutting down the bandits with precision. However, despite looking so fierce and deadly, bathing in the blood of her countless opponents as she made a path of corpses.

    Zara was making little to no progress, while her stamina keeps on diminishing. Yet an amused smile never left her face, enjoying the battle as she danced with her sword.

    Still, she''s too preoccupied with her opponents to advance. It''s up to Kai to make some changes.

 Chapter 14: Infiltration

    Under the bright illumination of the pale moon, amidst the forest on a clearing near a mountain side. Zara fought against the tides of angry men. Each bandit lunged at her, hoping to bring the beast down, but all failed miserably. No warrior in their ranks could compare to her¡ªshe was too nimble, too agile. Every one of her movements was precise, each attack a lethal strike meant to take a life. Yet, despite her incredible prowess, she was slowly being surrounded by the myriad of blades. Her dual swords, though deadly, were beginning to show signs of crumbling under the relentless onslaught. In fact, her weapons had shattered a few times already, only to be replaced by those taken from the fallen.

    Wounds, bruises and cuts tore on her skin. Veiled by the blood of her slayed opponents that carpeted her path towards the mansion.

    Still, it was clear the bandits were adapting to her tactics.

    "Just tire her out! She can''t keep this up forever!" one of them shouted, rallying his companions.

    Their strategy had shifted. They began charging at her in waves, then retreating before she could retaliate, constantly rotating fresh fighters into the fray. A relentless cycle designed to wear her down. The effect was noticeable¡ªZara''s kill count began to dwindle as fewer bandits dared to stay in close combat with her for too long.

    Zara frowned slightly, displeased by their cowardly yet effective tactic. Her opponents were starting to frustrate her, but her attention was caught by a shadow flitting in the distance. She noticed the glint of a blade and a separate skirmish breaking out on the other side of the battlefield. Shouts and grunts of pain echoed from that direction.

    A smirk crept onto her lips.

    ''Not too bad for a fool.''

    Satisfied, she turned her focus back to the bandits swarming around her, her crimson eyes glowing with lethal intent.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Kaiser lurked in the shadows, backstabbing an exhausted bandit who had just fought Zara. His blade went cleanly through the man, but the act still left him with an uncomfortable feeling. Killing wasn¡¯t new to him anymore, but there was always something slightly off about it. Yet, hesitation wasn¡¯t an option in this world. He had learned that lesson quickly¡ªand painfully. Without his immortal body, Kai would¡¯ve never survived long enough to understand this brutal truth: either kill or be killed.

    His heart, which was never particularly soft, had only grown colder and harder in this savage world.

    Just as his latest kill collapsed, his actions didn''t go unnoticed though. Another group of bandits spotted him. Their angered shouts filled the air as they lunged at him, weapons drawn. Thankfully, their numbers were smaller, allowing Kai to handle them with brute strength. His swordsmanship was far from refined¡ªhe lacked technique, and his movements were unpolished¡ªbut his slashes were swift and powerful enough to tear through their flimsy armor. His much faster than before, letting him deliver a swift slash before they could dodge.

    With a basic understanding of vital spots like the heart and neck, Kai managed to bring down a few of them before darting back into the shadows.

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    From the safety of his cover, he continued circling toward the mansion, killing chosen stragglers in his path.

    As he crept closer, Kai¡¯s eyes wandered toward the mouth of the cave where he left the captives. Noticing the group of prisoners, to his surprise, a greater number of them had seized the opportunity to run for their freedom than he had expected. Banding together, they moved as a team, fully aware that the bandits would not let them escape easily. Kai watched for a moment, recognizing Gabriel among the escapees.

    Gabriel, his fellow student seemed like a different person now. His expression was grave, devoid of friendly demeanor, replaced by a grim determination as he fought alongside the others. Chains were wrapped around his fists as a makeshift weapon and he was using a boxing style that suggested he wasn¡¯t a novice in combat. His movements were surprisingly fluid, each punch precise and effective. It seems his educated in combat to some degree, holding back this violent side of himself until now. The other prisoners alongside him were decent fighters too, wielding whatever weapons available against the bandits blocking their way as they pushed through.

    The few bandits left at the cave mouth struggled to contain the escaping prisoners, and it became clear they needed reinforcements. But those reinforcements would have to come from the main battlefield¡ªwhere most of the bandits were focused on Zara.

    Kai smirked as he realized what this meant. Zara¡¯s relentless assault, combined with the prisoners'' uprising, was working perfectly to thin the bandits'' ranks and divide their attention. The overwhelming force pressing against Zara was now weakening, creating the perfect opening for him to hasten his pace and slip into the mansion.

    ***

    Staring through the large window of the mansion from his office on the second floor, a heavyset man with brownish skin frowned deeply. His hands were clenched behind his back, frustration evident in his furrowed brow. From this vantage point, he could see the chaos unfolding below¡ªZara, the beastly woman, was slaughtering his men like cattle, and it was starting to hit him where it hurt.

    "That damn woman... can''t she just die already?!" he growled through gritted teeth, his rough voice laced with fury. Each life Zara claimed was like another crack in the empire he had painstakingly built through years of crime and mischief. And what made it worse? He knew, deep down, that he couldn¡¯t face her in a fair fight. Despite his reputation as a warrior, he wasn¡¯t foolish enough to go toe-to-toe with a beast like her.

    He glanced at the clock on the wall and spat. "I can¡¯t even enjoy the two darlings I¡¯ve been keeping for myself after a full week of hard work because of that b*tch. What horrible timing..."

    One of them was reported to be extremely beautiful too, his subordinates saying she''s the most flawless woman to have ever lived. Sadly, his busy schedule refrained him from even getting a glimpse of her.

    Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. His already prominent forehead veins bulged even more.

    "What now?! Didn''t I say I was busy!" he roared, his irritation bubbling over.

    Zara wasn¡¯t just slaughtering his men¡ªshe was dragging his reputation through the mud. The word would spread soon enough that the so-called *King of the Slums* couldn¡¯t protect his own turf. His carefully cultivated status would crumble, and that terrified him almost as much as Zara herself. He knew that the only way out was through underhanded tactics. He had planned to wait it out, let his men tire her until she was on the brink of exhaustion. Only then would he swoop in, deliver a killing blow, and salvage what little dignity he had left.

    But the knock persisted, and the voice that followed made his blood pressure rise even more.

    "I''m sorry, sir," came the nervous voice of his subordinate, "but we need your command. The escaping slaves are harder to contain than expected. The minimal forces we have guarding them aren''t enough. Should we send reinforcements or keep focusing on suppressing the beast? Please, sir, we need your leadership!"

    His subordinate was indirectly asking for extra hands¡ªhis hands. As the strongest amongst them, the man who ruled this gang, it was his responsibility. But the thought of facing Zara now, still fueled by her beastly strength, made his stomach churn. Yet, if the slaves escaped, he¡¯d lose a significant amount of profit. That would be another huge hit to his operation.

    He sighed, weighing his options. Both choices were terrible, but one of them might save his reputation.

    "Send reinforcements to deal with the slaves," he finally muttered, resignation in his voice. "Tell them I¡¯ll take care of the damn beast myself."

    His jaw clenched as he made his decision. Sometimes, you just had to take a gamble in life. That¡¯s what made things exciting, after all.

    "How long has it been since I last fought?" he mumbled, turning away from the window and walking toward the door.

    "Understood, boss!" the subordinate called back.

    However, as the man opened the door, expecting to see his lackey ready to run off with the new orders, he was greeted by an entirely different figure. A young man stood in the doorway, his expression dark and unreadable. Before the boss could even react, the young man''s sword flashed in the dim light, slicing into his hand he used to push the door open, as if the intruder had already anticipated his move.

    The fat man staggered back in shock, clutching his bleeding hand. His eyes widened in disbelief.

    Kai, standing at the threshold with a grim smile, stared him down.

    "Hi there," Kai said, his tone casual but menacing. "I¡¯m looking for someone. And was hoping if you could help me."

 Chapter 15: Boss Fight

    Kai would be lying if he said getting to this floor had been easy. It hadn¡¯t. But it was relatively manageable, thanks to the fact that most of the combatants were outside, locked in battle with Zara. The few who stayed in the mansion were nothing special¡ªmessage runners, lazy bandits pretending to act as guards, and some who act like glorified cleaners. They weren¡¯t particularly strong compared to the warriors outside, which made sense. Why would the Boss, the strongest among them, demand their protection when manpower was already thin?

    With the odds in his favor, Kai had slipped in through the mansion¡¯s back door under the cover of darkness. He had killed whoever stood in his way, interrogating one unlucky bandit until he revealed Ariella''s location. Unfortunately, he had to pass the Boss office to get there, spoiling his plan to snatch her unnoticed. The mansion, though large, was almost empty, with most of the gang outside fighting.

    Eventually bringing him to this point.

    After severing the man¡¯s hand, Kai had planned to follow up with a swift thrust to end the fight quickly. But something made him hesitate. An instinct, a feeling of danger that made him freeze. His eyes locked on the Boss, and a chill ran down his spine.

    The fat man, with brownish skin and streaks of grey in his hair, looked calm. Too calm for someone who had just lost a hand. Kai had seen men like this before¡ªones who hid monstrous strength beneath layers of fat. Age only meant experience in their case. And this one, Kai could tell, was no stranger to violence.

    As if to confirm his suspicion, the Boss met his gaze without so much as a wince, his eyes cold and calculating. Strangely, the blood from his severed hand had already slowed, dripping in thick, deliberate drops.

    "You caught me off guard, you sneaky brat," the man growled, his voice rough yet steady. "But I''ll have you know, I¡¯m a descendant of one of the original Players in this land. Bakar, the Undying. Did you really think a mere cut would be enough to defeat me?!"

    Kai¡¯s muscles tensed. The Bandit Boss¡¯s bulky silhouette loomed against the window, where moonlight poured in, casting deep shadows over his face. His presence radiated power.

    Kai''s mind raced, trying to process the unexpected revelation about ¡°Players,¡± but before he could dwell on it, the Boss moved. Fast. Kai had expected a straightforward charge, maybe a bare-handed lunge since the man was unarmed. Instead, the Boss grabbed a nearby wooden chair and hurled it straight at him with terrifying speed.

    Kai barely managed to duck in time, and his earlier grin twisted into a grimace as he heard the deafening *crack* of the chair splintering against the doorframe. Where his head had been mere seconds ago, the wood was shattered, raining debris all around him.

    ''Damn it'' Kai cursed inwardly, realizing just how out of his depth he was. What was he thinking, going up against the leader of the bandits like this?

    But before Kai could recollect himself, the Boss had already seized the opportunity. He grabbed a heavy axe mounted on the wall and swung it in a wide arc toward Kai.

    Kai backstep just in time, the blade grazing his cheek as it buried itself in the doorframe with a sickening thud, shattering part of the wall in the process. The sheer power behind that blow was staggering¡ªif it had connected, Kai didn¡¯t even want to imagine what would¡¯ve happened. He knew that without Sacred Bond¡¯s stat boosts, he¡¯d have never been quick enough to dodge.

    The Boss cursed under his breath, but didn¡¯t pause. Using the momentum of his missed strike, he twisted his hips and brought the axe around again in a fluid motion, but this time, he let go of it, sending it flying to his direction in a frenzied spin.

    Kai, sobered by the reality of the situation, managed to block the attack with the flat of his sword. Steel collided with steel in a harsh screech, but the force of the projectile was far too much for Kai¡¯s amateur footing. He was sent flying backward, crashing through the door into another room, landing hard on his back.

    His sword flew from his grasp, landing several feet away with a loud *clatter*. The blade was cracked¡ªon the verge of breaking. While the spinning Axe struck the wall, its sharp edge stuck on the crack it made.

    Kai gasped for breath, his entire body aching. He was completely outmatched. The difference between an amateur and a seasoned warrior was glaringly obvious now.

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    ''Damn... He¡¯s strong'' Kai thought.

    The Bandit Boss calmly stepped through the broken doorway, his gait unhurried, as if he knew Kai was no real threat. His heavy footsteps echoed in the room, his eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement.

    "This is what happens when kids play games they don¡¯t understand," the Boss sneered. "You don¡¯t even know how to hold a sword properly, and you dared to challenge me? Now... Pay for your arrogance."

    Kai tried to move, but his body screamed in protest. Before he could even sit up, the Boss was standing over him, towering like a giant.

    "Why is a brat like you even here, anyway? What are those lazy bastards downstairs doing, letting you get this far? Pui!"

    With that, the Boss spat on him, the glob of saliva landing on Kai''s chest.

    Kai glared up at him, rage simmering beneath his calm exterior.

    But the fight wasn¡¯t over yet. A grin tugged at the corner of Kai¡¯s lips, hidden beneath the pain and dirt. As the Bandit Boss stood towering over him, confident in his supposed victory, Kai''s mind raced with one last plan.

    He was unarmed, lacked refined skill, and though he possessed speed and strength, it wasn''t enough to match the seasoned brute in front of him¡ªat least, that¡¯s what the Boss thought.

    The moment the Boss stepped closer, entering his range, Kai lifted one of his feet to deliver a front kick. With explosive speed and strength far beyond his earlier display, his body moved in a blur. His foot shot upward like a bolt of lightning, aimed at the one spot that made every man¡¯s blood run cold.

    In point blank range and pure beastial power. The kick connected with devastating force, landing squarely between the Boss¡¯s legs.

    Kai knew he was facing a powerful opponent, someone who had earned his position among the overwhelming numbers of bandits outside. Without much combat experience of his own, a direct confrontation would end in certain defeat. But under unfavorable circumstances, underhanded methods were fair game. And he had one advantage left¡ªthe element of surprise. Earlier, he could have dodged fasted with his augmented strength, but didn''t do so all for this moment.

    By deliberately holding back in the earlier exchanges, Kai had made himself seem weak. And it was true, in terms of skill, he was no match. But physically? The Sacred Bond made him as strong and swift as Zara, though without her deadly precision. Still, that raw strength, combined with the element of surprise, was enough to deliver one devastating blow to a vital spot.

    Kai had thrown everything he had into that kick, making it as fast and punishing as possible. The impact was so forceful that the Boss¡¯s heavy body was momentarily lifted off the ground. His eyes bulged in shock, his face contorting in agony as he stumbled backward.

    The arrogant confidence that had filled the Boss moments ago vanished in an instant. His legs buckled as he let out a horrified, guttural scream, clutching desperately at his groin.

    "AGHHH! F*CK! YOU... DAMN... MO...¡±

    His words trailed off into incoherent curses, the searing pain stealing his breath. Even the toughest of men were reduced to quivering wrecks when their most vulnerable spot was struck, and the Boss was no exception.

    Kai, not pretending to be helpless anymore stands tall, and dusted himself off with a mocking smile. ¡°Sorry about that,¡± he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t break anything too important.¡±

    The Bandit Boss, still writhing in agony, had no reply¡ªhis once invincible presence shattered by one perfectly timed, underhanded strike.

    Without wasting a moment, Kai retrieved his sword, stepping over the boss with deliberate slowness. It was strange how quickly the situation had flipped. Just minutes ago, Kai had been the one pinned down, the one facing certain death. Now, he was standing over his adversary, ready to deliver the final blow.

    He raised his sword high, his gaze locked onto the struggling man before him. The once-formidable leader of the bandits was now reduced to a pitiful figure, groaning in pain, clutching at his broken pride. Kai felt a dark sense of satisfaction bloom in his chest, a grim triumph over his toughest foe yet. Part of him wanted to say something¡ªa dramatic one-liner like in the action movies back on Earth¡ªbut in the end, he decided it wasn¡¯t necessary. His actions spoke louder than any words ever could.

    His thoughts only lasted an instant. Kaiser was already bringing the sword down with every ounce of strength he had, aiming for the kill.

    But then, something unexpected happened. The blade, which had already seen plenty of action that night, snapped upon impact. The blade cracked in two, leaving Kai holding a hilt with a jagged piece of metal attached. The strike that was supposed to end the fight left only a minor cut on the boss¡¯s torso. Nothing severe, let alone deadly.

    He froze for a moment, cursing luck.

    "...Sh*t," Staring in disbelief at the broken weapon. His heart sank. His chance to end the fight had slipped through his fingers, and now, with a broken sword and no backup plan, he was in trouble.

    The bandit leader, still groaning from the earlier blow, was already starting to recover. His unnatural ability to heal was terrifyingly fast. In mere seconds, he was back on his feet, his expression contorting from pain to pure, unadulterated rage. His eyes were locked on Kai, and they burned with murderous intent.

    Kai barely had time to register the danger before the boss moved with surprising speed for a man of his size, not holding anything back. His recovery was so fast it seemed almost unnatural¡ªlike a machine resetting itself for another round. Kai instinctively stepped back, but the cramped room offered little space to maneuver. The bandit leader lunged at him, his large, burly hand reaching out like a vice, and before Kai could fully react, that hand closed around his throat. Having predicted where he''ll go with pure battle intuition honed for many years.

    The grip was like iron, crushing the air from his lungs with terrifying ease. Kai gasped, his hands flying up to pry the man¡¯s fingers loose, but it was no use. The boss¡¯s strength was overwhelming. Kai¡¯s vision blurred as he was lifted off the ground and slammed against the wall with a sickening thud. His back hit the solid stone with such force that the breath was knocked out of him, leaving him choking and gasping for air.

    The bandit leader¡¯s face was twisted in fury, his eyes filled with malice as he glared at Kai. "You little piece of sh*t," he growled, his voice thick with rage. "You think you can come here, challenge me, and get away with it? I¡¯m going to make you regret ever stepping foot in this place."

    Kai¡¯s vision darkened at the edges as the pressure on his throat increased. His body screamed for oxygen, but there was none to be found. His fingers clawed helplessly at the boss¡¯s arm, but the man¡¯s grip was unyielding. It was like trying to move a mountain.

    ¡®Looks like it¡¯s time to die¡­ again,¡¯ Kai thought bitterly, the world around him was fading into a haze of pain and suffocation.

    Just as he felt himself on the brink of unconsciousness, a loud crash echoed through the other room, followed by the sound of shattering glass. The pressure on his throat suddenly released, and Kai dropped to the floor, gasping for air, his lungs burning with the sweet relief of oxygen.

    "I hope I¡¯m not too late," a familiar voice called out, calm yet commanding.

    Kai grinned through his labored breathing.

    ''But not today.''

 Chapter 16: Bandits Demise

    The boss stood unnaturally still, his previous rage toward Kai all but forgotten. His focus had now shifted entirely to the woman standing across the hall, framed by the broken window like a specter of death. The light from the moon bathed her in a cold, ethereal glow, casting long shadows that seemed to ripple with each subtle movement. Shards of glass crunched under her boots, and the blood that soaked her body dripped steadily onto the floor, pooling at her feet like some kind of morbid halo.

    Zara¡¯s eyes, crimson and fierce, burned into the bandit leader¡¯s soul. They were the eyes of someone who had seen, and perhaps caused, unspeakable horrors. The man didn¡¯t move. He couldn¡¯t. He was a seasoned warrior, a veteran of countless battles, yet standing before Zara felt different. There was an undeniable predatory edge to her¡ªa wildness that sent a shiver down his spine.

    In stark contrast to his brooding stillness, Zara began to walk forward. Her footsteps were soft, almost casual, yet every step carried the weight of impending doom. Her voice broke the silence with a mocking drawl, sharp as a blade.

    "Long time no see. Remember me?" she said, her words dripping with derision. "Of course, you do. You¡¯ve been hiding here for what? Waiting for your men to die so you could swoop in and claim the victory? Pathetic. It¡¯s no wonder your lackeys died so easily. They fought and bled for a coward who wouldn¡¯t dare face me himself."

    The boss¡¯s jaw clenched. "What happened to my men?" he growled, though he already feared the answer.

    "A few ran away," Zara answered, her tone almost amused. "Most of them weren¡¯t so lucky. My blade took care of the rest. It¡¯s just you and me now, so I hope you don¡¯t disappoint me."

    Her words sent a cold chill through the room, but the boss remained stoic. With a grunt, he reached for his axe, still lodged in the wall where his failed strike against Kai had left it. Gripping the handle, he pulled the heavy weapon free with ease, throwing it over his shoulder as if it weighed nothing.

    "I won¡¯t," he said, his tone smug despite the grim situation. "In fact, I hope you won¡¯t disappoint me either. They say females of your kind, Beast-kins, only accept those who can defeat them as their Master. So don¡¯t die too quickly, alright? I¡¯ll be sure to take real good care of you."

    Zara''s lip curled into a smirk. Her voice dropped low, cold as ice. "My apologies, but I''m afraid you''re too late for that."

    The boss barely had time to register her words before Zara¡¯s figure blurred, moving faster than his eyes could track. In that instant, a violent clash erupted.

    The sound of steel clashing against steel rang through the mansion, echoing off the walls as the two warriors engaged in a brutal exchange. Kai, still regaining his breath from the earlier battle, could only watch in awe. He had seen Zara fight before¡ªseen her tear through dozens of bandits as though they were mere children¡ªbut this was different. This time, she wasn¡¯t up against a group of lackeys; she was facing a seasoned warrior, one who matched her in sheer strength and years of experience.

    The boss swung his heavy axe with the force of a battering ram, each strike causing the walls and floor to shudder under the impact. The massive weapon cleaved through furniture, sending debris flying in all directions. His attacks were relentless, each one aimed with precision to bring Zara down in one devastating blow.

    But Zara was no easy target. She moved with the grace of a dancer, weaving between his strikes with almost supernatural agility. Her lithe form twisted and turned, evading the axe by mere inches each time. She wasn¡¯t unscathed, though. The toll of her previous battles was evident¡ªher movements were slower than usual, her breath more labored, and the exhaustion in her body weighed on her. Yet she fought on, unyielding.

    In one hand, she wielded a dagger she had picked up from the battlefield, a weapon far too small to face the boss¡¯s axe head-on. But Zara didn¡¯t need brute strength. She darted in and out of the bandit leader¡¯s range, waiting for the perfect moments to strike. When she did, her dagger flashed through the air, slicing through his skin in swift, precise movements.

    The boss grunted in pain, but Zara¡¯s strikes, though fast and deadly, weren¡¯t enough to stop him. His wounds closed almost as quickly as they appeared, his terrifying healing ability making each cut seem inconsequential. It was as if his flesh itself refused to accept the damage, knitting together with unnatural speed.

    Even with her ferocity, Zara was finding it harder and harder to maintain the upper hand. The room was small and confining, offering little space to maneuver. Every time she dodged one of his swings, she risked being backed into a corner. And while she was fast, the boss was relentless. His strikes didn¡¯t stop, and with each swing, the margin for error grew smaller.

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    The mansion¡¯s walls bore the marks of their violent confrontation. Cracks ran up the stone, and splinters of wood littered the floor. The once grand room was being systematically destroyed by their battle. And still, neither warrior gave an inch.

    Kai watched from the corner, his mind racing. He wanted to help, to join Zara in the fight, but he knew that stepping into the fray would only get him killed. He was no match for the boss, not now. But watching Zara fight, even exhausted, gave him hope. She was holding her own, despite everything.

    With one particularly vicious swing, the boss aimed to corner Zara. His axe came down with a thunderous crash, shattering the remnants of a nearby wall and sending debris flying. Zara leaped backward, but the attack had boxed her in. She had nowhere left to run.

    The boss grinned, thinking victory was close at hand. But Zara¡¯s eyes narrowed, and in a flash, she moved. She dove forward, not away, ducking under the swing and closing the distance between them. Her dagger flashed again, this time sinking deep into the boss¡¯s side, right between the ribs.

    The boss roared in pain, staggering back as blood poured from the wound. This time, the damage was severe. Even his rapid healing struggled to close the gaping tear in his flesh.

    Zara smirked, bloodied but unbroken. "Not so tough now, are you?" she taunted, readying herself for the next move.

    Eventually, a victor arose between the two warriors, the battle leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The once modest room had been reduced to a ruinous state. Cracked walls stood on the verge of collapse, and debris was strewn everywhere. The devastation had spread to nearby rooms as well, the aftermath of a fierce and unrelenting fight. Flames licked at broken lanterns, their fiery tongues spreading across the wreckage, consuming it as they grow.

    Amidst the chaos, Zara stood over the fallen body of the boss, breathing heavily. Her chest rose and fell with the exertion of the battle. Beneath her feet, the fat man lay dead, a dagger buried deep in his eye, the life drained from his once arrogant face.

    "That''s refreshing... it''s finally over," Zara muttered, rubbing her shoulder. Her exhaustion was clear, though her voice remained as cold and detached as ever.

    "Um, good job," Kai managed to say, his voice awkward and tinged with fear. He couldn''t help but feel a shiver run down his spine as he glanced at her. Zara was terrifying¡ªthere was no denying that. He had watched her take on overwhelming odds, seen her prevail with deadly efficiency. But standing so close to her now, it was hard to ignore the chilling aura that clung to her like a shadow.

    Silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling of the growing flames in the distance. Kai shifted uncomfortably. The air was thick with unease, and the weight of the bloodshed hung heavy around them. Desperate to escape the tension, he turned toward the door, intending to leave.

    "Where are you going?" Zara''s voice cut through the air like a blade, stopping Kai in his tracks.

    He hesitated, his back still turned to her. "Where else? To look for Ariella... I told you before, I''m here to rescue someone. Thanks to you, I can finally save her now." He swallowed, his voice faltering slightly. "It''s been... nice knowing you, Miss Zara. As I promised, we can break the contract if you want, and go our separate ways."

    Kai took a step forward, but before he could reach the stairs, Zara''s voice stopped him once more. This time, it carried an unusual, sinister edge.

    "Who said you could go?"

    Kai froze in place, his heart pounding in his chest. Her footsteps echoed softly behind him, each one making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

    "You really are a fool," Zara said, her voice low and mocking. "To go through all of this for a girl you barely know... she''s a lucky one. Was it love at first sight? How romantic." There was a bitter, almost envious tone in her words. "If I were to choose a mate... I might choose someone like you."

    Before Kai could respond, he felt her bloodied hands wrap around him from behind, her cold fingers pressing against his chest. Her head rested on his shoulder, her breath ghosting against his neck. It was his first time being hugged by a girl, but instead of feeling warmth or excitement, a cold, bone-deep chill settled in his veins. His body tensed, every instinct screaming danger. The scent of blood and death overwhelmed his senses, and his breath hitched as sweat rolled down his forehead.

    "Kaiser..." Zara¡¯s voice was a whisper in his ear. "You know, you were my first Master. And I¡¯m glad that it was you."

    Her words, so soft and sincere, sent a fresh wave of dread through him. His body locked in place as she continued, her grip around him tightening.

    "Unfortunately, I have a very important goal to fulfill, and being bound to someone will only hold me back. I have to break our bond..." Her voice grew darker, more foreboding. "In my clan, women are only taken by males stronger than them. It''s sealed through a Sacred Bond. Do you know why?"

    Kai shook his head ever so slightly, his throat dry as fear paralyzed him.

    "Because if you can''t dominate your partner," she whispered, her voice filled with cold certainty, "they will kill you. A death of another is the only way to break the Sacred Bond."

    Zara''s arms tightened around him even more, and he felt the pressure of her embrace grow unbearable. "Please forgive me, Kai," she said softly, her voice laced with genuine sadness and sincerity.

    It felt odd to listen, considering she''s killing him.

    And then, without warning, everything went black.

    It was swift, painless death. Kaiser never even realized what had happened.

    **In the Forest:**

    Meanwhile, far from the burning mansion, Gabriel and the other surviving escapees ran through the dark forest, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on their minds. The cool night air tasted like freedom, but it was tainted with the bitter memories of what they had left behind.

    Gabriel glanced back over his shoulder, his mind consumed with thoughts of Kaiser. His dirty, haggard face reflected a mixture of hesitation and concern. The young man who had freed them... where was he now? Did he make it out?

    "Worried about that boy?" an older, tough-looking prisoner asked, his gravelly voice breaking Gabriel¡¯s thoughts.

    Gabriel nodded somberly, his heart heavy with guilt. He should have stayed... should have helped. But what could he have done against that kind of power?

    The older man chuckled dryly, though there was no humor in his voice. "Don¡¯t be," he said. "Trust me, I saw it in his eyes."

    Gabriel frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

    For a moment, the old prisoner was silent, his face hard and unreadable. Then, in a voice filled with a strange, knowing seriousness, he replied.

    "His eyes... they didn¡¯t fear death, like all beings should."

 Chapter 17: Tea amidst the Flames

    With the battle over, an eerie silence settled over the bandits'' lair. The clearing was unnervingly still, yet the disturbing sight of countless fallen bandits screamed terror into the quiet. Bodies lay strewn across the ground like discarded puppets, their lifeless forms telling the story of the chaos that had ensued. Blood painted the ground under the glow of pale moonlight.

    Inside the mansion, which now burned from its top second floor, the crackling of flames echoed through the halls, devouring walls and furniture alike. Near the staircase, a young man¡¯s corpse lay sprawled on the floor, a clean puncture wound marking his right chest. Motionless, his body seemed as dead as the bandits outside.

    But not for long. Kai can''t die.

    Clarity returned to Kaiser''s dim eyes, as blood began to flow in reverse, returning into his veins, his wounds rapidly closing, soon erasing from his pale skin. Groggily, he rose to his feet, like waking from an unnerving slumber, rather than from the clutches of death. Just now, he had discovered an unsettling discovery: He could delay his revival at will, allowing his body to remain dead for as long as he chose. His consciousness, however, never faded, as if his soul were trapped in his motionless body.

    Zara was nowhere to be seen, having left a while ago.

    He shivered, recalling the fresh memory of his "first hug."

    ''Talk about the embrace of death...'' he thought with grim humor.

    He had Zara to thank for this new discovery. If not for her betrayal, he might never have uncovered this strange ability. She was a woman to be feared¡ªshe had forced Kai to play dead, which his technically is considering his heart is harmed. In any case, under her frightful gaze, he had to remain dead to hide his immortality. Forcing him to try new things he didn''t think of before - delaying his revival the moment his heart had been pierced. Forcing himself to remain in that state had been an act of pure survival. Surprisingly, it worked, his body didn''t regenerate as he willed until he eventually wished for it to restore. If Kai hadn¡¯t succeeded, who knew what further horrors she might have inflicted upon him?

    A cold sweat broke out on his brow as he thought about Zara, her strength, and her unpredictable nature. If she had known he was truly immortal, the situation could have turned far worse. Knowing the Sacred Bond couldn''t be undone by his death... the very idea of what she might do to him made his stomach turn.

    ¡°That b*tch...¡± Kai muttered under his breath.

    Not that her betrayal had come as a complete shock. He wasn¡¯t foolish enough to believe someone like Zara would willingly remain his servant. Gaining someone as powerful as her, for free, was too good to be true. The world isn''t that kind, furthermore, it''s evident how untamable she is.

    But still... *killing him?* If he hadn¡¯t been immortal, that would have been a bit too much.

    But he was immortal, which drive his to do many daring things. Dealing with her despite the tremendous risk included. If Kai only had one life, he would probably live a more selfish life instead of willingly plunging into chaos.

    Oddly enough, his mind had already come to accept the fact that death wasn¡¯t the end for him. Being killed simply felt like an inconvenience rather than something of great significance. Still, despite the strange calmness that came with this revelation, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of betrayal. He had been used, manipulated, and discarded. His anger simmered quietly, though not as fiercely as it might have if he weren¡¯t... well, invincible.

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    A part of it because Kai tricked and used Zara in return, benefiting from her more than she did from him.

    The inhuman power Zara had given him remained. The beastial strength coursed through his veins, implying that their Sacred Bond was still intact. He had gained immense power, freely available for him to use whenever he wanted. As for her? His miniscule strength of an average human, nothing too significant. It would be shameless of him to call it an equal trade because he mostly gets the good stuff.

    Still...

    ''Being bound forever to a psychopath like her...'' Kai shuddered again, his face darkening. It was far from ideal. Zara was far too terrifying for him to ever feel at ease with her around. She''s sexy, strong, domineering and kinda nice to be with her playful teasing, perhaps... But all that was overshadowed by her fierceness. She might kill him endlessly.

    "I just hope I never run into her again," he whispered to himself, brushing off the lingering unease.

    He dismissed his thoughts and focused on the pressing matter at hand. The fire hadn¡¯t spread widely yet, but the flames were growing. Time was running out. He needed to find Ariella, and fast.

    Kai hurried through the mansion¡¯s second floor, the oppressive heat growing with every passing moment. His enhanced senses heightened his awareness, and soon, the faint sounds of movement caught his attention, guiding him toward the boss¡¯s room. A deep worry gnawed at him¡ªwas Ariella safe? He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her being harmed.

    With urgency, he reached the door, brandishing his broken sword. Without a second thought, he slammed it open.

    Only to be met with the most baffling sight he could have imagined.

    "W-what the f*ck?" Kai blurted, completely dumbfounded.

    Ariella sat at a makeshift table, daintily holding a teacup as though she were at a leisurely tea party. Opposite her sat a delicate young woman, her long pale blonde hair cascading down her back. Something about the scene felt out of place¡ªeverything, actually. The woman¡¯s eyes were closed, and curiously, she wore the same university uniform as him, signaling she was also a student.

    Kai blinked, utterly speechless. He had braced himself for the worst¡ªhorrible possibilities had flooded his mind as he searched for her. Would she be cowering in a corner, bruised and afraid? Or worse, would she be...

    But this? A tea party? With his fellow student at that!

    His thoughts reeled as he tried to make sense of it. Why was she sitting there so calmly, enjoying tea in the middle of a burning mansion? - the fire didn''t reach this far, so they haven''t noticed it yet.

    Ariella looked in his direction, blinking multiple times in surprise. Then, with a smile that could melt any cold heart, she waved at him casually, as if greeting an old friend who had just walked into the room. The delicate scene seemed absurd amidst the carnage.

    Meanwhile, the other girl, sitting across from Ariella, looked less composed. Her long pale blonde hair framed a face that seemed drained of all color. There was a nervous tremor in her voice as she finally spoke, her eyes closed for some reason.

    "Um... what''s happening? Is it the bandits?" she asked, her voice soft yet dull, as though she''d long given up on hope. But the unmistakable fear in her tone hinted that, despite her numbness, she was still terrified.

    For a few moments, Kai simply stared, dumbfounded. It took a while for the ridiculousness of the situation to fully register. And then, without warning, he let out a subtle laugh¡ªdark and amused, tinged with relief.

    Eventually, he sighed.

    ¡°...Ah. What a messed-up world this is.¡±

    His grim expression cracked, replaced by a twisted sense of amusement. The sheer absurdity of the scene¡ªa peaceful tea party in the middle of a burning bandit lair¡ªfelt like the punchline to some cosmic joke. Just moments ago, Kai had escaped a suffocating imprisonment then led a desperate army of prisoners to freedom. Plunge is war, then faced the head of the bandits in which he failed thanks to his rotten luck. He was saved though, by his ally, Zara. But was betrayed after that. He had seen grim reality in all its appalling glory, the weight of it all still hung over him like a shadow.

    And yet here Ariella sat, having tea as if they were in a quiet countryside garden. The sharp contrast between the chaos outside and this innocent scene felt surreal, like a lighthearted dream breaking through a nightmare.

    Kai had plunged headfirst into hell, facing off against ruthless enemies and betrayal, yet somehow, he found this simple scene more unsettling than all of it. Maybe it was because life had been brutal lately, making such scenes rarer than gems.

    A heavy sigh escaped him, and for the first time since entering the mansion, a genuine smile tugged at his lips.

    ''Maybe I really had become insane... or just a terrible guardian.''

    Relief washed over him as he realized Ariella was unharmed. The fact that she was safe, coupled with the absurdity of the situation, uplifted the dark weight that had been bearing down on him. It wasn¡¯t just that she was okay; it was that this bizarre, peaceful moment existed in the middle of so much destruction.

    Sighing again, Kai shook his head, smiling helplessly. "Yeah, it''s the bandits," he said, his voice joking. "I¡¯m here to take you two with me."

 Chapter 18: Spoils of War

    Kai had meant it as a joke when he mentioned rescuing the two of them as a bandit. Ariella giggled softly in response, her laughter like the chiming of small bells. Meanwhile, the other student, Cia, seemed utterly confused, her brow furrowing slightly in puzzlement.

    But there wasn¡¯t time to dwell at the moment. The flames were spreading rapidly through the mansion, and the oppressive heat was a constant reminder that they had precious little time to waste.

    Without a word, Kai grabbed a piece of fabric from a nearby curtain, tore it, and wrapped it around Ariella¡¯s eyes. She let out a small sound of protest, wriggling slightly in his grip¡ªa childish struggle, more out of defiance than fear. But there was trust there, a bond between them that she didn¡¯t question. She quickly settled, letting him tie the makeshift blindfold over her eyes like a little sister allowing an older brother to guide her. Her trust was absolute.

    But why blindfold her?

    Kai didn¡¯t want Ariella to see what lay outside. The courtyard was littered with bodies¡ªbandits, prisoners, and other unfortunates who had perished in the chaos. The sight of so much death would be too much for her, or at least, that¡¯s what he believed. She was a goddess, but in her current form, she was fragile¡ªtoo delicate for the horrors of this world.

    As for the other girl, Cia, she was the second transmigrator Kai had encountered today. He knew there were many more scattered across this strange new world. After all, the ceremony that had brought them here had involved dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of participants. They were all in different places now, struggling to survive just like him.

    Cia was one of the lucky ones to have survived so far, but even now, her fate was uncertain.

    Kai was conflicted. He knew it was only natural to take her with them¡ªafter all, leaving her behind would be a death sentence¡ªbut the thought of adding another person to their group felt like an enormous burden. And this wasn¡¯t just any other person. She was blind.

    Her name was Cia, a delicate young woman from Class A. Kai didn¡¯t need an introduction; he recognized her instantly. She had been something of a celebrity back in their academic days. Her name was always at the top of the exam rankings, constantly praised for winning spelling bees, math competitions, and science contests. Despite her blindness, she had achieved greater things than most of the other students. She was an inspiration to many, admired for her resilience and intelligence. Her future on Earth had seemed bright and full of promise.

    But that was then. This is now.

    In this wild, merciless world, Kai doubted Cia would last long. Without her personal attendants to help her navigate or compensate for her lack of vision, her chances of survival were slim. The world they had been thrown into wasn¡¯t like Earth¡ªthere were no laws to protect the vulnerable, no safety nets to catch them when they fell. Here, the strong devoured the weak, and wild beasts roamed the land, more deadly than anything Earth had ever produced.

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    Kai was painfully aware of his own limitations. He wasn¡¯t kind, not by nature. He was selfish, cynical, and unsociable, his sense of humor dark and often biting. The only reason he had taken on the responsibility of caring for Ariella was because the gods themselves had forced him into it. He hadn¡¯t wanted to. And while he had grown to appreciate her company over time, that didn¡¯t mean he was eager to add another helpless person to the mix.

    But as he stood there, glancing between the two of them, he could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew Ariella wouldn¡¯t leave Cia behind. She was already looking up at him with those large, imploring eyes, filled with innocent insistence. Kai knew that if he refused, she might start crying. And he wasn¡¯t strong enough to resist her tears.

    Sighing heavily, Kai relented. "Fine, fine. We¡¯ll bring her along."

    Ariella¡¯s face lit up, her joy unmistakable. Her trust in him was naively unwavering. Moreover, he doubt he''ll ever had a peaceful sleep if he abandoned a blind person. His already terrible enough, he didn''t want to be a monster. Furthermore, isn''t he supposed to teach Ariella the value of mortals? Its comical to make someone like him do that. Because lately, he discovered a dark passion hidden within him. How battles made him feel alive, which isn''t the brightest thing done by humans.

    Still, the gods demanded it. So, he''ll have to show the goodness of mortals even if it''s halfhearted.

    Cia, for her part, remained quiet. She seemed to sense the tension in the air, but she was too lost in her own thoughts to speak up. She had likely accepted her fate long ago, she''s smart enough to figure her outcome. Whatever happened, she would go along with it.

    Kai¡¯s thought as they made their way through the burning mansion, the heat growing unbearable. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of future lay ahead for them. He wasn¡¯t a hero. He didn¡¯t want the responsibility of protecting others, especially in a world as brutal as this. But at the same time, he couldn¡¯t walk away from it. The only thing driving him courage is that, he cannot die even if worse comes to shove.

    Kai and the two girls made their way down to the first floor, where he paused to replace his tattered, blood-soaked uniform with something more presentable. The stench clung to him, and the fabric was torn in multiple places, revealing more skin than he was comfortable with, especially around Ariella and Cia. He needed to look somewhat decent, even if he didn¡¯t feel like it.

    Ariella, as usual, seemed untouched by the chaos around her. Her white dress remained immaculate, never collecting dirt or showing signs of wear and tear. It was like magic¡ªan attire truly fit for a goddess. Cia, on the other hand, was still dressed in her school uniform, clean and unscathed. The bandits had treated her carefully, almost as if she were a prized possession, a gift meant for their boss. Unfortunately for them, the boss hadn¡¯t lived long enough to even meet her, let alone enjoy his so-called "gift."

    Kai didn¡¯t shy away from the opportunity to loot the mansion as they moved through the halls. Flames still licked the upper floors, but it would be a while before the fire reached the lower levels. There were supplies all around¡ªthings he would need for survival. It would be a waste to let them burn.

    He raided the kitchen for spices, grabbed a few knives, extra clothes, a blanket, and a water container. But most importantly, he stumbled upon the bandits'' treasury. The moment his eyes landed on the chest full of coins, greed flared inside him. There was a time when he wouldn¡¯t have been able to carry something so heavy, but thanks to the beastly strength Zara had passed on to him through their Sacred Bond, the golds felt surprisingly light. But he was greedy for more, therefore, he took as many as he could to the point it got heavy even for his current strength.

    With a wide grin, Kai hoisted the heavy bag over his shoulder. He could already imagine the kind of life he could live with all this money¡ªriches he had never even dreamed of back on Earth. His mind drifted to the luxuries it could bring: a proper home, fine food. With this much in hand, Kai won''t have to worry about the challenges of human society - finding work and earnings enough to house and food. Money can almost do anything there.

    As they exited the mansion, Kai took in the aftermath of Zara¡¯s handiwork. Bodies of bandits were scattered across the courtyard, lifeless and bloody. The sheer destruction she had wrought was a chilling reminder of her power. For a brief moment, Kai was grateful she had already left. The thought of encountering her again sent a cold shiver down his spine.

    He shook off the feeling, pushing the thought of Zara to the back of his mind. With the mansion now behind them and the spoils of war on his back, he led Ariella and Cia through the chaos and into the forest beyond, his thoughts already drifting toward what was next.

    ''Please let this be the last time I ever see her.'' Kai silently prayed as they disappeared into the shadows of the trees.

    Once there, he suddenly let out an infuriated curse.

 Chapter 19: Adventure of three

    "Sh*t... I forgot to ask for directions," Kai muttered, halting in his tracks as the realization hit him.

    The bandit lair was nestled deep within the forest, and was intentionally hidden away from prying eyes. There were no discernible roads or paths, and its isolation made it nearly impossible to find if one didn''t know the direction or organic signs marking the path.

    Without knowledge, Kai could only guess the location of the nearest village. Some captives and bandits probably knew. Unfortunately, his chance to ask the captives had slipped away, his too preoccupied by the urgency of the situation back then. And now Gabriel and the other escapees have likely vanished far into the woods, while all the bandits nearby are dead.

    Cia turned her head toward him, her expression unreadable, while Ariella looked at him with wide eyes, confused but patient.

    "Does that mean we''re lost?" Cia asked, her voice calm yet laced with a slight tremor.

    "Yeah, we¡¯re lost," Kai admitted, scratching the back of his head. "And we¡¯ve got no one to ask. Looks like we¡¯re on our own now. Any brilliant ideas?"

    His clueless on what to do himself. Luckily, an extra brilliant mind was here to share his troubles.

    The blind girl remained thoughtful for a moment before offering a suggestion. "It''s nighttime, right? Other settlements might have lights on. If you can climb a tree, you might be able to see any distant structures glowing in the dark. It¡¯s a long shot, but it¡¯s something."

    Kai blinked, surprised by her quick thinking.

    ''Why didn¡¯t I think of that?''

    "That might work... Thanks" Said Kai, a bit embarrassed in giving praises.

    "You''re welcome," she replied dryly, though a hint of amusement tugged at the corners of her lips.

    "Stay here a bit. I¡¯ll check it out."

    With that, he took a deep breath as he surveyed the nearby trees.

    Climbing wasn¡¯t exactly his strong suit. There isn''t much back in the city and scaling trees wasn''t a civilized act, and now, out here, he found himself struggling with the unfamiliar task. After several awkward slips and grunts, fighting his fear of height that somehow differs from death itself. He finally made it near the top, his heart pounding as he balanced on a sturdy branch.

    He squinted into the darkness, hoping for any sign of civilization. To his disappointment, the trees in this area were roughly the same height. The thick canopy of leaves obstructed his view, making it hard to see far. But just as he was about to give up, something caught his eye. It was faint¡ªa small, almost imperceptible glow far, far in the distance. At first, he thought it might be a firefly, but then he remembered this is not Earth, so fireflies didn¡¯t exist in this world. No, this was something else. A distant light, likely from a village or settlement.

    As he peered closer, something odd about the sky in that direction gave him pause. The stars twinkled faintly, but the area around the light seemed¡­ off. The clouds were darker, almost unnaturally so, as if reality itself was distorted.

    He shook his head, dismissing the strange feeling. He was too exhausted to think too deeply about it.

    Kai descended the tree with far less grace than he¡¯d climbed it, nearly falling several times before his feet finally touched solid ground. He yawned, rubbing the back of his neck.

    "I saw a light, probably south," he told the girls. "We¡¯ll be heading there tomorrow. But for now, let¡¯s rest."

    Cia lifted her hand, offering to help. "I¡¯ll take the first watch. You and Ariella can sleep. I¡¯ll wake you if I hear anything unusual."

    Kai blinked at her, surprised by the offer. "Good call," he said, his tone gruff.

    He then cursed himself inwardly. ''Idiot, why didn''t I think of that earlier?''

    They had slept soundly last night without so much as a second thought about wild animals or potential threats. He had been careless, and it gnawed at him now. Who knows what might have happened to them if misfortune strikes?

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    Creatures here are far more deadly, take the crawling snake for example. It could have swallowed them whole in their slumber, or attacked by other abomination. People with mischievous intentions also present danger. All of this could be avoided by one of them staying watch.

    His not gifted in the mind department, Kai admits that. Still, he wouldn''t tolerate that after realizing all his mistakes today. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes especially the young ones. His aware of that, but he can''t afford to be naive in this world. His previous wrongs aren''t that bad, however, he needs to lessen his shortcomings for it might land him in serious trouble in the future.

    With a heavy sigh, he settled down on a makeshift bed of leaves, pulling out the blankets he had scavenged earlier to shun the night''s colds. Its funny how they had no choice but to sleep on the ground despite having tons of golds in their bag. Still, unlike last night when he and Ariella slept without a blanket. There''s three of them now, he could say their situation had improved in some small ways, though they were still far from comfort.

    Kai''s eyes closed quickly, exhaustion weighing him down, and soon he drifted off to sleep.

    He awoke the next morning with the sun already high in the sky, its light cutting through the treetops in golden beams. The day was bright, almost irritatingly so, and he squinted against the harsh sunlight as he sat up, rubbing his tired eyes. Kai''s muscles didn''t ache despite last night''s strains thanks to his immortality restoring every injury, even the most miniscule. but his mind was another story. He felt drained, mentally worn out, and for a moment, he didn¡¯t want to do anything.

    Eventually, his stomach rumbled, forcing him out of his lethargy. He stood and glanced around. Ariella was nearby, petting a small, adorable creature that had wandered over, seemingly drawn to her divine presence. Cia was beside her, smiling gently as she ran her fingers over the animal¡¯s soft fur, enjoying the sensation despite her lack of sight.

    Kai approached, his footsteps stirring the small animal. It looked up at him, its wide eyes filled with a sudden wariness.

    "Good morning," Cia greeted him warmly, hearing his approach.

    "Mornin''," Kai yawned, scratching his head.

    Before he could say anything else, he heard Cia''s stomach rumble softly, a telltale sign of her own hunger.

    "You hungry?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

    She hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "No, not much. I can manage" she lied, her voice was soft and a bit embarrassed.

    He gave her a suspicious gaze.

    ''You say that, but from the sound of it. You haven''t eaten since yesterday.''

    "Wait up a bit, I''ll prepare breakfast soon."

    Without waiting for her to answer, he turned toward Ariella, who was still distracted by the small creature. He grinned mischievously and pointed off into a random distance. "Look, There''s a plane!"

    Cia frowned, clearly confused by his words, but Ariella, ever curious, immediately turned to look in the direction he pointed.

    Without her looking, In that split second, Kai scooped up the adorable creature Cia had been petting, hiding it behind his back.

    It took Cia a moment to realize what his doing, her eyes slightly widened and her smile froze.

    By the time Ariella turned back to face him, her expression was one of mild betrayal, her lips forming a pout. Her eyes questioning why would he like to her.

    But Kai was already walking away, hiding the stolen pet from her view, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips as he went off to prepare breakfast.

    They had a simple but satisfying grilled breakfast at noon, the aroma of cooked meat lingering in the air as they packed up to head out. Kai, being the strongest among them, carried the heavy bag filled with supplies. It was, after all, his greed that led him to gather so much, and it would be improper to ask either of the girls to carry it. He briefly considered that Ariella, despite her small frame, might have some hidden strength, but he wasn¡¯t shameless enough to test that theory. As for Cia, she seemed drained, likely from staying awake all night for the watch while he slept through it.

    ¡®I need to be more responsible,¡¯ he thought, feeling a pang of guilt. He was already shameless enough, but failing to wake up and relieve Cia from her watch made it worse.

    With their bellies full and energy replenished, they set off southward, navigating through the dense forest. The silence between them was heavy, almost palpable. Ariella, despite her clear intelligence, still hadn¡¯t spoken a word. She communicated in smiles, gestures, and her sparkling eyes, but no matter how high her understanding seemed, her voice remained absent.

    Kai wasn¡¯t one to force conversation. He carried a dark aura of grim determination that made casual chatter feel out of place. The weight of everything that had happened pressed down on him like an unseen force, making words seem unnecessary.

    Cia, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t the person Kai remembered from their academic days. She was still the same delicate beauty, her appearance ethereal like a porcelain doll. But the difference was striking. Back at school, she was an inspiration¡ªalways calm, composed, and dignified, despite her blindness. She had a serious yet approachable demeanor, and her achievements made her shine brighter than most. She had been a beacon of hope and encouragement to others.

    Now, she was a shadow of that person.

    As they walked, Kai occasionally glanced at her. There was no more confidence in her posture, no sense of purpose in her steps. She seemed dull, almost lifeless, like someone who had lost everything and was merely moving forward out of obligation rather than will. Her body walked, but her spirit lagged behind.

    Kai couldn¡¯t blame her. If he were in her shoes¡ªblind and thrust into a hostile, unfamiliar world¡ªhe¡¯d probably be just as lost. The thought of living without sight in a place like this terrified him, and he realized, despite his earlier hesitations, how strong she must be to have even made it this far.

    Guilt gnawed at him for hesitating on taking her, thinking she would be a burden.

    Cia had already proven herself useful, from her night watch to her brilliant thinking that guided them now. She even unknowingly teaches him a valuable lessons, particularly about the mistakes he had made. Thinking about it, he couldn¡¯t stay silent any longer.

    "I''m sorry," Kai blurted out, the words tumbling from his mouth unexpectedly.

    Cia turned her head slightly, her sightless eyes focused in his direction, as though she could still see him.

    "For what?" she asked, her voice bleak but curious.

    "For... for yesterday''s. For hesitating." He kept his eyes forward, not trusting himself to meet her gaze.

    A small, somber smile curved her lips. "I don¡¯t blame you... nor can anyone judge you for it. You''re human, not a saint."

    Her words, though comforting, were tinged with sadness. The conversation ended there, neither of them knowing how to continue. Kai, for all his strength and cunning, lacked the skills to handle heartfelt talks. He had always been more comfortable in action than in words. And Cia, while polite and understanding, was too weary to talk.

    The forest around them remained quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and distant calls of animals. The light Kai had spotted the previous night still seemed impossibly far away. They trudged on for hours, but by the time dusk began to settle, they hadn¡¯t reached their destination. Fatigue began to creep in, their steps slowing as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.

    ¡°We won¡¯t make it today,¡± Kai said aloud, more to himself than to the others. ¡°We¡¯ll camp here for the night.¡±

    They found a small clearing where they could rest. Kai laid out the blanket again, grateful for the little comfort it provided. The night descended swiftly, and soon the stars twinkled overhead, faint and distant.

    As they settled down, the exhaustion from their journey pulled at their eyelids. Despite the challenges ahead, the momentary peace allowed them to relax, even if just for a while. Kai closed his eyes and slipped into sleep.

    But that night, someone gently shook him awake.

    ¡°Kai...¡± a soft voice whispered in the dark.

 Chapter 20: Conversation in the dark

    ¡°Mornin¡¯...¡± Kai greeted the group lazily, rubbing the remnants of sleep from his eyes.

    Ariella, still drowsy, responded by wrapping her arms around him in a warm, sluggish hug. She leaned into him, as if silently asking to be carried. It was obvious she wasn¡¯t eager to walk, especially knowing that today would likely be another long trek. Or didn''t want to part from the comfort of sleep for now.

    He patted her head and glanced at Cia.

    Cia, on the other hand, didn¡¯t respond to his voice. She remained quiet, distant, not even sparing a glance at him.

    ¡®Still making me dislike you¡­ At least do better,¡¯ Kai thought, frustrated by her stubbornness. He didn''t get it. Why would prepared to die even though she was still very much alive. Acting cold and unlikable so he won''t feel guilty when the time comes.

    He didn''t want that to happen.

    The morning passed like the previous one. They ate a modest breakfast¡ªKai¡¯s mischievous cooking, of course¡ªbut this time, silence ruled the meal. Ariella''s eliminating presence seemed muted, oblivious to the mortals emotional struggle. Cia had no intention of speaking to Kai. Her distance created a somber atmosphere that hung over them like a heavy cloud.

    Cia pretended nothing had happened the previous night. She acted as if she was just like yesterday¡ª wearing a distant look, like a bleak porcelain doll. Occasionally, she spoke softly to Ariella who guided her by the hand, helping her navigate through their journey with delight in aiding her blind friend.

    But Kai could see it, could feel the weight pressing down on Cia. Aware of the deep wounds in her heart that she did everything in her power to hide it from showing on her face. On the surface, she acted like nothing was wrong, but Kai knew better. He wasn¡¯t as good at managing his emotions, though. His heart is mixed, making thinking rationally a bit difficult. He didn''t even know if he could control what would come out of his mouth once it ran. So he remains quiet with a grim mood. His mind racing, trying to figure out what he could possibly do to help her.

    Comforting people wasn¡¯t his strong suit. In fact, he outright admitted to himself that he was terrible at it, much more than socializing.

    So he did the one thing he knew how to do: he thought. He drowned in his thoughts, searching for a way to give her hope, a reason to keep going. His mind circled back to one possibility - The so-called abilities Gabriel mentioned, which all Players/Transmigrator possess.

    Though he hadn¡¯t fully understood it himself, because he hadn¡¯t figured out exactly what his own ability was nor knew how to discover it. However, his certain it''s something unique and magical, varying in power. And maybe, just maybe, it could even let her see the world.

    That, at least, was something he could hope for.

    Their journey southward continued, peaceful for the most part. Kai¡¯s thoughts swirled constantly, trying to unravel the mystery of their abilities, not just for Cia¡¯s sake, but for his own as well. He hadn¡¯t even begun to unlock the full potential of his own powers, and without more information, he had no way of figuring out how to trigger them. Not even Gabriel knew his, so Kai can only wait for it to surface.

    Hours passed, but his thinking led him nowhere, leaving him with nothing but a dull ache in his head.

    Kaiser sighed, taking a deep breath of the forest¡¯s fresh, earthy air, allowing his gaze to wander around. The forest was a mix of the familiar and the strange plants. Many were similar to Earth¡¯s greenery, but a few were unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen before - Trees with blue leaves, black-barked trunks, and odd, brightly colored fruits that looked far too dangerous to eat and so on.

    However, plants didn¡¯t hold his interest for long, deeming them insignificant. His more interested in the creatures that roamed this world. Not the small, harmless ones. But the creatures that can be described as monsters.

    His mind drifted back to the large, crawling snake they had encountered before¡ªthe one he and Ariella had narrowly escaped thanks to the bandits that kidnapped them.

    In any case, were there even more dangerous creatures lurking in the world? Ferocious beats, repulsive creatures or even titanic abominations as big as mountains.

    Kai¡¯s curiosity piqued, though he knew better than to seek out such horrors deliberately. The snake they¡¯d run from had been terrifying, but what if there were even worse abominations waiting for them?

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    He didn¡¯t have long to ponder the thought.

    ¡®Sh*t.¡¯

    His eyes snapped forward, locking onto a certain tree ahead of them. As a traveler, his cautious enough to pay attention to their path constantly. Kaiser tensed up, for he had not been wrong. Glaring at the distant tree, he noticed something wrong with its green crown. His eyes squinted, recognizing the odd shape among the green leaves¡ªsomething that didn¡¯t belong.

    His heart skipped a beat.

    Of course, he recognized that sign, they encountered it before. It might not look like it from afar, but that''s a large green snake, coiled up and hidden in the branches, waiting for prey to enter its range.

    It was the same kind of creature he and Ariella had encountered before.

    He came to an abrupt stop, blocking Ariella with his back.

    Cia, sensing their sudden halt, asked softly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Kai hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the snake.

    ¡°Nothing... it''s just a snake.¡± He said, trying to sound calm as he could.

    ''Calm down, everything is under control.'' Indeed, the situation is salvageable by circling around this spot, evading the treat in the process.

    However, things took a different turn.

    The three gently shook as the snake''s leaf-covered hide rustled, its presence now fully apparent. Then, an eye popped up. Kaiser eyes met the creature¡¯s chilling gaze of its single, vertical eye.

    Kai grit his teeth.

    ¡°Kai¡­¡± Sensing the tension, Cia''s fragile voice spoke behind. Sounding soft and calm, short but hold emince meaning.

    She knew they were in danger and a choice had to be made.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Kai muttered under his breath, trying to maintain control. ¡°It¡¯s just an adorable little snake. Nothing special.¡±

    Without turning back to look at her, Kai added, ¡°Ariella, go with Miss Cia for a while, alright? I¡¯ll come get you in a bit.¡±

    Ariella hesitated, her face lacking its usual bright smile, but she nodded and stepped back with Cia. Naively trusting her guardian words completely without doubt.

    But Cia refuses to move.

    ¡°Kai!¡± Cia¡¯s voice was sharper this time, edged with serious command.

    They talked about this last night, to protect Ariella at all costs. Even if it meant abandoning her...

    He has her consent, and Kai already thought of ways to use her. Outrunning that crawling abomination with their human legs is futile, but Cia can delay it...

    It''s funny how he keeps thinking about doing many bad things. But can he really do it? Abandon Cia here?

    ''Yeah right, of course I can.'' he thought, tinged with uncertainty.

    ''But I won''t.'' That was certain though.

    Refusing to look back, Kai let out his built up frustration.

    ¡°Shut it, Cia!¡± he snapped. ¡°You¡¯re gonna die eventually, we all are! But it won¡¯t be today. I made a promise." His voice grew calmer. "And trust me, I¡¯m no hero. I¡¯m not risking my life for anyone else. I¡¯ll run if things go bad, but I¡¯m not letting you die here. Not like this... Honestly, I never fight a battle I''m not confident in winning.¡±

    Cia hesitated, clearly torn, but eventually, she let her be led away by Ariella.

    Left alone, Kai watched as the snake approached. By now, it had already descended down the tree, slithering towards him unhurriedly, wary against its unmoving prey. It slowed down, stopped before him and lifted its head, towering over him with its long neck arched like a cobra. Its single, vertical eye locked onto him, unblinking and filled with primal hunger. The bottom of its scaled body revealed multiple centipede-like limbs along its underside, giving it a grotesque, monstrous appearance.

    His only saving grace is that, it''s not as big as the one before. It''s slightly thinner and shorter. Still, it could swallow him whole.

    He couldn¡¯t die. What did he have to be afraid of? Yet his hand trembled, remembering why he ran away from it last time. Immortality is both a gift and a curse, it will always save him from death, but not the suffering. There exists a situation where it''s better to die, like being inside a snake stomach. To be surrounded by dissolving acids without dying... The thought of it made him pale.

    Even immortals have fear.

    Yet here he is, standing before that dreadful creature promising that torturous fate.

    Back then, Kai fled from it. But not anymore, not after he made that promise with Cia.

    He unsheathed his sword...

    But most importantly, In the past few days, he has changed. He wasn¡¯t the same Kai who had been terrified and powerless, only having immortality to keep him alive. Akin to a dull sword that would always restore itself... The thing is, his human. The more you break him, the more his desire to retaliate grew. Humans don''t like being hit without returning a punch. And so, each death made him sharper.

    Without warning, the snake lunged at him with lightning speed, its massive jaws snapping shut just inches from his face. Kai barely dodged, slashing his sword at the creature¡¯s side. The blade bit into its scales, but the cut was shallow¡ªits tough hide was like armor, and his sword wasn¡¯t sharp enough to do serious damage.

    It hissed, whipping its tail around and striking Kai in the side. He grunted in pain, stumbling backward. The force of the blow nearly knocked the wind out of him, but he managed to stay on his feet. However, without even time to recover, it lunged again, its jaws wide open, aiming to swallow him whole. Kai narrowly evades, rolling to the side and slashing at its neck.

    Another shallow cut. It wasn¡¯t enough. His mundane sword are just not sharp enough.

    Before he could react, the snake¡¯s tail whipped around again, striking him hard in the chest. Kai flew back, crashing into the ground with a grunt. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, and for a moment, everything went black.

    When his vision cleared, he found the snake looming over him, its body coiling around him like a python. It squeezed, and Kai could feel his ribs creaking under the pressure. He gasped for air, struggling to free himself, but the snake¡¯s grip tightened. Its several centipede-like legs burying into his flesh.

    The fate he feared was coming, he gazed at it grimly with gritted teeth in pain.

    ...He lost.

    Of course, this is expected. His just an average boy thrust into a world of cruelty devoid of skill or talent. Forced to learn combat by the bandits, even then he died multiple times. In the end, he learned to fare against humans, albeit in a crude way. However, humans and monsters are vastly different. The crawling snake was wild and unpredictable, moving its long, monstrous body around as its weapons and armor. Its fighting style was too inhumane, he didn''t even know where its weak points are. Unlike the humans he fought, Kai was too weak against it.

    His vision began to blur as the world darkened around him.

    Then¡­ nothing.

    The snake swallowed the lifeless body whole, lingering for a bit before slithering towards where Ariella and Cia went, hungry for more.

    But inside the snake¡¯s stomach, something stirred. It halted, feeling something amiss... Then, its single eye narrowed to the point of the needle.

    A horrid shrieks sounded in the forest, as the crawler writhed in agony, its body thrashing wildly as it tried to expel the intruder devastating it''s innards. Tearing everything inside, flesh and organs, everything that keep it alive!

    Eventually, it died.

    Moments later, Kai emerged from its corpse, covered in blood and viscera. He looked down at the lifeless snake, smirking.

    "Who''s laughing now... bastard."

    He sheathed his knife, wiping the blood from his face as he looked up. Covered in blood as he savored the sweet taste of victory, his heart beating fast.

    ''No wonder animals can never win against humans.'' Eventually, Kai sighed.

    The day after that, they finally reached the source of light he saw that night.

 Chapter 21: Sharpness

    ¡°Mornin¡¯...¡± Kai greeted the group lazily, rubbing the remnants of sleep from his eyes.

    Ariella, still drowsy, responded by wrapping her arms around him in a warm, sluggish hug. She leaned into him, as if silently asking to be carried. It was obvious she wasn¡¯t eager to walk, especially knowing that today would likely be another long trek. Or didn''t want to part from the comfort of sleep for now.

    He patted her head and glanced at Cia.

    Cia, on the other hand, didn¡¯t respond to his voice. She remained quiet, distant, not even sparing a glance at him.

    ¡®Still making me dislike you¡­ At least do better,¡¯ Kai thought, frustrated by her stubbornness. He didn''t get it. Why would prepared to die even though she was still very much alive. Acting cold and unlikable so he won''t feel guilty when the time comes.

    He didn''t want that to happen.

    The morning passed like the previous one. They ate a modest breakfast¡ªKai¡¯s mischievous cooking, of course¡ªbut this time, silence ruled the meal. Ariella''s eliminating presence seemed muted, oblivious to the mortals emotional struggle. Cia had no intention of speaking to Kai. Her distance created a somber atmosphere that hung over them like a heavy cloud.

    Cia pretended nothing had happened the previous night. She acted as if she was just like yesterday¡ª wearing a distant look, like a bleak porcelain doll. Occasionally, she spoke softly to Ariella who guided her by the hand, helping her navigate through their journey with delight in aiding her blind friend.

    But Kai could see it, could feel the weight pressing down on Cia. Aware of the deep wounds in her heart that she did everything in her power to hide it from showing on her face. On the surface, she acted like nothing was wrong, but Kai knew better. He wasn¡¯t as good at managing his emotions, though. His heart is mixed, making thinking rationally a bit difficult. He didn''t even know if he could control what would come out of his mouth once it ran. So he remains quiet with a grim mood. His mind racing, trying to figure out what he could possibly do to help her.

    Comforting people wasn¡¯t his strong suit. In fact, he outright admitted to himself that he was terrible at it, much more than socializing.

    So he did the one thing he knew how to do: he thought. He drowned in his thoughts, searching for a way to give her hope, a reason to keep going. His mind circled back to one possibility - The so-called abilities Gabriel mentioned, which all Players/Transmigrator possess.

    Though he hadn¡¯t fully understood it himself, because he hadn¡¯t figured out exactly what his own ability was nor knew how to discover it. However, his certain it''s something unique and magical, varying in power. And maybe, just maybe, it could even let her see the world.

    That, at least, was something he could hope for.

    Their journey southward continued, peaceful for the most part. Kai¡¯s thoughts swirled constantly, trying to unravel the mystery of their abilities, not just for Cia¡¯s sake, but for his own as well. He hadn¡¯t even begun to unlock the full potential of his own powers, and without more information, he had no way of figuring out how to trigger them. Not even Gabriel knew his, so Kai can only wait for it to surface.

    Hours passed, but his thinking led him nowhere, leaving him with nothing but a dull ache in his head.

    Kaiser sighed, taking a deep breath of the forest¡¯s fresh, earthy air, allowing his gaze to wander around. The forest was a mix of the familiar and the strange plants. Many were similar to Earth¡¯s greenery, but a few were unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen before - Trees with blue leaves, black-barked trunks, and odd, brightly colored fruits that looked far too dangerous to eat and so on.

    However, plants didn¡¯t hold his interest for long, deeming them insignificant. His more interested in the creatures that roamed this world. Not the small, harmless ones. But the creatures that can be described as monsters.

    His mind drifted back to the large, crawling snake they had encountered before¡ªthe one he and Ariella had narrowly escaped thanks to the bandits that kidnapped them.

    In any case, were there even more dangerous creatures lurking in the world? Ferocious beats, repulsive creatures or even titanic abominations as big as mountains.

    Kai¡¯s curiosity piqued, though he knew better than to seek out such horrors deliberately. The snake they¡¯d run from had been terrifying, but what if there were even worse abominations waiting for them?

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    He didn¡¯t have long to ponder the thought.

    ¡®Sh*t.¡¯

    His eyes snapped forward, locking onto a certain tree ahead of them. As a traveler, his cautious enough to pay attention to their path constantly. Kaiser tensed up, for he had not been wrong. Glaring at the distant tree, he noticed something wrong with its green crown. His eyes squinted, recognizing the odd shape among the green leaves¡ªsomething that didn¡¯t belong.

    His heart skipped a beat.

    Of course, he recognized that sign, they encountered it before. It might not look like it from afar, but that''s a large green snake, coiled up and hidden in the branches, waiting for prey to enter its range.

    It was the same kind of creature he and Ariella had encountered before.

    He came to an abrupt stop, blocking Ariella with his back.

    Cia, sensing their sudden halt, asked softly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Kai hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the snake.

    ¡°Nothing... it''s just a snake.¡± He said, trying to sound calm as he could.

    ''Calm down, everything is under control.'' Indeed, the situation is salvageable by circling around this spot, evading the treat in the process.

    However, things took a different turn.

    The three gently shook as the snake''s leaf-covered hide rustled, its presence now fully apparent. Then, an eye popped up. Kaiser eyes met the creature¡¯s chilling gaze of its single, vertical eye.

    Kai grit his teeth.

    ¡°Kai¡­¡± Sensing the tension, Cia''s fragile voice spoke behind. Sounding soft and calm, short but hold emince meaning.

    She knew they were in danger and a choice had to be made.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Kai muttered under his breath, trying to maintain control. ¡°It¡¯s just an adorable little snake. Nothing special.¡±

    Without turning back to look at her, Kai added, ¡°Ariella, go with Miss Cia for a while, alright? I¡¯ll come get you in a bit.¡±

    Ariella hesitated, her face lacking its usual bright smile, but she nodded and stepped back with Cia. Naively trusting her guardian words completely without doubt.

    But Cia refuses to move.

    ¡°Kai!¡± Cia¡¯s voice was sharper this time, edged with serious command.

    They talked about this last night, to protect Ariella at all costs. Even if it meant abandoning her...

    He has her consent, and Kai already thought of ways to use her. Outrunning that crawling abomination with their human legs is futile, but Cia can delay it...

    It''s funny how he keeps thinking about doing many bad things. But can he really do it? Abandon Cia here?

    ''Yeah right, of course I can.'' he thought, tinged with uncertainty.

    ''But I won''t.'' That was certain though.

    Refusing to look back, Kai let out his built up frustration.

    ¡°Shut it, Cia!¡± he snapped. ¡°You¡¯re gonna die eventually, we all are! But it won¡¯t be today. I made a promise." His voice grew calmer. "And trust me, I¡¯m no hero. I¡¯m not risking my life for anyone else. I¡¯ll run if things go bad, but I¡¯m not letting you die here. Not like this... Honestly, I never fight a battle I''m not confident in winning.¡±

    Cia hesitated, clearly torn, but eventually, she let her be led away by Ariella.

    Left alone, Kai watched as the snake approached. By now, it had already descended down the tree, slithering towards him unhurriedly, wary against its unmoving prey. It slowed down, stopped before him and lifted its head, towering over him with its long neck arched like a cobra. Its single, vertical eye locked onto him, unblinking and filled with primal hunger. The bottom of its scaled body revealed multiple centipede-like limbs along its underside, giving it a grotesque, monstrous appearance.

    His only saving grace is that, it''s not as big as the one before. It''s slightly thinner and shorter. Still, it could swallow him whole.

    He couldn¡¯t die. What did he have to be afraid of? Yet his hand trembled, remembering why he ran away from it last time. Immortality is both a gift and a curse, it will always save him from death, but not the suffering. There exists a situation where it''s better to die, like being inside a snake stomach. To be surrounded by dissolving acids without dying... The thought of it made him pale.

    Even immortals have fear.

    Yet here he is, standing before that dreadful creature promising that torturous fate.

    Back then, Kai fled from it. But not anymore, not after he made that promise with Cia.

    He unsheathed his sword...

    But most importantly, In the past few days, he has changed. He wasn¡¯t the same Kai who had been terrified and powerless, only having immortality to keep him alive. Akin to a dull sword that would always restore itself... The thing is, his human. The more you break him, the more his desire to retaliate grew. Humans don''t like being hit without returning a punch. And so, each death made him sharper.

    Without warning, the snake lunged at him with lightning speed, its massive jaws snapping shut just inches from his face. Kai barely dodged, slashing his sword at the creature¡¯s side. The blade bit into its scales, but the cut was shallow¡ªits tough hide was like armor, and his sword wasn¡¯t sharp enough to do serious damage.

    It hissed, whipping its tail around and striking Kai in the side. He grunted in pain, stumbling backward. The force of the blow nearly knocked the wind out of him, but he managed to stay on his feet. However, without even time to recover, it lunged again, its jaws wide open, aiming to swallow him whole. Kai narrowly evades, rolling to the side and slashing at its neck.

    Another shallow cut. It wasn¡¯t enough. His mundane sword are just not sharp enough.

    Before he could react, the snake¡¯s tail whipped around again, striking him hard in the chest. Kai flew back, crashing into the ground with a grunt. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, and for a moment, everything went black.

    When his vision cleared, he found the snake looming over him, its body coiling around him like a python. It squeezed, and Kai could feel his ribs creaking under the pressure. He gasped for air, struggling to free himself, but the snake¡¯s grip tightened. Its several centipede-like legs burying into his flesh.

    The fate he feared was coming, he gazed at it grimly with gritted teeth in pain.

    ...He lost.

    Of course, this is expected. His just an average boy thrust into a world of cruelty devoid of skill or talent. Forced to learn combat by the bandits, even then he died multiple times. In the end, he learned to fare against humans, albeit in a crude way. However, humans and monsters are vastly different. The crawling snake was wild and unpredictable, moving its long, monstrous body around as its weapons and armor. Its fighting style was too inhumane, he didn''t even know where its weak points are. Unlike the humans he fought, Kai was too weak against it.

    His vision began to blur as the world darkened around him.

    Then¡­ nothing.

    The snake swallowed the lifeless body whole, lingering for a bit before slithering towards where Ariella and Cia went, hungry for more.

    But inside the snake¡¯s stomach, something stirred. It halted, feeling something amiss... Then, its single eye narrowed to the point of the needle.

    A horrid shrieks sounded in the forest, as the crawler writhed in agony, its body thrashing wildly as it tried to expel the intruder devastating it''s innards. Tearing everything inside, flesh and organs, everything that keep it alive!

    Eventually, it died.

    Moments later, Kai emerged from its corpse, covered in blood and viscera. He looked down at the lifeless snake, smirking.

    "Who''s laughing now... bastard."

    He sheathed his knife, wiping the blood from his face as he looked up. Covered in blood as he savored the sweet taste of victory, his heart beating fast.

    ''No wonder animals can never win against humans.'' Eventually, Kai sighed.

    The day after that, they finally reached the source of light he saw that night.

 Chapter 22: Last Day of being Lost

    Kaiser had been thinking lately about a particular subject - Violence. Something he didn''t take seriously on Earth, often avoiding it to stay away from trouble. However, it cannot be ignored in this feral world. To survive, Kai was forced to dive in its grueling expanse. Teaching him to kill, or be killed. He learned fast, the cruel lessons of death made him. Eventually giving him courage to take a life, although uncomfortable, there''s no other choice - this is the law of the jungle.

    Here. To live is to devour others, but how will he do that while protecting Ariella, a promising bright goddess purity? Its simple, really. Wherever there is light, there will always be shadow. Hence, Kaiser had to be that shadow, his fit to be one anyway. A shadow that will consume the vileness that tries to stain her light. However, what if something greater than he could stop appears? Someone or something stronger than the Bandits boss? Will he only be helpless and let it happen? No, he can''t. Failing the Gods may bring unimaginable consequences, Kaiser can''t fail. So, he needs to be stronger. Not just for Ariella, but for himself too. After all, greatness is the only way to live a better life.

    He already had the heart to kill, but what''s next? After some pondering, he realized... It''s the mind. Heath may give him courage, but courage alone can''t take him far. That''s when the mind came in, by applying it''s calculative augmentation, he will be able to slay his opponent''s more efficiently. Similar to targeting their weak spots for a quick end.

    However, to be stronger, Kaiser had to enhance that ideology, make it vaster, more flexible to adapt into any situation.

    When Kaiser faced the crawling python, his heart fought his fear - steadying his hands and letting him move without restraint. But against an overwhelming foe holding tremendous advantages. Courage isn''t enough, his skills aren''t enough. Fortunately, his complex mind is sufficient enough to fill the gap.

    His heart fought the fear, his mind raced to identify its weakness and formulate a tactical maneuver to prevail against odds. He had learned to synchronize these two for a single goal - victory.

    And that''s how he broadened his comprehension of combat, albeit, a rough self understanding.

    ''That''s what you get when you keep overthinking. But I gotta say, I did make some improvement.'' His previous self would run, blinded by fear instead of figuring the strong opponent''s weakness. The war with the bandits really did change him. His calmer in tense circumstances, sharper in combat and colder.

    After the battle with the crawling snake, their group of three resumed their journey south without much delay. The encounter was behind them. Kai wasn¡¯t exhausted¡ªthe fight had been dangerous but swift, and his immortality quickly repaired whatever injuries he sustained. His body restored itself as if nothing had happened, leaving him ready to continue after a change of clothes. Though, the air around them remained tense.

    Cia, walking behind, had a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She was still upset over Kai¡¯s reckless stunt that might cause him his life and Ariella''s safety which could be avoided by using her to stall time. But at the same time, a wave of relief washed over her knowing his unharmed. She couldn¡¯t deny the warmth creeping into her heart¡ªhe was still there with them, and the group remained whole. She''s glad to be alive too, yet prepared to die.

    It was subtle, but Kai noticed her mood lifted a little. Her smile became slightly genuine, Albeit, subtle.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    They pressed on for the entire day, moving through the dense forest. As the sun began to set, the group made camp for the night.

    After eating, Kai climbed a nearby tree, his eyes scanning the southern horizon to check their progress. The strange light they had been following for days was now brighter, closer. But still, the thick canopy of trees blocked his view, preventing him from identifying the source along the obscuring of darkness.

    Looking at the Southern night sky, the previous sense of amiss returned. Gnawing at him was the growing sense of unease. The feeling had been there for a while, subtle at first, but now it was more evident. Something was wrong with the land and sky in the distance. He couldn¡¯t describe it¡ªeverything seemed real, but at the same time, it didn¡¯t. His gut twisted with suspicion, his instincts warning him that reality itself might be warped in that direction.

    The next day, as they drew closer, that uneasy feeling only intensified as he kept gazing at the Southern sky - This time, day. Light blue sky with floating clouds, seemingly normal yet feels fabricated. He could even swear he saw it rippled and subtly bend, as if reality being disturbed.

    ''What the heck is happening there?'' His thought was grim.

    By mid-afternoon, it was strong enough that Kai decided to share his concerns with Cia.

    He hesitated for a moment, unsure how to explain it. Finally, he turned to her.

    ¡°I know this is going to sound crazy, but there¡¯s something wrong with the horizon we are going. I don''t know what exactly it is, I mean, the sun rises there, the stars appear at night and all kinda real, wordly things... everything looks normal... but it doesn¡¯t feel right. It¡¯s like reality itself isn¡¯t as it should be. I even saw it distorted, or was it my imagination. I don¡¯t know how else to explain it. You get what I mean.¡±

    Kai was afraid she would still ignore him, drawing a line between them to ease their parting. Fortunately, Cia isn''t that childish. She listened quietly, her expression thoughtful. After a moment, she asked, ¡°Is it just a gut feeling?¡±

    Kai nodded. ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Okay, so what do you want to do? Should we turn back and search for another path? Maybe try to find a safer clue to human settlements?¡±

    He considered her words. His instinct screamed at him that something was wrong, but they had come too far to turn back now. Kai is reluctant to lead them wandering in these dangerous woods, guessing which way to go in their lost search for settlement when a nearby potential civilization was just ahead.

    He shook his head.

    ¡°No. I think we should keep going,¡± he replied, his tone firm. ¡°It¡¯s just... I felt like I needed to tell you this to confirm if my judgement is right. That¡¯s all.¡±

    Cia nodded. ¡°Then it¡¯s decided. We¡¯ll keep moving forward. Risks are everywhere, after all. If we stop now, we won¡¯t make any progress. Besides, once we¡¯re closer, we might see the truth of what¡¯s ahead. Then we can decide whether to turn back or maybe, we''ll find a village.¡±

    Kai¡¯s shoulders eased slightly at her reassurance. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    After a long pause, Cia added, ¡°Kai... I may be late, but I wanted to thank you for yesterday.

    I really appreciate what you did back then... You were brave, but please, learn your limits. Luck won¡¯t always be on your side. One day, your stubbornness might be the end of you. Remember that Ariella also has a disability, she needs you more. It¡¯s okay to be cautious¡ªto be a little cowardly sometimes.¡±

    Kai looked at her with a strange expression, then at Ariella who had an unnaturally expressionless face. Having also heard what Cia said.

    Sensing his mocking gaze, the goddess gave him a questioning look, adorably. Asking "what?" With her cute glare.

    "Pfft!" Kai covered his mouth as he struggled to hold his laughter.

    "Umm, did I say something funny?" Questioned Cia, confused.

    Kai coughed. "No, none at all."

    When Cia settled down, suspicious of him. Kai leaned closer on Ariella''s ear and whispered. Trying hard to not laugh.

    "Hey Ariel, is it true that you''re deaf?" Kaiser can''t help but snicker for a moment before adding. "Don''t tell me you''re the god of un-hearing all along." With that, Kai can no longer restrain his laughter, tapping on her shoulders in happiness.

    His been wondering what kind of goddess Ariella is, guessing if she might be the goddess of beauty? Snow or Ice? But to think she''ll be mistaken as deaf caught him off guard, is there even a deaf god?

    ''Ah, my poor goddess.''

    Ariella isn''t though, her body are made perfect devoid of flaw. Appearing as a young woman in her prime. It''s just that, she only makes sounds but never speaks a word, making Cia misunderstand her condition.

    That said, is it alright to disrespect a god? The last time he did it, Kai was given a gift of immortality, which is also a curse.

    ''Nah, it''s alright if it''s her... Right?''

    When he calmed down, he met her gaze.

    Ariella''s silver eyes were mesmerizing like always, however, the usual delight it possessed was gone. Replaced by chilling coldness devoid of any indiscernible emotions.

    He cursed, then a sharp noise resounded.

    "Seriously, What''s going on with you two?" Ask Cia.

    "Nothing." Responded Kai in a tone belonging to someone who saw the rage of gods.

    Their advance continues on, finally bringing them to the source of light by evening.

 Chapter 23: Lighthouse

    In the evening, when the sun is starting to disappear. They finally reached their destination.

    Kai and his companions found themselves craning their necks, gazing upward in awe at the imposing structure before them. Kai and Ariella both stood in silent wonder, their eyes locked on the ancient tower that loomed ahead, standing on a clearing. The towering silhouette seemed to pierce the sky, its presence almost unnatural amidst the thick forest. Cia, of course, could not see, but she remained attuned to every sound and sensation around her.

    "It''s an ancient tower..." Kai muttered under his breath, his voice laced with curiosity and confusion. "No, wait. It¡¯s more like a lighthouse. I mean, there''s a bright light shining from the top."

    He spoke loudly enough for Cia to hear, wanting her to grasp the situation despite her blindness. She tilted her head slightly, frowning as she processed the information.

    "A lighthouse? Is there a sea ahead?" Cia asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

    Kai recalled the memory of what he saw atop a tree. And only seeing dense, seemingly endless forests that surrounded them.

    "Nope, no sea... just the strange space I have been noticing lately. Trust me, it''s the most bizarre thing there is."

    That was the part that baffled him the most. There was no ocean or large body of water nearby¡ªjust an unbroken stretch of trees. But as they ventured closer to the light, the odd distortion in the air in distance became clearer. The space ahead, about a hundred meters away, shimmered and rippled as if the fabric of reality was bending in on itself. The sight made his stomach churn, a deep sense of unease settling over him. It''s the most unbelievable sight he ever saw - a broken reality.

    Yet, the rippling distortion didn¡¯t seem to pose an immediate threat. They had kept a safe distance, and so far, it hadn¡¯t drawn them in or attacked. As long as they stayed cautious, Kai reasoned, they¡¯d be fine. Fortunately, the source of the light which is the tower wasn¡¯t too close to the anomaly, so they could investigate without getting too close to the dangerous area.

    "But why would there be a lighthouse inland?" Kai wondered aloud, his brow furrowed. The idea seemed entirely out of place. Lighthouses were meant to guide ships lost at sea, shining their beams across the ocean to bring sailors safely to shore. But here, in the middle of a forest, its purpose felt wrong. Was it meant for people lost in these woods? The logic behind its existence eluded him. On Earth, there were no inland lighthouses for a reason.

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    Cia¡¯s brow knitted in concern as well. "I think so too. There shouldn¡¯t be a need for such a thing here."

    Feeling his head ache, Kai shook his head and sighed.

    "Well, there''s only one way to find out."

    They cautiously approached the stone tower, its age showing in the cracks and moss that covered its surface. The closer they got, the more it seemed to pulse with a strange, ancient energy, as though it had stood watch over this forest for eons.

    Just as they neared the base of the tower, an unexpected voice rang out, stopping them in their tracks. It was the hoarse, gruff voice of an old man, and there was a sharp edge to it that made the hairs on the back of Kai¡¯s neck stand up.

    "Stop right there, youngsters! If you come any closer, I¡¯ll kill you where you stand! Ya hear me?!"

    Kai''s eyes darted around, searching for the source of the voice. Apparently, it came from inside the tower.

    He raised his voice, trying to sound calm and non-threatening. "We¡¯re sorry for trespassing on your property sir. We don¡¯t want any trouble. It¡¯s just... me and my friends have been lost in the forest for days now. We were hoping you could help us find a nearby settlement."

    A tense silence followed, broken only by the steady hum of the bright light radiating from the top of the tower. The light flickered against the backdrop of the darkening sky, casting long, eerie shadows over the trio as they stood at the entrance, waiting anxiously.

    Then, Kai¡¯s beastial senses caught something¡ªthe sound of descending footsteps, each creak of the stairs inside the tower growing louder. Whoever it was, they were coming down to meet them. His muscles tensed as his eyes focused on the door.

    Soon, the door creaked open, and an old man emerged, his rough voice following suit. "Youngsters these days, so damn daring. Didn¡¯t your parents teach you brats to stay the hell away from the Boundary?!"

    The man stepped out, holding a lantern that cast a warm, flickering glow over the three travelers. The light illuminated his features too¡ªa grumpy old man, weathered by time, with wild, unkempt white hair. His skin sagged with age, and his frail body, slightly hunched, moved with the stiffness of someone well beyond his prime. Despite the frailty of his form, there was a sharpness in his eyes that made it clear he had seen much in his lifetime.

    He studied them carefully, his gaze sweeping over each of them, lingering on Cia¡¯s school uniform. His bushy eyebrow raised, his voice softening with curiosity.

    "Hmm... You brats aren''t from the village. Am I right?"

    Kai nodded cautiously. "Yes, sir. We¡¯d really appreciate it if you could give us directions."

    The old man¡¯s eyes glinted with something more than mere suspicion. "Tell me honestly, did you come from another world?"

    Kai hesitated for a split second, then gave a small, reluctant nod. "That¡¯s... right."

    To his surprise, the old man¡¯s stern expression broke into a booming laugh, rich with amusement. "Ah, life sure is full of surprises! To think I¡¯d live long enough to meet the beginnings of the legendary Players! What a bless this is."

    Kai and the others were confused, unsure of what to make of the man¡¯s sudden change in demeanor. The air of hostility vanished almost instantly, replaced by a strange warmth.

    The old man grinned, waving them inside. "It¡¯s getting dark outside. Come in, come in, lads! Make yourselves at home."

    Kai hesitated, eyeing the man warily. But there was no hostility left in the old man¡¯s voice or posture, and the promise of shelter and warmth was too tempting to refuse after their long journey. With a brief nod, he accepted the offer. "Thank you."

    Cia, who had been quiet until now, spoke softly. "Thank you, kind sir."

    Ariella simply followed, looking inside the tower with curiosity in her eyes.

    The old man chuckled, stepping aside to let them in. "Ah, don¡¯t mention it. It¡¯s an honor, really, to serve the originators of the Shattered Realms."

    Kai froze, so did Cia.

    ''What did he just say?''

    As they stepped inside the tower, the man¡¯s words lingered in the air.

 Chapter 24: Shattered Realms

    "Originators of Shattered Realms... Excuse me, sir. Can you explain that to us?" Kai asked, curiosity etched on his face as the mysterious term lingered in the air.

    The old man blinked a few times, his brow furrowing as if struggling to recall something. Then, with a soft chuckle, he realized his mistake. "Oh, forgive my forgetfulness. Getting old really messes with the mind. It slipped my mind that you youngsters must be new here, probably clueless about where you are."

    Having just arrived here days ago and lost within the forest, they''re eager to acquire knowledge of this place. Kai lost that opportunity back in the bandits lair, for everything was in chaos.

    Kai gave a brief nod, his gaze never leaving him as the old man continued walking deeper into the tower, prompting them to follow.

    "The name''s Garba, by the way. Drop the ''sir'' and all that nonsense. Just call me Garba. No need for honorifics, I don''t care much for them."

    He paused briefly, glancing back at the group. "And what about you lot? You brats got names, or what?"

    Kai gave their names, sharing only the necessary details to consider, nothing more.

    Cia remained composed, listening attentively, while Ariella had her deadpan expression again, tightening her grip on Kai.

    Garba¡¯s shallow eyes lingered on Cia for a moment longer, his lips twitching into a small grin. "A blind and deaf girl, huh? Quite the pair you¡¯ve got here, lad. Make sure you take good care of them." Garba winked at him.

    ''It''s swear, it''s not what you think it is.''

    Kai responded with a polite smile, getting along with it. "I''ll do grams... I''ll surely do."

    The old man laughed hoarsely.

    As they climbed the winding stone stairs, Garba''s mood shifted, his voice turning more serious. "In any case... I¡¯ll be upfront with you. Everything I know was passed down through generations. I can¡¯t say it¡¯s all gospel truth. So take my words with a grain of salt."

    "Anything you can tell us will help." Kai assured him.

    "Good," Garba nodded. "Then let¡¯s start with the land you¡¯re standing on. As you have seen, it''s a vast stretch of forestry filled with all sorts of plants and animals that stretch as far as the eye could see. However, don''t think it''s big, because it''s not! This place is far smaller than it appears."

    Cia furrowed her brow. "What do you mean by that, Mr. Garba?"

    The old man glanced at her, his expression a mix of sympathy and curiosity. "From what I¡¯ve heard, you Players come from something called a ''world.'' Is that right?"

    Kai nodded in affirmation.

    Garba sighed, his aged eyes staring out into the distance, as if trying to make sense of his own words. "Well, you¡¯re no longer in a world where everything is whole and connected. Here, only "Realms" exist... in what¡¯s known as the "Shattered Realms."

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    Kai and Cia frowned hearing that, finding it hard to comprehend or believe on what''s being told. As humans from Earth, a rounded planet in the vast galaxy. Knowing they''re not transported in a similar planet/world, but instead in a collective dimensions made it difficult to swallow.

    "This place we¡¯re in now¡ªthis forest, this stretch of land¡ªit¡¯s called Green Land. And there''s countless out there, each having their own distinct skies and geography, varying landscapes where all kinds of lifes strive to survive on their own ecosystems. Scorching deserts, dark seas, snowy mountains and even a land of skulls and endless nights... There are many, many dimensions out there where treasures from ruins of unknown civilizations can be found and all kinds of horrors dwell. Of course, some are said to have no life at all... Or so, they say. I never left Green Land, only heard stories from my ancestors which are the Players like you."

    "So, the Players... they¡¯re the originators of humanity in this Realm?" Cia asked, her voice soft but curious.

    ''No wonder they spoke the same language in Earth.''

    Garba nodded. "That''s right, at least that''s what the ancient texts stated. I don''t know much about them, except that they''re humans from another world with varying powers that eventually adapted in the Shattered Realms and produce offspring. Population grew, although, only Players are blessed with abilities, their children received a part of their power. However, as time goes by, distant relatives lose their lineage, turning them no different into regular humans. Not like our pebble abilities can contend against the originators. The Players are powerful, that''s for sure but not everyone is equal, ranking also exists in their ranks. If I remember correctly, some great ones are referred to with titles like Heroes, Legends and whatnot."

    Kai¡¯s mind raced as Garba¡¯s words sunk in. "What do those titles represent?"

    Garba scratched his head, his memory clearly hazy on the matter. "Who knows? Many knowledge has been lost in time, the majority is forgotten by old hags like me so don''t expect detailed intels from this rusty mind of mine... However, one tale has never left my mind, it''s the beginning of humanity in Green Land."

    Garba¡¯s face turned somber as he recalled a tale. " Its a legend passed down from the first settlers here. They say Green Land was a wasteland long, long ago, nothing but barren earth and sky. But one day, the Players arrived on a magnificent, collosal ship, a vessels that sailed through Realms, moving from one to another as if crossing seas."

    His eyes twinkled with wonder as he continued. "They came with their lesser kin¡ªoffspring who had already begun to lose their powers. And due to the inferiority complex of these lesser descendants, many chose to leave the grand ship and settle in this wasteland, hoping for a simpler, quieter life. A few of the Players stayed as well, and together they began building what we now call Green Land. That¡¯s how this place came to be."

    Kai and Cia remained silent, letting the weight of the story sink in. The brief history of Players in Shattered Realms was too unbelievable, more than zombies and ghosts. Yet they had no choice but to accept their new reality forcefully, shifting their mind to believe in what was previously fantasy. It was easier for Kaiser considering he came back to life multiple times, but not for Cia.

    He glanced at her, feeling bitter. As if this eerie forestry isn''t enough, they found out the world they''re in was much, much larger. So did its wildness and dangers, making it harder for someone like her to live. Not only that, their friends and relatives that been transported along, all of them are probably isn''t summoned in the same Realm. Making their chances of reuniting slimmer. It downed his mood, the thought of not seeing his delinquent friends again.

    Their steps echoed as they climbed higher, the old man''s lantern light guiding their way up the stairs. Eventually, Kaiser questioned.

    "The Players... Where are they now?"

    Garba turned to them, looking over his shoulders with a smile that held both pride and sadness. "Here, right behind me." He laughed at his own joke before adding casually. "I had no idea either, after they left, the grand vessel never returned to Green Land. Those who stayed had long perished, of course. Leaving only the stories I told you... You know lads, in my younger days, I''ve dreamed of becoming an adventurer like those in the tales my parents told me. To cross Realms and sightsee in various dimensions, battle monstrosities outside this land and even meet the ancient and new Players out there. Ah, what an exciting life that must be. However, I''m obligated to take over the responsibility of my family. That''s how I became a Warden of this tower. I''m growing old... Too old to even dream of becoming an adventurer so I lost hope long ago. But to my surprise! I meet real Players mentioned in those stories. Haha, I never thought this day would come. You can say the adventure came to me instead!"

    Listening to the old lighthouse keeper blabbering, Kai can''t help but smile lightly. Feeling uncomfortable and warm. Uncomfortable to be treated akin to a celebrity, but warming to know he made someone happy.

    Cia chuckled all of a sudden then said in a bright tone. "Then why didn''t you push your dream Mr. Garba, or do adventurers fear parents more than monsters?" She said jokingly. Making Ariella and Kai look her in surprise, because that''s the first time she joked.

    ''Someones mood had improved.'' Kaiser was glad Cia had chosen to become happier despite the challenges. Staying depressed forever won''t do any good, after all.

    "Oh, I''m neither afraid of monsters or my parents! Believe it or not, I''m quite a swordsman in my prime. It was my parents who''s afraid of me!" Garba laughed out hoarsely, boosting with pride.

    Before they knew it, they had ascended to a high floor and was nearing a balcony. The light stretch from its opened door, chasing the shadows away. The old man stopped and gazed outside, his eyes distant as he said in a somber tone.

    "But there''s something more dangerous than monsters... That, I can''t brave... The Boundary."

    Kai traced his gaze, and found himself looking straight at view he dreaded this recent days.

 Chapter 25: Boundary

    The scenery outside the balcony stretched into the vastness of a beautiful night sky. The moon hung high, surrounded by shimmering stars that gradually disappeared into the horizon. But to Kai, this sight no longer held any wonder after seeing it so often on Earth and in this Realm. Yet tonight, his heart was gripped by a deep sense of dread and unease. Southward, reality itself seemed to tremble and distort, a strange phenomenon he had been observing for days. Now, seeing it up close in vivid details made his mind tingle, startled by the sight of distorted reality.

    Like a glitching image or a shaking reflection in the mirror, further Southwards was behaving really oddly.

    ¡°That¡¯s... the Boundary?¡±

    Garba, standing beside him, nodded gravely. ¡°Yes... that¡¯s the barrier. It separates our dimension from the others and holds the Realms apart. Everyone fears crossing it, even me. Because what lies beyond is basically the unknown, and people fear the unknown more than anything. Crossing it is as good as signing your death warrant, lad. You¡¯d have to be insane to go beyond it.¡±

    Kai¡¯s gaze shifted from the strange, rippling distortion far away. ¡°But didn¡¯t the Players cross Realms? Didn¡¯t they bring back knowledge of what¡¯s beyond? Surely, they explored further than this.¡±

    Garba sighed deeply, his aged eyes narrowing. ¡°They did, on the Northern side, where they first emerged. But what you¡¯re looking at now, lad, is the Southern Boundary. The Players moved onwards, braving unknown dimensions to the South... and they never returned. Over the years, some crazy souls tried following in their footsteps, hoping to map what¡¯s beyond. None of them ever came back.¡±

    Kaiser''s expression turned somber as he looked at the Boundary where another dimension lays beyond, so did the possibilities of other students and teachers being there. He had no strong attachments to them except his two friends, but they were his fellow students he often saw and some teachers that taught him daily. However, the revelation that no one returned from the South implies danger, grave enough to not let who entered return back.

    As if sensing his mood, Garba continued, his voice growing even more somber. ¡°The Northern side isn¡¯t much better. It¡¯s known as a danger zone, and they weren¡¯t kidding when they called it that.¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes shifted toward Garba. ¡°What about the East and West? Are any of those Boundaries safe to cross?¡±

    Garba shook his head slowly, the faintest trace of pity in his voice. ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. The Green Land is boxed in by danger zones on all sides. That¡¯s been our curse for ages. But... life here is good enough. Safer than most, at least. However, my dreams of becoming an adventurer will never be fulfilled in this place. What a pity."

    He gave a dry laugh, tinged with regret. ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking. I keep blabbering on about adventure, yet I¡¯m too scared to even approach the Boundary. And you¡¯re right¡ªit terrifies me. But all dangers do. And at my age, I¡¯ve come to accept that death is just around the corner. If I were younger... maybe I¡¯d have crossed one of the Boundaries like those dead fools, rather than rotting here.¡±

    He paused, silence fell on them. After a while, he added. "Well, aren¡¯t you brats going to ask why? Go on¡ªask.¡±

    Kai had a strange expression, so did Cia as they flatly asked. ¡°Why?¡± in unison.

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    Garba sighed, his earlier light-heartedness fading into something more solemn. ¡°My family had served as Wardens of the Boundary for years. Unfortunately, in my generation, our bloodline dwindled due to continuous misfortunes. Eventually, I was left as the only one to carry the tradition after my father''s death. The other members either left or died, unwilling to continue on the tradition. Leaving me as the sole inheritor, and preventing me from risking my life out there. Who would stop fools like you lots from the Boundary if I''m gone?..."

    His words trailed off as he fell into a moment of reflection. After that, the old man kept talking, weaving together bits of knowledge, stories, and personal ramblings. Kai and the others listened, absorbing the wealth of information that broadened their understanding of the Realm they now found themselves in.

    Eventually, Garba led them to the second-highest floor of the tower, which is his own room. Scratching his head as though realizing he had forgotten something. ¡°Ah, right... guests, guests. Haha, almost forgot. How does my personal chamber look, quite spacious, right?"

    ''Why not just admit you misled us.'' Kai smirked Internally, seeing through the old man''s cheap cover.

    Garba mumbled to himself before leading them back downstairs and showing them separate rooms for the night.

    However, Cia declined the offer. ¡°I appreciate your consideration Mr. Garba, but I prefer staying with them in a room.¡± she insisted, her tone resolute.

    Ariella silently nodded in agreement.

    Truth be told, none of them trusted Garba entirely. Though he seemed genuine and kind, they couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that he might have ulterior motives for he is basically a stranger they just meet. So, they tacitly decided to stay together as a precaution. However, Kai can''t help but feel strange.

    The old man gave Kai a knowing look and led them into the biggest room he could offer, which isn''t that big. Then whispered at Kai, "don''t dirty the bed" Before leaving them alone to rest. Making his eyes widened, his lips stiffed.

    The room was modest in size with a bed sizable enough to accommodate two people.

    ''Oh, gods. Why does that old hag have to remind me of my manliness?!''

    Since Ariella arrived in his care, he had been trying to forget an issue every man had - Carnal desire. As a growing young man, of course he had such desires. Ariella''s innocence coupled with her flawless visage only made it worse. Fortunately, he learned to fear the gods by then, and Ariella is one. Followed by extreme violence that erased unnecessary thoughts in his mind - battle with the bandits, dealing with Zara and devastating their lair. Their journey in the forest was always tense, knowing that dangers might sprout at any corner.

    However, now, they''re in a comfy embrace of a solid structure away from harm. A real bed made them comfortable after days in the wilderness. So did their mind. With the danger away and being reminded by the old man of his discarded thoughts.

    Alone with two beauties in a single room, he found himself troubled. Cia is blind, while Ariella is innocent and childish despite being a goddess, she poses no harm. Each one was a vulnerable target taunting his temptations. The single bed didn''t help either, it only made his mind go wild. Added the distress of the earlier revelations driving his mind to search for solace, distraction in pleasure.

    Putting down the heavy bag in a corner, Kaiser massaged his shoulder and lay on the floor.

    ''Resist your temptations bastard, it will be the death of you!'' His aware of what uncontrolled temptations may bring. It would bring short joy, in exchange for long term issues. He didn''t want to harm Ariella and Cia for his own stupidity. Still, the dirty thoughts won''t go away.

    So, Kai let his thoughts drift away into the startling memories of things he had heard earlier, diving into their dept to form various speculations such as, did the Players come from the same timeline? What are their abilities? How powerful are they to brave multiple dimensions in Shattered Realms? Are there more safe zones besides Green Land where people live? What does the Grand Ship the Players board look like? What''s out there? How are the other students doing, especially the Elites? Are they managing well?

    The Elites were really capable students possessing sharp minds and physicality. Take Gabriel for example, his a socially intellectual person that also knew boxing which helped him pass the trials against the bandits. However, his excellence falls short against Elite students. Kai wouldn''t be surprised if they already awakened their abilities and was progressing on their own goals in other Realms.

    However, amidst his pondering, Ariella crawled into his hands. Sticking her head in his warm chest in seek of snuggling like a pet to her master. Disturbing Kai. Although, her trust in Kai was unrivaled for he is basically the only one that stayed by her side, caring for her and protecting her from malicious individuals. It only increases when he saves her from the scary bandits. That trust, though, made her express more on Kaiser. Especially at night when there''s no pillow around, Ariella would use his body more than Cia''s. In his understanding, she''s like a child in a seducing young lady''s body. Careless and brimming with innocence that begged to be loved. However, this is the first time she got this intimate with him.

    ''I really can''t understand how gods think... Oh, yeah, she''s probably just a kid, huh.''

    His twisted temptations are beginning to gawn on him again, but all thoughts were tossed out as realization dawned on him.

    ''Wait... If the Transmigrators/Players exists here long ago... Then why did the Gods say it''s her fault?!''

 Chapter 26: Village

    ¡®My poor Ariella, I promise I won¡¯t judge you anymore!¡¯ Kai cried inwardly as he suddenly pulled Ariella into a tight embrace, taking her completely by surprise.

    It hadn¡¯t taken long for Kai to reach this conclusion. Lately, he¡¯d been having trouble caring for her, holding conflicted feelings because deep in his heart, he held a grudge against the goddess. He knew Ariella was the reason the entire graduation ceremony had been transported to this world. His sense of duty, up until now, had been driven by fear¡ªfear of what the gods might do to him if he failed to protect her or unimaginable consequences when a god is put into despair. Still... Protecting someone who caused this mess is complicated.

    Or so the two mysterious gods had claimed when they tasked him with her care. According to them, Ariella¡¯s immaturity had led her to violate their laws, accidentally summoning a chunk of lifeforms from another world. As punishment, her powers were sealed, and was passed down to a mortal care that cannot die.

    However, after hearing about the existence of Transmigrators in the Shattered Realms long ago, Kai''s thoughts began to shift. The fact that such an incident had happened before raised questions. Why would Ariella, an undeveloped goddess, even have the power to summon beings from another world? It didn¡¯t add up. If this had occurred in the past, wasn¡¯t it more likely that the gods themselves had done it again?

    But for what purpose? Entertainment?

    A troubling idea began to take root in his mind: what if the elder gods had orchestrated this and then framed Ariella for it, using her inability to defend herself to shift the blame? After, she can''t even speak, let alone argue.

    Perhaps they had washed their hands clean of their own violation of the laws, leaving a young and helpless goddess to suffer the consequences.

    Right or wrong, Kai chose to believe what felt more righteous to him. He believed Ariella had been balmed by the elder gods.

    Ariella squirmed in his grip, struggling to break free from the suffocating hug, and gave him a playful glare, her cheeks puffed in annoyance. Kai froze for a moment, thinking he had offended her. But his heart soon relaxed as she retaliated, hugging him back with even more force. Her soft giggles filled the room as Kaiser pretended to surrender, throwing his hands up dramatically before he playfully lunged at her again.

    They tumbled onto the floor, laughing like children, caught up in a playful tussle.

    Of course, she was the child. Kai was merely playing along, indulging her innocence.

    But inwardly, he made a promise. He would raise this goddess properly, no longer with a halfhearted sense of duty, but with genuine care. Of course, Kaiser expected great things in return. After all, Ariella is like a pet that holds unimaginable potential.

    "You better clean the damn floor tomorrow brat! Don''t you dare leave me with your stinking mess! Tsk! Kids these days sure are bold." The old man''s muffled roar resounded outside, laced with annoyance and envy. Misunderstanding what they''re doing inside.

    ''Seriously! What''s wrong with that old man. I''m not doing anything dirty over here!''

    The next day, after gathering all the necessary information from the lighthouse keeper, Kai, Cia, and Ariella set out. Garba sent them off with a final warning.

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    "Remember, youngsters, don¡¯t carelessly share your identities as Players or give out any important information! Better safe than sorry! Oh, and you, Kai, cover that white head of yours if you don¡¯t want trouble! Trust me, even though my vision¡¯s blurry, I can still see her blinding beauty! That¡¯s a hot potato you¡¯ve got there."

    Old man Garba had been good to them during their short stay, sharing both knowledge and humor. His advice, though often delivered with a touch of bragging, had proven useful. He had mentioned a nearby village to the west and gave them clear directions. Staying in the lonesome tower wasn¡¯t an option for them, and a village provided more promise in their search for other Transmigrators.

    Kaiser waved back as they departed, ¡°Thanks, sir! We¡¯ll make sure to visit again sometime!¡±

    With that, Kaiser, Cia and Ariella set off. Leaving the light tower behind. The morning sun bathed the forest in golden light as they made their way, soon finding a long a worn path, implying many had threaded this route. It was also mentioned by the old man given direction, stating it would lead them to the village. The soft crunch of leaves underfoot was the only sound accompanying them. The journey took about an hour more, before they saw hints of house roofs, announcing they''re close to civilization.

    When they arrived, however, Kai stopped sensing something amiss about the village. It''s eerily quiet, without signs of people in the outer houses. Which is undeniably unnatural, even if it''s the outskirts of the settlement, people have to constantly wander around as it operates. However, he saw no one even though it''s supposed to be an active village according to Garba. Despite being the outskirts, there should still be activity¡ªworkers, animals, someone.

    He described what he saw to Cia, who frowned upon hearing it. ¡°Is it abandoned?¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the empty streets. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Something¡¯s definitely off.¡±

    They moved deeper into the village, their footsteps echoing eerily. There were no carts, tools, or any signs of daily life left behind. Oddly enough, some houses were partially dismantled, as if the villagers had taken anything of value before leaving. Not sparing the woods that could be taken. Whoever done this, they''re worse than bandits.

    Just as Kai was about to voice his concerns, they spotted movement at the far end of the street. A lone figure, bent under the weight of a bundle of wood, slowly walked between the houses.

    Kai motioned to Cia and Ariella, and they quickened their pace to approach the man. As they drew closer, they saw he was older, with tanned skin and brownish hair and short beard. The man noticed them and set down his load, eyeing them with mild suspicion.

    His reaction was reasonable; after all, although Kaiser looked like any other traveler - wearing a tunic over long sleeves, fitting in their average attire. However, the two female followers behind him were holding hands wore a robe that hid their features. Appearing suspicious.

    "I haven¡¯t seen you three around here... Travelers?" the man asked, his voice gruff.

    Kai nodded. ¡°Yes." He glanced around, "What happened here? It seems... deserted.¡±

    The man shrugged. ¡°Changes happen. If you''re looking for a place to settle down, this isn''t for you, kids, because it would soon be gone.

    "Gone?" Kai repeated, surprised.

    "You haven''t heard the news yet? The big band of outlaws nesting on the northwest mountain side was wiped out. At last, those bastards got what they deserve! you have no idea how much crime they committed already. The other village near that mountain side was completely plundered by those heinous bastards... Sigh, poor souls."

    The man¡¯s expression darkened. "The same fate would have fallen to our village sooner or later. Lucky for us, the outlaws were eradicated. The entire village is migrating now that the route to the city is safe, others had already left, it wouldn''t be long for this village to be completely abandoned. By then, all the houses would be free. You can take as many houses as you want, but I wouldn''t suggest staying here."

    Kaiser was dejected. They finally found a settlement after days of venturing only to find out it was leaving? Not giving them time to settle down for a bit after all this traveling.

    "Why?"

    "Same as our problem. Living in the outskirts of society isn''t that safe, no one would help you when wandering outlaws suddenly attack. Because they would be too late by then. Furthermore..." the man looked at Southward. "That ain''t the prettiest view, wouldn''t you agree?"

    He followed his gaze and saw the distorted reality of the Boundary, filling him with the sense of unease once again. Same goes for the villagers, the sight of the Boundary was too eerie for people that lived in fixed reality. Of course, that''s not the only reason for it to be feared. Records from ancient times collected by the Players stated the dangers of Boundaries, not just as a dangerous wall to cross. But a way for other dimensional dwellers to pass through, as well. Spawning varying creatures to invade their Realm, depending on its type. Additionally, the Boundary isn''t fixed, the Barrier is also said to move either forward or backward. Fortunately, Green Land hasn''t experienced any of these phenomena yet. Still, being near the Boundary isn''t comfortable.

    ""If you have no place to stay, just choose an empty house around, but if you''re willing to spend a penny, my inn is always available! We also offer food and cleaning services there, no need to hassle around."

    Well, their gang has no equipment for cooking and laundry. Only too much money...

    ''Finally, I''ll get to spend this heavy golds!''

    So, he gratefully took the man''s offer.

    "Thank you sir, we''ll take your offer. It''s really tiring to wander around lately, it will be nice to have a room."

    The man smiles widely. "Great then! Business had been really low these days since all our tenants had left. I''ll be glad to have the three of you..." His smile lowered, his gaze turning from glad to sharp as he touched the hilt of his short sword.

    "Before that, However..."

 Chapter 27: Finally Rich

    Kai tensed as the man¡¯s hand hovered over the hilt of his short sword, a subtle gesture that hinted at his readiness for violence if needed. But Kai wasn¡¯t too worried. The man¡¯s weapon was hardly a threat¡ªmore of a large knife used for chores, not for killing. Kai¡¯s own sword, on the other hand, was longer, sharper, with a deadly edge on both sides, forged for battle, not household tasks. His heart had been steeled by experience in the bloody battle against the bandits. His body is blessed¡ªor cursed¡ªwith immortality. The villager, on the other hand, was just an ordinary man. The flicker of uncertainty in his eyes made it clear he hadn¡¯t killed anyone before.

    ¡°I need to confirm your group¡¯s purpose in visiting our humble village first,¡± the man said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°You don¡¯t expect me to bring strangers back without some explanation. I hope you understand.¡±

    Kai exhaled slowly, relieved he wouldn¡¯t have to kill an innocent man. Villagers like this one were nothing like the bandits he had encountered before.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kai replied. ¡°But I can¡¯t reveal where we¡¯re from, for personal reasons. I hope you¡¯ll respect that. And as you can see, I¡¯m just a teenager, and my companions are the same.¡± He gestured towards Cia and Ariella, the two of them standing quietly behind him. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m the only one here who can fight in our group. But what harm could I do to your village alone? I don''t want to have troubles either... Besides, I have this.¡±

    Kai reached into his tunic and pulled out a letter. ¡°The lighthouse keeper, old man Garba, gave me this to deliver to your village chief.¡±

    Kai had anticipated that they¡¯d be met with suspicion, so he had prepared himself. His words were calm and measured, and the letter was meant to ease any doubts. Old man Garba had likely written it as a way of giving them a pass into the village, knowing the villagers wouldn¡¯t trust outsiders easily.

    The man unrolled the letter, scanning its contents quickly. After a moment, he sighed, visibly relaxing.

    ¡°Thank goodness, you had me sweating for a second there, kid.¡± he said, patting Kai on the shoulder with a subtle laugh, giving his two silent companions behind a brief glance.

    They''re both delicate ladies requiring protection, more of a reason for this young man to avoid harmful conflicts.

    With that, the tension between them dissolved, and the man casually introduced himself as Maber. Slinging the bundle of woods over his shoulder, Maber led Kai and his companions deeper into the village. As they walked, Kai couldn¡¯t help but notice the stark contrast between the outer and inner parts of the settlement. The houses they passed first were in disrepair¡ªboards missing from walls, windows shuttered, doors left ajar. It felt more like a ghost town than a village.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve been busy.¡± Kai remarked, his eyes scanning the piles of dismantled wood scattered around.

    Maber nodded. ¡°We¡¯re breaking down the houses that have already been abandoned. No sense in leaving good wood to rot.¡±

    The further they walked, the more the village began to change. The once-desolate houses gave way to ones that were still intact, and soon, they started seeing people¡ªmen hard at work, dismantling abandoned homes and salvaging usable materials. Each bundle of wood was carefully carried to the northern section of the village.

    As they reached the other side of the settlement, Kai¡¯s eyes lighten at the bustling scene before him. The desolation of the outskirts faded into a vibrant, active community. Men, women, and children moved about the streets, busy with the tasks of daily life. In a large open area near the road leading northwest, piles of belongings were neatly arranged¡ªfurniture, tools, household items. Everything was packed and ready to be transported.

    The men were hard at work, constructing large wooden frames of what seems to be carriages, their hands swift and skilled as they assembled the wheels and frames from the salvaged wood. The creaking of timber and the rhythmic pounding of hammers filled the air. Their active voice and laughter sounding around. Kai watched as children ran between the carriages and streets, laughing and playing, while women tended to their husbands, offering water and food to the workers. Despite the looming migration, there was a sense of unity and determination. Some spared the new arrivals varying glances, wariness, curiosity and interest. But Maber shrugged them off, erasing the suspicion towards Kaiser and his two companions with casual words to his prying neighbors.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Who''s that Maber, I can tell they''re not from around here."

    "Relax, they''re sent here by the old man in the tower. Is there anyone who can fool that old hag? So trust me when I say this, they''re just kids passing by. Where''s the chiefs by the way? I have a letter for him brought by these kids. Tell him it''s from the Warden."

    Information sure travels fast, it only took minutes before everyone in the village knew of their arrival and trustworthy excuse to be accepted in their community - which is merely Garbs''s approvement. It makes him wonder how reputable the lighthouse keeper was to affect the entire village view on strangers.

    While walking, Kai paused for a moment, taking in the scene. The clear, blue sky above contrasted sharply with the scattered belongings and the ongoing construction, wrecked house away and ideology of leaving the place where they''re born, their old home.

    This wasn¡¯t a village on the brink of collapse¡ªit was a community preparing to move forward into a bigger settlement and start anew. Away from the Boundary and danger of isolation.

    Come to think of it, the village only got the courage to migrate due to the bandits nesting on the mountain side disappearance. The threat they pose on travelers threading that route was gone along their gang. Which was basically caused by his involvement, freeing Zara from imprisonment and marking their doom.

    The thought of it made him grin unconsciously. Knowing his partially the main cause of this migration felt strange.

    Maber stopped outside a modest yet sturdy two-story inn. The wooden beams appeared recently repaired, and a warm scent of cooking drifted from inside. He turned to the group with a proud grin.

    ¡°This is my place,¡± he said, puffing his chest a little.

    Just as he spoke, the double doors of the inn swung open, revealing a woman standing in the entrance. She blinked in surprise at the sight of them gathered outside.

    "Oh, honey!" Maber called cheerfully. "I brought some guests. This here is..." He paused, turning to Kai with an awkward whisper. "Uh, what''s your name again, kid?"

    ¡°Kai, ma''am,¡± he replied quickly. Kaiser rather tells Maber''s wife directly, hoping she had a better memory.

    The woman, who Kai assumed was Maber¡¯s wife, greeted them with a warm smile. Despite the faint lines on her face, she looked younger than her years. However, what stood out most was her belly, round and full of pregnancy.

    she said, her voice gentle

    ¡°Oh my, what a polite young man you are. And who might these two lovely young ladies?¡±

    Kai quickly introduced Cia and Ariella. The woman¡¯s welcoming smile widened as she beckoned them inside.

    ¡°Come in, don¡¯t be shy.¡±

    The interior of the inn was spacious, the wooden floors smooth beneath their feet. In the open room, several dining tables were scattered around, though they were all empty. The atmosphere felt a little hollow, as though it had once been lively with boisterous customers drinking and celebrating. Now, only faint echoes of those days remained. A staircase sticking on the wall led straight up to the second floor, where the rooms presumably were.

    Kai''s gaze shifted to the upper level, trying to decide on a room. But before he could make up his mind, the rich scent of food wafted into his nose, causing his stomach to growl. Embarrassed, he shifted awkwardly.

    The house lady chuckled hearing that. ¡°You must be hungry from your trip. Is there anything you¡¯d like me to prepare?¡±

    Kai smiled sheepishly. ¡°Anything will do for me, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Same for me,¡± Cia added, keeping her voice calm but grateful.

    Ariella, the goddess was looking around the inn with childlike curiosity, seemingly unconcerned with food. Kai wasn¡¯t even sure if Ariella needed to eat at all.

    ¡°You should definitely try my wife¡¯s specialty. Trust me on this one, kid, it¡¯ll be the best meal you¡¯ve ever had.¡± Maber chimed in, slapping Kai¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°And know what! since we¡¯re all leaving soon, the rooms are discounted! Just five silver a week! Good luck finding a better deal than that.¡± Maber added, his voice dropping conspiratorially.

    But sensing his wife''s polite but chilling gaze turned towards him, cutting the moment short. ¡°Darling...?¡±

    Maber froze under her glare. Then, with an awkward laugh, he scratched the back of his head. ¡°Ah, well, would you look at the time! I¡¯ve still got work to do. Those carriages won¡¯t build themselves! Haha.¡± And with that, he scurried out of the room, making his escape.

    The house lady sighed, shaking her head at her husband''s antics. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry about his behavior. Five silver per week is close to what we used to charge, back before everything started changing around here. A lot of the furniture has been packed for the migration. We weren''t expecting a guest and with my condition, I haven¡¯t been able to keep up with the cleaning. The quality isn¡¯t what it used to be.¡± She bowed her head slightly in apology. ¡°Maber¡¯s just trying to earn what he can before we leave. Please forgive him.¡±

    Kaiser waved off her concern with a reassuring smile. ¡°No need to apologize, ma¡¯am. It¡¯s really not an issue for us.¡±

    Her expression softened, relief clear in her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you to say. All the rooms are available, so feel free to choose whichever one you like. And, since we¡¯ll be leaving soon, consider the room for only one silver. It¡¯s the least I can do for any inconvenience. ¡±

    She turned to head into the kitchen to prepare their meal, but Kai hesitated, scratching his head as a thought crossed his mind. ¡°Um... excuse me, ma¡¯am. You mentioned silver, right? Well... the thing is, we don¡¯t exactly have any...¡±

    Her polite smile faltered slightly as she looked at him. The room fell silent for a moment, but her voice remained kind. ¡°That¡¯s alright. You don¡¯t need to worry about it. I won¡¯t say anything to Maber, but if you can find some work outside, maybe repay me a little when you can.¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, quickly realizing she misunderstood. He coughed, leaning in a little closer to whisper. ¡°Uh, ma¡¯am, I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. We¡¯re not broke... it¡¯s just that...¡± He scratched his head again, feeling a bit sheepish. ¡°I only have gold.¡±

    The house lady¡¯s smile froze.

 Chapter 28: Inn

    Old man Garba had already explained Green Land¡¯s currency system to them. Gold coins were the highest denomination, worth twenty silvers each, which is already a considerable sum. With this knowledge, Kai¡¯s worries about the future began to fade. Realizing he would no longer have to struggle with poverty or seek difficult jobs to support the three of them in society.

    Ironically, all they had were gold coins. Without any silver to use for smaller purchases, Kai found himself in an odd predicament¡ªone faced by the rich. Growing up poor, he never imagined this would be a problem he''d ever encountered.

    Of course, flaunting wealth wasn¡¯t wise, as it could easily attract greed. But with no other choice, Kai had to confide in the innkeeper. Since only Cia and Ariella were around, he felt it was safe enough to do so. Maber''s wife seemed kind and trustworthy enough, though Kai knew better than to fully trust anyone, especially in a place where strangers rarely found genuine help.

    Sensing her momentary surprise, Kai spoke gently.

    "Ma''am, could you do us a small favor?"

    She frowned, a little unsure. "Well, it depends on what you''re asking."

    "It¡¯s nothing big," he said, slipping a gold coin into her hand. "I just need this kept private. You can keep the change."

    He whispered the request into her ear, and after a brief pause, the landlady nodded with understanding. Gratefully promising to guard their secret to heart. With her reassurance, Kai felt more at ease staying at the inn. His plan was to keep a low profile while they waited for the day of final migration. If word got out about their wealth, it would disrupt the quiet life they were trying to maintain.

    This much wealth, after all, could easily spark suspicion¡ªor worse¡ªlink him to the fallen bandits.

    Kai couldn¡¯t afford any conflict, not with two vulnerable women relying on him in this dangerous world. His immortality alone wasn¡¯t enough to keep them safe.

    That¡¯s why he had made Cia and Ariella wear the hooded cloaks he¡¯d taken from the mansion. Their beauty was too striking, and human lust and greed were dangerous forces. Kai knew he had to be cautious, securing not just his wealth but the safety of his companions.

    It wasn¡¯t long before their food arrived. To his surprise, they were served a new delicacy from this world: fried meat paired with a rich, flavorful soup. The combination of crispiness and savory broth was delightful, with vibrant leaves adding an extra touch of charm to the dish.

    The moment Kai took a bite, he had to admit Maber hadn¡¯t been exaggerating when he recommended his wife''s specialty. The dish had an indescribable yet delicious taste, likely thanks to this world¡¯s unique spices. The meat was tender and flavorful¡ªperhaps too tender. What animal could this be from?

    His chewing suddenly stopped as he felt an all-too-familiar sensation on his tongue. He recognized it immediately.

    ''Is this... fish?''

    It reminded him of those frustrating species of fish with an absurd number of thin bones. If they weren¡¯t carefully removed, some would inevitably get stuck in your throat, causing prolonged discomfort.

    Kai eyed the meat suspiciously. It didn¡¯t look like fish, more like beef. Perhaps it was from some animal with a similarly annoying bone structure? Despite the irritation, the dish¡¯s appeal was undeniable. A few pesky bones wouldn¡¯t stop him from savoring his meal. Carefully, he began removing the thin bones before taking each bite. Once he did, the taste was heavenly, bringing a smile of delight to his face.

    But his joy was short-lived. As a sudden coughing fit interrupted the meal, it was Cia.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    The three of them had ordered the same dish without really knowing what it was, and only now did Kai realize their mistake: they hadn¡¯t considered Cia¡¯s condition.

    "Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

    The blind girl coughed a few more times before managing to reply, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry about me... I can handle this much.¡±

    Kai sighed, unconvinced. Grabbing Cia¡¯s spoon, he responded flatly, ¡°Yeah, right. Like hell I¡¯m going to believe that.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?.¡±

    Returning the dish would¡¯ve been rude to the landlady, so Kai opted for a simpler solution. Cia¡¯s personal attendant usually helped her with situations like this, but with her absence, he had to step in. Carefully, he began removing the bones from Cia¡¯s food. Once he was sure it was safe, he held up a spoonful and demanded, ¡°I¡¯m feeding you. Now quit complaining and say ¡®ahh.¡¯¡±

    Cia¡¯s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but after a few moments, she reluctantly opened her mouth and let him feed her.

    Kai felt a strange warmth flutter in his chest, a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Feeding the blind girl¡ªwho was clearly a little shy¡ªsomehow felt sweet and endearing. He chuckled softly at Cia¡¯s reluctant, yet helpless expression.

    But just as he prepared to offer her another spoonful, he felt a piercing gaze on him. A gaze of a god.

    Ariella, the goddess, was staring directly at him. Though her hood covered the upper part of her face, hiding her eyes, her unspoken demand was clear. She wasn¡¯t eating anymore, just sitting still and watching him.

    ''For god''s sake, you didn¡¯t have any trouble eating a minute ago.''

    But knowing Ariella, she wasn¡¯t going to budge until she got what she wanted¡ªequal treatment. She wanted to be fed too!

    Kai sighed again, this time with a smile. Thinking about the life he had signed up for.

    Their heartfelt meal stretched longer than expected, and by the end, Kai had to admit that the food here was far better than what Old Man Garba had served them earlier that morning. Not because it let him fed beauties, yeah, it wasn''t because of that.

    Kaiser carried the plates upstairs himself, not wanting to bother the pregnant innkeeper with such a menial task. When Miss Lina saw him, her eyebrows rose in surprise, but then she let out a soft chuckle.

    "My, my, what a considerate young man," she said with a warm smile. "Thank you, but there¡¯s no need to trouble yourself next time. It¡¯s the least I can do for my guests."

    She tilted her head slightly, eyes twinkling with playful curiosity. "Still, taking care of two girls at once¡ªyou''re quite bold, Kaiser. Just be careful not to overwork yourself."

    Kai flashed a knowing smile, one that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. There was no point in correcting her misunderstanding; no excuse would suffice. Besides, he had long since given up trying to make others understand his situation. It was easier that way. Explanations only wasted breath and time.

    After complimenting Miss Lina''s cooking and exchanging a few light-hearted words, he and the girls headed upstairs to their room. Like before, they chose to share one room again, just as they had in the tower. It was for safety reasons, of course, but Kai caught the brief, odd look the landlady gave them as they entered together. He didn¡¯t care. Let people think what they will¡ªhe swore he was a decent man, not some uncontrollable beast!

    The room was larger than expected, big enough for three people, with independent beds and some basic furniture. However, most of it had been cleared out, likely in preparation for the upcoming migration, leaving behind a bare, empty space. A single window and a small balcony allowed sunlight to spill across the wooden floor, bathing the room in a warm, golden hue.

    Miss Lina hadn¡¯t left them entirely stranded, though. She¡¯d provided a large mattress, thick and padded with hay and fabric, for them to sleep on. It was simple, but Kai didn¡¯t mind. He wasn¡¯t here for luxury, and a bed frame was just a height boost anyway. Besides, with the discount Lina had tried to offer, one he¡¯d declined, as a single gold coin was nothing to him. Kai wasn¡¯t expecting anything fancy.

    The girls seemed unbothered as well. Ariella immediately flopped onto the mattress, letting out a contented sigh as she sprawled across the soft surface. Cia, on the other hand, settled beside her, seemingly preferring to sleep early. But Ariella had other plans. The silent goddess nudged Cia repeatedly, pestering her with playful taps as if urging her to do something.

    Kai couldn¡¯t help but smirk. "Stories again?"

    Ariella nodded and continued bothering Cia.

    He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, and watched with mild amusement as the two interacted. Despite the challenges posed by Cia¡¯s blindness and Ariella¡¯s inability to speak, they had formed an unusual bond. Cia would talk, and Ariella would respond through gestures¡ªholding hands, gentle hugs, or tapping her fingers to communicate yes or no. Somehow, they understood each other to some degree, as if they¡¯d developed their own secret language.

    It fascinating, though he couldn¡¯t quite grasp how they managed it. The way Cia interpreted Ariella¡¯s silent responses was impressive, and the goddess seemed content to listen to the blind girl recount stories of Earth, rumors or tales from books she listened to.

    Without the cloaks hiding their features, the goddess and the blind girl looks like dolls playing in the bed - one narrating tales to the other. Appearing pure and vulnerable, like soothing painting of two angels.

    Which spark intrusive thoughts in his mind.

    ''Control yourself, idiot.''

    Shaking his head, Kai¡¯s gaze drifted to the window, and he stepped out onto the small balcony to distract himself. The village was vigorous with activity below, the people busy preparing for the impending migration - construing carriages, packing their stuff and kids playing under the bright blue sky, the scene felt almost peaceful, like a window into a simpler time. In this world, civilization lagged behind the one he''d left¡ªthere were no towering skyscrapers, no roaring machines, phones and vehicles all in a cramped city where trees are few. Just the steady hum of villagers working together amidst nature.

    Watching them prepare for a better life, or not.

    Kai¡¯s thoughts shifted, weighed down by the decisions he had made. Is following them the right decision? Apparently, yes. Going along with the migration was the best option. There were no other transmigrators here to join the group with or opportunity, and soon, this place would be a ghost town.

    But before his mind could wander too far, a sudden commotion from below snapped him out of his reverie. The villagers attention was caught by a group of individuals arriving from the forest and into the settlement.

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed.

 Chapter 29: Hunters

    Kai leaned against the balcony wooden railing, the sun warming his skin as his eyes scanned the bustling village below. He had been lost in thought, but the sudden rise in noise snapped him back to reality. A commotion had erupted near the village square, drawing the attention of nearly every villager that gathered to meet a group of rough-looking individuals emerging from the forest edge made their way into the settlement.

    Apparently, it''s invaders against villagers!

    "What kind of luck is this, we just got here and now this happens?!" Kaiser was about to warm the girls to prepare to leave. But the lack of tension stopped him.

    The villagers aren''t grabbing weapons or creating a defensive formation, the women and kids aren''t hiding either. Instead, they inched closer to the arriving strangers.

    Perhaps his being paranoid?

    Frowning, he observed them again. His inherited senses from Zara''s beastial capabilities aid his sight view further, allowing him to see the commotion clearly despite the distance if he focused.

    Calmed and collective, Kaiser concentrated ahead to see what will happen first before reacting.

    The individuals emerge from the woods shadows, revealing themselves in sunlight. They''re muscular men and some women with rugged, weathered faces and eyes sharp like wolves. Their clothing was practical¡ªleather armor patched up from battles, and thick, fur-lined cloaks that fluttered as they walked. Each of them had an air of danger, exuding strength from every movement, and they carried with them large, heavy carcasses of beasts slung over their shoulders. Multiple small animals were there, too, bundled in strings. However, the most eye catching carcass they brought was a green reptilian snake with numerous short limbs and two more odd looking creatures lying on a carpet that was being dragged by a dozen men''s alongside some hound-like creatures that seemed tamed.

    Villagers stared at them with awe, parting to give way to the arriving hunters. The largest among them, a man with brown skin and arms as thick as tree trunks lead the group, a great sword sheathed on his back. Soon, he heaved a creature onto the ground with a thud. It was an animal Kai had never seen before¡ªsomething resembling a wild boar, but twice the size, with jagged tusks that jutted from its snout like lethal spears. The beast''s fur was matted with dirt and blood, its sheer size enough to make the villagers gasp in awe.

    Around him, his companions followed suit, tossing down their kills: massive deer-like animals, large hares, and strange, scaled creatures that shimmered slightly in the sunlight. The square quickly filled with the stench of blood and sweat, but none of the villagers seemed to mind. In fact, they rushed forward to greet the hunters, faces lighting up with warmth and admiration. Chanting praises to the returning warriors.

    "The hunters have returned!" one of the villagers called out, excitement in his voice. "Look at the size of that beast! We''ll be feasting for days!"

    "Isn''t that the stumper, I''ve never seen one before!"

    The village chief, an elderly man with a long, white beard, hobbled over with a broad smile plastered across his face. ¡°You¡¯ve outdone yourselves again! We were beginning to worry, but it looks like the hunt was a great success!¡±

    He exclaimed, clasping the arm of the lead hunter in a firm grip.

    The hunter gave a gruff nod, his expression stoic but not unfriendly.

    ¡°The Beasts are tougher this time and we took longer than expected. But we managed. There¡¯ll be more than enough meat to last through the migration and for a festival.¡± He rumbled, his deep voice cutting through the chatter.

    The Chief laughed, knowing he intentionally prolonged their expedition to hunt more because it would be their last time in this area.

    He was about to say more compliments, when a lively voice sounded.

    "Who are you worrying about for old hag, us? That''s silly, we encountered many in our way, all of them ended up dying too quickly though. Heck, I even killed that big green worm on my own! Tell them guys."

    Boasted a young man proudly. He was younger than the others, barely a man, perhaps in his early twenties.

    Yet his presence demanded attention. His hair was sleek and well-kept, and his clothes, though functional, had a slight touch of refinement that set him apart from the grizzled veterans around him. He carried no carcass¡ªthere was no need. His smug demeanor made it clear that he thought himself above such tasks.

    Multiple young ladies at the same age as him cheered in admiration upon seeing him. Lifting his pride more as he smirked.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    The crowd around them murmured in relief and joy, a few of the children cheering as they marveled at the sheer size of the animals.

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched the scene unfold. It''s evident that those guys are not ordinary villagers. They were hunters, their bodies hardened by years of battling the wilds. The ease with which they carried such dangerous prey, the scars crisscrossing their exposed arms, the way they moved like predators¡ªit all spoke of experience, danger, and survival. These were people who thrived in the harshest conditions of the dangerous path they took. And the villagers treated them like heroes. Kaiser knew how terrifying the woods in Green Land. Creatures more dangerous than bears and lions dwells there, acting as predators instead of prey''s in the face of humanity. People who survived in that occupation deserve everyone''s respect.

    With their arrival, the atmosphere in the village shifted, buzzing with newfound energy. Some of the ordinary villagers immediately began preparing to skin and butcher the animals, while others brought out barrels of ale, offering drinks to the returning hunters. Laughter and cheers filled the air, the tension from the earlier quiet giving way to celebration.

    ''Those things look tasty.'' Seeing the dead creatures full of meat he never tasted before made him crave for their new flavors. But the sight of a familiar creature downed his mood and respect for the hunters.

    ''Hey, isn''t that my kill?''

    The green snake in their haul was his, its ripped stomach was proof. Kaiser died to kill that thing, got swallowed, dive into its stomach acid and ravaged its internals. The process is arduous, putting him in agony and was probably the most gruesome experience he even had. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty and unnecessary needs to take the snake, he was forced to leave it dead.

    Still, that''s his game nonetheless and they took it!

    ''This is so unfair...''

    That said, the snake carcass would only decay if the hunters didn''t found it. So, perhaps this is for the better. However, that wouldn''t undo his stained respect for the hunters. Especially to that arrogant guy.

    Slightly grounding his teeth, Kaiser glared at the arrogant bastard that claim his kill. Making him wonder if killing that guy would be any different from slaying bandits.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    Someone gently knocked on the door, distracting his sight seeing. Cia paused her story telling, letting Kaiser face whoever is on the door without disturbing.

    "Who is it?" He asked evenly as he walked to the door.

    There was hesitant silence, then a polite voice of a young male said.

    "Hello, I''m sorry for the intrusion. Mom sent me to bring water to your room."

    Kaiser cautiously unlock the door, slightly opening it to confirm who''s on the other side. A youth, probably sixteen or seventeen years old smile at him, who''s peeking furtively with his dark eyes.

    "Hi there, I''m the son of the inkepper, Ethan, it''s nice to meet you mister Kaiser. Uh... if you''re uncomfortable, should I just leave it here?" He humbly raised an eyebrow, gesturing to put the bucket of water down.

    Ethan had brown hair, inherited from his father Maber and a polite attitude probably taught by his caring mother.

    ''Bad habits sure die hard.''

    Not fully opening the door was a bad tendency he developed on Earth. He lost his parents at a young age, so paying bills is difficult, so did dealing with collectors. Eventually, he grew accustomed to checking knockers identity before interacting with them. His introverted nature played a part. Still, it''s kind of rude of him to treat people like this, Ethan''s awkward reaction suggests so.

    ''I''ll think about it.''

    Although, this tendency is inappropriate. it''s also an act of wariness.

    Partially opening the door, only enough to not reveal the girls inside, Kaiser apologies.

    "Sorry about that, I had a bad experience with doors you see. So I tend to be cautious."

    Ethan chuckled, handing him the wooden bucket of clean water.

    "Like what? I can''t imagine how scary a door can be."

    ''An extrovert? Or a socializer?''

    Either way, he didn''t dislike such communicative people as long as they didn''t cross the line. Rather, he holds a slight admiration for them, because of how quick they are on pulling a topic to start a conversation with a stranger. Just like what Ethan did just now. Honestly, Kaiser can''t do that with someone he barely knew.

    Receiving the bucket, he responded based on his memory.

    "Well, someone might slash your hand the moment you open the door. Something like that."

    Intrigued, Ethan pressed on.

    "You''re right, but why would anyone do such a horrible thing to a kind opener?"

    Indeed, why did Kaiser do such a horrible thing to someone who''s kind enough to open the door for him?

    ''...''

    He coughed on nothing. "Who knows, maybe to save a princess. Anyway, I have to go now."

    The door closed.

    Ethan was dumbfounded for a moment, then chuckled. Finding Kaiser''s awkward replies odd but funny. Instead of being upset, he said on the other side as he left.

    "Bye mister Kaiser, hope we chat again next time."

    "I hope not." Kai mumbled, halfheartedly. A part of him felt guilty for slamming the door shut to the polite young man. However, if he didn''t do that. Ariella who''s curiosity can''t be contained and was about to peek her head to see who''s his talking to would be seen! Then, rumors of her flawless face might spread.

    Pinching the goddess cheeks, Kaiser can''t help but scold Ariella.

    "For god''s sake, Ariel. Why do you have to be so stupidly beautiful?"

    Considering she''s a goddess - a Divine being, superior to all - it''s understandable. In fact, Kai can''t even bring himself to seriously pick her, afraid to make her cry.

    She raises both hands at chest height, acting adorable and sweet to show her innocence. As if saying, "I don''t know either"

    "That''s new... where the heck did you learn that?"

    She pointed at Cia with a proud smile.

    "She taught you, eh. Good then, at least now we know you''re not completely dumb." Said Kai, grinning. Making that smile of her crumbled, replaced by a dark glare at the verge of crying. Or was she pouting?

    "Pfft!"

    Kaiser suddenly laughed, seeing the reaction he wanted. Teasing the goddess had never been this fun, really. Though, its more like bullying an adorable child rather than teasing.

    After a few moments, Ariella was still pouting, hurt by her beloved guardian words. Demanding an apology or anything to earn her forgiveness.

    "Okay, fine. My bad, I shouldn''t have said that." He scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed knowing Cia was listening, her amused smile suggest so. However, a simple apology wasn''t enough to satiate her displeasure. Sighing, Kaiser gently patted Ariella''s head to ease her dejection. "I''m sorry, it won''t happen again."

    Then, his hands stopped. Followed by his words, sounding a bit commanding.

    "However... That''s only if you won''t behave carelessly again. I''m doing these for your own good, so be obedient. Okay?"

    Ariella, realizing her impulsive action earlier had slightly angered Kaiser. Slowly nodded in response, her own dejection banished knowing she too, was wrong. He briefed them earlier to not make any moves that would reveal themselves without cloaks due to potential consequences, but her curiosity took over her judgement.

    He was at fault, too. Considering Ariella''s immature condition, was he expecting too much of her? Nevertheless, the matter is resolved.

    Relieved, Kaiser can finally look down. Frowning at the given item by Ethan.

    Now... what is he supposed to do with the bucket of clear water in a room? Its container doesn''t look that clean and drinking water was served downstairs. Then, was it for cleaning? There''s nothing but the floor and walls to clean here, though...

    Actually, there''s something here that requires daily cleansing. Glancing at Cia and Ariella, his face darkened.

    "...Shit"

    Kaiser suddenly missed Earth''s modernization.

 Chapter 30: Shopping

    Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair as he paced around the small, barely furnished room. His eyes drifted to the corner where Cia and Ariella sat. The problem of bathing gnawed in his mind, something so simple back on Earth, but here¡ªwithout modern conveniences¡ªit became a monumental challenge.

    ''How the hell did people survive like this back then?'' he thought, recalling those history classes. Back in the day, people in certain ancient eras didn¡¯t bathe the way he was used to. No showers, no hot baths. Instead, they wiped themselves down with rags and water primarily due to the lack of water¡ªa method far from hygienic, but one that worked in a pinch. And while that seemed doable here, the real issue wasn¡¯t himself. It was "them".

    ''How am I supposed to do that with two girls in the same room?'' The thought alone made him uncomfortable. Cia, especially, posed a unique challenge. She couldn¡¯t see, which meant she¡¯d need assistance¡ªand Kai wasn¡¯t exactly keen on crossing that line.

    To make matters worse, skipping the idea of bathing altogether wasn¡¯t an option either. Hours of travel had left him and Cia sweaty despite just taking a bath this morning in the Lighthouse. That''s why bath had to be taken daily, and the faint stench of sweat was starting to cling to his clothes. He couldn''t ignore it forever, especially not in such close quarters. Of course, Ariella was the one exception¡ªdespite their journey, she remained somehow pristine, her divine aura keeping her clothes spotless and her scent as heavenly as ever. It was as if the filth of the mortal world couldn¡¯t touch her.

    ''Lucky her''

    He ended up spending hours mulling over the dilemma, trying to figure out a way around it. Finally, a solution finally dawned on him¡ª''Why not just rent another room?'' It wasn¡¯t like money was an issue. He had enough gold to buy half the village if he wanted to. The luxury of having an extra private space for bathing, away from the girls, seemed like the most sensible solution.

    The irony didn¡¯t escape him.

    ''All this wealth, yet I¡¯m struggling with something as simple as bathing.'' He chuckled dryly at his predicament.

    By the afternoon, he headed downstairs, ready to negotiate for another room. The innkeeper, Miss Lina, greeted him with a warm smile as he approached the counter and expressed his request.

    "Another room, huh?" she mused. "For cleaning yourselves?"

    "Yeah," Kai said, feeling a little embarrassed about the request.

    Lina¡¯s brow furrowed slightly before she let out a small laugh. "Oh dear, I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. The water I sent isn¡¯t meant for bathing. It¡¯s just for wiping yourselves clean before bed or when you feel the need. We have a small bathhouse for guests, you can see the door if you go there." She pointed in a certain direction, guiding h where to go if ever they needed to.

    Kai blinked. "Seriously?" His frustration bubbled up, and he muttered under his breath, "Damn those history classes. This is why we should leave the past behind."

    Miss Lina¡¯s confusion deepened at his odd remark, but she simply smiled and offered a sympathetic nod before moving on to continue the house chores she''s doing. Kai, meanwhile, returned to the room in silent fury, recounting the embarrassing conversation with Cia and Ariella.

    To his surprise, his rant made them burst into a fit of giggles. Cia covered her mouth, her body shaking with laughter, while Ariella let out a soft, melodic chuckle.

    Kai¡¯s frustration melted away in that moment, replaced by something else. Warmth. A flutter in his chest caught him off guard. It was strange how their joy¡ªsomething as simple as their laughter¡ªcould make him feel so¡­ content. He wasn¡¯t used to this feeling, but it was nice. Even if he was the butt of the joke, seeing them happy made it worth it.

    "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Kai muttered, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his attempt to appear annoyed.

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    Cia''s gentle voice cut through the moment, her tone calm and thoughtful. "I think you¡¯re overthinking things, Kai. Maybe you should try to rest more and give your mind a break."

    Kai paused, Cia¡¯s words were sinking in. She had a point, didn¡¯t she? He had been so consumed with worry, constantly turning over every detail in his head, that he hadn¡¯t realized how much it was affecting him. The weight of his responsibilities had begun to wear on him more than he¡¯d like to admit. Taking care of others was something new to him¡ªespecially when it came to looking after these two vulnerable maidens. They relied on him, depended on his decisions, and that kind of pressure was starting to take its toll.

    Was this how leaders felt?

    He wasn''t used to this¡ªbeing the one who held it all together, the thread that kept their small group from unraveling. Every choice he made had to be the right one, with Cia sometimes offering advice. Even so, the responsibility felt heavy, like he was carrying the world on his shoulders. Yet, as exhausting as it was, he couldn''t deny that he found a strange sense of fulfillment in it, a reason to keep going, something that made him feel needed.

    It was exactly this overthinking that was his undoing. He worried so much about getting everything right that he ended up clouding his own judgment, overcomplicating even the simplest decisions.

    With a weary sigh, Kai finally let go of those racing thoughts.

    ''She''s right, I should give my mind a break and relax.''

    He dropped down onto the mattress beside Cia and Ariella, the soft fabric cradling his tired body. He could feel the day''s fatigue sinking into his bones, a mix of mental and physical exhaustion tugging him toward sleep.

    As he lay there, eyes growing heavy, the sound of their gentle giggles still danced in his ears. For the first time in a long while, despite all the challenges, he felt a rare sense of calm wash over him¡ªa feeling of peace he didn¡¯t know he was missing.

    With a slow, contented exhale, Kai finally drifted off to sleep.

    Hours later, Kaiser woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. The aches from days of travel had eased, and his mind felt clearer than it had in a long time. He shifted his gaze toward the balcony just as the sun began its slow descent beyond the horizon, casting long shadows over the village. Down below, the villagers were still hard at work, butchering the beasts that the hunters had brought in earlier. Multiple tables were lined with the animals, their flames flickering as the people moved with purpose, cutting and preparing the meat and other usable organic material for whatever feast or trade lay ahead.

    He couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight, appreciating the sense of community and diligence these villagers had. Amidst this Kaiser''s attention notice a small house in the distance with a sign marked by a symbol of a cloth.

    ''New clothes, huh?'' Come to think about it, they were in dire need of fresh garments. The three of them couldn¡¯t keep walking around in the same old travel-worn outfits forever. With too much money in hand, why shy away from spending.

    Stretching his stiff muscles, Kaiser announced, "Okay, girls, we''re going out shopping."

    Miss Lina, the innkeeper, seemed delighted by their plans and suggested a few reliable shops before sending them off with a cheerful wave. She even arranged for Ethan, her son, the young man they met earlier, to accompany them. His job was to guide them through the village and ensure they weren''t swindled by any tricky merchants.

    Ethan led them confidently, eventually stopping in front of what he claimed was the most trustworthy garment shop in town. Inside, as they browsed through the selection, Kai encouraged the girls to pick out whatever they liked. Which is a bit awkward... I mean, Cia is blind, so appearance and design does not matter to her taste unlike ordinary ladies. Ariella isn''t normal either.

    Fortunately, Cia, despite her blindness, had clear preferences. She insisted on clothing that was both flexible and durable¡ªsomething that wouldn¡¯t restrict her movements and could withstand the wear and tear of rugged environments.

    ''Might as well ask for an armor,'' Kai thought wryly as he watched her touch the fabrics, assessing them with surprising accuracy.

    In the end, Cia settled on two sets of attire that resembled an archer''s outfit. It was slightly revealing but paired with a medium, red cloak and hood that draped over her figure, giving her a mysterious yet elegant look. The outfit complemented her pale blonde hair and lean frame, highlighting her natural grace.

    Ariella, on the other hand, stubbornly refused to part with her iconic white dress. She acted as though any other attire was beneath her divine status. Helpless, Kai can only buy her a new, more refined hooded cloak to protect her from prying eyes and a monster mask that concealed her face¡ªa purchase she visibly despised due to its scary design.

    As they left the store, the shop owner bid them a grateful farewell, but Ariella was not pleased. She walked with her arms crossed, her expression one of silent fury.

    Kai shook his head, amused and baffled by her behavior. ''Seriously, where is she picking up all these habits? And why can''t she just learn to speak like a normal person, even though that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯ve been trying to teach her.''

    He had long since given up on understanding the reasons behind Ariella¡¯s silence. Despite his best efforts to teach her to talk, she remained stubbornly mute. It wasn¡¯t a lack of intelligence or comprehension¡ªshe clearly understood every word he said from day one. Maybe it was tied to her divine nature, a mystery he, as a mere mortal, couldn''t begin to unravel. So, he gave up prying the gods secrets.

    "Just bear with it for now, I¡¯ll get you something nicer when we reach a bigger town." He said, glancing over at the disgruntled goddess.

    Ariella pointedly ignored him, her dissatisfaction evident.

    Ethan chuckled at the scene. "Why are you so protective of them, anyway? It¡¯s not like all men would die just for a pretty face."

    Kai gave him a sideways glance and smirked inwardly. ''Fool, you haven¡¯t even begun to understand what a goddess¡¯s beauty is like.''

    "I''d rather be cautious," he replied simply, leaving it at that.

    As they continued walking, they approached another shop, this one marked by the clang of metal on metal. Weapons and armor, though sparse due to the impending migration. A few were still on display. Ethan pointed out that this was the local blacksmith, a place known for crafting sturdy gear.

    Kai¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest. "Finally, a chance for some proper upgrades."

    The moment they pushed open the door, a small bell rang overhead, announcing their presence. However, a gust of air swept pass them, tinged by deadly sharpness.

    His heartbeat hasten, recognizing the noise and subtle breeze a blade make when slashing.

    ''Crap...'' His mood turned grim.

 Chapter 31: Armor

    As Kaiser stepped into the shop, the sharp whistle of a blade sliced through the air, narrowly missing his shoulder. The source of the near-miss was a young man, probably in his early twenties, who had just completed a reckless swing with a cutlass- a type of sword with relatively short, but thick upper blade. The sword¡¯s tip stopped mere inches from where Kaiser stood. Ethan, visibly startled, unconsciously stepped back. While Cia and Ariella remained calm, the former couldn''t see the threat and the latter were a goddess.

    ''Is this guy an idiot? Why the hell is he swinging a sword near the entrance?'' Kaiser thought, his mood darkening. If he had been inches closer, warm would have accidentally fallen on him.

    Instead of showing remorse, the young man clicked his tongue in annoyance and glared at them. "Can''t you see I''m testing my new blade here!? You folks are lucky I didn''t accidentally cut you," he snapped, as if blaming them for his lack of caution.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze darkened as he recognized the arrogant guy¡ªit was the bastard, the same boisterous member of the hunters who shamelessly claimed the green, crawling snake kill earlier. The irritation he¡¯d tried to shake off returned tenfold.

    Before Brick could continue his rant, a deep, rumbling voice cut through the tension.

    "Brick, apologize this instant."

    The voice belonged to a towering figure, a man with bulging muscles that looked like they could bend steel. Without warning, the man hammered his fist down on Brick¡¯s head, not hard enough to injure but definitely enough to knock some sense into him.

    Yet the bastard remains indignant.

    "Huh? Why should I apologize to them? They¡¯re the ones who got in the way! It¡¯s not my fault they walked in without watching their surroundings," Brick protested, his face twisted in indignation.

    The big man, who seemed like he had infinite patience, let out a heavy sigh before bringing his fist down on Brick¡¯s head again¡ªthis time with a bit more force. The impact made Brick wobble, momentarily dizzy, and finally, his arrogance seemed to deflate just a little.

    With a grunt, he finally apologize after a while of lingering. Well, he tried.

    "It... My... Mistake," Brick mumbled reluctantly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "Tsk, why the heck am I doing this? They¡¯re at fault too¡ª"

    Another sigh, deeper this time, escaped the big man''s lips. Without another word, he grabbed Brick by the back of his head and forcefully shoved him into a bow, making Brick¡¯s face flush with both anger and embarrassment. To Kaiser¡¯s surprise, the big man also bowed his head slightly, a gesture that spoke of genuine humility.

    "I apologize for my disciple''s carelessness. I should have never let him swing his sword in such an inappropriate place." The big man said, his tone sincere.

    "There''s no need for that, Mr. Alfred," Ethan interjected with a humble smile, clearly trying to ease the tension. "It was an accident. We really don''t mind, right, guys?" He shot an awkward look at Kaiser and the girls.

    Kaiser gave a curt nod, though his mood was far from forgiving. Brick''s attitude had soured his enthusiasm, but he wasn''t the type to let petty grievances turn into a pointless argument. If the situation didn¡¯t cross his line, he¡¯d rather just move on. But if they did, then they should prepare to see hell.

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    Despite the irritating encounter, Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but feel a silent respect for the man named Alfred. He had assumed Alfred to be the leader of the hunters¡ªthe strongest person in the village. And yet, despite his obvious authority and experience, Alfred¡¯s humility stood in stark contrast to his disciple''s arrogance.

    Looking at Alfred now, Kai took in the seasoned hunter''s appearance. The man was tall and solidly built, his muscles rippling under his brown skin. His short, dark hair framed a face that was stoic and composed, the face of a man who had seen his fair share of battles and hardships. His eyes were sharp and steady, giving off a sense of unshakeable calm in the face of danger.

    Brick, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. With his spiky orange hair styled in a way that seemed more about appearance than practicality, he exuded an aura of impatience and impulsiveness. His exaggerated expressions of annoyance made it clear that he lacked self-control, but his eyes were always full of unwavering confidence¡ªbordering on cockiness. He was definitely a talented fighter, but he still had much to learn from his mentor. Hopefully, he will soon, because Kaiser was starting to view him like how he sees the bandits.

    Ethan, ever the peacemaker, deftly steered the conversation away from the awkward encounter and into lighter topics. He engaged Mr. Alfred and Brick in casual banter, slowly dissolving the tension and easing the group''s mood.

    Meanwhile, Kaiser turned his attention to the grumpy-looking store owner, who had been watching the entire scene with an air of indifference. The blacksmith studied Kaiser from head to toe for a moment, then raised an eyebrow.

    "Searching for something?" the store owner asked, his gruff voice laced with a hint of challenge.

    Kai¡¯s lips curled into a small smile. "Definitely. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got."

    The blacksmith responded with a smirk.

    After leaving Ariella and Cia on the waiting corner under Ethan''s watch, Kai followed the owner to the armory. Once there, he was asked.

    "Aren''t you the new guy in town, what are you looking for kiddo, an armor? Hmm... your sword seems flaky, I advise getting a new one, that flimsy thing won''t serve you well in dire battles, trust me. I know if the blade is about to break with just a glance."

    He can''t deny the blacksmith keen judgement on weapons. The sword in his possession came from the bandits, mundane and probably mass produce, therefore, lacks quality just like the others he discarded. His taste can''t be satisfied by a second hand weapon anymore, Kai wanted something new with greater quality, durability and sharpness.

    "But before that, let''s get you an armor first. A defenseless warrior won''t last long on the battlefield." The man casually joked, though, it''s not that funny to Kaiser.

    "So, what are your preferences? Full gear or just partial parts, I doubt many of my armors here would fit you though, you really gotta pump up that body of yours."

    He scratched the back of his head, confused on the type of armor he desired. Kai never considered needing armor one day, nor being transported into another world. So purchasing a clad is like shopping for an outfit without knowing the style that suit him best. Actually, do an immortal really required armor? Because no matter how severely inflicted his body is, nothing could kill him.

    However, although the concept of death are gone. Agony brought by each injury was there and will always be tormenting him. Pain isn''t pleasant, and Kaiser isn''t immune to physical suffering. So if adding another layer of protection would reduce the torments on battles, he won''t shy away from getting an armor.

    "I''m not really sure on what to get, uh, could I look up the displays first?"

    Hearing his uncertainty, he was then Introduced to the available clads. The blacksmith was even considerate enough to filter his choices, only offering armors that would suit his lithe frame, lessening his already few options. Kaiser listened as the store owner described the specs of suitable suits, ranging in light and medium armor. Light armor offered flexibility but lesser defense, medium played the middle and heavy clads had robust platings, overtaxing defense. Something he can''t wear.

    By the end of it, Kaiser picked a full set of light, metal clad. Aware that medium grade would hinder his movement too much.

    The blacksmith assisted him in putting it on, however, Alfred''s deep voice distracted them, as he walked closer.

    "I wouldn''t recommend a full set if I were you."

    Alfred indifferently eyed Kaiser''s body, and added.

    "Kaiser, right? No offense, but judging by your movement and posture, you''re a rookie, aren''t you?"

    His a bit reluctant to admit, but aside from battling the bandits and crawling python in which he died multiple times. Kai had no fighting skills worth bragging about or ever received any combat training, deeming him a rookie with some experience.

    He nodded.

    "Quite a bit. Yeah."

    Alfred gave the blacksmith a disappointed look and shook his head, before tending to the rookie''s aid.

    "I suggest not purchasing a full set if you''re just starting. Although, it''s true that it would give you better protection. However, the greatest defense of a fighter isn''t his armor, it''s his ability to dodge, know that kid. Those platings are only there for the inevitable, not to block every strikes. If you haven''t mastered your own body first, donning a full armor that would hamper mobility would likely doom you. Furthermore, once that plating concave after receiving impact, can you still focus despite that pain?"

    Kaiser shook his head, digesting the hunter professional advice.

    "A full suit isn''t for rookies, understand?"

    He hesitated for a moment.

    "Does that mean I can''t have an armor, for now?"

    "No, get yourself a chest plate or shoulder guard. Some leathers, perhaps, adding more is up to you, it''s your life kid. Just take my advice on full armors, I''ve seen many naive men die in that mistake."

    In the end, Kaiser left the store donning a dark leather suit. Couple with a chest plate, shin and arm guard. Prioritizing flexibility above all, yet armed important with protection, though, not excessively.

    "I''m starting to look like an adventurer, don''t you think so too, Ariella?"

    She gave a thumbs up.

 Chapter 32: End of the day

    Kaiser¡¯s beast-like instincts, a gift granted by Sacred Bond with Zara, gave him a significant advantage in combat. His heightened senses allowed him to react faster than most and evade attacks better. Mr. Alfred, the veteran hunter, had praised the ability to dogde as a fighter¡¯s greatest defense. And he agreed with that. After all, no matter how powerful an attack is, it''s useless if it can''t hit.

    It wasn''t every day that someone with Alfred''s experience offered free tips, and Kaiser wasn¡¯t about to let that wisdom go to waste.

    So, despite his own self-confidence, Kaiser chose to heed Alfred''s advice, opting for attire that would allow him more flexibility and agility by disregarding most defense a full armor offer. All the while preferring his new attire to be dark in color, to fit his taste. Furthermore, it won''t easily be stained.

    Moreover, Alfred¡¯s advice opened Kaiser¡¯s eyes to things he hadn''t considered before. The hunter¡¯s practical insights highlighted the vulnerabilities of armor, not just its advantages. He pointed out that if armor got damaged, it could crumple or tear, restricting movement and potentially obstructing his focus. However, it''s more to Kaiser because his immortal. That problem would hinder his body''s regenerative ability. Worse still, it could trap his flesh, twisting into his wounds and amplifying his agony as his immortality kicked in to heal. The image of that painful scenario made him shudder. He was grateful that Alfred had shed light on these drawbacks, making him reconsider the kind of protection he needed.

    ''Full armor is a big no.''

    The guidance didn¡¯t stop there. When it came to weapons, Alfred recommended that Kaiser stick to the basics. Understanding that Kaiser was still developing his skills, without proper understanding of combat style, let alone technique. He suggested a conventional dagger, versatile for throwing or close-quarters tasks, paired with a medium-length, double-edged sword. These were straightforward tools¡ªreliable and practical, nothing too flashy. Though, despite his overflowing budget, the quality is merely mundane due to the humble settlement limited resources. Still, they were a clear step up from the poorly made blades Kaiser had looted from the bandits. At least they were brand-new, and in the hands of a quick learner, they¡¯d more than suffice. Hopefully.

    Kaiser would have loved to learn more from the veteran Hunter if they had more time, but as the head of the Hunter squad, Alfred had pressing duties to attend to. With a nod of respect, the two parted ways, each silently acknowledging the other''s path.

    Led by Ethan, the group continued their shopping spree through the village. They restocked their survival gear, replacing their worn-out equipment ¡ª The items he stole from the bandits ¡ª with new and better-quality items. Kaiser even purchased a sturdy leather travel bag, big enough to carry all their essentials and more. It was a huge upgrade; they could now mount sleeping bags on it, making sure they wouldn''t have to sleep on the bare ground anymore.

    Although Kaiser knew they were heading to a more developed settlement soon, where survival gear might not be necessary, he didn¡¯t mind the expense. He was wealthy now, and when you¡¯ve got money to spare, it¡¯s best to be prepared for anything. Practicality and peace of mind were worth the splurge.

    Such as the luxury of the rich.

    By the time they made it back to the inn, night had draped the village in darkness.

    Surprisingly, what had been a quiet and empty space earlier was now bustling with life. The inn was packed with locals unwinding after a long day of work, their laughter and lively conversations filling the air. Mugs clinked, and the aroma of warm food and strong ale made the atmosphere feel vibrant and welcoming. The costumers quantity required Ethan''s assistance immediately, leaving them alone.

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    Kaiser''s entrance with his companions immediately drew attention, his unfamiliar presence igniting curiosity.

    The rowdy patrons, already a few drinks in, couldn''t help but notice the unfamiliar group. Whispers turned to grins, and soon enough, the comments started rolling in.

    "Hey, kid, come have a drink with us!" a flushed-faced man hollered, waving his mug like he was greeting an old friend.

    "Yeah, what¡¯s with those ladies? Why¡¯re their faces all covered up? C¡¯mon, let us get a look!" another guy jeered, laughter in his voice as he nudged his buddy.

    A third man, even more inebriated, leaned back and chuckled, "Haha, watch yourself there, pal! One woman¡¯s more trouble than you think, take it from me!" His comment was abruptly cut off as a stern-looking woman, clearly his wife, marched over and yanked him up by the ear. "Drinking again! Enough! Home, now!" she snapped, dragging the poor guy out while the room erupted in laughter.

    "See what I mean?" the man called back with a sheepish grin, wincing as his wife pulled him away like a misbehaving child.

    Ariella chuckled behind the mask, Cia smiled and Kaiser didn''t know how to react.

    The inn roared with laughter, the drunk costumers spirits high as they continued to enjoy their night. The teasing and camaraderie washed over Kaiser, lightening his mood a little.

    "Come on, kiddo, have a drink! This is the best booze in town!" another voice boomed, the speaker''s grin almost infectious.

    "Yeah, spill it! Tell us about your adventures with those beauties! Don¡¯t be shy!" another called out, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he gestured toward Cia and Ariella.

    He shuddered, feeling a mix of delight, infected by the surrounding liveliness. However, all this attention was uncomfortable. Fortunately, it was simply curiosity about the new guys and town. Perhaps it''s their unconscious act of welcoming them to their community. Instead of dubious malice, or too much doubts to strangers.

    The words of them being sent by old man Garba, the Tower Warden had probably spread already. Or perhaps the chief confirms they''re not hostile or poses harm to their village despite their unknown origins.

    ''Did they trust that old dude that much?''

    Kai didn''t know why, but the lighthouse keeper seems to be respected by the villagers a lot. To the point his approval alone is enough to turn a stranger to a local villager in their sight.

    "Quit yapping, would ya! Leave the kid alone, you bunch of lonely drunkards!" Maber¡¯s voice boomed through the inn, cutting through the laughter as he stepped up to defend Kaiser from the rowdy patrons.

    "We''re just teasing the newcomer! What¡¯s wrong with that?" one of the men protested, a playful smirk on his face.

    "I don''t know, maybe because the kid doesn''t like talking?! Just back off and let him head to his room!" Maber shot back, folding his arms and staring them down.

    Kai and Ariella stood there, wide-eyed and a little dumbfounded, watching as Maber argued with the patrons. The whole scene seemed ridiculous, yet somehow fitting, as the inn¡¯s atmosphere remained lively and full of good-natured jabs. Even as they exchanged heated words, the joy in the air didn¡¯t fade; the patrons seemed to enjoy the banter just as much as the drinking.

    "I''m so sorry about that, dear," said Miss Lina, the innkeeper, stepping in with a kind smile. "The folks here can get a bit rowdy at times. They don''t mean any harm, really, they just wanted to get to know you."

    With Miss Lina''s and Maber¡¯s help, Kaiser, Ariella, and Cia managed to weave their way through the sea of curious faces. As they climbed the creaky wooden stairs to their room, they could still hear the laughter and teasing from below.

    The inn erupted into even louder cheers when the three of them entered the same room. Whistles and playful jeers echoed up the stairs, filled with exaggerated winks and jokes.

    "Three in one room, huh? Now that¡¯s what I call an adventure!" someone shouted from the crowd.

    "Don¡¯t wear yourselves out too much kid! You''re still young!" another hollered, followed by a wave of laughter that seemed to shake the very walls of the inn.

    "That guy will be coming out thin tomorrow!"

    Slam!

    He slammed the door shut, and covered his hot face with both hands. Burning with embarrassment thanks to the drunken jesters thrown at them, mainly to him.

    Kaiser didn¡¯t mind the teasing much, but what made it worse was Ariella and Cia were hearing it too! It''s as if his dirty thoughts are speaking out loud, making it awkward for the three of them.

    How is he supposed to face them now?

    Kai can''t. He bumped his head on the wall, hoping pain would be of help. However, it only made the folks outside cheered harder, misunderstanding the bumping sound for something else.

    ''Damn those bastards, don''t they have anything better to do with life?!''

    Cia''s melodious giggles sounded in the room, taking his attention. She lingered for a moment, then said in a wistful tone.

    "This village is really lively, don''t you think so too?"

    Thankfully, she seems to not mind the jesters, too much. Though, her cheeks are a bit red. While Ariella already lay on the bed, in deep thought as she tried to understand the earlier jokes. Though, her pure mind is not getting it.

    Composing himself, Kaiser lips curved.

    "Yeah, but too much for me. It''s kinda strange how people of this world - Ahem, Dimension, I mean. Seems happier than advanced society on Earth... It felt nice." His gazed outside with a distant look on his face upon remembering his old home.

    Moonlight showers through the balcony''s door, chasing shadows in the dim room.

    After a while, he sighed.

    "In any case, it''s time for bed."

    With that, their first day in the village passed.

    In the morning, however, they were awakened by news of a Villager disappearing.

 Chapter 33: Morning commotion

    Kaiser was the first to wake up that morning. He quickly shook Ariella and Cia awake, urging them to get ready before heading downstairs to grab some breakfast. As they descended the steps, he noticed something unusual¡ªa gathering of people in the dining hall near the entrance, which is unnatural this early in the morning.

    Unless something major happened that concerned the inn.

    Among the crowd, he spotted familiar faces: Mr. Alfred, the old, hunched village chief, and several villagers standing alongside a few hunters. Maber and Miss Lina were also there, engaged in a serious discussion with the head of the hunters and the chief. Their expressions were tense, a stark contrast to the cheerful atmosphere of the previous night.

    ''What''s with the commotion.''

    Kaiser left the girls at a table and moved closer to see what was going on. Miss Lina noticed him approaching and gave him a small nod, stepping away from the group to offer a quick explanation. Her eyes, usually warm, now carried a hint of worry, which transferred to Kaiser as she informed him of the details.

    Kaiser¡¯s relaxed mood from moments ago turned somber. He gave Miss Lina a nod of thanks before she gently patted his shoulder, trying to reassure him.

    ¡°Just wait here, dear. I¡¯ll bring breakfast soon,¡± she said, before disappearing into the kitchen.

    Feeling uncomfortable around the other villagers that glanced at him, he returned to the table where Ariella and Cia were waiting. Ariella shot him a questioning look, though, Cia is the one that can speak.

    ¡°It¡¯s unnaturally noisy today, Is there anything the matter?¡± The blind girl said, her voice tinged with concern.

    Kaiser sighed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Yeah, quite a big deal, actually. Remember those drunkards from last night? Apparently, one of them didn¡¯t return home. His wife thought he¡¯d crashed somewhere else after drinking so much, but when he still didn¡¯t show up this morning, people got worried. However, he wasn''t found, the issue eventually reached the chief and organized a search party, but even the hunters couldn¡¯t find him. Neither in the village nor the forest.¡±

    Cia''s brow furrowed, and she raised an eyebrow skeptically. ¡°That''s odd... Could it be a monster?¡±

    Kaiser shuddered at the thought, feeling like they were living out one of those eerie tales told by the fireside, mostly about mysterious creatures. The only difference is that, they''re experiencing it personally, not in words only.

    ¡°Maybe... Creatures like that massive snake I fought exist in this realm. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if some other monster was lurking nearby.¡±

    He let out a long breath, rubbing his temples in frustration. ¡°But why now? Why did this have to happen the very night we arrived?¡±

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but notice the wary glances from the villagers, their once-welcoming smiles replaced with suspicious glances. People were whispering among themselves, and it didn¡¯t take long for him to realize the cause. It was only natural for them to be suspicious¡ª Kaiser and his group had just arrived, and on the first night of their stay, someone went missing.

    The timing was too coincidental for comfort.

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    Cia nodded thoughtfully, offering her own theory. ¡°Maybe all that blood from the butchering outside attracted it. The smell could¡¯ve drawn in something hungry.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Kaiser agreed. ¡°However, judging by Mr. Alfred''s character, the Hunters isn''t ignorant. And I doubt this is their first time handling dead Beasts in such an open manner. The butchers are skilled in managing the blood and carcasses. So if a monster really did hot attracted, it¡¯s probably something new that hasn¡¯t been here before.¡±

    Before they could delve further into the topic, Miss Lina returned with their breakfast: warm bread, hearty soup, and meat toppings. As they began eating, Kaiser kept one ear trained on the distant conversation happening among the villagers, using his beastly hearing to catch the details.

    He overheard Maber being questioned by the hunters and villagers about the missing man, given that the inn was the last place the man was seen. Unfortunately, Maber seemed as clueless as everyone else, insisting he knew nothing beyond the fact that the man had left the inn in a drunken state.

    Kaiser¡¯s heart sank when he caught snippets of the villagers¡¯ theories, including Cia¡¯s earlier guess that some kind of monster might be involved. Without any concrete leads, the discussion seemed to spiral, with one wild idea feeding into the next. Distress and dread affected their mind, too. Because this issue involved all their safety, who knew when whatever abduct the man and likely killed him would stire again? Everyone is a potential victim.

    Then, someone in the crowd dared to question whether Kaiser¡¯s group could be involved in the man''s disappearance. For a brief moment, a chill ran down his spine. Suspicion toward outsiders was natural, but he hadn¡¯t expected it so soon.

    Maber quickly stepped in, defending them. "That¡¯s nonsense! These kids never even left their room last night. I would¡¯ve seen them if they did!"

    Alfred chimed in as well, his voice steady and authoritative. ¡°Why would a young man like him abduct a villager? And at this timing, of all things? There''s nothing to gain either, it doesn''t make sense. Furthermore, does he look like a monster?"

    Silence fell on them as the solid reasoning sank in. Kaiser appeared to be a normal young man, albeit, his character is a bit unfriendly and shady. His a fine teenager that poses no harm.

    The village chief nodded in agreement, and so did the majority of the crowd, their doubts beginning to dissipate.

    Relieved, Kaiser relaxed a bit, grateful for Maber¡¯s and Alfred¡¯s righteous justification.

    ''It''s so nice when people are reasonable. Saves me the trouble of doing it myself.'' He thought, nonchalantly drinking a cup of water.

    However, just as he thought things were calming down, another indignant voice from the group asked, "Wait a minute, then how about his companions? Their faces were always hidden, didn''t they? One of them is even wearing a monster mask. Who knew if they''re actually humans."

    The question hung in the air, heavy with fear and uncertainty.

    Meanwhile, Kaiser spat a mouthful of water he just drank. Ariella froze, who happened to be eavesdropping on their conversation too. Cia suppressed a chuckle, her lack of sight had enhanced her other senses beyond others. So she''s likely listening, as well.

    Caughting, Kai cursed under his breath. Knowing what''s about to come isn''t pretty thanks to whoever that genius was!

    "I am right, just think about it, maybe the rookie has a humanoid monster as pets and was disguising them. That explains why his hiding them! Come on, you believe me Boss Alfred, right? right?"

    ''F*ck that bastard again, why didn''t I kill that guy last night?''

    Of course, he recognized that annoying tone brimming with arrogance. It was the spiky haired Brick!

    Alfred didn''t respond immediately, so did the others because Bricks words surprisingly make a bit of sense. Sure, the two ladies appeared to be humans donning hooded cloaks. However, is it really their preferred dressing fashion or for the purpose of shrouding something that shouldn''t be seen. The latter was more likely, in all honesty. Kaiser''s intentional covering isn''t that hard to notice, really.

    They wouldn''t really pry on others secrets, if it didn''t harm anyone.

    Maber tried to keep his guests privacy. "Hey, come on now, you lots don''t really think those girls are monsters. I knew... What''s his name again? uh, Kaiser, yeah. That kid is a good lad, my wife said so, too. Let''s not forget they''re sent by the Warden."

    However, the village chief shook his old head.

    "This concerned the safety of the entire Village, Maber. I''m afraid I would have to disregard your inn reputation, their rights of secrecy and even Garba''s words if it meant protecting my people... Alfred, I''ll leave the rest to you."

    Although, Bricks suggestions had holes for doubts, such as do humanoid monsters even exist in Green Land? If so, how did Kaiser manage to tame it? Do he feed them with humans? Then how did he cover the evidence? And many more. Though, the biggest question is if they''re really humans or monsters. If they''re truly humans, why hid their appearance?

    There was much to consider. However, just as the village chief stated, the people''s security are more important than visitors privacy. Alfred obeyed sternly, walking over to the group of three teenagers, prepared to break into a sprint if they suddenly attempted to scape or engaged in combat.

    Strangely, the three didn''t make any suspicious moves. Kaiser simply leaned on his chair, letting out a sigh.

    ''If only, whatever that thing was hadn''t caused a mess last night. My plan would be perfect... And Brick, that as*hole, can''t he keep his mouth shut?!''

    What''s done is done, Kaiser can only accept what''s about to come.

    Looking at the confused Ariella, donning a ugly mask meant to horrify kids. He smirked, not giving a care anymore.

    "Scare the heck out of them, my goddess, I believe in you."

    Ariella tilted her head, slightly. Wondering how to frighten anyone with her face.

 Chapter 34: Face Reveal

    Kaiser felt a firm hand clamp down on his shoulder¡ªa gesture that seemed friendly at first, but he knew better. It was Alfred¡¯s way of keeping him in place, a reminder that he was under watch. Among the three of them, Kaiser, being the only male, naturally appeared the most threatening to the crowd. Alfred was being cautious, careful to handle the situation under the expectant gaze of the villagers, ensuring their safety while subtly reminding Kaiser to comply.

    Kaiser didn''t plan to resist, though. He¡¯d done everything he could to keep Ariella¡¯s true appearance hidden. Yet, fate seemed to have twisted the events in a way that left him no choice but to face the consequences. Sometimes, no matter how much you wanted to control the situation, the world had its own plans.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this. Just stay put for now and cooperate with us to prove your companions'' innocence. I hope you understand, Kaiser.¡± Alfred said, his voice low but firm.

    Kaiser gave a simple nod, his expression laid-back but slightly dejected. He wasn¡¯t truly worried. Ariella was anything but a monster, though he was more concerned about what her beauty might do to the hearts of these people. It¡¯s not every day that mere mortals are graced with the presence of a goddess. Having spent most time with her, Kai knew it well. Actually, his own selfishness, wanting to keep her all to himself was part of his reasons for hiding Ariella''s visage.

    He never liked sharing, even if it''s just a glimpse. Unfortunately, the situation forced him.

    ''Damned whatever caused the abduction last night.''

    Rick, the irritatingly bumptious hunter, couldn¡¯t hold his tongue any longer. His loud, grating voice echoed through the room.

    ¡°Just get on with it already!¡± he barked, arrogantly holding his sword in front of him, as if ready to confront whatever beast he imagined hiding beneath that cover, yet still positioned safely behind Alfred.

    ''Damned that bastard too!''

    Alfred took a deep breath, his eyes locked on Ariella, who was seated quietly with her cloak drawn around her. She wore a ugly mask that hid her features, making her look mysterious and somewhat ominous. He paused for a moment, studying her with a wary gaze, his hand gripping the hilt of his dagger.

    "If you would. Please, remove your mask."

    He said, in a tone that was as gentle as he could manage, though his voice remained steady and serious.

    All eyes turned toward Ariella, the air heavy with tension. The villagers and hunters alike stared at her, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. People even peeked through the windows to get a glimpse of what they feared could be a monster. Maber and Miss Lina stood by, their faces showing helplessness, as if they were silently praying for a miracle. The village chief maintained a stern, unreadable expression, while Ethan could only clasp his hands, hoping for a peaceful resolution.

    Alfred¡¯s grip on Kaiser¡¯s shoulder tightened, his body tense and ready to react to any threat that might emerge. His other hand gripped his dagger so firmly that his knuckles whitened. Rick was already in position, his sword pointed directly at Ariella, poised to strike at the slightest sign of danger.

    Ariella hesitated under the intensity of their stares, shifting uncomfortably. She turned her gaze toward Kaiser, seeking guidance. But when she met his eyes, all she found was a calm, indifferent silence¡ªa silent nod of approval for what she needed to do.

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    Kai¡¯s expression changed ever so slightly when Ariella sighed softly, a gesture that reminded him of himself.

    ¡®I¡¯m sure she learned that from me,¡¯ he thought, a small smile almost forming on his lips.

    Ariella then stood up slowly, her movements graceful yet deliberate. She reached up and undid her cloak, allowing it to fall away.

    ¡°I told you she¡¯s a monst¡ª¡± Rick started to shout, but his words choked in his throat.

    The moment the fabric fell, it revealed Ariella in all her glory. Her skin was fair and flawless, smooth as porcelain. Her silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Her figure was perfectly proportioned, draped in a pure white dress that seemed untouched by any stain or blemish, radiating a beauty beyond anything they had ever seen.

    And then, with a slow, deliberate motion, Ariella reached up and removed her mask. The air seemed to still as the villagers and hunters caught sight of her inhumanly beautiful face, with features so perfect they seemed almost unreal. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of gray, looked back at them with a playful yet innocent gaze, holding an almost childlike curiosity.

    The room fell into absolute silence. The air felt thick, as if the very breath had been taken from every onlooker. All around them, mouths hung open, eyes widened, and for a heartbeat, no one seemed capable of movement or speech. Even the females were awed, as if looking at their dreams which only belonged to Ariella''s godly figure.

    In that moment, Ariella was no longer just a mysterious figure hiding behind a mask. She was a vision of grace and beauty, something otherworldly that none of them could have ever expected to encounter. Perhaps the most beautiful creature they ever seen, sharing Kaiser''s opinion.

    The fear and suspicion that had filled the room moments before were replaced by sheer awe, as if they were standing in the presence of a divine being.

    In that silence, Cia stood too. Understanding the villagers doubts, she knew her identity also required a clearing to completely prove their innocence in the matter.

    With the hood down and any obscuring mantle, her slim body donning an archer''s attire was vividly seen. Cia never cared for her appearance due to her lack of sight to appreciate any visible display. If anything, she made sure to maintain a slender build for better strength and flexibility that made her everyday life easier despite the absence of vision. Her captivating body coupled with her natural beauty - pale blonde hair and dimmed, yet somewhat sharp eyes had a rare allure that begged for love, cared for her vulnerable self and served her their entire life. Cia''s appearance can be described above average.

    Kaiser couldn''t help but let a small, smug grin slip onto his face as he watched the villagers stare at Ariella in awe. They looked envious, almost resentful, as if wondering how someone like him ended up with such extraordinary possession, ahem, I mean companions. Even though he couldn''t deny the hint of pride swelling in his chest.

    ''Well, the cat''s out of the bag. I just hop¡ª'' His thoughts were cut off abruptly as he felt a sudden, crushing pressure on his left shoulder.

    Kaiser turned his head up slowly to see Alfred, the imposing hunter, standing over him. Though the man¡¯s face was calm, there was a bitter undertone in his eyes. The grip on Kaiser¡¯s shoulder tightened further, making his bones ache. His smug expression quickly faltered, replaced by a look of realization.

    "Uh..." Kaiser muttered, his bravado slipping as he hesitated, the pain in his shoulder growing more intense.

    Just then, the awkward tension was broken by a loud thud. All eyes turned to see Brick, who had somehow fallen to his knees before Ariella. His demeanor had shifted completely from arrogant to utterly captivated, as if he were in the presence of a divine being. Without any hint of shame, he blurted out, "Please, marry me!" thrusting out his hand in a desperate proposal.

    Ariella instinctively took a step back, her expression a mix of surprise and discomfort, which only seemed to make her look even more endearing to the crowd. The villagers'' hearts melted at her innocent reaction. Brick, however, inched closer, completely ignoring her discomfort. As if remembering something Kaiser had once told her, Ariella hesitated, then raised her hand and...

    Slap!

    The sharp sound echoed through the room, followed by stunned silence. Brick¡¯s head snapped to the side, and his cheeks reddened¡ªnot from love, but from the sting of the slap that Ariella delivered with surprising precision.

    "Pfft!" Kaiser struggled to contain his laughter, his shoulders shaking. ''Well... I did tell her to scare the heck out of them. I guess slapping the heck out of that idiot also works. Good job, my goddess. You''re growing up too fast.''

    The room erupted into laughter at Brick¡¯s humiliation. Maber couldn¡¯t help but join in with a teasing grin. "I take back what I said earlier! In fact, I saw that brat Kaiser sneaking out last night! He''s the real monster!"

    Another voice from the crowd chimed in with mock outrage, "Yeah! Kill that gluttonous kid! Is one goddess not enough for ya?!"

    "Tsk! Where''s the justice in this? He deserves a thousand deaths! We have a confirmed criminal here. Two are absolutely cheating, kid! I forgivable!" someone else jeered, shaking their head with a playful smirk.

    Even Alfred, who had been holding Kaiser firmly in place, now looked down at him with a heavy, judgmental gaze.

    "I guess we have a confirmed suspect," he said dryly, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes that he couldn¡¯t completely hide.

    Kaiser''s previous grin cracked like a broken mirror.

    He cursed. ''...Crap''

    And that''s how Kai earned the grudges of every male villager in town.

 Chapter 35: Day Two

    Kaiser expected the exaggerated reactions, but even he was taken aback by the intensity. Ariella''s ethereal beauty was like seeing perfection come to life¡ªan almost mythical sight in a world of flawed, mortal beings. The villagers were used to accepting their own imperfections, weaving them into their character as part of life''s natural order. But to witness someone entirely devoid of those imperfections left them speechless, like they were seeing an otherworldly vision.

    Both men and women alike were stunned by Ariella''s appearance. Her flawless features were beyond anything they''d ever seen, filling them with awe and disbelief. But the situation was complicated by the fact that there were two of them¡ªAriella wasn''t the only stunning companion in Kaiser''s group.

    Cia, with her delicate and tender aura, could easily outshine any village girl, her beauty heightened by her time in Earth, where skincare and grooming were second nature. Her soft demeanor, combined with her vulnerability as a blind girl, brought out everyone''s protective instincts.

    While Ariella and Cia basked in the admiration and praise from the villagers, Kaiser received the exact opposite¡ªglares full of resentment, envy, and grudge. The men in the room shot him unforgiving looks, feeling the sting of jealousy, knowing that he, of all people, was in the company of not one, but two dreamlike beauties. Even Alfred, usually a stoic figure, couldn''t hide his bitterness.

    The women weren''t much kinder in their judgment. To them, Kaiser was a disloyal scoundrel, unworthy of such exceptional companions. Their demeanor toward him grew cold, as if he were some untrustworthy rogue who had somehow lucked into a fortune he didn¡¯t deserve. Thankfully, Miss Lina was just happy for them, albeit, a bit disappointed in Kai.

    ''I don''t even have a girlfriend for god''s sake!'' Kaiser mentally groaned, bewildered by the whole situation.

    Despite all this, their group''s innocence was confirmed, though it came at the expense of Kaiser''s reputation. He had anticipated that unveiling Ariella¡¯s face would lead to some issues, but not like this.

    To his surprise, the consequences weren¡¯t quite what he expected. He thought their beauty might invite unwanted trouble, yet seeing the villagers share lighthearted jokes and banter, he began to doubt his own judgment. Perhaps he had been too cynical, shaped by his experiences from Earth''s culture and media, where beauty often led to complications. Maybe this world didn''t operate the same way.

    ''Nah, it''s better to be careful than sorry,''

    Kai rather be cautious, unwilling to fully let his guard down. Kaiser was determined to protect Ariella and Cia, despite the crowd''s friendly demeanor. He knew that malicious intentions could still surface eventually.

    As the initial commotion died down, the conversation shifted back to the issue of the missing villager. Alfred, the village chief, and the gathered crowd discussed theories, ranging from the man running away from his wife, leaving the village in the silently in the dead of night. Or conflicts with others led someone to kill him, hide his body and pretend nothing happened. There are many possibilities, but the prevailing thought was that a new, wild beast might have taken up residence near the village, a scenario that had occurred in the past.

    Kaiser, however, found it hard to focus on their speculation. He was done with the heavy glares that still pointed at him, like invisible daggers. Tired of the attention, he headed back to his room in search of some peace after finishing breakfast. Naturally, Ariella and Cia followed him; he couldn''t leave them alone in a place where suspicions and misconceptions about them might still linger. Their departure only added fuel to the villagers'' envy.

    ''Bitter, be bitter. These guys already have wives, and they¡¯re still glaring daggers at me. And they call for justice?'' Kaiser internally rolls his eyes at the crowd.

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    Though the villagers misunderstood his relationship with Ariella and Cia. Which in truth is more heartwarming and kind due to him acting more like a protective big brother, rather than a disloyal partner.

    Kaiser had no intention of clearing up the misconception. Let them think what they wanted; their envy didn¡¯t bother him, rather, it pleased him. Furthermore, his social skills and standing weren¡¯t the best anyway, therefore, didn''t give much care about others''views on him. Though, after today''s events, his reputation was already down the drain. Cia and Ariella knowing who he really is are enough for him.

    Without anything specific to do - jobs, hobbies or close friends to socialize with, they spent most of the day holed up in their room, a behavior that might have seemed suspicious to the villagers below, especially given the unwanted attention Kaiser had already drawn.

    But in truth, they''re busy figuring out something.

    Sunlight streamed through the narrow window, casting a golden glow across the room as they sat surrounded by a scattered array of makeshift tools and objects they hoped would trigger some hidden power.

    Kaiser hasn''t given up on awakening his unique ability as a Player. After much persuasion and Kaiser''s stubborn insistence, Cia finally entertained the idea that these abilities could be real, even though a part of her didn''t fully believe in his words.

    Kai had already tried everything he could think of in the days they spent trudging through the dense forest as they searched for a human settlement. Back then, hoping for a breakthrough. He had thrust his hand forward, willing flames to burst from his fingertips like in the stories, only to be met with nothing but the cold air of disappointment. He closed his eyes, straining to summon water, willing droplets to form in his palm, but all he got was a dry, empty feeling. He even concentrated on a rock, staring it down with every ounce of his focus, trying to will it to move or shatter under his gaze, yet it stubbornly remained in place, as immovable as ever.

    Kai had tried reaching into his heart, his mind, his very soul, searching for a spark or a flicker of something deep within. His brow furrowed, beads of sweat forming on his temples as he stood silently in the room, hands clenched into tight fists, waiting for some hidden force to awaken. Nothing. Just silence, as if the universe was mocking him.

    So, met with constant failures, Kai stopped for a while and focused on finding a Village days ago.

    Now that they have plenty of time again, maybe he''ll give it another try. With Cia, this time. Perhaps he''ll finally unravel his hidden power?

    However, things aren''t looking good for them.

    After much pondering again, he tested a few ideas.

    He''d tried jumping into the air, hoping to fly, only to come crashing back down. He tested his skin''s durability by punching a log, and even attempted to shoot lasers from his eyes, which was as unsuccessful as it was absurd. He concentrated on objects, trying to will them into crushing under his gaze. In his most desperate attempts, he imagined entering someone''s mind or touching their consciousness. Of course, he only tried this with Ariella and Cia, since they were the only ones who wouldn¡¯t freak out if he suddenly held their hands or touched their skin. But all his efforts led to the same conclusion¡ªnothing.

    Cia awkwardly follows his example under his guidance, occasionally hiding her laughter behind her hand. Despite being serious about finding their abilities, even she couldn¡¯t help but let out a giggle when Kaiser failed to shoot lasers from his eyes or fly.

    She joined him in the experiments, holding his hand to see if their touch would spark something, anything, to confirm their potential. But all they ended up with was a silent room, filled with the echoes of their failed attempts.

    Ariella sat nearby, watching them with a soft smile, her frequent laughter like the gentle tinkling of wind chimes on a summer breeze. She giggled at Kaiser''s flailing attempts to fly, her eyes twinkling with a playful light, as if she were witnessing a private comedy show. Her laughter was infectious, filling the room with a warmth that eased their frustrations.

    He sighed, heavily.

    ''Damnit.''

    Kaiser felt frustrated, almost as if whatever ability he was supposed to have simply didn''t exist. Even with Cia''s help today, they couldn''t figure it out. Despite all the hype about Players having unique abilities, which Gabriel, Old Man Garba, and the villagers confirmed along the records of the records from the past.

    Kai remained powerless.

    He was desperate to unlock his own abilities, not just for himself but also for Cia, too. If she could discover her own potential, it might bring her hope and confidence. Powers would make their lives so much easier and safer in this dangerous world, increasing their chances of survival and success. Better yet, give her vision.

    He made a promise with her, and Kaiser won''t back down his words. By now, their relationship can be graded as friends. But as their bond grew deeper, the gnawing feeling of displeasure seeing her silently suffer kept gripping his heart. Her frequent dullness and bleak attitude was unlike the charismatic blind girl that strives despite her flaws in a competitive world. He admired the past version of herself and wanted to bring it back.

    Sprawled on the floor, sweat rolling down his skin. Kai turns his head to Cia, who''s in a similar state.

    "Any bright ideas left?"

    She took a while to respond, probably contemplating over their failures and thinking of a new, plausible way.

    "...I''m sorry, but I''m also out of juice."

    Groaning, he wearily sat up.

    "This sucks... I guess we won''t be getting powers today."

    The next day, another villager was victimized. Only this time, the victim didn''t disappeared.

 Chapter 36: Day Three

    Kaiser woke up later than usual that morning, sunlight already streaming in through the cracks in the window. With no pressing plans for the day, he went through his usual routine before heading down to the dining hall for breakfast. This time, unlike the noisy scene yesterday, the room was quiet and empty, the stillness of the morning settling in naturally.

    Only Ethan stood behind the counter, his gaze fixed on the window with a troubled expression. His face was shadowed with a hint of worry that he didn¡¯t bother to mask. The normally cheerful boy seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed as if wrestling with something troubling.

    It wasn''t hard to guess.

    ¡°What happened this time?¡± Kai asked, breaking Ethan''s reverie.

    Ethan jumped slightly, startled by the sudden question. He gave a polite wave to Ariella and Cia, acknowledging their presence first before turning his attention back to Kai, as if to say that they were his priority. Staining Kai''s mood.

    ''This brat.''

    ¡°Good morning, Miss Ariella, Miss Cia,¡± he greeted them, his voice softer and more respectful.

    ¡°Sorry for not noticing you right away. I just have a lot on my mind today.¡±

    He shifted uncomfortably, his expression turning even more serious as he seemed to replay something unpleasant in his head. His voice lowered to a somber tone as he continued, ¡°¡­ Earlier, the Hunters reported that something horrible happened last night, again. One of their patrolling members ran into the creature and called for backup¡ªmore like screamed for it. But by the time the others arrived, he was already gone.¡±

    Kaiser''s eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of concern and curiosity surfacing. He hesitated before asking, ¡°Did they see what kind of creature it was?¡±

    Ethan''s voice was grim, the worry evident in his eyes as he nodded. ¡°Yes, but not very clearly. They said it ran away so fast that they only caught a glimpse of its black skin. Just a blur in the dark, really... I don''t know if you wanna know this, but I think you should.¡±

    He frowned, then nodded. "Go on."

    The kid leaned in closer, dropping his voice to a near-whisper as if sharing a forbidden secret. ¡°When they examined Mr. Bara¡¯s body¡­ they found it hollow. The inside was completely eaten out. There was barely anything left of him.¡±

    Kaiser felt a chill run down his spine. He took a slow, deep breath, absorbing the gravity of the situation. The idea of a creature that could not only strike quickly but also consume its prey from within was more horrifying than he¡¯d anticipated. This wasn''t just a beast; it was a calculated predator, and judging by its successful attack and swift escape even under the hunters'' watch, patrolling the area, it might possess a disturbing level of intelligence beyond a feral beasts should possess.

    When Miss Lina brought their breakfast¡ªbread with soup and a side of meat¡ªKaiser barely looked at it. His appetite had vanished, replaced by a heavy sense of unease. Even the usually comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and warm broth couldn¡¯t pierce the cloud of dread that had settled over him. He noticed that both Miss Lina and Ethan seemed more distracted than usual, their hands trembling slightly as they went about their tasks.

    He sighed.

    The fact that it struck again despite the patrols this time means it won¡¯t stop easily, more villagers would potentially be victimized by that harrowing creature. Especially the way it devoured was frightening.

    Fortunately, the Hunters are there to protect them... If they could, that is. By now, he heard that those guys are searching like crazy to eradicate the threat, motivated to avenge their fallen comrade.

    ¡°Thank goodness I¡¯m not a Hunter, I wouldn¡¯t want to come face-to-face with that thing.¡± Was his honest opinion.

    He wasn''t a hero, and he won''t pretend to be one. The idea of going toe-to-toe with some monstrous creature didn¡¯t fill him with resolve or bravery; it filled him with dread. Sure, he had immortality, but he wasn¡¯t about to test whether it would save him from being hollowed out like the dead hunter. The missing villager was probably gone, not even the corpse remains. Moreover, does his immortality even covered eaten parts? Kai didn''t want to find out, he loved his limbs too much. He might not die, though, but the thought of being consumed alive was something even his resilience couldn''t steel him against.

    Kaiser¡¯s thoughts churned in circles, a mix of fear, frustration, and the cold reality that he wasn¡¯t cut out to be the kind of hero who would willingly throw himself into danger. He was just an ordinary guy from Earth, and in moments like these, his human instincts to prioritize survival over heroics seemed painfully clear.

    Nevertheless, he had to prioritize their safety until the migration caravan arrived.

    ''Four more days... Time is so slow.''

    Until then, he had to protect their peaceful life, maintain a low profile and just live their daily lives.

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    Kaiser, Cia, and Ariella spent hours in their room once again, tirelessly trying to unlock their hidden abilities. Despite all their combined efforts, they met with nothing but frustration. Kaiser''s and Cia''s brainstorming and experimentation led to dead ends, their ideas drained to the point of near-exhaustion. Meanwhile, Ariella, reclining comfortably on the bed, seemed to be the only one enjoying herself, giggling at their antics while playing a game on Kaiser''s smartphone.

    ''Good for her,'' Kai thought wearily, casting a glance at the goddess, who was clearly getting more entertainment out of their struggle than they were. She''s draining what little remains of his phone battery, too!

    At this point, he was beginning to doubt the existence of the so-called abilities players were supposed to have. Maybe the whole thing was a myth, or perhaps the two of them were special cases with overly complicated abilities that weren''t easy to uncover. With a sigh, Kaiser got up and caught a whiff of his own scent, grimacing.

    "Damn, I stink.... Guess it''s time for a bath."

    Cia, looking equally exhausted, gave a nod and slowly rose to her feet, preparing to head out. Ariella, however, ducked under the blanket like a mischievous child, unwilling to leave the comfort of the bed.

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Ariella, don¡¯t think I¡¯ll let you off just because you don¡¯t want to. Get up," he said, giving her a gentle nudge with his foot.

    Ariella stayed stubbornly curled up, refusing to budge. Kai tried a different tactic.

    "Really now, we¡¯re going to leave you behind," he teased. But she didn¡¯t fall for his bluff, not anymore, knowing all too well that he could never actually abandon her. He didn''t know whether to laugh or cry just how fast she learn.

    After a few moments, Kaiser grinned playfully.

    "The hard way it is, then," he declared.

    Ariella''s laughter filled the room as Kaiser launched a tickling attack, breaking her resolve and forcing her to emerge from her hiding spot. They eventually managed to get her on her feet, and together they headed out.

    As they descended the stairs, the dining hall was bustling with activity. Tired villagers, some of them hunters, were unwinding after a long day''s work. The room was alive with a mix of boisterous laughter and loud chatter. But amid the usual banter, Kaiser also heard the distinct undercurrent of anger and sorrow. Some of the hunters wore hard expressions, their spirits dampened by the loss of their comrade and the frustration of not being able to find the culprit responsible.

    Kai usually avoided bringing the girls down to the bathing room during these busy evening hours, preferring to steer clear of the drunken crowds. But today, they had lost track of time while experimenting, leaving them no choice.

    ¡®Let¡¯s just get this over with and sleep,¡¯ he thought to himself, trying to ignore the piercing stares they received as they walked across the room. The gazes from the men were full of envy and disdain, some even making crude comments that were just loud enough for Kai to hear.

    "What''s a kid like him doing with two beauties like that? Doesn''t even deserve one of ''em," someone slurred.

    "Bet he doesn''t know what to do with a goddess and a pretty blind girl, huh?" another chuckled in a lewd tone.

    Kai¡¯s jaw tightened, but he kept his expression neutral.

    ¡®Annoying bastards,¡¯ he thought, forcing himself to stay calm. He knew better than to engage with them¡ªwords do no real harm, and starting a fight with a group of drunken men would only lead to unnecessary trouble.

    Emotions are meant to be controlled, Kai was forced to learn that on Earth to avoid troubles he can''t handle. Letting your emotions drive you would only make problems bigger and cloud your judgement. Others may afford the consequences, but for an orphan? He had to humble himself to have food on his plate.

    As they made their way to the bathroom, a stumbling man, clearly over his limit on alcohol, bumped into Kaiser''s shoulder. The man''s eyes were glazed, a sloppy grin on his face as he swayed on his feet. "Ah, oops, sorry ''bout that, kid. Been a long day, hic, you know... hehe," he muttered.

    Kai held his glare for a moment, then took a deep breath, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. It was clearly an accident, not a deliberate act, so he chose to walk away without making a scene. No use getting into a brawl over something so minor.

    They reached the small bathing room near the counter. Kaiser peeked inside to ensure it was empty before letting Cia and Ariella in. The two girls looked a bit hesitant, but he reassured them with a calm smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll stand guard right here. Take as long as you need,¡± he said, giving them a nod.

    As the door closed, Kaiser leaned back against the wall, settling into his role as their guard. In that situation, he can''t help but feel nostalgic, remembering the memories of his school days on Earth, where he and his friends, Pau and Aron, would take turns guarding each other¡¯s privacy in the Class F comfort room due to the broken lock that the university had no plan on fixing. Those simple moments seemed so distant now, but the nostalgia brought a small smile to his face.

    He missed them...

    Pushing off the wall, Kai decided to grab a drink from the nearby counter to distract himself.

    "Good evening Sir, may I ask for your order?"

    Kai raises an eyebrow.

    "You''re in charge again Ethan, where''s miss Lina?"

    The boy scratched the back of his head.

    "I''m too young for this, am I? I told Mom, too. Why would she put me in the counter to deal with this guy''s, it''s really hard taking to most of them, they''re even giving me drinks! But Mom and Dad had to attend a meeting in the chief''s office, so what choice do I have?" He raised a hand.

    "Well, good luck. Can I have ah... That thing, if it isn''t alcoholic." He pointed.

    "Ow, that. Don''t worry, it''s just a fruit juice, I drink it sometimes, too."

    Ethan then served him the juice, naturally blue and has an oddly sour, yet likable taste. Followed by engaging words.

    "I hope they don''t bother you much, Mr. Kaiser. The customers can be a bit rude when booze gets into their heads, so I asked for your understanding on their behalf."

    Taking a sip, Kai replied nonchalantly, his eyes

    locked at the side, where the entrance of the bathroom is located.

    "It''s fine... I always considered myself a rational individual, so don''t worry abou-" He paused, seeing a drunkard heading to the bathroom.

    Understandably, the inn bathroom is a large room where the bathtub and several urination spots are placed. Meant to serve the Costumers and Guests... However, Kai can''t let him.

    "Excuse me sir, but can you please not use that for a while. My female companions are currently in there."

    The man, rather, the Hunter which was given by his rough appearance. Was visibly drunk, remnant rage was burning in his eyes, fueled by too much alcohol.

    "Ya stopping me kid?! What? do you want me to pee on my pants? Huh?"

    ''I want you to think straight and release your ass outside.'' he retrained his own anger. Both parties are wrong and right at the same time, however, the clouded judgment of the other party makes it hard to settle. Kai had to think of a solution.

    But without warning, a dagger passed between them, close to Kai and struck the wall. Bringing silence to the rowdy dining hall.

    One, arrogant voice sounded in a drunken tone. "What you doin there, rookie?! You think everything is yours just because you''re rich or whatever. Listen kid, that comfort room isn''t something you could gobble up all to yourself, as well. Let us have that, you gluttonous bastard! Aren''t two girls enough? Huh? So ya gonna take our pee room, too! F*ck it."

    ''Dang... never thought this guy loved the CR so much.''

    Spiky Orange hair, irritating smug face made exaggerated by booze. Brick walks forward with unsteady steps, bumping into the chairs as the other customers parted.

    "You know, the monster just disrespected a brother of mine last night and went off hiding like a coward. Tsk, the piece of sh*t are good at hiding too... Hmm, maybe, maybe you''re actually the monster! Devouring everything! My crush is with you, my second crush is with you too! Now ya gonna take the bathroom, monster!" He said, tears of anger or sadness rolling down his face as he pointed his Cutlass blade to Kaiser.

    Kai silently looked around for Maber or Alfred that could stop this drunken brutes. Unfortunately, none of them is around, probably minding their own business elsewhere. No one will defend him, this time. There''s no peace negotiator.

    Resting his hand on a nearby chair, he gave Ethan - who''s confused on what to do to ease the situation - a glance.

    "Say... How much does this cost?"

    The kid was perplexed, but answered anyway.

    "Ah, one silver?"

    He grinned.

    "Pretty cheap... Also, call the medic, I''ll cover everything."

    His face darkened, his gaze focused on Brick as sinister malice silently sparked in his eyes. Kai''s lips opened, producing calm, yet ominous words.

    "...Including the funeral."

 Chapter 37: Offense

    The tense atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken, almost palpable. Low murmurs from the onlookers echoed around Kaiser, yet only one conversation truly reached his sharp ears, piercing through the noise like a blade.

    "The Hunters aren''t sober right now, that kid''s done for. Should we step in?"

    "Nah, let him be. If he can''t protect himself, then those girls are better off without him. No point helping a wimpy coward."

    The words stung, hitting Kai deeper than he''d like to admit. They were right, though. What right did he have to keep Ariella and Cia safe if he couldn''t even defend himself? It was then that a realization hit him, like a slap to the face. He was missing something crucial in this entire scenario.

    Respect.

    He lacked it. There was no fear or regard for him from anyone in this village. To the hunters and villagers alike, he was just an average teenager¡ªno remarkable skills, no significant strength, no allies beyond the two women by his side. They saw his soft, unscarred hands, his modern Earth-born physique that spoke of comfort rather than hardship. His pale skin is devoid of scars from the wild, nor build of a Hunter. Let alone, any renown to boost around.

    It''s only natural for them to judged him as weak, someone who got lucky rather than someone capable. Undeserving to be accompanied by two girls that rely on him.

    ''Why didn''t I realized it earlier.''

    The strong tramples the weak, a universal law in all progressing beings. If his not viewed in the low, perhaps even these drunkards would be forced to retrain themselves before him.

    Determination burned in his heart as he decided against peace. There are times when reasoning, rationality and humbling onesself would extinguish conflicts. However, some times, those are rendered useless in certain circumstances. Requiring force and violence.

    Furthermore, his been fantasizing about beating some shame in that arrogant bastard, Brick.

    Hearing Kaiser¡¯s mocking challenge, Brick¡¯s temper flared. He barked back, his voice dripping with scorn. "Funeral? Big words, rookie. Better find a coffin for yourself because when I''m done beating the shi¡ª"

    Before Brick could finish his sentence, Kaiser moved. Without a second thought, he hurled the chair he was holding straight at the wall. It smashed into pieces with a loud crash, sending splinters flying and startling a drunken hunter who had been approaching the comfort room. The man stumbled backward, landing hard on his backside, shaken.

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    Silence fell over the room. Every conversation, every laugh, and every murmur came to an abrupt halt. Brick¡¯s smug grin wavered, his expression faltered for a second, a flash of uncertainty crossing his face. But his pride quickly flared up again, unwilling to show any weakness. He straightened up, puffing out his chest, and glared at Kaiser with renewed fury.

    Brick clicked his tongue, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. "Did you just... almost harm my brother? That does it! You had the gal to challenge us now, huh? The protectors of this village? Ah, fool, I''ll make sure ya regret this. Listen up brothers, this rookie¡¯s outright disrespecting us! What do we do?"

    No one answered. Still.

    "That''s right, we teach the arrogant newcomer a lesson... Rise!"

    To Kai¡¯s surprise, several other hunters stood up, wobbling to their feet despite their inebriated state. His plan for a one-on-one fight had suddenly turned into a team brawl against one.

    ¡®This bastard, wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a 1v1? And now you¡¯re calling for backup, how shameless can you get?¡¯

    He can''t help but be baffled by Brick''s performance of turning everyone against him.

    Twelve, was the number of opponents that intensified to face him. Their face flushed red from alcohol and some are still, even drinking.

    ''...So what?''

    Nevertheless, despite the odds, a strange excitement coursed through Kai''s veins. His heart pounded faster, the rhythm almost deafening in his ears. There was something about this situation¡ªthe danger, the challenge ¡ªthat ignited a fire inside him. He hadn¡¯t felt this alive in a long time.

    The customers around the room, sensing the brewing chaos, quickly backed away, not wanting to get caught in the middle or have any involvement. They formed a loose circle, their eyes fixed on the impending brawl with a mix of fear and anticipation.

    It''s not everyday they see one against twelve Hunters, it makes them wonder what''s the newcomer are made of.

    As the hunters advanced, wobbling and unfocused, one of them threw his weapon aside with a clatter, followed by the others.

    Signaling that this would be a brawl with fists, not blades. Even in their drunken state, they still had enough sense to avoid lethal violence and death.

    Kai, seeing this, mirrored their action and tossed his sword to the ground. Removed his short cloak revealing a leather clad body within and some metal plating, visibly fashioned to suit flexibility. He rolled his neck and shoulders, loosening up, a slow grin spreading across his face.

    While the Hunters cracked their fists, some preparing rituals of their own as they unsteadily approach, bumping on tables and chairs in the process.

    "Better begged for forgiveness while you can, rookie. We might spare you if you do." Brick voiced from the back, carelessly chugging more booze before the fight.

    Kaiser''s nonchalantly smiled, slightly.

    "You should be saying that to yourselves... B*tches."

    Apparently, that last word of his hit the nerves, veins pop-upped on their foreheads, as the hunters relaxed expression twisted. Even the onlookers were shocked.

    "Ow, his dead." They whispered to each other.

    Brick paused and narrowed his eyes towards the lone young man.

    "What. Did, you just say?"

    Though, his threat was met without hesitation.

    "You deaf? I said you''re all F*cking B*tches, that''s what!"

    ''That felt good.''

    Kai was done letting composure reign over, in this moment, his allowed to free his frustration within.

    Shocked silence settled over, broken shortly by a plate that fell from a nearby table, the clang of it hitting the floor like a gunshot signaling the start of the fight.

    "YOU HEARD HIM BROTHERS, HE CHOOSE DEATH!"

    In the next moment, the angered hunters lunged forward, and Kaiser met them head-on, his muscles coiled with tension, his eyes sharp and unflinching, a grin twisted on his trembling lips. For the first time in a while, Kai felt the burning sensation of battle once again.

    The crowd exploded with cheers!

 Chapter 38: Drunken Brawl

    Under the myriad of echoing voices around and warm lighting of lamps, a punch from a burly man was aimed at Kai''s face, packed with enough power and speed to frighten an ordinary young man from Earth and potentially knock him down if it connected. However, to Kaiser, the punch seemed slow and sluggish.

    While his movements are swift.

    Kaiser turned his head aside with ease and delivered a punch of his own to the hunter''s jaw. It wasn¡¯t the kind of punch one would expect from a teenager; it was packed with the power of a beast. The hunter stumbled back, then... fell asleep. To Kai''s surprise, he was already knocked out.

    ''...One, down?''

    He blinked, and a confused smile appeared on his face. Putting the Hunters to sleep was easier than he expected.

    Varying shouts and laughter sounded from the side viewers. As he stood amidst the chaos, his adrenaline surged, heightening his senses. The crowd''s shouts and jeers seemed distant as he focused solely on the opponents before him. The taste of his first small victory lingered in his mouth, a taste he hadn''t savored in too long. One hunter was already down, and now there were eleven left. His beast-like senses had kicked in, sharpening his reflexes and making the world around him slow just enough for him to read the next attack.

    Another hunter, a large man with a wild beard and fists the size of hammers, lunged at him from the front, while a second tried to catch him from the side, arms spread wide for a grapple. Their faces were twisted in determination, though their movements were sloppy, distorted by their drunken state. Kai ducked low, feeling the whoosh of air as the bearded man¡¯s punch sailed above his head. Exploiting the opportunity, Kai drove his fist upward into the man¡¯s stomach, feeling the impact ripple through his arm as the hunter doubled over, gasping for air.

    But just as quickly, the second hunter grabbed onto Kaiser''s shirt, trying to trap him in a clumsy bear hug. His grip was surprisingly strong despite his inebriation, and for a split second, Kai''s movement was stifled. The man¡¯s breath reeked of alcohol, and his eyes were glazed with intoxicated rage.

    If he was locked by this Hunter, then things won''t look good for him.

    Kai cursed under his breath, realizing that if he didn¡¯t act quickly, he¡¯d be caught and pinned down.

    Unexpectedly, without warning, the hunter¡¯s face twisted, and he suddenly lurched forward, vomiting violently. Kai''s eyes widened in horror as the man¡¯s drunken bile splattered dangerously close to him.

    "Sh*t!" he cursed more, his voice tinged with panic.

    With a desperate jolt, Kai drove his elbow into the man''s face, a move that was more instinctive panicked. Luckily, it was the right move. The force of the strike was enough to send the hunter reeling back, clutching his nose in pain. Kai took a quick step back, his breath heavy, as he narrowly avoided the revolting mess.

    ''That was close,'' he sighed in relief, taking a moment to steady himself. His heart was still racing, but there was no time to rest. The brawl was just heating up.

    The room had erupted into a cacophony of cheers and shouts, the crowd of onlookers now fully invested in the spectacle. Some cheered for Kai;

    "Go for it Kid, I had my bets on you!"

    "Not too shabby!"

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    "The brat got some punches!"

    Impressed by his tenacity, while others roared their support for the hunters, urging them to teach the "rookie" a lesson. Tables had been pushed to the side, and a circle of spectators had formed around the fight, creating a makeshift arena in the center of the dining hall.

    Before long, three more hunters rushed to Kai, their faces flushed red in drunken determination. One threw a wild punch at his head, but to Kai, it seemed almost laughably slow. He sidestepped it with ease and retaliated with a quick jab to the man¡¯s jaw, sending him sprawling onto the floor. Another hunter swung at him from behind, but Kai ducked under the blow and delivered a crushing hook to the man''s ribs. The hunter gasped, stumbling backward as he clutched his side.

    The third hunter¡ªa burly man with a shaved head¡ªcame at him with a bellowing roar, his fist aiming straight for Kai''s head. Kai raised his arms in a defensive stance, letting the blow glance off his forearm.

    Fortunately, his forearm guard took most of the impact. Still, the feral fist isn''t weak. He gritted his teeth against the impact, feeling the sting of the strike, but he didn''t let it faze him. He retaliated with a powerful uppercut to the man''s chin, sending him reeling back into a table, which collapsed under his weight.

    As the fight continued, Kai¡¯s confidence grew. He wasn¡¯t just surviving¡ªhe was dominating. The beastly strength Zara had bestowed upon him flowed through his limbs, guiding his punches and lending his strikes a power he never thought possible. He moved with a grace that belied his lack of formal training, relying on the raw instinct that had been sharpened by his Sacred Bond with Zara.

    Two more hunters came at him simultaneously. Kai ducked under a haymaker from one and landed a swift kick to the other''s knee, forcing the man to stagger. He then delivered a spinning punch to the first hunter, his fist connecting solidly with the side of the man''s head, knocking him to the floor in a daze.

    By now, sweat dripped down Kai''s face, his breath coming in heavy bursts. He had taken down nine of the eleven hunters, each fall punctuated by the crowd''s roaring approval. The atmosphere in the room was electric, a mix of excitement and disbelief at the sight of this young newcomer holding his ground against seasoned fighters.

    The tenth hunter was the toughest yet. He was larger, and even in his drunken state, he moved with a level of aggression that suggested some training.

    He charged at Kai, swinging his fists in rapid succession, forcing Kai on the defensive. Kai deflected one punch, ducked another, but the third grazed his shoulder with enough force to make him stumble. Pain shot through his arm, but he shook it off, digging deep into the reserves of his strength.

    Kai stepped in close, too close for the bigger man to use his wide swings effectively. He drove a series of quick, powerful jabs into the hunter¡¯s midsection, each punch landing with a satisfying thud. The big man grunted in pain, his guard dropping for a moment¡ªjust long enough for Kai to wind up a final blow. With a roar, Kai delivered a crushing punch to the man''s jaw, sending him crashing down into a table, unconscious.

    There was silence, then an explosion of cheerful hails echoing in the dining room.

    Kaiser stood there, panting, his fists still clenched, his body vibrating with adrenaline. The dining hall was in an uproar, the crowd cheering wildly, their previous doubts about him seemingly washed away by the sheer force of his performance.

    Had he really grown this strong?

    ''Not really...''

    Kaiser knew what was behind his previous triumphs. It was too much advantages, one was thanks to Zara''s strength infused within him by their unbroken Sacred Bond. Blessing him her beastial strength she once used to eradicate numerous bandits alone, including their boss. Of course, he can''t do the same feat due to his severe lack of skills and experience, let alone, an elusive battle art of his own differ to her refined style in combat. However, the fact remains that his body''s might are equal to her.

    Zara''s beastial senses, reflexes and brute strength, he has it all.

    Since forming the Sacred Bond with her, his perception has changed without warning. His became more sensitive, sharper and strong. Making him struggle for a while, but eventually adjusted to his new perceptions. Bringing him to this day when he could wield his new found strength a bit efficiently.

    His superior to the hunters in terms of physics, all the while their usual sharpness was dulled by too much alcohol they drank to grief for their fallen comrade. Their usual focus was stained by alcohol so did their performance and coordination. Granting him an easy victory against each.

    Though, considering their numbers. His advantageous aspects are justified. However, the battle isn''t over yet.

    Not until he makes a certain someone''s irritating smugness bleed.

    His cold eyes scanned around, stopping on a spiky, orange haired hunter.

    And there he was¡ªBrick.

    The young man had been watching the entire time, a sneer plastered on his face as he observed the downfall of his comrades, while drinking what''s left on his large cup without care about tomorrow.

    Now, with the others defeated, it was just the two of them. Slumming the empty cup, Brick stood up slowly, his movements deliberate, his eyes locked onto Kai''s with a newfound seriousness. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles, the smirk on his face growing into a full-blown grin.

    "Not bad, rookie," Brick said, his voice dripping with condescension. "But let¡¯s see how you handle someone who¡¯s not half asleep on their feet."

    Although, he say that, his visibly unstable, too. Still, his look more sober compared to the previous hunters that sleep the moment they lay.

    Kai''s lips curled into a grin, his eyes blazing with excitement. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

    "I finally have an excuse to punch that smug face of yours."

    The real fight was about to begin.

    Meanwhile, within the bathing room. Cia hummed a soothing melody as she rubbed Ariella''s smooth back, who''s relaxing in the tub.

    She paused, and turned her head slightly. Hearing muffled, yet vigorous noises outside, implying excitement and joy.

    "...It seems they''re having fun out there, I wonder how Kai is doing."

    Ariella can''t help but giggled.

 Chapter 39: Duel

    Kaiser expected Brick to engage in a fistfight like the other Hunters, but to his astonishment, the bastard picked up a sword instead. Brick smirked as he did, trying to look cool and tough.

    "Punches are boring, wouldn''t you agree? So let''s spice things up a bit. Pick up your puny stick, rookie. I''ll show you how to use that thing instead of just displaying it at your waist. Aren''t you lucky, getting a free lesson from the future head of the Hunters. Thank me later with some earnest begging, a lick on my boots would suffice."

    Kaiser''s teeth clenched in irritation. How shameless could he get? Acting all great and mighty despite stacking the odds in his favor. First, he let his fellow hunters wear Kaiser down before stepping in as if he were the real threat, the one who would put the newcomer in his place that hus multiple comrades can''t manage. And now, Brick was demanding a sword fight, knowing full well that Kai wasn¡¯t skilled with swords thanks to Alfred pointing his status as a rookie when they visited the armor shop.

    ''So much for a fair fight.''

    That said, in a twisted way, it was fair. Considering each other''s advantage, skills and state. The duel were roughly balanced. Brick had experience with a blade and in full condition. While Kaiser had beastial strength, reflexes and senses.

    Kai picked up his sword and unsheathed its blade. It was a standard weapon¡ªneither too long nor too short, double-edged but nothing special. A perfect fit for starting swordsman.

    Meanwhile, Brick wielded a cutlass, its short, yet thick blade designed for hacking and slicing through both flesh and bone. More of a butcher weapon against beasts, but also deadly when used to other humans.

    If Kaiser had not already experienced death by blades - impaled, cut and pierced. And had no immortality, then dread would be begging him to run against sharp edges. However, having experienced gruesome deaths multiple times made him a bit numb in the face of danger. Still, lingering fear of being cut and pain trembled within him. Even now, though he had conquered his fear of death, the thought of agony still made him uneasy.

    The crowd fell silent, a tense anticipation filling the room. Some looked worried that this skirmish might end in bloodshed, yet no one dared to intervene, seeing the resolve in both fighters'' eyes. They can only trust it would be stopped before anyone died.

    Kaiser and Brick locked gazes, the intensity of their stare is like a challenge in itself.

    With a mocking grin, Brick lunged forward, his cutlass slicing through the air in a crude but forceful arc. Kai barely managed to react in time, raising his sword to block the strike. The impact rattled his arms, the shock traveling up to his shoulders, but he regained his footing quickly as Brick pressed the attack.

    Another swing came at him, the cut wider and more reckless than the last. Kai deflected them with a clumsy block, producing clang of steel and sending yet another shiver running through his hand. Then, differ to his anticipation, what followed next was a thrust aimed at his shoulder.

    His reflexes jolted him back, creating distance between them.

    In that brief respite, he cursed.

    ''What the hell.''

    Brick, the arrogant bastard isn''t oozing with so much confidence for no reason. He understands that now.

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    Brick wasn¡¯t like the bandits or the unarmed, drunken hunters he had fought before. His movements were far more skilled, almost reminiscent of the bandit boss who knew how to wield his weapon well. Although Brick wasn¡¯t as formidable, his attacks were fluid, each motion honed by long hours of training and experience in the wild. It''s evident he used his weapon many times already, eventually becoming familiar with the Cutlass''different design and utilizing its hacking efficiency. Every strike was heavy, hard to withstand and dreadful.

    Furthermore, was he imagining it, or is this bastard stronger than his build suggests?

    Shaking his head, Kaiser focused on the fight.

    Clang of their blades sent vibrations through his arms, making it clear he was outmatched in technique. Brick was proficient, if not mastered bringing slashing with his cutlass in the most efficient way possible. Adding to the powerful bursts, enough to slice down a not so thin tree, perhaps. Which Kaiser is defending against constantly.

    In comparison, Kai¡¯s swordplay was stiff and hesitant. He struggled to find any opening, his movements too rigid to properly utilize the reach of his longer blade. Every time Brick¡¯s cutlass clashed against his sword, it sent tremors through his grip, making his hold on the weapon feel slippery and unsure.

    ''Pull yourself together, idiot! Or I won''t be able to wipe that smug grin off his face.''

    Despite his efforts, it was clear why Brick was so confident. His years of handling a blade, even in his drunken state, showed in the ferocity and unpredictability of his strikes. The alcohol seemed to fuel his aggression, making each swing wilder and harder to anticipate. The smug grin never leaving his face as he sends an onslaught against the rookie. Added, the bastard isn''t holding back at all. His drunken condition only made his movements less hesitant, to the point he might accidentally kill Kaiser at any moment if even he made a big mistake.

    Kaiser was barely keeping up, constantly deflecting strikes, but surprisingly, he didn¡¯t lose ground.

    Another powerful swing came down at him, and Kai met it with his angled sword, causing the blade to slide off to the side. It was an opening, a chance to strike back. But Brick wasn¡¯t that slow; the moment he sensed danger, he sidestepped and followed up with a slash, which Kai once again blocked.

    Brick''s attacks were fluid, shifting effortlessly between offense and evasion. Yet, as the battle dragged on, Kaiser began to see through his technique. It was quite straightforward: Brick¡¯s swordplay relied on heavy, powerful hacks, mostly from the sides or downward, as his main method of attack. Simple, yet deadly if a blow connected, followed by relentless swings intended to overwhelm his opponent. Fortunately, against Kai''s quick reflexes, blocking those strikes was manageable. Each successful defense only made it easier for him to divert the next blow, allowing Kai to gradually adjust his grip and stance to defend more effectively.

    But there was a problem...

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t mount a counterattack at all. The duel had devolved into a relentless pattern of evading and blocking, with Brick as the sole aggressor. Despite the fact that Brick''s defenses were far from impenetrable, Kai couldn¡¯t land a single blow. In truth, Brick was more skilled at delivering forceful attacks than at guarding against them. Kai¡¯s defense was actually better than Brick''s, yet he quickly realized he didn¡¯t know how to deliver a decent slash to capitalize on any opening!

    Sure, he¡¯d killed a few bandits before, but they were nothing more than ragtag criminals¡ªlazy troublemakers who resorted to violence because they lacked the discipline for honest work. They had the heart to kill, but not the skill or strength. Brick, on the other hand, was a seasoned hunter by trade, an expert tracker and fighter who knew his way around a blade.

    Kai''s awkward strikes might have worked against those unskilled bandits, but against a true combatant like Brick? One wrong move could spell disaster, and every attempt to attack ended with Brick effortlessly dodging his blows.

    Kaiser was competent at blocking Brick¡¯s relentless hacks, but that was all he could manage. It turned into a frustrating rhythm¡ªone attacking, the other blocking¡ªbecause defending was all he could effectively do in this situation.

    Brick was growing visibly annoyed, and even the crowd''s excitement was beginning to wane. But to Kaiser...

    he was starting to think of this duel as a kind of entertaining training.

    He focused on observing the arc of each slash, deflecting them with a calculated angle to guide Brick¡¯s blade where he wanted. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t transition smoothly into an attack because he didn¡¯t yet know how to switch his stance quickly enough.

    Wielding a sword wasn¡¯t simple at all.

    Still, his beginning to enjoy this.

    ''This is actually fun, it''s just like playing catch.''

    Until the drunk hunter frustration overflowed, he spat as his attacks intensified.

    "Is that all you''ve got? Come on, do better than that! Oh, if you don¡¯t, maybe I¡¯ll just take those two girls off your hands. They deserve better than a loser like you." Brick taunted, his voice dripping with irritation and unhidden malice.

    For the first time, someone dared express to the two he held dear. Did Brick seriously say that?

    Kaiser isn''t sure, but it completely soured his mood. His smile disappeared, turning cold and indifferent. His eyes that once held exasperation towards the Hunter darkened.

    For some reason, Kaiser felt the urge to kill someone so much so that his losing care about anything.

    A powerful hack was brought down, however, this time. He didn''t even bother moving his sword, instead, it struck his right forearm. The Cutlass blade sinking cutting through his arm-guard, sinking in his flesh and stopped by his bode, midway.

    The onlookers gasped.

    Brick''s froze, confused by the young man''s careless action. He was supposed to block that with a sword, not arm!

    Yet, despite having his hand almost severed... The rookie, was eerily quiet.

    In that momentary, shocked silence, Kaiser dropped his sword and the next thing Brick knew. He was pulled by his sword, followed by a swift fist driving to his face.

    ''Huh?''

    He heard something cracked before falling into oblivion.

 Chapter 40: Scolding

    "Care to explain your actions, dimwits?!" Alfred''s roar echoed through the hall, his deep voice shaking with disappointment and barely contained fury.

    Kaiser sat in the corner, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched the scene unfold with amusement. For the first time, his was witnessing Alfred actually lose some of his cool towards Brick and the other Hunters involved in this trouble.

    The brawl had died down just before Miss Lina and Maber had come back to the inn only to be greeted by the messed dining hall. Bringing Alfred to scold the doers. Now, twelve Hunters stood in line in the disarrayed dining hall, heads bowed like children, the shame almost palpable in their silence.

    Its funny how their leader''s presence made them sober, or perhaps was it the bucket of cold water dumped onto them earlier?

    "What¡¯s the matter?" Alfred''s voice boomed again. "Did all of you go deaf?!"

    "N-no, Boss Alfred, we¡ªwe just drank too much... And, things got out of hand," one of the Hunters stammered, scratching the back of his neck like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

    "You fools!" Alfred snapped, "What made you think about getting wasted when one of our comrades just died this morning and let''s not forget that there''s a f*cking monster lurking out there, waiting to pick us off one by one. And you think another Hunter won¡¯t die just because you idiots decided to drink your worries away?"

    "But Boss," another Hunter dared to mumble, "We finished our day duty, didn''t we? Don¡¯t we at least deserve to drink for Bara¡¯s sake, He left behind so much booze¡ª"

    "Shut it! So now you¡¯re talking back to me?!" Alfred¡¯s glare turned ice-cold.

    Every Hunter flinched, shaking their heads in denial.

    Alfred crossed his massive arms, his gaze boring into each one of them. Most of them had bruised faces from the fight, but none were as messed up as Brick, whose nose was broken, to the point it hinder his voice.

    Alfred sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "A brawl in an inn, ganging up on a teenager, and still losing... and you have the nerve to call yourselves Hunters? Have you no shame?"

    The room fell deathly silent, the only sound the shuffling of the Hunters'' feet as they stood there, red-faced and humiliated. The villagers outside and Miss Lina''s family watched them through the windows, their expressions mixed.

    Alfred let the silence stretch, making them stew in their embarrassment as punishment before finally speaking again.

    "All right, listen up boys! You dimwits better learn your lesson. I want all of you outside right now! Drop and give me a hundred push-ups, then join the night patrol. And let me warn you, if I see anyone slacking off, you¡¯ll be wishing you¡¯d never been born!"

    The Hunters looked like they were staring down a death sentence. They are really sleepy, after a long day of work before chugging mouthfuls of alcohols in their tummy. And the Boss is asking for another Patrol? Instead of letting sleep. Furthermore, drowsing with the mysterious devourer roaming around is far too dreadful.

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    A Hunter can''t handle it.

    "But, but, but Boss, It was Brick who started it! He took advantage of us being drunk!" one of them blurted out, pointing a shaky finger at the culprit.

    Brick''s eyes wide, his face a swollen mess, turned to his traitorous comrade. His voice came out nasally and rough. "Y-You traitor! I won¡¯t forget this!"

    Alfred raised an eyebrow.

    "Oh, is that so?" His gaze landed on Brick, who froze under his stare. "A hundred and fifty push-ups for you then, better enjoy yourselves there. Get moving! Or I¡¯ll throw you out myself!"

    The Hunters bolted for the door, their curses trailing behind them as they rushed to avoid Alfred''s wrath.

    Soon, the spectators slowly dispersed as well, heading back to their homes. With the night deepening and a monster still on the loose, no one wanted to linger outside any longer. Besides, the main spectacle is over, no point in staying anymore.

    As the crowd thinned out, only then did Alfred turned to Kaiser. Who''s still lounging in the corner, his cheek resting on his palm, wearing an expression that was half-amused, half-bored. Kai knew he wouldn''t be spared from the scolding after having played a big part in their troubles.

    ''My turn. Hope his not too rough on me.'' Kai braced himself.

    Alfred¡¯s heavy footsteps approached, each thud on the wooden floor echoing louder in Kai¡¯s ears. The big man soon loomed above him, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow Kaiser whole.

    "I won''t say your actions were entirely wrong," Alfred began, his tone calmer but still stern. "Defending oneself is only natural... However, I judged you as a kid with more brains than muscles. Was I mistaken?"

    Kai shook his head.

    "Then, as the only sane person in the room, why exactly did you engage in their stupidity instead of finding a more peaceful solution?" Alfred''s eyes narrowed.

    Kai leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "And what? Run away? Or are you saying I should''ve just let them beat me up?"

    "That''s not what I mean," Alfred replied, his voice steady but firm. "There were plenty of ways to handle that situation without resorting to violence. You know that. They would¡¯ve known that too if they weren¡¯t so drunk out of their minds. So tell me, why stoop to their level?"

    Kai fell silent, irritation creeping up his spine. He hated to admit it, but Alfred had a point. As the only sober person in the skirmish, he should''ve led things toward a better outcome. There were options he could¡¯ve taken if he had thought more rationally back then, instead of jumping headfirst into the chaos.

    But still, Kai had no regrets. The satisfaction of landing a solid punch on Brick¡¯s annoying face was worth every second.

    Sighing in resignation, he finally spoke up, "Fine... It was to gain respect, okay? I thought it was the perfect opportunity to show them not to mess with me, so... yeah, things happened. Sorry for beating up your wea¡ªuh, men." He added the last part with a hint of sarcasm, unable to hide his smirk.

    Alfred stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a tired sigh, rubbing his eyes. "I doubt you¡¯re the type who cares about respect, not like my idiotic students. Let me guess, this was for your companions, wasn¡¯t it?"

    "What are you, a mind reader." Kai said, his irritation shifting to grudging respect. Alfred hit the nail on the head. Personally, he couldn''t care less about respect or reputation. But with the two beauties by his side and the dangers lurking around, he needed to establish a line that would make anyone think twice before messing with them. Even in his absence, he wanted to ensure their safety.

    The Hunter continues, a hint of pity in his calm eyes.

    "No, but the judgement in your eye and the way you look at others with wariness, exceptionally on other men''s. It isn''t hard to guess. Others have been talking about your glares, I have you know. I don''t know how you were raised, no offense, but they sure did a not so decent job... Kaiser, the villagers or hunters don''t deserve to be viewed by that judgemental glare, I understand you''re just being over protective of your girlfriends. However, the world isn''t as dark as you see it."

    He leaned his bulky body to the wall, resuming in a wistful tone.

    "You must have encountered some of them, stray people that have no care for others and won''t hesitate to kill for some penny. I''ve met my fair share of troubles and made the same mistake you''re currently doing. Which took me years to realize that not everyone are undeserving of trust. When my hometown was burned by the bandits, the people of this village helped me recover from the trauma of my past."

    "...Why are you telling me this?" Kai interrupted.

    "Because you really need it, in my opinion... I''ll cut it short, wipe that glare of yours to people that has family, friends and a righteous job they care about. None of them would dare wish harm upon you because those peoples are have a home and loved. You can trust them to some extent. And then, there''s the Strays. Lost fools that had nothing in life. Never trust the likes of them. Honestly, you look quite similar to them... Though, I hope you''ll prove me wrong."

    Kai turned his head to the side, refusing to respond as he pondered over his words. He didn''t know what to comment, either. In all honesty, his words hit some of Kaiser''s hidden spots. Which made him feel complicated and confused.

    After a while, Alfred spoke again, his tone softening just a fraction, "In any case, I¡¯m glad you acknowledged your mistake in the matter. Not many have that level of self-awareness. And I have to admit, taking down twelve of my ''weak'' men is a commendable feat."

    He turned to leave, pausing only to add, "Since you¡¯re so strong, like it or not, you¡¯ll be joining two night patrols. I expect to see you there. And I won¡¯t tolerate any excuses tomorrow night or else I''ll drag you out myself."

    Kaiser''s jaw suddenly dropped. His eyes twitched in disbelief. After all that talk, his throwing a dangerous job at him.

    He didn¡¯t ask for this!

 Chapter 41: Outside World

    Lying flat on the floor like a lifeless corpse, Kai stared blankly at the ceiling, questioning every life decision that had led him to this point.

    Why did he have to leave his peaceful world behind? Why was Ariella so absurdly adorable? And why did he still have the urge to punch Brick¡¯s face even more?

    But most importantly...

    "Why do I have to join the night patrol~" Kai groaned, his voice tinged with mock despair. He wasn¡¯t really about to cry, it¡¯d take a lot more than this to bring him to tears. Heck, even an impalement failed to, but that didn¡¯t stop him from whining.

    He would rather stay in comfort of sleep, instead of patrolling in the dark where a mysterious devourer roam free. Sadly, no matter how hard headed Kai is, refusing isn''t an option. Alfred holds considerable authority over the village due to his sizable contribution and years of service, earning him a lot of respect from the peoples. That''s why even the arrogant Brick can''t dare disobey orders. He even suspected the Big Hunter to have greater say than the chief, himself. If Alfred wanted to, he could turn the entire village against Kaiser.

    Then what? He will either be sleeping on abandoned houses or outside, into the forestry like they used to before. Which is no different from patrolling for two days. Moreover, he rather not drag the ladies with him.

    Of course, running to the Tower for shelter is an option, too. However, the village would have disdain him by then. Making joining their migration trip difficult.

    ''Its just two nights. Nothing serious.''

    Ariella reached over and patted his head, her touch warm and soothing. Kai¡¯s eyes drifted to her face, her serene, playful smile lighting up like the sun itself.

    ''Why are you so uselessly cute?'' he thought, unable to be annoyed at that blinding face of hers.

    Her uselessly beautiful visage was more trouble than it was worth. However, thinking about it, that is not entirely true. But her angelic looks had landed him in a mess more than once. The biggest headache was on their very first day in this world, when a group of bandits set their sights on her. One moment he was stepping in to protect her, and the next, they were running from a giant snake that led them straight into the bandits'' lair. That day, Kai could only blame their terrible luck. Still, it wasn''t her doings that led them to troubles. After all, Ariella is just an immature goddess that knows little about the world but is smart enough to stay away from harm. Malice itself came to her, in which Kaiser, as her guardian should step in.

    Now, though, why did he keep thinking trouble followed her everywhere she went?

    ''That''s... my bad,'' he realized with a sigh.

    Alfred¡¯s lecture last night had been eye-opening in more ways than one. Kai¡¯s mindset was to view everyone as a potential threat, always assuming the worst of those around him. It wasn''t the world constantly conspiring against him, it was his own perception of things that kept him on edge. Which is wrong, honestly. Being judgemental to others without even knowing who they are is offensive, in and of itself.

    Still, was there really anything wrong with being wary of others?

    ''...No.''

    He couldn¡¯t fully grasp Alfred¡¯s point yet, nor did he want to. He was a rational cynic at heart, the kind of person who always kept one eye open. Even if others thought it was wrong, that¡¯s just who he was. But even Kai had to admit he needed to polish his social skills, especially in this dangerous realm where adaptability was the key to survival.

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    After a while, Kai sprang to his feet, a sudden surge of energy sparking through him. "Alright, girls, who¡¯s up for a little adventure outside?"

    "That would be nice," Said Cia, breaking her deep pondering over their undiscovered ability issue.

    He can''t help but secretly praised her determination. His brain had been fried from trying to figure it out. Having tried everything they thought of and exploring various theories behind Players unique abilities to no avail. Yet Cia¡¯s determination to unlock their powers was relentless. Despite their best efforts, the mystery remained unsolved.

    They donned their cloaks and stepped outside for the first time in two days. Like vampires afraid of sunlight.

    Ethan, who seemed to be on his way out, greeted them with a wide grin. "Good afternoon, Lady Ariella, Lady Cia¡ª" He blinked, staring at the trio in surprise. "Wait, are you three finally leaving your cave? Mom, come see this, it''s a miracle!"

    Before Ethan could say another word, Kai clamped a hand over the boy''s mouth. "Shut it, kid. I''m on a mission here."

    "Mmph, mmph," Ethan mumbled through Kai''s hand, nodding rapidly.

    He couldn''t help but notice the flicker of fear in Ethan''s eyes, probably from remembering the violent brawl last night in which he claimed an outstanding victory over multiple opponents. The boy''s reaction made him wonder if earning that kind of reputation he desired was worth it or not.

    But quickly dismissed his thought upon seeing the kid give a blue fruit to Ariella and Cia with a shy smile. Before going on his way happily, not even noticing that Kaiser was waiting for his fruit!

    He clicked his tongue. ''Brat.''

    Perhaps he shouldn''t have scared the kid, maybe then he will get a free blue fruit. Though, it''s too late for that.

    He shook his head and stepped outside. The village was bathed in sunlight, with villagers busy at their tasks. They had finished butchering the hunted beasts carcass, so the bloody tables were removed. Replaced by another big task, apparently,

    the men were stacking wood in a large clearing for some reason. Kids played nearby, though the atmosphere felt less lively than before. Probably due to the lurking monster threat had put a damper on things, casting a shadow over the usual cheerful vibe.

    Earlier, report of another Hunter mysteriously disappearing was spread. Everyone knows the outcome of the unknown creature''s victims, by now. It wasn''t pretty.

    As Kai and his companions walked through the streets, they drew a few curious glances but nothing too intense. Still, the stares made him feel uneasy. The villagers'' camaraderie and sense of community were a stark reminder of how much of an outsider he was. Which he literally is, considering they just arrived here a few ago. Aside from the innkeeper family and a few known figures around town, he doesn''t know anyone else. Partially marking him as a stranger in the community.

    But then he glanced at his sides, where Cia and Ariella walked with him.

    ''At least I¡¯m not alone,'' he thought, a small smile creeping onto his face.

    Though, judging by the whispers of the villagers around them. Their group hold quite the reputation. Ariella and Cia known for their peerless beauty, and Kaiser''s for his ruthlessness. Those that once state his undeserving of his companions never mentioned the matter anymore, unknowingly acknowledging his capability of guarding his vulnerable comrades from harm.

    Apparently, his desired consequences were taking effect.

    Before long, they found themselves standing in front of the armor shop once again.

    Kai''s return to the armor shop had a straightforward purpose: he needed a replacement for the broken arm guard that had taken a beating in last night''s brawl. The same blacksmith from before, a short yet muscular elder with a booming voice, greeted them with a wide grin.

    "If it isn''t the Hunter of Hunters! Haha," the blacksmith chortled, eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "I saw the whole fight last night, kid. And I gotta say, you¡¯ve got some serious moves. Special that trick you pulled on Brick at the end¡ªletting him hit your forearm so his weapon got stuck, stunning him while you yanked him off balance, and then landing that vicious blow! Brilliant! The sound of his nose cracking still sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. And you didn''t even flinch when your arm was nearly torn up¡ªtalk about chilling. No wonder these two lovely ladies stick around a badass like you."

    Kai''s expression remained passive as he listened to the blacksmith''s animated praises. He was already awkward when it came to socializing, let alone handling the compliments of an enthusiastic fan. All he wanted was to get his new gear and be done with it.

    He held out the broken arm guard, saying, "A replacement for this, please."

    The blacksmith laughed heartily. "Haha, I figured you¡¯d bring that in! Still got the bloodstains on it, too. Tell you what, how about I make you a deal? I''ll give you a brand-new arm guard for free if you let me keep this one as a memento. Not a bad trade, eh?"

    Kai nodded, trying to keep his reaction neutral. "Yeah, sure." he replied. Who was he to say no to a free piece of gear? Especially when all he had to part with was a damaged, practically useless piece of armor. He smirked inwardly¡ªfree stuff was always good in his book.

    As the blacksmith took his "payment" with a grin and headed to the back to fetch the new arm guard, Kai¡¯s gaze wandered around the shop.

    The display area now looked completely barren, stripped of its wares in preparation for the village''s upcoming migration which is already near. A few remaining items were stacked haphazardly in a corner, a jumbled mix of odds and ends, randomly piled up. Ariella sat there, her eyes sparkling with childlike wonder as she examined a piece like she had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

    Curious, Kai walked over to see what had caught her attention.

    Taking it off her hands like a bully, Kai frowned the moment he held the piece.

    ''What the...? You gotta be kidding me, It can''t be.''

 Chapter 42: Hound

    Kaiser narrowed his eyes, studying the strange white object in his hands. It was a broken slab that looked, smelled, and felt like wood, yet something about it didn¡¯t quite make sense. For one, it was impossibly light, almost as if it was made of air rather than solid material.

    He sighed and rubbed his temples in mild frustration.

    ''It¡¯s another world, Realm, dimension, or whatever. What do I expect?'' he thought, trying to convince himself that weird things like this should be the norm here.

    A soft, annoyed huff from Ariella drew his attention. She stood nearby with her arms crossed, her lips forming a pout. She had found the slab first, and her grey eyes clearly expressed her displeasure that Kaiser had swiped it away so easily and demanding it back.

    He couldn''t help but chuckle at her adorable expression. With a hint of guilt, Kaiser reached out and ruffled her hair. "I''m still not done with it; who knows if this thing might be dangerous," he said, his grin tinged with mischief.

    Ariella¡¯s cheeks puffed out in frustration, and she reached up, trying to snatch the slab back from him. But Kaiser, ever the shameless guardian, held it just out of her reach, his smile turning into a playful smirk.

    They were like two kids squabbling over a toy.

    Helpless, she can only glare at him.

    "Don''t give me that look, Ariel. I''m your guardian, you know everything I do is for your own good." Its amazing how he can say that with a straight face, not even a hint of shame in his voice.

    Ariella¡¯s glare only intensified, her mesmerizing grey eyes locking onto his with defiant determination. But when she realized she wasn¡¯t going to win, she turned around and latched onto Cia, like a child running to her mother for support. Which is a bit comical, really.

    If only she could speak, she would state how mean the bully is. That said... Cia is blind, unable to know what''s happening without words. Of course, Kai won''t speak his sin to help the poor goddess, making the her plead utterly futile. Well, at least she got a gentle pat on the head from the confused Cia, comforting her from crying.

    Kai¡¯s grin grew even wider. ''Heh, even a god can''t beat the almighty, me.'' he complemented his wickedness, taking an inordinate amount of pride in his petty victory over the goddess he was supposed to be caring, not abusing.

    Just as he was about to bask in his moment of triumph and examine his relatively childish prize - the broken slab of white wood. The door to the shop swung open with a chime, and a familiar face steeped in. Kai¡¯s eyes gleamed with delight as he saw who it was.

    "Looking good, aren''t we. I like that new style of yours; it makes you look sick," Kai said, flashing a grin at the newcomer. He didn¡¯t usually greet people, but seeing the very hunter responsible for last night¡¯s brawl ¡ªwho was the main cause that led Kai to swallow obligation over two night patrols¡ªwas too perfect an opportunity to pass up. The bastard simply begged for it.

    Spiky orange hair and a face twisted into a scowl, now sporting a bandage running across his nose¡ªBrick¡¯s expression soured even more upon hearing Kai¡¯s sarcastic words. His jaw clenched tightly as he glared daggers at him.

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    "And who''s fault is that, insane bastard? Do you have any idea what hell we went through last night? Oh, and don''t get too proud of yourself, you only won because I wasn''t sober back then. If we were to fight again in equal terms, let''s see who''ll win," Brick snapped back.

    He really wanted to laugh at Brick''s spouting about fighting in equal grounds even though he outright called for multiple supports last night. But restrained himself, because that would be too much for the poor loser. Still...

    "Losers, whiners," Kai said dismissively, his tone as nonchalant as ever.

    "You..!" Brick¡¯s fist tightened around the leash of a large hound-like beast by his side. Similar to the ones he spotted, accompanying the Hunters at their arrival. The hound was like a wolf, but had distinct qualities. The creature had brown fur, a small horn on its head, and eyes that were far calmer than its handlers. Though it looked vicious, its demeanor was surprisingly tame, tamer than its own handler, which made Kai doubt who was truly the master between the two.

    Before the situation could escalate, the blacksmith emerged from the back of the shop. Probably attracted by the noise they made. A knowing grin spreading across his face as he looked between the two rivals. "Oh, ho. So this is what the commotion is about¡ªwhat a nice coincidence we have here. How about putting grudges aside and saving my store the trouble? Hey, Brick, I suppose Sir Alfred sent you to get the sharpened weapons. Come over here," he said, signaling Brick to follow him inside.

    Brick shot one last glare at Kaiser before smirking and tying his hound¡¯s leash to a stand by the door, as if to scare Kaiser from leaving through the door.

    However, the blacksmith paused to add, "By the way, care to wait a little more while, Kai? The vambrace is kinda buried deep. Don''t worry, though, It won''t be long; I''ll get it soon."

    Brick clicked his tongue in disappointment, while Kai simply gave a mockingly cheerful smile in return. "Take your time, you''re doing a good job." he said, his sarcasm unmistakably aimed at Brick.

    With the two hunters out of sight, Kaiser, Ariella, and Cia were left alone to wait. But Kai wasn¡¯t bored¡ªhis attention was drawn to the hound left behind by Brick. It sat quietly on the floor, breathing calmly as it stare back at him...

    ''Weird.''

    He suddenly shivered, somehow, the creature gave him a strange felling of amiss. Which is understandable considering it was an eerie creature of this world, odd and new to his vision.

    Ariella, her earlier pout completely forgotten, leaned closer to the creature, her face lighting up with curious excitement as if she was staring at a big toy. However, he stopped her by the shoulder before she could come close.

    "Careful, it might bite. Trust me, I was bitten by a big, bad dog before and I almost died in hunger."

    Cia tilted her head, hearing that.

    "I''m confused, from what I know. Dog bites don''t cause anything close to starvation. Or did the textbook I listened to wrong?"

    He shrugged.

    "No, those sh*ts are right. It''s just that, because of that damned dog, I have to spend money for anti rabies injection. The money I''m supposed to use for food. So I ended up almost starving myself to death."

    Cia was more confused. "How can that be, why didn''t you ask for help from your parents or guardians."

    "Let''s just say my life sucks." Kai said, trying to be nonchalant as he could. However, the haste and slight tremor in his tone suggest his unwillingness to press on the matter.

    He shifted the topic to the hound.

    "By the way, there''s a big, alien dog here. Wanna touch the dog, too. Cia?"

    She shook her head quietly then came back to his usual, invisible self. Blending in the background as if she didn''t exist... Kai dislikes that tendency of her because the Cia back in the university was a bit charismatic. In fact, her presence is brighter than his, for she is considered as the embodiment of inspiration in school. Yet, he can''t do anything about it for he doesn''t know how to bend a persons personality, let alone uplift it.

    ''She''ll bee back once she acquired her ability... I hope.''

    Shaking off sad thoughts, Kai assisted Ariella to get close to the Hound. He wanted to touch that thing, too. Perhaps even pet it, if possible.

    Kai walks closer with Ariella behind, wary of the creature''s reaction. Fortunately, the hound remains eerily calm as they approach, soon giving him courage to reach out to its head that reach the height of his chest when sitting.

    However, his hands stopped midway.

    "GRRRrr..."

    The Hound revealed its sharp teeth, showing hostility.

    Kai scoffed, retreating his hands in dejection.

    ''Whatever, I didn''t want to touch your dirty fur that much, anyway. There''s lots of dogs out there.''

    Ariella was eager to try, too. Which he reluctantly allowed under his watch, secretly praying for her to meet the same rejection.

    Smiling, she reached out hesitantly to pat the hound on its head, her fingers trembling slightly before they made contact. To his surprise, the hound didn¡¯t growl or snap. Instead, it simply blinked at her, tilting its head as if confused by the sudden affection. Then joy crawled into its face as it tried to pounce on the goddess in seek for more affection, sticking its tongue, intending to lick her.

    Before it did, however, a blade got in its way. It once again growls, sharp teeth gritted in hostility as it traces the blade holder, looking up. Only to meet Kaiser''s chilling, dark gaze.

    "Who said you could touch my girl?"

 Chapter 43: Waiting

    Despite Kaiser''s tendency to tease Ariella and act mean toward her at times, it was just his peculiar way of expressing affection for the goddess. Deep down, his protective instincts ran strong. Anyone foolish enough to threaten her safety would quickly learn that they¡¯d unleashed his wrath. When it came to Ariella, Kaiser would not hesitate to kill, no matter what or who stood in his way... Not really.

    As if sensing his possessiveness, the hound growled louder, baring its teeth in a show of hostility. It seemed displeased that Kaiser was blocking it from getting closer to the lovely goddess. Yet, Kai remained utterly unfazed by the beast''s aggression. He had faced far worse threats than an angry dog, even multiple deaths itself; there was no reason to back down to a mere hound.

    ''Come at me, dog,'' he thought with a dangerous glint in his eyes. ''Let''s see who ends up running away, bleeding, if you''re still alive by then.''

    Although, killing a hunter¡¯s hound might earn him yet another punishment from Alfred later. However, if it attacked first, he could easily use the excuse of self defense.

    Though, the beast seemed intelligent enough to understand the potential consequences and chances of winning against armed opponent, holding back despite its growling. Its eyes held a mix of rage and calculation, which was unsettling given that it was just a Beast¡ªor was it? Looking at the creature, the sense of amiss touched his heart again.

    The tension between them remained thick in the air, broken only when Ariella stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Kai¡¯s in a gentle hug. There wasn¡¯t even a hint of fear in her eyes as she looked at the hound, like she was simply letting it know whose side she was on to end their silent argument.

    Kai¡¯s lips curled into a smirk as he cast a glance at the defeated creature. "See that, beast? Did you really think you stood a chance against man?"

    The hound''s defiant growl died down, its intense eyes now tinged with something like heartbreak. It lowered its head in resignation, the proud look fading from its gaze as it slunk back to its corner. This time, it didn''t sit straight but instead, curled into a ball, almost as if trying to console itself from the cold, biting feeling of rejection.

    Seeing the pitiful display, Ariella can''t help but shoot a disapproving look at Kai, her expression saying more than words ever could.

    "What?" he asked, feigning ignorance, though he knew full well what she meant.

    She glared at him some more, her silent reprimand bore into him, like she was waiting for him to admit his mistake. Reluctantly, he scratched the back of his head and let out a sigh.

    "Yeah, yeah, my bad," he mumbled. "It''s just that I don¡¯t like the dog refusing to be patted by me while trying to lick you. I¡¯m... not okay with that," he confessed, feeling a bit guilty for crushing the poor hound¡¯s heart more than it deserves. And using Ariella in his mischief.

    Ariella''s disapproval melted into a soft smile, clearly pleased by his honesty and acknowledgment of his own mistake, which would hopefully change him for the better. Her delight at his admission made Kai frown slightly in confusion, feeling something wrong in the situation.

    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be her guardian? The one teaching her the good ways of humanity and appreciating mortal values? To raise her to become a good goddess?

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    How did it turn into her guiding him on how to be a better person?

    Kai slapped his face with a palm, groaning inwardly. ''Good job, idiot. The gods really did pick the wrong guy for this job. Damned them!... On second thought, I take that back, so please, don¡¯t take Ariella away from me.''

    With that silent plea to the higher powers, his mood suddenly shifted upon remembering their deeds to Ariella.

    They abandoned the goddess in his care after giving her the blame, which isn''t completely true, but likely to be one. Making him unknowingly lose care of the task they made him handle. His not even sure if they''re paying attention to his performance, giving him the option of running away with his immortality and dropping his responsibility.

    However, despite that. Kai doesn''t feel like choosing his own selfish freedom.

    ''Nah, I like being with them.''

    Smiling, he ended the insignificant matter there.

    With nothing else to do while they waited, Kai found himself locked in an unintentional staring contest with the hound. The beast had eventually resumed its rigid, upright posture as it sat straight, its intense gaze fixated on Kai with an unreadable expression, it''s eyes holding unknown intent. Despite the challenge, Kai refused to back down. He stared right back, determined not to blink, treating it like those staring games he used to play back in his university days.

    But as the seconds passed, he soon realized something frustrating¡ªthe hound didn¡¯t seem to be required to blink at all!

    ''Cheating fox,'' Kai thought, gritting his teeth as he was forced to blink, losing the silent battle of wills. Followed by a vague glimpse of the Hound smirking.

    ''Did that dog just smirk at me?'' He blinked again, frowning in confusion. Was he imagining things, or was this beast actually mocking him?

    That couldn¡¯t be right.

    Shaking his head to clear the absurd thoughts, he let his eyes wander back to the hound. This time, though, he knew the game was lost, so he shifted his focus to a closer inspection of the creature rather than playing.

    Kaiser narrowed his eyes, noticing something.

    His attention was caught by a collar hanging around its neck¡ªa simple leather band with a small, wooden plate attached.

    Curiosity piqued, he leaned closer to read the engraving on the plate. The text was rough but legible: "Ba, ra''s... Property." He read.

    ''Bara''s property? Seriously?'' Kai mused, raising an eyebrow. ''Who on earth names their dog something like that?''

    As the name "Bara" echoed in his mind, though, his thoughts drifted. Feeling like he heard that name before, but when exactly?

    Digging deeper through his memories. The name felt oddly familiar, like a piece of a puzzle he couldn''t quite place. Then it hit him¡ªBara was the name of the hunter who had died not long ago during a Patrol after a villager''s disappearance. That meant this hound once belonged to Bara, which was presumably passed down to Brick care after its former owner''s death.

    Knowing that, his view on the Hound changed from dislike to pity.

    ''Poor thing, your former owner didn¡¯t bother to give you a real name, and now you''re stuck with that dumbass. Talk about a rough life. Better luck next time, I guess.''

    His thoughts briefly turned to the upcoming patrol, and an idea sparked in his mind. If another hunter were to meet an untimely end¡ªperhaps even Brick, not like his hoping for the arrogant bastard to die or anything¡ªmaybe he would get a chance to inherit a hound of his own. Now that would be pretty cool, having a loyal beast at his side. But he quickly dismissed the idea, knowing it was unlikely to happen anytime soon. Earning a hound wasn¡¯t something that happened overnight; it required time and dedication. Probably taking months or years in service as a hunter.

    Kaiser''s attention snapped back to Ariella, who was now inching closer to the hound, though she kept a respectful distance. The creature''s gaze softened when it looked at her, but it remained still, evidently remembering the earlier lesson about getting too close. Furthermore, it is evident that the young man is prepared to charge anytime, if it got too close again.

    Ariella gave the hound a gentle smile and, in a gesture of peace, rolled one of her blue fruits toward it. The fruit stopped right at the creature¡¯s paws. It was one of the fruits she had received from Ethan when they left the inn. Kai couldn''t help but feel a little envious. After all, the kid had given fruits to Cia and Ariella but had ignored him completely. And now the dog was getting one too?

    Where''s the justice in that? Even though Ariella is simply giving it as an apology to his earlier rudeness. Kai felt dejected.

    As if sensing his jealousy, the hound turned its gaze to Kai, then promptly lowered its head to gulp down the fruit in one swift motion, almost as if to taunt him. It even lick it''s lips, implying the deliciousness of the fruit given by a goddess.

    Ariella chuckled, sparking an urge within him to murder that damned Hound.

    Kai clicked his tongue, glaring at the smug creature.

    At that moment, the blacksmith finally returned, wiping the sweat from his brow and carrying a fresh pair of vambraces. He placed it on the table with a clamor of steel.

    "Took a while, it''s really messy in there and thanks to you, I have to repack it all up again. So make sure to not order again, cause I won''t be digging in my packed luggage again."

    Kaiser was just about to nod when the blacksmith interrupted. His eyes fixed on Kaiser''s hand, holding a white object.

    "Oh-boy, oh-boy... Do you have any idea what that is?"

 Chapter 44: Moments before Disaster

    Kaiser blinked in confusion, then looked down at the white slab in his hand¡ªthe same one he had bullied Ariella to get earlier. Without realizing it, he had been holding it all this while, even while drawing his sword moments ago, Kai only used his dominant hand. Having momentarily forgotten about the peculiar piece of wood.

    He briefly examined the slab with a newfound curiosity, wondering what the short man meant. Eventually, he asked.

    "Why, is this thing special or something?"

    The blacksmith let out a hearty laugh. "Haha, sort of. It''s Apela wood, produced by rare trees found near the Boundary. You know how strange the Boundary is, so most folks tend to avoid it, that wood isn''t spared either. But believe me, they¡¯re just being overly paranoid, if you ask me. I''ve used this wood for crafts multiple times already, and nothing weird ever happened. It''s really amazing how light it is, wouldn''t you agree?"

    The blacksmith looks intently at the wood Kaiser held, then shifted his distant gaze at the window, his tone turning wistful. "It''s a shame we''ll be leaving this village soon. I won''t get to venture near the Boundary to find more of this for a long, long time... Maybe never."

    Kaiser watched the display blankly, his mind unfazed by the blacksmith¡¯s attempt at a heartfelt sales pitch. He had seen this kind of performance before, often done by scammers or professional salers in varying degrees. Intriguing introduction of the product with a touch of mystery, emphasizing its unnatural origin and rarity. Then finished up with some words of authenticity to assure the listeners of its harmlessness.

    The clever use of mystique and authenticity to reel in the customer.

    Whether it''s real or not, the Blacksmith sure does a good job in his opinion.

    ¡®Really? You''re just trying to lure me into buying your trash. No need for the Oscar-worthy performance,¡¯ Kaiser smiled, deciding to save the man the hassle as he intentionally fall for it.

    "Since I found it in the pile, can I have it?" he asked, feigning interest.

    "Sure, only for a really affordable price. One silver would do," the blacksmith said with a grin.

    "Deal," Kaiser agreed without hesitation. "And could you add a carving set on top of that?"

    The blacksmith''s face fell, clearly remembering how he had just said he would not dig through his packed inventory again, just moments ago. With a resigned sigh, he muttered, "This is the last time, Kai. Last time. I won¡¯t be taking any more orders after this. You hear me... Just wait right here."

    As the blacksmith disappeared into the back room, Kaiser found himself back to gazing at the hound again.

    However, his mind was somewhere else. He felt satisfied with his purchase, not because it rewarded the blacksmith''s dramatic effort to sell his junk, but because Kaiser was interested in buying it from the start.

    An idea had already sparked in his mind when he saw the seemingly worthless slab of white wood. Urging him to get it no matter the price.

    What could he say? His plan in mind was probably the most decent thing he ever thought of in his life, so price doesn''t matter, more so when his pocket of gold is deep.

    He thought about crafting something meaningful out of the Apela wood for Ariella and Cia. Ariella had been noticeably uncomfortable with the hideous mask he bought to cover her beauty. She often took it off when they were alone and quickly put it back on when others approached, afraid to displease him or cause trouble¡ªan act that only made her more endearing in his eyes, which pained him more in turn. After all, it was his own paranoia that obligated her to wear that mask.

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    He still remembered an insignificant event that happened earlier on their way here. When Ariella encountered a group of kids playing in the street. One of them accidentally bumped into her, and though she had genuinely wanted to help the child up, the sight of her ugly mask had made the kid cry in fright, instead. Although, she hid it, the sadness of the goddess was almost palpable to him.

    He knew, she does deserve that.

    Kaiser wanted to shield Ariella from the unwanted attention of others, but not at the cost of her happiness. There was no suitable mask for sale in the village, and the market was too modest to provide anything decent other than the mask she wore which was originally made for kids... So, he decided that he would make a likeable mask for her himself. The slab was just the right size to craft a mask that would be both protective and more fitting for her, with even a bit left over to create something special for Cia.

    A small smile tugged at his lips as he envisioned Ariella¡¯s delighted expression when she received the new mask. It was a rare moment of softness in his otherwise hardened demeanor, a fleeting vulnerability that he quickly masked with his usual stoic expression. But even he couldn¡¯t deny that the thought of making them happy brought a sense of purpose he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time.

    It didn''t take long before the blacksmith emerged from the storage room. The short yet masculine man was sweating excessively, his struggle evident as he handed Kaiser a small wooden box filled with a modest set of carving tools.

    "Huff, huff... Be grateful brat, now I have to rearrange my things inside." He grumbled.

    After checking inside, Kaiser gave a satisfied smile. Accepting it with a nod.

    "Neat. Thanks, I''ll make to take good care of my last purchase." He said, grateful for the equipment despite its simplicity. He even gives a tip for the blacksmith''s effort.

    Only then did he turn to leave, giving the horned hound one last glare, as if telling it to stay in its place.

    Nevertheless, it was a satisfying day and was rather refreshing thanks to the encounter with other people after two days of solitude with Ariella and Cia. The air outside was different, too. It has the myriad sound and odd taste of bustling society, a bit uncomfortable for him, but at the same time, slightly soothing.

    Although, Kai was slightly reluctant to admit, but his glad he substantially heeded Alfred''s advice about not seeing everyone as potential enemies. Prompting him to get outside and socialize once in a while, and know others better Instead of outright judging them.

    Stepping outside, Kaiser mood plummeted because the first thing he saw was Brick. Who was busy loading swords onto a wagon, the blades lustrous edges suggest they''re freshly sharpened. The wooden wagon looked sturdy, but seemed lacking in size. It was probably designed for the hound to pull. However, something else in the wagon caught Kaiser''s attention inside the wagon - a mechanical object made of various interconnected metal parts.

    "What are you staring at?" Brick snapped, his irritation evident as he put the sword down, clearly offended by Kaiser''s unintentional scrutiny.

    Kaiser met Brick''s glare with a light smile, not missing a beat. "The face of a loser, duh."

    Brick ground his teeth, his face flushed red with anger, and for a moment, it seemed like he might explode and assault Kai. But surprisingly, he took a deep breath and managed to hold back his temper.

    "Just get out of my sight already before I throw these metals at your face, bastard!" he growled, turning away to avoid meeting his hated young man''s annoying face.

    Kai''s smile remained nonchalant, not wanting to escalate the situation unnecessarily. But he couldn''t leave without satisfying his curiosity.

    "Yeah, yeah. I''ll go away. But what''s that, first?" He pointed at the strange mechanical object next to the swords. It looked intricate, pieced together for a specific function that wasn''t immediately clear to him.

    "Traps, what else?" Brick replied with a sneer. "Why, don''t tell me you haven''t seen one before." He said, staring at Kai, anticipating an offended reaction.

    However, his just not in the mood for it. He shrugged. "I have, but different models and more advanced." he said nonchalantly before turning to leave.

    Just as he was about to walk away, Brick''s rough voice called out again, catching him off guard. "By the way, in case no one informed you yet¡ªsomething big will be happening tonight. I hope you''re prepared," Brick added, merely sharing information distributed to all Hunters participating in the hunt tonight. Although, they have personal grudges. Brick isn''t irrational enough to involve it in his line of juty.

    However, that actually unintentionally did dire damage to Kaiser. He froze in his tracks. A cold realization washed over him as he processed Brick''s words as his eyes slowly widened.

    ''Why didn''t anyone tell me this earlier.''

    Precisely because of that, there''s no sense of seriousness in his mind to urged him to prepare. Leading him to be swayed by his personal desires which ironically, was too lazy to sleep during the day and instead, prompted him to do something else. Something he wants to do, rather than what was necessary. Which is understandable considering his a hard-headed teenager with such tendency.

    Why would he sleep in daytime if he desliked it? Besides, patrolling is just strolling around the village and even if he spotted the monster, his confident in his speed. it''s no big deal.

    Or so, he thought...

    Now that he thinks about it, judging by the newly purchased traps, sharpened swords and Brick not performing daytime patrol, meaning he would probably be participating, too...

    Tonight won''t be the usual patrol.

    Looking up at the lilac sky of evening, Kaiser drew a shaky breath, his lips twisting into a crooked smile.

    ''I''m f*cked.''

    It reminded him of the times when he takes a crucial exam without review.

    Of course, it didn''t end well.

    He thought it was a mere quiz, not the final exam of his life!

 Chapter 45: Dragged in Trouble

    ''I don''t want to go...''

    Kaiser whined internally, knowing full well that complaining wouldn''t do a thing to sway Alfred, who was currently dragging him along like a sack of potatoes after multiple times of futile persuasion including bribing him with gold, all of which failed in the face of the stern Hunter.

    Kai also tried every trick in the book to avoid this situation. Like locking himself in the room, pretending to be asleep, hiding under the blankets with Ariella and Cia by his side. He had even made them promise to cover for him if anyone came knocking to make his excuse more believable which surprisingly became true due to his accumulated fatigue pulling him in the embrace of sleep. No way was he heading out tonight, not when he knew the Hunters planned to launch a massive operation to hunt down that mysterious monster or something similar.

    Sure, he wasn''t afraid of dying thanks to his immortality taking care of that. However, the false confidence it gave was limited by the uncertainty of having no idea if it covered the lost of limb. Experimenting isn''t a pleasant idea, either.

    Leaving him with his gruesome expectations -

    What if that monster''s exceptional devouring ability consumed his arm or leg, leaving him crippled? Who would look after Ariella and Cia then? Kaiser wasn''t about to take that risk for a village he barely cared about. He wasn¡¯t some noble hero out to save the day; he was just trying to survive in a world that didn¡¯t make it easy.

    Moreover, worse case scenario. He might actually die tonight in the devouring maw of the Monster. There''s just too much dreadful uncertainties in tonights patrol... If it''s still called a patrol, that is.

    But Alfred wasn¡¯t the kind of man who took no for an answer, he remained true to his words last night. Whether Kaiser was genuinely asleep or not didn¡¯t matter; the big man busted through the door, grabbed him by the collar, and dragged him out without a second thought. Even Miss Lina, Ariella, or anyone else who tried to intervene couldn¡¯t stop him. Kaiser didn¡¯t stand a chance against Alfred''s iron grip and authority.

    And now, here he was, trudging through the cold night streets, fuming at his situation. He knew this was some kind of punishment, a consequence of last night¡¯s events. Still, isn''t it too much for defending himself?

    That said, although, Alfred¡¯s judgment was harsh but not entirely unjustified. After all, Kaiser had escalated the conflict on purpose, using it to his advantage to serve his interest in gaining reputation, which had led to unnecessary injuries and damage to the inn. Still, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Alfred had an deeper motive. Maybe he just wanted another reliable fighter in his ranks to increase their odds of success in the upcoming hunt and reduce the death toll of his men''s. Kaiser may had fought drunk men''s back then, but that''s still a commendable feat. It would be a waste to leave him sitting in the corner if his involvement could save some of his men from death. Kai might die, too. But that entirely depends to him.

    Regardless, Kaiser had no choice but to go along with it.

    After a while, they left the lightened houses of active residential area and passed by rows of abandoned houses, their hollow windows staring back like empty eyes. The darkness seemed to crawl through the cracks in the partially dismantled walls, casting deep shadows that twisted and flickered. These abandoned parts of the village looked like a ghost town, deserted by the former owners that had long migrated first to a larger settlement.

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    The sight of the desolate ghost town in the dark of night made him shivered slightly, aware that the mysterious monster can be anywhere. Maybe hiding in the darkness of eerie houses.

    But his grim thoughts were cut short as his keen senses picked up movement ahead before his eyes did. Soon, voices floated through the night air, and soon enough, he saw them¡ªa large group of hunters gathering in a clearing in front of a sturdy log house, tougher than the usual residences.

    Before they got too close, Alfred finally let go of him. "Get in line," he said, rather, ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And don¡¯t even think about running off, unless you want to be included in the hunting list."

    Alfred can''t see as clearly as he did thanks to his beastial senses covering night vision to some extent.

    Kaiser bit back a sarcastic remark, glancing at the so-called "line," at a distance which was more like a chaotic mess of hunters milling about. ''There¡¯s no line, genius,'' is what he wanted to say to the Hunter that dragged him here, but kept his mouth shut, settling for a lazy shrug instead.

    "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, waving Alfred off with a dismissive hand as he shuffled toward the crowd. The tinge of resentment he bore right now dull his mood to show respect to the dignified Hunter.

    As he neared, Kai could already feel the discomfort settling in, the hum of chatter and nervous laughter grating on his nerves. Kaiser hated crowds and would rather prefer to be back in his quiet room at the inn, where he could rest in peace while seeing Ariella and Cia. Actually, most of his discomfort was due to his growing worries for them, having left them in their own for the first time was not a pleasant feeling. Making him constantly wonder if they''re doing fine without him, or are they being assaulted by bad guys? Wait, did Alfred purposely dragged him away to do harm to his companions?!

    Kaiser suddenly felt the extreme urge to run back, but hesitated and in the end, continued on his way towards the grouping Hunters.

    ''Happy thoughts, happy thoughts... Everyone aren''t that evil, idiot. Stop being paranoid and overthinking too much, not everyone is an... Enemy . I''m sure Miss Lina and Mr. Maber would make sure they''re safe. Besides, the villagers aren''t that bad in reality.'' Kai composed himself, soothing the turmoil in his mind and straightened his thoughts. In his opinion, his doing fine in regards to fixing his negative judgement. However, Kai can''t help but add.

    ''If something happened to them... I guess the migration would be cancelled.''

    Slightly shaking his head to throw off dark thoughts, he focused forward. And yes, Kai didn''t really like getting near all these unfamiliar people that emits feral presence of warriors that ventured the wild. Unlike normal villagers, the Hunters was less timid, everyone seemingly prepared for battle if one arise. Draw their weapons and aim to kill with determined hearts honed in the wild. Their relatively savage appearance only made their presence more pronounced. Leather or iron armors encasing chiseled bodies, some had bulky arms intentionally left exposed. If anything most of them had in common, that''s the Beasts furs dropped on their bodies.

    He heard it was tradition for the Hunters to wear the skin of their toughest slay as momento, after fashioning them first, of course. Often designed to complement their armor, or outright serve as an extra garment.

    Although, being in the presence of numerous intimidating Hunters bring unease within him. And considering that he beat twelve of their members in their drunken state recently. The Hunters view of him won''t probably be pretty.

    The idea of turning back became more alluring.

    But he wasn¡¯t about to give Alfred any reason to put his name on that hunting list. Fortunately, his short robe comes with a hood, so he pulled up his hood, hiding his face, and slipped into the throng of hunters.

    As he moved closer, emerging from the shadows of a secluded corner, a few hunters turned to look at him, their eyes turning stern, flicking over his shadowed figure. But when they recognized him as just another human, they quickly turned back to their conversations.

    Kai¡¯s hood cast his face in darkness, preventing anyone from recognizing him in the assembly. Coupled by his silent nature and antisocial presence, making him nearly invisible among them. Kaiser silently mixed in the crowd.

    He stood there, blending into the background, surrounded by the hum of voices, whispers, laughter''s and uneasy energy of hunters readying themselves for the unknown. He kept his expression even, his mind already spinning with thoughts of what lay ahead, and how he could get through this night with as little trouble as possible. Kaiser''s hearing was analyzing conversations, listening in for important Intel''s regarding what tonight''s event is really about.

    Sadly, all there is, are floating personal gossips, bragging and talking about various experiences from their own hunts. Some are quarantining the real purpose of tonight''s gathering, too.

    Though, the wait was finally over as a big man with brown skin and muscles as big as trunks stepped in front. His arrival alone caused the crowd to fell silent, erasing any other sound other than his heavy footsteps making the wooden platform creek.

    The leader of the Hunters, Alfred, had arrived.

 Chapter 46: Assignment

    Steeping before the assembled Hunters, heightened by the wooden platform of the sturdy hut. Alfred lingered for a while, letting the silence settle for a moment before clearing his throat.

    "Everyone must have the gist of our operation tonight," Alfred began, his voice cutting through the cold air like a blade.

    In response, the hunters all nodded, their eyes fixed on him.

    Alfred''s gaze was steely, the kind of look that demanded respect and attention. In a bit softer tone, he continues, reminiscent of a bitter past touching his stern gaze.

    "I still remember the first beast I ever hunted. When bandits raided our village, I only escaped with my younger brother. But as we fled, a beast caught up with us. I watched it feast on him while I ran, too weak and terrified to save him. That shame has followed me every day since."

    The crowd shifted, a somber, deeper silence falling over them as Alfred''s words hung in the air.

    "I was just a vengeful kid back then," he said, eyes distant as if reliving the memory. "I tempered myself, trained for years, and eventually tracked that beast down. And I failed. Again and again, I failed, even came close to death more times than I can count. But I never gave up. I kept pursuing it, like a thorn that wouldn¡¯t let go, always irritating the beast with my persistence."

    His voice grew harder, more intense. "I wore it down, hunted it so relentlessly that its annoyance turned to dread, then fear. I kept at it until it was too broken to even run from me anymore. Only then did I finish it off. Only then did I call myself a hunter. That feeling¡ªthe raging triumph, the satisfaction of finally slaying the beast that had haunted me¡ªI know every one of you has felt it at some point."

    A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Some nodded, others clenched their fists, their eyes gleaming with shared determination.

    "But tell me this," Alfred barked, his voice rising above the noise, "Can we still call ourselves hunters when a cowardly beast is stalking our village, preying on our people, and not a single one of us has even seen its vile visage? Tell me! Can you proudly call yourselves hunters when we¡¯re the ones being hunted?"

    "No!" came the answer from the crowd, louder and fiercer than before, like a growl of a beast ready to strike.

    "Then join me, my brothers and sisters!" Alfred shouted, his fist raised high. "Tonight, we end its reign of terror and reclaim our honor! Let¡¯s show this monster what it means to be hunted! For we are the real predators in Green Land! We are humans!"

    A roar erupted from the hunters, a unified cry of rage and determination that echoed through the village. They stomped their feet and raised their weapons, their spirits ignited by Alfred''s words. It was a war cry, the kind that sent chills down even the bravest fighter¡¯s spine.

    Meanwhile, Kai, standing on the outskirts of the crowd, clapped his hands in a slow, almost sarcastic manner, as if bored rather than inspired. Not like he wasn¡¯t unaffected by Alfred¡¯s speech, but the fire that fueled the others simply didn''t ignite in him. It wasn''t that he didn''t care¡ªhe just didn¡¯t see the point in getting swept up by speeches about honor and glory, which he had so little of, in all honesty. Why would a student need that? And don''t forget his too sleepy to be active in events.

    Furthermore, it would take more than that to truly move him.

    His gaze hardened as he scanned the faces of the hunters. They were fired up, ready to charge into battle, all because of some words about pride and vengeance. Though, truth be told, Kai felt a bit of pity for them mixed with a tiny bit of envy.

    Not understanding their motivation to be so eager to risk their life for others and their home. On Earth, the majority of people would rather abandon their home for the sake of safety. Including him.

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    Because all that mattered was survival.

    ''Two days,'' he thought, his eyes narrowing. ''I just need to survive two days... nothing else matters.''

    After Alfred''s rousing speech, everything was said and done - Traps are purchased, their blades sharpened and other arsenal of weapons was prepared for the hunt. Now all that''s left is beginning, marking the start of the serious play.

    Following orders from above, the hunters began organizing into smaller groups to spread out and cover more ground in their search for the monster. The plan seemed straightforward¡ªdivide and conquer. But as the groups formed, Kai found himself standing there, isolated, with a sinking feeling settling in his chest.

    The instructions were vague, leaving everyone to team up with whoever they knew best. Friends naturally flocked to each other, lifelong comrades pairing off without a second thought. He even saw couples teaming up, whispering words of encouragement to each other. It was like watching pieces of a puzzle snap together, each one finding its perfect fit.

    And there he was¡ªalone.

    Everyone here was either born or moved in, spending a lot of time in this village to create bonds and familiarity. Something he doesn''t have. Giving him a hard slap of reality check, as if mocking him that his still the old, introverted guy that has no friends or familiar comrades to speak of.

    Well... Kaiser could put in a smile and somehow sneak in a group, blending in as he makes them his friends in mere minutes.

    ''Easier said than done. I''m not that kind of guy that makes socializing seem like a child''s play.''

    Sighing, a smile suddenly found itself onto his lips realizing how he easily made an enemy here, instead of friends.

    Heck, their quantity can''t even be counted by his fingers.

    ''Ah... Got damn life, I really miss Ariella and Cia.''

    Kaiser watched the group''s form, feeling more like an outsider than ever. He didn¡¯t have any friends here, no allies or old war buddies. This village wasn¡¯t his home; these people weren¡¯t his comrades. To them, he was just a stranger, a face in the crowd that they didn¡¯t recognize or care about.

    ''Why am I even here?''

    Because of a punishment, that''s why.

    He sighed, pulling his hood a little lower over his face, concealing the frustration that simmered beneath the surface. He didn¡¯t need their camaraderie or their trust. He just needed to make it through the night, play along with their hunt, and survive long enough to keep Ariella and Cia safe, to see them again. The two of them are all he needs. Everything else was just a distraction.

    As the hunters who had already formed their groups began heading off, their camaraderie made Kai¡¯s isolation even more pronounced. He stood there, the clear image of an outcast. Eventually, someone¡¯s voice rang out from the dissipating Hunters.

    "Hey, you three! Stop sulking in the corner and get over here!"

    Kai blinked in surprise, then a grin spread across his face when he realized he wasn¡¯t alone in his predicament. It was almost comforting to know there were others like him¡ªmisfits who didn¡¯t quite belong. Misery loves company, after all.

    But that sense of relief was short-lived. Moments later, his enthusiasm turned into regret when he found himself standing in a makeshift triangle with two others. The first was a young woman with a bow strapped to her back. She looked normal enough, but he couldn¡¯t figure out why she would be considered an outcast. From what he had seen, hunters with ranged abilities were fewer than close combatants, and having a bow in the mix could be a crucial game-changer for any team in his opinion. Yet, there she was, on the sidelines with the rest of them, perhaps the last archer left in the camp.

    And then there was the second member of their team¡ªBrick, looking at him with disdain. Of all people, it had to be Brick! Kai¡¯s grin vanished instantly, replaced by a scowl. He could feel a headache coming on just looking at the guy''s smug face, his nose still bandaged from their previous encounter.

    ''Why did it have to be Brick?!'' he complained, clenching his jaw. If there was one person he didn''t want to be stuck with all night, it was that loudmouthed, arrogant fool. Their personal grudges against each other was also at play. Oh, the damned Hound was also with him. The two creatures he disliked the most in the same team as his.

    Fortunately, it seemed like Brick didn¡¯t recognize him. The guy stood there proudly, oblivious to Kai¡¯s discomfort with unconcealed displeasure. The bastard was probably still nursing his bruised ego and likely too distracted by his own thoughts to pay much attention to his new teammates. It was a small mercy, at least.

    An officer approached them with a stern expression, snapping them out of their silent standoff. "Listen up, leftover maggots," he growled. "You three will be scouting the southwest area. Head straight there and come back, and don''t make me repeat myself. If you spot that monster or whatever that thing is, blow the whistle. And if any of you hear a whistle or hear a trap trigger, forget the original plan and get over there to help! Got it?"

    The officer didn¡¯t wait for an answer, instead shoving a rolled-up map into their hands. "This map shows all the trap locations. Don¡¯t be stupid and step on one, or I¡¯ll kill you myself if the trap doesn¡¯t get the job done. Now, get moving!"

    Kai, Brick, and the young woman exchanged wary glances as they accepted their supplies¡ªa lamp, the map, and the grim sense of responsibility for their own survival. Though, the most crucial task is checking the map''s details to not make any stupid mistakes.

    Kai squinted under the pale moonlight to make out the details.

    The map showed the layout of the village, with clear distinctions between the active areas and the abandoned ones. Red dots littered across it, marking the locations of various traps. Kai studied it carefully, committing the layout to memory to avoid any unfortunate missteps.

    Kai flipped it to see if there was any more info.

    And surprisingly... There is.

    Kai blinked, and blinked again. Then narrowed his eyes and leaned forward to make sure he didn''t read wrong.

    To Hunt;

    Unknown Monster - dead or utterly dead.

    Kaiser - Alive, or barely alive.

    Dumbfounded, staring at the words as if hoping they''ll start to change. His name was right there, scrawled on the list as casually as any other target!

    ''You got to be kidding me. Did... Did he seriously put my name in the hunting list?!''

    He swallowed hard, cursing Alfred''s name nonstop.

    Meanwhile, the said Hunter was striding back. His destination... Back to the Inn.

 Chapter 47: Peaceful Stroll

    Alfred was nothing if not a man of his word¡ªKai was learning that the hard way. Not only had the man dragged him out of his room like he said he would if he didn''t get out himself, but he had also gone ahead and put Kaiser''s name on the hunting list. All because he assumed Kai had fled, while in reality, his had just been hiding among the crowd.

    Thinking of it, he almost let out a laugh. ''Yeah, right. Does he really think he can fool me that easily?'' he mused, shaking his head. There was no way Alfred was serious about putting his name on every map distributed to every participant - it had to be some twisted joke. Or was it?

    "Hey, hurry up, slowpoke, or do you wanna be left behind and get snatched by that monster?" Brick called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "No wonder no team picked this guy¡ªhe''s a total newbie."

    Kai rolled his eyes at Brick''s attitude. Despite Brick¡¯s spot among the outcasts, his arrogance was still intact, possibly fueled by his bruised ego after their last fight. It was clear that his defeat at Kai''s hands had damaged his reputation so much that no one wanted to team up with him¡ªor maybe Brick had refused the offers himself, holding out for something better.

    "Brick, don¡¯t be too harsh on him, He¡¯s trying his best, just like me." The female hunter chimed in, her voice soft and gentle, not at all what Kai had expected from someone in this rough occupation.

    Unexpectedly, Brick''s expression shifted almost imperceptibly, his smug demeanor softening as he responded to her. "Tsk, just don¡¯t blame me if that guy dies suddenly. I can¡¯t protect both of you if something happens, so make sure to stay close to me." He said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the bastard sudden change in tone. Was Brick... blushing?

    He smirked to himself, finding this hidden side of the tough guy rather amusing.

    ''Don¡¯t tell me this bastard¡¯s got a crush,'' he thought. It wouldn¡¯t be a stretch to imagine that Brick had purposely stayed out of other teams just to end up with her, playing it off like it was a happy coincidence. Though... The date in the night Brick had expected was spoiled by another unexpected outcast.

    So, was Kai now the unwanted third wheel? He had to admit, it was kind of funny. If only he considered Kaiser being a loner in the crowd, then his plan would be perfect. His a total stranger, after all. While Kayla is a soft-spoken archer no one chose for some reason, and Brick, an easy pick thanks to his strength had likely manipulated this whole setup to get closer to his crush. But was spoiled by Kaiser''s involvement, no wonder Brick looked at him with such disdain earlier.

    ''Acting all tough and mighty when you¡¯re too scared to approach a girl directly... What a coward,'' Kai thought, his smirk widening.

    Realizing he was falling behind, Kai quickened his pace to catch up with them, overhearing bits of their conversation. Brick was being awkwardly polite, restraining his original bearing in an attempt to not be disliked by the girl and avoiding making a fool of himself. When Brick finally noticed Kai, whose face was shrouded in the shadows of his hood, trailing behind.

    Brick sneered.

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    "What¡¯s with that get-up? Gotta name, newbie?" Brick asked, glancing over his shoulder with suspicion.

    The female hunter turned to him with a friendlier smile. "I¡¯m Kayla," she said, her tone polite and welcoming. "I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen you before... Sir?"

    Kai hesitated, realizing he had to be careful. His real name was on that cursed hunting list thanks to Alfred. His not sure if that''s really a joke or not, so he couldn¡¯t risk revealing his identity in fear of being hunted down by swarms of Hunters. Moreover, judging by his issues with Brick, this guy would be more than happy to bring him down. With two questions pressuring him, Kai can''t delay any longer to avoid suspicion. So, he took a deep breath and answered in a voice deeper than his usual tone. Spouting whatever name that came out of his mind.

    "Lolo. That¡¯s my name."

    Brick rolled his eyes. "Weirdo," he muttered with a dismissive shrug.

    But Kayla, ever the polite one, nodded and said, "It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you, Sir Lolo." She then turned back around, leading the way as they continued their patrol.

    Meanwhile...

    Kaiser was screaming internally.

    ''Damn you, idiot. Seriously, Lolo?! Is that the best name you could think of! What are you, a freaking old hag!''

    Kaiser wanted to smack his face in embarrassment, but restrained himself. After a while, he let out a quiet sigh of relief. Jokes aside, his disguise seemed to be working for now. Fortunately, his hooded attire followed Alfred''s suggestions which almost every starting hunter under him received, as well. Making his clothing common in the ranks of Hunters. Coupled with an obscuring darkness and the forced change in his voice made it hard for anyone to recognize him. As long as he kept his face hidden and his interactions minimal, he could avoid being identified.

    As the night deepened, the last traces of sunlight vanished, plunging the village into complete darkness. Their little group lit their lanterns, the soft glow barely cutting through the thick night as they moved past abandoned houses. The once-familiar village now seemed eerie and hollow, the dismantled structures casting twisted shadows around them.

    With every step, they inched closer into their destination. Their gaze alert, searching for any sign of the monster that had been terrorizing their home.

    As their patrol dragged on, it began to feel more like a quiet stroll through the night rather than a tense search for a dangerous beast. The silence around them was thick and all-encompassing, almost lulling Kai into a false sense of peace. The lack of any real action was making his eyelids grow heavy, the exhaustion from his sleepless morning finally catching up with him.

    Kai watched the two figures ahead of him with half-lidded eyes, suppressing a yawn. He didn¡¯t know much about battle formations, but even he could tell that the group¡¯s setup was all wrong. Logically, Kayla, as the archer, should have been stationed at the back with Brick and himself positioned up front to shield her from danger, giving her a clear shot at any potential threats. But instead, what did he see?

    The supposedly veteran Brick was too busy enjoying himself, completely absorbed in conversation with Kayla. Their whispers and low giggles were carried to him through the still night air. What started as casual talk gradually shifted to chuckles and poorly disguised flirting, Brick boasting about his past glories and cracking cringe-worthy jokes that somehow had Kayla laughing softly. All the while completely treating their third companion as nonexistent.

    He can''t blame them, though. Kai¡¯s presence went wholly unnoticed, which wasn¡¯t a surprise. He had always been the type to fade into the background, ever since his school days. Blending in was his nature, his presence as dull and unremarkable as ever specially in strangers. And yet, being ignored so thoroughly while forced to witness this budding romance grated on his nerves.

    Kaiser narrowed his eyes at the two lovebirds, his thoughts turning dark for a brief second.

    ''This is unbearable... Maybe I should just take this chance to kill Brick and hide the evidence.''

    The thought was fleeting, vanishing almost as quickly as it came. Kai shook his head with a sigh, knowing that was impossible. Too many variables were at play, and he had bigger priorities¡ªlike staying alive and avoiding troubles. He swallowed down his irritation, his mind wandering back to Ariella and Cia, wondering if they were sleeping peacefully without him.

    ''My goddess is probably crying right now,'' he thought with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

    Their slow and steady walk continued, ears strained to pick up any unusual sound in the night. The air grew colder as they neared the edge of the village, the thick line of the forest looming just ahead. If they didn¡¯t find anything soon, they¡¯d have to turn back and report their fruitless search before being assigned a new route to patrol.

    But just as Kai was about to drift into his own thoughts again, his weary eyes snapped wide open. His senses went on high alert as he heard it¡ªa sound that didn¡¯t belong to the quiet night. He stiffened, his head jerking slightly to the side.

    Brick and Kayla noticed his reaction and instantly fell silent, their previous light-hearted conversation coming to a sharp halt. In almost an instant, they picked up on the unnatural sound, too.

    But Kai¡¯s ears caught more than just a strange noise.

    It was unmistakable, clear to his heightened hearing in the stillness of the night.

    It was the sound of...

    ''...Something climbing the stairs.''

 Chapter 48: Others

    The sound was unmistakable¡ªa wooden creak, each groan and snap echoing through the night as something ascended the steps of a nearby house. It wasn''t the skittering of insects, the rustle of the wind, or the random clatter of loose boards. This was deliberate, caused by something with legs, something heavy enough to make the old wood groan beneath it.

    Kai¡¯s heart thudded in his chest, his blood turning cold as his thoughts raced. Was it the monster everyone feared¡ªthe one that hunted and devoured its victims, leaving nothing or hollowed shells behind? The beast that had every hunter in the village on edge, and the same one he had been desperately avoiding?

    A shiver ran down his spine, and for a moment, Kai was frozen, his breath caught in his throat. His mind screamed at him to run, to abandon this absurd mission. Why should he risk himself for the safety of the village? He had no loyalty to these people, no reason to prove himself as a hero. He would be a fool to face that thing head-on, even with his supposed immortality, it''s uncertain if it could save him. The thought of being crippled or eaten alive sent pure dread flooding through him.

    Kai was just about to voice a command, but

    Brick beat him to it, his voice cut through the tense air.

    "Kayla, stay behind me and aim at that window," Brick commanded, his voice steady unlike before, as if he had turned into the experienced hunter expected of him. Considering his the most experience in the group.

    Kai stood still for a bit longer, cursing his own hesitation. Then realized he was already positioned just right in their makeshift triangle formation¡ªKayla in the rear with her bow being drawn, and he and Brick in front, poised to defend. It wasn''t the worst setup for the situation, but he couldn''t help but doubt if he would truly stand his ground.

    No, he wouldn¡¯t. His instinct was to run, to bolt the moment he saw a hint of the creature. There was no glory in risking his life for something that could swallow him whole. And yet, he forced himself to stay put, suppressing the urge to dash into the darkness. His foot had shifted almost instinctively, preparing to flee, but logic quickly chained it back in place. Running now, without confirming what they were up against, would only make him look suspicious to the others.

    That''s the last thing he wants, so instead, he adjusted his stance, trying to play off his aborted attempt at escape. His thoughts raced¡ªif it wasn¡¯t the monster, if it was something else entirely, then panicking would only put him under even more scrutiny. However, if it really is the the mysterious creature...

    He will follow his own logic.

    Meanwhile, Kayla¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she held her bowstring taut, her arrow aimed at the shadowed window of the second story house. Brick and Kai drew their swords in unison, Brick slipping a whistle into his mouth, ready to sound the alarm the moment a threat was confirmed.

    They waited, the silence thickening around them. Each of them was holding their breath, listening to the steady creaking from inside the house, hearing their heart beat pounding on their chest. Each subtle creaking raises the tension a notch higher. And then, just when the pressure was at its peak, a dark silhouette appeared at the window.

    Kai''s eyes widened, his thoughts scrambling to make sense of what he saw. ''Wait, wait, wait, wait¡ªthat''s a-''

    Before he could finish his thought, however, Kayla let her arrow fly the moment she spotted something. It streaked through the air with a high-pitched whistle, slicing toward the target. Kai could only watch in resigned disbelief as it sailed through the darkness.

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    The silhouette in the window wasn¡¯t some monstrous predator; it was another hunter¡ªhuman! To think the first casualty in tonight''s operation would be in the hands of their archer due to a misunderstanding.

    Sure enough, their entire team would be held accountable, resulting in further troubles for him. He fought the urge to slap his own forehead.

    A moment later, a soft thud echoed back to them, not followed by the scream of someone in pain, but rather an awkward silence. He frowned before looking at where it landed, then at their archer who scratched her head awkwardly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

    Not like his anger, rather, the opposite. Kai¡¯s lips twist into a half-smirk.

    ''No wonder no one picked this archer,'' he thought, trying to contain his exasperation. After witnessing her wildly missed shot on a large target that wasn¡¯t even that far away, he finally understood why she was left out of every team. Even a total newbie like him might have done a better job. Heck, Kaiser is confident in at least hitting the window.

    ''I guess someone''s life was saved, on second thought, spared is more fitting.''

    Soon after, the person at the window spotted them. Unexpectedly, instead of an angry shout or complaint, the Hunter who had almost been hit by the arrow burst out laughing, seeing how far off the mark it was.

    "Gods, where are you even aiming?" he called out, still chuckling.

    Another voice joined in, laced with amusement.

    "Always as terrible as ever, but thank the heavens it was the legendary Kayla. We would have been dead if it was anybody else."

    The female archer, lowered her head slightly at their remark. It was the kind of comment, which, though delivered in a light-hearted tone as a joke, it could easily be taken as an insult. Masked as playful banter but carrying a touch of truth. She seemed to shrink under the weight of it.

    But Brick came to her defense. "Shut up, morons! Why the f*ck aren¡¯t you two using your lanterns in the first place? If that shot had killed one of you idiots, who do you think would¡¯ve been held accountable for your stupidity?!"

    The two hunters went silent, their smirks fading into shy expressions before muttering their apologies in a more respectful tone.

    While Kayla''s eyes turned to Brick, a look of genuine admiration crossing her face. His defense meant more to her than any boastful claim he had ever made, and it showed in her softened expression adorned with a smile. Even Kai couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes at the scene.

    It turned out that the two Hunters were part of a four-person cohort assigned to inspect the designated houses and set traps. Much like Kai''s team, they were nearly finished with their task, though it had been similarly fruitless. With no other urgent duties, the group unknowingly gathered to exchange their experiences and discuss their disappointment with the operation so far. They also checked in with each other to see if any of the other teams had made progress, but everyone seemed clueless due to the lack of alarms or signals¡ªsuggesting that the monster remained elusive despite their throughout search. Considering both teams have nearly covered their assigned areas, it''s safe to assume others are almost done, too. Yet no alarm sounding.

    Meanwhile, Kaiser stood alone outside, leaning against the wall of the house. The warm glow of a lantern at his feet brought little warmth as he fought the urge to doze off, keeping one ear on the conversation inside.

    Having been a part of this occupation for some time, they knew each other well enough unlike Kai who''s if not a stranger, then a resented individual.

    Brick was especially well-known, his reputation preceding him as both a skilled fighter and an arrogant braggart. And even the timid and clumsy archer, Kayla, was infamous for her poor aim and lack of natural hunting instincts¡ªa young villager girl aspiring to become a Hunter despite destiny voting against it, she''s more suited to become a shop keeper like Miss Lina in all honesty.

    "Hey, weren''t there three of you? I could''ve sworn I saw another guy with you, Brick. Wait, Don''t tell me you¡ª"

    "Stop making dark assumptions about me," Brick snapped. "That guy¡¯s just being a loner outside."

    "Hmm, I don''t recognize him from our ranks. That¡¯s odd. Any idea who he is?"

    Brick shrugged, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Probably some new intern they threw at us. Figures, right? Of all people, I end up babysitting a rookie on a wide-scale hunt, tsk, just don''t dare put the blame on me if that pipsqueak died."

    Is what Kaiser heard before losing interest in their chatter. At that point, he gathered enough information to conclude the hunt progress. Apparently, there were no signs of traps or sightings of the monster tonight and would likely stay that way the entire night.

    Which favored his interest. Once dawn broke, he could finally rest, knowing he had only one patrol left to deal with tomorrow night. And after that, he won''t come back hunting ever again. So, all he had to do is wait for time to pass.

    ''The monster really is unnaturally clever, unlike any ordinary beast. Otherwise, it would''ve shown itself by now instead of hiding, did it know the details of the operation or was hiding in a well hidden spot?''

    Just as his thoughts trailed off, the door creaked open, and Brick stepped outside. He lingered for a moment, then leaned against the wall next to Kaiser with a heavy sigh.

    As he silently observed him in the corner of his eye, Brick reached into his pocket, pulled out a small object wrapped in cloth and unwrapped it, making Kai frowned.

    ''This piece of...!''

 Chapter 49: Realization

    ''A cigarette, huh. Hope you live long with that,'' Kaiser thought, silently watching Brick pull out an old-fashioned brown cigarette¡ªmuch thicker than the modern ones he was used to seeing back on Earth. He had seen similar ones before, usually used by the older men in the village. Though, Brick using a stick isn''t really much of a surprise, considering his above twenty and all.

    Brick lit the cigarette with the flame from his lantern, taking a slow drag with a casual air that made Kaiser shift uncomfortably. He never understood the appeal of smoking, honestly. As a partially delinquent himself back on Earth, he would be lying if he claimed to have not tried those things. But whether it was a drink or stick, he couldn''t appreciate the appeal of its bitter taste. Not like he had the luxury of wasting money on something so pointless.

    That said, if he remembered correctly, being near a smoker still exposed you to secondhand smoke, which could harm your health just as much. He found himself wondering whether his immortality would protect him from diseases like that.

    ''Who knows. But don''t expect me to try and find out,''

    Though, this wasted bastard is really getting on his nerves. Of all places, why smoke near him? Kaiser would have loved to teach him a lesson again, but decided against it considering the consequences.

    Suppressing his irritation, Kaiser instinctively moved to put some distance between himself and Brick, hoping to avoid the smoke cloud that was sure to come. But before he could take a step, Brick exhaled a puff of smoke and turned his gaze on Kaiser.

    "Hey, newbie," Brick said, his tone casual but tinged with judgment. "You know, I don¡¯t really get people like you. Always avoiding people like you¡¯ve got the plague, having a mouth yet barely saying a word, cowering in the corner and staying all lonely and stuff. How do you even stand being alone all the time?"

    Kaiser hesitated, then responded in a low, deliberately gruff voice, trying to mask his true tone to conceal his identity. Still, his response was true.

    "I, I don''t know."

    Brick let out a sudden chuckle, the kind that bubbled up like he couldn¡¯t hold it back. When his laughter died down, he shook his head, still grinning. "That¡¯s rich. Never figured someone like you could crack a joke. But seriously, I don¡¯t get it. You¡¯ve got strength. You could be out there, showing off, earning respect, getting your name known. You could have all the glory, women, the whole package. Instead, you¡¯re just... wasting away in the shadows, why is that."

    His voice rose with enthusiasm, taking on a wistful edge as he continued. "Me, I want to be someone who lives so loud that my name echoes even in death. I want my story told long after I''m gone."

    Kaiser¡¯s expression hardened as he stared at Brick, a mix of intensity and wariness in his gaze. He wasn''t expecting a conversation like this from the boastful hunter, more importantly, what did he say just now?

    Seeing his reaction, Brick let out a dry laugh, a mocking smile spreading across his face. "What¡¯s with that look? I didn''t expect you to be this naive. Did you really think I wouldn''t notice? That body frame, the leather armor, and especially that sword you used against me¡ªit¡¯s not something a newbie would have. Starting interns don¡¯t walk around with gear like that. And don¡¯t even get me started on that pathetic attempt to change your voice. You might¡¯ve fooled the others, but not me."

    Kaiser''s stomach dropped slightly as Brick''s words hit home. He had been in this world for a while now, which is technically just one week and a few days. Not nearly long enough to fully grasp adapt to Green Land different nature. His mind was still tangled in the habits of Earth, where weapons were relics and combat was distant, just a thing from stories or games. But here, in this place, swords and armor were the difference between life and death. If he wanted to survive in this harsh land, he would have to shed his old mindset, respect his tools of war, and stop underestimating those who lived by them. Especially if it''s a veteran Hunter.

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    ''Cat''s out of the bag... That''s a relief.''

    Kaiser secretly heaved a sigh of relief despite his cover being blown. There was nothing he could do to change that now, but at least he was free to act as his true self for the first time in a while, no longer burdened by the ridiculous facade of Lolo. A smile crept across his face as he brought his hood down, revealing raven black hair and eyes, akin to two pools of darkness.

    "So... what now? Should I offer you a candy as a reward?" he teased, then, his smile faded, followed bythreatening words.

    "...Or maybe another kick in the ass?"

    Brick stepped away from the wall, a cocky grin replacing the casual demeanor. He took a deep drag from his cigarette, puffing out a cloud of smoke. "You''re getting cocky, rookie. this time, I''ll be the victor, that''s for sure."

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow, sarcasm dripping from his words. "With your pals again?"

    A vein throbbed on his forehead, seemingly hit where it hurts. But unlike before, his composure remains intact without the effects of alcohol.

    "Oh, don''t worry about that. I sent Kayla off with the others already, so it''s just the two of us in this area."

    "How kind of you." Kai rolled his eyes, making Brick smirked in retrained outrage.

    "It¡¯s only right for me to smash you into the ground to reclaim my pride and prove that a rookie who doesn''t even know how to wield a sword properly can''t defeat me in a fair fight!"

    He spat his cigarette, then drew his cutlass, pointing it at Kaiser in challenge.

    "Kaiser, alive or barely alive. Guess it would be the latter, I''ll make sure of that."

    He nearly laughed, finding that part funny.

    "Did you really believe Mr. Alfred''s joke?"

    Though, differ to his expectations, Brick frowned and said in a serious tone.

    "Joke? As long as I''ve known him, the boss never jokes around."

    The arrogant Hunter... Doesn''t seem to be fooling in that statement. There was confidence in his voice and righteousness in his eyes. Which contradicts to his image of Hunters. Weren''t they stern individuals? Boastful at times, but discipled in duty? Akin to what Brick is showing him now, attentive, sharp and alert despite his arrogance. A subtle sense of amiss dawn on him, something is wrong here.

    "Come on, that makes absolutely no sense. It¡¯s too idiotic to put me on the hunting list when there¡¯s a clear target."

    The Hunter tilted his head a little.

    "You''re really naive, aren''t you? You don¡¯t understand that this operation isn¡¯t all that necessary, especially with the migration just a few days away."

    True, why lunch a massive sweeping for a single monster if all residents would be leaving soon. It''s a good idea, but not a crucial solution.

    His frowned deepening.

    "Where are you going with this?"

    Brick didn''t answer for a while, but eventually sighed.

    "As the target, I guess you deserve to know. This is about you, Kaiser. By now, you probably heard that the boss''s former village was raided by the bandits."

    "And what does that have to do with me?!" Dread began crawling in his heart.

    "Isn¡¯t it obvious? Because you¡¯re a descendant of an original Player in this land¡ªBakar, the Undying. The bandit''s head is a descendant, too, for your information. The boss has been planning to eradicate them for years, but someone else took care of them. And then, wouldn''t you know it? A stranger shows up in the village just days after the infamous bandit eradication. Coincidentally, he seems to have that same rapid healing ability that Bakar¡¯s descendants share."

    "Now that I think about it. Actually, I owe you an apology for confirming the boss''s suspicions. After our brawl, he asked me how deep my blade went into your forearm that night. I only told him the truth that it reached the bone and there you have it. This massive hunt was launched after that. You know what that meant, right? Oh, and don''t even try pretending, Kaiser. No normal human could recover so quickly from that injury. It would take months, if not years, before you could use that arm again. Yet here you are, in a really good condition."

    It wouldn''t take a genius to gasp the situation... For the stoic Alfred to abuse his authority to this extent, he must have loathed the Bandits so much so that he won''t tolerate the existence of Bakar''s false descendant, Kaiser. Of course, he knew of the Bandits leader, the big, bad Boss of the mansion they burned. His regeneration ability is potent, even Zara struggled to bring that bad guy down. However, the so-called Player had nothing to do with him, in fact, his immortality is superior to that glorified Player. Let alone, a descendant. Still, their physical recovery matched well. Making it safe to assume his a descendant of the Player, Bakar, which connects him to the blood of the Bandits Boss that slaughtered Alfred''s family and brought his home to ruin.

    However, as someone who had a reputation to uphold. Punishing a teenager without solid evidence of Kaiser''s crime and involvement with the Bandits, coupled with old man Garba''s blessing of approval, who seem to possess considerable reputation. Touching him discreetly is only possible through this operation. Where even if he dies, he won''t be held accountable for it will be treated as an accident. They could even put the blame on the monster. Though, considering his name are put on the distributed maps, Alfred doesn''t seem to want his life, only beaten to a pulp as vengeance for his family. Or perhaps, being the sole descendant of his loathed foe, Alfred''s spite might be more horrible than death...

    Kaiser''s expression darkened.

    That advice about humanity, compassion and sympathy. To not view everyone as enemies... Was it, was it all done for the sake of separating him from his valued companions? Did Alfred purposely loosen his guard, then dragged him here, for what?

    For what!?

    ''A-ariela... Cia...''

    His heart cracking.

 Chapter 50: Awakened Beast

    As someone who often braced for the worst rather than indulging in positive thoughts, Kaiser quickly realized just how much he had messed up. As the weight of his mistakes crashed over him, he felt utterly shattered. He didn¡¯t want to think about it, didn¡¯t want to face the reality searing into his mind, yet there was no escape. No way to erase the truth that had clawed its way into his heart and cracking his soul.

    This wasn¡¯t some nightmare he could wake up from. This was real. Unforgiving. Permanent.

    ''What did I do wrong?!''

    Deep down, he knew the answer was nothing. His conflict with Alfred was nothing more than a cruel misunderstanding. But still¡ª

    ''Why did they have to be dragged into this?!''

    They had no involvement in these, whatsoever. Ariella and Cia are merely vulnerable beings, Blind and too innocent for the cruelty of this world.

    However, there''s no going back.

    His teeth ground together, his jaw clenched so tightly that blood pooled on his tongue. But even the taste of iron did nothing to wake him from this living hell. There was no undoing this, no way to rewind time and make it right.

    The damage was done.

    And in that silence, the storm inside him raged fiercer than ever¡ªa seething mass of hopelessness, hatred, grief, and regret churning within his chest, devouring him from the inside out. His rage was quiet, but it burned like molten steel, steady and dangerous. The world around him seemed to blur, fading into nothing as his focus narrowed to that inner fire, a fire that threatened to consume all reason, all thought, and leave nothing but pure, fury in its wake.

    Brick, oblivious to the maelstrom inside Kai, sighed in mocking apology.

    "Sorry, I guess? Just kidding. Thanks to that, I quickly got an excuse to beat you to a pulp, how convenient..." His mocking grin faded into a serious expression of a readied combatant. "In any case, enough blabbering and draw your sword..."

    His voice trailed off, words dying on his lips as his eyes locked onto Kai''s face, bathed in the dim glow of the lantern on the floor. Oddly enough, the rookie''s expression was strangely empty, devoid of any hint of emotion. Yet somehow, that blankness conveyed more than any scream of rage ever could. Especially his eyes staring straight at him, those black, hollow eyes¡ªbored into Brick¡¯s soul, like endless voids that seemed to swallow the light. Unmoving an eerily unblinking. The darkness in them wasn''t just an absence of color; it was a presence, an unnatural glow that seemed to pulse from within, an aura that defied logic and made Brick¡¯s skin crawl.

    Then, a single tear traced down Kai¡¯s cheek. But Brick payed it no mind, because was he imagining it? Or did those lightless ires seem to radiate an eerie, dark glow?

    And for the first time in a long while, Brick felt it - fear. A primal, bone-deep dread that made him feel like prey in the presence of a beast.

    ''...What are you?''

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    Before the thought could even finish, Kaiser suddenly vanished from his sight. Followed by his instincts screaming in alarm, leaving him little time to react. Fortunately, his sword is already out and years of honed reflexes took over, raising his cutlass just in time to meet an attack he couldn''t see but could feel. However, that force was like a battering ram that sent a shockwave up his arm. Steel clashed with steel, producing a deafening ringing explosion of sound. And the next thing he knew, his footing gave way under the sheer power of the blow. Throwing him sideways, smashing through the wall of the house like it was nothing.

    Dust and splinters rained down around him as he hit the ground, his ears still ringing in that instant clash. He quickly forced himself up, eyes with disbelief as he staggered to his feet. His hands were trembling, his cutlass vibrating with the impact still echoing through the blade. His pulse pounded in his ears, every instinct screaming that whatever he was facing wasn''t human anymore¡ªit was a monster, a predator, something far more lethal than the quiet rookie he knew and resented.

    With his cutlass raised once more, Brick waited, breath held in dreadful anticipation, eyes darting around, expecting the beast to strike again. But as seconds stretched into an eternity, nothing assaulted him. Just the silence of the night, broken only by the ragged sound of his own breathing. Finally, when his intuition died down, Brick dared to step out of the wreckage of the wall, heart still hammering.

    Kaiser was gone, nowhere to be seen.

    He gazed in the distance direction of the active area.

    "Boss...I don''t think that''s a mere descendant." Brick muttered, a tremor in his voice he couldn¡¯t hide.

    In the darkness of night, with only the occasional weak illumination from the dim moon. The abandoned village district lay in deep shadows, its deserted houses standing like silent sentinels. Through this eerie landscape, a lone figure darted, moving like a shadow itself. He slipped through windows and doors, emerging into hidden alleys before pressing forward. The obstacles seemed insignificant as he navigated effortlessly toward his destination, unstoppable and determined.

    Kaiser''s eyes flickered rapidly, scanning the path ahead, his body moving with a fluid grace, like a cat gliding through the darkness. His movements were swift and precise, his agility beyond what he ever thought possible for a human being. Yet, despite the precision and speed of his actions, there was no room in his mind for admiration, for his mind was consumed by fury, while balancing with rationality.

    Amidst all this, one realization did cut through the fog of his fury.

    Thinking back to Zara, the wild, psychopathic lady with ears of a wolf and gleaming, crimson eyes. Possessing beastial strength¡ªthe kind that could face a tide of bandits and even take on their seasoned leader.

    The monster he formed a Sacred Bond with that''s supposed to make his physical capabilities match hers. Still, Kaiser had always felt lacking, inferior. Which he justified to his insufficient familiarity with his own beast-like body, and unrefined skills. Incomparable to Zara''s feral yet graceful maneuvering.

    His not entirely wrong, though. Because he just found out a trick she''s been using to exert her beastial abilities potential on the next level. It had a condition¡ªa requirement that he rarely met: rage. A deep, unbridled emotion that could make one lose themselves, making him into something savage, a beast driven to destruction.

    Since birth, Kai rarely felt Intense emotions, more so when he lost his parents at a young age, dulling his heart further. The difficult life he lived also played a part, where crying won''t solve any of his problems. So, he steeled himself, only then could he somehow live peacefully. Making that requirements quite hard to achieve.

    But tonight was different... He can''t stand the thought of the ones he cared for be harmed because unlike him, they have done nothing to deserve such cruelty. Fortunately, a glimmer of hope remain.

    That hoped restrained the uncontrollable rage running rampant within him. Otherwise, Brick would be dead by now.

    Despite his fury, Kaiser¡¯s mind remained focused on one singular goal: reach the inn, reach Ariella and Cia, if they were still there... if there was still hope. A flash of clarity cut through his anger¡ªBrick wasn''t worth his time. Killing him would delay his true objective. So he pressed on, taking the fastest urban route he could instead of the clear road, his heart a raging fire driving him forward.

    As he moved, his body surged with newfound intensity. Muscles brimming with bestial strength, he leaped from the second-story window of a house, only to sense danger mid-air. An arrow shot toward him, and he twisted, avoiding it with a reflex that seemed almost supernatural. His senses had sharpened to the point where he could perceive what''s around him without needing to look.

    He landed gracefully on a balcony, then darted into the house, only to immediately be met another trap. The scent of iron reached his nose, allowing him to identify and reacted instinctively, leaping over the floor trap without slowing his speed.

    Just as he passed the doorway, his sharp eyes caught sight of another trap¡ª its nearly invisible string stretched across the frame. Time seemed to slow down in his vision, the world becoming clearer, the darkness itself unable to hide the threat from his sight. He ducked through effortlessly, not losing momentum.

    By then, a sharp whistle pierced the night. Probably blown by the archer who fired at him earlier. It was a call to arms, and even from a distance, Kaiser''s ears picked up the sound with startling clarity. He could already hear the rustling of movement as the nearby hunters began to close in, alerted by the signal. Which is unavoidable, considering the quality of the Hunters dispatched in search for the monster loitering around.

    Kaiser took a deep breath of cold air, his eyes gleaming with a inexplicable ghastly, dark glow akin to Zara''s crimson ires.

 Chapter 51: Phantom of Rage

    Wizzzzttt!

    Another sharp whistle cut through the air, followed by the growing roar of pursuing hunters.

    "Archers, ready your bows! Fire at that thing!"

    Yet it missed, falling to hit the elusive shadow.

    "What kind of aim is that? Are you maggots blind? Hit the shadow, damn it!"

    "It''s too fast! How are we supposed to hit that thing!?"

    "Stop whining and keep shooting! Less talk, more action! Daggers at the ready¡ªthrow if you have to!"

    The hunters shouted as they chased the swift shadow leaping from window to window. Kaiser, obscured by the darkness and the blur of his movements, dashed from one house to another, choosing the high ground to evade the bulk of his pursuers. He used the windows like doorways, slipping in and out with an agility that left the hunters in dreadful awe and frustration.

    "Get ahead of it! Block the houses inside!" one hunter yelled desperately.

    "Why don¡¯t you tell the whistle to do that, genius?"

    "The monster¡¯s getting away! Damn, it¡¯s too fast!"

    The hunters struggled to keep up as Kaiser continued his relentless dash. He was like a phantom, untouchable and always a step ahead. Their shouts and whistles echoed through the empty streets, the confusion and anger mounting as they lost sight of the blur that evaded them with such inhuman speed.

    Despite his fury granting him this incredible power, Kaiser''s focus was divided. The rage that fueled his movements also clouded his senses, making each thought sharper but also more chaotic. The air seemed filled with whistles now, and he knew the hunters ahead were tightening their net, becoming more vigilant as they closed in.

    Suddenly, a hunter with a crossbow managed to react fast enough, instinctively firing at the swift, leaping shadow. Kaiser, his mind dulled by the sheer rage and inexperience in dodging projectiles, couldn''t evade in time. The arrow found its mark, plunging into his waist midair. Pain flared through him, sharp and hot, but his momentum did not falter.

    That arrow¡¯s impact revealed a downside of Zara''s strength, the power that surged through his limbs came at the cost of vulnerability. His flesh, while faster and more agile than ever before, wasn¡¯t significantly toughened. Focusing mostly on nimbleness and lethal agility. On the other hand, Kaiser was certain that his current capabilities felt beyond anything he had witnessed from Zara herself at the night of the Bandits downfall. Which is understandable, considering she''s been fresh from imprisonment back then, where a shackle constantly sucked her strength to be insufficient in breaking free, until his involvement. Furthermore, she even stated that the only reason she got caught was because the bandits are fortunate enough to meet her in her lowest point. Even then, they failed to make her submit and eventually died in her hands. Her weakened state is enough to frighten him, let alone, Zara in her utmost condition. But that doesn''t matter right now, his rage is only glad he had a deeper reservoir of strength, an inheritance that made him feel closer to the beast she was capable of becoming.

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    Feeling the pang, Kaiser fluidly yanked the arrow from his waist, which is a mistake because it only let a hot rush of blood seeping out. He gritted his teeth, ignoring the agony, and kept moving forward, his body a blur of motion.

    As he neared the settlement''s edge, the number of hunters increased. Crossbows, daggers, and arrows flew at him from all directions. Most missed, but some found their mark by either luck or hones skill. Piercing his flesh or glancing off his limbs. The pain was nothing compared to the primal fury driving him forward.

    Having learned his lesson, he snapped arrows that stuck in awkward angles, tossed away daggers that hindered his movements, and pressed on relentlessly.

    Balancing between the wild sensation of losing himself in the fury of it all, and his own relentless rationality to save his companion. Kaiser''s mind continued to race so did his wildly beating heart. He didn¡¯t know if they were still alive, but his rage refused to let him consider otherwise. Eventually, his vision caught a glimpse of lightened houses, his attention narrowing to a single point as he leap high, landing on a tall rooftop.

    And there it was, the Inn. Nothing else mattered.

    The pain, the blood, the relentless attacks and noises all around.

    His only thought was simple, desperate and somber.

    ''Just a little further... Just wait for me. I''m going to save both of you.''

    Kaiser switched moving from rooftop to rooftop to avoid bumping into the villagers within their homes. However, his figures now are more visible to the archers below, exposing him to their aim. The repeated alarms had roused the village, and Hunters were converging on his position, their shouts echoing through the night.

    But their efforts were in vain against the creature¡¯s relentless speed. Kaiser''s momentum and the elevated position made him harder to target accurately, having learned to take a less predictable path. It lessened the projectiles hitting him dramatically, but a few still find its mark yet they barely slowed him down thanks to his immortality constantly mending his wounds.

    Kaiser can''t stop, he couldn''t afford to falter because they need him.

    With a final leap, he landed heavily on a familiar balcony, the force of the impact rattling the wooden rail beneath his feet. An arrow jutted painfully from his back, blood seeping from the wound, but he ignored it just like many snapped sticks. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he forced himself to focus on the lightless room before him. Like a door of darkness, where tragedy or hope lay hidden. Before that door, Kaiser''s senses went numb by the dread of knowing what was within.

    Ariella and Cia were there... Hopefully.

    An oppressive silence filled the air, pressing in on him like a vice. Dread twisted in his gut. What if he was too late? What if the worst had already happened? After all, silence meant many things. Too many at this moment.

    He stepped down on the floor, feeling heavy as his feet were frozen by hesitation at the threshold, uncertainty gnawing at him. He was torn between the fear of facing a devastating truth and the desperate hope that his worst nightmare wouldn¡¯t be realized. Of course, Kai hoped they were fine and everything was okay. Then, they could live peacefully just like they usually did for many days to come.

    Taking a shaky breath, he steeled himself, knowing that there''s no point in running.

    ''Please, god...'' he prayed, irony not lost on him as he pleaded to a god for the safety of a real goddess.

    Kai took a slow, deliberate step forward, breath held, and crossed into the darkened room.

    And there, illuminated faintly by the screen¡¯s glow, was Ariella¡ª laying beside the slumbering Cia, as she played on his smartphone with a gentle smile. Noticing him, she turned and blinked, her brilliant smile shining brighter upon seeing her guardian that she couldn''t sleep without. Ariella wanted to give him a welcome hug, but Kaiser bet her on it.

    "Thank god, thank god you''re both fine." Her guardian muttered as he locked in a tight embrace, so tight that it almost felt crushing, implying the volume of his relief. Fortunately, a deity''s body isn''t as fragile as mortals, letting her enjoy Kaiser''s warm embrace to the fullest. Which she''s fond of, due to the soothing warmth and sense of security it gave her everytime.

    Ariella returned in kind, patting his head that was resting on her shoulders, giving Kaiser the comfort he desperately needed. Calming his raging heart.

    "Kai?"

    Awakened by his voice, Cia asked worriedly. Her frown only deepens as she smells a blood, steel and sweat. Hinting to the direness of wherever he recently came from. She''s smart enough to know it wasn''t pleasant, considering the distant shouts outside, as if the village are in danger.

    Cia opened her mouth, wanting to check on him but the words got stuck on her throat. Remembering the fact that she can''t do anything for him. She can''t even live on her own, let alone, aid him on whatever his going through. Strangely enough, the faint scent of blood disappeared all of a sudden and something metallic fell nearby.

    In that unseeing world of hers, his arm pulled her into a hug, too. Cia was startled for a moment, but didn''t retaliate, hearing his ragged breathing calm down in that tranquil moment that spoke countless emotions in silence. That silence, though, was broken by the sounds of steady steps climbing the stairs. Then, at the second floor followed by the door creaking open.

    There was silence again, as if the guest was taking their time observing them, or simply giving them more time with each other.

    Eventually, a deep, recognizable voice spoke flat.

    "So it is you... Kaiser."

    Kai''s grip loosened around them, as she heard him sighed, and said in a solemn tone.

    "I''ll have to be away again. Wait for me, okay?"

 Chapter 52: Beast and Hunter

    His wounds had already healed, leaving no trace of blood and pushing metals away from his flesh. Kaiser stood there, glaring at the tough Hunter at the door. His eyes held no recognition¡ªonly betrayal, fury, and disappointment toward the man he once trusted.

    "I believed in you... So tell me, why the hell are you here of all places?"

    He had seen Alfred as a man of honor, someone righteous and worth listening to after witnessing him humble himself in his disciple''s mistake at the armor shop. Miss Lina''s and Maber''s opinion of him are rather high thanks to his reputation as a stalwart man, brave and would sacrifice himself for the sake of others. But now, his faith in Alfred was shattered, replaced with the anger of a betrayal that stung more than any wound. Logically, the Hunters leader should be out there in preparation for the true monster, yet here he is, in the Inn for some reason. Kai knew that twisted reason well.

    Alfred met Kaiser''s rage with a heavy sigh, speaking in a tone laced with regret. "You already know why I''m here. And honestly, I''m ashamed of it."

    "You should be, damn coward," Kaiser spat. "If you''ve got a grudge against me, then face me like a man! Don¡¯t drag my friends into your twisted revenge, they''re just vulnerable girls, you piece of sh*t!."

    Alfred stayed silent for a while, wearing an unreadable expression. Eventually, he spoke, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke, "Do you know what it feels like to watch your father die, to see your mother violated while you¡¯re too helpless to stop it? To watch everything you love burn before your eyes, knowing there¡¯s nothing you can do? Of course, you don¡¯t. I wanted to make them all suffer, the way I did... to make them pay for every vile thing they did to me. And when I found you, the last of their bloodline, I thought you deserved every bit of torment I could muster."

    His forlorn gaze shifted to Ariella and Cia, his voice softening. "But hurting them would make me no better than those monsters. I just realized that, and fortunately, I did before I made an irreversible mistake to regret for the rest of my life."

    He shook his head slightly. "I was wrong about you... Bakar¡¯s descendants wouldn¡¯t have your speed, nor any Player known in Green Land."

    The words were meant to bring closure and end this misunderstanding. But Kaiser¡¯s glare remained undiminished, burning with silent fury. That clouded his mind, drowning in rage and resentment. Even if Alfred didn''t harm his two fragile companions in the end, the mere thought of this man plotting against them and successfully achieving vile deeds if he wished to make Kaiser''s blood boil. If Alfred let his spiteful heart win, then this room would be a tragic scene. Kai... Kai would have massacred everyone if that happens. And even though it didn''t, he found it difficult to move on after being played by the Hunter and threatening those he cherished midway.

    ''This won''t end here,'' he gritted his teeth.

    Alfred bowed slightly, voice filled with genuine remorse. "I ask for your forgiveness¡ª"

    "Forgiveness?" Kaiser cut him off, his voice a low growl. "Yeah, it''s all a horrible misunderstanding and we make peace, forget that this happened so we all live happily ever after?... Tell you what, screw you! If you think you can cross my line and get away with it unscathed, then keep dreaming, asshole!"

    Without another word, Kaiser unsheathed his sword, the blade slicing the air with a deadly whistle. "I''ll rip you apart and make you an example for anyone else who dares to threaten what''s mine."

    Before Alfred could respond, Kaiser was already charging at him at terrifying speed. In an instant, the blade was upon his neck. The Hunter barely had time to draw his dagger, blocking the devastating slash in the nick of time.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    But the impact was so forceful it sent them both flying back, crashing through the railings and plummeting down to the inn¡¯s dining hall below. They landed hard, smashing tables and chairs, the flickering lamplight swaying at their descent.

    As the dust settled, Alfred stood, breathing steadily, his stance strong but a bit shaken. Across from him, Kaiser rose up, a wild, feral fury burning in his eyes that seemed to emit a ghastly tint in his black ires, making him frowned at its unexplainable sight.

    "What, exactly are you?"

    The young man simply donned a malicious grin in response, before exploding in motion. His figure blurred and soon, he was upon Alfred, his sword swinging with the full force of his fury. Surprisingly, Alfred''s response was swift, too. A flicker of motion and the blade met only air, deflected with a mere dagger in a precise, almost effortless movement. The clash of steel echoed, and Kaiser¡¯s momentum died as swiftly as it had begun, his balance thrown off by the force of his own strike.

    Kaiser staggered, his widening slightly in shock, as Alfred''s follow-up with a powerful grab reached to seize him. Fortunately, his reflexes are sharper than his blade, allowing him to retreat just in time.

    Stepping back, Kaiser took a deep breath.

    ''What the heck.''

    That single exchange alone made him learn one thing. Alfred''s speed, might and reflexes were no way normal. His beastial prowess alone already surpassed average human capabilities, which was further enhanced by the discovery of intense emotions increasing his strength. His rage, although, decreased knowing Ariella and Cia was fine, but not gone, his desire to make Alfred pay maintain its flames burning. So, keeping up with him can''t be accomplished by skill alone, but strength greater than normal in which Alfred strangely possesses. Come to think about it, he had a vague suspicion that Brick''s strength was also unnatural, but not that evident. Alfred''s, though, was completely noticeable.

    Kai clenched his jaw, shaking off the doubt. He didn¡¯t care much about Alfred''s unnatural performance, nor this world mechanism that allowed them to do so. All he wanted was to land a single hit and make him bleed, only then could he quench the blazing within him.

    "Calm down, Kaiser!" Alfred''s voice shouted, but Kaiser¡¯s ears were deaf to reason. As another strike came, which was easily deflected by Alfred, again. Although, Kaiser''s attacks were powerful, backed by extraordinary strength of a beast rather than a teenager. However, it was simple and predictable, it''s evident he didn''t know how to use feints, quick doubles, or any complex slashing styles to confuse the opponent. His lacking swordmanship only paled against a veteran Hunter that had killed many beasts and horrible people alike.

    ''I should have analyzed more.'' Alfred thought, reflecting on his hasted actions against the young man he accused guilty of punishment. Although, his reasons are valid because people normally just have one ability, even the Legendary Players in ancient times are said to only possess a single aspect, ranging in level. Kaiser, though, seemed to have two different powers. Not only could he recover from dire injuries like Bakar''s descendants, he also possesses beastial capabilities. Potent enough to put, even the strongest hunter on edge. Another pierce attack was lunch, only to be received by Alfred''s dagger and redirected to the side, followed by a futile attempt to lock the beast down, missing at hairs breath. His like a fisherman dealing with an elusive fish that could kill him if not careful, swift and deadly.

    Failing again, Kai cursed under his breath, infuriated by the stalwart warrior total defense. Alfred isn''t moving from his position at all, staying in one place as his sharp eyes watch him approach and prepare to deflect his blade over and over again, not even attacking and making it hard for him to find a weak spot. Though, he can''t even see any weak points in the Hunter impenetrable defensive stance. No matter how many times he strikes, Alfred didn¡¯t budge, standing his ground like an immovable wall. His eyes were sharp, focused, watching every move with the patience of a predator and anticipating his blade trajectory, before redirecting in one, fluid motion, rendering Kai''s superior strength useless.

    Suddenly, a cunning smile spread across Kaiser¡¯s lips, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. Instead of charging directly at Alfred, he started moving in a wide circle, aiming to lose the Hunter''s sight. And the moment he did, he lunged from an unexpected angle, hoping to catch Alfred off guard. But to his shock, Alfred¡¯s dagger was already there, meeting his blade with impeccable timing, neutralizing the strike before it could even touch his back. Cursing, Kai decisively jumps over, just in time to avoid Alfred''s grab.

    ''You got to be kidding me.''

    Landing lightly on a table, his eyes never leaving Alfred, the room around them suddenly feeling too small to contain his infuriation. Alfred¡¯s stance remained solid, the knife in his hand as steady as his unwavering gaze.

    "Give up," Alfred said, his voice calm but firm. "Your swordsmanship is too crude. Brute force alone won''t win you this fight."

    Indeed, his constant aggression was only neutralized without fail by the veteran Hunter, making all his endeavors to make him pay blood seem futile. The difference in technique was simply too wide that even though his strength is greater than Alfred''s, winning wasn''t in his reach.

    Sparing his dented sword a glance, Kaiser sighed internally. ''Guess this is what happens when you''re a retard who''s too lazy to learn showmanship.''

    Kaiser remains silent for a while, look around before responding with a grin.

    "Say that in the dark."

    With that, he moved again, this time, not towards the impenetrable opponent but on the lamps illuminating the dining hall. Alfred can only watch as lights providers began dessapearing one by one, eaten by a swift shadow running around in a clamor of breaking glass. Alfred could only stand there as the darkness closed in around them, knowing he couldn''t match Kai''s speed.

    Within moments, the entire dining hall was plunged into the shadows.

 Chapter 53: Shameless Victor

    An unsettling silence reigns over the once bright room that now lay under a dim haze, illuminated only by the faint light slipping through the windows. With no moon to cast its glow, shadows thickened, smothering what little visibility remained.

    But a Hunter¡¯s eye was not to be underestimated. Alfred¡¯s gaze was sharp, cutting through the darkness with practiced ease. He wasn¡¯t blind¡ªat least, not entirely. Though seeing far proved difficult, his instincts stayed keen, always aware of the faintest shifts. Tracking the quick-footed Kaiser in this environment like a beast he played with in the wilderness was challenging. Still, Alfred felt confident he could restrain him in this state. Though, it''s harder than expected, because although Kaiser¡¯s swordsmanship was raw, sloppy even. He couldn¡¯t deny the boy¡¯s cunningness, beneath that rough exterior lay an intelligence he¡¯d be a fool to ignore.

    Furthermore, the Hunter can''t help but feel a sense of dread in the young man''s eyes. Because those pairs of eyes stared at him without hesitation to kill, he knew what a gaze of a killer looked like.

    Alfred steadied his stance, knife in hand, lowered yet poised, ready for the slightest hint of movement and blocking any blade with his impenetrable defense. His breathing was calm, his senses razor-sharp. Then he sensed it¡ªa faint shift in the shadows. He turned, eyes narrowing. A flicker caught his attention elsewhere, prompting him to pivot again. But no one came.

    In the darkness some distance away, Kaiser silently clicked his tongue as he watched the tough prey with a calculating gaze. His vision was sharper and more attuned in the darkness thanks to Zara¡¯s inheritance, granting him an edge over Alfred¡¯s inhumane instincts. Although, the Hunter strength is greater than average, - wherever that came from - his power up seemed to be distributed evenly in every aspect. On the other hand, Kaiser''s beastial ability focused on agility, flexibility and adaptability like a feral Beast in a wild environment. Making his other aspects superior but at the same time, inferior to the Hunter. Such as strength, it wasn¡¯t his advantage, more so with Alfred¡¯s trained power at play, so close combat was out of the question.

    Having already failed multiple times, Kai needed a new approach, something the Hunter wouldn¡¯t expect.

    Kaiser paused for a while, assessing Alfred¡¯s stance and his every movement. A typical strike-and-flee wouldn¡¯t do. He needed something different... After a few more moments, a faint smile crossed his lips as an idea sparked.

    With a sudden movement, Kaiser grabbed a chair and flung it across the room, sending it crashing to the ground. Alfred¡¯s head snapped toward the noise, his stance shifting, eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of attack.

    Kaiser was done hiding. It was only a matter of time before Alfred would lose track of him entirely.

    In the next instant, Kaiser sent another chair flying toward Alfred, who handled it professionally by dodging smoothly Instead of blocking, aware that someone could sneak at him if he focused on the projectile rather than the enemy. An amateur would have fallen for it, but a veteran? Alfred waited, expecting any of any ambush lurking in the dark.

    But Kaiser didn¡¯t strike. Instead, the steady clamor of more wooden crashes filled the room, building tension with each sound, forcing Alfred¡¯s senses to chase movement after movement in the shadows, pushing him closer to a breaking point.

    Then, another was thrown.

    As Alfred evaded the chair, a dark silhouette lunged at him from the shadows. The glint of a blade caught his eye, clashing with his dagger in a familiar, brutal dance. But just as he deflected Kaiser¡¯s sword, another dagger shot forward, quick and deadly. Startled and caught off-guard, Alfred could only watch as it sliced past his guard and grazed his side. Kaiser¡¯s grin widened in satisfaction as he melted back into the shadows, already preparing to launch another barrage of unexpected strikes.

    ''Sending the dagger first before creating a distraction yourself. You''re getting creative.''

    More chairs flew through the air, forcing Alfred into evasive maneuvers that weakened his guard. Kaiser was relentless, each assault testing the limits of Alfred¡¯s defenses. With his attention caught in evading the annoying chairs, cuts eventually began to show across Alfred¡¯s skin, reminders of how spiteful his opponent could be. Barely evading a slash to his ankle, he felt the sting of a shallow wound and looked down to see his pants torn where the blade had nicked him.

    He already regretted attempting to harm Kaiser''s companions deep in his heart, but apparently, an apology won''t satisfy the young man''s vengeful heart. Even daring to challenge him, the Hunter''s head and considered as the strongest man in the village to a lethal duel and manage to balance the battle despite his lacking skills through mischievous tricks. Which is acceptable in his view, after all, a real battle is never about sportsmanship, kindness and honor. It''s all about victory, that''s decided through the combatants skill, luck and resourcefulness to decide the victor or survivor.

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    Thinking how feral he already is, Alfred could only imagine the havoc Kaiser might unleash if he had actually harmed those dear to him. Right now, Alfred was struggling, even without Kaiser¡¯s full wrath. And if the young man¡¯s thirst for revenge truly boiled over¡­ Alfred didn¡¯t want to picture the outcome. The entire village might really be in danger if that happens.

    Then, suddenly, silence fell over the room. Alfred took a shaky breath, grateful for the brief reprieve. But that silence was short-lived. A deep creak of wood sounded, drawing his senses into high alert. This time, the noise didn¡¯t come from his sides but from above.

    And as it turns out, an entire table hurtled through the air, threthening to crash at him. However, in the face of a veteran, such obstacles are too easy to avoid.

    Alfred took a quick step back, bracing himself for the follow up. If he predicted correctly, Kaiser would be using the loud sound of crashing to either strike at his sides or back, which are the only available spots. But when he shifted his stance to guard his sides and back, he was caught off-guard by Kaiser¡¯s next move. Just as the table crashed down, Kaiser who was riding the table''s tummy to hide himself from view pounced from it, lunging at Alfred with feral intensity.

    His blade arced through the air, primed to land a decisive blow on the Hunter''s capacious back. Kai could already taste the sweetness of victory. Slashing Alfred''s back would surely leave a big scar to remember his mistake, a bloody wound big enough to quench his thirst for vengeance.

    However, as the edge draws dangerously near, in one fluid motion, Alfred spun, dodging the blade that would have cut deep. Kaiser¡¯s weapon sliced through empty air, and his momentum threw him momentarily off balance. To his horror, before he could regain his footing, Alfred¡¯s hand shot out in a swift grab, his iron grip unrelenting. The transition between evasion to attack was too fast and fluid without delay. But that''s fine, his quick enough to escape...

    Or so, he thought. Kai strained his muscles, only to realize its lacking speed and power. No, his lacking the previous intensity of rage to power it up. His a naturally composed individual to the point that angering him is difficult. His brimming rage had already began dwindling after knowing Ariella and Cia are safe and was further reduce as his brain fought for more decisiveness rather than feral charges. Kai had already lost the wrath burning in his eyes as his hated opponent bleed and was completely extinguished by that last moment of expected triumph, thus, robbing him of his former wildness.

    Without it, Kaiser couldn¡¯t escape.

    Alfred¡¯s massive hand clamped down on Kaiser¡¯s chest, slamming him into the floor with a resounding thud. Kaiser lay pinned beneath the older Hunter¡¯s weight, his body heaving with exhaustion. The battle was over, and despite his tactical prowess, Kaiser had lost.

    Alfred¡¯s breathing was steady, though a glint of weariness shone in his eyes. Kaiser struggled for freedom, but Alfred¡¯s strength was unyielding, pressing him firmly down.

    What Alfred said next took him by surprise.

    ¡°It seems I was right, your strength depends on your emotions.¡±

    Kaiser froze, his gaze shifting to meet Alfred¡¯s with a mix of anguish and indifference, his eyes narrowed as realization struck him.

    Apparently, the Hunter had purposely let himself be wounded after noticing his emotions connection to the speed and lethality he displayed, causing him to weaken and eventually lost. Truly, veteran fighters are another level, they don''t only swing swords, but also apply their minds in battles. Every fight is a clash of not only the strongest, but also the wisest. Zara and the Bandit boss battle were probably a combat of wits too, Kaiser doesn''t have much comprehension in the art of fighting back then, so he failed to analyze deeper. But if memory serves him right, the Bandits Boss failed against the beastial lady''s cunningness and skills proficiency that close the large disadvantageous gap between them.

    His fight with the veteran Hunter was similarly complex, making him feel a bit proud of himself in lasting quite long in advance duels despite his sloppy handling. However, Kai doubted he''ll do well in a real death clash against Alfred.

    ¡®There¡¯s still a long way to go,¡¯

    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Alfred declared in calm triumph, prompting Kai to surrender and forgive. Their meaningless throes had lasted long enough.

    Yet despite their obvious stand, the young man remained defiant, staring up at Alfred without a shred of fear not signs of wavering. His always been against the thought of defeat, for it indirectly suggest they could cross his line and walk out safely if they win. Perhaps, they could try again and just beat Kaiser once more to fix it.

    Kai refuses to accept defeat. He didn''t lost yet...

    Kaiser stayed silent for a while, then turned his head to the side, looking somewhere else, his voice low. ¡°Hey¡­ where''s your men?¡±

    Alfred doesn''t seem to listen, but frown upon realizing his men are indeed strangely absent. In their heated fray, not a hint of them appeared in the inn which is undeniably odd. Why would all his men not appear?

    Something is wrong!

    Alfred¡¯s expression shifted as he followed the young man''s gaze outside.

    And that split-second distraction was all Kaiser needed.

    In an instant, Kaiser¡¯s hand moved like lightning, the tip of his blade pressing into Alfred¡¯s neck, drawing a trickle of blood.

    ¡°You sneaky brat,¡± Alfred muttered.

    Though, the Hunter isn''t slow either. In that instant, He only has one free hand, aware that letting go of his dagger and stopping Kaiser''s blade will take too long and do him harm, he decided on a quicker option by simply placing his dagger sharp edge above Kai''s throat, threatening Kai''s life at the moment he threatened his. They were at a standstill, each weapon poised to end the other.

    But as Alfred looked into Kaiser¡¯s eyes, he sensed something unnerving. Even with a dagger to his throat, Kaiser¡¯s gaze remained eerily calm, devoid of any fear. Alfred had faced countless opponents and recognized fear instinctively. Yet here, in the face of death, this young man was utterly unshaken... Something gave him the feeling that his in an utter disadvantage for his opponent doesn''t fear death. Dread began to touch his tough heart.

    Reading Kaiser''s intentions, Alfred sighed.

    "I loss." He admitted as his dagger dropped, mostly because his pride is less important than the lives of his men outside. Who knows what is happening to them.

    Only then did Kai smile and remove his ominous glare. He would have loved to kill Alfred here and then, fortunately, his smart enough to see the bigger picture.

    "I''m not an idiot, so I''ll partially let this go, but don''t think I''ll forget this sh*t. So remember this well: if you or anyone else lays a hand on my friends... I swear, I''ll kill every last one of you in every way imaginable." Even though it came from a teenager, those words held a chilling finality and sinister vibe that differed it from an empty threat. Furthermore, that... That doesn''t sound like a joke at all.

    Alfred''s expression was grim as he stood up, before offering the young man a hand.

    "Then I''ll make sure that won¡¯t happen. You have my word."

    Now... Where did everyone go?

 Chapter 54: Pursuit

    Alfred didn¡¯t waste another moment as he hurriedly strode out of the wrecked dining hall, urgency in his every step showed his concern for the missing hunters and villagers.

    Kaiser, still basking in the remnants of his shameless victory, found himself hesitating even though his also curious at why didn¡¯t others appear amidst their duel? Which can only mean that something must have drawn their attention away. Whatever it is, surely its something catastrophic to distract everyone''s attention.

    Yet, he knew he couldn¡¯t prioritize his curiosity over the safety of his friends.

    Kaiser navigated through the wreckage they made. Miss Lina would really be mad once she saw the dining hall she cleaned before leaving or shun away by Alfred, was a complete mess. It lay in ruins, furniture overturned or broken and debris scattered.

    ''The big guy is asking for it.'' He coughed, throwing blame on why he used the inn''s innocent items to gain an upper hand. Fortunately, his rich to cover the damages.

    Kai climbed the staircase and reached open the door. There, he found Ariella at the balcony, standing at the edge, her back to him. She gazed out over the village, her white dress billowing softly in the wind, almost ethereal in its beauty.

    Curious, Kaiser approached her casually, tapping her shoulder as he leaned over to see what she was gazing at. A frown creased his brow at the chaotic scene unfolding in the distant streets.

    The street was alive with activity¡ªnumerous figures moved among the abandoned houses with lights flickering in their hands as they wandered urgently as if chased by something terrifying or was chasing it? Kai isn''t sure, but the faint sounds of their shouts suggest the magnitude of the situation.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on down there?¡± he asked in a low voice but not completely clueless himself. Aside from him, Kai was acutely aware that another anomaly lurks in the village¡ªThe real monster that has been the recent talk in the town. A mysterious creature that had already claimed the lives of few residents and hunters alike, yet remained elusive until now. Had it finally emerged, taking advantage of the chaos he had unwittingly caused?

    On his side, Ariella gave him a pouting look because he knew his not supposed to be asking her of all people. She can''t speak.

    Focused on the distant commotion with an unreadable expression, Kai sighed wearily and affectionately ruffled the goddess hair which is quite difficult because they''re at the same height.

    His sleep-deprived eyes locked onto hers for a moment, his voice low.

    ¡°Ari, can you take care of Sister Cis while I¡¯m gone? Show me what my goddess can do, okay?¡± Kaiser said with a smile at the end, hus words were meant to be encouraging, but they faltered under the weight of her questioning glare. Earlier, he said he would only be away for a bit, and now his leaving again? Kai can''t face her unspoken displeasure, avoiding her captivating eyes that urge him to stay.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll be away again,¡± he murmured, the guilt creeping into his voice. ¡°This¡­ this is partially my fault. I need to help them.¡±

    The most likely cause of the current commotion is that, his sudden rage previously, darting like a shadow beast unannounced and surprising everyone had created an opening for the lurking monster to strike. Though his intentions had been to reach his friends quickly, for they might be harmed, he had inadvertently caused the Hunters formation to break.

    ¡®That explains it¡­¡¯ The realization settled heavily in his mind, knowing his partially responsible for someone''s death isn''t pleasant in his conscience.

    But before he could linger on those thoughts, something in the distance caught his attention¡ªa swift, inhuman shadow darting through the alley alone, moving with an unnatural speed away from the rushing pursuers. Oddly enough, it seemed to be running away from the Hunters and moving towards the Inn?

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    Kaiser allowed himself a quick, humorless grin. "Isn''t that convenient."

    He had been thinking of something to fill the void left by his failed deed, something to redeem himself before the night was out to let him sleep in peace. Now, it was as if fate had offered him exactly that.

    Without delay, he leapt over the railing from the second floor, landing with a soft thud. Ignoring the twinge in his knee, he set off in a sprint forward, hoping to intersect the dark figure heading on his way.

    The distance and speed of the shadow made it too vague for him to identify what it is, but one thing is certain. That thing isn''t human, the fact that it''s navigating alone and moving with inhumane swiftness was proof. So, it had to be the real monster.

    He plunged into the tight alleys between the houses, every corner revealing another deepened shadow. Soon, he was swallowed up in the eerie, dark embrace of the abandoned district, where every building was stripped of light. The walls around him, once homes and shops, were silent and desolate, their windows like empty eyes. The only sound was his own breathing, the crunch of gravel under his boots, and the far-off shouts of those in pursuit can be heard.

    Kaiser skidded to a halt at an intersection, pressing himself against the corner of a dilapidated wall. He took a steadying breath and closed his eyes, focusing, visualizing the creature¡¯s path. If his calculations were right, it would pass by here any second. And so he waited, his heartbeat settling, body poised to strike. However, in that brief wait, a dark thought tugged at the edge of his mind upon remembering the dreadful devouring ability of the creature that threatened his prided immortality. Though it was only a theory, the hollow remains of its victim made it likely to be true. He shuddered but dismissed the thought. Fortunately, his task wasn¡¯t to fight alone, all he had to do was stall it for a while, until reinforcements catch up. That much he could manage.

    Just then, a sound sliced through the silence¡ªa rapid clamor, like claws scraping against stone. Kaiser tensed, his grip tightening around his sword. Then, faster than he could have anticipated, a shadow flashed past him. His instinct took over as he swung his blade, feeling the cold resistance of flesh. But strangely, no warm blood or any liquid spattered nor pained snarl sounding, as if the monster was unaffected at all by his deep slash. Allowing it to slip away unhindered, disappearing once more into the dark.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± he spat, breaking into a run. It was faster than he¡¯d expected, so quick that even with his strike, he hadn¡¯t caught so much as a glimpse of its true form. Perhaps his mind is too tired, deprived of sleep which was drained more by the intensity of their battle minutes ago. Kaiser''s focus isn''t in condition at the moment.

    Ahead, a door slammed open, the wood creaking under the force. Kaiser pushed forward, charging into the house without hesitation. The floorboards groaned underfoot as he moved through rooms steeped in darkness, the walls covered in the decay of forgotten lives. He caught the faintest sound¡ªa rustle of movement just ahead, like a trapped animal frantically seeking escape. Then, a crash. When he reached the second-floor, the creature had already slipped through a window, leaping down to the street below. He halted, chest heaving as he watched its distant shadow sprint across the alley. It was nothing more than a blur in the darkness of night, but he could tell it was adapting, almost as if it sensed his relentless pursuit.

    Steadying his breath, Kaiser bounded across and landing onto the roof of a nearby one-story house. Fighting it in the game of speed was a fools errand even with his beastial agility, he can''t catch up. But up here, the chase was different. His paths are open, with fewer twists and turns to slow him down. He moved in a straight line, leaping over roofs while his eyes scanned the alleys below, his vantage point giving him a clearer view. The creature seemed to notice his new position, quickening its pace, frenzied as it ducked and weaved between buildings.

    It sprint across the houses, making sudden, jarring turns in an effort to throw him off. But as someone who spent most of his life in society, navigating through complicated alleys, roads and intersections was second nature to him. He had a better understanding of human environment, losing him in this terrain would be difficult for the monster. Kai kept up. With every corner it turned, he was keenly following its trail, tracking its every move, relentlessly as it tried to escape his sight.

    Then, finally, it made a mistake. It turns into a dead-end alley, with a wooden barricade at its end. Kaiser gradually lowered, switching on ground with a smirked, thinking he¡¯d finally have the chance to see this beast in all its terrible glory, perhaps even catch it.

    However, he was met by a gaping hole in the wall at the end of the alley, leading out into the dense forest beyond. The forcefully made hole was wide enough for him to crawl through, but Kai decided to halt there, knowing the terrain outside all too well. The forest was a place of shadows, a wild stretch where the monster would have every advantage. He would be foolish to pursue it there, especially with no backup. If he continued, the reinforcements wouldn''t be able to keep up or probably lost his track, that is, if he could actually catch it in the wide wilderness.

    ¡°Damn it.¡± he muttered under his breath and looked down. Still finding it strange for the creature to not let out a single drop of blood. Just what kind of monster is that?

    Soon after, the hurried footsteps of the other pursuers drew closer behind him. Kaiser turned as the group approached, their faces etched with exhaustion and frustration. Villagers and hunters alike crowded the alley, holding torches that cast long, flickering shadows against the walls. At the front was Alfred, his advanced position suggests the difference between physical prowess compared to others, Brick and other Hunters who held a relatively high rank was also ahead. Kaiser are really curious what separated their physicality from the masses.

    Alfred slowed as he spotted Kaiser near the hole, the disappointment clear on his face.

    Eventually, they all came to a halt. Those who were tired were gasping for air, bent down. It had been a busy night packed with activities and surprises. The chase ended here, so everyone would have loved to get some sleep, so did Kai.

    However...

    The majority of them suggest otherwise. Keeping their distance, they stood away from him. Kaiser could feel their eyes, wary and full of questions, suspicion and dread.

    The flames their torches held swayed.

 Chapter 55: Life as a Player isnt that Great

    What are you?

    That question still echoed in Kaiser''s ears, haunting him even now as he sat waiting for his food. The dining hall felt quiet and still, for there are only a few tables here now and three customers. Across the table sat Ariella and Cia.

    Soon enough, their meal arrived, it was Miss Lina herself who brought it, her posture prim and formal. She wore a spotless apron and fresh clothes, which is unusual for her since she was always bustling in the kitchen, her attire usually bearing the marks of her work. Having seen her work for a few days now, to know that her clothes never stayed this clean for long. And yet here she was, moving with careful grace as she placed each plate before them, her smile held in check, almost strained, like she feared any slip might offend him.

    After a quick, respectful bow, she turned and walked back to the kitchen. Normally, she would¡¯ve stayed a moment, chatting with them about the day or sharing some gossip, treating him and his companions like neighbors. But ever since she and her family had come to him, begging forgiveness for leaving the inn unattended with Ariella and Cia still inside, their warmth toward him had been replaced by a wary formality.

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t bring himself to blame them. They were a simple family, helpless against the influence of authority. Alfred had planned the ambush meticulously, manipulating every detail. The innkeepers had likely been coaxed away with some persuasive excuse they couldn¡¯t refuse, giving Alfred the access he needed. They were just villagers, ordinary people with little power or protection; he didn¡¯t expect them to stand up against someone like the head of the Hunter to protect his friends. That is, if they actually knew Alfred had malicious intentions.

    Recalling the memory of that night once again made him feel resentment, his dislike for the Hunter simmering beneath the surface. Even though his genuinely sorry for the misunderstanding, casting aside his pride as he kneels in apology to punish him alone and don''t involve anyone else. Honestly, Kaiser respected the man for his integrity, his discipline, his willingness to sacrifice himself for others. But that night, Alfred had been blinded by revenge. And Kaiser couldn¡¯t quite forgive him. Not completely. Such was the complexity of human nature and the tangled web of loyalties and betrayal that society wove around them.

    Now, at least, he felt certain no one would dare harm Ariella or Cia again. ''

    After all, I¡¯m a Player.''

    That night, when the hunters and villagers gathered around him, he had faced their scrutiny, their curiosity and fear all woven into one questioning gaze, needing to know what manner of being he was to hold such monstrous power, far beyond that of any ordinary man. Some whispered that he might be a monster in disguise; others speculated he was a descendant of one of the ancient beings. Alfred, however, had dismissed the descendant theory outright, demanding an answer with an intensity that left no room for lies. He had said nothing less than the truth would be enough, for whatever Kaiser was, it might threaten the village if left unexplained.

    So, left with no choice, Kaiser had spoken the truth to end the troublesome scrimmage.

    I''m a player.

    Then realized how much weight those words hold judging by everyone''s reaction.

    Here, in Greenland, ¡°Players¡± were not just legends or distant ancestors; they were viewed as the very origin of humanity, powerful beings from whom the strongest bloodlines descended. It was a term spoken with reverence and fear, a word that echoed the lineage of the ancient world itself, outside Green Land, other realms and so on. Powerful beings capable of venturing far, far away, through the boundaries.

    Supported by undeniable proofs, the villagers had no choice but to believe. From that moment on, they saw him as a living legend, something extraordinary, a being to be respected, even worshipped. Disbelief and awe still colored their expressions each time he walked by. Kaiser didn''t know how to react at first, but now his certain.

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    ''I despise it.''

    Because instead of finding satisfaction in their admiration, Kaiser felt trapped by it. The attention suffocated him. Once, he¡¯d roamed the village with ease, but now every interaction came with stiff respect. His every movement was watched, his every word heeded, until he began to dread leaving his quarters at all. Even Brick, the brash Hunter who had once annoyed him to no end, was now little more than a shadow, constantly sidestepping and avoiding Kaiser¡¯s gaze. Oddly enough, he kinda misses the guy''s arrogance to taunt him into fighting that smug face once more. Come to think about it, with his current status, he could smack the bastard all he wanted but Kaiser had lost interest.

    Alfred, for his part, kept his interactions brief and formal, respecting the distance Kaiser now imposed. But what stung the most was the shift with Miss Lina and her family, once friendly and warm, now treated him with quiet reverence. Ethan doesn''t even dare talk to Ariella and Cia, afraid of displeasing Kai, in contrast, it seems to do the opposite. The armor shop owner avoided charging him, the blacksmith refused payment for sharpening his sword. Miss Lina¡¯s didn''t even scold him for devastating the Inn furniture, let alone, made him pay. Because before he could, the village chief had already stepped in to cover the damages for him, brushing off any attempt Kaiser made to pay. Each meal was offered to him without charge, under the saying that the very act of serving him was an honor that justified the cost. After all, as a Player, he would surely become one of Greenland''s pillars.

    ''So much for being rich. What am I supposed to do with all my gold? Toss it down a well?'' He thought with a twinge of bitter humor.

    Although, Kaiser understood their reasons, he felt that the villagers¡¯ regard felt hollow, a pedestal he never asked for and couldn¡¯t shake off. They treated him as if he were some lofty being, an object of reverence that none dared offend, that most only admired from afar. In all honesty, Kaiser preferred casualness rather than respect, being viewed in high regard doesn''t suit his taste.

    To distract himself, Kaiser let his mind wander elsewhere - to the events of last night. From what he had pieced together, the true monster had shown itself when the Hunters were distracted¡ª ''distracted chasing him'', no less. They hadn¡¯t said it outright, of course, but from the fragmented clues, he could piece together a picture uncomfortably close to the truth.

    The Hunters had initially missed the monster¡¯s reappearance. It wasn¡¯t until one of them noticed a friend missing¡ªalong with several other familiar faces¡ªthat they realized something was wrong. Even then, they¡¯d brushed it off, assuming their comrades had just gone on ahead. But when someone went back to check, he stumbled upon a gruesome discovery - remains of their comrade, and not just one body. That was when the hunt had taken a more desperate turn. Confirming that their first target had been false, they¡¯d spread out, searching frantically for the real monster.

    As they tracked the beast, they found more corpses, the remains half-eaten and barely recognizable, those that were fully consumed left a splatter of blood a clue of their horrible death. Despite their overwhelming numbers, the creature was faster and more elusive than any of them. Too swift for the foot soldiers and even launched projectiles had no effect on it. No matter how closely they pursued, it left no blood trail for it doesn''t bleed, its footprints strangely shifting, never quite identifiable. Even those who caught a glimpse of it couldn¡¯t agree on its form. Some described it as a creature with black, leathery skin; others insisted it had a furred, human-like appearance, as if its shape changed before their eyes.

    And it was cunning. That much was clear. The monster had played with the Hunters, disappearing and reappearing, striking whenever a lone pursuer strayed too far. It evaded their arrows, danced around their swords, and showed a level of intelligence that unnerved even the most seasoned Hunters.

    Kaiser¡¯s head throbbed at the thought of it. Catching the monster would be no easy feat, the more he pondered over it, the more difficult it became. Still, he felt an undeniable need to apprehend it, to put an end to the terror it had caused. The deaths of the victims weighed heavily on him, and he couldn¡¯t shake the guilt. If he hadn¡¯t broken their formation in his outburst, maybe they could have handled it better and lessened their loss. Yet, even as he berated himself, he knew the creature¡¯s unnatural speed and shifting form meant that the odds were slim.

    When they finished eating, Kaiser collected the empty plates then headed to the kitchen. Kaiser is a bit shameless... Maybe a bit more. However, He was aware he¡¯d been eating free meals ever since his "Player" status had come to light, but he wasn¡¯t about to sit back and do nothing in return. The least he could do was bring the dishes back for Miss Lina as usual, leaving it here would be too rude of him.

    On his way, a bluish fruit caught his eye on the corner of the counter. Probably dropped by Ethan. Picking it up, Kaiser studied it for a moment. It was a common enough fruit in this world, and he recalled it could be made into juice. A faint smile crossed his lips, upon remembering when he ordered a sour blue juice once before, right before he ended up brawling with the drunken Hunters and Brick.

    ''Good times.''

    He smirked, wondering if the blue fruit was just as sour when eaten raw. Kaiser glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then turned his attention back to the fruit. It wasn¡¯t his, and it had fallen on the floor. Besides, he wasn¡¯t even sure if it was ripe yet for consumption. But who would dare stop an almighty ''Player'' from biting what he found?

    "Don¡¯t mind if I do."

    Biting into the fruit, Kaiser¡¯s face twisted instantly, his mouth assaulted by an intense, sour taste.

    ''So that¡¯s why Ariella fed it to the dog that one time...'' he mused, grimacing. ''This thing is like an orange, but... not orange.''

    He held the fruit up again, giving it one last disdainful look before it slipped from his grip, dropping on the floor as realization hit him, his eyes going wide in horror.

    "Wait, then why...!"

 Chapter 56: Grow up.

    Kaiser rushed out of the inn, practically throwing the doors open as he scanned the street, ignoring the stares that trailed after him. It didn¡¯t take long for him to spot a Hunter standing nearby with his hound, the dog leashed to a wagon. Kaiser beelined for them, his gaze fixed.

    ¡°Wh-!? Ah, s-sir Kaiser, I mean, honorable Player, is there something I can assist you with?¡± The Hunter stammered, looking nervous. He was a young man, likely just a rookie assigned to menial duties with the hound.

    ¡°Skip the formalities, And for the love of all gods, please don¡¯t call me an ¡®honorable Player.¡¯ There¡¯s not a single video game around here, it sounds¡­ weird.¡± Though Kaiser could see that the term held respect in the eyes of these people, he hated the weird disconnect it gave him. ¡®Player¡¯ sounded like a term straight out of some RPG on Earth.

    ''Who the heck even comes up with that bullshit*t title, there''s so many suitable terms out there.''

    Clearing his throat, he asked in a polite tone. ¡°Anyway, I need a quick favor. Think you can help?¡±

    The young man straightened.

    ¡°A-anything, sir!¡±

    ¡°Good, good¡­ umm, mind feeding this to your dog?¡± Kaiser held out the half-bitten blue fruit, watching as the Hunter looked down, confused by the request.

    ¡°Uh¡­ pardon?¡±

    Kaiser sighed. ¡°Just shove it in the hound¡¯s mouth, I want to see its reaction.¡±

    Still, the young Hunter hesitated, a mix of reluctance and fear crossing his face. ¡°But it might¡­ bite me¡­¡±

    ''And you call yourself a Hunter. Gods.'' Kaiser swallowed his growing frustration. Seeing the Hound was breathing like a dog with its tongue hanging and jaw loss, he took it himself with a mischievous smile.

    "You know what, I''ll do it myself."

    Before the young man could protest, Kaiser took the fruit back, crouched down, and threw it into the innocent hound¡¯s mouth, intentionally crushing it first to make sure it would savor the juicy pulp.

    The poor dog yelped, recoiling from the sour taste. Well, it clearly doesn''t like it at all.

    Watching the hound¡¯s discomfort, Kaiser''s face turned serious. No one knew what his thinking. Even the dumbfounded onlookers and the young man that would surely be in trouble for mistreating the borrowed Hound by his superiors.

    Kaiser isn''t a genius or a top grader in class, but his not dumb as to not learn that most animals dislike sour foods, especially bitter fruits for its uncomfortable acidic taste. It¡¯s natural for them to avoid it instinctively. And yet... Kaiser''s mind raced back to the odd behavior of Brick¡¯s hound. That dog had devoured the same fruit given by the Goddess in one gulp, showing no reaction whatsoever. Rather, it was satisfied.

    Furthermore, isn''t one of the monster¡¯s early victims had been a Hunter named Bara? Brick¡¯s hound¡¯s previous owner who put the ''Bara''s property'' in Hound''s the name tag ¡ª What''s up with that guy?¡ª Paired with the monster''s uncanny ability to shift its appearance, the pieces began to fall into place, one unsettling fragment at a time.

    ''Had it taken over the hound¡¯s body?''

    Another thought gnawed at him. The night of the hunt, the creature could¡¯ve fled early on considering its elusiveness. But instead, it had toyed with the Hunters, leading them in circles before escaping towards the Inn, was it a pure coincidence? Or...

    ''It was aiming for Ariella! The distance it created between the pursuers is enough delay for it to take Ariella without getting caught.''

    The Hound had shown interest to the goddess back in the armor shop that evening of their encounter, just like other animals, seemingly attracted by her divine presence. Kaiser didn''t like the eerie dog one bit, however, he never expected it to be the devouring monstrosity in disguise, chills ran down his spine, remembering how close he had been to the frightening creature.

    Though, to think that even beastial creatures wanted to take her goddess away, Kaiser had to step up his game.

    ''I never knew keeping a girl is this hard!'' Kai never had a girl in life, how would he know?

    But jokes aside. The revelation left a dark knot in his chest. The monster intelligence was startling, and with it, it had planned to get to her¡ªto consume her, maybe. Fortunately, Kaiser''s intervention had unknowingly destroyed its plan, but is it the end of it?

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    Without another word, Kaiser turned back to the young Hunter, his expression grim. ¡°Take me to Alfred, Quick!"

    After traveling along a familiar path, Kaiser soon arrived at the Hunters¡¯ lodge, the sturdy structure built from thick logs and stone. Kai would rather avoid this lodge of all places for his not fond of meeting Alfred, the head of the Hunters he despised. However, today''s events had shifted his plans, leaving him no choice.

    As luck would have it, Alfred and the senior Hunters were in the middle of a meeting, their schedules packed with the growing troubles surrounding the recent monstrous attacks that took many lives and presented a troublesome issue.

    The mood told him to wait, but his own opinion suggests otherwise. They''re discussing solutions for the monstrosity''s threat, anyway, it would be a waste of time if he waits. Who knows what vile scheme the monster is up to now? He can''t delay.

    Originally, interrupting would be out of the question, but his title as a Player afforded him certain privileges aside from unnecessary fame, as well. Kaiser use them to barge in.

    The door opened, revealing a dimly lit room where the Hunters were gathered around a large circular table, heatedly debating strategies. The low hum of conversation came to an abrupt halt as they turned to see who had dared to interrupt.

    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± one of the high ranking Hunters demanded, clearly displeased.

    The young escort accompanying Kaiser¡ªthe same rookie responsible for the hound Kaiser had abused earlier¡ªbowed deeply in apology. His face was pale with worry, likely dreading the consequences for this intrusion. Kaiser had a hunch the young man¡¯s career would likely be over soon, though he doubted the kid had the temperament for the rough occupation anyway.

    ¡°Please forgive our intrusion, Sir Kaiser requests an audience with Sir Alfred.¡± The escort muttered.

    Alfred¡¯s deep voice cut through the silence in response. ¡°Very well. You may excuse yourself.¡±

    The young Hunter hurriedly left, retreating hastily and closing the door in the process. leaving Kaiser alone to bear the scrutinizing gazes of the veteran Hunters donned in feral fashioned attire with scars and harshness on their faces. There was a familiar face aside from Alfred. Brick was here, too, surprisingly remaining silent as he looked at Kai with restrained anger.

    Alfred¡¯s voice broke the tension. ¡°What brings you here?¡± His tone was deep, as steady as a rock like usual, yet carrying a hint of weariness.

    Kai opened his mouth, but his voice was driven out of his control by the nervousness.

    "Ow, ah... Ahem, Um, I just kinda figured something out."

    "Speak. Louder. We can''t hear you here." Someone on the backside demanded in a rough tone. Silencing Kaiser.

    A single lantern hung over the center of the table, casting a dim glow around the room, illuminating the rough faces and hardened eyes that glared at him with weary eyes. The Hunters were clearly strained, with dark circles under their eyes and tense expressions. The hunt for the monster had worn them down, each day bringing fresh casualties, and the recent disaster had taken the lives of multiple people under their commands. And rumors of the creature¡¯s increasing strength only added to their burden. Because it''s now confirmed to be true.

    Some of them have even expressions, and some are clearly dissatisfied by his intervention. They''re stressed, busy warriors in command of an army''s life, each decision they made could either kill or save. In their world, listening to the young man was a bother. They would have driven his out already if not for his Player title.

    Under the gripping pressure of these individuals, Kaiser''s hand became cold, his heart beat faster as uneasiness churned in his stomach. He doesn''t feel too good... In fact, he felt worse than the times he stood before the entire class for a reporting task.

    Well, his audience here isn''t average people, nor professional professors. Each of them was a seasoned warrior in their own rights, the scars they wore telling stories of countless battles with beasts and vile peoples alike. Leather armor adorned with beastly trophies accentuated their imposing builds, and the weight of their presence was palpable, differ to normal humans that haven''t killed anyone yet.

    Before the silence stretched too long, Kaiser tried speaking again in a louder voice. However, no voice came out. Because his mind had gone blank, what was he supposed to explain again? anxiety had messed up his thinking.

    "Kid, will you speak, or what? We''re having our own important discussion here, if you don''t have anything important to say, go." Commented a elderly yet bulky man.

    Though, his not the only one that had grown impatient to listen to him practice public speaking.

    Someone clicked his tongue. "Not because you''re a Player you can do whatever you want."

    "Youngsters this days sure are careless."

    "Oh, please. Time is running, people, where are we last time?"

    "Hey, let''s calm down, let the young man speak."

    "Hold some respect, his a Player."

    "Come on, his shaking! What good is he to battle if he can''t even explain anything."

    Their stress, impatient and displeasure gush out as criticizing words, drowning his ears with sentences he doesn''t want to hear. Kaiser can''t deny their comments, either, for they are true. His was lost in the pressure of mental burden. different from battle where he only needed to think of killing his opponent.

    He lost his words and unconsciously stepped back, his eyes searching whatever and saw Alfred, the Hunters head are supposed to compose his people, right? Kai''s eyes turn hopeful, only to dim again as Alfred shook his head, remaining silent for a reason. His a leader, not a babysitter.

    Making Kai realize that his alone... His expression darkened, his head hung low, blending in the background as the superiors continued their heated discussion, ignoring him.

    No one would help him, and no one would heed the word of a kid. They hold no respect for someone that haven''t achieve anything. Even if his a Player, that''s nothing in the grand scheme of things without the capability to back it up.

    Why did he came here, anyway? They''re still figuring out the monster capability and other bullshit*ts, instead of formulating a plan to kill the creature. So leaving them in their slow progress would be a nice pay back. Not his fault if more people died, they doesn''t want to listen, after all.

    He sighed. Why did he go through the trouble of coming here again?

    ''...Yeah, I remember.''

    It was to use these bastards.

    A smile creeped on his face, finding the situation oddly amusing. He had experienced many horrible things - Impalement of blades, strike of arrows, diving on a snake stomach, killing someone, dying again and again... So, why is he so nervous in speaking his opinion? He himself was curious in the answer.

    Earth modernization still had a grip on him, especially the academic standing where his trained to be obedient, humble himself and lower his voice to the superiors.

    However, in this Realm. The system was messed up. A testament that there''s little to no order in this world, no face to keep clean or people to please, no resume or track records to avoid. Heck, he could have blood on his hands and still get a normal job in Green land.

    There''s only the laws of the jungle here, the strong devour the weak and was allowed to do whatever he wants if he had the strength to back it up.

    So, he dropped formalities taught by modernization and care for these bastards. He let himself lose, thinking of the gathered people before as just like any other people, completely erasing his high regard towards these individuals.

    His no longer the obedient student.

    ''Let me be straightforward then.''

    Taking a deep breath, Kai stepped forward and kicked the large table! The heavy wood slightly lifted from the ground before landing with a groan.

    Silence finally returned and all confused heads were on him, their dumbfounded gazes asking many questions. Kaiser nonchalantly looked at everyone, amused by their varying expression, placed one foot on the table then spoke casually.

    "Sorry about that, I just remembered what I came here to say... I NEED YOUR HARD ASSES!."

    Kai came here to used them to kill the monster that wants to take his goddess.

 Chapter 57: Tactical Maneuver

    Kaiser didn¡¯t waste any time, launching into his findings without waiting for their permission to speak. Although, his speech lacked the polished tone of an experienced speaker, sounding casual and rough. But the urgency and directness it had in regards to their topic made up for it. His words were a bit rude, perhaps even abrasive to those who attempted stopping him, yet they slowly began capturing genuine attention of the room. Gradually, the Hunters¡¯ skeptical glances softened, and their irritation faded as they absorbed his theory. By the time he was done, most of them were listening intently, some even nodding in reluctant agreement¡ªthough a few held onto their reservations.

    One of the senior Hunters finally spoke up, crossing his arms as he voiced his doubts. ¡°Your findings make sense, I¡¯ll give you that. But it¡¯s still speculation, not a guarantee. You don¡¯t expect us to go all-in on a hunch, do you? What if we¡¯re wrong, and the creature strikes from behind again?¡±

    Kaiser scoffed.

    ¡°Then you can keep blabbering sh*ts all day on the same topic while the number of victims rises again tomorrow. Let''s see where your what if gets you. There''s a freaking clear lead now, all we need to do is devise an ambush and make sure it''s killed. Or what? Do you Hunters rather play safe? Let many more be killed and that thing then escape again? Aren''t you Hunters? It''s your freaking job to kill dangerous beasts so that innocent lives are spared! Man up."

    The room bristled, some of the men visibly annoyed at the boldness of his words. But as much as his tone grated on them, no one could deny the truth of what he had said. Kaiser presented a real possibility, a means to uncover the monster¡¯s secret and give them an upper hand against it. That is, if his words turn out to be true. Still, it''s partially a gamble. Every Hunter here understood that certainty wasn¡¯t always an option. They were trained to make tough calls in the face of the unknown. However, it was the life of their men that''s always at stake, they can''t make careless decisions.

    After a tense silence, it was Alfred who broke the deadlock, nodding in acknowledgment of Kaiser¡¯s point.

    "I must admit, the young man isn''t wrong. There''s nothing certain in life, we of all people knew that. It''s either take the risk or fail, if we do fail, it''s still better than sitting idle while more lives are lost. Besides, as Hunters, we knew it to ourselves that we would rather die fighting than being Hunted by a Beast, let''s give ourselves that least honor."

    Alfred turned to the room, his voice rising with conviction. ¡°Those who agree, let¡¯s take a stand. If you¡¯re ready to fight, let¡¯s bring this creature down together!¡±

    For a moment, the Hunters hesitated, the weight of Alfred¡¯s words settling on them. Then, one of the veterans, a grizzled man with a face full of scars, smirked at Kaiser with a look of reluctant respect.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t like the kid¡¯s mouth, but I like his head for once. I¡¯m in.¡± He said, crossing his arms.

    Another Hunter laughed, clapping a hand on his comrade¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The boy makes sense. Better to try and fail than sit here and wait for our turn to be monster chow. I¡¯m in too!¡±

    One by one, the Hunters voiced their agreement, pulled by the others. Their initial reluctance faded as each man vowed to put an end to the creature¡¯s terror¡ªeven if it cost them everything. In no time, the entire room was on board, united under Alfred¡¯s command.

    With the decision made, the atmosphere shifted. The discussion turned from figuring out the monster identity to tactical maneuver on killing it, and Kaiser found himself surrounded by experienced Hunters in a passive role, speaking only when asked and listening as they formulated a plan, accounting for every detail Kaiser knew about the creature, as well as their fair share of information. By then, he barely got anything to say, which his glad to, running his mouth earlier had drained his energy. Furthermore, for some reason, his actually learning by listening to these rowdy Hunters even though they''re simply spouting their own opinions, rebuking those they think are wrong and supporting good ideas. Their way of conversation was rough and rowdy, littered with curses and spatting, sometimes, the poor round table is slammed, no wonder it was made exceptionally sturdy. Compared to professional explanations of professors with vivid visual aids on large screens, their gathering is more like a messy argument that they somehow understand.

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    ''The F? My brain is actually working!?''

    In contrast, these crude meeting are feeding his mind more than proper presentations could ever do, even though it''s not meant for teaching. Kaiser''s brain cells are actively consuming insights from their informal blabbering. Well, it does greatly concern killing, which Kaiser found interesting, rather, crucial in a world where danger lurks in every corner. Here, he would rather learn how to kill better than solve numbers, past events and theories of some old dudes. Added, Kai does have talent in the aspect of combat, in academic... His average.

    As the plan came together, Kaiser realized how much he still had to learn. He came here to make his case, but what he found was a reminder of the depth of expertise these men had, and for once, he was glad to be in their company. Mostly because they''ll be aiding him in slaying a treat to his goddess. Although, he says that, Kaiser was partially doing this in seek of the thrill of battle, give a deserving death to the monster, and ease his conscience.

    Sharing their invaluable insights, the plan was gradually refined with the knowledge and precision only seasoned Hunters could offer. They discussed ambush positions, potential escape routes, contingencies for every outcome, making the strategy as seamless as possible to assure success. However, as the saying goes, nothing is certain, but reviewing the crafted strategy, it''s excellent enough in their view. Whether it''ll really succeed or not depends on their adaptability.

    By late afternoon, they began their move.

    Their target was the hound shed near the lodge. The shed housed the Hounds, a place where they were fed, sheltered, and kept when off-duty. Its location though made it problematic, because the sturdy lodge was the main base of the Hunters, making these area the main gathering point for the Hunters.

    It was bustling with activity¡ªmen going about various tasks, so making their move without causing suspicion would be difficult. They couldn¡¯t afford to alert the assumed monster in disguise hiding among the Hounds. If only it wasn''t so smart, things would be easier. One wrong step and they would lose the advantageous upper hand - the element of surprise.

    So, they moved carefully. First, a few of the higher-ranking Hunters quietly left the gathering to spread the word, informing only those with the best sense of discretion. The command spread like fire to the seasoned Hunters, each understanding the need for secrecy. Rowdy Hunters and new interns were discreetly ushered away, sent on minor tasks under reasonable excuses. Their absence was subtle but effective. Any gaps left in the shed¡¯s vicinity were filled in with Hunters posing as workers¡ªjust enough to maintain a convincing atmosphere without causing alarm. In this way, they moved to the second stage. The majority slowly form an encirclement around the shed, multiple Hunters sneak from various routes, through the abandoned streets and houses, acting normal as they position themselves, some cover the forests silently, crawling on the bushes and archers climbed on trees. Their move was slow and silent, hiding their approach intentions as they gradually formed a thick circulation around a certain shed with three layers, tightening on the target.

    Due to the need to keep things unsuspicious, the entire process took time. By the moment they finished, the sun was dipping low on the horizon. Darkness would soon fall, bringing with it the risk of losing sight of their quarry. The timing is bad, in all honesty, because the hunt would be active by night in their estimation. However, Kaiser can''t do anything about it for the majority of superiors voted for the operation to be launched as soon as possible. Because delay, even by a single night, meant losing another life, perhaps the monster might even flee. Most refuse that to happen and were confident in the three layers of seasoned Hunters now encircling the shed. Few even claimed it was overkill.

    As dusk settled, the air grew tense, even as Hunters maintained the fa?ade of a typical evening. Some chopped wood, others called to each other in low voices, and a few walked by carrying torches, lighting the camp for the approaching night. However, the surrounding warriors hearts were ready, gripping the handle of their weapons, determination and desire for retribution evident in their eyes.

    In that seemingly normal evening. A young man strode towards the closed shed, his hair dark, his eyes akin to two pools of darkness, staring at his distention calmly, pulling a small cart laden carrying leftover food for the hounds behind him. His steps were calm, his eyes steady, though his mind simmered with irritation.

    He stopped at the doors, hesitating for a brief moment.

    All the while, cursing silently. ''Why did it have to be me?''

    With a reluctant sigh, he pushed open the doors and stepped into the dark shed.

 Chapter 58: Hounds within the Shed

    Yes, he had proposed the idea, and yes, he had been disrespectful to the senior Hunters. But honestly? They were asking for it. And he didn''t regret saying those rough words.

    ''Still, why did it have to be me?!''

    Nevertheless, there was no backing out now. The plan was set, for the superiors had unanimously agreed to Kaiser¡¯s role. If he wanted their cooperation, he had no choice but to accept it. Although, the monster could potentially devour him whole, Kai isn''t that afraid. He was technically immortal. Even if the creature got to him, his confident of putting up a good fight to buy enough time for the others laying ambush outside to rush in and take it down.

    It was a terrifying job, but not quite a death sentence for him.

    As for why they had chosen him? The task of feeding the hounds was typically assigned randomly¡ªthrown to whoever was available. The creature, intelligent as it was, shouldn¡¯t sense anything unusual. More importantly, though, the role needed someone capable of handling themselves in a dangerous situation alone. Any ordinary Hunter would likely be dead within seconds. Kaiser, however, was perfect. Though known as a Player, his victory over Alfred had been kept a quiet secret, largely because he preferred not boasting about it, and the Hunters leader didn''t mention anything. As a result, he held little visible status and seemed unremarkable enough to be handed a mundane chore like feeding the dogs.

    The toughest among the Hunters was already reputable around and would be unnatural if they''re given this poor mission of feeding the dogs.

    Kaiser lit up the torches along the wooden beams with his lantern borrowed flame, casting a warm glow throughout the shed¡¯s interior. Inside, the path stretched straight down the center, bordered on either side by rows of cages where the hounds rested in somber silence.

    As he entered, the hounds perked up at his presence. Unnaturally, they made little noise. Unlike dogs on Earth, these furry, horned creatures weren¡¯t loud barkers. In fact, they rarely made a sound, even around strangers. They weren¡¯t really dangerous or aggressive, that''s why they''re ideal for tasks like pulling wagons or tracking prey with their sharp noses but of little use in a fight or guarding outside. They were obedient to a fault, so tamable that there''s no need for leashes, bounds or locks in their individual cages.

    Kaiser cast a glance over the eerily obedient hounds, some of them with their tongues lolling, others alert, a few asleep, and others moving about. Their large size, reaching his waist level coupled with their horns are quite scary, in contrast to their actual tame nature.

    ''It would be nice to own one of these. I''m sure Ariella will really love it, and it''s basically a walking source of food.'' He really should stop considering every edible creature as food.

    Nonchalantly, Kaiser grabbed a scoop of the gooey leftovers from the cart, he began filling the troughs fixed to each cage.

    The task of feeding them was a walk in the park, no specific skill or familiarization with the Hounds are needed. Requiring nothing more than a working hand and a stomach for the thick, unappealing mix.

    As he moved along, watching the horned dogs dig into their food, he finally reached the last cage.

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    His heart skipped a beat, as the recognizable tag on the last Hound''s collar entered his notice.

    Kaiser''s body shivered ever so slightly, aware that his near the infamous monster, or maybe not?

    Aside from being brown in color, which is a common breed trait among these creatures ¡ªthe last hound seemed entirely unremarkable. It sat quietly, waiting with an almost comically patient expression, gazing at Kaiser with eyes so soft and round they looked almost like a teddy bear. In those eyes, there wasn¡¯t even a hint of hostility or malice. Just a calm, expectant look, as though it couldn¡¯t fathom causing anyone harm. Yet, despite its apparent innocence, Kaiser felt a flicker of dread take root deep inside.

    He knew the chances were high that this creature¡ªthis harmless-seeming animal in front of him¡ªwas far from innocent.

    Swallowing the uneasy feeling clawing at him, he continued to play his role, forcing himself to appear calm and unaffected. By now, he was more than fifty percent certain of the hound¡¯s true nature.

    As he approached the end of the food cart, as calculated, only a meager portion remained in the cart ¡ª a scant quarter-scoop. He dumped the small amount into the trough before the last hound. The creature lowered its head, sniffed, then looked up at Kaiser with what seemed like a small pang of disappointment, as if wondering why it had been left out of a proper meal.

    ¡°That¡¯s unlucky,¡± Kaiser muttered with a half-hearted shrug, putting on an air of indifference. ¡°Sorry, dog. There¡¯s nothing more in the cart. Guess you¡¯ll just have to deal with it.¡±

    As he turned to move away, his eyes seemed to ¡°casually¡± drift down to the tag on the hound¡¯s collar, as though he had just noticed it for the first time. He squinted, reading the engraved letters. ¡°¡®Bara¡¯s property¡¯... Wait a minute.¡± He paused, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Aren''t you the damned dog that''s been after my girl the other day?¡±

    Instantly, any sympathy he might have had for the hound vanished. A smirk curled at the edge of his mouth. ¡°Serves you right.¡± Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small blue fruit, roughly the size of an apple. ¡°Oh, would you look at that. Remember this? The treat my goddess gave you? The one you had the nerve to swallow right in front of me¡­¡± He leaned back, taking a mockingly satisfied bite out of the fruit, looking down at the hound with a glint of ridicule in his gaze. "I guess what goes around, turns around... That doesn''t sound right, or is it the other way around?"

    But Kaiser instantly regretted the bite. The fruit was impossibly sour, almost painfully so, and he grimaced as the taste hit him, his face twisting in disgust. ¡°Ugh. Why¡¯d you even like this thing?¡±

    The hound remained silent, still focused on its food. It didn¡¯t react to his teasing or even seem to register it, which made it all the eerier. Shaking his head, he tossed the half-eaten fruit back into the hound¡¯s cage and turned to leave. ¡°Enjoy your meal, dog. Oh, I forgot you have a really ¡®beautiful¡¯ name, ¡®Bara¡¯s property¡¯? It really suits you.¡±

    He chuckled, walking away feeling pleased with himself. His acting wasn''t bad, he had to say so himself. Despite having not followed any set script. Kaiser went entirely off the cuff, and his irritation had flowed naturally, making it easier for him to play his role without changing his character. Though, it was still a bit stiff. Kaiser became worried if his pretentious act had achieve the desired outcome without fail.

    But his doubt soon disappeared as the sounds of crunching and chewing reached him as the hound worked through the rest of its meager portion, then began to chew on the discarded fruit he threw. Smiling, Kaiser kept his pace relaxed, pulling the empty cart behind him.

    However, seeing the exit grew closer without anything happening, he couldn¡¯t shake a growing unease. It felt too¡­ ordinary.

    As he neared the exit, the nagging doubt in his mind only grew stronger. The hound had shown no hostility. No unnatural behavior or shown signs of the ravenous creature he had been expecting. Aside from having a strange liking to the bitter fruit, the Hound was ordinary in all regards.

    Maybe, just maybe, he had been wrong after all. Perhaps the animal truly was harmless, just like other superiors said, Kaiser might have misjudged it out of paranoia and suspicion. If that''s really the case, then their set-up tonight would have been a wasted effort. The thought made him feel a flicker of guilt.

    Sighing, he pulled a glass vial from his pocket, downing the liquid inside in one gulp. ''Poor dog, maybe I misjudged it...'' He thought, a pang of regret stirring in him.

    Still... Kai was reluctant to give up easily, to think he had been wrong and believe in his own suspicion to the point he hoped for it to be true. After all the effort he put into convincing the Hunters, even going out of his way to make them listen. Kaiser refused for it to be wasted. Though, If the hound was the monster he suspected, a little prodding might not be enough to stir it to reveal itself. Perhaps he should go for it harder? Maybe then it would show what''s hidden beneath that innocent facade.

    Fortunately, but more unfortunately, there''s no need to anymore. A noise reached his ears coming from behind that was utterly, unmistakably wrong. It''s as if flesh was being torn, bones cracking and body twisting was happening behind.

    He froze, his body tensing. Slowly, he turned his head over his shoulder.

    What he saw rooted him in place, his blood going cold with terror.

    It was utter horror!

    Kaiser immediately regret wishing for his theory to be true.

    ''Ho-Holy f*ck''!

 Chapter 59: Devil in Disguise

    The hound, though deceptively adorable moments ago, was undeniably a monster. Kaiser was a hundred percent sure of it now.

    Its body began to bulge, muscles rippling beneath its fur, which parted in patches to reveal stretches of twisted, sickly flesh. What had been a furry, almost friendly-looking creature twisted into something far more grotesque as it started to rise on its hind legs, its form shifting and elongating unnaturally.

    Its paws are contorted, elongating into limbs almost human in shape, though grotesquely twisted. Sharp, deadly claws sprouted from what had been its soft pads, now transformed into vicious instruments of death. As it stood on two legs, towering and hunched, the creature¡¯s face¡ªno longer the familiar head of a hound¡ªwas a nightmare blend of human and beast. No, Kai can''t view it similar to the human face at all!

    It was twisted into a hideous caricature of both, but failed in the aspect of beauty terribly. Its eyes, now fully exposed without lids, bulged with an unholy intensity as they bore down on Kaiser, giving it a lifeless, nightmarish expression, round and nightmarish. Its maw split open in a jagged, unnatural grin, wider than normal could ever be. Revealing rows of jagged teeth, each one honed to a razor point. The long nose of the hound in that visage was completely out of place, ruining it further and making its appalling factor shoot up beyond the ceiling of scary.

    It wouldn''t even be an exaggeration to call it a devil. Atop its hedious face was two standing ears, akin to horns of a demon.

    The transformation looked like a horrible experiment gone wrong, a failed attempt to mimic a werewolf but falling into something far more disturbing. Well, the thing basically forcefully shifts to a humanoid monster, disregarding the damaging strain on its body to create this horrid figure.

    Even the other hounds, which had been quietly eating moments before, shrank back in their cages, cowering from the monster¡¯s presence.

    An icy dread washed over Kaiser, and he took an involuntary step back, his body tense as he watched the creature, now looming at the end of the aisle where the last Hound''s cage was located. It stared at him with those unnatural eyes, devoid of any function except to instill terror. Then, with a guttural snarl, it lunged.

    Taking advantage of the young man''s startled state. In a split second, the monster¡¯s body dropped to all fours and leapt forward, its mouth stretching wide, revealing a black, endless chasm within that seemed to devour anything that entered. It aimed to devour Kaiser whole.

    The distance between them was short, and the monster closed it in a heartbeat. Kaiser had only a split-second to react. If he had been any other Hunter, he would have been swallowed instantly, lost to the void within the creature¡¯s maw. Fortunately, he possessed Zara¡¯s bestial instincts and reflexes. In that brief instant, he managed to dart to the side, narrowly avoiding the gaping mouth.

    That single move shattered the silence and ignited the chaos.

    Decisively, Kaiser didn''t try to counter attack or challenge it on one on one. It was too risky, because despite having an immortal body, Kai isn''t sure if he''ll live in that devouring void of its maw. Something feels really wrong in that thing. Without stopping, he slammed himself against the side of the shed with all his might, bursting through the wooden wall in a splintering crash. Meanwhile, the monster, having not expected its prey to react in time was thrown off balance by its own missed strike, stumbled forward, its momentum carrying it into the shed¡¯s double doors, which burst apart under the impact.

    The creature, momentarily disoriented, found itself outside¡ªand came face to face with a circle of waiting Hunters.

    Unknowingly, the pretentious normality outside was long gone. Replaced by dozens of armed warriors stood in grim formation, weapons glinting in the faint light. Axes were held out, swords drawn, and bows and crossbows leveled, each one loaded and aimed with unflinching precision. These were the best of the Hunters, their grim resolve now solidified by the sight of the beast before them.

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    They had been skeptical at first, unsure if the young Player¡¯s theory would prove right, but that doubt was now obliterated by the unmistakable, horrific sight of the monster in the flesh. In that instant, a collective fire burned within them, driving their hearts to rage and finally destroy the creature that had terrorized their people, their comrades and innocent civilians.

    ¡°Fire!!!¡±

    The air was filled with a whistling fury as arrows and bolts soared through the dimming light, each one cutting a path toward the monster with deadly precision.

    The monster twisted and dodged, dashing back into the shed to use its walls as cover from the onslaught of arrows. Yet, despite its agility, several projectiles still struck it hedious hide, sinking into the unnatural flesh with a wet thud. But as expected, the creature was barely affected by the wounds. It didn¡¯t stagger, nor did it bleed for it doesn''t even have blood running through its veins.

    The devil seemed utterly indifferent to its body. After all, it even twisted itself the grotesquely form it is now, stretching its figure even further in defiance of pain or damage without care. Each contortion makes it more terrifying and disturbingly flexible that a Hounds body structure can''t manage.

    Despite the revealed muscles and wounds, it moves as if everything is fine.

    Kaiser, rolled to his feet after his escape from the shed, glanced up just in time to see the creature burst through the back wall, charging toward the shadowed tree line of the forest.

    He grinned, knowing what awaited. "Sorry, pal, we¡¯ve got that covered too."

    To the monster''s dismay, a fresh volley of arrows launched from the trees shot at it as soon as it appeared. Hidden rangers perched in branches let fly a wave of projectiles, each one slamming into the creature''s misshapen body. Arrows tore through its hide, and one crossbow bolt even struck deep into its skull. But the beast didn¡¯t flinch; it simply continued forward, dragging the bolts and arrows along with it. Only a few shots that struck the joints seemed to hinder its movements, forcing it to twist awkwardly to maintain its gruesome momentum.

    With ranged attacks failing to bring it down, the Hunters¡¯ frontline warriors surged forward. Their battle cries echoed through the night as they charged the beast to meet their blades, for the thought of letting it escape was denied, only death for the creature.

    The creature leaped high above the first wave, only to be met by the second¡ªeach Hunter¡¯s blade flashing as they aimed to bring it down.

    What followed next is a slaughter. The horrid creature struggles in the flood of enemies trying to drown it in the tide of blades. Axes, swords and varying types of weapons were brought down. If it can''t be done by fatal strike, then chop it down to shreds.

    Kaiser let out a heavy breath as he watched the fierce, chaotic battle ahead. His pulse quickened as the sight of the Hunters rallying undaunted, to keep the monster boxed in. Violent and exciting, he almost forgot the gratifying sense of liveliness, intense situation made him feel.

    However, the monster''s resilience was really troublesome. It shrugged off fatal wounds without hesitation, hacking it to bitsy pieces might be the only option left. But that isn''t easy, either.

    A heavy slap landed on his back, jolting him out of his thoughts. "Good job, kid!"

    Praise a Hunter vigorously, it was brief and short because they can''t delay in aiding their comrades in the fight ahead. But Kaiser could subtly feel their gratitude to him for not only identifying the elusive predator munching on their comrades in the dark, but also giving them an advantageous position in hunting it to avenge the victims and end its vileness.

    His glad, too. But not a second after, another follows, and another, expressing their gratitude as they passed by, to the point his back ached from their friendly taps.

    "Yeah, yeah, enough already," he grumbled under his breath, his back sore from the countless slaps. Still, his glad too.

    Ahead, the battle raged on. The devil, now heavily wounded and surrounded, was trapped as more Hunters poured in to close the gap. Their shouts mingled with the beast¡¯s guttural screeches as they sliced at it relentlessly, each stroke an attempt to hack the creature into oblivion.

    He considered joining them, knowing every sword mattered. But seeing the tight cluster of warriors pressing in on the creature, he gave up that idea. At this point, finding a place in that writhing mass of steel and fury would be difficult¡ªand maybe best left to those already locked in the fray.

    He wondered briefly is this is what the Bandits felt back then when facing Zara''s rampage. Or what would the Hunters feel if the immortal opponent was him?

    Then again, the strategy seems to be working. If things keeps going like this, the undying devil would eventually fall.

    Shaking off these thoughts, Kaiser scanned the scene, his eyes landing on a familiar figure just outside the chaos - A tall Hunter with bulky muscles and brown skin. Clad in dark, thick leather armor that seemed molded to his chiseled frame, Alfred stood watching the battle with a calm, unreadable expression.

    Kai frowned seeing that the Hunters leader was analyzing outside the fight instead of fighting alongside his men, is that what a leader should do? The big man''s expression was calm and unreadable, his gaze sharp, so he didn''t know what the man was thinking, but knowing Alfred, his actions may be cold at times, it always had a reason behind it.

    Walking closer to the Hunter, Kai noticed the Great Sword strapped behind him, the same one Alfred carried when they returned from the bountiful Hunt several days ago.

    Upon closer inspection, it was the biggest sword he had seen and looked really heavy, so it makes sense that the Hunter doesn''t bring it with him all the time for convenience sake, only dragging it in serious battles.

    Noticing Kai, he spared him a calm glance.

    "Nicely done, your keen mind has helped us greatly."

    Kaiser didn''t react in any way, indifferent to praises, he didn''t like it, nor hate it. Kai was more interested in what the stoic Hunter is doing.

    Alfred¡¯s gaze remained locked in the battle. He added, his voice low and measured.

    "But don''t get comfortable just yet. Never relax until the prey is dead, Kaiser. Remember that."

    Just as he finished, a subtle shift rippled through the frenzied struggle ahead.

    And that was when Alfred finally moved.

    "Follow me."

 Chapter 60: Troublesome Pursuit

    Something changed abruptly in the air around them, but Kaiser wasn¡¯t immediately sure what it was as he trailed Alfred, who was sprinting ahead. It was only after a heartbeat that the realization hit him ¡ª the noise of the battle had changed. The hunters'' roaring shouts, which had once been filled with confidence and victory, now held a strain of something darker: confusion, pain, and panic. Even more unsettling, the beast¡¯s relentless, guttural shrieks were now gone. For a creature like that to stop shrieking, there were only two possibilities: either it was finally defeated, or...

    Kaiser narrowed his eyes, a look of grudging respect crossing his face as he looked at Alfred¡¯s back.

    ''He predicted that, that damned thing would shift back to a hound and slip right through the crowded hunters¡¯ feet.''

    Though, he had been skeptical of Alfred¡¯s role as leader at times, seeing him take this cold, calculating approach from the sidelines. Kaiser had to admit that he was truly worthy of that role, because the leaders doesn''t need brute force alone. Combat required more than strength; it was about anticipation, strategy, and understanding. For advanced combat is both a battle of wisdom and strength, not muscles solely. Which is applied in every battle.

    A true warrior stayed alert to every detail¡ªnot only at what was seen, but also at what was heard. Perhaps even smells, tastes and fell...

    In any case, Alfred is now tracking where the hound is by paying close attention to every sound from the hunters¡¯ pain-filled grunts, likely using them to determine where the creature was moving, biting as it weaved through the crowd.

    Soon, Alfred¡¯s eyes flashed somewhere, and Kaiser noticed him zeroing in on a spot.

    ''There!''

    As if on cue, a dark, shadowy figure emerged on the other side of the skirmish, a good distance ahead, and was already aiming for the cover of the deep, dark forest.

    Alfred reacted instantly, changing direction mid-sprint to intercept the beast¡¯s path. The power he summoned was astonishing, his pace accelerating with inhuman intensity, but Kaiser kept up with ease, his own physical prowess surging as they speed forward. Within moments, they were nearly parallel with the creature¡¯s trajectory, ready to meet it head-on.

    And in that brief moment before collision, Alfred¡¯s entire frame flexed, his muscles taut as coiled steel as he reached behind him. With a deadly elegance, he unsheathed the massive sword strapped to his back, wielding it with both hands. Timing his swing precisely, he brought the enormous blade down in a powerful arc, carrying an overwhelming weight as he slashed it with devastating force. The sword cleaved through the air like a falling avalanche, its trajectory aimed squarely at the beast.

    The Hunter''s aim was true. The great sword struck the hound mid-stride, cleaving the creature in two as cleanly as a knife through butter. The sheer force of the blow flung the bisected halves in opposite directions, sending the two mangled pieces away. The strike even left a small crater where the blade cut into the earth, causing a slight tremor to run through the ground.

    Kaiser blinked, momentarily stunned by the power of the slash. Alfred had severed the beast with such precision, so the creature couldn¡¯t possibly survive that right? Or at least enabled it from running?

    ''Right!?''

    However, to his dismay, the front part lived!

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    It continued the run as soon as it landed with its two legs, at the same time, an unnatural twitch ran through the beast¡¯s front half, as though it was refusing to accept defeat. The back, mutilated section is shifting into a new form, twisting in a grotesque manner as two new legs were born from the parts of its severed body.

    The transformation was hideous and nightmarish, a patchwork monstrosity reassembling itself into something functional, yet wholly wrong. The new body was smaller and more compressed, now had a gruesomely small head and other undescribably, disturbing features as a result of creating two new functional legs with the forceful use of other body parts that were absolutely not fitted for groundwork.

    ''That¡¯s the ugliest dog I¡¯ve ever seen¡­''

    He barely had a moment to process this hideous resurrection when he noticed Alfred¡¯s intense gaze fixed on him.

    That''s all it took for him to understand why he made him follow.

    Out of everyone here, Kaiser was one of the fastest runners, perhaps the fastest, and that creature was not going to escape under his watch. He clenched his jaw, then began to give chase.

    Without wasting another second, Kaiser launched himself forward, determination blazing in his eyes as he pursued the grotesque hound, now bolting with a frantic urgency. The twisted creature stumbled and lurched, clearly weakened yet still driven by a dark, unnatural will to escape. Unfortunately, it didn''t take long for it to stabilize itself in using its newly created form.

    The prey¡ªif it could still be referred to with that term¡ªwas proving far more troublesome to kill. A barrage of projectiles failed, tide of butchering slashes failed, too. Even the force of Alfred''s mighty great sword that had cleaved the beast in half hadn¡¯t managed to end it. With only its twisted upper half remaining, the shifter still refused to die.

    Kai could have reached it, but was forced to slow down. Well aware that another set of ambush lay in the forest edge.

    ''I hope that would finally kill it. On second thought, I would be really glad if they could at least stop it.''

    The creature darted ahead, nearing to the dim embrace of woods. However, another barrage of arrows and crossbow bolts rained down from hunters hidden above, streaking through the air to form a wall of piercing projectiles. Yet the beast zigzagged through the barrage, avoiding most of the strikes with erratic precision, its shrunken, grotesque form makes it a smaller target and also difficult to hit. Even the few that managed to land barely affected it, then got easily removed the next moment by a mere shrug, as if the monster fresh itself was cooperating to remove the buried sticks. Did its smaller body enhance its control over its own flesh?

    Kai can finally speed up, but was unhappy by that turn of events. Fortunately, there were still ground troops left awaiting to meet it in the bushes.

    Diving into the shadows beneath towering trees. The hound faced a set of slashing blades, unfortunately, none of the wielders were powerful enough to seriously damage it, let alone, cut its tough, regenerative flesh. And with the advantage of low visibility, obscuring obstacles of shadows trees and bushes coupled with its smaller body boosting it''s elusiveness. The damned thing passed, staggered a little because of limb damage it received but restored back to normal quickly.

    That was the last layer. The first two had worked together to slaughter it, yet failed. And now, even the contingency layer was broken through.

    Kai retrained a sigh of frustration, for he can''t blame anyone because they''re not superhuman and the fiend was a total cheat.

    ''F*ck, Why can''t you just die.'' He now understands what the Bandits must have felt back then.

    As it slipped into the dense woods, the terrain shifted in its favor. The dim forest, thick with shadows and bushes, created an environment perfectly suited to the beast''s elusive movements, a place where it could dodge, hide, and weave with ease. Luckily, a pale, waning moon hung in the sky tonight, offering the hunters some light to work with, though it was far from ideal. But the problem is - speed.

    The majority of Hunters were stuck in the forest edge. Thanks to the luxuriant natural obstacles and dim lighting, they had no chance of catching up with the swift hound that could traverse through the wilderness with ease. Echoes of their distant shouts and warm lights of their lanterns can be seen behind him, growing farther away as he chased with all his might. Kaiser still isn''t sure of his chances alone against that appalling thing, luckily, Alfred was here. The only one able to keep up in the dim, uneven terrain, followed close behind, lantern swaying as he sprinted.

    They''re the only ones left.

    Kaiser clenched his jaw as he removed any thoughts of holding back his physical expenditure. His determined not to let this nightmare escape into the forest depths.

    He glanced at the swift runner in the side of his eyes. By now, the position he tried hard to create and maintain in that earlier skirmish can be of use. They''re running side by side with terrifying speed, a mere few meters distance between them. If he wanted to, he could pounce at it, thus reaching the swift creature. However, doing so would either fail, allowing it to get away, vanish into the thick shadows, leaving them with nothing but exhaustion and failure. Or succeed in stopping it, but chances are slim with just the two of them.

    ''Argh, l wanna sleep!''

    His hesitant on risking it.

    Through the thick underbrush, they pursued the beast, their every step put effort in focus. Kai sidestepped roots and branches in the moonlit gloom, his eyes locked on the creature¡¯s dark form darting a distance near his side. With most of the hunters far behind, following with lanterns that quickly faded to pinpricks, the duo pressed on, their expression as grim as the possibility of winning.

    Moreover, a few more seconds of this, they would get dangerously away from the others.

    He had to made a decision, soon.

    However, Kai was distracted by a flicker of light appearing ahead.

 Chapter 61: Poor Kaiser

    A flicker of light appeared in the bushes ahead.

    It was brief.

    Without warning, an orange glow burst forth, as if someone had struck a match to ignite a torch. The light briefly illuminated an orange, spiky-haired young man, his face twisted into a grim yet smug expression that Kaiser could recognize instantly.

    ''Brick?''

    What the heck is that guy doing here? Nevertheless, what happened next made him lose care.

    Without delay, Brick swung his arm in one fluid motion, the lantern was hurled forward with impressive strength, aimed at the unsuspecting Hound just as it was about to pass the ambusher''s spot. Although, Brick was not precisely in line with the creature¡¯s path, his throw was accurate enough to close the short distance between them.

    "Take that piece of disgusting meat!" Roared Brick as he did.

    Whether by luck or, honed precision or skill, Kaiser was just relieved that it hit the Hound square in the head despite moving with such speed and considering its reflexes. Or was it disoriented already? After all the damage it has received, it''s about time it showed some signs of wavering.

    The lantern, thrown with tremendous force, shattered on impact against the sprinting monster''s grotesque face. The wooden frame splintered, and the glass casing burst, releasing the flammable oil inside. Flames erupted, licking across the creature¡¯s fleshy head. Disoriented, momentarily blinded by the raging flames, the Hound stumbled, its body aflame yet still charging forward like some hellish beast in the dark forest.

    At the same time, Kaiser¡¯s doubts had vanished. The moment the lantern found its mark, he had already pivoted to intercept the hideous monster. There''s no way he would waste this chance. The sudden turn of events had just boosted his odds dramatically.

    Charging at full speed, Kaiser braced himself, lowered his shoulder, and rammed into the Hound as it careened forward, using his momentum to slam it into a nearby tree. The beast struck the trunk with bone-rattling force and bounced back, but the impact wasn¡¯t enough to kill it, of course.

    He wasn¡¯t even sure if a mere sword could end its life. Still, he reached for his blade, unsheathed it in one swift motion, adjusted his grip, and thrust it downward with both hands.

    The blade''s tip plunges into the disoriented Hound''s deformed rib cage and through the soil beneath, pinning the monster to the ground before it could even recover.

    A slash, be it hundreds¡ªor even a blow powerful enough to cut it in half like Alfred¡¯s great sword could. Would either be shrugged or simply multiply, probably weakening it but still couldn''t kill the undying shifter. That is, if he could deliver a strike capable of severing the flesh, which is rubbery-like and also regenerate. Kaiser isn''t confident in achieving that, so, he chose to immobilize it instead until the real attacker arrived. Alfred is stronger than him in terms of muscle power, he has a higher chance of devastating this grotesque creature.

    However, even nailing it seemed ineffective, too.

    Beneath him, the creature¡¯s deformed chest convulsed, shifting grotesquely as its flesh parted on its own. Its upper body practically attempted crawling away, cutting itself in his blade to slip free of the sword pinning it down.

    He knew he had to do something to hold it just a few seconds longer. Kaiser reached for his dagger with his one, free hand, then stab it deep in the hound. The problem is, the blade was too short to make a difference.

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    A dagger can''t pin it down. If only he had another weapon with more reach, but he didn¡¯t.

    Only one option remained.

    His own body.

    Kai isn''t afraid of dying by now nor pain. However, wether his immortality cover a lost of limb or not was uncertain, his afraid of risking it. Then again, what''s heavier? Letting this frightening thing roam free with the desire for his goddess and now, it was probably yearning to tear him apart, if only it wasn''t in extreme need to survive, it would have aimed to devour him instead. After witnessing how resilient and troublesome this monster is, he really wants to end it right here and now. Still, the thought of losing a body part frightened him.

    Gritting his teeth, Kaiser cursed.

    ''Argh, F*ck it!''

    He would rather take the risk than live in fear every day knowing this thing lurking around.

    It sounded ridiculous, yet he was left with no choice.

    He braced himself and used his own arms, pressing the thrashing beast struggling upper body down with all his strength. Just in time before it could completely break free from the nailing sword.

    ''It should be fine.''Kaiser console himself as he pressed down on the struggling creature beneath him, his hands gripping tightly on its chest and neck. In this condition with its maw restrained, the beast couldn¡¯t reach him¡ªor so he thought.

    To his horror, the nightmare he had been fearing became a reality.

    The creature¡¯s neck twisted sharply at an unnatural angle the instant he pinned it down, its distorted form shifting grotesquely. In that moment, Kaiser found himself staring into the monster¡¯s vacant, pitch-black eyes¡ªeyes that seemed hollow, devoid of anything resembling an eyeball. Or had its eyes fallen out sometime during the chase? Or had it repurposed them as material to create the new set of back limbs?

    A thousand questions flashed through his mind, but he had no time to ponder. The monster took full advantage of his brief distraction. With terrifying speed, its broken head lunged at him like a coiled snake striking its prey, the short neck extending impossibly. The creature¡¯s gaping maw, filled with pure, black emptiness, was aimed directly at his head.

    Losing an arm or a leg¡ªhe could manage that, even if it would complicate things. But his head? His precious face? Sure, he wasn¡¯t particularly handsome, but he couldn¡¯t afford to be ugly! His appearance might be plain, but it was all he had... On second thought, scratch that. He realized he was facing something much worse than his pride in his looks¡ªthis nightmare¡¯s gaping jaws was wide enough to rip his entire head off in a single, vicious snap.

    ''Oh, sh*t!!''

    Reacting in the heat of the moment, he raised his arm restraining the neck ¡ª It''s useless, anyway ¡ª just in time to shield his face. The creature¡¯s fangs clamped down on his forearm with a force that rattled his bones. Thankfully, his forearm was protected by a vambrace, and for a brief second, he thought it might hold.

    But then he felt the metal begin to buckle. His relief was short-lived.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡ªwhy the hell does it know how to saw?¡± he growled, horrified.

    The monster¡¯s teeth were vibrating. He could feel the sharp edges oscillating rapidly, scraping and slicing against the metal with a sinister, sawing motion. The creature was somehow manipulating its gums, making its razor-sharp teeth slide back and forth in a grotesque display of precision. It was literally using its teeth as an automatic saw... Electric saw? Organic flesh saw!

    Within moments, the vambrace gave way, the thick metal torn as if it were mere cloth. Its relentless teeth bit through, shredding his skin, grinding deeper into his flesh, and finally, he felt the unbearable pain of his bone being gnawed through. Gritting his teeth, Kaiser forced himself to endure the agony¡ªa familiar, haunting sensation¡ªdetermined to keep the beast pinned down. He refused to let go - Not like he can free himself from nature''s saw.

    In any case, no matter what, he wouldn¡¯t let go!

    Even when he felt his forearm snap.

    Kai''s eyes widened as he watched, powerless to do a thing as his severed hand was pulled into the creature¡¯s ravenous mouth. In a sickening display, his hand disappeared entirely into the creature¡¯s dark, gaping maw, vanishing into an abyss within.

    Just like that, his hand was gone, devoured in an instant.

    It didn¡¯t even chew.

    But that was fine.

    Kaiser had bought enough time. Sensing a powerful gust of wind blew on his back as Alfred moved in from behind. Kaiser gave a final push, shoving himself back just in time to clear the way. In the next moment, the flat side of Alfred¡¯s massive greatsword crashed down with brutal force onto the exact spot where Kai and the monster had been only a second ago.

    Kaiser rolled aside, barely escaping the blow, but the creature was not so fortunate.

    With a sickening crunch, the greatsword flattened the twisted monstrosity, shattering its form beneath the sheer weight of the strike. Well, Alfred basically hammered it this time, instead of giving another heavy slash which was proven ineffective earlier.

    Sprawled on the ground, Kaiser lay staring up at the moonlit canopy of trees above, shadows flickering in the pale light. He didn¡¯t feel so good. His breaths came in shallow, ragged gasps, his face pale and drawn from pain and blood loss. Losing a hand wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d ever imagined¡ªneither the agony now nor the challenges it would bring later. But as much as he would have liked to stay here, grounded by exhaustion and pain, he knew he didn¡¯t have that luxury.

    Forcing himself to move, he cast a weary glance over to the towering figure of Alfred. The big man looked just as spent, his chest heaving, sweat glistening in the moonlight, and his rough, calloused hands still gripping his heavy greatsword.

    In a strained, ragged voice, Kaiser finally managed, ¡°Is it¡­ is it finally dead?¡±

    Alfred struggled to push the greatsword aside, shifting the weight with a grunt that showed just how drained he was. He stared at the unmoving remains of the beast, silent for a moment, then, after a few heavy breaths, shook his head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he replied, his voice grim and uncertain.

    When he turned to look at the monster''s horrible condition, Kai groaned.

    Its dead... But also alive.

 Chapter 62: Scheming Fiend

    Under the dim light of the lantern, the grotesque remains of the hound lay sprawled on the ground, its skeletal structure shattered and crushed beyond recognition. Broken shards of bone jutted out from the torn, reddish flesh, remnants of the monster¡¯s twisted form. It would have been a more gruesome sight¡ªa sickening, bloody mess¡ªif there had been any blood at all. But instead of the usual crimson pool, there was only a strange, oily black slime oozing from the wounds. Was this the creature¡¯s blood? Or something more sinister?

    But Kaiser¡¯s main concern wasn¡¯t the creature¡¯s anatomy. He was far more inclined to find out what happened to his severed hand.

    His gaze searched the mangled remains, but all he could see was a shredded mess of flesh and bone, scattered and obliterated. Any hope of finding his hand intact quickly faded. Even if he did somehow recover it, it wasn¡¯t as if he could reattach it in a world still waiting for advanced medicine or surgical tools. The loss was permanent, and he had to accept it.

    He could still do "it" with his remaining right hand, anyway. So the loss isn''t that crippling.

    Still, as he stared at the devastated remains of the hound, he couldn¡¯t shake his frustration. Any normal creature would have died long ago. But just when he thought it was finally over, the torn flesh and broken bones began to twitch. To his disbelief and exasperation, the mutilated body started to squirm, fragments of muscle and sinew inching toward each other as if trying to rebuild itself.

    Kaiser groaned, his voice laced with exhaustion and frustration.

    ''Please, just freaking die already.''

    But his desperate wish went unanswered. The dismembered pieces kept writhing, attempting to reconnect. Thankfully, the creature¡¯s regenerative ability had weakened significantly; it moved sluggishly, like a dying insect, struggling to piece itself together in a futile attempt to survive.

    Rising unsteadily, Kaiser watched the grisly scene with a grim expression, his exhaustion visible. If even being crushed to this extent wasn¡¯t enough to kill it, what more could they do?

    Beside him, Alfred¡ªthe stoic, rough-looking hunter¡ªreached into the pocket under his chest guard and pulled out a small, flat steel container. It looked like a flask. Twisting off the cap, he stepped closer to the monster, unfazed by its feeble movements, and held the container above it.

    In a low, gravelly voice, he murmured, ¡°For the innocent villagers you devoured.¡±

    As the first splash of liquid, rather, ¡ª a potent alcohol¡ªpoured down onto the twitching flesh, it caught the lantern¡¯s warm glow, glistening as it splattered over the bones, the flesh, and the slick, dark slime. The monster shuddered, not from pain, but from something that seemed like dread.

    Alfred¡¯s deep voice echoed again, resonant and resolute. ¡°And for my men, who fought hard for this day to come.¡±

    He poured another generous splash, letting the alcohol cover every inch of the creature¡¯s remnants. Then, after a moment¡¯s pause, he tossed the metal flask toward Kaiser.

    Startled, Kaiser caught it instinctively, blinking as he glanced between the flask and Alfred. It took him a moment to understand what they were doing. A ritual?

    The ritual didn¡¯t seem necessary, but the decisive and cautious were doing it, so it should be fine. He decided to follow along.

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    This was no respectful farewell¡ª more of a final mockery, a farewell tainted with rage, for the beast that had stolen so much life from them out of vileness, to satisfy its own hunger. And now, it''s facing the consequences.

    If Kaiser were ever to face death like this¡ªbattered, helpless, sprawled on the ground while his enemies took their time to burn him alive¡ªit would be a grim end indeed.

    But for this monster, such a horrible fate was only fitting.

    ¡°Uh¡­ thanks,¡± he muttered, raising the flask in acknowledgment. Now that he was part of the ritual, he searched for something to say.

    As he felt a sharp pang from his missing hand, a bitter smile formed on his lips. He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and raised his voice.

    ¡°For my god damn hand, I hope you enjoyed your last supper, whatever piece of sh*t you are. I know you did, I''m sure of it. Because I grew that f*cking hand myself for eighteen years.¡± He spat, his tone laced with sarcasm.

    He tilted the flask with a bitter face, letting the remaining alcohol pour out, ensuring it soaked every part of the vile creature¡¯s body.

    Alfred gave Kaiser an odd look, but they wasted enough time already. He might not show it on his stoic face, in reality, his the most eager to finally rid the world of this vile creature. With a weary sigh, Alfred smashed the lantern onto the soaked remains of the hound. Flames erupted, hungry and untamed, consuming the alcohol-drenched flesh in a blaze that spread fast and wild, devouring every inch of the beast. The hound¡¯s charred remains squirmed and twitched in eerie silence, its convulsions revealing a strange semblance of panic, perhaps even pain on some primal level. But neither Kaiser nor Alfred reacted. They simply watched, indifference and silent, as if this was nothing more than a melancholy bonfire.

    ''No peace for the wicked,'' Kaiser thought, feeling neither joy nor hatred as he observed the flames burn. Just... relief. A strange, peaceful feeling of finality.

    On the other hand, Alfred¡¯s expression was as impassive as stone, his eyes fixed on the blaze with fierce focus, as though making sure the creature would die once and for all.

    After a while, the grim atmosphere was broken by the sound of footsteps approaching from the bushes. Someone pushed through the underbrush, leaves crunching underfoot. Kaiser was the first to turn, recognizing the spiky-haired figure stepping out of the shadows.

    Brick.

    Kaiser greeted him with a glare, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "There you are bastard, finally. When did you get so smart?"

    Halfheartedly praising his excellent move on positioning himself in the far out bushes in preparation if ever the monster passed the three layered ambush.

    Brick smirked, shrugging off the hostility. ¡°I¡¯ve always been blessed with a good head, if you didn¡¯t know. Dumb ones die young, so you¡¯d better be careful¡­ Almighty Player,¡± he replied, placing a mocking emphasis on the last two words. If Kai doesn''t have that title, Brick''s tongue would probably be sharper.

    Kaiser rolled his eyes, fighting the urge to retort. ''Look at this shameless bastard. He probably only survived by sticking close to Alfred. Wouldn¡¯t surprise me if it was Alfred¡¯s idea for him to take that position in the outskirts bushes.''

    Whether Brick had acted on his own or under Alfred¡¯s guidance, his position in the bushes had certainly played a big role in their victory. Even so, Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but feel a stab of frustration over something far more personal.

    ¡°If you¡¯re so ¡®smart,¡¯ then why didn¡¯t you come and help me restrain it earlier? If you had, maybe I wouldn¡¯t be missing a hand right now.¡± Kaiser¡¯s voice was tight, struggling to stay calm.

    Brick had been close enough to lend a hand when Kaiser was wrestling the beast to the ground. Instead, he headed somewhere else, leaving Kaiser to restrain it alone. Perhaps Brick had been afraid, or maybe he held a grudge¡ªever since Kaiser had been chosen as a Player, Brick¡¯s looks had grown sharp and almost malicious.

    Brick shrugged, his expression cocky as ever. ¡°Is that so? I figured it¡¯d slip your grip again, so I was ready to intercept its escape route.¡± Despite his usual arrogance, Brick¡¯s face shifted to genuine confusion as he glanced over at Kaiser. ¡°But¡­ what do you mean by ¡®missing a hand¡¯? You look perfectly whole to me.¡±

    Kaiser frowned, Brick¡¯s words turning his irritation into puzzlement. What was he talking about? Hesitating, he raised his severed arm¡­ only to freeze in shock. His hand, the one that had been sawed off in the battle, was back! A new, pale hand had grown in its place, perfectly formed, as if it had never been lost at all. Except that the covering mantle was gone.

    Alfred stole a glance at Kaiser¡¯s fully restored hand, hiding the surprise that rippled through him. Kaiser¡¯s regenerative ability was astounding, almost unnatural¡ªregrowing a severed limb in mere moments. Just imagining how powerful he would become in battle sent a chill down Alfred¡¯s spine. Combatting ¡°Players,¡± these otherworldly individuals, might be beyond anything he could ever prepared for.

    ¡®No wonder they¡¯re called the legends of old,¡¯ Alfred thought secretly, his face set in a stony expression.

    The flames finally did their work on the hound. Its flesh had burned to char, leaving only ash and cinders. The bones had been smashed to dust, and the dark, gluey substance evaporated into wisps of steam. Nothing was left but the certainty that this creature had no chance of resurrection.

    They had made absolutely sure of it.

    However, just moments earlier, amidst the frenzy of the hunt as they pursued the hound¡¯s wild upper body through the dense forest, a different scene had unfolded back near the base, where the chaos had first erupted. In a clearing, a group of Hunters had dragged what was left of a hound¡¯s lower body¡ª severed, lifeless, and devoid of purpose¡ªto be burned to ashes.

    While everyone was focused on the furious chase, a small, sinister presence made its move. A thin, snake-like creature slithered out from the carcass, made entirely of black, slimy substance. Its movements were silent as it slipped away into the shadows, when no one is looking. Unnoticed by anyone in the clearing, it slithered cautiously, eventually vanishing into the forest, it left no trace behind, its sinister intentions hidden under the cover of darkness.

 Chapter 63: Impending leave

    As Kaiser made his way back through the forest, he felt an immense sense of relief. For the first time in a long while, a calm settled over him. With the Shifter finally burned, the weight of guilt he had been carrying began to dissolve. He had played a decisive role in its demise, avenging its victims and sparing future victims, especially Ariella from becoming the monster¡¯s prey. In his opinion, he had paid his mistake on the previous night and could now sleep well devoid of worries for himself and the goddess. It''s really hard to rest knowing such monstrosity is after them.

    Though, unexpectedly, his good deed isn''t left unpaid. The revelation about his immortality thrilled him. As if having the ability to live through the most fatal wounds wasn¡¯t enough, Kai had just discovered his body could regenerate lost parts entirely. The fear of becoming crippled no longer lingered. No matter what happened¡ªwhether he was cut in half, partially devoured, or maybe even beheaded¡ªhe would always remain whole. It makes him wonder just how far his regeneration could go. If he were reduced to nothing but a drop of blood, could even that bring him back? The thought sent a chill down his spine.

    However, testing his limitations would require unimaginable risks beyond ideal, but one thing was clear: his regenerative powers surpassed even the monster¡¯s undying resilience in one aspect. Unlike the Shifter, who could only alter and reshape its existing form, Kaiser could actually regrow what was lost. And he could do it in mere seconds.

    His mind wandered to a dark question: what if he were the immortal prey? How would hunters like Alfred and Brick deal with someone like him? He knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy; the Shifter had already been a nightmare to handle. Left undiscovered, it could have wiped out the entire village. What if he¡ªsomeone far more intelligent than the beast¡ªwere to turn into an unstoppable foe?

    It wouldn''t be pretty for them, that''s for sure.

    ''Why am I even thinking of becoming a villain?''

    Kaiser shuddered and dismissed the thought. He wasn¡¯t interested in becoming a villain, not now, not ever. But if it ever came to that, he could be everyone¡¯s worst nightmare, a relentless threat that couldn¡¯t be killed, perhaps they could, but it would be far, far from easy.

    ''That¡¯s the last thing I¡¯d ever want, though it might suit me a bit too well,'' he mused wryly.

    He shook his head, pushing those dark musings away. Kai only wants a peaceful life with Ariella and Cia. Now that he didn¡¯t have to worry about being maimed or crippled, providing for them would be easier than ever despite the risk he might face, Kai would remain whole and capable of protecting them. And, if fate smiled on him, perhaps he would reunite with his friends and the other students or teachers from Earth.

    Though.

    ¡®Is it me¡­ or is my immortality actually improving?¡¯ Kaiser marveled, recalling the strange lack of blood when his hand had been severed. There should have been a fountain of gushing blood, but only mere droplets came out. Unlike in past battles when injuries had left him drenched in red. More astonishingly, his hand had regrown without him even noticing, the regeneration was faster than anything he had experienced before. The speed of it was simply... Startling.

    As he continued down the forest path, the realization of his newfound power felt both exhilarating and a little terrifying. He didn¡¯t know where this strange evolution would take him, but for now, he could only hope it meant a brighter future ahead.

    Kaiser enjoyed the fleeting feeling of peace for now, though he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he would always feel this way. What if his immortality continued to evolve to a point where he could never die, even if he wanted to? The thought was unnerving, but he shrugged it off; that would be far, far in the future. For now, he would rather savor the present.

    Walking behind Alfred and Brick, Kaiser glanced around, taking in the sights as they neared towards the Base. Then realized that they''re relatively near the Boundary, It had been a while since he had had a close look at that strange, unsettling barrier. Briefly looking behind, the distant Boundary was still there, of course.

    The ominous barrier stretched along the distant horizon, rippling under the starry sky, marking where reality itself seemed to shuddered and disoriented, becoming undescribable and incomprehensible. It looked like a normal horizon, but at the same time, utterly wrong. Yet, as he looked closer, a small frown creased his brow. Was it his imagination, or did the Boundary look¡­ different? It was hard to tell; the Boundary was inherently disorienting, a distortion of reality itself and could even be described as embodiment of wrongness. So, If something was wrong about it, how could he possibly confirm it?

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    With a sigh, Kaiser dismissed the thought and continued on. His head is aching just by staring at it, let alone, attempting to understand the unsettling view.

    Before long, they reached the base, where numerous hunters greeted them, hope and anticipation etched across their faces. Questioning and hoping if they had succeeded in hunting down the beast.

    Kaiser slipped to the side, not intending to involve himself with them anymore. Furthermore, it was Alfred''s responsibility to face his men, he had nothing to do with these Hunters anymore.

    Alfred proudly walks forward to inform his men of the good news, he boomed his voice, announcing their victory over the Shifter. Praising everyone''s contribution and paying respect to the brave souls that unfortunately passed in the process.

    The hunters gathered to listen, a mix of emotions sweeping over them¡ªjoy, pride, relief, and sorrow for those who hadn¡¯t made it back.

    Alfred''s speech was unexpectedly stirring, embodying the spirit of a true leader. Kaiser had to admit, despite his often flatness, the man had a way with words, delivering each line with strength and conviction. Every hunter present felt seen, felt valued, as Alfred¡¯s voice rang out like the triumphant call of a battle horn. When he solemnly honored the fallen, the mood became somber, a quiet sadness settling over the crowd.

    Meanwhile, Kaiser had already started to slip away toward the edge of the gathering, hoping to leave unnoticed. He had no desire for the spotlight, assembly drama and victory celebration. Kai had done his part for the benefit of both parties, all he wants now is to go home.

    However, one of the higher-ranking hunters suddenly brought up his contribution, and Alfred, who knew the young man''s preferred avoidance was forced to announce the Player''s crucial contribution. Alfred reluctantly gave him due praise, emphasizing his role in bringing down the monster.

    That was all the signal Kaiser needed to bolt out, before the admiring glances could settle on him, he darted out of sight, heading for home at a brisk pace.

    ''There''s no way I''ll stay to be thrown around like a damn hero, then be invited to drink booze, play with girls and wake up in the bar the next day.''

    Being lauded in public like some hero wasn¡¯t his style. Honestly, just the thought of it irked him nonstop.

    As he retreated, he could almost imagine Alfred¡¯s knowing smirk as the leader spotted his disappearance ¡ª if that stony man could actually manage to smirk.

    The next morning, Kaiser stood on the inn¡¯s balcony, watching as the village below returned to its former liveliness under the bright sun. The change in atmosphere was evident thanks to their last night''s achievement; villagers who once stayed sheltered in fear now roamed freely, going about their tasks without the weight of dread hanging over them. Observing the villagers resume building the construct they''re previously constructing. His thoughts wandered back to his first day arriving here, when the villagers were focused on dismantling the abandoned homes to build extra carriages and wagons, preparing for the migration. Now, those wooden carriers were ready, lined up and loaded with bundles of belongings, from furniture to bags, all neatly packed and waiting for the journey.

    Down in the clearing, the large wooden structure he noticed before was nearing completion. Considering how easy it is to build it, it would soon be finished. It''s basically a simple stack of woods, forming a huge wooden box stacked high¡ªmeant, from what he''d heard, to be set aflame on the village¡¯s final day here. They planned to have a small farewell festival, a celebration of new beginnings as they left their old home behind for a larger settlement.

    Thinking about this, a sense of nostalgia crept over Kaiser. His time here wasn''t long, but somehow it felt long and eventful. This small village was the first real place he had come to know since arriving in Greenland, and it would be hard to forget. Its peaceful environment ¡ª not really that peaceful due to the lurking monster ¡ª, the kindness of the villagers, the stark simplicity of it all had grounded him, reminding him of things that his life back on Earth had lacked. For some reason, the few days he spent here was more meaningful than his years of living on Earth. Well, his life there is really boring in all honesty.

    "A few more days, and this village will be completely abandoned," he murmured, his wistful gaze fixed on the half-finished farewell structure. He would surely miss this place,

    It was peaceful, simple and quiet. The people are kind, too, if he disregards his issues with Alfred and Brick. Though, he thinks he has a personal issue with everyone now. Be it the Villagers or Hunters, they all have him admiring looks as if his some kind of celebrity.

    Kaiser understood that Players are lofty legends in this land, the origin of humanity and powerful individuals. But the fame was getting uncomfortable, such attention just wasn''t for him. Even more because even the High ranking Hunters hold slight respect for him now, he finds himself oddly missing their roughness towards him; at least then he could just be himself.

    With a sigh, he turned back into the room. The final migration would begin soon, and he had only a few days to wrap up before they all left for the bigger world in the City, or are they moving on a kingdom? Kai doesn''t really care for now.

    Though, having been somewhat of an unemployed loner, he didn¡¯t have any social obligations , but he felt the pull to tie up a few loose ends.

    Crossing the room, he found Ariella sprawled out on the bed, draped over Cia, who lay beside her, equally lost in boredom. Cia had her usual timid demeanor, but Ariella looked practically dead from boredom, especially now that she¡¯d drained his phone¡¯s battery playing games and wasn''t in the mood to listen to her sister Cia''s stories. He knew they would very much prefer going out, but their introverted caretaker seemed to be unable to withstand the outside world lately. Hence, they can''t go out either because they can''t go anywhere without him.

    The three''s relationship was really odd. Even Kaiser or Cia didn''t know what to make of it.

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow at them. "Hey, feels like going somewhere a bit more interesting?"

    Ariella immediately perked up, and even Cia shifted her head in his direction.

    He smiled. "I was thinking it might be time to pay a visit to the lighthouse keeper. I did promised to visit the old hag."

    Once the migration began, he doubted they''ll ever come back here. However, his intentions were more than a simple visit. Kai had a few questions for the Warden. Like who really is Zara? The wolf-eared lady of the Beast-kin race, who''s likely connected to the ancient Players. That, and his other encounters with descendants had piqued his interest towards the Players.

    Furthermore, rumor has it the old man used to be quite the swordsman.

    Without another word, they gathered their things, and soon they were on their way through the village.

 Chapter 64: An old mans secret

    The journey to the lighthouse had been smooth, save for the occasional curious glances from the villagers. Fortunately, they''re understandable enough to respect his own privacy, allowing him, Ariella, and Cia to move through without trailing him or striking up conversation.

    Kai wasn¡¯t sure if it was just his own self-consciousness or overthinking making him feel overly observed or if his new reputation really had made everyone so interested in his every move. He chuckled to himself; he never wanted or expected this kind of attention. Fame was just¡­ awkward, and he could only imagine how people who dealt with it every day managed not to crack under the constant eyes on them.

    Then again, in reality he knew, the majority of peoples aren''t really that inclined to their idols to the point of obsession. Added, he doubts Stalkers exist in this dangerous world or these busy villagers had so much free time to stalk him.

    Shaking off the unnecessary thought, Kai focused on the trail ahead. Soon they left the busier parts of the village, where families were packing for migration, and entered the quiet, near-abandoned streets. The houses here were mostly in disrepair, some even half-dismantled and near crumbling. Yet for him, he felt at peace. It really felt nice with just the three of them, taking a long stroll together even though the sight around isn''t that great. He had this complicated feeling within his heart lately that he can''t seem to understand. It''s just that, for some unknown reason, Kaiser felt at home with these two as if they''re all he needed in life. Though, Kaiser was certain it doesn''t concern romance or friendship... Just, something he can''t explain for now.

    His troubled mind was soon distracted just as they reached the outskirts and caught sight of a familiar figure he never expected to see.

    There, near the edge of the settlement, was an elderly man steadily holding a bow in hand, standing with a tranquil expression, calm and intensely focused on an unknown target. His stance was steady, and his gaze was trained on a distant point in the forest. The bow he held looked nothing like the ordinary bows used by the Hunters¡ªit was ancient and intricately carved, made of some dark wood bound with steel that had weathered over countless years yet maintained feral elegance. And despite his age, the chief drew the bowstring with a strength and grace that were surprising for someone so wrinkled and hunched.

    Kai and the girls paused, watching as the chief released the string. An arrow shot through the air, vanishing into the woods. For a second, Kai thought it would simply hit a tree, but his expectation was betrayed as a shriek¡ªa piercing cry from some unseen creature ¡ª sounded soon after, silencing almost as quickly as it began, implying its death.

    Ariella clapped in awe, and Kai couldn¡¯t help but give a respectful clap as well. He had never imagined the old chief was an outstanding marksman even now.

    The chief¡¯s hunched frame softened as he returned to his usual posture, short, old and unassuming. An amused, proud glinted in his eye as he noticed the three of them. With a small, wrinkled smile, he shuffled toward them, looking not at all like the fierce archer he had been seconds ago.

    ¡°Kaiser,¡± the chief greeted, his voice rough but warm. ¡°And friends. Enjoying a stroll?¡±

    Kai returned the smile. "Kind of, Chief. We¡¯re on our way to the tower to pay a last visit and ask some questions."

    The chief nodded knowingly, his gaze settling briefly on each of them. ¡°Ah, I see. Well, old Keeper Garba has plenty of stories¡ªmore than anyone could ever need, I¡¯d say. That man could run his mouth all day, although, sometimes, he forgot his limits. But he¡¯s wise. You¡¯ll learn much if you listen carefully, just make sure to ask the right questions, I doubt you''ll appreciate his humor, if not.¡±

    Kaiser can''t fully figure out what the chief is trying to say. The tower keeper, Garba, was pretty decent in their last conversation.

    He hesitated. ¡°Chief¡­ I didn''t know you were so skilled with a bow.¡±

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    The chief chuckled, his eyes glimmering with a hint of nostalgia. ¡°In my younger days, I was a bit of a hunter myself and earned my position through merits as an excellent marksman, similar to what Alfred is doing now. We didn¡¯t have all these Hunters back then to guard us, so we had to be our own protectors.¡± His gaze drifted to the forest where his arrow had disappeared. ¡°Old habits die hard, I suppose.¡±

    He turned his attention back to the three of them, his expression softening. ¡°This village may be moving, but you¡­ you and the others here have given it new life, even if just for a short while. For that, I thank you. Especially to you child, Kaiser. I''ve never thought I''ll live long enough to meet a Player and even converse with one. I''m sure like your predecessors, you''ll someday accomplish something great in the future. However, I''ve already lived for a hundred and fifty years, I doubt I''ll see you grow into a great man."

    ''Wait, wait, wait. Wtf? A hundred and fifty years!?''

    His jaw dropped. He knew the village chief are old, but over an average human lifespan, yet appeared like in his eighties and were still capable of drawing a bow''s hard string, something is definitely wrong here!

    Leaning towards Cia''s ear, who was similarly surprised by that revelation, he whispered.

    "Quick question, what''s the maximum lifespan of humans?"

    Her soft voice responded.

    "One hundred and twenty two years, at best. That''s the longest a human being had ever lived, that record hasn''t been broken ever since."

    His heart skipped a beat. Kaiser had long realized that something is odd in this village since having that brawl with Brick, whose strength was above his masculine build. His suspension was then proven undeniable by Alfred, whose brute force was no way normal, even surpassing Kaiser''s own. Were they descendants? No, they''re not, because if they are, then Intel of their Player predecessor would have reached his ear. Furthermore, even the Bandits Boss possesses unnatural strength atop his healing ability.Why is that?

    Now, lifespan that surpassed the limit? There''s something going on here, and Kai had to know it. But how? Well, his Player title isn''t just for show, it''s time to make use of the privilege it offered.

    After some hesitation, Kai reluctantly asks the hunched Chief in a lowered voice.

    "Um... Hey Chief, just between you and me. Do you guys take some kind of miracle drugs here?"

    He concluded that there might be a power and life enhancing drug, potion or whatever being developed here in Greenland. Available only to the upper society of these land. From the looks of it, the miracle product doesn''t seem to have severe side effects. I mean, aside from the Bandits Boss, Alfred doesn''t look like an addict, same might not go to Brick, though. Still, whatever sh*t they''re taking, Kaiser was interested in it, too. After all, it''s a power booster in a container, and he had been sort of troubled on thinking where to spend his golds lately, now that his livelihood is supported by his legendary title.

    Kaiser was just about to say money isn''t a problem, when the Chief gave him an odd look as if staring at a lunatic, then pity his two, innocent companions. Knowledge of harmful drugs was passed down by Players of old, so did other modernizing information to improve their civilization which is applied to big settlements.

    With a sigh, the chief shook his head somberly.

    "It''s not that... Child, if you''re attached to consuming any sorts of prohibited substances, I''m warning you, restrain yourself while you''re still young. Don''t let addiction ruin your future."

    And just like that, the Chief''s attitude towards him overturned.

    ''Wtf, now I''m mistaken for a drug addict? I don''t even intake caffeine, let alone, the sh*ts you''re talking about.'' Honestly, Kai doesn''t even like drinking coffee.

    Thinking about it, he does sound like someone talking to a drug dealer there and doesn''t look like a decent young man, either... But his not, never in his life did he take illegal substances! Not like he had so much money on Earth, his already struggling to make ends meet there!

    The problem is, how is he supposed to clear these misunderstandings? A confirmed addict would definitely deny it, which a clean person would do so, as well. Either way, suspicion towards him wouldn''t be completely cleared by his own words.

    Momentarily lost for words, Cia came to his rescue.

    "Grandpa, please forgive my friend''s rudeness, Kai''s isn''t fluent with his tongue, at times. But I assure his a good guy, in fact, his the kindest man I know." The Blind girl spoke with a smile, her voice gentle and tender, intentionally referring to the Chief as "Grandpa" to touch his senile heart.

    Even Kaiser felt a flutter within him when inferred as "kind" by that melodious voice.

    Most importantly, the Chief seems to completely believe in Cia''s words. A far cry reaction compared to what Kaiser''s denial could ever achieve. In any case, his glad that Cia was around.

    "I see... If the young lady said so, then my worries are gone."

    He looked at Kaiser in the eyes, as though contemplating, eventually, he shook his head and walked towards the forest. As he did, he spoke.

    "Child, speak clearly next time, because these old head of mine often fail to comprehend youngsters nowadays."

    Kaiser walks behind the Chief, listening as he continues.

    "You''re probably wondering how I''ve lived so long and the secret behind Alfred''s strength. Hmm... Didn''t Garba Informed you?" The old man looked over in questions.

    "No." Kai shook his head.

    The chief sighed, "He''s growing senile, too, it seems." Then added. "The answer you''re seeking for is actually a secret of humanity itself, forbidden to be known by the majority for that knowledge may bring catastrophe in everyone on these land. However, as a Player, it''s your right to know. Be warned, Child, what you''ll learn from me could lead to an individual greatness or downfall, including Players and those around you. So keep my words to heart for your own good, understand?"

    Kaiser nodded, feeling apprehensive with Cia. The goddess doesn''t seem to care, but for mortals like them, such forbidden matters concerning all of humanity was extremely crucial. Then again, although Kai was driven to this point by mere curiosity, why is it that he felt like his about to swallow more than he yearned for?

    That said...

    ''I thought it was just a potion. Why did it turn out like this?''

 Chapter 65: Wicked Law of Life

    Did he want to know? The introduction alone sounded ominous, almost forbidding. It was significant knowledge, after all. Whether it would truly benefit him was unknown. Though, the topic does concerned power, and it would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t interested at all. Still, some things were best left undiscovered, for the burden of such knowledge could bring more harm than good. But Kaiser couldn¡¯t die anyway, and as the Chief had said, it was only fitting for a Player to know because someone like him who doesn''t have the luxury of a normal life would learn of this secret sooner or later.

    As they moved deeper into the forest, shadows pooling under the trees, the old man made sure there was no one else around¡ªonly him and the three teenagers. His voice lowered as he began to speak.

    ¡°First of all, this hidden knowledge originated with the ancient Players, hundreds of years ago. It was granted only to certain trusted families and passed down through generations. As you might have guessed, these families are descendants of Players. However, we who lost our lineage and became mere humans had no right to this knowledge, according to the laws. Once the higher-ups in Greenland discover what we know, the sin could cost us our lives. So I¡¯m already asking a favor of you, Child, please keep this between you and me, for the sake of our village.¡±

    ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry about it, I promise I won¡¯t get the village in trouble.¡± Kai shrugged the request, as if the matter didn¡¯t weigh on him; after all, there was no benefit in risking trouble for them. However...

    ¡°Though, I do have a question. If it''s exclusive for descendants, then how did you come to learn of it?¡± Suspicion crept into his tone as he considered the darker possibilities. Did they force it from a descendant? Steal it? Or perhaps something even more sinister?

    Once again, his expectations were betrayed.

    The old man gave a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that,¡± he said, his gaze growing distant, as if recalling the bitter days of his past with a trace of amusement. ¡°I, no, We didn¡¯t come by this knowledge through evil means or any fortunate encounter. I discovered it naturally, probably much in the way the first Players did.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± He and Cia raised an eyebrow, while the chief continued uninterrupted.

    ¡°You see, I was an unusual child, even in my youth. While other children played with their toys, I was drawn to my bow. I¡¯ll leave it to your imagination how often I played with it, how deeply I became absorbed by it. I killed my first bird at seven, just to feed myself, and soon found myself honing my archery until I became the backbone of this village. Prey after prey, I brought them down, whether they were small creatures or fierce Beasts¡ªwhether for my own sake or for others. And, if I¡¯m honest¡­ there was something strange about me: I enjoyed it. I enjoyed ending creatures with a single shot from my bow, sniping far away prey and bringing death without even seeing their killer or know what had killed them.

    "Before I knew it, my hands had been stained with so much blood that¡­ I began to feel something. An unnatural power was growing within me, subtly enhancing me, pushing me beyond the limits of a mundane human. At first, it was so faint I didn¡¯t even notice it. I even thought perhaps it was a gift from the gods. But as time passed, the blood on my hands increased, so did this mysterious force growing within me."

    "I''ve lived this long thanks to that. Fortunately, I wasn''t swayed by ignorance in my prime and controlled myself to take responsibility for the greater good." He spared Kaiser a meaningful glance, "Do you understand now why its so forbidden?¡±

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    Kai slightly nodded in response, deep in thought with a deep frown on his brows.

    In his understanding, the summary of the forbidden knowledge is that, the more an individual kills... The stronger they became. Which is indeed a serious matter, potentially threatening the entirety of humanity. Because evilness was already carved in people''s hearts, and with this knowledge informing everyone that the most vile deeds of taking another''s life are rewarded with longer life and strength... Kaiser struggled to imagine the mayhem it would cause. Heck, it could outright ruin a civilization.

    Everyone fears death for it is the unknown, making them desire for more time. If people would kill for Money, then imagine how far they could go for more life? The poor might not make that much difference, but the rich and those ambitious figures that stand on the top who served as the backbone of society could destroy everything. Driven by this knowledge, they could create a twisted system focused on dyeing their hand red for the sake of prolonging their lifespan. At the same time, granting the vile leaders with astonishing power. Not to mention what it would do to the merciless criminals, it would raise their numbers and enhance their individual capacity, making them capable of achieving more wicked things. By then, would justice still exist? Can anyone change such cruelty and not be swayed by the promise of higher life through killing spree?

    The animals would go extinct, and humans would kill each other which they''re already doing in every universe. Only with this broken rewarding system, the slaughter would intensify.

    ''... What kind of sick law is that?''

    It basically turns this world into a devouring game, where the strong feed on weak lifeform constantly, for those unable to kill either learn or devoured. That law in life alone had broken the balance of life. Potentially leading civilizations into dark and twisted communities of who kill better. Instead of focusing on prosperous advancement on how to live better.

    No wonder the higher-ups prohibited knowledge of these rule due to the potential ruin it posed to society. Suddenly, Kaiser''s heartbeat hastens upon realizing what kind of deep sh*t he put himself in. There are things better not known for the troubles it may bring, and he just struck the jackpot!

    Secretly giving the old man''s back a complicated glare, he fought the urge to slap his face. Because now, with the world changing secret in his mind, wouldn''t it put him in serious trouble with the authorities?

    Like them.

    ''Damn you, chief... Putting me in the same boat as the rest of you. Gods, you had me good there.''

    He thought dejectedly. Although, the old chief discovered these by accident without committing any bad deeds. Thus, deeming him innocent.

    However, the sheer weight of this knowledge is too overwhelming to ignore. Whether unintentionally or not, the fact remains that they broke a really crucial regulation deserving of death as punishment - a way to silence untrustworthy outsiders.

    It''s possible for him to be hunted by authorities now. Fortunately, the Player privilege would save him, right?

    ''Yeah right, my ass. Like hell I''ll speak a word is this sh*t ever as long as I live... Wait, is this why he had the audacity to Inform me? Because he knew I can''t share it with anyone.''

    Even the unassuming, hunched, old man senile thinking cannot be undestimated. Added that geezer excellence in marksmanship, his still a considerable person.

    Though, jokes aside. It was indeed serious.

    He inhaled sharply, startled by the revelation. Beside him, Cia also seems unsettled by the hidden rule of this world. She must have attained deeper insight of its morbid effects on humanity due to her superior understanding of politics, economy and human psychology. Subjects that he didn''t pay little attention to, in all honesty. All which goes to show just how cruel this new world can be.

    It was much crueler than he thought.

    Breaking the somber silence, it was who asked an intriguing question this time.

    "I apologize for being a little rude, Grampa. But... Earlier, didn''t you mention that knowledge of these twisted law of life originated from the Players. So how did you know the secret''s origin if you unintentionally discover this knowledge. Furthermore, do these law only apply in Greenland? Or does it cover the entire Shattered Realms? Does it discriminate against other living beings?"

    She''s right, it doesn''t make sense for the Chief to know where it had begun if his a natural discoverer. Additionally, what''s the dark law''s scale of effect? Does it apply to every Realm and blessed every creature that kills?

    ''What''s the meaning of this?''

    So many questions yet no answer... Yet.

    Kaiser stared at the chief''s hunched back, who strangely remained silent, calmly walking through the woods followed by them under the shadows and rain of sunlight streaming through these leafy crowns. Was he contemplating a suitable answer or thinking of something else? Kai isn''t sure, but he do feel a bit uneasy.

    After few seconds more in odd quietness, the old man stopped and finally spoke.

    "...There you are."

 Chapter 66: Leveling

    Kai¡¯s heart nearly skipped a beat when the Chief made that ominous statement, though it wasn¡¯t directed at anyone nearby. Wait¡ªcould there be Hunters lurking in the bushes, waiting to ambush him?

    Thankfully, it was only a sizable, dead bird that the Chief had shot earlier. Picking it up from the grass, the old man inspected it with satisfaction.

    ''I really need to stop overthinking everything,'' Kai thought.

    Only after finding his fallen prey did the old man finally respond to Cia¡¯s question. He lingered for a moment, then answered.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ good question. Although I discovered the secret naturally, that¡¯s not always the case for others. Take Alfred, for example. He would¡¯ve uncovered it eventually with how dedicated he is, but I chose to enlighten him in advance, making sure he understood the responsibilities that come with such knowledge.¡± He turned to Kai with a nostalgic smile. ¡°He was about your age when I first took him in. And now, just look at him¡ªhe¡¯s grown into a dependable man, capable of handling village affairs on his own without my guidance. When the migration ends, I can finally pass down my role to him. A quiet retirement wouldn¡¯t be so bad at my age.¡±

    He sighed.

    ¡°If only Garba were that responsible, we might¡¯ve avoided a lot of trouble. That old fool is as old as I am, but his mind has never seemed to mature. Unlike me, he took a far more¡­ radical path to discovery, forcefully extracting the knowledge from an arrogant descendant who stumbled upon our village. Not that I¡¯d defend the descendant¡ªhe got what he deserved¡ªbut that incident brought a lot of attention from the authorities. And to make matters worse, that scoundrel Garba had the audacity to boast about what he¡¯d learned.¡± The old man shook his head in resignation, but a hint of bitter amusement tugged at the corners of his mouth.

    ¡°Since I¡¯ve pulled you three into this, I may as well tell you everything. The descendants¡¯ knowledge is similar to mine but includes more details¡ªlike where it originated and what the Players call it. "Leveling" Strange, wouldn''t you agree, to name such a twisted law with a term like that?¡±

    Understandably, it was indeed odd to use that word because ¡°Leveling.¡± are defined as a term for balance, something flat, even, smooth in the villagers mind. However, in an age where games had woven themselves into the fabric of society like the modern Earth where he was born, he understood its other meaning all too well.

    ''Seriously, why are these old guys so obsessed with game terms?''

    Still, the secret law indeed paralleled the leveling systems in various games. Killing¡ªwhether humans or creatures¡ªyielded ¡°EXP,¡± accumulating into strength. Transmigrators even possessed unique abilities that, combined with Leveling, justified them calling themselves ¡°Players.¡± Or maybe the originator of it all had just been a game addict, whose mind was warped by the cruelty of the Realms.

    ''It is what it is,'' Kai sighed internally, shrugging off the unchangeable.

    The old Hunter continued, ¡°As for the scope of Leveling¡­ yes, Garba knows about that too. Turns out it¡¯s a universal law, spanning all the Shattered Realms. In fact, it applies to every living creature across these Realms, all living being fighting for survival, gaining power to evolve their very existence.¡±

    The Chief then tossed the dead bird to Kaiser, turning as he waved goodbye.

    ¡°That¡¯s everything I know about Leveling. In return, would you do me a favor and deliver this parting gift to Garba? Tell him it¡¯s the last bird he¡¯ll get from me if he doesn¡¯t stop being so stubborn in that tower.¡±

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Grandpa. We learned a lot today,¡± Kai and Cia said gratefully as they watched him walk away. Already having a lot in there minds to ask for more.

    He watched the old man¡¯s hunched back disappear into the trees alongside Ariella, who seemed more interested in the Chief¡¯s bow than in the lingering weight of his words.

    After their conversation with the Chief, the group continued their journey. Each weighed down by the implications of the ¡°Leveling¡± knowledge they had just received - except the unbothered goddess.

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the power it promised and how it might shape, or burden their futures. Fortunately, Cia, with her academic sharpness, made the perfect partner to discuss these heavy thoughts. They casually talked about it along the way, sharing their own opinions and perspectives, helping each other untangle the questions that arose in their minds. Well, mostly helping Kaiser untangle the questions¡ªCia had already figured out almost everything in such a short time. Kai had always envied people with such gifted minds, but he couldn¡¯t quite think of Cia in that way. Her easygoing, gentle presence drew him into their discussion, no matter how complex the topic became. More importantly, for the first time, Kai saw a glimpse of the former inspiration figure she was back then. Differ to the timid, almost lifeless blind girl devoid of any confidence Cia had become since being summoned at this new world. It was nice to see her former glory, even if it''s just a fleeting moment of their conversation.

    They dove into theories on Leveling¡¯s possible mechanisms. How did it grant experience? Would it offer higher rewards for slaying stronger foes? Where was the threshold, the breakthrough point, where its power would become noticeable? And how likely souls are involved in its workings?

    The world¡¯s only saving grace from this ruthless law, they realized, was that the effects weren¡¯t immediate. For instance, Kaiser himself had killed several beasts and even a few people but had yet to notice any clear enhancements in his strength¡ªor was the power simply overshadowed by the inherited abilities he had received from Zara? Then again, the Chief had said he had lost count of beasts he hunted before noticing the slightest change, which became more apparent overtime. Similar to Brick''s position now, still oblivious of its dept''s, believing his own strength to be an innate gift worth bragging about. Given time, that immature Hunter would eventually gain profound insights and might potentially be Alfred''s successor.

    Kai, however, was deeply curious about Leveling¡¯s true turning point, the moment it would bestow a tangible boost in power.

    They spent time discussing all of this, deepening their understanding and passing the hours with ease. It was enjoyable, almost relaxing, and at some point, Kai realized that Cia was subtly testing his communication skills. When he asked her how he was doing, she just chuckled, telling he should smoothen his edges sometimes and be more expressive with his words, putting more emotions on his voice and the like, which he finds difficult to achieve. Kai had always been troubled at expressing emotions externally and internally.

    Ariella, on the other hand, could only pout at the sidelines, jealous of their ability to chat freely while she could only listen.

    But beneath the surface, Kai kept his own darker thoughts hidden. He glanced at Ariella, his thoughts turning grim.

    Only he knew who Ariella truly was.

    Leveling was a straightforward law, rewarding the powerful who emerged victorious by slaying countless foes. The more they killed, the stronger they became, hinting at a path of ascension¡ªa way to transcend humanity and reach unimaginable heights. Perhaps even godhood. And Ariella, the sweet, unassuming girl who had accompanied him since his arrival in Greenland¡­ was already a goddess, a true deity. The words of two other gods serves as testimony of that fact.

    Gods were the ultimate beings, which raised the question: what had Ariella done to reach such a status? How many lives had she claimed, how many souls had she absorbed, to attain divinity?

    Kai glanced her way, wondering. Had this innocent-looking goddess once slain millions, consuming souls and building her path to godhood upon the corpses of her enemies?

    Sensing his gaze, Ariella meets his eyes with a bright smile and a curious tilt of her head, as if to ask, ¡°Why?¡± lovingly.

    Kai quickly looked away.

    ''Yup, I can¡¯t picture it.''

    Had she once a mischievous or righteous queen, a great and fearsome combatant or an ancient sage of mass destruction. A catastrophic force to be reckoned with.

    Kaiser''s brain failed to imagine the lovely lady with a playful and childish charm to be so fearsome once. She looks so delicate and graceful, pure and innocent, like a white flower meant to be kept and guarded.

    Still, just imagining what Ariella¡¯s history might entail sent shivers down his spine. Power wasn¡¯t earned without struggle. If she was indeed a goddess, then she must have strived a merciless path for it, likely becoming the most formidable being he¡¯d ever encountered. Well, in a sense, she''s basically the most terrifying existence he knew.

    ''Then again, maybe I¡¯m overthinking it.''

    After all, a mere mortal like him had little to no chance of understanding the matter of gods. But what if her true divine nature ever resurfaced?

    ''Guess, I¡¯ll have to be careful.''

    Though her powers were sealed, he couldn¡¯t be certain the seal would hold forever. If forced into dire circumstances, would the seal withstand her holy will? Likely, it won''t. By then, he would probably witness her true form as a goddess and known to fear the gods. And met, who his goddess truly was. Kai prayed such an event would never happen, for the thought was almost too terrifying to consider.

    Deciding that these concerns weren¡¯t worth his energy right now¡ªor perhaps that they were simply too daunting¡ªKaiser focused on the journey, keeping an eye out for any dangers along the way while engaging in a casual conversation with Cia.

    And so, at last, the three of them made their way back to the ancient tower.

 Chapter 67: Peaceful Harvest

    Knock, Knock.

    Kai knocked on the wooden door, waiting as silence hung in the air. For a while, there''s no answer, eventually, the door creaked open, revealing the old tower keeper, looking much the same as he had the night they first encountered him while lost in the woods.

    He was still the same elderly figure, his wild, unkempt white hair framing a face lined with age. His frail, slightly hunched frame moved with the stiffness of someone well beyond his prime. Yet, despite his apparent fragility, there was a keen sharpness in his eyes, a look that spoke of hard-won experience yet maintained an enthusiasm the chief lacked.

    But unlike their first meeting, his expression now was warm, his rough edges softened by familiarity.

    "Well, well, well. Look who remembered to come back! Haha, I''ve heard a lot about you, Kaiser. It hasn''t even been a week, yet already making a name for yourself, I expect nothing less from a Prayer!" Garba chuckled, giving Kaiser a hearty slap on the shoulder.

    Garba¡¯s gaze shifted behind Kaiser, his smile widening at the sight of Kai¡¯s companions.

    ¡°Ah, can¡¯t bear to leave them alone, can you?¡± He chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

    ¡°Though I must say, you¡¯ve got quite the taste in company, lad.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Garba turned and beckoned them inside.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t just stand there. Come in, come in! Make yourselves at home¡ªcan¡¯t remember the last time I had visitors. We¡¯re the only ones here, so drop the shyness, eh?¡± His eyes landed on the bird he was holding. ¡°Oh, and by the way, have you three eaten yet?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Kai answered. They¡¯d left after breakfast and hadn¡¯t stopped since. Now, it was nearing noon.

    Garba¡¯s eyes gleamed as he shamelessly eyed the bird. He laughed.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t either. That bird looks tasty! Best to cook it soon¡ªshame to let it lose its freshness.¡±

    Kai stifled a smile. ''This old man...,''

    He lifted the bird slightly. ¡°It¡¯s yours, anyway. Chief said to give it to you.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Garba¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Well, thank him for me when you head back. But first, let¡¯s have a meal. Wait for me here.¡± He paused, then added, ¡°Or would you three care to see my humble garden out back?¡±

    Kaiser was ordinarily curious to see the old man''s garden, but Ariella was already eagerly following Garba toward the garden. He had a hunch Garba would probably put them to work gathering vegetables, but he didn¡¯t mind as he decided to follow, too.

    In the makeshift garden, mostly made of woods without sophisticated gardening materials. Simply compassing plants and soils supported by woods, Kai eyed the unfamiliar vegetables with skepticism, wondering if they were even safe to eat. As expected, the sly old man made them help in picking vegetables weather because his lazy or just wants to enjoy their rare company to the fullest. But that''s fine, Kai didn''t mind the simple task of picking edible leafs and veggies. Rather, it was relaxing.

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    After going through battles after battles - Unfortunate encounter with the bandits, freeing a female beast, causing the entire mischievous gang''s downfall. Followed by days of being Lost in the wilderness, guided by a single light before finding themselves in the village, where peace is still far. Even with his reserve presence in the settlement, Kaiser still landed himself in trouble with the Hunters, brawling with multiple men that led him to unwillingly join their dreadful hunt for a frightening monstrosity. Even then, fortune didn''t favor him because that devil itself developed interest for his one and only goddess. Sadly for that beast, targeting Ariella turns out to be the biggest mistake it ever made, resulting in its cruel demise. Burned to ashes and never to return again.

    And let''s not forget the nerve rattling secret he came to know unintentionally... Well, his own greed for power did bring it into himself, so he can''t blame anyone. Still, that''s the heaviest knowledge he ever knew. Able to make authorities chase behind his back and ruin an ordinary person''s life. Thankfully, his not. If not, he would have long died out there, stabbed by a bandit''s blade through his heart.

    But truth be told, although it brought excitement to his life, the constant dangers and grimness exhausted him mentally. Kaiser needs reprieve, some peace and silence instead of more violence. Of course, Kaiser doubted his fate would bless him such a luxury.

    Removing a round vegetable from a crawling plant, he studied it for a few moments, feeling the quiet breeze of the forest accompanied by occasional humming of birds. For the first time in a while, he felt at peace. Comfortable, even.

    Kai checked on his companions, Ariella was helping Cia collect vegetables under the guidance of Garda, who had a difficult expression as he teaches the two on how to harvest his crops correctly. After all, Cia is blind and Ariella is presumed deaf, how is he supposed to guide an unseeing and un-hearing? Yet, somehow, the two girls are handling the work fine, which dumbfounded the poor old man.

    He chuckled, secretly.

    Then realized his strangely calm and collective here, his thoughts aren''t jumbled or bothered by the surroundings. After all, there''s no voices of crowds outside making him insecure, just the four of them. For some reason, he felt that this kind of condition is where he belongs. Away from dangers and the masses.

    Gazing on the lonesome tower, he thought.

    ''Maybe I should build myself a home like this once I settle down, it''s much more comfy here compared to busy cities.''

    It would be nice to live in a country side, away from society with a garden like these to feed on. Occasionally, he could go hunting for meat. Though, as a Player, his life here would likely be littered with dangers. But who knows, perhaps a nice, peaceful livelihood isn''t that far away.

    Collecting veggies didn''t take long, before they knew it, they gathered more than enough. However, Garba''s shamelessness surpassed his expectations. With a sly grin, he humbly suggested they take charge of cooking. He was eager to try a dish from the world Players had come from, he said.

    Garba''s requests aren''t difficult, so Kai nonchalantly agreed. Furthermore, it was only right to lend a hand while staying in Garba¡¯s home.

    However, the only problem is... Cia was blind, and Ariella was, Ariella. In short, Kai was on his own for the cooking. Luckily, as someone who lost his parents at a very young age, Kaiser had no loving mom to cook him delicious meals, therefore, forcing him to learn it himself.

    That said, none of Greenland¡¯s ingredients were anything like the foods he was used to from Earth. Still, after some time, Kai managed to serve up ¡°something¡± under the expectant gazes of Ariella and Garba.

    Garba eyed the dish, curiosity in his gaze. ¡°That¡¯s one odd-looking meal,¡± he remarked. ¡°What do you call it back home?¡±

    Honestly, even the cook himself didn''t know either.

    Because of the ingredients and spices difference in Earth''s cousin''s, cooking a certain recipe, simple or not was difficult. He doesn''t have the heart to disappoint the old man''s anticipation, either. So, Kai resorts to a secret technique!

    Freestyle - a technique invented by an orphan who often make do with random or insufficient ingredients for him meals.

    It''s easy, really. Just fry the bird, put whatever vegetables along some water, as long as the Ingredients are edible, you already have an edible dish, albeit, often tasteless or have strange flavors. Let it boil, solely for the sake of making it appear he cooked it. After that, all that''s left is to put whatever spices available until an acceptable taste is achieved.

    And thank god it worked. Accidentally producing a dish with a taste he couldn''t understand, but undescribably good enough.

    Kai thought for a moment, then a moment more but failed to come up with a fitting or fancy name. By then, the three are already beginning to eat, so he spouts whatever comes up in his mind before Garba suspects he served poison.

    "...IDK." He shrugged nonchalantly, acting cool as he didn''t do anything wrong.

    Cia almost spat her food.

    Garba, however, didn¡¯t miss a beat, his eyes lighting up. ¡°Aydekey, is it? Definitely sounds otherworldly.¡± He took a spoonful and grinned. ¡°Tastes otherworldly too!¡±

    A rain of praises dropped on his cooking as he covered his mouth to suppress a gleeful chuckle.

    On the other hand, Cia would have given him a strange look asking a thousand questions if she could.

    Sitting between Cia and Ariella, even he can''t help but praise himself upon tasting his own creation.

    ''Dang, when did I get so good at this!.''

    But midway through their happy meal, Garba suddenly strands up. Then hastily go to the bathroom.

    Kaiser briefly wondered why, but got his answer soon after. He looked down, feeling his upset stomach groan and the call of nature surging within him, urging him. He froze, maybe he shouldn''t have been so careless, putting whatever there is on what they''re supposed to eat.

    But it''s too late to regret.

    A delicate hand touches his shoulder.

    "...Kai." Said Cia in a strange tone, her nail biting onto his skin.

    For some reason, that harmless grip felt like the cold, clutches of death.

    He coughed.

    "Uh... Sorry, my bad."

 Chapter 68: WFEF

    The ancient tower stood as a testament to ages past¡ªweathered, yet sturdy, looking like it could endure another thousand years with ease. Their last visit here was relatively brief, but this time, Kai took in its full architecture as Garba led him inside. Built like a towering cone, the tower¡¯s floors shrank as they rose, each level serving a specific purpose. The ground floor held the essentials: the kitchen, a modest living area, storage room, and basic necessities. The second floor contained sleeping quarters, likely once used for family or visiting guests, but now rarely disturbed. The third floor was dominated by a spacious master room, while the fourth housed a massive light source that illuminated the tower''s peak, like a beacon that had once guided travelers in the night.

    Following Garba up the spiraling stairs, Kai glanced around, getting a better sense of the place where the old man had spent most of his life. He couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of solitude here. From what Kai understood, Garba had no family left in the area; relatives had either passed away or moved on, leaving him as the sole guardian of this quiet tower.

    At the moment, Kaiser was being led by Garba up the creaking steps to the upper floors after expressing his other reason for visiting.

    Cia and Ariella were left to explore the ground floor. Out here in the rural area, where only one structure stood, he felt more at ease allowing them to go about without cloaks or masks¡ªdifferent from the towns where they would draw far too much attention and make him constantly worry about their safety.

    Once they were halfway up, Kai decided to relay the chief''s message casually. ¡°By the way, the chief wanted me to pass along a message. You won¡¯t get another bird from him if you don¡¯t stop being so stubborn in this tower of yours, he said.¡¯¡±

    Garba gave a heavy sigh, and Kai could see him grimace slightly, perhaps, still not feeling so well after eating Kaiser "Aydekey". Well, on the bright side, the old man would be their sole cook from now on, saving Kai the trouble and their stomachs health. Still, there was a flicker of humor in his eyes.

    ¡°That old fool,¡± Garba muttered, shaking his head. ¡°Always trying to pull me out of here¡­ Tell him it¡¯s a waste of effort. This tower is where I¡¯ll die, as a Warden, alone if it must be. I¡¯ve made my peace with that.¡± His voice softened a bit, as if he were speaking more to himself than to Kai.

    The old man continues, glancing out one of the narrow windows as if watching time slip by outside. "The Migration is drawing near already, huh? Hard to believe. Time sure flies... I still remember my childhood in that village like it was yesterday. Now, just a couple days more, and it''ll be gone for good."

    Kaiser nodded. ¡°Yeah¡­ but¡­ why haven¡¯t you packed your stuff, Gramps?¡± Although, he asked, he already guessed why.

    Garba blinked at him, genuinely puzzled. ¡°Oh? And why would I do that?¡±

    Kaiser hesitated, surprised by the casual response. ¡°I mean¡­ everyone is leaving soon. Aren¡¯t you coming with us?¡±

    Garba chuckled, a deep, amused sound that echoed up the stairs. ¡°If I were young, maybe. But at my age, lad, I only have a few good years left. If I¡¯m lucky, maybe a decade. But even then, that doesn¡¯t change the fact that I¡¯m far too old to start life fresh in some city.¡± His voice softened, a touch of solemnity slipping in. ¡°Besides, I decided long ago that I¡¯d spend my days as the lighthouse Warden here. And without an heir to take up the role, well¡­ who¡¯s left to guard the Boundary? This old bag of bones can¡¯t retire.¡±

    He gave Kai a look that was half serious, half mischievous. ¡°That¡¯s why I say, don¡¯t be like me. Create babies quickly while you''re still young! Look at those two ladie¡ª¡±

    Suddenly, he stopped, sensing a piercing chill behind. He coughed abruptly, masking his embarrassment with a hand and stammered, ¡°I, uh¡­ got a bit carried away there. Anyway, what is it you wanna talk about again?"

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    Kaiser smirked but quickly turned serious. ¡°Well, I''m just curious about the other Players who came here before me.¡±

    Garba paused thoughtfully, leaning against the banister as he considered the question.

    "Hmm... There were a lot of them, but only a few stayed at Greenland while the rest continued southwards on their grand vessel. As for why, I don''t know the specifics. One thing I could tell you is the three ancient Players that graced Green Land."

    "Only three?" Kai raised an eyebrow.

    The old man nodded. ¡°According to the records, yes. However, history about those three is vague, except one. Everland was the most honorable among them. Her ability brought new life to Greenland¡ªturned it from a hopeless wasteland to the lush, green land it is today. Of all the Players, she''s probably the only decent Player we knew who really cared for this place¡­ until her passing.¡±

    ¡°And the other two?¡± Kai asked, intrigued by the wistfulness in Garba¡¯s tone.

    ¡°They¡¯re¡­ a different story altogether.¡± Garba shook his head. ¡°Whimsical hooligans, to say the least. Bakar the Undying, for one. You must¡¯ve heard of him or his descendants notorious nature, no? That brute of a bloodline¡­ fruit doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree, I guess. Bakar himself was a troublesome soul in the history of Greenland, he hasn''t done a single good thing in these place except pumping out descendants and showing off his power to the people. His known to cause plenty of chaos, only to mysteriously vanish one day for good. No one really knew why, but some say that fool tried to brave the southern Boundary to chase after other Players and never returned. Probably died out there, in any case, his gone for good.¡±

    Kai¡¯s curiosity grew as they climbed the last steps to the third floor. ¡°And what about the third?¡±

    Garba suddenly stopped on his tracks. A prideful smile creeping up his lips.

    ¡°The third¡­ ah, not to brag, kid, but that Player was my ancestor!¡± Garba puffed his chest out, clearly pleased with himself.

    Kaiser blinked, dumbfounded. ¡°Wait, does that mean you¡¯re a Descendant?¡± His eyes widened with intrigue as he looked the old man over, suddenly sizing him up in a new light.

    However, Garba¡¯s face fell, and he let out a rough cough, hiding his discomfort. His enthusiasm dimmed. ¡°Um, sadly¡­ no.¡± He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, averting Kaiser¡¯s gaze. ¡°My great, great, great¡­ well, more great-grandfather was probably just adopted by the third Player who''s building this tower, long time ago. But tell you what, he was the first to decide on guarding the Boundary. Impressive, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    The old man¡¯s pride returned, a faint smile forming as he nodded toward the sturdy stone walls. He gestured around the tower, as if presenting some grand legacy Kaiser should be impressed by.

    ''Not really.'' Was Kai''s honest opinion.

    ¡°Though,¡± Garba continued, scratching his chin, ¡°that¡¯s the only achievement he¡¯s really known for. Unlike the other two, he preferred to keep to himself, living in the outskirts of town. No grand displays of power, no boasting¡­ his abilities are still a mystery to this day. And then, one day, he just¡­ vanished. Poof! As if he¡¯d disappeared into thin air.¡± Garba threw his hands up, his fingers splayed to show just how sudden and unexplained the disappearance was. ¡°Never to be seen again.¡±

    Kaiser tilted his head, still curious. ¡°Cool, so, what was his name? Don¡¯t tell me he didn¡¯t share that, either.¡±

    ¡°Ah, about that¡­¡± Garba¡¯s voice dropped, and he leaned in, clearing his throat. ¡°It¡¯s sort of¡­ long and unusual. But that¡¯s just how remarkable my ancestor was! Heck, he might have come from a different world unlike other Players!"

    He leaned closer to the unimpressed young man.

    "I¡¯ll only say it once, so listen carefully, lad.¡± He paused, savoring the anticipation before his voice grew reverent, as if reciting some sacred text.

    ¡°Doubleyu, ef, e, doubleyu.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s lips immediately twitched. He quickly turned his head to the side, biting his lip hard to stifle his laughter. His shoulders trembled slightly as he struggled to keep a straight face.

    ''WFEW... What the heck? Is that guy trolling or something?'' he thought, eyes watering as he fought to keep his composure. ''If you¡¯re gonna give a nickname, at least come up with something better. Even a ten-year-old could think of a cooler name than that.''

    Garba¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Were you laughing just now?¡± he asked, his tone suspicious.

    Kaiser straightened, his expression as stoic as he could manage. ¡°¡­No,¡± he replied, feigning innocence. But his mouth twitched again, betraying the effort it took to suppress the grin threatening to break free.

    Garba narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. He crossed his arms, tapping his foot in mild annoyance. ¡°Tsk, brat. I know his name may sound funny, but trust me. Even Bakar the undying wouldn¡¯t dare offend Doubleyu, ef, e, doubleyu!¡±

    Kaiser had to pinch the bridge of his nose to keep a straight face, feeling like he might burst if he had to hear that ridiculous name one more time. ''Oh god, please don¡¯t say his nickname again.''

    He cleared his throat, desperately attempting to swallow down the laughter. ¡°Right¡­ no offense meant,¡± he managed, forcing a respectful nod. Then coughed to restrain himself more, afraid to offend the troller of an ancestor Garba was so proud of. The old man might not answer his following questions if he goes overboard, no one can blame him though, the bastard has passed down a total mess.

    Kaiser watched the old man, his face blank but thoughts whirling. He could barely contain himself, but he had to admit¡ªseeing Garba so proud, so attached to this ridiculous tale, was just too much. He didn''t know whether to laugh or cry anymore.

    Finally, clearing his throat, Kai pressed on to a different topic.

    Entering Garba''s capacious room, he asked.

    "Hey, have you ever heard of dog people, I mean, Beast-kin? You know, people with wolf-like ears."

    Garba turned to look at him strangely.

 Chapter 69: Pealed Banana

    Kaiser had no desire to cross paths with that beastial woman ever again, their darkly romantic parting was something he would never forget. However, he couldn''t deny his curiosity about her origins and their so-called Sacred Bond. Once they moved to a larger town, he wanted to know what places to avoid and the real nature of the blood contract he reluctantly signed.

    ¡°Be honest with me, have you been eating random mushrooms out in the wild?¡± Garba asked, raising an eyebrow in mock suspicion.

    ¡°Of course not.¡±

    Why would he do that, anyway?

    ¡°Then what on earth makes you think a hound and a human would ever mate to produce the creature you mentioned? No offense, but seriously, are most of you Players a little sick in the head?¡±

    Indeed, why would someone like Zara even exist? A mix between wolves and humans¡­ Kaiser hated to admit it, but the old man¡¯s joke might have a point. A lot of humans from Earth had fed on toxic social media, which warped their thinking in strange, perverse ways. Zara must be a descendant, since her beastial powers were beyond what Leveling could give, his distinct beastial prowess to Alfred¡¯s might are proof of that. So it was possible she came from the bloodline of a Player who had actually done the forbidden

    "deed" with a wolf.... But who knew¡ªhe could be wrong.

    Still, the thought horrified Kaiser.

    ''Shattered Realms are full of psychos.''

    He dismissed the thought and moved on to a more important subject. He had already confirmed that Zara wasn¡¯t from these lands; she was probably from a different Realm and had somehow ended up lost in Greenland because Garba himself failed to recognize such a noticeable feature of Beast-kins. Her Clan is likely on another Realm, making him feel assured that chances of bumping into those people ¡ª hopefully, Zara personally¡ª are really low. A single one of them was already so terrifying, let alone, an entire clan. Not like Kai planned to make an enemy of them, but Zara would be really displeased if she finds out she''s forever bound to the immortal Kaiser.

    "Maybe you''re right, having a darker mind isn¡¯t uncommon in my world. But let¡¯s forget about that. Say, do you know about mythical creatures by any chance?"

    Garba recalled as they moved deeper into the capacious room, where aside from a large bed, study table, bookshelves, wardrobe cabinet and a few more simple furniture. Most of the space is vacant. The ceiling is high, too. And massive windows on the circular walls gave lights to the entire chamber, capacious and bright yet gave off a vive of solitude.

    "I do. They''re intelligent creatures similar to humans, sometimes even smarter than us. However, those I know only came from passed down tales of Players'' travels across Realms. And because of how old those stories are, take every word with a grain of salt. If you''re looking for the real deal, though¡­ well, maybe you¡¯ll find one out there, if you can cross the Boundary, that is."

    ¡®So none of them exist here.¡¯

    Understandably, mythical creatures would be exceptionally powerful beings, possessing monstrous bodies and outstanding intelligence sometimes even surpassing humans. In comparison, the roaming beasts inhabiting Greenland¡¯s forests were weak creatures left to thrive intentionally to be hunted by humans. There were a few exceptions, but none reached a really dangerous level yet. Kaiser couldn¡¯t hope to find a mystical creature in this vibrant land. But if anything he learned, is that, the possibility of their existence in the Shattered Realms was high.

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    Kaiser pressed on.

    "Then, how about the Sacred Bond? Ever heard of it?"

    Garba scratched his chin thoughtfully before replying.

    "Hmm, in the stories related to mythical creatures, there are a few clues related to the Sacred Bond you mentioned. They describe it as a process of enslaving, or in a lighter term, taming intelligent creatures. But I doubt it¡¯s real; many types of supposed rituals have spread, either made up or genuinely extracted from ancient texts. And many fools have attempted to prove the realness of Sacred Bond, but as expected, not a single ritual works. Anyway, enough of that¡ªtake a look at this!"

    Garba proudly presented the sword hanging on the wall. Pointing at it like it''s some kind of sacred relic. Which isn''t a complete exaggeration, considering how elegant that piece of art is.

    Kaiser¡¯s breath caught as he followed the old man¡¯s gaze and took in the weapon¡¯s stunning craftsmanship. The blade was unlike anything he had seen before¡ªits form was long and slender, the edge double-sided and lethally sharp, but its appearance was what truly captivated him. The blade seemed to be forged from the very air itself, as if it were made of nothing but crystalline breeze. A faint glimmer ran along its edges, a subtle, deadly gleam hinting at an unparalleled sharpness and lightness.

    The hilt was carved from dark wood, polished to a rich, deep finish that glinted in the dim light. Its texture looked both inviting and sturdy, worn smooth by generations of hands that had wielded it before him. The old man reached for it, his hands steady as he reached up to take it, almost reverently, as though he held an heirloom of profound importance.

    Just from the looks of it, Kaiser could tell it''s no ordinary blade. Perhaps, the most magnificent sword he had ever seen. With a dark wooden hilt and completely transparent, slender blade, as though made from the finest glass. Kai can''t help but wonder how such a creation was forged. That said, is it even usable in battle? From the looks of it, the sword was meant for decoration rather than bloodshed.

    As he brought it down, Garba held it out, the sword catching the faint light of the room as it gleamed in his weathered hands.

    "That''s a neat sword. Where did you get that?" Kaiser remarked.

    Garba looks at the young man, suspecting his mouth is getting sharper by the minute. From his casual tone alone and poor choice of words, as if indirectly saying; Where did you steal that?

    Nevertheless, Garba shrugged. He isn''t that different from Kai, anyway.

    "From the Player you were laughing at." He stated, jokingly yet honestly. His senile eyes then studied the translucent blade, somberly.

    "Beautiful, isn¡¯t it? Windblade, is what it''s called."

    ¡®Damn, his sword is cooler than he is,¡¯ Was what Kai originally wanted to say, but he decided to hold back that comment. Instead, he asked.

    "But can you actually use it?"

    Garba looked at Kaiser again. Is it him, or the timid, barely talkative young man are disappearing, lowly being replaced by a sharp tongued rascal? But that''s fine, rather, his amused. This kid, Kaiser wasn''t such a boring kid when you came to know him better.

    "Why? Does it look like a mere decoration to you? Doubleyu, ahem, ¡®He¡¯ was said to be the greatest swordsman to ever step foot in Greenland, his blade feared by every Player, even Bakar. My family might not be related to him by blood, so we¡¯re not official Descendants, but one thing he did pass down to us is his blade!"

    "Just the blade?" Kaiser tilted his head.

    The old man rubbed his face, not knowing whether this young man is intentionally irritating him for the fun of it or genuinely curious. Even Kai was not sure what his actually doing, in his perspective, his just having an amusing conversation.

    He let out a long sigh.

    "Of course not, brat. Why pass down a sword if you''re not letting them use it! Obviously, the great "He" had also taught my ancestor the art of wielding the blade. I''ll have you know, the village you''re staying at was founded thanks to "His" presence here and my family''s protection was the main reason it thrived through its lowest point. Our legacy of swordmen had protected it from mischievous Plunderers and invading Beasts alike. If you don''t believe me, I could walk there and still be treated with the respect of a reputable guardian."

    No wonder the village holds the Tower Warden in such high regard, a word from him alone had cleansed every villager suspicion towards the strangers, Kaiser, Ariella and Cia once was when they first interacted with the settlement. Because the lighthouse keeper''s family had served as its blade since its uprising, through hardship and wealth.

    A grin creeped onto Kaiser''s lips. Of course, he has heard of their unforgettable contribution and amazing history of producing swordsmen, some are even said to be stronger than Alfred. Unfortunately, the tower keeper''s family had waned down, leaving one last member to carry their legacy... and swordmanship.

    Kaiser wasn''t a bright student, but at least he did his homework sometimes. Alfred, being the Hunters leader and soon to be promoted as village Chief was extremely busy, even if he exploited the things the Hunter owed him, the swordmanship lessons he could offer are inconsistent, at best.

    He wants to learn the art of the blade as soon as possible. What better teacher is there except a lonesome old man who has nothing to do in life? Granted, that geezer came from a bloodline of swordsman.

    Kai clapped, exaggerating his amazement.

    "That''s impressive. So the rumors I''ve heard are true. It''s a shame your family''s sword style ends at you, gramps. Since we don¡¯t have much time left, I don''t mind continuing your legacy. Feel free to pass your sword style to me."

    Garba laughed

    "Brat, where did your shame had gone to?"

 Chapter 70: Training

    Needless to say, Shattered Realms aren''t as friendly as Earth where laws strictly monitored violence. On the other hand, the loose system of Green Land encouraged everyone to fend for themselves. No governing power to fully rely on, more so in Greenland¡¯s wild ecosystem, where humans weren¡¯t the only threats. Monstrous beasts lurked too, waiting to ambush the unwary.

    Kai had lost count of how many close calls he faced, and if not for his immortality, he would be long dead by now. But just because he couldn¡¯t die didn¡¯t mean he wanted to stay weak. Greenland¡¯s brutal environment had drilled into him a hatred for helplessness, a need to grow stronger. He could feel it deep inside¡ªthat one day, danger would emerge unexpectedly, when he only had himself to rely on. It''s fine to face harm if it was just him, but what if his companions were in peril? Kaiser can''t allow himself to fail them and suffer the grief of regret.

    Alfred¡¯s dreadful scheme had drilled despair into his heart, forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities. Kai never wanted to feel that powerless again.

    After putting it off for days, he finally built up the courage to commit to learning swordsmanship. His past battles had made it obvious how necessary it was, though he had only acknowledged it now. This time, he was determined to dedicate real focus to the skill.

    Old man Garba, however, didn¡¯t seem too thrilled about Kai¡¯s casual request for lessons. In reality, the elder swordsman was probably willing from the start, especially since the quiet life in his tower left him starved for purpose. Furthermore, what better honor than investing in teaching a Player who might one day become a pillar for Greenland. Kai suspected that Garba had every reason to accept but was too much of a stubborn old geezer to do so without a little resistance. After some back-and-forth, a little more persuasion, and a lot of reluctant grumbling, Garba finally gave in.

    ¡°Alright, alright!¡± Garba huffed, masking his agreement with exaggerated reluctance. ¡°But if I¡¯m going to teach you, we¡¯re doing this right¡ªfrom the ground up.¡±

    Kai nodded eagerly, following Garba into an open space within the tower¡¯s sturdy stone walls. The old man brought his long, fancy sword, Windblade.

    "First of all, you made the right decision by picking a sword as your weapon of choice.

    Look at this blade, brat. This isn¡¯t just a weapon. It¡¯s an extension of yourself. Some people think the axe is the almighty weapon¡ªbrutal, heavy, splitting shields in one blow. Others swear by the spear for its reach and powerful thrust!. But a sword¡­¡± He tapped his weapon lightly on the ground, the clear tone ringing out in the quiet. ¡°A sword is balanced. Strength, precision, and agility in one.¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes followed Garba¡¯s gestures, taking in the graceful yet dangerous arcs of the blade as he spoke.

    ¡°A sword can hack,¡± Garba said, swinging in a clean, powerful arc, ¡°like an axe if it needs to. But it can thrust, too,¡± he continued, lunging forward with a sharp, quick stab. ¡°Unlike an axe, you don¡¯t have to rely on brute strength to make a sword effective. It¡¯s fast enough to react, flexible enough to adapt.¡± He paused, resting the point of the blade on the ground, his gaze fixed on Kai¡¯s.

    ¡°That flexibility, lad, is what makes the sword the king of weapons. The spear might keep enemies at a distance, but it can¡¯t turn as swiftly as this.¡± He twisted his wrist, flipping the sword in a quick, fluid arc. ¡°An axe might have raw power, but its weight slows it down. A sword, though? In the hands of someone who knows it, it can strike from any angle, in any position.¡±

    Kai was entranced, listening intently as Garba continued.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled into thinking that a sword is just a blade and a handle, either. Every part of this weapon has a purpose. The pommel isn¡¯t just there for balance¡ªit can be used to strike. The hilt guards your hand, but it¡¯s also leverage, giving you power. And the blade? The edge isn¡¯t just for cutting, it¡¯s a line that guides your movement, that tells you where to go."

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    Garba stepped back, motioning for Kai to follow his stance. ¡°A sword is a weapon of the mind as much as the body. It demands precision, patience, and discipline. You don¡¯t need to be the strongest to wield it, you need to be the smartest. Though, I suggest being strong and wise at holding it to bring out its full potential."

    He locked eyes with Kai, a hint of a grin breaking through his stern expression. "Do you get it now, kid. Among all the weapons out there, the sword reigns superior for its flexibility in battle, it''s capable of hacking, thrusting, slashing, blocking and throwing. All the while having an ideal length for lethality. You might think it¡¯s a lot of talk for a hunk of metal, but remember this¡ªswordsmanship isn¡¯t just about wielding the weapon. It¡¯s about becoming adaptable, becoming disciplined. It¡¯s about making your whole self into a weapon."

    Kaiser expected to hear an elder blabbering about complicated fundamentals of swordmanship, in which his mind would fail to comprehend. But to his surprise, the lesson is easier than anticipated. The teaching, in summary was about the sword''s adaptability in combat, making it above all weapons in terms of flexibility, not length nor strength, heaviness nor power. It''s the most versatile weapon, which suits his preference perfectly.

    Furthermore, he got a glimpse of the old man''s sword style. Differ to everything he ever seen before, Garbs''s movements were so fluid and free, like the wind flowing softly, yet possess harmful sharpness. It''s impressive how Garba''s frail and weathered body manages to move so well.

    Old man Garba resumed his lesson after making his student understand the advantages of his weapon of choice.

    "One had to know his partner before risking his life in battle. Now that you attain a deeper understanding of what you''re holding. I supposed we could move on. Unsheath your blade, brat."

    Kaiser hesitated.

    "Quick question, why are there so many types of swords and how do I choose my preferred type?"

    "That''s for you to learn once you''re decent enough in swinging a blade. Learn the proper handling first."

    He nodded, unsheathing his mundane sword.

    Garba eyed his blade, briefly compared it to his. Then praised mockingly.

    "A cheap sword, eh. Good choice. The length is just right, double edge and the hilt isn''t bad. Starting with a standard sword would save you a lot of trouble."

    Kaiser faked a smile.

    ''This old hag, my sword is the most expensive blade the shop has to offer.'' Garba''s mocking is making him consider taking Windslayer for himself and rejoice as the old man cries.

    Of course, his not serious about that... But glancing at Windslayer translucent blade, it is indeed tempting.

    Kai shook his head, pushing away the stray thoughts and locking his focus on Garba¡¯s instructions. Now that the explanations were over, he was ready to get started on the real thing.

    ¡°So, can we practice now?¡± He said, a hint of excitement sparking in his eyes.

    Garba shrugged, stepping back nonchalantly. ¡°I suppose. However, if you don''t mind, I¡¯m going to use my late master¡¯s method ¡ª A technique meant for students with unknown skill levels. Truth is, I¡¯m not sure where you¡¯re at with swordsmanship. It¡¯d be pointless to start you on basic swings if you already know how to handle a blade, right? So, let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got first, brat, and I¡¯ll decide where we¡¯ll begin from there.¡±

    Kai nodded, quickly realizing the wisdom in Garba¡¯s approach. Jumping into foundational training without knowing a student¡¯s skill level would be like teaching a child the alphabet when they already knew how to read. Clearly, despite the old man''s whimsical behavior unfitting of his age, Garba''s age aren''t mere numbers on display. His accumulated wisdom is shown in his teaching.

    Still, Kai felt a little unsure. ¡°Uh, okay. But¡­ where do I start? Do I just do some kind of routine? Maybe swish, slash, dash?¡±

    Garba shot him a look and sighed, shaking his head. ¡°No, brat. Don¡¯t make a fool of yourself with random moves. If you want to show me what you¡¯ve got, there¡¯s only one way to do it right effectively. Visualize an opponent, one who wants to kill you. Picture him there in front of you, with his blade drawn, ready to cut you down like a real person would in battle.¡±

    Kai thought for a moment and nodded. ¡°Yeah, I can do that.¡±

    He took a deep breath, setting his stance, and prepared his mind. This wasn¡¯t too different from shadow boxing, something he had done before, only now he was using a sword. Though, conjuring a shadow as his imaginary opponent seems dull. So, he imagined his ¡°opponent¡± as a bandit, one of the many he unfortunately crossed paths with and held a special place in his memory thanks to them for taking his life for the first time. The memory of their clash still fueled his anger. Kai could almost see the sneer on the bandit¡¯s face as he held his sword, ready to strike.

    Then, he began. His form was crude and unrefined, each slash and thrust a little awkward, made worse by his unreal duel. He had no solid foundation, and his movements were clearly lacking in practiced finesse. But he attacked with intensity, each strike backed by a fierce resolve and a hint of raw aggression. The moves were a bit rough, yet there was an unmistakable intent to kill his imaginary opponent¡¯s life of no consequence in his mind.

    Kai slashed with his whole body, twisted into each strike as though trying to cut down something that had deeply wronged him. Though he lacked formal training, his attacks weren''t so bad. It''s at least capable of delivering a lethal edge to his enemies, but his lack of combat clarity was evident through the seams of his form, which needs some fixing.

    After a few minutes, Kai lowered his blade, breathing a little heavy as he turned to Garba. ¡°So? How did I do?¡±

    Garba was silent for a while, studying him with a look Kai couldn¡¯t quite read. At last, the old man¡¯s voice broke through the quiet.

    His tone grim and serious

    ¡°Brat, be honest with me¡­ have you, killed someone before?¡±

 Chapter 71: Screw thy lecture

    By now, the number of human scum who had died at his hands outnumbered his fingers. It wasn¡¯t an achievement he was proud of, nor one he despised. In the cruel reality of this world, survival demanded a brutal acceptance of violence, a harsh truth he had learned the hard way, each lesson carved deeper by multiple deaths.

    But he could sense Garba¡¯s concern went beyond Kaiser¡¯s past encounters. The old man was worried about the villagers¡¯ safety, if ever Kai had killed one of them. After all, it was Garba who vouched for him and his companions, and if any harm came to the villagers because of that, Garba, as the supposed guardian would have conflicted opinion towards him, regardless of his status as a Player.

    Kaiser shrugged, trying to ease the tension. "Just a few bandits, nothing much. Why?"

    Garba¡¯s tense expression softened, though a flicker of caution remained. "Good. I just needed to be sure, lad. Another reason I ask is because I see you¡¯ve already crossed the hardest part of combat¡ªaccepting the need to kill, no matter who or what stands in your way. For someone so young to have that resolve... it¡¯s commendable." He sighed, a faraway look in his eyes. "Most people spend years struggling with that burden, if they ever manage it at all. That¡¯s why few pick up a weapon in the first place. Not everyone has the heart for it. I still remember my cowardly peers, talking big and mighty until the time came to prove it. In the end, they either died a fool¡¯s death or abandoned their swords."

    He glanced down at his own blade, the elegant Windslayer, tracing a finger along its edge with a look that seemed almost reverent.

    "Know this, Kaiser," he said, voice steady. "When you decide to wield a sword, you must be prepared to take a life. If you can¡¯t commit to that, set down your blade now and walk away. I won¡¯t waste time mentoring a fool destined to die an idiotic death."

    If only the old swordsman knew that his young disciple had already done what he described¡ªand would likely do so again for he can''t die, anyway. On the bright side, he supposed Garba was lucky.

    ¡®Old man, if only you knew dying is beneath your current student,¡¯ Kaiser thought, suppressing a smirk as he focused on Garba¡¯s speech once more.

    "Every battle is a dance of life and death, Kaiser. Its creatures are locked in a struggle to kill each other, and those who survive are simply the better killers.¡± His gaze sharpened, meeting Kaiser¡¯s. ¡°If hesitation doesn¡¯t plague you, then I trust that when you strike, you¡¯ll strike true. It save us a lot of trouble, too. I don¡¯t want to be wandering the wilderness looking for some unlucky souls just to ¡®temper¡¯ your heart, better yet, an outlaw. Though, even then, it¡¯s yet to be seen if you truly have what it takes to be a warrior."

    Fortunately, there was no need for that¡ªKaiser had already stained his hands red, albeit unwillingly at first. That brutal reality had tempered his mindset, pushing his swordsmanship forward by leaps and bounds. Despite never undergoing formal training, he had faced enough real battles to develop instincts sharper than any drill could provide and a hardened heart honed by merciless reality - something a mere training in an enclosed, secured environment could never hope to give. Practice was one thing, but actual combat was another. As someone who went through a hellish war against the bandits, Kaiser knew that better than anyone else.

    A man might train for a hundred days, yet still fall to someone hardened by the raw, unforgiving truth of survival. There are no restraints, assurance and kindness in war, just pure determination to kill one another and those who are fortunate enough to have survived either rise as tempered warriors or a broken man.

    Still, although an actual battle''s enlightenment outweighs secured training, both sides had its own benefits and only by reaping both could a truly formidable warrior be born. Take the Hunters leader, Alfred, for example.

    Kaiser raised a hand.

    "So... Now that I''ve heard plenty of that. Can we practice some moves now?" He said, a hint of impatience touching his tone.

    Kai was really eager to begin practicing real swordsmanship, to know how to properly swing a blade, shift between offense and defense and swiftly maneuver his blade as if it were his own limb. Which can only be achieved through relentless practice, an expert guidance from a master would make it more efficient and effective in lesser time but greater progress. With an elderly swordmaster help, hopefully, Kai could finally abandon his crude way of handling a sword out of pure instinct, replaced by fluid technique of someone who had understood the underlying fundamentals of wielding a blade.

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    However, the old master isn''t to be interrupted.

    "Sshhhh! Quite, brat. And don''t even think about talking back to your teacher when his instilling valuable knowledge in that naive brain of yours." The old man clicked his tongue, leaving Kaiser disappointed.

    ''More explanations, huh. Fine, I could listen here all day.''

    Garba cleared his throat, tapping the pommel of his sword with a practiced hand as he once again began. "Now, Kaiser, let me tell you something every warrior worth his salt knows. A blade isn¡¯t just a tool; it¡¯s an extension of your soul. You must respect it, feel its weight in your hand, listen to the song it sings as it cuts through the air. And don''t get me started on footwork! A true swordsman is rooted like a tree yet agile like the wind. Every step is deliberate, each shift in balance precise. Fail to master that, and you¡¯re as good as skewered."

    Kaiser nodded, though, if memory serves him right, didn''t the old man said something similar earlier? But that''s fine, elderly people are bound to make mistakes at times. However, he really preferred to swing his sword right now, rather than just listen about it. Then again, that''s his mentor speaking, Garba knew what his doing.

    The old man pressed on, unbothered. "And then there¡¯s the grip. Oh, don¡¯t think it¡¯s as simple as holding it tight! Hold it too loose, and the sword will fly out of your hand at the first clash. Too tight, and you¡¯re liable to crack your own wrist with the recoil. The secret, boy, is knowing when to relax and when to clench. It¡¯s about harmony between hand, wrist, and blade¡ªmore of an art, really."

    "Now, let¡¯s talk about defense," he continued, raising a finger as if lecturing a classroom. "The block and parry aren¡¯t the same. Blocking absorbs the blow, takes it head-on, which can wear you down if you¡¯re not careful. Parrying, on the other hand, diverts the force, redirects it like water slipping off a rock. And it¡¯s not just about the arms, Kaiser! A true parry uses the whole body, and you must learn to move with the enemy¡¯s strike as if you¡¯re anticipating it. If you think you¡¯re just standing there, blade up, waiting for their swing, then you¡¯re already dead.¡±

    ''That''s... Interesting.'' he thought halfheartedly.

    After a while more of silently listening, Kaiser found himself fighting to keep his eyes from drifting off. He shifted his weight, his fingers itching to actually hold his sword. Why?

    ''I take it back, this is starting to get boring.'' Was his most honest opinion.

    Because Garba just keeps on launching into yet another lecture about stance, weight distribution, balance, timing, enemy ires movement, body language and so on. At first, his brain was doing fine absorbing the flowing information, then little by little, the words coming from the geezer''s mouth started becoming plentiful and complicated without signs of stopping or giving him time to rest. Kai attempted voicing, only to be shut down by his engrossed mentor. Leaving him no choice but to continue listening. Eventually, it reached the point that his teaching began floating past Kai¡¯s ears in a blur. Each topic seemed to last an eternity, yet only a mere trinket managed to enter his brain.

    ''My head... I think... it''s fried...''

    Meanwhile, the old geezer kept on pouring water as his student drowned, too absorbed at the lecture they were having to consider his poor disciple''s state of mind. Living alone in the tower sure takes its toll, more so on an enthusiastic elder. Only in rare moments like these could he let his itchy mouth run loose on a topic he specialized in.

    "And don''t even get me started on the mindset. A warrior isn¡¯t some reckless fool charging in headlong. No, you have to keep calm, focused. The battlefield is chaos, but a good fighter keeps his mind clear, anticipating his opponent''s every move. Now, some brash swordsmen will tell you it¡¯s all about aggression, about raw strength, but that¡¯s only half the truth. Strategy, boy, that¡¯s the real key. You need patience, foresight¡­¡±

    Kai tried his best to keep listening, nodding at what he hoped were the right moments, but his gaze had already started to wander toward his sword, resting unused by his side.

    ¡°¡­and let me tell you about angles,¡± Garba continued, eyes alight with fervor. "Every strike has an angle, every counter a precise arc. A half-inch off, and you¡¯re either too weak or too slow. You¡¯ve got to feel the flow of the fight, match your movements like a dance. The sword isn¡¯t just something you swing around like a club, Kaiser. No, you have to¡­¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s patience began to fray, his hand twitching with the urge to actually do something. How much longer would this go on? He coughed, hoping Garba might take the hint, but the old man was in full lecture mode now, hands gesturing animatedly.

    ¡°Timing, balance, rhythm¡ªthese are what separate true swordsmen from amateurs. Now, remember, when your opponent goes for a feint, don¡¯t be so easily deceived! Train your eye to recognize the real strike behind the trickery. It¡¯s all about reading the small signs, those subtle hints in the shoulder or the flick of the wrist¡­¡±

    Kai sighed quietly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, his mind now wandering far from Garba¡¯s relentless ¡°lessons¡± to the actual practice he had been hoping for. By now, his mind absorption ability was completely overloaded and shut down. This is why he never became a top grader despite having a better intellect than most, his brain just isn''t suited for learning complicated and long papers.

    He yearned for excitement and action!

    "And speaking of strength, did I ever tell you about grip exercises?¡± Garba asked suddenly, grinning as if this was the revelation of a lifetime. Kaiser really wants to rebuke that he already talked about grip ."Why, back in my day, we trained our hands till they were strong enough to crush rocks! Yes, rocks! Now, perhaps we don¡¯t have time for that today, but tomorrow, you can bet¡­¡±

    Kaiser stared up at the window, praying for mercy. Hours had already passed! And Eve is nearing yet their sh*ty one-sided lecture''s end are yet to be reached.

    ''What''s the point of these, anymore.'' He wined internally, losing grip of the purpose of their training. That said, Garba had lost sight of their reason, too busy on blabbering to pay his student''s concerns any mind. Kai can''t blame the old man''s behavior because Garba was a chatterbox at heart in a lonesome tower, his enthusiastic character differs him from the average bag of bones. Garba didn''t even notice his sole listener aren''t paying attention anymore.

    Watching the totally engrossed old man spouting sh*ts nonstop, a stupid idea entered Kaiser''s mind. His a rational person most of the time, but when stupidity strikes, even a genius would willingly fall at the height of morons.

    ''I wonder... Is my mentor even a swordsman worth my time?''

    Well, many rumors said so. But right now, only by personally testing it would he be convinced.

    ''Welp, screw it. This is freaking boring!''

    After that, Kaiser let his intrusive thoughts win for the first time in a long while. A crooked smile cracked his bored face.

    Then... Kai pulled his blade to a sudden swing, its aim?

    The blabbering Garba.

    Worst case, he''ll die. But that''s fine, after all, Kaiser is... Well, Kaiser. Though, he might really regret this stunt, really, really bad.

    But that''s for another time.

 Chapter 72: A lesson to die for

    Honestly, staying put and listening to Garba¡¯s endless lecturing was exhausting, nothing new, really. Similar to his academy''s dull lectures. Not because he lacked the desire for knowledge or too lazy to learn¡ªquite the opposite, actually. Kai craved knowledge now more than ever. But no matter how intently he listened, Garba¡¯s way of teaching had become an incomprehensible wall of words.

    Maybe he was just dumb? No, that couldn¡¯t be it. The teaching was wrong.

    ''Absolutely wrong, I say!''

    But Garba was too set in his ways to consider his opinion, so Kaiser decided to express his frustration in a way even the most stubborn mentor couldn¡¯t ignore.

    As the saying goes, ¡°Do not be afraid¡±¡ªalthough, maybe that saying didn¡¯t apply when attacking your infuriating master mid-lecture. But, oh well.

    Garba was halfway through a tale about his old sparring competitions. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, we¡¯d even compete to prove who had the longest swor¡ª¡± His senile eyes abruptly turn sharp, sensing imminent danger coming to his side.

    At the next moment.

    Clang!

    The sound of steel meeting steel echoed sharply through the chamber, erasing the former atmosphere of idle lecturing and filling it with tense silence. Kaiser¡¯s chest tightened as he cursed inwardly.

    ¡®Sh*t¡­ Ahh, is it too late to apologize?¡¯

    He had intentionally held back his output and was ready to withdraw his attack if necessary. But even with his restrained strength, his strike was fast and lethal. Yet Garba¡¯s reaction was faster still. With just a single twitch, Garba had raised Windslayer, intercepting Kaiser¡¯s blade at a precise angle that didn''t kill its momentum, rather, it used it to send Kai''s blade away more effectively, out of his grip¡ªif his hold had been anything less than tough, he would have been armless that instant.

    But Garba wasn¡¯t done.

    Having failed to make the desired outcome, Windslayer flowed like liquid metal in one seamless motion, darting toward Kai¡¯s throat. That''s when his beastial reflexes roared to life, urgently prompting him to sprang back, fortunately, he did so just in time. Because a split second later, a slash would have severed his head clean off.

    It was... Chilling.

    A safe distance away now, Kaiser let out a shaky breath, his pulse pounding from the near-miss. The clash was so short yet felt like eternity.

    Garba, whose expression had turned cold and deadly calm, lifted Windslayer to inspect the faint smear of red at the transparent blade''s tip. A thin smile crept across his face as he studied his student.

    ¡°Not too bad... But tell me, brat, what got into that head of yours? Has ignorance taken over your sense?¡±

    ¡®This is bad,¡¯

    Secretly swallowing dread as he sensed Garba¡¯s mood had darkened to something foreboding. Gone was the patient mentor; in his place stood a formidable foe, radiating a presence that ran deeper, somehow smoother yet far more ominous than even the Hunters leader.

    Kaiser maintained his composure as best as he could, because he won''t back down to what he ignited. That said, he doubt backing down was still an option.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    He forced a grin. ¡°Oh, nothing. Boredom just got the better of me. I figured we could skip the crap and dive straight into the real training.¡±

    Garba gave a single, almost amused snort, flicking away the faint smear of Kai¡¯s blood off Windslayer tip.

    ¡°Is that so? Well, since you¡¯re so restless, perhaps your body will listen better than your ears.¡± His gaze sharpened, a glint of battle-hardened thrill flickering in his senile eyes, something one would never expect from an old man of his age. ¡°I hear that the Player ability involves healing yourself, even dire wounds. Good, good. Then a few, or maybe more cuts won¡¯t hurt. Oh, I have an even better idea that will benefit both of us: maybe we should test your healing ability¡¯s limit. A brilliant notion, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Kai failed to find a single brilliance in that idea. Frightening, many. Including the supposed "benefit" both sides would receive, Garba might be looking forward to it, but Kaiser thinks otherwise. He would rather not find out his immortality''s limit. Never.

    Furthermore, his definitely wasn¡¯t imagining it¡ªthe old man¡¯s smile was downright chilling, so did his wrinkled gaze, looking at him with dark interest. Like a mad scientist about to conduct a twisted experiment on his hard-headed subject. It was a smile that made a cold shiver race down Kai¡¯s spine.

    The smile widened.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since this blade tasted blood. I should be generous.¡±

    ¡®Please, don¡¯t be,¡¯ he prayed silently.

    Garba pointed Windslayer at his student, his stance solid, his expression like tempered steel. ¡°Brace yourself, brat. Since you¡¯re so eager, I¡¯ll show you what real swordsmanship is. This is what you wanted, right?!¡±

    Despite the dread crawling into his chest, Kaiser raised his simple, worn sword in response, made pale in comparison to his opponent''s long sword. Garba was right, this was exactly the kind of ¡°lesson¡± he wanted, and he would accept it gratefully. No matter how apprehensive it may be.

    ¡®Besides, what¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡¯

    Even death was beneath him, after all. But it seemed he still had much to learn about this world, where death was far from the only source of fear. Sometimes, survival itself came with horrors that made a man wish for an end.

    A heartbeat later, the senile opponent before him a moment ago banished.

    Then, a faint gust brushed Kai¡¯s hair. But¡­ how could there be wind in this enclosed chamber? Aside from the large windows, narrowly opened to let air in, no strong draft should exist. But there is... No, that wasn''t natural wind!

    Something inside Kai screamed. Acting on pure instinct, Kaiser threw himself to the side, and in that instant, Windslayer sliced through the space where he had just been.

    CRACK!

    The razor sharp edge of Windslayer cut cleanly into the cement floor, leaving a straight gash in its wake. When Garba wrenched it free with a bit of effort. Surprisingly, not a scratch marred the glass-like blade, though the ground bore the mark of its bite.

    But Kaiser had no time to marvel at the weapon¡¯s flawless edge and mystery of its durability at the moment. Because Garba''s creepy smile foretold a ghastly tale of him and Windblade. And it''s not romantic at all despite promising tons of intimacy.

    It was a nightmare.

    ¡°Your reflexes are impressive,¡± Garba said, voice deceptively calm. "But how can I teach you anything if you keep "dodging" my lesson? Oh, my dear student, should I take it up a notch?¡±

    Kai¡¯s lips twisted into a wry grin as he backed away, glancing at the glinting edge of Windslayer, hearing its low scrape against the floor as Garba advanced, slow and menacing.

    ¡°Uh¡­ is it too late to drop out?¡±

    Garba let out a low laugh. ¡°Drop out? And leave on the first day of training? We¡¯re just getting started here. Show me that eager spirit you had just moments ago. You know, the one that made you interrupt my lecture. Come on, brat¡ªwhere¡¯s that enthusiasm? Or¡­ did my unruly student already regret his misbehavior?¡±

    Kaiser took another step back¡ªonly for his shoulders to bump into the cold, unyielding wall behind him. He was trapped, with nowhere to escape, and Garba was closing in. The old man¡¯s every step seemed heavier as he neared. Added, whether intentionally or not, his drawn-out dragging of Windslayer against the stone floor to produce a low, grating noise that frayed Kaiser¡¯s nerves and emphasized tension, It''s definitely working really well at the moment.

    Within seconds, Garba loomed over him, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the younger swordsman. Despite Garba''s age and limbs frailness, he can''t sense a hint of vulnerability on the sword wielding old man. Rather, his aged appearance exerted wisdom, coupled with lethality of a veteran swordsman.

    Garba stood over his student, trapping him against the cold wall. Although, it seemed he had completely won, he can''t help but feel something amiss. There was something off about the way Kaiser hadn¡¯t even tried to slip to the side and choose to remain in his futile stance in defiance, gripping his mundane sword with slightly shuddering hands.

    Had he already surrendered?

    ''What a disappointment.'' Garba felt a bitter flicker of letdown deep in his gut. He had expected so much more.

    In his judgement, from the looks of Kaiser''s dark, almost sinister eyes. He lacks fear for death, a rare trait to have for a living being, which also translates to the potential of a great warrior.

    Furthermore, he heard nothing but good words from the villagers reports about the kid. However, their praise could also be biased by his title as a Player, someone who should be respected rather than look down upon, for their displeasure could be problematic in the long run.

    Still, for him to actually turn out a coward in the face of a real formidable foe was a real disappointment.

    Garba is taller than his shaking student, stopping close to Kaiser to instill the best of dread and fear to make sure he learned his lesson by carving it deep in his heart - the helplessness, overwhelming odds and the bitter taste of absolute defeat.

    Earlier, in two brief confrontations. He made the difference between their strength as clear as Windslayer blade. Not even once did Kaiser attack, for it''ll either be countered or he will die before unleashing a slash. In the game of speed and fluidity, Kai''s evidently lost already.

    He has no chance of winning against his mentor.

    His gaze was cold yet calm as he looked down on the shuddering student. Then...

    Garba frowned.

    Because, for some reason, his nuisance of a student still had the courage to use his sword against him.

    The old man restrains a sigh as he wields Windslayer with ease, like always. Intending to end his disciple''s stubbornness once and for all.

    However, for the first time in a long, long while. The swordmaster''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ''You despicable brat...!''

 Chapter 73: Sword Play

    Kaiser lashed out as a defiant struggle to his formidable mentor, yet old man Garba didn¡¯t appear the least bit worried. Because his blade was swifter than the untrained young man¡¯s, cutting through the air with effortless grace. Kaiser might have had the strength to make his slashes dangerously fast, but Garba had both speed and accumulated might of years of Leveling, empowering his frail body with energy far surpassed his age.

    Above all, the old man¡¯s technique was polished to perfection, refined through relentless practice and wielded with an exceptionally superior sword. Each of his strikes was calm and deliberate, brimming with lethal precision.

    Backed by experience, wisdom, and the skill of a swordmaster, in the face of a mere novice. Defeat never crossed Garba¡¯s mind.

    Kaiser¡¯s blade approached, yet Garba was hardly concerned. In fact, he even allowed himself to ponder briefly on how to humiliate the boy and settled on a classic near-beheading maneuver to solidify his dominance. The thought of his reckless student¡¯s shocked face as Windslayer, grazed his neck, drawing the faintest bead of blood, filled him with satisfaction. Furthermore, the move would also disrupt the young man¡¯s attack and his spirit in one stroke.

    He''ll be killing two birds with one stone.

    Or so he thought.

    Windslayer swung with flowing fluidity, aiming to execute Garba¡¯s desired outcome. But midway through, its transparent tip struck a hard wall, grating, disrupting the trajectory''s flow.

    Garba¡¯s eyes widened.

    Had his ignorant disciple purposely backed himself against the wall to force this outcome? Had he truly baited Garba¡¯s weapon to a disadvantageous length, using the environment to hinder his counter while gaining a momentary advantage?

    Garba realized he could recover by pulling his blade back and delivering a precise thrust, but Kaiser¡¯s speed was not to be underestimated. The extra motion to correct his position would give the brat just enough time to strike.

    ''You despicable brat¡­''

    And whether that strike would be fatal or not was uncertain. Garba could stop his blade in any critical moment, but his immature student? He wasn¡¯t so sure if he had that level of precision.

    Even though Garba¡¯s planned outcome failed, Windslayer managed to intercept Kaiser¡¯s sword, halting its path. However, that¡¯s when Garba noticed the timid expression vanish from Kaiser¡¯s face, shifting to that of a treacherous fiend. Kaiser''s free hand drew a hidden dagger as if he had prepared before hand, shamelessly breaking the unspoken code of honor in a duel between swordsmen.

    The dagger sliced through the air with blinding speed, aiming for Garba¡¯s arm. Almost in an instant, the ominous edge was dangerously near. But he needs a brief second more to wedge out Windslayer''s tip. However, Kai gave him no time to free Windslayer from the wall¡¯s constraint. Any hesitation would mean risking his arm.

    Left with no choice, Garba reluctantly let go of Windslayer¡¯s handle and back off, narrowly avoiding the dagger¡¯s edge that zipped an instant later, leaving a shallow cut on his wrinkled hand.

    With distance between them, the master and student duel turn more into an equal face-off from the one-sided confrontation a moment ago. No, rather, the odds shift to Kaiser.

    Seeing the dominating old man acting all tough and mighty a moment ago now stripped of his elegant sword while he wields two was gratifying. Though, their duel had become a battle of schemes rather than an honorable test of swordsmanship. But then again, in life, isn¡¯t winning all that matters?

    Kaiser grinned.

    ¡°Damn, that actually worked. I thought a swordmaster wouldn¡¯t fall for it. Guess age has blurred your eyes, huh. Why not get that checked? Maybe then you''ll finally see my...uh, you know what, forget I said anything."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    He really wanted to throw something cool back at his mentor¡¯s earlier mocking, but all he could come up with sounded cringe worthy.

    Besides, time was precious in combat¡ªespecially when his unlikely victory against a master was taking shape. That said, he does feel a bit guilty and wronged at beating an elderly master swordsman through trickery. Aren''t they supposed to be practicing swordmanship?

    ''Who cares about the details? I¡¯m winning here.¡¯

    With his sword stripped from him, the old man was left to face his unruly student barehanded. The scene looked a lot like a brat bullying an elderly person¡ªbut Kaiser didn¡¯t care. Garba was a professional, armed with a superior sword to his student¡¯s mundane blade. The odds had been stacked against Kai; it was only right to savor this moment.

    Yet, Garba¡¯s face remained oddly calm as he sighed, glancing at his wrinkled hand, where Kai¡¯s dagger had left a shallow cut. His eyes, albeit wise, were betrayed by age. His vision isn''t as sharp as it had been in his prime, causing him to misjudged distance. Furthermore, he had been ignorant.

    ¡°Prolonged idleness has dulled my skill, it seems. How long has it been since I was last wounded?¡± He shook his head, his gaze distant. ¡°I can¡¯t remember anymore.¡±

    Sighing, he clinched his fist and looked at his student, an amused smile curling on his dried lips as Kaiser reached for Windslayer embedded in the wall. Who''s staring back at him warily, as if expecting the owner to attempt snatching it back.

    Unexpectedly, Garba spoke without a hint of anger or grudge... Just pure humor.

    "Brat, ahem, Kaiser. I''m really impressed by your resourcefulness just now. Making use of the environment to shift the odds in your favor take intuition, guts and quick wits. Something the majority of warriors lacked. Honestly, I was beginning to feel disappointed earlier, but you''ve proven me terribly wrong. Players were truly another breed, no wonder your predecessors were viewed as legends." Garba said, bootlickingly.

    ¡°Cut the crap, praise won¡¯t save you, old man.¡± He snorted in response, Kaiser figured it was only fair to return some of his mentor¡¯s earlier coldness.

    Garba scratched the back of his head, trying to appear apologetic. But the twitching vein on his forehead at his student¡¯s defiant tone betrayed his true feeling.

    ¡°I¡¯m just being honest here¡­ But really, a little mercy would be appreciated. We might have argued earlier because of your misbehavior, but I know deep down, you¡¯re a considerate young man. How about this: give me my beloved sword back, and I¡¯ll follow your preferred lesson plan as best as I can from now on. Sounds like a good deal?¡±

    Kaiser, who was about to pull Windslayer from the wall, paused. Then he looked back at his mentor with a smirk.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I totally trust you won¡¯t chase me down the second I hand it over. Dream on, teach.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s smile deepened as a thought struck him. He changed direction, stepping toward the unarmed Garba.

    ¡°But you¡¯re right about one thing. I am a considerate student¡­ tell you what, I won''t take Windslayer anymore, I can''t keep it to myself, anyway. But I won''t hand it over, either. So get it yourself... However, you''ll have to defeat me first. Lucky for you, I''ll be considerate enough to fight you in equal grounds - Hand to hand. What do you say?"

    The poor old man heaved a sigh of relief, having given a chance. But his joy soon faltered as his supposedly considerate opponent approached, still holding a dagger and a sword without intentions of releasing them.

    He stepped back, feeling dread for what''s about to happen.

    "My dear student, I thought we were having a fair fight?"

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow.

    "Did I?"

    Of course, that was a joke. Kai were never kind, especially to those that toyed with him. Be it the elderly, he would pay their deeds in kind if ever he had a chance.

    The dread and fright he felt as Garba made him retreat back until his pressed against the wall was still fresh in his mind.

    Sure, his ignorance had ignited their conflict, bringing out the slumbering swords master within his mentor. Still, would it hurt him to hold back a bit? From the looks of it, Garba was literally trying to slaughter him. His only saving was his potent reflexes saving him in the nick of time, if not, Kaiser didn''t know if his still be breathing right now. What would happen to Ariella and Cia by then?!

    ''I forgot I can''t die.''

    True. Although, dying was beneath Kaiser, his immortality being uncovered would be troublesome, to say the least. Many seek for eternal life, some so desperate to cling to any hint of immortality. More so for elderly people, whose impending ends are near. That''s why Kaiser tried his best to not die in the presence of others, to avoid unwelcomed attention to his immortal life.

    Suddenly, Kaiser stopped. Sensing something odd about the situation. A frown of suspicion appearing on his brows.

    Why is Garba steeping back?

    His too gratified by his successful stunt and his domineering mentor''s dramatic shift in attitude. The once, so frightening old man acting all timid and apologetic when his blade are gone are... Odd. Kai really enjoyed the old man''s reaction, but his rationality suggest otherwise.

    After all, Garba is older than Alfred, therefore, accumulated greater strength through Leveling in the years. Including experience, coupled with the guidance of his family renowned for their blades, inherited from a Player. He should be really strong, right? With or without a weapon.

    So... Why would this ancient relic fall so low without his Windslayer?

    Knowing the enthusiastic old man. Kaiser cursed.

    "Why did you stop?" His mentor asked. Kai studied Garba''s face for a while, his expression becoming complicated with every moment.

    Because... The old man wasn''t hiding it anymore.

    His freaking trolling his student!

    As though heaven had personally whispered in Kaiser''s ear, his malicious demeanor abruptly changed as he anxiously scratched the back of his head, smiling wryly.

    "Nothing, nothing really. Um, you know what, I''m kinda tired for today so how about we call it quits? And forget these entire thing? Man, I''m beat." He laughed dryly before retreating as nonchalantly as he could.

    Only to be stopped by a sinister voice behind from his demented mentor.

    "Leaving so soon, the day is still young my dear student. There''s still lots for you to learn."

    It sounds so soft and sincere, as though a real concerned mentor was genuinely speaking. But Kai knew better than anyone of its underlying meaning.

    Then, Windslayer embedded the wall shuddered and moved, and was pulled by an invisible force, sending it to zipped back towards Garba''s wrinkled hand... Somehow.

    Kaiser froze in his tracks.

    Beads of sweet forming on his forehead. And yup, his really regretting that reckless stunt.

    ''I wanna go home.'' Kai swallowed hard, pleading the heavens for mercy.

    Something tells him that his mentor is done playing with his games.

 Chapter 74: Dance with Death

    It was... hell.

    The welcoming, enthusiastic tower keeper and friendly old instructor had vanished.

    In his place stood a merciless butcher.

    From the moment Garba dropped his act, the temperature in the chamber seemed to plummet. An icy dread settled in Kaiser¡¯s chest, urging him to run.

    He tried, of course. But it was useless¡ªGarba was simply too fast, even for him. With a gust of wind, a sharp sting lanced across his skin, a fresh cut blooming despite his reflexive attempt to dodge.

    It had worked before, didn¡¯t it? So¡­ how? Why had his instincts failed him?

    No. Garba had lured him into it. Unleashing a feint that had been perfectly calculated, coaxing Kaiser to evade the wrong way, then striking precisely where he least expected it. The realization hit him hard: his mentor was several steps ahead, anticipating his every move.

    If only he could discern feint from real strike, maybe he would have stood a chance¡ªbut it was too late for regrets.

    He caught a fleeting glimpse of Garba blocking his path of escape.

    The old man¡¯s transformation was staggering. Gone was the familiar humor, the warm enthusiasm, the carefree attitude that joked around earlier. Instead, an eerily tranquil expression had settled on Garba¡¯s face, as if his consciousness were somewhere else entirely, floating in a realm of perfect calm. His face was relaxed, his gaze distant. There was no strain, no fierce resolve¡ªonly an otherworldly serenity, a stark contrast to the tense grimace of warriors engaged in battle.

    And then, almost without warning, that brief glimpse was gone as time ticked by. What happened after that... Kaiser wasn''t sure himself, because his situation turned into a surreal, tranquil nightmare.

    Garba seemed to dissolve into the air, his body moving like a shadow on the wind as he maneuvered with his blade. In that instant, Kaiser understood. He understood what mastery truly was¡ªwhat swordsmanship looked like when refined to its absolute peak. Or rather¡­ what it felt like. For following a master wielder like Garba, one who¡¯d honed a style as fluid and elusive as the wind, was beyond anything Kaiser could manage at his current level.

    He tried to track his mentor¡¯s movements, eyes darting from one side to the other. But it was hopeless. All he could catch were the faintest glimpses of Garba¡¯s passing figure before he vanished again, exploiting every blind spot with effortless precision. Another line of searing pain erupted on his arm. Then his leg. Then his shoulder. He was being cut apart piece by piece. Well, that''s exaggerating it.

    Windslayer¡¯s transparent blade was nearly invisible, a shimmer of steel that blurred and flickered as it zipped around him. Kaiser raised his own sword to defend, but his blade might as well have been made of mist. Windslayer slipped past it with ghostly ease, like a breeze unbound by solidity, leaving fresh wounds with each pass.

    The air itself seemed to come alive, swirling around Garba as if obeying his every movement¡ªor perhaps Garba was moving with it, his steps in perfect sync with each shift in the atmosphere. Moving with it and creating a breeze that kept disrupting his subconscious defensive perception. Causing his reflexes to go haywire, coupled with the feints being mixed with real strikes. Feints and real strikes wove together in a deadly, indiscernible tapestry, each movement setting him up for the next cut.

    Panic surged within him, twisting into a helpless awe. The overwhelming beauty of Garba¡¯s swordsmanship was inescapable. Each step, each pivot, every swing flowed seamlessly, the seams of his robe fluttering in perfect harmony with his movements. The soft rustling of fabric became a haunting melody in Kaiser¡¯s ears, punctuated by the quiet, relentless hum of Windslayer. Which never stopped, blurring past him in a ceaseless dance of lethal grace. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Kaiser tried to follow, tried to anticipate, but Garba¡¯s form dissolved before his eyes, flickering like an illusion. Each attempt to defend was met with the sudden sting of failure, as Windslayer traced yet another line of pain across his skin. His foot, his leg, his arm, his cheek¡ªone by one, fresh wounds appeared, searing pain spreading across his body. Blood began to soak his clothes, darkening in scattered crimson patches that bloomed and spread with every cut.

    The onslaught was relentless. Kaiser''s mind wavered, teetering between terror and awe. Garba¡¯s mastery was too vast, too fluid, too utterly horrifying. He was helpless to resist it, his every move undone by his mentor¡¯s unyielding skill.

    And through it all, Garba¡¯s face remained unchanged. Tranquil. Almost peaceful. Eyes half-closed, focused on something far beyond, lost in a world of serene control.

    ''What the hell is this?'' The thought clawed at Kaiser¡¯s mind, a single refrain echoing in his head as he struggled to comprehend the one-sided slaughter unfolding around him.

    He was... utterly helpless. Despite his light armor and sword in hand, he felt naked without anything to defend himself as cuts appeared on his body. Kai urge his mind to come up with anything, anything at all to escape this one-sided torture and somehow claim victory.

    He didn''t want to lose.

    But in the end, he lost.

    Of course he did. What chance did he stand in a true exchange of swords against a master? When both fought seriously, the answer was clear¡ªnone at all.

    Garba''s swordsmanship was something else entirely, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Compared to this flowing, ghostly technique, the swordplay Brick had shown in the inn¡ªthe one he relatively struggled with¡ªfelt like child¡¯s play. Even Alfred''s Greatsword, capable of shaking the ground with its devastating strikes, seemed simple and mundane beside Garba''s art. The closest he had seen was Zara¡¯s feral style, honed from mastering her own body rather than any single weapon. She could wield anything at hand¡ªdagger, axe, spear, or even her bare hands¡ªas extensions of herself. Her combat was wild and adaptable, a beast unleashed. But Garba¡¯s style was nothing like that. His entire being was poured into the sword, his skill refined to a level Kaiser hadn¡¯t known was possible.

    His mentor was like a wraith on the wind, his translucent blade flickering in and out of sight as he moved around Kaiser with lethal grace. Staying at his blindspots while sending elusive yet deadly strikes, an unending series of blows that hinted at the true horror of a master¡¯s full strength. And what made it even more chilling was the ease, the absolute relaxation in Garba¡¯s every move. Kaiser barely heard his steps, felt no tension or hesitation; it was as though his teacher floated above the ground, completely at peace in this deadly dance. Yet each strike, each passing cut, was so sharp that it felt like it could flow past him, it was clear Garba could end him with a single blow if he wanted.

    And that''s his mentor holding back, purposely landing only superficial cuts to teach him a lesson. Just imagining his mentor fighting seriously¡ªa true fight to the death¡ªsent a chill down his spine.

    Kaiser was no stranger to swordsmanship. Even back on Earth, where swords were ancient relics rather than practical weapons. Therefore, he didn''t expect much for its use.

    However, here, in a feral world without advanced weaponry, Kai had been drawn to them by necessity and multiple reasons. It was his first weapon, coupled with the majorities influence. Furthermore, they seemed to be the most versatile option and easiest to master.

    But he had never imagined swordsmanship could reach such an insane level of complexity. The sheer skill, the absolute mastery, left him speechless, helpless in the face of a true blade master. All his struggles were rendered futile as Garba''s sword just kept flowing in and out of him, creating cuts that might as well be lethal, or even cause the death of him in serious confrontation.

    Just how many times would he have died if Garba weren¡¯t his mentor, but an actual enemy?

    Kaiser shuddered.

    He lost count.

    Now, sitting obediently on the floor with his clothes stained with blood, Kaiser had truly learned his lesson. He just endured what felt like a near-butcher¡¯s treatment. Despite Garba¡¯s usually welcoming demeanor and boundless enthusiasm, the old man was ruthless in training, especially if pissed-off. He didn¡¯t stop even when his student was covered in blood, relentlessly delivering precise slices across Kaiser¡¯s skin, knowing his student would heal anyway. But still, to continue like that, leaving him in constant pain, was just cold. The lesson didn¡¯t end until Kaiser dropped his blade. Perhaps satisfied that his student hadn¡¯t cried out or wavered, even as his regeneration began to falter.

    Little did Garba know that Kaiser had intentionally slowed his healing¡ªanything to dull the agony that was starting to become unbearable.

    Either way, Kaiser survived the ordeal. From now on, he would think twice before angering his mentor again. Or maybe not. Because, strangely enough, facing a furious master had been kind of a fun experience. He wasn¡¯t sure whether he was entirely done with pushing his teacher¡¯s limits.

    But not right now, his traumatized mind had yet to recover and Kai had to finish the consequent punishment for his recklessness.

    Kaiser sat cross-legged, struggling to focus on the scene at the center of the chamber. His expression was twisted with discomfort as he rubbed his sore eyes, trying to keep them on his ¡°punishment."

    "Why... why, of all sh*ts in existence, why do I have to watch *this*?"

    In the middle of the chamber, a half-naked old man was dancing, his movements breathtakingly graceful¡ªalmost more beautiful than any famous dancer Kaiser had seen. And yet, as smooth and skilled as Garba¡¯s form was, the scene felt deeply wrong. No one had warned him about this kind of training.

    He wanted to look away, to escape the surreal wrongness of it all. But he can''t, unless he wanted to repeat the bloody past without question.

    So, he swallowed his nausea and forced himself to endure.

    ''What the heck am I even doing with my life?''

    His starting to regret every life decision that leads to this point.

 Chapter 75: A Horrid spectacle

    Now, obediently seated on the floor in his blood-stained clothes, Kaiser grappled with what his instructor insisted was an important lesson¡ªthough it felt far more like a punishment. To him, watching Garba¡¯s strange performance was like staring directly into the horrid sun, a task equally uncomfortable and blinding in its bizarre glory.

    But after experiencing the terrifying mastery of Garba¡¯s blade firsthand, Kaiser held no doubt about his mentor¡¯s guidance. Garba wouldn¡¯t be dancing in front of him, bare and unashamed, without good reason. After all, who would want to subject themselves to such scrutiny?

    ''Not me.'' he thought, forcing his eyes to stay open, resisting every urge to look away from this disturbing display as he tried to analyze Garba¡¯s movements, per his mentor''s orders.

    As his instructor had said, more like forced into the ear of his bloodied student, that Kaiser already had the heart and qualifications to become a proper swordman. He could stand his ground and strike with the intent to kill, and he had an unusual resistance to pain, a resilience that freed him from the limitations most humans faced in battle that separated born warriors to citizens. His mentor seemed convinced that, with this temperament, Kai could survive the battlefield¡­

    Though, if only Garba knew: Kai would survive even if everyone else perished. He would be left standing, whether he liked it or not.

    Still, despite these strengths, Garba had pointed out that Kaiser¡¯s skills were lacking. His fighting style barely scratched the surface of true swordsmanship both offense and defense. Sure, he knew how to swing and thrust a blade to attack and how to lift it in defense, but that was merely swordplay¡¯s surface. Feints, transitional movements, efficient footwork, proper grip, utilization of blind spots and many more in which Kai had no knowledge of, let alone, fluency to execute in real battle.

    There were much to improve.

    Garba, who had nothing to do with his old life in the tower would have loved to teach his problematic yet amusing lad everything he knew. It''s been so long since he had this so much fun. The old man was ready to pour his knowledge into this rough, sometimes irritating but undeniably promising student.

    However, time was running out. The migration was drawing near, and soon the service caravan would arrive to escort the village to a larger settlement. Kaiser, as a young man without established roots, would have to leave with them and there would be no time to continue training on the dangerous road ahead. Garba couldn¡¯t abandon his tower, either; it was his lifelong duty.

    So, with no other choice, Garba had decided on an option that would favor both; by passing down his family¡¯s sword style, a rare and cherished legacy that would have otherwise perished with him. It''s ending with his life, anyway, so why not pass it to a promising young man who had a bright future ahead. A Player, at that!

    Dance of the Wind, they called it¡ªa name that had echoed through his lineage. The style consisted of hundred of flowing moves that, when woven together, resembled an elegant dance.

    And now, stripped of all his shrouding robes and outer garments, Garba was performing the dance. He wore only a cloth to cover what needed covering, his old, weathered body exposed for his student''s reluctant observation.

    Kaiser was surprised when he first saw his mentor¡¯s physique that was undeniably aged, skin stretched loosely over sinew and bone, but beneath the wrinkles, faint muscle lines could still be seen, hinting at strength and endurance preserved over years of training. Garba¡¯s frame, though frail in parts, was still lean and capable of straightening his posture with ease. In fact, it wouldn''t surprise him if Garba could lift a considerable amount of weight despite his age.

    But all awe evaporated when the old man began his dance in the middle of the chamber.

    The swordmaster¡¯s performance, reserved for Kaiser''s eyes alone, was¡­ jaw-dropping, to say the least¡ªthough its oddity left him at a rare loss for words.

    When Garba had told him he would be demonstrating a foundational sequence that formed the core of his swordsmanship. The style he personally experienced, Kaiser¡¯s hopes had soared. He was eager to see the magic behind his master¡¯s blurring strikes and elusive movements, to catch a glimpse of the path that could transform him into something more than an average swordsman. To acquire Garba''s terrifying yet graceful technique. But those hopes were swiftly crushed as he watched the strange display before him.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    His mentor''s ¡°dance¡± was something else entirely. It was like a surreal blend between a ballerina¡¯s grace and the primal power of an ancient tribal ritual. The moves seemed erratic, almost chaotic at first glance, as if stitched together by randomness. And yet, they were performed with a serene grace, each movement flowing seamlessly into the next, like a swan gliding across water¡ªif only it "were" a swan, or a poised dancer performing these steps. That would have been breathtaking.

    The setting almost lent itself to beauty: With the sun falling near the horizon, warm beams of light streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow that filled the chamber, illuminating Garba at its center like an ethereal spotlight. In a different world, it would have been mesmerizing, the kind of rare performance that left a deep tranquility in the audience¡¯s heart.

    If only.

    But fate, it seemed, had offered Kaiser a different reality. Instead of a graceful ballerina in white with charming figure and face, he was watching a half-naked, saggy old man in the place of that swan, leaping and twisting in ways that felt more disturbing than inspiring.

    His almost in tears, covering his mouth with a hand as he somberly shook his head by the wrongness of it all. Also, to refrain himself from puking his guts out as the old man spins with his arms up, showing his. Um, armpit.

    "Gods... I think my brain is being fried." He muttered under his breath.

    But no, he couldn¡¯t look away, no matter how much his mind protested. As ridiculous as it felt to watch, he knew this was a rare opportunity. This bizarre ritual was somehow the bedrock of the swordsmanship that had awed him mere hours before. Whatever it was, this was his future¡ªthe style he had to learn and memorize to become the warrior he aspired to be.

    Garba leaped once more, landing effortlessly.

    This was the future of his swordmanship.

    Kaiser took a deep breath, forcing his focus back to Garba¡¯s strange, flowing movements.

    Coincidentally, the dancer was in a position men''s would have intensified their focus on a certain spot, as if to peer through the clothing. But in the reality of his circumstances, Kai can only imagine a traumatizing view beneath that garment, making him pray it won''t come off nonstop.

    No matter how unsettling, he would commit every awkward step to memory.

    Still, it was difficult... His hands were unknowingly searching for his sword, probably to cure his screaming mind, prompting the subconscious defensive mechanism to lash out again for the sake of saving his memory from corruption!

    Kaiser found himself wishing to start another duel with a master swordsman rather than watch this horrid display.

    ''Wha-what did I do to deserve this...?''

    He didn''t know. It''s just that, fate is unforgiving, at times.

    The old swan kept dancing, unbothered by his student struggling reaction. Seemingly lost in the motions of his own style as he performs his wrongly elegant display.

    Kaiser gritted his teeth, fighting back the strange urge to laugh at the sheer absurdity of his situation. The corruption was making him mad. But he kept watching, no matter how strange it felt, deep down, he knew that he was seeing something he¡¯d never see again. In contrast to his memory begging to wipe this horror out of his mind.

    Eventually, before they knew it. The "marvelous" performance was over and the sun was beginning to disappear.

    "It was going to be dark soon." Garba muttered, looking at the window. After taking a breathing, he walked towards his student to check on Kaiser''s analysis.

    Letting the audience see the dancer closely.

    However, the old man frowned, seeing the blank expression on his disciple''s face. As though his brain had shut down at some point. He didn''t even react when he approached.

    "Brat! Don''t tell me you''ve been spacing out in my entire briefing!"

    He gave the young man a slap, waking him up from his reverie.

    Kaiser, back to reality, can''t seem to remember what just happened. Then, his eyes widen seeing his nightmare, I mean, his mentor.

    Scratching the back of his head, Kai smiled wryly.

    "Ahh, what? Oh, of course I''ve been watching. By the way, you said Windslayer was given by Doubl-, ahem, the Great "He", I can''t help but notice Dance of the Wild has similarities with Windslayer, did it come from the "Him", too?"

    Garba smiled proudly, happy that his foolish disciple was starting to understand the greatness of their ancestral Player.

    "Good question, lad. That''s the most decent thing I heard from your sharp tongue today. I''ll have you know, Doubleyu, ef, e, doubleyu was the greatest swordsman that had graced Greenland" he sighed, "Until he disappeared from this land, sadly."

    Kai can''t really get used to hearing the guy''s absurd name.

    "Wait, does that mean Windslayer is his sword? Then... did your great, great, great grandpa, or grandma stole it? It wasn''t passed down to your family at all!"

    "Shut it, brat. Yes, Windslayer is from the great "He" but it wasn''t his personal sword. His main blade are far more magnificent than Windslayer. It was said to once burn down a quarter of the forest with one swing, and the reason why Bakar didn''t dare go against him. Furthermore, if you think that simply mastering Dance of the Wind would get you at his level, think again!" Garba crossed his arm. "Legends stated that Doubleyu, ef, e, doubleyu, swordmanship utilize the four elements. His moves flowed like the wind. The blazing sword he wields is capable of melting irons, while his mighty muscles are as tough as the earth yet as fluid as water. Just imagine how magnificent that kind of swordplay is!"

    True, Garba''s elusive style inspired by Dance of the Wind is already chillingly awing. Let alone, a swordplay combined with all four elements which can also be translated as having an overpowered flaming sword, robust body backed with flowingly fluid technique of a great swordman.

    ''Wait... Wind, fire, Earth and water?... WFEW? Wtf?! What is "He"? A diehard fan of a baldy?''

    He coughed, before asking softly.

    "By any chance. Your Player ancestor... is he bald?"

    Garba raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised by the question.

    "...How did you know? Wait a minute... I see what you''re doing. Brat, don''t change the subject, did you get the moves or not?!"

    Kaiser''s smile froze, then avoided his mentor''s gaze as he stuttered.

    "Yeah, about that..."

    The old man sighed in disappointment before giving his disciple an encouraging tap on the shoulder. Grinning, he reassured him in a carefree tone.

    "Worry not, my dear student. We still have a few days together. And don''t think too much about it, not everyone could memorize it on the first try. Be thankful, brat. I''ll be sure to dig it in your memory." He laughed, prompting the stiffed young man to follow down stairs.

    Garba''s words didn''t assure him at all. Looking up, Kai prayed for mercy for his eyes.

 Chapter 76: Traumatized

    At the very least, Kaiser had one comfort: he hadn¡¯t yet lost his mentor¡¯s favor despite his blunders. Still, he wasn¡¯t sure if that was a blessing or a curse¡ªknowing he would have to relive that surreal experience was enough to send a chill down his spine.

    Kaiser could usually handle a lot, but Garba¡¯s ¡°dance¡± was a different kind of torment, striking him in the spot he never knew existed. It felt like a corruption seeping into his very mind, a strain he never anticipated. That evening, desperate to wash the horrid memory away, he sought out the company of Ariella and Cia, hoping their natural beauty could help cleanse his mind. But the damage ran deeper than he thought. Because every time he looked at their faces, he found himself haunted by the memory of Garba¡¯s half-closed, blissful expression, lost in that unsettling ¡°dance.¡± Even in his dreams, the saggy swan hunted him.

    That was when he knew it: he was traumatized.

    For the rest of the night, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to look them in the eyes without that disturbing image resurfacing. And the next morning, as Garba hinted they would resume the lesson, Kai tried every trick to delay it. He seized the chance to ask a question he had been genuinely curious about for a while.

    ¡°Hey, Gramps, what exactly is Windslayer? I mean, yesterday that sword just flew into your hand on its own. How is that even possible?¡±

    Garba chuckled knowingly. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you already?¡±

    Kai scoffed mentally. ''You never tell me about the important stuff, like Leveling, that bald-headed freak¡¯s abilities are, and, well¡­ everything else.''

    Still, he forced a polite smile for the sake of knowledge.

    ¡°No, actually.¡±

    With a shameless cough, Garba continued. ¡°Is that so? Seems like you¡¯ve forgotten. But don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m as patient as ever. I¡¯ll repeat myself.¡±

    Kaiser resisted an eyeroll, knowing he had to endure Garba¡¯s smug attitude if he wanted any useful answers.

    ¡°Listen up, lad. What I''m about to tell you is premium knowledge, only known to a few Players. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t share this, but since you¡¯re one of them, I suppose it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Garba held Windslayer aloft, pointing at the gleaming blade. ¡°This here is what we call a Relic, a shorter term for magical or extraordinary items. From what I know, there are two ways to get one. First, you can rely on someone skilled enough to create such an item or enchant an existing one¡ªonly a Player can do that. So, keep your eyes open for any Player with that ability if you¡¯re after a relic of your own.

    ¡°But if you can¡¯t find someone like that, well¡­ you could try the second method. Though, it would be quite the challenge. It¡¯s said that if you kill an exceptionally powerful creature, there¡¯s a chance you might receive a relic corresponding to that creature. Similar to how leveling works. But that¡¯s more rumor than fact. I¡¯ve fought countless beasts over the years, yet I¡¯ve never received another relic. Maybe that¡¯s just because the beasts in this Realm aren¡¯t powerful enough.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s interest was thoroughly piqued. Magical items? The possibility of wielding a relic of his own excited him, conjuring visions of extraordinary weapons and powers. But reality tempered his hopes: acquiring one would either mean finding a skilled Player possessing ability related to crafting, which is probably rare. And considering his batch mate''s lack of experience, finding a decent craftsman wouldn''t be easy. Killing an elite creature on other Realms with low chances of drop rate is no better. Neither of which would be easy. Aside from stealing from a deadly grampa...The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    In any case, he didn¡¯t really think some enchanted sword would fly into his hands anytime soon. But even if relics were beyond reach, it was clear his other hope for delaying the ¡°dance¡± was futile.

    Before long, Garba once again insisted on resuming his lesson. This time, the cursed display unfolded in the golden light of sunrise, and though the change in lighting did little to improve the experience, he found his tolerance was at least a touch higher. His brain didn¡¯t shut down this time, and he managed to keep his gaze on Garba, determined to follow his mentor¡¯s guidance.

    In all honesty, it felt more like he was sitting through an elaborate dance lesson than a swordsmanship practice. This was far from the grueling training he expected¡ªthe intense drills, hard-earned aches, and sharp bladework Kai thought would define his journey to mastery. Yet he held back any doubts, restraining his urge to question his mentor. He couldn¡¯t trust Garba completely, but he respected the old man¡¯s wisdom and skill.

    If this bizarre ritual was what Garba insisted was the key to his blade skills, then Kaiser would memorize every move¡ªno matter how uncomfortable the memory.

    Finally, it seemed Garba had noticed the toll his lessons were taking on his student. Watching Kaiser¡¯s struggle, he sighed and said;

    ¡°Alright, lad, let¡¯s make some adjustments. Staring all day won¡¯t help you progress faster; you need time to absorb this, too.¡± With that, Garba restructured Kaiser¡¯s schedule, giving him some much-needed breaks to let the lesson sink in.

    After a moment of hesitation, Garba also voiced a deeper concern. ¡°Judging by that¡­ twisted expression on your face, tell me honestly, Kaiser, how much do you think?¡±

    Kai thought about it, then replied, ¡°A lot. Like, really¡­ a lot. I don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯ve been an overthinker since I was a kid.¡±

    Garba sighed heavily. ¡°Well, that explains a lot. Lad, if you aim to master the sword under my guidance, we have a problem. Overthinking itself isn¡¯t a flaw, but it¡¯s an obstacle with the style I¡¯m teaching. The Dance of the Wind is the foundation of my swordplay¡ªmoving like the wind, flowing with both body and blade, requires a mind calm enough to clear all tension from each step and strike. Like it or not, we¡¯ll need to stabilize that cluttered mind of yours.¡±

    Kaiser was conflicted, he had no issues with changes, for the world had always demanded adaptability over stubbornness. The problem is, if changing was so easy, then everyone wouldn''t be troubled by their own personality.

    Still, he nodded. ¡°I¡¯m fine with that.¡±

    Every problem had a solution. Luckily, his troubles could be managed with simple methods. From that day forward, his schedule included regular meditation alongside the Dance of the Wind practice.

    Though he appreciated the mercy, Kaiser found the new routine nearly as unbearable. Watching Garba¡¯s unsettling ¡°dance¡± and sitting in endless meditation grated at him. But he pushed through, driven by his goal of mastering the blade and his trust in Garba¡¯s wisdom. Besides, compared to listening to endless blabbering that yielded nothing, even these tedious exercises seemed like progress.

    Still, it frustrated him that he felt so little improvement.

    The one real pleasure in his new schedule was the extra free time, which he spent in the garden with Ariella and Cia. As he opened the backdoor to step into the morning light, he caught sight of them tending to the vegetables, the sun casting warm rays over them as multiple small animals from the forest gathered around, attracted by the goddess grace. Ariella in her white dress and Cia in her exquisite archer¡¯s attire looked like figures from a painting¡ªtwo gentle goddesses nurturing the earth, serene and graceful in their work.

    They''re so vulnerable and pure, incomparable to the horrible things Kai''s been seeing lately that even now, has defiled his brain cell to the point it made him incapable of appreciating true beauty.

    If only he had his phone; he would have given anything to snap a photo of this moment. But that relic of his past was gone, lost along with his old life.

    Seeing Ariella and Cia brought a lightness to his chest, a bit of warmth in a dark and twisted world. Like a glimpse of the sun breaking through clouds, he could only watch, feeling peace spread through him for the first time in what felt like ages.

    Noticing him, Ariella¡¯s face lit up, and she waved, her bright smile a refreshing sight for Kaiser. The last time she saw his guardian was last night, when he looked anything but well.

    Kaiser smiled back, partly for her and partly at the sight of the little creatures scattering as they spotted him. Their hurried escape brought him back to those early days after his arrival in this world, when "hunting" was a daily necessity, and he had to rely on "Ariella''s help". Those days had been both brutal and strangely memorable. Fortunately, his improved living situation now spared the adorable woodland animals from becoming his next meal.

    ''I just hope she will never find out.''

    Leaving the shade, Kaiser felt the sun¡¯s warmth wash over him as he made his way to the crude bench by the garden, placed under a tree''s shade. He sank down, feeling a bit haggard and mentally drained. Despite all his efforts, his progress felt painfully slow. He trusted Garba¡¯s guidance, but doubt gnawed at him¡ªat his mentor''s methods and his own abilities. Above all, he still had no idea what his Player ability even was.

    With a sigh, he glanced over at Cia, who was being led by Ariella, the two of them walking gracefully across the garden toward him.

    "Are you okay?" Cia asked gently, her face clouded with concern.

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow, frowning in surprise. "...How did you know?"

    She was blind, after all¡ªthere was no way she could see the exhaustion on his face, the disheveled mess he had become after undergoing the eerie training sessions. So how could she tell?

    "Don''t tell me you...!"

 Chapter 77: A Casual conversation under a Trees shade.

    "Don¡¯t tell me you can see now!?" Kai¡¯s face lit up with genuine excitement.

    Kaiser was really happy for her. Of course, Cia being born without vision can''t magically recover her sight, but the fact that they''re Players with unique abilities hidden within could potentially give her vision. If somehow Cia had gained sight as her Player ability, it would be nothing short of miraculous.

    Cia chuckled, putting an end to his brief excitement. "No, silly. For your information, people tend to improve what they frequently use the most. I can''t say exactly how, but I could just tell you were troubled by the change in your voice, and there¡¯s something off in the way you¡¯re holding yourself right now." Cia explained as she touched the bench before sitting down beside him, on his other side sat Ariella, rather, she lay beside him using his lap as a pillow without permission, and taking his hands to cover her face... She seemed satisfied with what she was doing, which put a smile on his face as he messed up Ariella''s silky, silver hair in return.

    But back to the problem. Cia hasn''t discovered her ability yet, which is both disappointing and expected.

    Kai sighed, leaning back a little, feeling a bit lighter and frustrated all at once. "Not today, I guess¡­ Do I really sound that strange?"

    Cia nodded calmly. "Not to most people. But for me? Yes."

    Her voice had grown more distant, the lightness from a moment ago fading, as if she¡¯d drawn inward once again. Kai felt a familiar helplessness. It had been hard to spend as much time with them recently, partly because each of them had their own unique ways and the surrounding tasks that only he could deal with. Ariella was a cheerful presence, yet her silence sometimes made it hard to connect fully. Cia was much the opposite, quiet by nature, keeping her words brief and weighted, maybe due to the internal struggles she shouldered in a world that felt too vast and hostile for someone without sight. It hadn¡¯t gotten easier for her, that much he knew. Being blind isn''t easy. The sad thing, is that, her silent depression wasn''t improving, more like it''s worsening by the day the more she learns about the world they''re thrown into.

    Kaiser wished to help her, but his not the best man for the job because his more suitable at cursing others than comforting. He had never been great at words, especially the kind that softened pain. If only there''s a Psychiatrist in the village to aid Cia''s mental health, but even then, her recovery is uncertain. After all, it won''t change the fact that her future is bleak. Fortunately, Ariella can be by her side all the time to keep dark thoughts at bay.

    Being the core member of their group, Kaiser had to work around for their livelihood and safety. So he can''t be around them too much, making moments like this relatively rare, Kai was grateful for them. A warm, clear sky hung above them, the soft rustling of trees framing the peaceful garden. The sun filtered down, illuminating the space around them with a gentle glow as they shared a bench under the shade of a tree.

    Kaiser thought for a moment before finally coming up with a question before it gets too awkward.

    "Hmm, Okay. So.. um, how have you two been lately." He asked with a smile.

    Cia paused, and her brows furrowed a bit, as if deciding how to respond. "Kai¡­ maybe we should work a little on your choice of words." She gave him a small smile, softening the scolding. "You¡¯re doing fine, but try to adapt to who you¡¯re talking to. For someone who can¡¯t see, ¡®lovely garden¡¯ and ¡®beautiful weather¡¯ don¡¯t mean a lot."

    Did he really expect someone who couldn''t see, describe her day with anything but sounds and blackness?

    Kai coughed, realizing his misstep. "Sorry about that."

    She shook her head gently. "It¡¯s okay. I know you¡¯re just trying to keep the conversation going." Her lips curved slightly. "Actually, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¡­ I don¡¯t remember any other student named Ariella at the university, so I assume she¡¯s from Greenland. If you don¡¯t mind my asking... What¡¯s your relationship with her?"

    Kai blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. He looked down at Ariella, sleeping peacefully on his lap.

    "Oh Yeah, I haven''t told you yet... Well, It¡¯s¡­ a bit complicated," he answered, pinching the goddess cheek as he continued nonchalantly. "We''re not friends. I just found her on my first day here and because of some circumstances I can''t explain, I''m obligated to raise this uselessly beautiful goddess that got kinda scammed out of her powers so she wouldn''t destroy the world. Thanks to that, I had to take care of her even after my death. In some sense, I guess I''m her step dad." He laughed at himself.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Cia seemed to have lost her words for a moment, then nodded slowly, as though processing what he just said. Her expression was unreadable. "I, I see... That is indeed complicated."

    She''s not buying it at all.

    After an awkward silence, Kaiser asked, looking up with a distant gaze.

    "Hey Cia, you probably heard that there''s only a few days to go before we left the village. We''ll be moving into a city soon... Honestly, I don''t feel too well about that. You know how complex society can be, which only becomes more confusing the bigger it is."

    Government administrations, organizations, living space, foods and jobs to kept their livelihood afloat and everything concerning the inner workings of society brought struggle and bliss to its citizens. Luckily, as a Player, Kai wouldn''t have to worry about finding food so much. However, that glorious title also screamed for both attention and potential trouble. The simple village had already dragged him in threatening issues despite having merely one powerhouse, let alone a large settlement where several parties played to achieve their own varying goals, influencing others in the process.

    Other Players were undoubtedly there, like Gabriel. Either adjusting to the new world, developing or making a name for themselves. That''s not counting the organizations with intentions to make use of their abilities for their own gains, added the established authorities built to maintain orders and many more. All of which force capable of potentially affecting his life whether good or bad. There''s no certainty except that fact that might makes right everywhere, crashing the weak for the ambition of the strong.

    And there''s only two choices in life, either to lead or follow.

    He sighed, his voice low and troubled.

    "Not gonna lie... I don''t know what to do once we get there."

    Needless to say, Kaiser was their group of three main decision makers. Therefore, carried responsibility akin to an entire family''s foothold. If his alone, then he wouldn''t be worried too much for the choices he makes are for him, solely. However, with Ariella and Cia as his responsibility, Kai couldn''t afford to be careless. One mistake and they''ll suffer the consequences of his decisions, too. If that put them in danger, Kai didn''t anymore.

    His only an eighteen year old fresh high school graduate. Bearing responsibility was beyond his league, it burdened him greatly.

    Sensing his worries, Cia advised, her voice gentle and soothing.

    "I wouldn''t worry too much if I were you. Stop thinking too much, especially if you''re only considering the bad stuff. I trust you''ll know when we get there, believe me, it''s not that difficult if you just do it. However, just make sure to choose wisely. Let me guess, you prefer living here, do you?"

    Kaiser grinned bitterly.

    "Am I that obvious?"

    "No, it''s just that, since the first time we met. You never strike me as someone who fits with the crowd. And your tone is livelier here in the tower despite the lack of company."

    "Alright, you got me... If I''m being honest, I would rather choose to settle in this kind of home. It''s more peaceful here, quiet and... Yeah, I just like it here."

    "Then why not stay?"

    "Huh?"

    "Kai, it¡¯s your life, and there are multiple options available.The village houses will be vacant soon¡ªwe could choose one to stay in. You could even apply as Mr. Garba¡¯s inheritor, to take over his tower someday. I know he will be grateful for you to continue his legacy as its keeper." Cia advised gently, her voice thoughtful.

    However, her listener was far from decent, at times. Registering something different in her concern words.

    A mischievous grin crept onto Kai¡¯s face,

    "Well, I might as well replace Garba¡¯s family by building one of my own, I wonder what our babies would look like."

    Cia¡¯s mouth dropped open, her usual composure shattered by his sudden bold remark. A deep blush bloomed across her cheeks, and her expression filled with an intense mix of embarrassment and disbelief.

    "Th-that¡¯s not what I meant!" she stammered, looking away quickly, instinctively avoiding him. "Besides, isn¡¯t Ariella enough for you?!"

    Kai¡¯s grin only grew wider, surprised to see her flustered for once. He pressed on.

    "You know what they say¡ªthe more, the merrier!"

    Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she covered her ears, her mind reeling from Kai¡¯s teasing. Like a bunny who doesn''t want to hear anything anymore.

    How can he say those words so brazenly?!

    She stayed silent, struggling to compose her disoriented emotions Kai played with.

    ''Did I overdo it?''

    Kai was beginning to worry, when her fragile and low voice broke through the silence.

    "F-fine¡­ I¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind if it were you."

    Kai blinked, caught off guard, his heart skipped a beat. "Wait¡­ You serious?"

    "No, you dummy!" She burst out laughing, catching him by surprise again. "Of course not. What, did I get your hopes up?"

    The sound of her laughter was warm, soft, and for a moment, Kai felt as though he was hearing Cia¡¯s true self¡ªfree and light, charismatic and spirited. Just like the inspirational figure Kaiser looked up to back in the academy days.

    It was the first time he had seen her laugh like this, the burdens on her shoulders seemed to have disappeared. It warms his heart, despite being dumped.

    When her rare laughter died down, Cia asked in all seriousness.

    "But seriously, Kai. Will we be staying here?"

    Kai chuckled, scratching his head sheepishly. "Well, since you won¡¯t have my babies, I guess there¡¯s no point in staying here, huh?"

    "Enough already!" she said, shyly clutching her chest, her head boiling, her chest raging. "It, it feels strange¡­"

    ''Oh really, do you think you can trick me and get away with it?'' Of course, his not done.

    Kai leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper that tingled the poor, blind girl''s ear. "For your information, that¡¯s called love."

    Her face turned scarlet as she groaned, pulling back, clearly overwhelmed by his playful jabs to point tears was beginning to form on her eyes.

    ''Oi, oi! Don''t tell me she''s gonna cry?!''

    But before they could continue, the lighthearted moment was interrupted by a loud metallic clang from the kitchen, followed by Garba¡¯s unmistakable booming voice.

    "Get in here, youngsters! Meal¡¯s ready!"

    Kai sighed, saved from becoming more of a bully. Getting up and gently lifting the peacefully sleeping Ariella into his arms, cradling her as he would a princess. Cia stood, too, reaching out to rest a hand on his shoulder, ready to follow.

    As they began to walk inside, Kaiser strangely stopped. Then, his voice dropped to a quieter, more serious tone. Though, it''s really hard to take him seriously "As much as I like to create babies with you¡­" He glanced down at her over his shoulder, there was a flicker of conviction in his eyes. "I¡¯ve decided. We¡¯ll be leaving with the villagers when they go. Like it or not, I''ll fulfill my promise to you. And who knows? The city is big, advanced even¡ªthey might have a way to appraise a Player¡¯s ability... Furthermore, I know you''re an ambitious girl. I believe you''ll be someone great someday." His gaze dimmed as he looked away.

    "Besides... You deserve better than an as*hole like me."

    Cia¡¯s hand tightened slightly on his shoulder, the weight of the moment sinking in.

 Chapter 78: Enlightenment

    After a hearty meal prepared by Garba¡ªbecause Kaiser''s cooking was a collective nightmare they hoped would never repeat¡ªKaiser then set out to tackle the rest of his grueling schedule. Meditation and "dance lessons", which is odd considering his practicing the sword, they weren¡¯t exactly what he expected for swordsmanship training, but if it¡¯s what Garba insisted on, he would give it his best shot for the sake of earning strength.

    Garba, of course, took no chances to make sure his sometimes stupid disciple learns. He dragged and locked Kaiser in an empty, dimly lit room and strictly instructed Ariella and Cia to avoid any interruptions, leaving him with no choice but to meditate alone.

    Sitting cross-legged, he tried his hardest to quiet his mind, a place usually alive with endless thoughts and stray ideas. But without any distractions or a task to focus on, Kai can''t help but remember the memories from earlier. It surfaced and sent a wave of heat through him.

    The scene replayed vividly in his mind¡ªhis sudden, ridiculous remark to Cia, boldly suggesting he¡¯d "build a family of his own." Heat rose to his cheeks as he slapped a hand to his face, groaning.

    ''What the heck was I thinking¡­? I practically told her I¡¯d¡­ gods, I practically said I''ll impregnate them in broad daylight!''

    Even though his introverted in nature, with a tendency to avoid the masses and had pitifully small social circles to the point his friends could be counted in one hand. Kai knew little about shame, more so when exposed to few people he knew. Still, what he just did was beyond shameless, that''s literally, sexually abusing a person with disability verbally.

    His teasing felt like they had crossed a line of decency. He winced, realizing he practically thrown himself into her personal space with his teasing. A part of him wondered if he¡¯d just bullied a blind girl in the worst possible way, poking at things no one had any business poking.

    Although, those foolish words automatically came out in the heat of the moment. Driven by his surprise at seeing the usually dull and crestfallen blind girl show joy. He just wanted to see more of her smile, hear more of her joy and make her happy. Before he knew it, those inappropriate words were already out...

    Remembering Cia¡¯s laugh¡ªso soft and bright. His lips curved into a slight smile, and a quiet chuckle escaped him despite not knowing why.

    ''It was worth it,'' he admitted to himself, feeling his own spirits lighten. He might have sacrificed a bit of dignity, which he had so little of. But seeing Cia¡¯s joy, hearing that rare, genuine laugh, was worth far more than any pride he had left to lose. And despite the ridiculous teasing, she¡¯d accepted it as a joke. He was relieved she hadn¡¯t taken offense; her usual sharp wit and level-headedness let her roll with his mischief.

    Still, what''s done is done and would likely remained in their memory for eternity. He groaned, his face flushed.

    ''Shame, where are you when I need you? Useless bastard, I know I don''t use you often, but at least be around when necessary... How am I going to face them now?''

    His stomach twisted as he thought about facing Cia and Ariella again. Ariella had probably heard the whole thing too, but the childish goddess seemed to live on her own world, untouched by mundane matters of mortals. But Cia¡ªshe¡¯d remember, for sure.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ''Or would she?'' Kai wondered, running a hand through his hair with a sigh. ''She¡¯s clever. She knows I was only joking. Right? Right?''

    But his confidence faltered as he sat on the wooden floor, distracted by a hundred thoughts. His eyes drifted up to the ceiling, losing himself in the silence for a moment.

    ''Alright, enough.'' Kai slapped his cheeks, willing himself to focus. ''You¡¯re not going to become a great sword master by whining. Just concentrate, moron.''

    He closed his eyes, letting out a slow, calming breath, trying to wash away all his doubts and focus on the emptiness around him. Even though the meditation was supposed to help him cultivate a calm, steady mind¡ªa critical foundation for learning Garba¡¯s style¡ªtoday it felt more like trying to tame a storm than finding peace.

    Seconds passed as Kaiser struggled to stay focused in his meditation, often resorting to random distractions before attempting to realign himself. Then, fidgeting with something again, even attempting to sleep but was slapped awake by his resolved to make progress. He can''t be lazy here... But still, meditating in this desolate room is just too tedious and boring. Why can''t he just swing a sword repeatedly? Practicing that way would at least refine his slashes and improve his muscle fibers. Kai don''t really get Garba''s teaching methods, always instilling doubts on his mind if it''s even working at all. Maybe it''s just wasn''t for him? But that can''t be it, his mentor specifically designed a simple routine for him alone.

    ''Guess I''ll just follow.''

    After a few more failed trials. At last, his emotions settled down to not affect his thinking too much, calming enough to allow him a degree of quiet. The frustrated groans faded into the background, and as the minutes passed, a tentative peace emerged from his usually chaotic mind. It was then he stumbled upon a discovery that brought him further focus: in the deep silence, he could faintly hear a rhythmic heartbeat pulsing within the void. It was distant, soft¡ªalmost as if listening through a thick wall¡ªbut that subtle beat became something to anchor his thoughts to.

    There''s nothing but silence and blackness anyway, which made him sympathize with Cia''s point of view. However, as he focused more on the sole beating sound in the void. Gradually, he directed all his attention to that steady sound, and more, and more. Slowly swallowing all his attentions, drawing him to

    concentrate on the faint thump, thump. It took effort to hear, but once he locked in, the world seemed to fade around him, dissolving other stray thoughts and ideas. That heartbeat, once distant, grew louder, and in following its calming cadence, he found himself slipping away from his worries and thoughts, existing only within its melody.

    But just as he was finally losing himself in the rhythm, the door creaked open, shattering his concentration. The kill joy of a grampa once again interrupted. Garba¡¯s voice followed, firm and inescapable.

    "Time¡¯s up, brat. Not bad¡ªI see you¡¯re finally getting the hang of it," Garba remarked, nodding approvingly. "Now, get up. We¡¯re heading upstairs to pick up where we left off earlier."

    Kaiser let out an irritated groan, rubbing his temples. "Come on, old man, I was just getting somewhere. Did you really have to barge in now?"

    Garba¡¯s voice held no sympathy as he walked away, unbothered. "Less whining, more moving. We¡¯ve only got a few days before we head out with the others. Time¡¯s short, and the Dance of the Wind won¡¯t wait for you to dawdle."

    True, Kaiser swallowed any argument, reminded again that his mentor¡¯s strictness was for his own benefit. Their departure was days, not weeks nor months, away, so time was precious. They can''t take it slow and steady, Garba was pushing him to the limits to give him any edge he could before they left the village behind.

    Upstairs, the familiar and uncomfortable routine awaits. Marking dread in Kai''s heart as they ascended up, each step reminding him of the wrongness of it all. Unfortunately, he can''t stop the inevitable.

    This is why he will always stay dubious at his mentor''s teaching. He even thought that Garba only wants him to be seen dancing!

    ''Ridiculous''

    Eventually, Garba once again began his demonstration of the Dance of the Wind¡ªan odd series of fluid, twisting movements that seemed anything but a traditional sword technique.

    It had always seemed like some grotesque, awkward dance in Kai''s disturbed eyes. But today, for some reason he can''t understand, it felt different, more open somehow, and instead of his usual extreme reluctance to observe, let alone pay attention, he actually managed to pay attention. Surprisingly finding some sense in the horrid display of the saggy swan.

    As Garba moved, Kaiser¡¯s mind tried hard to process the moves while pushing away discomfort, unnecessary thoughts, unessential judgement, stray ideas. Letting him watch without the same intense frustration that usually plagued him, clouding his focus. In the midst of it all, he even began to grasp the fundamentals of a few moves. Nothing too complex¡ªjust the simplest of steps and gestures he could identify and

    memorize¡ªbut he could see for the first time how they came together in the style his mentor was teaching. And give him a glimpse of how hard the other steps are, which flex one''s body to unnatural angles. As for the sword style, Kai wasn''t seeing it yet, but his making progress.

    Unexpectedly, he left the session with something new: a strange sense of accomplishment instead of another nightmare material to robbed him some sleep.

    ''Well I''ll be damned, I''m actually learning something.''

 Chapter 79: A wicked Mentor

    The rest of the day followed a strict, mentally exhausting rhythm for Kaiser. He rotated between an hour of intense meditation to discipline his concentration and another hour of Garba¡¯s seemingly endless dancing lessons. Short breaks in between were his only reprieve, though even those moments were tainted by the confusion and doubt gnawing at him. Was he even doing this right? There''s some trinket of progress but far from ideal.

    His mind drifted more than he wanted it to, and there were times he considered giving his mentor a good whack again for sheer entertainment in this tedious session¡ªthough his mentor had confiscated his sword, under the reason ¡°for his own good,¡± wary that stupidity might strike again in his student.

    By the time afternoon rolled around, they had finished yet another session. Kaiser sat slumped, eyes half-lidded, feeling his brain going numb from the repetitive, frustrating choreography of the Dance of the Wind.

    ¡°That¡¯s the fifth time I¡¯ve shown it to you, brat. I expect some results by now. So, how many steps have you memorized?¡± Garba asked, eyeing him critically.

    Fortunately, Kai''s understanding had improved a bit, letting him peer through the bizarre movement fundamentals and comprehend some of its complexity. Which is confusing him further the more he studies.

    Kaiser thought for a second. ¡°Ten, maybe twelve? I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve got a few of them down decently.¡± He hesitated, gathering his nerve, then asked, ¡°Gramps, if you really want me to learn this, why not just guide me through each step? Little by little? Wouldn¡¯t that be... simpler?¡±

    His physical education class applied such a method in the university, which was proven effective for teaching dancers.

    Garba chuckled, crossing his arms. ¡°You still don¡¯t get it, huh? This isn¡¯t just a ¡®dance,¡¯ brat. Believe me, it¡¯s far more than that. I know it looks like a lot of useless twirling, but spoon-feeding it to you step-by-step would just waste your time and mine, additionally, that takes too long. I know it seems tedious, we share the same opinion when I was starting it, too. But believe me, it''s not a dance at all. Just focus on memorizing the movements, nothing else. You¡¯ll understand eventually.¡±

    Kaiser felt marginally better with that hint of explanation, though he couldn¡¯t help but feel even more confused than enlightened. But before he could ask more, Garba changed the topic.

    ¡°Enough lessons for today. You¡¯re free to go outside and spend some time with your girlfriends.¡±

    Kaiser choked, snapping upright. ¡°They¡¯re not my girlfriends!¡±

    The old man gave a dramatic sigh. ¡°Tsk, kids these days. Alright, so they¡¯re your concubines? Or wait¡ªdon¡¯t tell me you¡¯re already building yourself a harem?¡± Garba cackled, entirely unbothered by the scowl Kaiser shot him.

    Kai was speechless for a moment, not buying the joke at all because he never viewed Ariella and Cia that way.

    ¡°Who even needs that?¡± Kaiser rolled his eyes, cheeks pinking a bit as Garba¡¯s laugh echoed. He tried to brush it off, but Garba¡¯s voice softened for a moment.

    ¡°Listen, kid. You can¡¯t just work non-stop. A break does wonders, especially with good company. Clears the mind and keeps you sane, you''ll learn better that way.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    But Kaiser ignored the advice, eyeing the sun near the horizon. ¡°Actually, we still have some daylight left. Shouldn¡¯t I make the most of it?¡±

    They''re short on time already, why waste a few hours that could be utilized for more lectures.

    Garba raised an eyebrow, fixing him with a knowing stare, after a while, he said. ¡°Tell me, brat, did you have a falling out with those two girlfriends of yours?¡± His eyes twinkled with mischief, smirking. ¡°There¡¯s a reason most men stick to one woman. Let me tell you, even one can turn a life upside-down, let alone two! You should reconsider before you turn into a real mess, it''s not too late to fix your life, kid.¡±

    ¡°For the last time, they¡¯re not my girlfriends!¡± Kaiser exclaimed, exasperated.

    ¡°Hmm... if they¡¯re not your lovers, then why avoid them?¡±

    ¡°Who said I was avoiding them?¡±

    Garba snorted. ¡°Oh, please. I know you, brat. If you weren¡¯t hiding, you¡¯d be out there with them already. I still remember the time when you¡¯d attack me mid-lesson because I was taking too long! Now here you are, begging me to stretch the lesson. Either you ate something suspicious, or you¡¯re hiding.¡±

    ...

    True, he can''t hide it anymore. Garba had seen through him.

    Kaiser¡¯s facade cracked. ¡°Fine, fine. I might¡¯ve... said something stupid, and now I¡¯d rather avoid them. So... Um, my great, great, great mentor, the legendary swordmaster, Garba. Can we just continue the lesson until they¡¯re asleep? I promise, I''ll sincerely listen or watch your fantastic teachings from now on. Pretty please.¡± He begged, putting so much praise that he would never normally give to gain the favor of his mentor with flowery words.

    There''s absolutely no way he''ll face Cia after saying all that this morning. At least give the memory time cool down.

    But to his nightmare, his mentor were never kind either. His not an ally.

    Garba¡¯s grin widened as realization dawned.

    "Ohh, is that when you''re brazenly talking about making babies in my tower? Don¡¯t worry, brat, I wholeheartedly approve of your plan to build a family here. I¡¯m even happy to help you make it happen!¡± The old man''s smile was turning darkly inhumane in Kai''s eye, Garba''s eye glinting malicious red.

    Kaiser took a step back, face draining as he processed Garba¡¯s words. ¡°W-wait, no, it was a joke! I wasn¡¯t serious. He-hey¡ªwhat are you doing?!¡± He yelped as Garba reached to grab him by the collar. Knowing the old man''s evil intentions, Kai won''t let it happen.

    He ducked, evading the swift hands and rolled away.

    "Why did you dodge?" Asked Garba, amusingly wearing his friendly yet wicked smile.

    Walking back, Kai nervously negotiated.

    "Hey, let''s talk about it, I''m still too young to become a father, don''t you think? Besides, we''re just joking!"

    Garba chuckled. "From what I hear, aren''t you already a step-father of that white-head? She looks a bit older than you, though."

    ''Ok, how much did he eavesdrop on us?'' Kai didn''t even no how the old manage to hear them. No, actually, Leveling might have something to do with that. After all, it increases one''s quality the more they kill, not strength alone. Which allowed Alfred to navigate better in the dark forest when they were chasing after the repulsive hound, unlike average people. The elderly tower keeper was undoubtedly superior than the hunters leader. The question is... Just how strong Garba really is?

    "But does that matter?" Added the old man after a bit of paused. Just as he finished his words, he blurred towards Kai.

    Kaiser was aware of his inferiority in comparison to the swordmaster, but there''s simply no way in hell he will let this bored geezer torment him. Furthermore, none of them have swords, his chances aren''t that low in bare hands.

    He saw Garba''s swift hands pounce towards him, but when he attempted blocking it with his. It twisted into an unnatural angle, bending like a snake. He tried to evade, but the next thing he knew. His body was lifted off the ground, floating for a moment before blocking out.

    But his immortal, blocking out was beneath him!

    Banged!

    Kaiser''s head was once again shoved in the floor.

    He struggled as hard as he could, but Garba is just much swifter and somehow counter his defiance all the time. Quickly restraining him, rendering his resistance futile. Kai hadn''t realized it earlier, but after engaging in hand to hand combat with the old man, he swear, Garba doesn''t move like a human at all. The elderly master movements seems utterly wrong compared to the human opponent he faced before. Making him lost every struggle to resist.

    ''What the heck?''

    Kaiser had fought people with inhumane strength, but inhumane movements? The old man is the first.

    In the end, of course, he lost again. And was helplessly dragged down the stairs, and toward their room, where Ariella and Cia were tidying the bed up together.

    Garba¡¯s voice boomed in Kaiser''s ear as he shoved him into the room, just loud enough for the girls to hear. ¡°Remember what you promise, brat! Show me that those bragging aren''t empty words. I¡¯m expecting quadruplets, each! Don¡¯t disappoint me, now!¡± Garba cackled as he disappeared down the hall, leaving Kai trapped in the room after drooping a bomb.

    Kaiser¡¯s face burned with a mixture of embarrassment and dread as he looked up to see Ariella and Cia staring back, mid-motion, confusion turning to stifled amusement on their faces. The goddess looked at him with a strange smile, the strangest he ever seen.

    While Cia asked, her voice was gentle but full of unknown threats. "Did I hear that wrong?"

    Extremely perplexed, not knowing what to do. He could still hear Garba¡¯s booming laughter echoing down the corridor.

    ''Da-damned you old man, thanks for making it worse!!''

    Needless to say, his screwed.

 Chapter 80: Maybe you should meditate too, aye?

    In the empty room meant for meditation, Kaiser was at it again. How many times has he tried now? Ten, maybe more? He didn¡¯t know anymore, having lost count along the way. All he knew right now was that he was sleepy and exhausted, and this quiet, calm room was the perfect setting to fall asleep instead of meditating.

    Kai¡­ hadn¡¯t slept well last night. Not because he had spent the night in an intimate company with two beauties¡ªwhich he never had the courage to propose and for an obvious reason. Let¡¯s be real here: girls aren¡¯t that easy to get. From what Kai had seen through his life, though he met many but never proactively approached one. Women were complicated creatures, each one different, or similar in personality but with some shared traits¡ª Firstly, they were less stupid than men. Which is a blessing and a curse for us fellas; curse, because it¡¯s why we die younger; blessing, because men are daring enough to achieve the things they set their eyes onto, whatever it is, foolish, even. That¡¯s why most great innovators are men.

    Anyway, back to the topic of women. They have the unique ability to dish out an absurd amount of mental damage capable of traumatizing him for life. And they¡¯re definitely not easy to approach, much less propose something idiotic to¡ªa blind girl and a goddess, no less.

    Not like he had romantic feelings for them, to begin with. He doesn''t even understand what "love" is, let alone felt it, despite having lived a whole eighteen years. What a pitiful soul.

    ¡®Don¡¯t blame me; it¡¯s not my fault girls are too complicated!... Besides, I could barely feed myself back then, let alone think about dating! I mean, look at me¡ªaverage-looking with an unsociable personality. What do you expect?¡¯

    In short, he was just a poor, introverted, delinquent loser with nothing to brag about. No wonder the only girl in his life was a blind one who had no choice but to stick with him and an immature goddess. LoL

    ¡®And whose fault is that?¡¯

    ¡­

    At least be grateful I gave you a goddess, show some gratitude, ungrateful bastard.

    Though, Ariella, for instance, being a goddess, was obviously a no-go for Kai despite her beauty and innocence. She wasn¡¯t even human, and that crossed the line of even his brashness. He might be foolish at times, but he knew when to stop. It would take more than just to fool him; he knew something terrifying lay behind that pretty head of hers, and he wasn¡¯t about to risk divine punishment from the heavens by making a move on her.

    Then there was Cia¡ªKai¡¯s first true girl "friend". No way was he going to ruin their friendship with some awkward line like, ¡°Hey, since you¡¯re blind and rely on me, wanna... you know? F together¡± Seriously, who would say that?

    ¡®Totally not me! ...Wait, why am I even thinking about this?¡¯

    Who knows? Maybe last night¡¯s ordeal had finally broken something in his head. Funny how he could withstand hell yet falter in the face of a woman¡¯s scolding and those cold shoulders, Ariella and Cia don''t seem convinced by his justifying words, till now. Garba had really done him big this time. Kai swore he would pay that old geezer back tenfold.

    In any case, time to actually do something meaningful. With a sigh, Kai sat lazily in the middle of the room, trying once again to cultivate some semblance of concentration.

    Kai had done so many stupid things lately, it was about time he got his head on straight. Thankfully, despite all his constant doubts and occasional mockery of the old man¡¯s teachings, he still followed the assigned routine. He might question Garba¡¯s methods, but he never skipped a session or took shortcuts. And, because of this, his progress in meditation had finally become noticeable.Stolen story; please report.

    Once again, he found himself focusing on that one, solitary point¡ªthe distant beat of his own heart. He had practiced enough by now that he could even control its frequency¡ªhaving learned it at some point¡ªadjusting his breathing to let that sound fade as he slipped deeper into a dark, calm stillness, by not over relying on the beating of his heart and drifting to nothingness. Strangely, focusing on ¡°nothing¡± had sharpened his mind. His thoughts quieted, the usual chaotic storm of worries and impulses stilled, and he was left¡­ clear. For once, he didn¡¯t feel like himself so much as an empty, alert vessel¡ªmore like a mindless item, but contradictory aware of more in his surroundings than he had ever been.

    Most importantly, Kaiser is finally learning how to appreciate meditation meaning and benefits. Which answers his questions about why it''s so famous in Earth''s media.

    He despised it before, but after learning how to enter the state of utter thoughtlessness, it wasn''t so hard anymore. Furthermore, the benefits it gave were surprisingly awarding.

    Slowly, he tuned in to that rhythm, breathing deeply, sinking into the quiet until he felt like he was floating in pure stillness. It quieted his mind better than anything ever had.

    As he meditated, the worries that once felt like heavy weights on his shoulders¡ªwhether he had embarrassed himself too much with Cia, how to make a believable explanation for what happened last night, the pressure to learn his lessons, the uncertainty of his future in the larger settlement they''re moving to, how to finally get a girlfriend, why is Ariella so damn cute but useless, was he even practicing swordmanship, is his mentor gay¡ªbegan to fade. All these thoughts, which once stirred constant frustration and anxiety, now felt lighter, like they were simply passing clouds. Helping him focus more in the moment rather than the past or future.

    Even things that would have once made him fume¡ªGarba¡¯s insistence on the horrid dancing lessons,¡ªno longer bothered him much. Strangely enough, his not that disturbed by watching a saggy swan twirled around too much by now, or was he getting used to seeing an old man dance like a tribesman ballerina, half naked? No, the distraction in Kai''s mind was simply lessening, filtering unnecessary thoughts to pay heed the important details more, rather than unnecessary ideas. He could see them more clearly, understanding the value without getting riled up too much.

    Though, he still struggled. From the sense of absurdness Dance of the Wind exert never fades, but instead, intensified the more he understood the steps.

    However, nothing matters in this newfound calm, where he felt oddly at peace.

    Over time, Kai noticed other changes, too. His mind, which was usually filled with chaotic thoughts bouncing from one worry to the next, now felt clearer. It was like fog lifting off a mountain peak; everything in his mind felt sharper, more focused. He could think without distraction more frequently, his thoughts no longer tugging him in different directions all the time. For once, he felt like he could just exist in the moment without overthinking.

    Simply focusing on the task at hand without distraction, paying heed to stray thoughts and just concentrate on what his supposed to be doing.

    And perhaps the most surprising change is that, his mood had shifted. Rather, Kai could gain more control over his emotions, making it more inclined to positivity instead of negativity plaguing his mentally which is deteriorating. Needless to say, Kai''s life had not been simple on Earth and in Greenland. The deaths, the killing, bloodshed and weight of it all was inflicting damage on his mental health despite his relatively exceptional emotional tolerance. The accumulation was inching his mind to madness, which is manageable at the time being but the same doesn''t go for the future.

    Kaiser only realized it now how much he needed some kind of reprieve. It just so happens that meditation does the job well, letting him recover the internal scars faster than before all the while reforming his mind for the better. He was secretly thankful to Garba for teaching him meditation, even though his reluctant to learn at first.

    Not to brag, but he felt he had talent for this. Kaiser''s fast progression in the soothing world of internal tranquility was proof. But honestly, it''s not that his talent or anything, Kai''s personality just aligned with the nature of the serene practice from the start. His been born an introvert, innately having little energy for joining with the masses and socializing. His unsociable character was only shaded darker by his poor living conditions. Deprived of any emotional support, aside from his two delinquent friends, Paul and Aron. Who shared some similarities to him as failures in the school.

    Still, nothing changed the fact that he prefers solitude most of the time, spending time alone with his thoughts, entertained by his own ideas even in loneliness. Kai was never sad alone, if only his life wasn''t littered with problems.

    But here in the Shattered Realms. Everything changes.

    Kai had power, something to rely on which he''ll strive to improve because it gave him a calm sense of confidence that he couldn¡¯t remember feeling before. Meditating isn''t much, but he wasn¡¯t as trapped by his own mind anymore. For instance, he felt like he was in control of himself better, mentally, emotionally and physically.

    Taking another deep breath, Kai realized that the days of grumbling through meditation might actually be over.

    Shortly after, Garba prompted him for another dance viewing session, one of the many he already went through. But this time, Kai trembled, because... Finally, he realized what it is.

    ''What the heck... how is that even possible?''

 Chapter 81: Is trolling even the right word?

    It happened amidst the session, Kai sat obediently, as he always did, watching the performance with reluctance. His gaze was fixed on the ugly "dancing swan" display, despite his lingering doubts. Why was he watching this strange dance over and over again? How could this possibly help him improve his swordsmanship? He hadn¡¯t made any real progress in the art of slashing at all, and even if he did manage to memorize the dance steps, he didn¡¯t see how that could change his crude swordsmanship.

    Yet, he continued watching for the sole sake of learning. Aware that this is a rare chance to study from a veteran.

    However, as he persisted in analyzing, trying to memorize the bizarrely graceful moves, Kai frowned upon realizing something. What is he doing?

    Garba had told him to focus only on committing the steps to memory, nothing more. Perhaps because they were working with limited time, and maybe the old man¡¯s method was just rushed and unorthodox. Though Kai¡¯s memory was a bit sharper than average, these steps somehow defied normal understanding¡ªthey were bizarrely graceful yet oddly ungraspable, utterly unfamiliar and odd. Similar to trying to recall a strange dream in vivid detail. For some reason.

    Then he remembered something he learned back at the university. "Don¡¯t just memorize¡ªunderstand." Bored and partially exasperated in his progress, Kai shifted his method to something new, maybe that will make these less tedious.

    Kai stopped forcing himself to remember the steps and instead concentrated on grasping the essence of the movements themselves. Instead of viewing them as a series of steps to be copied, he looked deeper, trying to understand the intention behind each action. He thought hard and focused intently, channeling all his concentration. And surprisingly, his hours of meditation suddenly paid off, clearing away the usual clutter of doubts and judgments that had once distracted him. Gradually, he no longer saw the dance¡¯s awkwardness or its tribalistic oddities¡ªhe was purely focused on understanding the movements. Even the disturbing swan''s appearance was greatly ignored, freeing his focus further.

    As Kaiser continued, his concentration pulled him into a deep, almost trance-like state. He studied each element with fresh clarity, eventually digging into core aspects of human movement concerning anatomy. Bit by bit, a vague understanding began to surface, something he couldn¡¯t quite put into words but which felt like it was unfolding on its own the deeper he looked.

    But with each step forward, something gnawed at his sense of what was possible. The sense of wrongness he noticed in the dance only intensified. He hadn¡¯t realized it before, but the more he grasped the dance, the more he could feel that something was¡­ off.

    And then, finally, it hit him.

    His eyes started widening in disbelief.

    "What the heck¡­ how is that even possible?"

    The Dance of the Wind, which he¡¯d written off as a bizarre spectacle, was... Humanely impossible for any normal person to perform. The steps were not simply odd¡ªthey defied human physical limits. He subtly understood instinctively that these movements weren¡¯t just awkward¡ªthey were inhuman.

    At least, that''s what his intuition is guiding him to, because Kai is a human, too. And had lived with his human body for many years thus, knew its capabilities and limits like the back of his hands.

    No wonder... No wonder he always felt strange seeing Garba perform it because it''s screaming for oddity itself. The dancer''s unfitting appearance wasn''t the only flaw here, the arts nature for being tribalistic yet graceful, which is an utterly wrong mixed between style but, strangely enough fitted finely together. However, the most rattling thing is the steps itself.

    It looked unassuming and bizarre at first but when someone simply concentrated on the dancer''s moves, they will discover its real nature. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    By then, the old man finished yet another session. As Garba wrapped up his performance, he strolled over casually, reaching for his clothes. Kai, still shaken by his realization, finally blurted out, "Hey, gramps... What the f*ck are you really trying to teach me?"

    Garba glanced at him, eyes gleaming with amusement as he took in Kai''s disturbed expression. A smirk tugged at his lips. "Took you long enough. I was beginning to think my last disciple was one of those impatient rascal''s unfit to learn the Dance of the Wind. But it seems you¡¯ve finally caught on." He paused, eyeing him expectantly. "Now, tell me¡ªjust how much have you grasped?"

    Kai hesitated, then replied bitterly, "All I know is that it''s probably going to bend my bones and tear my muscles apart."

    His not liking where this is going at all.

    The old man let out a hearty laugh. "A superficial level of understanding, but good enough for a start."

    He sighed, then began pacing towards somewhere in the room, his words trailing off as he walked, as if explaining more to himself than to his student. "Pay heed, Kaiser. The Dance of the Wind isn¡¯t really a dance, it¡¯s a sequence of exercises designed to push the body¡¯s flexibility and endurance to its utmost limits, stretching and conditioning muscles in ways that seem almost unnatural. It¡¯s a technique that not everyone can handle; in fact, that very difficulty was what led to my family¡¯s downfall from grace... It''s not for the faint of heart. Furthermore, not everyone is cut out to learn such a brutal technique, even if they¡¯re physically strong, possessing high tolerance and determination. This isn''t just about brute force; it demands intellect, clarity, and patience, a strength of mind as much as of the body. Mindless method won¡¯t unlock its full potential, because it''s meant for something else entirely, not just a sword style."

    Kai slightly winced at the thought. ''Oh, so you need someone who can handle both physical strain and has some brains too. Am I really that dumb?'' He recalled the time he tried to take a swing at his mentor due to Garba''s constant blabbering, boring him. ''Okay, maybe... but it¡¯s not like I was being reckless without reason.'' Though, he hates to admit, his been brash back then, impatient, even.

    The old man continued, his voice unnaturally even, untouched by his usual enthusiasm which hinted at the seriousness of the topic;

    "After all, it''s a crucial combat fundamental itself. From my years as a practitioner of the grueling practice, I eventually came to understand that what I was taught wasn''t a mere sword style, but the very essence of battle style. Not for the sword, not for the axe, spear, or any kinds of weapon. Because it was a tailored technique meant for the very combat itself, not a weapon."

    "I don''t get it." Kai was a bit confused. Isn''t he learning swordmanship, how come it''s now becoming deeper than that.

    "Hmmm. Let''s just say it''s a battle style, brat. One that if you mastered, will make you capable of wielding any weapons you hold with terrifying levels despite not having any familiarity to the weapon. Save the bow, and other range weapons that require precisely honed accuracy. Dance of the wind tempered one''s body, not aim. However, don''t ever underestimate it. Trust me, it''s a difficult style for a reason because the very purpose of Dance of the Wind, as the name suggests is related to the wind, itself. It trains the practitioner''s body to achieve a similar state, flowing and free from constraint, which greatly differs from what a physical human is supposed to perform. Therefore, resulting in the most adaptable, flexible and flowing style battle art that tests the limit of human anatomy, pushing oneself to achieve position in every angle possible and be as flowing as the wind, rather than a tensed, physical body. Additionally, they''re able to treat their weapons as extensions of themselves, making it maneuver as well as they do. That is, if you mastered it."

    "Still don''t get it." Despite the elaborate explanation, Kai failed to fully comprehend what his mentor was saying. Though, his not completely clueless thanks to having seen Zara perform something similar, which wielded the body rather than any blade. What perplexed him is the difference between her technique and what Garba is teaching. If his not seriously taking his mentor''s lesson, Kai would settle at a superficial level of understanding. However, his hell bent to get whatever Garba''s family technique had to offer.

    If it could get him at the level of Zara''s frightening combat mastery, then that would be much appreciated.

    The old man sighed, seemingly irritated by his student dumbness but responded a few seconds later.

    "Just imagine someone fighting backwards, his back facing you yet wielding a blade far better compared to your handling, his limbs bending and twisting to maneuver with grace, inhumane and in a twisted manner."

    Kai''s jaw almost dropped, his eyes twitching. Description was one thing but imagination was another.

    ''I never signed up to be a monster. What the f*ck is he trying to turn me into?''

    But wait a minute...

    He smiled wryly.

    "Just curious, have you reached that level yet?"

    At that time, Garba had strolled over to a drawer, rummaging through it. Hearing his question, the old man eerily paused, before continuing without replying.

    Kai''s face darkened, feeling chills spread through him, his hair standing up. After a while, his mentor pulled something out of the drawer, dusting it off, then tossed it to Kai.

    Kai caught it and looked at what seemed like a sealed book on his hands. Its brown simple leather cover was aged and faded. The title was barely legible, but he could just make it out with some squinting.

    Though, the moment he processes the printed words. Kai¡¯s fingers clenched around the book as he restrained the urge to hurl it back at the damned old man''s head.

    ''Dance of the Wind Guide. Complete with detailed steps, breathing techniques, and other notes... A freaking guidebook? With all the steps and breathing techniques? Are you kidding me? Then what the hell was all that suffering for, I freaking burned my eyes, let my brain be defiled and memorized corruption.

    What kind of mentor are you?!''

    He was left staring at his teacher with disbelief, eyes twitching in infuriation. Then again, Garba came from a family formed by a god-damned troll of a Player, "WFEW" the old man definitely inherited the bastard''s trait.

 Chapter 82: Hellish Routine

    ''I knew it...''

    He really hates his mentor and his teaching.

    As it turns out, that scheming old man had played him. Garba had slyly forced him into learning his family''s sacred technique under the guise of teaching him swordsmanship. While not entirely a lie¡ªthe Dance of the Wind was a foundational combat style applicable to multiple weapons, including the sword. Just like what Garba had done to his battle art. Choosing a blade as his main weapon and honing his style to what it is now¡ªit was also far from the full truth.

    The revelation left Kai simmering in frustration. ''Of course, he had an ulterior motive.''

    It''s been his goal all this time!

    Garba, in his desperation to preserve his family¡¯s treasured style, had forced Kaiser into becoming the next vessel. Although, his mentor¡¯s rationale was reasonable, harmless and above all, benefited both parties. Garba could not let such a legacy vanish, and Kai learned it free of charge. But understanding the logic didn¡¯t stop Kai from feeling cheated.

    ''That geezer, it wasn''t my fault he can''t get a wife and have childrens to inherit it instead of forcing it onto me.''

    He felt like he was scammed... But in a good way. Therefore, his conflicted.

    In any case, Kai coped with it rather easily by focusing on the positive gains, acknowledging the benefits it gives. Garba¡¯s Dance of the Wind wasn¡¯t merely an esoteric performance. It was a powerful combat technique, refined to handle various weaponry, as well as hand-to-hand combat. Thanks to years of practice, Garba had refined his battle art around the blade, adapting its fluid and tribal movements into an unorthodox yet deadly sword style. If Kaiser could master the grueling sequences of the Dance of the Wind, he might one day reach the same level of adaptability.

    ''Still¡­ I didn¡¯t sign up for this,'' he thought bitterly. All he wanted was to refine his swordsmanship¡ªnot inherit a full legacy.

    It''s like expecting a single homework but was dumped with an entire arduous project. Making his eyes twitched just thinking how troublesome it will be to complete.

    But despite the frustration, Kai couldn¡¯t deny that he hadn¡¯t entirely wasted his time. His meditative practices had sharpened his mental clarity, improved his emotional stability, and heightened his focus. Without those improvements, he doubted he could have grasped even the surface level of Garba''s teachings. The dance, bizarre as it was, had burned itself into his memory, becoming a living reference far more effective than any printed guide.

    The old man did make sure it was burned hard and deep into that brain of his. Even going to the trouble of clearing his overthinking mind for the sake of shoving necessary knowledge.

    And then there was the manual¡ªthe sealed book Garba had handed him. Coupled with his own vivid recollections of the performances, Kaiser had everything he needed to begin mastering the Dance of the Wind even if Garba was no longer around, his mentor''s absence won''t completely hinder his progress, which coinlined with his mentor''s main goal.

    ''At least now I¡¯m not walking into this blind¡­''

    Garba, for all his manipulative methods, had tempered his student with purpose. The old man had carefully shaped Kai¡¯s mind, grooming him to become the ideal candidate for their family art. Now, as the sole heir of the Dance of the Wind, the responsibility rested squarely on Kai¡¯s shoulders.  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Still, he couldn¡¯t help but groan internally. ''Damn it, I just wanted to learn how to use a sword, not a whole damn battle art!''

    Fortunately, with his induction into the Dance of the Wind complete, Garba shifted gears to appease his student frustration. Since that day, Kaiser''s schedule once again shifted to maximize his learnability under limited time. And his mentor finally focused on his wishes by training him with the sword.

    ''Finally, something I actually wanted to learn. Real swordsmanship!''

    Though... the relief was short-lived.

    His joy soon faded because compared to his previous days spent in meditation and watching. The new sessions were hell.

    The meditation sessions were gone. The dance lessons he despised had been replaced by something he desired, but his mentor made it so that he will forever hate these days. Garba¡¯s sword training sessions were grueling beyond anything Kai had experienced before.

    Now, Kaiser had begun practicing the Dance of the Wind himself, the brutal reality of the art hit him harder than he had imagined. In the mornings, Garba would give him brief instructions, starting with the easiest steps that Kai had already committed to memory. But as it turned out, easy was relative, and memorization was nothing compared to actually performing the movements.

    The moment he took his position and attempted the first formation, Kai¡¯s muscles protested in agony. The ache gradually turning unbearable, and every attempt to execute the step properly only amplified the pain. His fibers tensed, constricted, and resisted the unnatural positions required by the art. Even his tendons weren''t spared, stretched to their limits, teetering on the edge of snapping.

    And, of course, his "helpful" mentor was there to make things worse.

    Garba''s so-called "guidance" involved pressing Kai¡¯s body even further into the formations, disregarding his grunts of pain entirely.

    ¡°Endure it,¡± the old man barked, his voice devoid of sympathy. ¡°It¡¯s normal. Everything is fine.¡±

    Kai can only groane, beads of sweat dripping down his face as his body trembled under the strain.

    The worst part? This torment was just "one" freaking step, crudely performed and utterly devoid of the grace that characterized Garba¡¯s execution. It didn¡¯t resemble a dance so much as a series of forced, jagged movements that left Kai on the verge of collapse.

    He didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry at the thought of the dozen or so other steps waiting for him¡ªeach progressively harder and more punishing. If the simplest move was already pushing him to his limits, how was he supposed to survive the more advanced techniques?

    And yet, his torment didn¡¯t end there.

    By the afternoon, Kaiser would transition from the grueling dance practice to actual swordsmanship training.

    He has initially been excited at the prospect of focusing on the blade¡ªsomething he wanted to learn from the very start. But any illusions of relief were shattered within minutes of starting. Garba¡¯s sword training was no less punishing than the improved dance lessons, if not worse.

    Because the damned old man beliefs were far different than normal instructors. In Garba''s words, months of training was incomparable to a day of real battle, which is undeniably true. Therefore, using the excuse that they''re short on time, choose a more intense method of teaching. He mixed practice with the intensity of a real battle, showing Kaiser demonstration of skills such as right ways of blocking and attacking before engaging in relatively real combat.

    Oh, that''s also when Kai learned that his Garba''s first student...

    ''No wonder I feel like a sh*ting lab-rat... or a punching bag? slashing bag? Whatever, it hurts like hell!''

    After demonstrations of skills his supposed to learn, Kaiser was plunged into a grueling procedure of attacking a fast opponent and blocking his mentor''s blade. Windslayer didn''t show mercy to an apprentice, but treated hi with the same cruelty as it will do to an enemy. Or worse, because the old man''s blade''s only aim is to make him learn through suffering, not death.

    Struggling to stand up, exhausted and battered with healing cuts all over his half-naked body, Kaiser gazed resentfully, but mostly calmly at his mentor. No, calling him a merciless torturer was far more fitting than a considerate instructor. If there''s anything Garba considers in his student, it''s that, Kai had the ability to heal his wounds, giving him the luxury of being harsh in his method.

    Like in realistic bloodshed, a misstep was paid by pain of a wound, blood and the chilling sensation of a merciless blade slicing one''s skin, cutting the flesh beneath. By now, his student had experienced such dread more than a hundred times, which awarded to visible improvements of Kaiser''s skills in exchange for torturous agony''s.

    With all the wounds he received, delivered by fists and blades alike and seriousness Garba is putting on tempering his defiant student. All that''s missing is the real threat of death, for their training to replicate a true battle. Though, what he found strange about the kid is that, the brat doesn''t seem to fear death at all.

    Leaning on a wall for respite, Garba looked at the battered brat with dark amusement.

    "Not even a drop of tears... You sure are a tough one, I''ll give it to you. However, we''ve been at it for hours now, all you have to do is beg for mercy for it to be over."

    Despite his messy state, Kaiser still had the audacity to smirk. Raising his sword, that hasn''t touched the old man till now. E

    Kaiser''s gazed with unyielding determination, eager to make his mentor bleed before it end.

    "You''ll be the one begging for mercy, old hag."

    Garba''s sinister chuckle echoed through the capacious chamber.

    In the end, it was the sun that fell first.

 Chapter 83: A week is over.

    Every session was relentless, a brutal mix of physical agony and mental fortitude that tested Kai far beyond his limits. Mornings were consumed by the torturous Dance of the Wind, a grueling routine that left his muscles quivering and his body aching in places he didn¡¯t even know existed. Afternoons brought no reprieve, either, only another brutal rhythm of sword practice¡ªif that could still be described as "practice" instead of torture.

    Compared to the hellish routines now dominating his remaining time in the tower, Kaiser found himself longing for the peaceful monotony of meditation¡ªor even the frustration of watching the senile swan perform the disturbing dance. No one can blame him, though, because his previous routine was heaven in comparison to the hell his going through now.

    From dull monotony to excruciating hardship¡ªhow had it come to this?

    Who could have guessed that he would find himself yearning for those quiet mornings spent alone in an empty room, grappling with his thoughts? Or even for the maddening hours of watching an old man contort himself into the ugliest swan he had ever seen, moving with a bizarre mix of grace and absurdity?

    Life truly was unpredictable. One day, you¡¯re bored out of your mind; the next, you¡¯re praying for the chance to be bored again.

    ''Why does this feel worse?'' he often wondered, though deep down, he already knew the answer.

    It felt worse because it "was" worse, nothing changing that fact.

    Then again, isn''t this what he yearned for? The hard training he expected instead of tedious hours spent on meditation and watching. Funny how he longed for something only to regret after receiving his desired outcome.

    His days were now a relentless assault on his body and mind. Muscles screamed in protest as they were pushed far past their limits. Tendons stretched dangerously close to snapping, and bones groaned under the strain of impossible positions. All this to master the absurd steps of a dance that felt more like an exercise in self-destruction.

    And Garba? The old man only increased the difficulty day by day, ignoring Kai¡¯s groans and protests. It was as if the grizzled mentor took a perverse delight in pushing him closer and closer to breaking point.

    There were even moments¡ªrare but real¡ªwhen Kai screamed. For someone with as much mental fortitude as him, that was no small feat. Yet, those subtle cries of agony only seemed to amuse Garba, who would chuckle and dismiss them as ¡°part of the process.¡±

    Despite all this, Kai found himself making shockingly little progress in the Dance of the Wind. No matter how hard he tried, his movements remained stiff and awkward. It was no surprise, really; his body needed time to adapt to the demands of the technique. The process was slow, grueling, and often disheartening. Still, he can''t help but feel something isn''t right in his advancement in that lesson.

    Fortunately, there was a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. If his progress with the dance was dismal, his improvement in swordsmanship was anything but.

    By now, the once-chaotic swings of his blade had become more refined. His stances felt firmer, his movements more deliberate. The realistic simulation of Garba¡¯s brutal training which is more like an endless battle had honed his instincts, making him sharper and faster than he had ever been.

    The clang of steel rang through the training ground as Kaiser, drenched in sweat, struggled to keep up with his mentor¡¯s relentless assault. Garba¡¯s blade moved like a blur, striking with precision and force that made it impossible for Kai to mount any semblance of a counterattack. Not like he actually can land an effective counter at the swift old man who never planned to go easy on him.

    Kaiser was holding his sword tightly, his knuckles whitening as he barely managed to block or deflect the old man¡¯s strikes. But despite his best efforts, Garba¡¯s overwhelming skill meant every exchange ended with Kai either being disarmed, thrown off balance, or outright sent sprawling onto the floor. What''s worse, is that, every mistake he made cost him another wound, sending pang on his nerves. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Not bad, not bad!¡± Garba grinned, twirling his blade as he watched Kai scramble to his feet yet again. His voice carried a tone of amusement, but also genuine praise. ¡°You¡¯ve got tolerance, boy. Most would¡¯ve given up by now.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, thanks for that,¡± Kaiser muttered through gritted teeth, adjusting his stance. His legs felt like lead, his arms trembled from exhaustion, and the muscles in his shoulders screamed with every movement. Yet he refused to stop, his determination keeping him upright even as his body begged for rest.

    The next bout began without warning, Garba¡¯s blade cutting through the air with a speed that Kai could barely follow. He raised his sword just in time to block a strike aimed at his side, but the force behind it jarred his entire body. Before he could recover, Garba twisted his wrist and sent Kai¡¯s blade flying out of his hands, following it up with a swift kick to his stomach that sent him stumbling backward.

    Kai landed hard, coughing blood as he clutched his stomach. ¡°F*ck, do you ever take it easy, old man?¡± he wheezed, glaring up at his mentor.

    Garba chuckled, offering him a hand. ¡°Why should I? Life won¡¯t take it easy on you, brat. But if you¡¯re asking... why not go a little lighter on yourself, huh? You¡¯re trying too hard to match me blow for blow. I admit you made significant improvement despite the short time, but do mind your own health. Kaiser, even if your body could regenerate over and over again, I doubt the same ability will heal your mind. Just begged, lad. And I''ll let it end earlier today.

    Kaiser smacked the offered hand away and stood up on his own, dusting himself off. ¡°You know what, change my mind. I don¡¯t need you to hold back.¡± he said defiantly, picking up his sword, readying for another exchange. ¡°I didn''t manage to cut you yesterday, but don''t think you''re so lucky this time, Gramps!¡±

    The old man¡¯s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with approval. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! But remember, tolerance is only half the battle. You should strike your opponent, too. Come on, brat. Don''t bore me now.¡±

    Garba took a step back, raising Windslayer again. ¡°Now, once more. And this time, don¡¯t just endure¡ªthink. Show me you¡¯ve got more than stubbornness in that thick skull of yours!¡±

    Kai grit his teeth, forcing his aching body to move into position. His muscles protested, his breath came in ragged gasps, but his mind was sharper now. Every clash with Garba was a painful lesson, yet each one also carried a glimmer of understanding.

    If this was what it took to improve, so be it.

    The clang of steel echoed once more, and the grueling duel continued.

    Once again, by the end of it, Kaiser was left sprawled on the floor dyed in red by his own blood. Alone and gasping for air as crimson liquids flowed backwards into his wounds which gave no pleasure as it healed. His self restoring ability had received multiple praise from the old man, even though in reality, was far more miraculous than a simple self-healing as it appeared to be. But an unnerving immortality, deeming him incapable of ever dying under mortal injuries. Then again, it never spared him from excruciating agony, another reason why it''s both a blessing and curse.

    The red sun was leaving down the horizon, gracing the capacious chamber with the last of its dimming glow of scarlet rays. Alone and battered once more at the end of the cruel lesson, Kaiser''s eyes are emotionless and weary, dulled by pain as it stares blankly at the high ceiling, devoid of any warmth it usually has.

    Was Garba too harsh this time? No, the fault wasn¡¯t his mentor''s. It was Kai himself who had urged him, demanded even, that the training be harder, crueler. All the while playing the role of the unyielding student, feigning strength and resilience while his body crumbled under the relentless onslaught.

    Only when his alone did Kaiser let it show. How excruciating those blows and cuts are to the point it''s numbing him. But that''s fine, this is exactly what he wanted deep inside.

    Why?

    Because it''s making him stronger. He had long yearned for power, not for some selfless, heroic reasons or anything, but something more personal that he never told anyone.

    Kai never had the best childhood as an orphan at a young age, whether he liked it or not, life had been a struggle. Putting him under constant pressure by the bills of living and violence he stumbled upon to make a living, there were even days he went to the streets to beg for pennies, so that he won''t die in starvation before pension arrives.

    To be looked down upon, be spat at, ridiculed and disdained. All of which showed him his own inferiority.

    But those days were behind him.

    The hunger he once felt for food had transformed into a hunger for power¡ªa gnawing, insatiable desire that drove him forward, no matter how much pain he had to endured. He would never let himself be weak again. He would never again bow his head to anyone. He would never plead.

    However, the strength his searching for isn''t in his hand, yet.

    Lately, Kaiser had been thinking of what would it mean to truly master the Dance of the Wind, to embody its impossible elegance... Combined with the primal brutality of Zara¡¯s bestiality he acquired?

    Kai could already imagine it, a warrior of unrelenting adaptability, wielding the flowing grace of Garba¡¯s swordsmanship with the savage ferocity of Zara¡¯s combat style. A predator. Unstoppable. Unforgiving.

    And that''s not adding his immortality. The unyielding, unrelenting ability to take any blow, suffer any wound, and rise again, and again. Giving him the luxury of sacrificing defense entirely, trading flesh and blood for victory without hesitation.

    What kind of monster could such a fusion create? A being that thrived on pain, that adapted to every opponent, that struck with the precision of an artist and the savagery of a beast.

    Could anyone stop such a creature?

    Kai didn¡¯t know. But he intended to find out. No, he would become that Beast, someday, and no one would stop him. He would endure. He would suffer. He would break a thousand times if that¡¯s what it took.

    As the last rays of the sun slipped below the horizon, leaving the chamber in darkness, Kaiser slowly sat up. His body fully healed as he willed.

    He stood up, stretched his restored bones and muscles. His previous temperament returned to his expressionless face as he gaze outside through the window. He yawned, before grumbling under his breath.

    "...One last day of this. Tomorrow, huh. Its finally time to move to the city. I wonder if I''ll meet Gabriel there? That guy owed me a big favor, I''ll make sure he pays If that his is still alive... Maybe Paul and Aron are there too? I really missed those bastards."

    A whole week had already passed since they arrived at the village. The Caravan are expected to arrive tomorrow.

 Chapter 84: An ordinary day in the Tower.

    A young man sat cross-legged in the quiet, dimly lit room he once used for meditation, Kai''s body relaxed but his hands steady and precise as he held a short wooden rod with pointy sharp at its end, gently scraping the white slab.

    The soft rasp of a carving tool scraping against wood echoed in the stillness, the only sound accompanying his solitary work. Before him lay remains of the special white wooden slab, smooth and fine-grained, chipped pieces accompanied by knives and other sculpting tools he purchased from the blacksmith back in the village, the day he first encountered the hound that turns out to be a monster in disguise.

    The wood his working on was the white slab Ariella found, which piqued his interest due to its unnatural lightness, as though it doesn''t have weight at all. Surprisingly, it was extremely ideal for crafting, so much so that even a beginner like him had no problem shaping its surface. Coupled with his absolute

    focus and careful handling, his fingers meticulously guided the chisel, steadily chipping away small fragments to reveal the shape of a mask his trying to create.

    His brows furrowed in concentration, sweat forming on his forehead but he paid it no heed, the faint glow of a nearby lantern casting long shadows across his face, fully concentrated on the task at hand.

    The mask was finally taking shape, and at last, after several hours of his free time spent on crafting, Kaiser blew on it, smiled proudly as he lifted his creation.

    Made of fine white wood, a face shape mask can be seen with the warm glow of the nearby lantern. The mask was simple due to his lack of expertise¡ªIts surface was smooth with no facial features except the eye hole made specifically for a female alluring lashes, and fit a goddess''s perfect face. Refined with care and meticulous diligence, he could say he did a pretty good job. It wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªKaiser wasn¡¯t a master craftsman by any stretch¡ªbut the effort he poured into it gave the piece a charm all its own. Furthermore, If one didn''t analyze every detail closely, they wouldn''t notice its flaws.

    This mask wasn¡¯t for him, of course. It was for Ariella. Although, his goddess wasn''t a disobedient lady, she obviously disliked the scary mask he made her wear to hide that problematic beauty of hers.

    If only she could protect herself, Kaiser would not insist on hiding her face to shun unwanted trouble¡ªOn can never be too cautious. However, they can''t really remove her damned face, so after pouring hours of effort, he finally produced the ideal solution.

    Putting in the finishing touch, Kai completed the adorable bunny mask. A simple yet adorable symbol of an unrealistic rabbit face was painted on its surface using black ink.

    ''She would definitely love it.'' The thought of giving it to her brought a faint, almost imperceptible softness to his otherwise stoic features.

    ''If not, then I''ll shove it into her face.'' He added. Kaiser was kind, but at the same time, kinda wicked.

    Stretching up, Kaiser put the newly made mask to dry. Another creation of his lay beside it, this one smaller but more exquisite, like the kind worn in grand, opulent balls to cover a ladies fancy eyes, revealing only their seductive lips and nose. He made this one for Cia, because it just so happens that there''s an extra material left of the slab and it would be unfair of him to gift Ariella alone. The blind girl deserved something, too.

    Not to cover her beauty, but to enhance it, perhaps. In Kaiser''s opinion, Cia would look prettier with a half-mask shrouding her blind eyes, giving off a mysterious vive instead of vulnerable, closed eyes devoid of vision.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Content with his work, Kaiser gives the two masterpieces of his one last look before exiting the room with a satisfied expression. Thinking...

    ''Now that, that''s done, what should I do in my free time from now on?''

    His grueling routine of torturous training never changed, so did the agony he had to endure daily for the sake of becoming stronger. And Unfortunately, the large caravan that''s meant to escort the villagers to the new settlement was delayed for a few days now. Kaiser didn''t really expect it to arrive in time, for that''s just how life is, ever-changing and unpredictable. Nothing really ever goes as planned, likewise to his hope of escaping the punishing routine given by him mentor.

    In the recent days, Kaiser reluctantly kept on attending the grueling practices because he had nothing important to do, anyway. Still, every class was torturous and hard, the occasional time he put on secretly carving was his only reprieve from his grueling routine of harsh training, offering him a brief peace between the hellish schedule of suffering.

    But having finished the handicrafts sooner than expected, Kai was left with nothing to do. He was then interrupted by his grumbling stomach.

    ''I forgot it''s dinner time.''

    Scratching the back of his head, Kaiser headed downstairs and saw the three already preparing their meal. Old man Garba was cooking their food like their grampa to his grandchildren, adding spices and tasting if it''s satisfactory enough, while Ariella and Cia were tasked to arrange the tableware. Noticing him, the goddess paused and waved at him with a cheerful smile. However, at that moment, the blind girl who was carefully bringing the plates over with Ariella''s aid bumped into the table pointy corner. The pang of the accident was evident, causing Cia to grunt, almost dropping the fragile plates that Ariella saved.

    "Hey, are you okay?!"

    Kaiser rushed over, deeply concerned at the blind girl. The side of Cia''s slender waist struck by the pointy end relatively hard, as someone who experienced receiving strikes in all parts of his body, he was aware of how painful being hit in that spot, especially for a fragile flower like her.

    He subconsciously touches her intending to perform a little massage to ease the pain, like what he always did when a part of his body is hurt by blunt things.

    "Cia, just leave the simple task to Arie next time, you''ll only hurt yourself."

    Feeling his touch, Cia replied in a timid tone, with a hint of complications. "I know."

    Before saying rather coldly. "Kai, can you please stop touching me now?"

    Realizing how intimate his approach is, Kai immediately backed out. "Oh, sorry about that."

    The blind girl didn''t respond, giving him the cold shoulders as she traced a chair with her hands to say down quietly. As she did, her pain seemed to have disappeared or was she not just letting it show? Kaiser was aware she''s tougher than he gave her credit for. After all, living devoid of vision was not for the faint of heart, for its hell in some sense. Where you can only see darkness in a world where danger potentially lurks everywhere, yet still keep your sanity intact. Even Kai himself wasn''t confident in staying sane in that accursed condition, that''s why he can''t help but treat her with care she deserves.

    ''Did I say something wrong?''

    Most likely, yes. The blind girl only wants to help rather than do nothing, but Kai was reluctant to let her because she''ll be hurting herself. That said, Cia had been noticeably cold on him lately, often ignoring him in the recent days as if their friendship hadn''t progressed at all. Sensing Ariella''s gaze, Kai glanced at his goddess, who''s holding the plates while giving him a disapproving look, with an expression that seems to be blaming him for making her precious friend sad.

    ''When the heck are these my fault?''

    The old man chucked mockingly behind him.

    "That''s why one should lessen their bragging, brat. Take it easy, would you?" Garba adds fuel to the fire, spouting lies with a straight face.

    He glared at the real culprit.

    If there''s anyone deserving of blame here, it had to be the old man for spouting indecent things he never said to the girls. Ruining the capable, caring, dependable and trustworthy image of his in their mind. Kaiser doesn''t even have the heart to harm his only companions, let alone, say such indecency to others. Ever since that night, Ariella and Cia had been giving him the cold shoulders thanks to the lonely geezer''s accursed mouth.

    He clenched his fist.

    ''This old hag, I swear I''ll get back at you after dinner is over.''

    It''s currently noon and their afternoon swordmanship training will once again start soon. Luckily, their session permits Kaiser to give everything without holding back to make his mentor bleed like what Garba constantly did to him. However, the swordmaster isn''t pulling any punches either unlike their first confrontation, making it almost impossible to cut the old man whose battle style specialized in body flexibility, maneuvering akin to an elusive gale to penetrate his defense while evading his blade like a phantom.

    Kaiser had made significant improvement during these days, but his skills still pale in comparison to an ancient master.

    So, he had little to no hope of extracting revenge on the old man.

    While thinking, a knock on the door was heard.

    "Brat, mind checking who it is for me?"

    Kai absentmindedly heed knowing he''ll get extra lessons later if he didn''t. Not like he mind several more torment than normal, he''ll even ask for more if possible.

    ''Wait, am I becoming a masochist?''

    Honestly, he can''t refuse that statement confidently thanks to his recent tendency for torments. Immortality sure has its downside. Shaking off the thought, he reached for the door. When he saw who paid the lonesome tower a visit, a delighted smile bloomed on his face.

    ''Change of plans.''

 Chapter 85: Turning Point

    Kaiser stood in the corner, suppressing a grin as the tower keeper''s booming voice filled the room.

    ¡°Oh, so this is how you repay your master after all the time I spent nurturing you in the art of the sword? Huh? Switching mentors on the very last day we have together?! Betraying me for that short coward, of all people? Ungrateful brat!¡± Garba jabbed a finger in the direction of the village chief, his voice tinged with mock betrayal and genuine annoyance. His previous triumphant expression went down the drain because of what Kaiser had done, recently.

    The village chief, hunched with a bow behind him was indeed shorter than the elderly swordsman due to the deference of their lifestyle, one was a chief of a village managing the settlement most of the time while the other is a tower keeper who has no significant responsibility in particular, except practicing swordmanship in the lonesome tower. Kai can''t even fathom the tower''s purpose for guarding the unmoving Boundary.

    Although, the chief is unassuming, dwarfed elder, an air of quiet authority surrounding him, calm and collected despite Garba''s mockery. He raised a single gray brow. His face, usually serious and reserved, now bore a sly smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic now, Garba. And don''t speak too harshly at the young man, don''t forget his an honorable Player so stop questioning his decision if your teachings were¡­ shall we say, lacking?¡±

    ¡°Lacking?!¡± Garba exploded, throwing his arms in the air. ¡°This coming from a man whose bow skills consist of napping between shots?!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s called efficiency, you stiff-jointed relic,¡± the chief replied smoothly, not even bothering to look at his rival as he inspected his fingernails.

    Kaiser leaned against the wall, enjoying the scene far more than he probably should.

    ''I never thought I''d see the day when Garba would lose an argument,'' he thought, relishing the moment. His arguments with his mentor are mostly spoken by a clash of blades in which he obviously lost all the time. That''s why he could never spite the damned geezer for all the troubles that problematic mouth of his brought him.

    But this time, the chief was at his side. He came to visit the tower to personally inform Kaiser and his companions that the caravan had arrived, estimated to leave soon. However, his interest shifted to something else as soon as the two ancient relics met each other for the first time before his eyes. And judging by the tower keeper''s and village chief brief greeting, it doesn''t take a genius to see that they''re more of an enemy to each other than friends.

    That''s when Garba winked at him, then proceeded to brag about how his disciple is inheriting his family''s dying legacy. A Player at that! Even Intending to invite the village chief to watch their last practice to show Kai''s excellent improvement under his guidance, probably to extract the chief''s envy.

    But Kai had other plans.

    Without warning, he gave his mentor a taste of his own medicine by badmouthing his sword lessons in front of his rival and expressed his desire to learn the art of marksmanship from the chief under Garba''s shocked eyes. Feeling betrayed and enraged for all his efforts was wasted on a treacherous brat.

    Which in turn showered his mentor with shame. He even found out that the old swordmaster can actually blush!

    Switching mentors might¡¯ve been a spur-of-the-moment decision to get back at Garba for his recent antics, but now it felt like the best decision he ever made all week.

    Though, the chief''s unexpected sharpness caught him off guard. The man had always struck Kaiser as a timid grampa, but seeing him so animated while trading jabs with Garba was¡­ enlightening.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get one thing straight,¡± Garba growled, jabbing a finger at the chief. ¡°That kid is my disciple. I¡¯ve molded him, trained him, bled for him¡ª¡±

    ¡°And how did that work out for you?¡± the chief interrupted, finally turning to face Garba. His smile widened into something almost wolfish. ¡°No offence, but it doesn''t make sense for a swordman disciple to eagerly switch weapons of choice if the guidance is decent, not worse.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying my teaching brought no results at all!? Ha! Unbelievable, have your brain grown senile and forgotten the sight of my breathtaking swordplay?¡±

    ¡°You mean that funny dance? I haven''t laughed in a while now, please, do show me those graceful movements once again."

    The two old men glared at each other, the room thick with the tension of a rivalry decades in the making. They went on and on until Kaiser, Cia and Ariella eventually finished their meal while listening to the two argue for entertainment, which revealed more than necessary making it hard to eat without chuckling.

    Eventually, the two elders throat run dry, forcing them to move on. Thanks to what he did, Kaiser''s last sword lesson was gone, replaced by an unexpected archery which he gladly accepted.

    The old chief always brought his bow whenever he ventured into the wilderness for obvious reasons, letting Kaiser practice on it outside the tower, under the bright sun.

    Struggling to keep the bow steady as he pulled the tight string loaded by a single arrow, Kai mustered all his talent for aim and released it flying towards a nearby tree''s bark. Luckily, it didn''t miss the mark so much.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "Fix your form, relax your shoulders, child. The bow isn¡¯t a sword; it doesn¡¯t respond to brute force, nor requires too much tension. Your target is usually far away when using a bow, so calm down, steady your breathing, remain composed and focus or else it''ll shake, like what just happened." Said the chief in a hoarse voice.

    Kai nodded before preparing to shoot again, as he did, he asked.

    "By the way, how''s the village doing?"

    The chief didn''t speak after a while.

    "Good, there had been no new threats appearing since then. And again, thank you for uncovering that fiend." He let out a somber sigh, his eyes giving the young man a grateful look. "If not, who knows how many more lives would perish to hunt that wicked beast, our village had lost enough." Kaiser simply smiled in response, not wanting to press on due to the chief''s grating throat.

    However, the old archer added.

    "I don''t mean to hurry you, child. But before we continue, have you prepared all your luggage? We won''t be coming back here ever again, most likely, so better make sure there''s nothing left forgotten." He spoke like a worried grampa to him, miles different from the lighthouse keeper that seemed to enjoy torturing him in practice in this time for hours.

    "Don''t worry about it, all our luggage can fit in one bag, I''m certain we left nothing behind." Aside from his clothes and Cia, with a few cloaks belonging to Ariella, his sword, dagger and the armor he wore. They don''t really have any other valuable possessions, because owning some in a small village that would be abandoned soon isn''t ideal.

    "I see... Then, have you thought about what you will do in the new settlement? I have some connections there, don''t hesitate to ask me for help if you have difficulty settling in."

    "Honestly, I''m a bit lost on what to do after we got there. However, I think we''ll manage on our own, somehow. But I''ll be sure to come knocking if I need help." He trusts Cia''s words, and his not the kind to grab a hand the moment he sees one. Kai would rather rely on himself before asking others for aid if push comes to shove.

    The archery lesson was brief compared to the other lessons he learned in the tower, lasting only a few hours yet seems so short due to his immersion in the new subject. After all, a bow is no less cooler and deadlier than wielding a sword. Stalking a target in the wilderness with a bow strapped behind, stealthy moving through bushes, launching swift arrows and killing his enemies from long distance without even knowing what hit them. That''s how he imagined himself as a deadly marksman, but his still a long way there. By the end of it, Kai shot more arrows than he could count and grasped the very basics of Archery such as the right formation, breathing and shooting effectively, separating him from a first timer.

    To not only be good at the blade but also master the bow would be an awesome feat, making him formidable in both closed and long range combat. Added the aesthetic of both weapons, boosting his desire to learn more... To be stronger, not to look cool in Ariel''s eyes, definitely not.

    However, as much as he loved to continue learning. Sadly, as all things should, his time in the tower had its end. Kaiser''s days of training were over for the long awaited caravan is here, ready to take the villagers to a bigger world.

    As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and violet, Kaiser slung the single, heavy bag over his shoulder containing all their belongings. His body is fresh straight out of the bath, clothes clean devoid of any stain as they stepped out of the tower for what would likely be the last time.

    Kaiser paused at the threshold, glancing back at the weathered stone walls that had been both his temporary sanctuary and school, where learned valuable lessons he will never forget. The tower loomed, shrouded in the deepening shadows of dusk, a silent witness to countless hours of grueling training with his mentor. Stifled laughter, delightful meals and companionship he and the girls shared with the tower keeper in the fleeting moments of peace.

    There was a pang of regret stirring in his wistful gaze. Truth be told, the lighthouse keeper was the cruelest teacher he ever had but also the closest. Kaiser originally intended to find Garba, to thank the old swordsman for his relentless instruction, for shaping him into someone stronger, for all his jokes and perhaps even apologize for his earlier act of mischief, if he felt like it. However, the old man himself had chosen not to see them off, his absence speaking volumes of his reasons. Whether out of pride, stubbornness, or something deeper, it didn¡¯t matter now.

    ¡°Probably for the best,¡± Kaiser muttered under his breath, though the words felt hollow.

    With a heavy sigh, he let his gaze linger on the tower one final time, as if trying to etch every crack and shadow into his memory. For all its hardships and frustrations, it had been home once, one of the nicest ones he had.

    But now, it was time to leave.

    Turning away, he joined Ariella and Cia, their silhouettes illuminated by the fading light. With every step, the tower grew smaller behind them, its presence fading into the horizon as they walked toward an uncertain future.

    Some time later...

    The creaking of old wooden stairs echoed as the old keeper climbed to the highest floor of the tower, his footsteps slow, deliberate, and heavy with the weight of years gone by. On one hand, he clutched a crude but sturdy mug filled with strong liquor, sipping it as though it were the finest tea, on the other held a hanging lantern. The bitter burn rolled down his throat, but tonight, it offered little solace.

    Reaching the top, he emerged into the open chamber where the ancient lantern stood¡ªa relic of a forgotten age. Its glass panes were etched with time and mystery, its brass frame tarnished by countless storms.

    It was time to ignite its bright flames, like he always did for whatever reason the Player, "WFIW" believed in.

    As he prepared to light it, his gaze drifted beyond the tower, drawn to the distant warm glow in the darkened forest.

    There, in the heart of the woods, the only nearby village he had known for so many years was alive with light and laughter. Where a simple farewell festival was being held, a final gathering to bid goodbye to their old home before the caravan whisked them away to a better home, safer and offered more opportunities unlike this rural land. His disciple was among them, too. That treacherous, tolerant, tough bastard, whimsical brat. Stubborn, shameless, timid, and yet maddeningly unpredictable¡ªa young man with more heart and promise than he would ever admit aloud.

    Thinking of that brat, the memories of their days together played unbidden in his mind: the relentless training sessions, Kaiser''s sly comeback, endless complaints and rare but genuine moments of gratitude. Garba chuckled softly, shaking his head as a faint smile tugged at his lips. For an old man who had spent decades in solitude, those days had been unexpectedly lively.

    For a moment, a flicker of longing crossed his expression. Perhaps he could leave too, come with them instead of being left alone. Join the others and trade this cold, desolate tower for the warmth of community. But just as quickly as it appeared, the thought withered.

    ¡°No, this old bag of bones is too old for that.¡± he murmured to himself, his voice low and hoarse.

    He couldn¡¯t leave.

    This tower was more than a home; it was his legacy, his purpose. It stood as a sentinel against the Boundary, that strange and unsettling horizon where reality itself seemed to fray. His family had guarded this place for generations, each Warden honoring the Player who had built it and passed down the sacred duty. Garba was the last of them now, and he would die as his ancestors had¡ªkeeping the watch.

    His gaze shifted toward the Boundary. The fake horizon pretending real and genuine but always failed by the sense of unease it gives to those that stared at its wrong surface. Even now, its presence was as disquieting as ever, an unnatural edge to the world that no mortal eyes could truly comprehend. He had always questioned its purpose. The Boundary had remained unmoving, passive, a silent anomaly that seemed harmless so long as it was left undisturbed. Why, then, had they spent centuries guarding it? Even built a Warden for it? If not for the great "He" demanding it personally from his distant ancestors, no one would upheld such seemingly meaningless duty.

    It didn¡¯t make sense, especially this bright light beside him.

    After igniting the blinding light, Garba sipped from his mug. At that moment, his attention was caught by a disturbance in the Boundary. He stared at the eerie barrier''s rippling surface, barely noticeable waves was spreading around a certain point below. Nothing new, really. At first, he dismissed it as nothing unusual. He had seen such faint disturbances before¡ªsubtle, fleeting patterns like ripples on a pond. But tonight, the ripples were deeper, more pronounced, as though something stirred beneath.

    A frown creased his weathered face. Setting down his mug, he stepped closer, his boots scuffing against the stone floor. His eyes, dulled by age yet sharpened by experience, narrowed as he traced the origin below.

    And then... he froze.

    The mug slipped from his grasp, clattering to the floor and spilling its contents. Breaking the silence of the cold night.

    His heart pounded in his chest, a surge of dread and revelation coursing through him.

    "...So that¡¯s why," his trembling lips whispered, the words barely audible, shaky.

    Finally, in his family''s last generation of Warden. He found out why the Player built the lighthouse for.

 Chapter 86: End of Joy

    The hum of distant music and the soft glow of the firelight painted the abandoned streets of the village with a surreal charm as Kai and the two girls followed the chief¡¯s lead. The festival''s lively sounds getting louder as they draw closer, spilling into the stillness of the quieter alleys they are traversing.

    Eventually, they took a turn and saw the clearing ahead. Where the celebrations are being held. The stack of woods Kaiser last saw being built before leaving was completed and was now burning into an impressive bonfire, towering like a cubical amber at the festival center, brightly ablaze, its flames licking the night sky.

    Before it played a band of musicians, singing country songs with their own unique instruments. And around them, the village thrived with life. Families twirled in jubilant dances, children¡¯s laughter pierced the air, and adults leaned into one another, mugs raised in celebration. The scent of roasted meat and spiced bread wafted through the air, tempting even the most cautious onlooker to join

    "That doesn''t look simple at all," Kai can''t help but smile, affected by their infectious joy. He hadn¡¯t expected much from a hastily planned farewell festival, but the scene ahead surpassed all his expectations. It was vibrant and full of life¡ªeven grander than some of the events he remembered from Earth.

    The chief glanced back with a faint smile. "Well, it¡¯s our last celebration here. I didn¡¯t see the harm in being generous with the resources." His voice carried a trace of nostalgia. Then, with a nod toward the festival, he added, "Hurry up now, child. They¡¯re expecting us."

    Kai¡¯s steps faltered. The thought of stepping into that lively crowd made his stomach churn. He could already imagine the villagers turning to greet them, faces bright with enthusiasm and curiosity. With the chief himself leading the way, their attention would naturally spill over to him, and the mere thought made his palms sweat.

    "Yeah, about that¡­" he hesitated. "Sorry, but can you go ahead without us? I¡¯m not great with this kind of situation."

    The chief raised a brow, his expression unreadable, before giving a small nod of understanding. "Suit yourself," he said, and with that, he walked briskly toward the celebration, disappearing into the throng.

    Kai lingered in the shadows for a moment, the firelight flickering at the edges of his vision.

    It wasn¡¯t that Kai disliked festivals and the masses, it''s just that, it''s uncomfortable. Making him miss the simplicity of the lonesome tower where there are no crowds is overwhelming his personal insecurity. However, that wasn''t the main reason stopping him from joining them. It was the attention he dreaded the most. As someone who carried the title of a Player, his appearance just begged to be greeted in these circumstances. The problem is, Kai isn''t confident of handling their attention, because by his character, he''ll either give them a crude smile or outright ignore him as he go on his own way. Likely disheartening the cheerful villagers in the process, thinking that his a lofty young man while they''re peasants undeserving of his attention.

    Kai didn''t want that!

    He sighed.

    If only he could enjoy the celebration as a normal person, things would be much easier. Should he just sneak about until it''s time to leave?

    ''No, absolutely not.'' He thought, his gaze locked toward the long tables lined with food. Plates of steaming dishes stretched across the clearing, beckoning with the rich scent of spices, meaty aroma, freshly baked bread and many more. His stomach growled audibly, and he groaned inwardly. Skipping the festival was one thing, but missing out on free food? Unthinkable. Especially when they haven''t eaten yet. Free dinner was just a distance away, why would let a rare opportunity of getting the most delicious type of delicacy¡ªFree¡ªslipped?

    ''What to do¡­?''

    There has to be a way to get there without much trouble.

    Ariella tugged impatiently at his sleeve, pointing toward the celebration with exaggerated urgency. Kai eyed the eager goddess, then grinned as an idea dawned on him.

    "Yeah, I know. We¡¯ll go, of course." he said, adjusting her hood to better conceal her silver hair.

    Fortunately, all three of them had hooded attires to hid their faces. Kaiser short cloaks have one, Ariella on the other hand still reluctantly wore her scary mask because her guardian want her too, for some mortal reason. While Cia was as silent as usual, donning her archer''s slim attire, shrouding her curves with her hood already drawn low.

    Pulling his own hood low, Kai gestured for the others to follow. Together, they stepped from the shadows, blending into the night like ghosts as they approached the tables. The flickering firelight cast their cloaked forms in shadow, their movements deliberate as though they were in invisible thieves attempting to steal from the feast unnoticed. All the while the celebrating villagers simply gave the suspicious trio funny looks, because these cloaked individuals weren''t fooling anyone at all. They had seen the young Player and the two hidden beauty moving around the village many times in the same fashion, indirectly expressing their desire to be left alone. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Kai carefully reached for a plate, his head down and his movements measured. Just as he thought he had succeeded in avoiding notice, a familiar voice rang out, cutting through the noise of the celebration.

    "Mr. Kai? What are you doing?"

    Said a kid''s voice politely, tinged by surprise and amusement.

    Indeed, what is he doing? Sneaking suspiciously for free food when his considered a living legend, the same kind of legendary individual''s that formed Greenland with their power, a Player! Cia is one, too. And let''s not forget the real goddess accompanying him.

    ''Who cares? It''s free.''

    Still, this is kinda awkward.

    Fortunately, it turns out to be Ethan, who happens to also be taking a plating of food.

    Kaiser raised his hood a little.

    "Sup kid, uh, how''s your mom doing?"

    The kid gave him a strange smile. "We''re a happy family, you know? Please do-"

    "Hey, I didn''t mean that. Okay, how''s your mom and dad doing?" Kai cut him short immediately, the kid must have thought he had taken interest in Miss Lina.

    Does he look like a womanizer that much?

    "I''m just teasing you, Mr. Kaiser. Mom and dad are over there."

    Ethan chuckled, pointing at one of the many dancing couples near the blazing bonfire. The polite, talkative kid then added.

    "By the way, have you seen the caravan that arrived this noon Mr. Kai? It''s really big and long, there''s even real soldiers from the city accompanying it, with a few mercenaries, too!" Said the brown-haired kid with enthusiasm of kids at his age towards awesome things, eager to share his discoveries with a playmate.

    He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Kaiser isn''t a kid anymore but there''s nothing wrong with wanting to see the long awaited caravan with his own eyes. Furthermore, they will be riding it for days in their upcoming venture. Checking their ride before departure is a must.

    "I haven''t, care to take me there?"

    "Sure!"

    Needless to say, by now, he was known to be overprotective of his companions by the whole village. The sight of the hidden beauties unrevealing clothing fashion spoke volumes of his attitude, especially towards men''s with malicious intentions. Coupled with Kaiser''s honorable title as a Player and proof of his capabilities, no one will even dare approach them if his temporarily away.

    Leaving Ariella and Cia for a while, Kai followed the boy who eagerly tugged at his sleeve. "Come on, I¡¯ll show you the caravan," the child said, his voice brimming with excitement. They wove through the outskirts of the village, the sounds of the festival growing fainter with each step. The crisp night air carried a sense of quiet anticipation, mingling with the faint aroma of woodsmoke and the earthiness of the forest.

    As they reached a slight rise in the road, the caravan came into view.

    A collection of grand carriages stood in neat formation, their frames larger and sturdier than any he had seen before, probably because they''re made suitable for combat rather than normal transport. Each was intricately reinforced with ironwork, designed to endure the unpredictable dangers of the journey ahead. Lanterns hung from their sides, their warm glow casting long shadows across the dirt road.

    Surrounding the caravan were men who looked as formidable as the carriages themselves. Heavily armored knights stood at attention, their polished armor reflecting the moonlight. They bore an air of quiet vigilance, their hands resting on the hilts of swords or the shafts of spears. Alongside them were rougher-looking individuals, mercenaries by the look of them. They sat around their own campfires, their laughter and occasional bursts of crude humor breaking the stillness of the night.

    Kai noticed the sharp glint of daggers at their belts, the seasoned wear of their leather armor, and the calculating eyes that scanned their surroundings even as they joked. It''s evident that these were no mere travelers, they were hardened guards, battle-tested and ready to fend off any threats that might arise on the road.

    The disciplined soldiers in full armor were likely knights sent by the settlement to escort the villagers to their territory''s safety. The mercenaries were probably hired using the village treasury itself for extra safety. One can never be too careful in regards to life, more so when traveling a path through the dangerous wilderness where various beasts lurk.

    The forest of Greenland isn''t haven. Kaiser had experienced it himself, if not thanks to his immortality pushing him up in every death, it would have been their grave a long time ago.

    He exhaled softly, a wave of relief washing over him. With this much firepower and force on their side, the villagers would be safe from monsters and bandits during the journey... Hopefully.

    Kai planned to check the cargo further back, as well. However, a sudden shift in the distant noise of celebration caught his attention. It started as a faint shift in the festival¡¯s ambiance, the joyful hum of celebration dimming into uneasy murmurs. Moments later, the murmurs escalated into alarmed shouts, cutting through the night like a knife.

    Kai¡¯s chest tightened.

    Something was wrong.

    Thinking about the goddess and the blind girl, Kai eyes darted back toward the village, where the festival had seemed so alive just moments ago. Without a second thought, he sprinted back, his boots pounding against the dirt road as he raced toward the source of the commotion with astonishing speed that left the kid''s jaw hanging.

    In mere seconds, his already back. The sight that greeted him when he reached the clearing made his heart pound louder. By the looks of it, something serious had happened.

    A dense crowd had formed near the edge of the bonfire¡¯s glow, their faces etched with worry and shock. Kai pushed his way through, his heart hammering in his chest. When he saw the source of their worry, he felt his heart skipped a beat.

    At the center of the gathering was Garba, his mentor, crumpled on the ground. Blood seeped through his tattered tunic, staining the dirt beneath him a dark crimson. His usually boisterous demeanor was gone, replaced by a pale, weakened expression.

    Kai froze, his mind reeling. Garba¡¯s breathing was shallow, and the faint rise and fall of his chest seemed to fight against the weight of his injuries. Whispers rippled through the crowd, fragmented phrases of disbelief and fear. Because everyone knew how fearsome the battered swordsman is. To make him bleed was almost impossible to Kaiser, let alone reduce him to this pitiful state.

    "What happened?" Kai¡¯s voice broke through the noise, sharper and louder than he intended.

    One of the villagers glanced at him with a grim expression. "We¡­ we found him like this earlier in the abandoned area nearby. They said his saying something about the Boundary before he passed out¡­"

    He knelt beside Garba, his hand trembling as it hovered over his mentor¡¯s shoulder.

    Garba¡¯s eyes fluttered open at the touch, his gaze hazy but filled with an urgency that struck Kai like a blow. The old man¡¯s lips moved, forming words too faint to hear over the noise of the crowd.

    Kai leaned closer, his heart pounding in his ears. "W-what is it, gramps? What happened?"

    Garba¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, raspy and broken. "They''re¡­ they''re coming. The Invaders¡­ they have come¡­"

    The words hung in the air like a storm about to break, and the weight of their meaning settled over Kai like a suffocating shadow.

    He silently cursed.

    ''Damn it, why didn''t we leave earlier?''

 Chapter 87: Grim leave

    It was bad.

    Really, really bad.

    The old swordmaster was nothing if not resilient. Decades of grueling training, mastery of the torturous Dance of the Wind, and a lifetime of leveling had forged him into one of the strongest warriors the village had ever known. Even now, bloodied and battered, aged and weakened, his formidable strength allowed him to regain consciousness after just a short rest.

    But what came out of his mouth soon after made Kai almost wish he hadn¡¯t woken up. For the Tower Keeper''s word was pure bad news, grave enough to strike like a hammer to everyone''s chest. If he had remained silent, things might have seemed less dire, but ignorance would have only delayed the inevitable. Nevertheless, they learned what made them flee as fast as possible.

    The joyous celebration from moments ago had been shattered, swept away like dry leaves in a storm. The laughter, the bright warm light, the melodious songs, children''s joy, generous tables of delicacy and the dancing around the grand bonfire¡ªthey were all gone. What should have been a night of revelry and farewell had turned into hasted and grim preparation. The festival was intended to last until dawn, but as fate decided, it was abruptly cut short.

    Now, the villagers moved with urgency, their faces set in grim lines as they packed the last of their belongings. Their voices, once filled with mirth, were now low and tense, exchanging hurried instructions as they loaded wagons and carriages hurriedly. Innocent, clueless children were crying, failing to understand why their bright atmosphere suddenly disappeared... Just like the cubical bonfires they work so hard building to warm their festival, only to be extinguished without warning. It''s tall flame gone, the dim embers glowing on the dead bonfire cast eerie shadows over the desolate clearing, its smoke curling upward like the ghost of what could have been.

    Kaiser sighed, his thoughts swirling as he tried to make sense of it all. Aside from his honorable title, he had nothing to gain high standing in this settlement to get exclusive access to important information. But the little Intel he had received was enough to make his stomach twist.

    As it turns out, what his mentor had faced wasn''t anything Greenland had ever seen before. Not scum humans nor dwelling beasts in the wilderness, but something else entirely... Something that doesn''t belong in this land, or was supposed to be here. What had reduced the indomitable swordsman to a bloodied, weakened state were creatures from beyond the Boundary¡ªa realm entirely separate from their own. In some sense, they''re alien monstrosities, with forms no one in Greenland could have imagined had specifically emerged from the Southern Boundary.

    Only three of them.

    Just three of those creatures were enough to push Garba, the strongest swordsman in the village to the brink of death, almost killing him. Kaiser clenched his fists, failing to imagine anything capable of wounding his mentor for he knew better than most how difficult injuring the swordmaster is. Garba never fought him earnestly to death, but the glimpses he received made him aware that his mentor''s combat style relies heavily on evasion as its main defense, his technique in particular allowed him capable of twisting into impossible angle to either dodge or launch unexpected strikes. Making him harder to hit than most warriors, yet the invading monstrosities not only inflicted multiple wounds, but also threatened his mentor''s life.

    That alone spoke for the dimensional invaders capabilities.

    Still, in the midst of it all. He appreciated Garba''s bravery.

    ''Thank god gramp is stubborn.''

    Kaiser had always been skeptical of the tower''s purpose. Guarding an unmoving, inert Boundary had seemed pointless to him, more tradition than necessity. Now, he couldn¡¯t have been more grateful for the Wardens and their vigilance. If Garba hadn¡¯t been there to intercept the creatures in advance, they would have reached the festival unnoticed, followed by a horrible scene of unthinkable carnage, massacre of innocent lives with no warning, nor chance to prepare instead of the gloomy, empty clearing as the villagers fled they''re having now.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    He watched as wagons and carriages, pulled by tamed beasts, were loaded with supplies and the young, old, and infirm. Hunters barked orders, organizing the evacuation with practiced efficiency. The once-lively clearing was now desolate. A grim hive of activity was happening in the distance. Tense murmurs filled the air, mingling with the rustle of hurried footsteps and the creak of wooden wheels.

    ''It would have been nice if only...''

    If only that''s the last of them, but no, misfortune isn''t yet done with its deeds because according to the old man, more are coming. More than the quantity of what he faced, currently preoccupied on crossing the Boundary but would arrive here soon without a shadow of doubt.

    Kaiser¡¯s jaw tightened as he took it all in. The bonfire, the villagers'' final homage to their home, had been doused strategically to avoid drawing attention. Its towering flames, which had once symbolized hope and celebration, were replaced by darkness and the glow of scattered lanterns. The mood of the villagers had dimmed alongside it.

    He felt a pang of frustration. This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to end. They had worked so hard to honor their last night here, only for it to be ripped away by a cruel twist of fate. But reality rarely cared for plans, and fate was indifferent to fairness.

    Sighing once more, he speeds up his pace, knowing the last preparations are nearing completion, Kaiser glanced back to the extinguished bonfire. Smoke still rose from the charred remains, twisting and curling into the night sky. It felt like the perfect metaphor for their situation¡ªa brilliant light snuffed out, leaving behind only ashes and the will to move forward. Unease settled in his heart, brought by the grim thought.

    But everything would be fine...

    That''s what the Hunters had been announcing repeatedly to the departing villagers as they arranged their line. Their booming, confident shouts reassured the people that despite the grimness of the situation, everything is alright. The Hunters had it under control. Somehow, he knew they have countermeasures of their own, one that didn''t require his assistance.

    ''Everything is fine...''

    Suddenly, someone called out to him in a deep voice.

    "Kaiser, what are you doing? Get your friends to that carriage now, I ordered the coachman to leave as soon as you boarded. Get moving, make sure I don''t see you here when I get back."

    It was the big, brown Hunter, Alfred. Who urgently said that, pointing at a certain parked carriage. The Hunters leader was exceptionally grimmer tonight and extremely busy, because as soon as he gave those words for him to hear, the big man didn''t even stop his wide, quick strides as he urgently went on his way without looking back, probably to deal with some important matter concerning everyone''s safety.

    ''Right, I should leave soon, too.'' Kaiser checked on the carriage exclusively assigned to him. This is one of the luxuries his title gives, his treated as a very important person in top priority, even going as far as giving him a personal ride of his own because his future as a Player was of utmost importance. While others walk through the long journey.

    Kai would be lying if his said he isn''t feeling the pang of guilt. However, he had suffered unfairness since childhood as an orphan, devoid of parental support while almost every kid has one? He envied others more than he could count as he struggled to not drown in life, alone with floating scraps while others sailed on a nice boat? So why should he be bothered so much that his now getting the good things in life?

    His not kind, for the world never favored him. Even now, the only gift he received was a double edged sword that will constantly make him suffer in exchange to keep an accursed life he never liked.

    Kaiser slumped his heavy bag on the carriage, thinking.

    ''All that''s left is to get Ariella and Cia.''

    He left them in the Inn with Miss Lina to wander around alone and get fresh news of the situation earlier.

    As he made his way to the Inn, Kai can''t help but notice the brave Hunters accompanied by numerous volunteered villagers preparing for strategic formation, instead of fleeing. Judging by the nervousness and determination in their eyes, he guesses that they had braced themselves to willingly stay behind. Likely to hold the invaders back as the innocent people journey to safety. It doesn''t take a genius to figure out their suicidal intentions.

    The lack of transports left said it all.

    They had no path of retreat and would probably face a heroic death, sacrificing their lives for the sake of many. Their wives, daughter, sons, friends, parents and siblings... So they could successfully leave, survive and live.

    To have one life yet voluntarily offer it for others... Kai didn''t know whether to envy their courage or be grateful for what he had. Makes one wonder what these fools had eaten to selflessly brave death.

    Maybe... Maybe he could join them, too? However, Kaiser''s inner self suggests otherwise. His no hero, in fact, his a coward without his immortality. Furthermore, just like them, Kaiser had his priorities. Ariella and Cia were special cases, they can''t live without his care. What would they do without him? Although, Kaiser is genuinely concerned about the blind girl. The goddess, however... Let''s just say, akin to a ticking bomb, and could very well be a nuclear, or worse if not handled correctly. Therefore, no matter what, Kai would never leave their side even if it means dropping his sword and turning his back from the battlefield.

    Besides, the Hunters said so themselves. Everything is fine, the situation is under control... They can handle it on their own, even without a Player like him, not like an immature Player that hasn''t yet bloomed could be of much help. Alfred urging him to leave soon suggests so, too. So they don''t need him, Kai doesn''t have to join their suicidal battle.

    Yet, why does he feel unconvinced? Uneasy, even.

    His attention then shifted to the distant darkness, his sharp eyes piercing the dark distance. There, he spotted the road, where most of the people were already walking away, carrying lanterns as they journeyed under the night sky. Due to the lack of tamed transport, the majority had to travel by foot while the heavy cargo was taken care of by the train of carriages, saving them from the burden.

    Honestly, his a bit worried about the villagers. More so because something crucial is missing in the train of carriages.

    ''Why is the armored Caravan not with them?''

    The truth his been disregarding was quite obvious, really.

    Gritting his teeth, he let out an infuriated sigh.

    "Of course, this sh*t had to happen."

    Everything is not fine at all.

 Chapter 88: Bitter Truth

    At a modest cottage, the creak of a door broke the stillness of the night. The village chief stepped outside, his hunched figure silhouetted against the dim lantern light. His face was grimmer than usual, etched with lines of worry that spoke volumes about the dire situation, his eyes dim and distant.

    However, it quickly turns sharp as it falls on a young man standing at the threshold. The boy looked unassuming¡ªmessy raven-black hair and an average frame that could easily blend into a crowd. But the chief knew better, he can not mistaken that unsettling indifference in the young man¡¯s dark gaze to anyone else, the eerie calm that belied his age, that marked him as anything but ordinary aside from his title.

    "Child, why are you still here? Hasn¡¯t Alfred informed¡ª"

    "I want to meet him," Kaiser interrupted, his voice steady, leaving no room for argument.

    The chief isn''t one to argue, either. Instead, he

    studied the young man for a moment, his keen eyes staring directly at his. Only to see Kaiser''s resolve, a quiet but unyielding determination. The kind that even the village''s highest authority couldn¡¯t sway.

    Eventually, the old man sighed, his hunched shoulders sagging slightly in resignation. "Very well. Follow me."

    If there was one thing Kaiser appreciated about the chief, it was his pragmatism. Unlike Garba, the chief wasn¡¯t prone to long-winded arguments or stubborn debates, fitting for his age and wisdom. If only his mentor is that understanding...

    The two made their way inside the relatively spacious cottage, its interior dimly lit by lamps and modestly furnished. They stopped in front of a sturdy wooden door at the end of a narrow hallway.

    ¡°He¡¯s resting inside,¡± the chief said quietly, his tone softening. ¡°Would you prefer some privacy? Or should I accompany you?¡±

    Kaiser offered a faint smile, a rare gesture of gratitude. "Thanks, but I''m fine on my own."

    With a small nod, the chief shuffled away, leaving Kaiser alone with his thoughts.

    For a moment, the young man hesitated knowing what he''ll learn isn''t pleasant, his hand hovering over the door handle. He took a deep breath to steady himself before finally pushing the door open.

    The faint creak of the door gave way to the sight of Garba, seated on the edge of a plain wooden bed. The elderly swordmaster was holding his translucent blade, its polished surface reflecting his weary expression. He seemed lost in thought, his attention fixed on his own reflection in the weapon''s gleaming edge.

    The moment Kaiser entered, Garba¡¯s demeanor shifted. A familiar grin spread across his weathered face, though it couldn¡¯t quite mask the exhaustion lingering in his features.

    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t my treacherous student,¡± Garba said with a chuckle. ¡°What brings you here? Don¡¯t tell me you missed me.¡±

    Despite his jovial tone, Kaiser¡¯s sharp eyes scanned him carefully. The old man was wrapped in clean bandages, and while his movements were slow and measured, he appeared to be recovering well. Fortunately, none of his injuries had been fatal, knowing his mentor style, avoiding lethal injuries isn''t surprising for the old man. What made Garba fainted was sheer exhaustion from the battle and his mad dash to the village to inform them of the danger as soon as possible. Which took its toll on his ancient limbs. However, even at his age, Garba¡¯s physical condition remained leagues above most men thanks to his healthy lifestyle and decades of relentless training ensured that rest and treatment were enough to restore him to a reasonable state. Coupled with the fact that his physique was enhanced by accumulated Leveling, that even at the age over one-hundred, his still up and running, killing, even.

    But, Kaiser didn¡¯t waste time on pleasantries.

    ¡°Cut the crap, old man. Be honest with me... Can they hold them back?¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s tone was ice cold, his gaze fixed unflinchingly on Garba.  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    The old man''s expression didn¡¯t waver though, his voice was calm and measured as he responded half jokingly. ¡°Brat, what are you getting at? Have you no trust in the Hunters? In me, your master? Or in the brave souls willing to stay behind? Pay some respect, kid, we''re heroes, you know, but not yet.¡±

    Kaiser crossed his arms, not buying his acts at all, his grim words cutting through the room like a blade. "No. I¡¯m not na?ve enough to fully trust others."

    The old man simply chuckled. ¡°And you think we can¡¯t hold them? Tsk, don''t ruin a man''s dream, brat. Go away, we''ll be heroes for sure that saves running princesses like you.¡±

    "... Can you? Who knows? That¡¯s why I¡¯m here, asking. So stop fooling around and answer me!" Kai was starting to loss control of his tone.

    Hearing the undercurrent in his student voice, Garba had no choice but to be serious.

    He snorted. ¡°Well then, to answer your question¡ªyes! The chief, the Hunters, the volunteers, and I... We¡¯ll make it enough, no, we are enough. I promise you and to everyone, we¡¯ll buy enough time for the others to reach safety, even if it costs us our lives... That¡¯s my word! So take it and leave now, Kaiser.¡±

    ''Old liar.''

    A slow, sarcastic clap echoed in the room, Kai''s expression unimpressed. ¡°Nice speech. But really? Come on, Gramps. Do you think I¡¯m some gullible kid you can easily fool, you have to do far better than that if you''re going to trick me into believing your lies."

    He would have fooled other ordinary kids, but someone who lived in constant poverty from a young age? Dream on, Kai had been lied to, fooled and played more than he could count in the streets. It would take a professional actor to feed him lies to believe.

    Having failed the whole time, Garba let out a heavy sigh, the weariness showing in his tired voice. His student isn''t as naive as he appeared to be.

    ¡°Unruly as ever, I see... Kaiser, understand that we¡¯re doing this for your own good. So for the love of the gods, just follow the damn order. A Player¡¯s life is too valuable to waste on an insignificant battle. So, for the last time, just listen to me: turn your back and leave with the others...¡± The old man was almost begging him. But he remained firm.

    ¡°I will... if you give me an honest answer. Are the forces enough to hold them back? Just answer me already.¡±

    Garba¡¯s patience visibly thinned. ¡°Haven¡¯t I already assured you? Yes, we can!¡±

    He scoffed.

    ¡°Oh, you keep saying that... if everything¡¯s under control, then why the f*ck is Alfred out there groveling for outside help? I just took a look earlier, and judging by the way he¡¯s negotiating, he seemed desperate for additional support. And don¡¯t even get me started on the knights and mercenaries¡ªthey¡¯re not going to bite, I''m sorry to inform you, but by the time I left, their Caravan is already moving away... So stop pretending everything¡¯s fine and just tell me the f*cking true situation! Damnit, we''re all on our own!¡±

    The room fell silent, the weight of Kaiser¡¯s accusations hanging heavily in the air. Garba slumped back against the headboard, his face lined with both exhaustion and reluctant defeat. For a moment, he seemed far older than his years.

    His act gone, replaced by the grimness of reality.

    ¡°Fine,¡± the old man muttered bitterly. ¡°Have it your way, brat... You win.¡± He paused, staring up at the ceiling as if searching for answers he didn¡¯t have. When he spoke again, his voice was low and devoid of any humor. ¡°The truth? None of us are likely to survive. Not me, not the Hunters, and not even the villagers fleeing right now.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching at his sides.

    Garba continued, his tone grim. ¡°Those things from the other side are fast. Too fast. They don¡¯t have eyes, but they can track prey by a potent sense of smell. And when they catch that scent? They¡¯ll tear through anything without hesitation. From my experience, a single one of those creatures is capable of slaughtering a hundred innocent lives in minutes, and more if unbothered.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s breath caught, but Garba wasn¡¯t finished.

    ¡°If we had the knights and mercenaries on our side, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªwe¡¯d stand a chance of holding them back. But without them? No. Not a damn chance, kid. Our forces won¡¯t hold. We¡¯re throwing pebbles at a mountain and praying it won¡¯t crush us.¡± He sighed heavily, his voice trembling slightly. ¡°It¡¯s hopeless. It¡¯s all hopeless, we''ll all die... Satisfied now?¡±

    They can''t stop the invaders... And when all of them fall, the fleeing people are next.

    Kaiser stood frozen, his expression darkening as the full weight of Garba¡¯s words sank in. His mind swirled with thoughts of the villagers, the Hunters, and the volunteers¡ªall of them walking straight into doom. Sadly, their hopes of saving others with their sacrifice were a mere illusion. The thought made him clinch his fist so hard to the point it bleeds.

    ''Why?... Why did it turn out like this?

    He came here in search of the truth and got what he wanted... Was he satisfied? Well, he felt like puking all his guts out.

    It''s so much worse than his darkest expectations.

    He cursed the world countless times in that momentary silence.

    Eventually, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said, ¡°...Yeah.¡±

    Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room, leaving the old man behind.

    As he stepped outside, the cold night air hit him like a slap, but it did little to clear the heavy fog of his mind. The village felt more desolate than ever, the once-vibrant streets now eerily quiet. Lanterns flickered weakly, casting long shadows across the faces of the Hunters preparing for what they surely knew was a losing battle. All for a false hope.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze swept over the scene, his heart sinking further. Their determined faces, encouragement, bravery and their whispered prayers¡ª all seemed like futile gestures in the face of an inevitable end.

    When Garba revealed those bitter truth, he meant it. The courageous warriors, far away villagers that already traveled long distances, high-ranking individuals, the rich and the strong. Garba, the Chief, Alfred... Everyone. Oh, how he wished for it to be a joke.

    The things he liked are few, and the village just had to be one of them.

    Time passed in a blur as Kaiser made his way to the inn. His thoughts churned with a storm of emotions¡ªfrustration, anger, and a gnawing sense of helplessness. The grim words of his mentor echoed in his mind, haunting him with every step. His vision is already imagining what they would become... Corpses. Not a single one is spared. But perhaps he''ll stay standing, after all, he can''t die. However, even that was uncertain for their foes could potentially kill him through digestion or other ways.

    Then again, what''s the point of living without others?

    The desolate village around him only deepened his unease, and by the time he arrived at the inn, he felt as though a heavy weight had settled in his chest. Because on the other side, were people he valued the most.

    He stopped at the door and took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He couldn¡¯t afford to waver, not now.

    Not in front of them. Not with so much at stake.

    Touching the door knob, Kai overheard the sounds of weeping.

 Chapter 89: Conversation in the room

    Stepping into the inn, the first sound to greet him was the heart-wrenching cry of a woman and child. He spared it a glance only to see Miss Lina crouched on the floor, holding her son Ethan tightly. Tears streaked the boy¡¯s face as he sobbed uncontrollably, his voice breaking with each word.

    "Why, Dad? Why? Why can¡¯t you come with us?" Ethan¡¯s small fists pounded weakly against his father¡¯s chest as though he could shake the man¡¯s resolve.

    Maber, the boy¡¯s father, knelt in front of him, his large hands trembling as they rested on Ethan¡¯s shoulders. His sorrowful gaze met his wife for a brief moment before turning back to his son.

    "Ethan," Maber said gently, though his voice wavered. "You¡¯re grown up now. Stop crying. Dad just has to work, okay? I¡¯ll follow behind, soon. I promise."

    But Ethan shook his head violently, clinging to his father as if letting go meant losing him forever. "I don¡¯t want to go if you¡¯re not coming! I don¡¯t want to! I can help you with your work, Dad. I¡¯ll be good¡ªI¡¯ll help, so we can stay together!"

    Miss Lina stroked her son¡¯s hair, tears glistening in her own eyes despite her attempt to stay strong. ¡°No, dear¡­ It doesn¡¯t work that way. Your father has to stay here, but he wants us to be safe. Please, listen to him, Ethan.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s heart tightened as he watched the exchange. The raw emotion in the room was suffocating, and he felt like an intruder in their private moment. Turning away, he ascended the staircase, his boots creaking softly on the worn wooden steps.

    Its strange... In this kind of situation, his old self¡ªAlone, selfish, unburdened by anything but himself¡ª was exceedingly ideal. That way, he could run away on his own with a high chance of surviving, instead of bearing so much pressure. Yet, for some reason, he couldn''t be happier, as if those that rely on him hold no weight.

    ''... I changed, I''m not that kid anymore.''

    When he reached the landing, his eyes immediately found Ariella. She stood serenely by a closed door, her hands clasped behind her. The dim light filtering through a nearby window casts a soft glow around her, highlighting her peaceful expression. She seemed to absorb the sorrowful atmosphere below, her face tranquil yet touched with a quiet sadness. Like a holy maiden listening to a sad melody, her faint smile hovering between happiness and sorrow.

    He really can''t understand this goddess of his.

    When her mesmerizing eyes met his, they lit up with a warmth that made his chest tighten. Her expression softened, a tender mix of gladness and unspoken affection.

    Kaiser offered her a small, weary smile. ¡°What¡¯s with that strange look?¡±

    Ariella shook her head gently, her long silver hair swaying slightly, as if to say "nothing". Before her gaze lingered on him again, expectant and full of undescribable emotions, that somehow begged to be embraced.

    Kaiser would have loved to, but he swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus. The situation was too dire to let emotions take over.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Cia?¡± he asked, his voice steadier than he felt.

    Ariella nodded toward the door beside her.

    ¡°Thanks¡­ And Arie,¡± he added after a moment, ¡°there¡¯s a carriage parked near the blacksmith shop. Take Miss Lina and Ethan with you. I¡¯ll join you after I get Cia.¡±  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Ariella hesitated, her brows knitting in concern. She studied her guardian''s face with doubt, unsure if he would truly come back. But after a brief pause, she nodded, her obedience tempered by reluctance.

    Kaiser turned to the door, the urgency of their dwindling time pressing on him. But when he tried the knob, it didn¡¯t budge. His frown deepened as unease prickled at the back of his mind. Something felt off. Why is it locked?

    With a frustrated sigh, he gripped the iron knob tightly, his muscles tensing. Metal groaned under the pressure of his hand until the lock gave way with a sharp crack. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside.

    Moonlight filtered through the half-open balcony door, spilling into the dim room. There, huddled against the far wall, was Cia. She sat with her knees pulled tightly to her chest, her pale blond hair glinting softly in the faint light. Her body trembled as quiet sobs escaped her lips.

    The sight froze Kaiser in place, for he never thought he would ever see Cia crumble to this point. The blind girl he knew looked so small, so fragile, so weak and sad¡ªlike a princess locked in her tower, weeping silently in the dark.

    Kaiser didn¡¯t know what to feel, honestly... Perhaps his heart got numb after everything¡ªthe crushing revelations, the mounting despair, the cruel truth, the grim outcome of everyone¡ªbut given so little time to process. He didn''t know what to do, for he''s probably as lost as Garba, Chief and Alfred. Why did he even force his mentor to share those truths?

    Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile and walked toward her. His voice was gentle but firm. ¡°What¡¯s up? Everything¡¯s okay?"

    Cia look didn¡¯t look up. Ignoring him.

    Kaiser¡¯s jaw tightened. But he remained patient, he crouched down, lowering himself to her level. ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but we have to go. Ariella and the others are¡ª¡±

    ¡°Leave me alone.¡±

    Her fragile voice was muffled, her face burying deeper in her knees.

    Kaiser¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I said leave me alone!¡± she snapped, her sobs intensifying as she hugged herself tighter.

    ¡°And why the f*** would I do that?!¡± he barked, his frustration boiling over. ¡°Stop having stupid ideas, Cia. You¡¯re coming with me!¡±

    Kai felt like snapping, too. He already has so much sh*ts in his mind. Now, the blind girl his trying so hard to help was adding to his troubles.

    ¡°No¡­¡± Her voice cracked, broken and full of anguish. ¡°Please, Kai. Do me a favor. Just leave me here.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s fists clenched at his sides. He opened his mouth, wanting to shout, but no words came, it closed and opened yet still, he can''t find his words. His throat tightened as he looked at her¡ªso vulnerable, so lost. Finally, letting out a shaky breath, he slumped down beside her, his back pressing hard against the wall more than it should. How nice it would have been to turn back time, and rest peacefully at this time of day instead of dealing with so many problems he doesn''t know a single sh*ts how to solve.

    If anything, letting emotions drive him would likely just make things worse.

    For a long moment, the two sat in silence, the weight of the situation bearing down on both of them.

    Eventually, Kaiser spoke, his voice quieter and calmer now. ¡°¡­Why?¡±

    Cia didn¡¯t answer immediately, her sobs slowing into soft, hiccupping breaths. The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating, until finally, she whispered:

    ¡°Because I¡¯m nothing but a burden to all of you¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah, F*ck you.¡±

    That... That at least made her face up to him.

    His blunt remark broke the tension like a sledgehammer.

    Her lips are slightly agape.

    ¡°What?¡± she managed in an incredulous voice.

    He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, and scoffed nonchalantly. ¡°Oh, please. That¡¯s the most obvious excuse I¡¯ve ever heard. Even a kid could come up with a better reason. If you think I¡¯m going to leave you just because you think you¡¯re as useless as Ariella, then go f*ck yourselves!. Because I won¡¯t. Even if you two turned into a pair of boulders. So, Cia, do better. If you¡¯re trying to get me to do something I don¡¯t like, you¡¯ll have to try a hell of a lot harder than that and note that lies don''t work well on me, spout sh*t on me again, like it or not, I''ll drag you back with me.¡±

    Actually, he could do that right here and now but decided otherwise. Cia isn''t a foolish girl, she must have her reasons. Besides, forcing her to do what he wants is no better than forcing him to leave her.

    For a moment, her lips twitched, almost forming a ghost of a smile, but it didn¡¯t last. Her voice came quieter this time, touched with bitter amusement. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ a lot stranger than I thought, Kai. And smarter, too. I don¡¯t really get you¡­¡±

    She faced down at her knees again, hesitating. Then, as if summoning all her courage, she whispered, ¡°To answer your question... It¡¯s because I¡­ I don¡¯t want to live anymore.¡±

    Kaiser froze. Those words struck his heart like daggers, ripping it, their weight far heavier than anything he had prepared himself for.

    However, his response was almost immediate, though it betrayed his earlier declaration. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s it. I¡¯m dragging you back now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet.¡±

    Her quiet interruption made him pause. He studied her face, the tears pooling again in her closed eyes, the way her body trembled with every breath of desperation.

    ''I really can''t understand sh*t''

    Kai''s mind urged to force her into submission, to end this... But in the end, gritting his teeth, he slumped back, tiredly. His hopeless...

    Cia pressed on, her voice barely above a whisper but growing steadier with each word. ¡°You must¡¯ve figured it out by now, Kai. Those who are staying behind are insufficient. They¡¯ll never be enough to save the people fleeing. You know it as well as I do.¡±

    Kaiser flinched, his mask of calm shattering for a moment.

    ''H-huh?''

    Sensing his surprise, Cia continued, her tone sharpening. ¡°I see, I am right. If my speculation is correct¡­ then that means we¡¯re all likely to die."

    He looked at her with widening eyes, his mind racing.

    ¡°...How did you know that?¡±

 Chapter 90: True Worth

    Kaiser stiffened.

    How does a blind girl know that? She wasn¡¯t supposed to know any of this. More importantly, that''s the most crucial information kept from everyone except a few. Most of the warriors themselves didn¡¯t even grasp the full extent of their hopelessness. And yet, here she was, a blind girl devoid of the typical connections or resources to access such crucial information, laying it all bare before him.

    Then again, this was Cia he was talking about.

    This was the same girl who, despite her severe disability, had ascended to the ranks of elites back in their former world. She couldn¡¯t read textbooks or see the world as others could. She had never experienced a normal perspective or interacted seamlessly with others like most did. Yet, despite all odds, she managed to achieve more than most students who had every advantage at their disposal.

    Kaiser sucked in a shaky breath, his chest tight. His aware of her superiority in that aspect, but not to this degree. Her intelligence was startling, honestly. What else should he expect from someone who had ranked among the top students of their generation? Those achievements aren''t earned by nothing.

    "I may be blind, but I''m not stupid. The commands they throw exposed it, they''re too obvious. Arranging to escape immediately without much consideration, haste were the moves of the desperate. They gathered volunteers, too. Which shows the severe lack of forces, additionally, mobilizing the migration so soon, it must have meant that the invaders had superior traveling speed. And then there''s you."

    Her lips curved faintly, though her smile was devoid of humor. ¡°Knowing you, it takes a lot for you to lose your cool. But your tone had been unstable this whole time... Admit it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong! we can make it. There¡¯s a plan. I just need to¡ª¡± Kai lied, though his voice lacked conviction. His fists clenched tightly, his nails biting into his palms.

    ¡°There¡¯s no plan, is there?¡± she interrupted, cutting through his weak denial like a blade. ¡°Or if there is, it¡¯s a desperate one.¡±

    True... Cia''s words struck him hard. He opened his mouth, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªto say, but there was none. For there had never been.

    ¡°But don¡¯t lose hope entirely. I¡¯ve figured out there¡¯s one possible way to survive. Kaiser, in our circumstances, it all depends on speed. Pray that the carriage you¡¯re assigned to has a fast enough mount to outrun the invaders.... Thankfully, you''re fortunate.¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±

    Cia exhaled shakily, her sightless gaze distant. ¡°They know you¡¯re a Player, Kai. They know what you could become someday¡ªwhat you could achieve if given enough time to prosper. I believe in that too. If I were them, I¡¯d make sure the fastest mount in the village was pulling your carriage, to ensure the Player''s survival above all others.¡± She paused, her voice softening. ¡°That¡¯s why I believe you¡¯ll live, Kaiser. You¡¯ll survive, with the memories of this village.¡±

    Indeed... A Player''s life was too significant to disregard due to their rarity and unimaginable potential. Greenland was said to be a former wasteland, transformed into a haven it is now by a Player''s ability. Therefore, they can''t let him die at all costs. Garba, the Chief and Alfred must have intended to send him away in this fashion.

    Kaiser stared at her, his chest constricting as the weight of her words settled over him.

    He''ll live. The carriage he''ll board will surpass others. Yet... Why does he feel no joy? He should be happy, right? The higher ups had specifically taken consideration of his preference, giving him an option to leave together with those he cherished.

    Probably because the words left unsaid told an unbearable sacrifice. The numerous villagers traveling on foot were anticipated to become collateral damage for his sake, likely delaying the invading creatures while he fled.

    "... I don''t want that, but that''s the only realistic option." She shook her head slowly, her expression unreadable. "Kai, please. Can you give my spot to someone else, so they could live in my place.¡±

    The silence that followed was deafening.  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°No,¡± Kaiser said sharply, his voice low but firm. His jaw tightened, his confused frustration simmering just beneath the surface. ¡°Why the hell would I do that?! Why would I exchange your life for someone else¡¯s?¡±

    Cia flinched but didn¡¯t back down. Rising her voice with trembling emotion. ¡°Because, Kai¡­ I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m tired of living. Even if I make it through this, I know the same thoughts will come back. Again and again and again. You can save me as many times as you want, but it won¡¯t matter. I¡­ I just don¡¯t want to live like this anymore.¡±

    Kaiser slammed his fist against the floor, his breathing ragged. ¡°Why? Is it because you¡¯re blind? That¡¯s it? That¡¯s your reason?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just that!¡± Cia''s shout echoed through the dimly lit room, her voice cracking as fresh tears streamed down her face. ¡°It¡¯s everything! It¡¯s the way I¡¯m always a burden, always slowing people down! I¡¯m *worthless*, Kai! Do you even understand what it¡¯s like?!¡±

    Words began spilling out like a dam breaking, each one more anguished than the last.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to be me! To constantly hear people pitying me, saying, ¡®Oh, poor Cia, she¡¯s so strong for living like this.¡¯ But they don¡¯t mean it. They¡¯re just glad it¡¯s not them! I can¡¯t do anything without relying on someone else! I can''t eat without others, I can''t bathe on my own, I can¡¯t see the sun, the stars, the faces of the people I care about! All I have is darkness, Kai. Just¡­ darkness. And I¡¯m tired of it. I¡¯m tired of pretending I¡¯m okay when I¡¯m not! I''m not... Still, I once tried to become someone, I poured everything! but where did that get me? Here, where I''m basically just a piece of meat being carried around...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so tired of being *me*¡­ I''m worthless, so please, I beg of you, give my chance to someone who actually had a future. I can die content that way.¡±

    Kaiser sat frozen, his heart breaking with every word. He wanted to tell her she was wrong, to shake her and make her see how much she mattered. But the raw pain in her voice, the depth of her despair left him momentarily speechless.

    Kaiser took a deep, trembling breath, his words a mix of exhaustion and sincerity. ¡°Cia¡­ you¡¯re not worthless. You¡¯ve never been worthless.¡±

    "Stop it, Kai!" she cried out, her voice raw and broken. "You don¡¯t understand! You¡¯ll never understand what it¡¯s like to live like this, without worth or anything!" Tears streamed down her face, and the sound of her sobs felt like daggers against the quiet night.

    He leaned back against the wall, his gaze fixed on the floor. Cia''s words echoing in his head, mixing with his own doubts.

    ''Worthless...''

    A faint, self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips.

    ¡°But I do, Cia,¡± he said quietly, in a tone carrying the weight he rarely allowed to surface. ¡°I know exactly how it feels to be worthless. Probably better than you think.¡±

    She turned toward him, startled by his calm tone.

    ¡°You¡¯ve asked yourself what it means to be worthless. Well, let me tell you. Who I am before we got here, I was nothing. Kaiser of Class F¡ªthe bottom of the bottom. I lived in the smallest, cheapest rental box you could imagine, scraping by on leftovers. No family, no real friends, no talent, no purpose¡­ just an empty shell, floating from one day to the next.¡±

    He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze growing distant. ¡°I¡¯d wake up every day feeling¡­ dead. Not physically, but inside, you know? Like the air I was breathing wasn¡¯t meant for me. I¡¯d spend my days staring at a phone screen, waiting for night to come so I could sleep and forget how useless I felt. But the next morning, it¡¯d start all over again. Day after day, I drifted, waiting for something to change¡ªknowing it wouldn¡¯t. It will never, why? What do you expect in a life of a nobody, it''s just a cycle of nothingness.¡±

    He chuckled bitterly, his laugh devoid of humor. ¡°You¡¯d think all those years of studying would¡¯ve amounted to something, but they didn¡¯t. To tell you the truth, after graduation, I was on the verge of becoming homeless the day after. No job, no savings, no hope. Funny, isn''t it? But when I think about it, I guess being a beggar really suits me. After all, I''m just a trash heap of a person waiting to rot. I hated myself, but I didn¡¯t know how to fix it, no, i never had the motivation to fix myself. I thought that was it for me¡ªjust a slow, miserable fade into nothing, where I really belong. But that''s fine, I like it that way... I''m already dead inside long ago, and no one would be sad if I''m gone. Heck, I''ll be you all my life if someone actually attends my funeral. If I''ll even have one. Strangely enough, I thought it was okay.¡±

    Kai''s voice softened as he glanced at her, his eyes carrying a mix of vulnerability and determination.

    ¡°Then I met Ariella¡­ and you. At first, I thought it was some kind of cruel joke. The gods handing me her to take care of because they''re too lazy, and then, she made me take you, too, when I couldn¡¯t even take care of myself. Funny, isn''t it? I mean, what the f*ck is this?" Kaiser sighed. "I¡¯ll admit it¡ªI wanted to run. Leave you both behind and go back to my pathetic little life alone where I''m comfortable and probably rot somewhere. But¡­ I didn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t.¡±

    He exhaled deeply, his tone shifting to something warmer, more honest to the point he sounds like crying. ¡°And I''m really glad I didn''t... Because before I realized it, I started to care. Your reliance on me¡­ it made me feel something I never felt. Important. Needed. Like I mattered, you two needed me, a lot... So I couldn''t die, I couldn''t run. It''s like an anchor, I can''t possibly leave you both alone, no, will never, just thinking about it hurts me more than anything else. What would happen to you idiot without me? Eventually, it becomes something I¡¯m never willing to give up.¡±

    Kaiser leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ¡°You and Ariella gave me a reason to live, Cia. I¡¯ve spent my whole life feeling like I wasn¡¯t worth anything, but with you two, I finally feel like I have a purpose. So no, I won¡¯t let you go. I won¡¯t let you throw yourself away when you mean so much to me.¡±

    He paused, then looked away to hide his embarrassment on what his about to confess.

    "...The Truth is. I wanted to make both of you smile, to be happy, to live, to be with you two... For my own selfish reasons. I''m afraid of becoming the sh*t I am before, I''m afraid of going back, of losing you and feeling dead all over again. You see, I, I lost my only family at a young age, I had no relatives, either. So, uhh, when the two of you came into my life, I was confused about my feelings at first. But eventually, I think I understood what I felt... guess I, finally got it, what having a family feels like. It''s warm and strange, addicting, even. Cia... I don''t think can''t take it if I lost you, that''s why, please. I¡¯m scared of losing you¡ªof going back to being the useless, empty person I was before. You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re kinda my family now. Both of you are. And I¡¯m not going to let you go. Not ever.¡±

    The room fell into silence, heavy with unspoken emotions. For a moment, he wondered if he¡¯d said too much, let too much of himself slip out, which he indeed did, now, why did he say so much? Now he feels like his heart is about to explode at any moment while his brain is malfunctioning. He wasn''t even sure what his doing anymore, why did he come here again? He forgot everything except this stomach twisting moment. But then, he heard movement behind him.

    Followed by two big and warm sensations pressing on his back, hair touching his neck and soft hands clutching his chest.

    His heart skipped a beat.

 Chapter 91: Daddy

    ''Zara?!''

    The name tore through Kaiser''s mind like a lightning bolt, dragging with it a flood of bitter memories. His body stiffened as the warmth of Cia¡¯s arms around him sent a chill down his spine.

    The last time someone embraced him from behind, it hadn¡¯t been a gesture of comfort. But the cleanest, quick, efficient, most painless death delivered by her betrayal.

    Zara''s touch had felt warm, too, as warm as fresh blood, until the icy sharpness of her claws pierced his heart. Next thing he knew, he suddenly dropped to the ground, only to realize he had been killed before he could even process the pain soon after.

    It wasn''t the most gruesome way to die, merciful, even. Yet it itched her chilling grace within him.

    His spine shivered involuntarily, a cold sweat prickling his skin. He shut his eyes tightly, bracing for the same fatal strike, even as her trembling fingers clutched his shirt.

    But¡­ nothing came.

    No pain. No claws. Only the soothing warmth of her gentle touch and the soft pressure of her cheek resting against his back.

    ''...Sh*t,'' he thought, exhaling shakily. ''Don¡¯t tell me I¡¯m traumatized by hugs now.'' From behind, at least.

    The irony of the situation wasn¡¯t lost on him, but it was overshadowed by the unmistakable strangeness of it all¡ªthe tears soaking through his shirt, the uneven rhythm of her breath, the sweet scent of her hair drifting into his senses.

    Strangely, he began wishing for it to last forever.

    In that moment, Kai allowed himself to relax, leaning slightly into her embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of his burdens began to lift.

    ¡°Kai¡­¡± Cia¡¯s voice broke as she whispered his name, raw and full of emotion. ¡°You idiot¡­ why are you like this?¡±

    He froze, her words striking him harder than any blade. His heart hammered against his chest as he struggled to respond.

    "Hell if I know," he whispered hoarsely in return.

    A silence followed, thick with unspoken emotions.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Cia whispered at last, in a trembling tone. ¡°Thank you for not giving up on me.¡±

    Her arms tightened around him, and Kaiser¡¯s lips curved into a small, genuine smile. He felt the sting of tears threaten his composure, but he fought them back stubbornly. He was a grown man¡ªno way he¡¯d cry over something like this. Not in the hands of a maiden.

    "...So, you''re coming with me, right?"

    "Idiot. How could I say no after hearing all that? You¡¯re not as tough as you pretend to be, you know. And besides..." She murmured.

    She rested her forehead against his back, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "...I don¡¯t want you turning into some depressed drunkard if I leave. What would Ariella do then? I¡¯m more worried about her than you."

    Kaiser snorted, rolling his eyes even though she couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°Yeah, sure. Treat it like an investment, why don¡¯t you.¡±  If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± she said, a small smile forming in her tone. ¡°Just promise me one thing, Kai¡ªsave a thousand lives for me in the future, in exchange. Deal?¡±

    ¡°A thousand?¡± He arched an eyebrow. ¡°I might as well be a superhero at that point.¡±

    Her soft giggles sent a warm shiver down his neck. ¡°I think it suits you pretty well.¡±

    ¡°For your information, I¡¯m a certified as*hole.¡±

    Her breath brushed his ear as she sighed dramatically. "Actually, I have one more condition. Please, never call yourself that ever again. Because you''re not a bad person, the Kai I came to know was an overprotective, kind, selfless, a bit mischievous, brave, gentle and loving person. And I liked that about you, so don''t be too harsh on yourself. You''re just a misguided and misunderstood man. Not a bad person, that''s why don''t ever call yourself that."

    He hesitated, her words cutting through layers of self-loathing he hadn¡¯t even realized were still there. ¡°¡­Yeah, I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Promise?¡±

    ¡°I swear,¡± he said softly. ¡°Now, we should get moving. The others are waiting for us.¡± Partially to save his heart from all this drama.

    But Cia didn¡¯t let go immediately.

    ¡°Kai¡­¡± Her voice was quieter now, almost shy. ¡°About what you said earlier. A-about family... I haven¡¯t agreed to that yet.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Yeah, I did say that nonsense. Just forget about it¡ª¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Her arms tightened again, her cheek pressing closer. ¡°I don¡¯t want to forget. Actually¡­ I think I¡¯d like that. Back on Earth, my family didn¡¯t feel like¡­ family. They supported me financially, sure, but they barely spoke to me due to my capabilities severe inferiority. Unlike here, with you and Ariella, it¡¯s different. So, if you don¡¯t have a family, I don¡¯t mind being yours.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s heart twisted in a way that was both unfamiliar and comforting. He would have really loved that. For some reason, it made him brimming with happiness within, as if he found something very precious Kai never knew he needed, longed for and dreamt of.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said simply in a trembling tone.

    Her head shot up, a mix of disbelief and concern on her face. ¡°W-wait, are you crying?¡±

    ¡°What? No!¡± he sputtered, quickly wiping the *stay rain drops* on his eyes, totally not tears. ¡°Why would I cry over something like this? A fly just got in my eye, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Flies don¡¯t exist in Greenland, Kai¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± he shot back, flustered. She can''t even see!

    Cia giggled softly at his poorly concealed embarrassment. After a moment, she asked quietly, ¡°Kai¡­ what do we call our relationship now? I mean, it¡¯s not romantic or anything. It¡¯s more like a family bond. So¡­ does that make me your stepdaughter too?¡±

    Kaiser groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Don¡¯t even start¡ª¡±

    ¡°Should I call you *Daddy*?¡± she teased, her laughter spilling over.

    His face turned scarlet, and he stood abruptly. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s it! We¡¯re going!¡±

    But as they walked, her soft laughter still echoed in his ears.

    He didn''t feel too good, as if in the midst of hellish sickness and heaven. Heavenly because from the looks of it, Cia was relatively back to her real self, which he yearned to achieve all this time. He got to see her inspiring smile and hear her melodious laughter, making all his sufferings worth it. Sweetly hellish, for Cia keep teasing him, whispering that accursed word, Daddy, I his ears.

    ''What the f*ck is wrong with her?''

    Though, he should be more concerned about what the f*ck is wrong with him. I''ve given him a loving goddess belonging solely to him, with the addition of a vulnerable, delicate beauty devoid of sight reliant only on him... Yet for some freaking reason, Kaiser failed to progress in the aspect of romance and instead, explore a relationship path I didn''t even know existed... But jokes aside, his relationship with Ariella and Cia had indeed taken an unexpected turn that even him was rendered hopeless in comprehending his mistake, if forming a strong bond not relying on romance was even a mistake to begin with.

    ''I just hope the first thing that will come out of Arie''s mouth is Daddy Kai... F*ck, this is unbearable.''

    Sighing, he came down the stairs holding Cia by the hand, in which she insisted on or else she will say that accursed word to him again. Feeling her palms grip onto his, Kai''s heart was still unstable but his certain of his feelings towards Cia. He kinda likes her, though not romantically sure, same goes to Ariella, for love was a subject his really dumb at. What even is that thing? Or his just a disappointment as a male.

    However, Kaiser wasn''t sure if they felt the same.

    ''What did I even get myself into...'' He didn''t know, nor aware what it''s called.

    In any case, the luxury of time was something they didn''t and they wasted so much already. Mere five minutes, to be exact.

    In the dark dining hall, Kaiser noticed a lone figure sitting in a dark corner. Clad in poorly made armor, armed by a blade meant for chores rather than battle. Maber''s expression was forlorn, as he sat there, motionless but exerting a brimming sense of conflicted emotions with his head down.

    The innkeeper''s husband must be thinking whether he''ll meet his wife and son again.

    Even as they neared, the volunteered soldier didn''t pay any heed. Until Kaiser spoke.

    "What are you sitting there, we''re leaving."

    Maber slowly lifted his head to gaze at the young man. Before saying in a regretful tone.

    "...I can''t."

    The young man sighed. "You can, I said so."

    The man grounded his teeth. "Kid, you don''t understand. That''s not how it works-"

    He was about to raise his voice in rage but was stopped by a whispering blade centimeters away from his neck. Unaware when did the young man put it there.

    "I''m really tired of others thinking of me as a kid that doesn''t understand anything. Aside from love, I do understand many things, more than most, actually... Including what it feels like to live without parents. It''s hard, lonely and painful, so f*cking move your ass and meet with your son and wife! I don''t give a sh*t about pride or what they''ll say, I want you there now. Trust me, no one will dare stop you with me around, even Alfred himself. Besides, you''re no warrior. The best you could do is die there, Ethan is a kind boy, Miss Lina can''t lose you, either."

    Additionally, he wouldn''t want another kid to went through the sorrow of an orphan like him. Not if he can do something about it.

    Maber hesitated, conflicted by his proposal. However, what Kaiser said was undeniable and in all honesty, he would even go as far as begging for a chance to be with his family.

    "... T-thank you... Thank you... Thank you." The man cried in gratitude, repeating the same words over and over again.

    Kaiser smiled towards the blind girl.

    "Nine hundred ninety nine to go."

 Chapter 92: False Hero

    ¡°Dad? DAD¡­!¡±

    The boy¡¯s voice cracked the somber night as he shouted, his wide eyes fixed on the figure standing in the distance. His breath hitched, and for a moment, he thought his mind was playing tricks on him. But the figure didn¡¯t disappear. It was real.

    He leapt off the carriage before anyone could stop him, stumbling but catching himself as his legs carried him forward as fast as they could.

    ¡°Dad! It¡¯s really you!¡±

    Maber barely had time to react before his son collided into him, wrapping his small arms tightly around his waist. The boy buried his face into his father¡¯s chest, his sobs muffled but heavy with emotion.

    ¡°I-I thought¡­ I thought I¡¯d never see you again¡­¡± Ethan cried, clinging tighter, afraid that if he let go, his father might vanish again. His old enough to understand what''s really happening here, that his father would charge to a battlefield.

    Maber knelt, pulling his son into a firm, protective embrace. His hands trembled as he held the boy close, his own tears slipping silently down his cheeks. He stroked his son¡¯s hair, whispering softly.

    ¡°I¡¯m here now, son. I¡¯m here,¡± Maber said, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯ll never leave you again, I promise. It¡¯s okay now. Everything¡¯s okay¡­ We''ll be together.¡±

    Behind them, Miss Lina stood frozen, her hand covering her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes as she watched the scene unfold, her heart torn between disbelief and relief. Slowly, she stepped forward, her steps hesitant but drawn to the man she thought she¡¯d lost forever.

    ¡°Maber¡­¡± her voice was barely a whisper, her hands trembling. ¡°What¡­ what happened?¡±

    Maber lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers. The weight of their shared grief, their pain, and their longing melted in that moment. He stood, gently pulling his son up with him as he turned to face her.

    ¡°I won''t go, Lina,¡± he said, his voice breaking. ¡°I won''t leave my family.¡±

    She hesitated for a moment before rushing forward, throwing her arms around him. She clung to him as if afraid he might disappear again, her tears soaking into his shoulder.

    ¡°I thought¡ªI thought we would lose you forever,¡± she sobbed. ¡°I told myself to be strong for him, but I¡ªMaber, I can''t take it, I need you so much¡­¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Maber murmured, his voice low and soothing. ¡°It''s only been so short but I missed both of you more than words can ever say. I¡¯m so sorry, Lina. For everything. For leaving, for making you go through that pain¡­ I¡¯ll never leave you again. Never.¡±

    Their son stood between them, his small hands gripping both of theirs as if anchoring them together.

    ¡°Promise?¡± Ethan asked, his tear-streaked face looking up at his father.

    Maber crouched again, placing his hands on the boy¡¯s shoulders. His gaze was steady, filled with love and regret.

    ¡°I promise,¡± he said firmly.

    The boy sniffled, his lips trembling before he lunged forward to hug his father again. Maber held him tightly, and Lina knelt beside them, wrapping her arms around both of them. The three of them stayed like that, their tears mingling as they held onto one another.

    Listening on the sidelines, Cia leaned her head on Kaiser¡¯s shoulder. She murmured softly.

    ¡°Told you, you¡¯re a really good man¡­ Daaade¡ªhmp!¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s reflexes were sharp as ever; his hand clamped over her mouth before the vile word could leave her lips.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he said flatly, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

    Cia¡¯s stifled laughter against his palm was her only response before he let her go with an exasperated shake of his head. He turned his attention to Ariella, who sat in the carriage. Her eyes fixed on the reunited innkeeper¡¯s family outside. The joy and relief on their faces seemed to light up the night. When Ariella finally noticed Kaiser¡¯s gaze, she smiled brightly, her silver eyes gleaming with a light that rivaled the moon above.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going,¡± Kaiser said gruffly, breaking the moment.

    They wasted too much time already.

    Before long, the group boarded the carriage. It''s noticeably well crafted, designed for speed, too small for large cargo and could only fit six people within. Ethan and Miss Lina sat further in, on the right side, sitting beside Kaiser. Across from him, Ariella and Cia shared the bench, with Maber beside them, his hand resting protectively on his wife¡¯s shoulder.

    The driver called from the front, ¡°Is everyone aboard?¡±

    Maber confirmed with a nod. Only then did the carriage jolt forward, its wheels creaking against the gravel path.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Kaiser leaned back, his posture relaxed, but his eyes betrayed a storm of thoughts as he stared out of the small window. Ariella noticed his distance and kept glancing at him, puzzled by his choice to sit apart from her and Cia. Meanwhile, Miss Lina stole occasional, shy glances at Ariella, clearly captivated by her ethereal beauty every woman dreamt of, at the same time, Maber struggled to only look at his wife, forcefully locking it on her to avoid accidentally seeing Ariella. However, Ethan had it worse, he couldn¡¯t hide the awe in his stare as she looked at the goddess raw beauty without her shrouding mask.

    A the wheels picked up speed, the soft hum of the rolling carriage filling the silence. Kaiser¡¯s eyes opened as he turned his attention to Ariella, meeting her silver gaze.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your mask?¡± he asked.

    She tilted her head, her expression feigning ignorance as if to say, *What mask? That ugly thing?*

    ¡°Where did you put it?¡± His voice carried a note of mock sternness.

    In response, she pointed out the window, completely unrepentant.

    Kaiser sighed heavily. ¡°Be thankful you¡¯re cute¡­" he muttered, shaking his head.

    It''s really hard to get angry at her.

    Then, he suddenly remembered something.

    "Oh, I almost forgot about it."

    Kai reached into his bag, pulling out two carefully crafted masks. Ariella¡¯s eyes lit up the moment she saw the bunny mask, her expression shifting to pure delight. She reached out eagerly, her hands trembling slightly with excitement. Aware that her guardian was an overprotective meany, all it took is a single glance to know the full mask as for her and would be stuffed on her gorgeous face one way or another.

    Kaiser chuckled and leaned forward, handing the masks to both Ariella and Cia.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Cia asked, running her fingers over the elegant contours of her own mask.

    ¡°A face-ware, Ariella needed a proper one for her own good," he said that while giving the goddess a knowing look. Then added. "And¡­ well, I thought you might like one too. It¡¯s nothing fancy, but¡­¡±

    Ariella, already fastening her mask, turned to Cia, helping her put on the elegant face-piece. The result was striking, Cia¡¯s mask gave her an air of quiet mystery, while Ariella¡¯s bunny mask made her look endearingly playful. The sight of his own creation on display, equipped by two beauties rendered him speechless.

    He didn''t have much expectations on his craft, rather, he had been insecure of showing it, thinking a creation of a novice craftsman would look good. But to his surprise, it actually turned out pretty well.

    Kaiser¡¯s lips curved into a rare smile as he studied them. ¡°Nice, it... it looked nice on both of you¡± he said, his voice full of quiet pride.

    Ariella tilted her head, clearly fishing for more compliments.

    He relented with a chuckle

    ¡°All right. You¡¯re adorable.¡± which is clearly a lie because her beauty is masked by his creation.

    However, without warning, Kaiser suddenly leaned forward, pulling both of them into a firm, unexpected hug as he said those lie. They froze for a moment, startled, before melting into his embrace.

    The rhythmic sound of the carriage wheels on gravel softened as he whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Cia asked, her voice almost inaudible.

    ¡°I have to leave,¡± Kaiser said, his words heavy with both pain and determination. ¡°But I swear to you¡ªI¡¯ll come back. Like I always do. Trust me, there¡¯s nothing in this world that could stop me from returning to your side¡ªnot even death.¡±

    Cia tightened her grip on his shoulders, her voice trembling. ¡°I trust you¡­¡±

    She knew Kaiser''s character too well. He acts brave but in truth, his coward at heart that only fought battles he could win. Kai''s tone was firm, too, hinting at his confidence. Additionally, his self-healing ability wasn''t a secret. Even in dire situations, Kai doesn''t need a miraculous healer for he is his own aid.

    Reluctantly, he let them go gently, his hands lingering for a moment before standing up. Then flicked a sharp gaze to Maber, who had been close enough to overhear, and shifted it to the direction of the oblivious driver. It took the man a second to understand. With a subtle nod, Maber silently acknowledged the weight of his intentions.

    Turning toward the carriage door, Kaiser prepared to jump. However, Ariella¡¯s grip on his cloak stopped him. He looked back to her, only to see her silver eyes, reflecting the moonlight as if she held the stars themselves within them. As if pleading him not to go, despite being the only one in Greenland that knew his immortality. Once again, he failed to fathom this goddess. So, he just said.

    "¡­ I¡¯ll miss you, too.¡±

    Hearing a pained yelp, followed by someone falling before rolling on dirt. Kaiser pulled his cloak free from Ariella¡¯s grasp and leapt from the moving carriage.

    The sound of his boots hitting the ground echoed faintly, then the scrape of gravel as he rolled gracefully to his feet.

    Ariella leaned out of the window, her grey eyes scanning the darkness, her silver hair fluttering in the wind. Finally, she caught a fleeting glimpse of her guardian as he turned back briefly. Bathed in moonlight, his silhouette was dark and unwavering.

    The figure raised a hand in a casual wave with an unreadable expression. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the distant shadows, swallowed by the night.

    Left alone on the road, Kaiser stretched his stiff limbs, a low groan escaping his lips as he yawned, his bones cracking from the tension. The cold night air bit at his skin, but he didn¡¯t mind. It was a welcome reminder of his decision... Granted, he felt more alive than ever.

    "Great. Another act of stupidity added to my list," he muttered to himself, his voice laced with dry amusement.

    The village authority had given him a clear choice: escape, survive, and live to see another day while those around him sacrificed their safety for his. A simple, logical decision. But did he take it? No.

    He had the chance to flee, to walk away with the ones he cared about¡ªCia, Ariella, and the others¡ªand yet, here he was, standing alone in the road like a fool. A laugh, hollow and bitter, bubbled up from his chest, echoing through the quiet night.

    Nevertheless, Kai had No regrets. No fear.

    And yet, something inside him had changed. He knew it. He could feel it. This wasn¡¯t about bravery or honor. Hell, it wasn¡¯t even about proving anything to anyone. It was about something more personal. Something he had been running from for so long.

    He wanted to prove to himself that he could be better, be someone he could be proud of, maybe then he would stop viewing himself as a piece of sh*t. That could choose a path without letting the past or his survival instincts dictate his every action.

    Cia had been right, probably. He never wanted to be a bad guy, to be a nobody. He never wanted to trick, lie, or be trapped by the cycle of emptiness that had defined so much of his life. But the circumstances had pushed him. No, the world forced him to become what he became, to do what was necessary for survival, nothing more. Forging him into an empty bastard without dreams, relationships or goals.

    Perhaps that''s why he felt dead, instead of alive on Earth.

    He could have sat on that carriage, knowing he was safe, knowing the people he cared about were on their way to safety as well. Kai would be happy to ascertain his interest in the cost of many others which he had little to no chance of helping for fate had destined calamity to come, thus choosing the most rational path in saving their most valuable individual before fading under the onslaught of disaster.

    But in all honesty, that wouldn¡¯t sit right with him¡ªnot anymore. Because peace for him would mean suffering for others. And that, that was the burden of survival he''ll regret forever. Kai was done bearing regrets, he was done letting the world decide for him.

    Kaiser wasn¡¯t interested in living a life of ease anymore. He wasn¡¯t going to run, or take the easy way out. He wanted to *live* with the decisions he made¡ª*live* with his own sense of truth. To be forged by himself, not what''s around him. Not in words, not in promises, but in action. Only then will he hopefully, and truthfully live for who he really is, find himself, instead of continuing on as a lost soul.

    He has become a better person now. And would rather live than simply survive.

    He chuckled like an idiot. Thinking that his becoming a heroic character with bright smiles that he despised.

    A hero? Maybe. But he wasn¡¯t some shining knight, and he sure as hell wasn¡¯t doing this for glory. He wasn¡¯t even sure what he was fighting for, except the hope that, the traveling villagers would reach their destination safely.

    Was this how the Hunters and the volunteers felt? Their inspiration, the motivation that fueled their determination.

    He didn''t know about that, but his immortality supported that ideal, that stubborn ego of his. The endless healing that allowed him to survive pain, failure, and death. It fed his resolve, making him believe he could withstand whatever may come. That''s what differs him from a hero, for his no selfless fool to forsaken himself and those that needed him for strangers completely.

    When he said he will come back, he will come back to Ariella and Cia.

    A voice broke his reverie, cutting through the stillness of the night.

    "Wait! Sir, Kaiser! You can''t do this!"

    Kaiser turned to the fallen carriage driver hurrying toward him, out of breath, his face pale with panic. "They made a sacrifice for your safety! If you don¡¯t go, our lives, our choice to forsake ourselves¡ªit¡¯ll all be for nothing! Please, chase after them and live in our place."

    Kaiser¡¯s eyes locked onto the driver, his expression cold, hard as steel. He didn¡¯t flinch, nor hesitate.

    ¡°Tell Alfred and the others to f*ck themselves,¡± he said, his voice low and final, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

    The driver recoiled as if struck, mouth agape and speechless, but Kaiser didn¡¯t care. He turned away, not waiting for any more protests.

    There was nothing more to say. This was his choice, his battle now. Besides, why did he even practice the blade for? surely it''s not to run.

 Chapter 93: Battle in the Burning Woods 1 - Invaders.

    Under the vast, glittering night sky, the eerie barrier of shuddering reality rippled ominously. Subtle waves cascaded across the ethereal Boundary, distorting the air like a disturbed, vertical lake. The disturbance emanated from a single, dreadful source: the invaders clawing their way from the other side.

    The Boundary resisted fiercely, its sticky, viscous energy clinging to the trespassers like a sentient, ethereal mire. The unnatural forces seemed to slow the creatures¡¯ advance drastically, holding them in a tenuous grip as though the world itself rejected their presence. Yet, despite the Boundary''s valiant effort, its resistance was limited to what it could naturally do.

    Then, it happened.

    A grotesque maw pierced through the shimmering surface, forcing its way into reality with a sickening snap. Freed from the Boundary''s embrace, the invader lunged forward, its momentum carrying it into the mortal world.

    The creature emerged in its full, harrowing glory. Akin to a wolf, It stood over three meters tall on its slender, canine limbs, its posture both alien and predatory. White fur, disheveled and messy, draped over blackened, leathery skin that shows signs of many battles for survival, healed yet left some marks. Its neck, disturbingly long and snake-like, ended in a hedious head resembling that of a lizard. No eyes adorned its flat skull''s face¡ªonly a wide, black nose at the end and a cavernous maw bristling with jagged teeth. Four elongated ears jutted from its sides, twitching like antennae, and a tongue as serpentine as its neck slithered out to taste the air.

    As if a nightmare creature had come to life, made flesh¡ªa grotesque amalgamation of a snow hound, white bear and lizard, twisted by some dark evolution. Appearing to what it is now¡ªA big hound deprived of fat, appearing to be structured for speed rather than toughness, its neck unnaturally long ending with a pointy sharp head, but wrongly flat on the top. As though it was solely made to smell, chased and devoured, nothing more.

    The beast''s nostrils flared, inhaling the scents of this foreign world. Drool dripped from its slavering jaws as its hunger roared to life. Behind it, the Boundary rippled violently once more, and a chorus of monstrous howls filled the air as its kin followed. Their howls were like glass glass scraping against glass, making one''s ear ring.

    One after another, the creatures emerged, each as horrifying as the last. They spilled into the world like locusts, drawn by the promise of prey.

    Near the Boundary¡¯s breach, two mutilated corpses of their kind lay sprawled in pools of dark, steaming blood. Their deaths were the handiwork of a skilled swordmaster whose blade had carved through their unnatural hides. However, something was amiss¡ªonly two of the slain creatures remained, despite there being three before. One corpse had vanished mysteriously, leaving no trace but a faint, lingering sense of dread.

    But the other invaders paid no heed to this mystery. For feral instincts consumed their thoughts. Like ravenous wolves, the beasts turned on their fallen kin, tearing into the bodies with frenzied fervor. Their jagged teeth ripped flesh and cracked bone, consuming their dead without hesitation.

    Wherever these creatures came from, it was no land of abundance. Their gaunt frames and savage desperation spoke of a desolate, merciless existence where survival trumped all else.

    In moments, the corpses were stripped bare, devoured completely, not even bones remained. Only their hunger remained for more, a gnawing, insatiable void that drove them to sniff the air once again. This time, the scent of something sweeter filled their senses: human prey, faint traces of the swordmaster lingered in the air, drawing their hunger.

    With a unified snarl, twelve of the white-furred monstrosities surged into the forest, their clawed paws tearing into the earth as they sprinted toward the faint trails of their next meal.

    This world, unlike the barren hell they tried so hard to escape, promised abundance. Here, prey was plentiful, trees were everywhere, so did life. For the first time in their wretched existence, they could feast in a luxuriant land. The Harbingers of disaster charged to their prey.

    The twelve monstrosities hurtled through the dense, shadowed forest, their elongated limbs moving with terrifying precision. They flowed like a singular entity as a pack, weaving effortlessly between the towering trees, each beast guided by pure instinct. Though eyeless, they moved with uncanny accuracy, their noses flaring as they sniffed the air, each inhale mapping the terrain in ways a human mind could scarcely comprehend.  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    The woody scent of the trees, dampened earth, and faint traces of moisture provided them with a three-dimensional awareness, allowing them to maneuver easily through the rough terrain with terrifying speed. Their forms blurred against the darkness, pale fur streaking past bark like ghosts hunting under a waning moon.

    Driven by the maddening allure of prey, their hunger consumed them. The human scent they tracked was tantalizingly close, so rich and inviting it almost drowned out the scent of their own filth and blood. Unlike anything they had smelled before, humans had a tantalizing flavor to them, untouched by excessive roughness of the wild and possessed the luxury of hygiene. Making them appear like a clean, premium meal in the sense of these creatures.

    Their feral minds burned with anticipation.

    However, their greed blinded them to the subtleties of the path ahead. Little did they know that what they aimed for was a special species, rulers of lands, and considered the most cunning creatures in existence.

    Unnoticed amidst the earthy scents of the forest. Taut ropes stretched between sturdy trees, expertly camouflaged with the dirt and foliage to cover its scent. Its position was calculatedly set to meet the invaders'' swift feet.

    The first beast reached the trap with unchecked speed, its long claws digging into the ground as it lunged forward. The tough rope caught its front limbs mid-bound, snapping taut with a vicious twang.

    A sickening crack echoed as the creature''s momentum betrayed it, sending it crashing face-first into the forest floor. Its slender neck twisted at an unnatural angle, and a feral screech of rage tore from its maw.

    The second and third creatures followed close behind, too fast to adjust course. The rope snagged them in rapid succession. One tumbled sideways, slamming into a tree with a dull thud, while the other pitched forward, its sharp claws flailing wildly as it struck the ground. A snapping sound followed¡ªwhether the rope or its own legs was unclear.

    Chaos erupted among the pack of unseeing savages.

    The remaining beasts snarled and hissed, their speed working against them as one after another fell into the unseen trap. The once-cohesive swarm of predators now devolved into a cacophony of confused howls and snarls. Some scrambled to their feet, stumbling over their fallen kin, while others crashed into trees, disoriented by the sudden halt of their relentless pursuit.

    From the shadows, unseen eyes observed the chaos below. Some of the humans¡ªthe creator of the trap, expert in this field¡ªallowed themselves a ghost of a smile. Their cunning had worked, the beasts'' speed turning into their downfall. But this was only the beginning.

    The traps didn¡¯t end with a single rope. The Hunters were natural adversaries of beasts for many reasons, and chief among them was their ingenuity in crafting deadly snares.

    Several of the hounds that fell victim to the initial rope trap found themselves tumbling into an even grislier fate. Below them lay rows of sharpened spikes buried beneath a thin layer of forest debris, poised to impale anything unfortunate enough to fall. Sickening squelches and grotesque crunches filled the air as two of the creatures landed on the spikes, their flesh meeting woods.

    Others that managed to regain their footing met equally brutal fates. One leaped forward, only to land squarely on a concealed mechanical trap under patches of dried leaves. Iron jaws snapped shut with a deafening clank, the vicious steel teeth clamping down on its elongated limb. The beast thrashed wildly, its pained howls piercing the night air as it struggled to free itself, black blood pooling beneath it.

    Another triggered a carefully rigged mechanism. A rope, camouflaged against the forest floor, released with a sudden snap of disturbance. Sending a heavy log, studded with jagged spikes, swung down from above. The impact was swift and merciless, crushing the skull of an unfortunate hound beneath its weight. Then, another was carelessly triggered in the chaos, letting sizable timbers rain down accompanied by spikes.

    The forest echoed with a cacophony of noise¡ªsnarls, the sharp snap of traps, and the agonized wails of the beasts. Each sound was a testament to the Hunters¡¯ skill and preparation.

    Hearing the screeching wails from the otherworldly creatures maws as they suffer their works. The Hunters and volunteers loosened their grips on their weapons, their breaths hitching with a mixture of relief and disbelief. The tide seemed to be turning in their favor, more than expected. Hope flickered in their weary eyes, a fragile ember in the darkness.

    Maybe... Maybe they can actually win this. Maybe they can protect their families... Perhaps they could even make it through this battle. Alive.

    Hope was intoxicating in a desperate ordeal the superiors had said to be grim. The idea of surviving, of returning to their loved one who''s safe because of their bravery. And standing tall as heroes was a dream worth fighting for.

    But dreams rarely stood a chance against the brutal reality of raw, unrelenting power.

    Be it as it may, cunning often pales in superiority of others. When the pained shrieks died down, hinting that the traps were all exhausted on torturing the enemy. The forest serenity returned for a brief moment.

    Then...

    A dirty white figure rose up in the shadows of the forest. It would have been magnificent if it was a gorgeous white wolf symbolizing the firmness of a king. Sadly, instead it was a skinny, tall and dirty creature, that only knows savagery, rising up to devour its meal.

    The white-furred hound, was soaked in an unnaturally dark blood that dripped steadily to the forest soil. One of its feet was Injured, yet it stood fearlessly, throwing the tasteless, ruined metallic part of a snapping trap towards a tree''s bark with its gaping maw that stretched widely on its head. The metal landed on the ground, bent by monstrous force, ravaged by steely teeth despite being made of metal.

    The creature eyeless head turned toward the scent of nearby humans, its long tongue flicking out like a serpent tasting the air. The beast stepped forward, limping on one foot, silent and deliberate, each movement radiating a terrifying, predatory resilience. Others followed, too. Harmed but not dead.

    The Hunters froze, the earlier hope in their eyes now tempered by a new wave of dread.

    They were no ordinary beasts. They''re built stronger, tougher and faster.

    "Brace yourselves, brothers! Fall back!" one of the veteran Hunters shouted, rallying the others. His voice was firm, but the tremor in his tone betrayed his own fear.

    A high pitched, guttural howl cut through the night like a blade. Ringing their ears and sending chills down their spine in response.

    Weapons were raised, breaths were held.

    The creature let out a chilling hiss, their maws stretching unnaturally wide.

    The hunt had just begun.

    Whether who''s the true hunter in this dark field was yet to be proven.

 Chapter 94: Battle in the Burning Woods 2 - Play dirty

    The defenders had done everything within their power to gain an advantageous position. With limited time, they harnessed their deep knowledge of the terrain of their territory, their skills as hunters, and the significant wisdom shared by Garba, the village''s seasoned swordsman. It was his discovery after facing three of those creatures solely by himself that had allowed them to lay a series of hastily crafted traps, in consideration of the invaders weakness and strength in particular, giving them a decisive edge against their otherworldly adversaries.

    The Hunters had studied the invaders patterns, understanding their methods of tracking prey. The scent trails had been deliberately manipulated to lead the creatures along a predictable path¡ªone riddled with sinister rope and strategically placed hazards. Against any ordinary beast, the traps would have been devastating, perhaps even fatally crushing. However, despite receiving the full blow of all that, they remained on their elongated feet. Having only suffered minor injuries, scarred, bruised, wounded and a few limping. But nothing fatal to the point it rendered any of them severely incapable, let alone dead.

    Which goes to show that the white-furred hounds, tempered by the merciless conditions of their alien origin, were unlike anything that roamed the forests of Greenland. Though some bore wounds deep enough to slow them, none had fallen. Their resilience was unnatural. Too unnatural in Kaiser''s view, perhaps their evolution in an environment where only the strongest could endure had tempered them to this level, perhaps Leveling had something to do with this?

    Then again, other creatures had always been stronger than humans, made tougher, swifter and deadlier... Kai can only accept the fact that this won''t be an easy battle.

    Now, wary but undeterred, the twelve monstrosities continued their advance towards the tantalizing scents of annoying humans, but surely delicious. Their slavering maws and long tongues betrayed their insatiable hunger, and their primal instincts strained against the tenuous leash of caution. Though they moved more carefully, it was clear they struggled to suppress their urge to tear into their prey. If not for the instinctive fear of steeping onto another painful trap, they would have charged frantically.

    The hidden Hunters in the distance watched grimly from their backing positions. Thinking that maybe, if they had been granted more time, they could have devised deadlier traps¡ªcrafted strategies with greater precision, and maybe, just maybe, slain even one of the abominations, lessening the pressure. But time was a luxury they did not have. What''s worse, is that, their village location was remote and isolated from other settlements, so they could not expect any reinforcements anytime soon even though a request was sent with the knights and mercenaries, who declined in fear of facing otherworldly creatures, added, their assigned mission only covered protecting the migrating villagers, nothing more.

    Alone and helpless, the higher-ups decided to stay firm here for the sake of others, following Garba''s decision in accordance with the nature of their enemies. If only a nearby settlement stood close enough to aid them, but expect a wide stretch of forestry, there''s nothing that could help them on this one. It was this very remoteness that had driven the villagers to migrate, seeking safety and opportunity in larger communities elsewhere.

    But fate had been cruel, striking them with misfortune at the last moment.

    With their traps exhausted and the beasts closing in, the defenders could do little but tighten their grips on their weapons and brace themselves. Despite the dire situation, they weren¡¯t without hope. Their cunning had brought them this far, and they were not yet ready to surrender.

    Unbeknownst to the pack of monstrous hounds, the Hunters were not on their wits end yet.

    Eventually, guided by the laid scent trails led the creatures into a wide clearing. As they entered, jaws slavering and noses twitching, the air erupted with the sharp twang of bowstrings.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    A rain of arrows descended from the sky.

    Caught off guard, the creatures reeled. Unable to see the projectiles, they were helpless to dodge. Dozens of arrows and crossbow bolts slammed into their gaunt bodies, some missing due to the considerable distance where the archers had fired it from. But fortunately, some luckily found its mark. Hitting the creatures hides but only managed to be embedded shallowly in their flesh. Once again, agonized shrieks erupted from the gaping maws, a sound both alien and harrowing.

    "Really irritating, too." Kaiser grumbled under his breath, grimacing as he covered his ear. Sometimes, having superior senses than most isn''t that great, especially when his stalking Invaders that screams scraping glasses.

    Currently, his blending with the volunteers that wore makeshift clads, poorly made, old, or cheap armors or whatever combat related item they managed to find. Weapons were not much of a problem because everyone had large or long knives in their houses, some even invested in swords for protection. Although, the blacksmith had literally given all products for free, it wasn''t enough to armed everyone. Sadly, Kai wasn''t there when free things were being given. Not like his lacking in equipment, but shrouding, yes.

    Knowing Alfred, Garba and the Chief... Once they found out that he actually stayed, chances are, they would shift their attention on forcefully pulling him to safety. After all, a Player''s value is just too much to waste in a losing battle. The best they could achieve if they can''t stop the invaders from chasing after the caravan, was save someone who had the potential of striving for greatness, perhaps becoming a king, but surely become strong enough to stop such monstrosities like this white-furred abominations from destroying another village. To not repeat the past...

    However, Kaiser can''t possibly run and bear another tragic backstory, right? He already has one.

    ''Heck, I''ll become a hero right away.''

    No need for backstory to inspire his determination, immortality is enough.

    But Alfred can''t possibly know that, who knows what will happen if his miraculous, undying existence is revealed? Therefore, he hid after knocking down the driver on the road. Now, shrouded in a blanket found from the Inn, Kaiser was ready to join in the battle without being recognized... Though, it''s really annoying to listen to the volunteers making fun of his war attire.

    Saying; "What are you doing here, sleep?"

    And.

    "Oh, so mysterious, are you a traveling sorcerer by any chance? Or simply looking for your bed?"

    "Why didn''t you bring a pillow, too? Scratch that, I''ll even help bring the bed with you!"

    And many more sarcastic remarks.

    He can''t blame them, though. I mean, who''s sick enough to freaking go on a grim battlefield wrapped in a blanket? That guy must have just woken up in the middle of a cold night, oblivious that a war is happening.

    Ah, how he would have loved to secretly knock one of these Hunters for their cloaks. But no, his a changed man... Still, the smirking bastard glancing at him with a nice hunters attire was really alluring. Perhaps one bad deed wouldn''t hurt?

    Mentally slapping himself, Kai focused on the enemies. His recognizable attire was cooler than that guy, anyway. A shame Kai couldn''t show it off, or else the hunters around him would scream "the brave Player has come to join us!" Something like that.

    ''At least it''s comfy and warm.'' he knew others were envying him secretly.

    Disregarding that they''re currently at war against otherworldly creatures from a different Realm, wrapping in a blanket kinda feels like participating in an odd hide and seek in the middle of the woods.

    In any case, everything is going according to the plan shared to everyone. After leading the monstrosities to the traps, they are expected to fall back to make the invaders follow the next wave of attack, namely, ambush on the clearing.

    Right now, his hidden in the bushes far away from the invaders, along with the focused group of people responsible for drawing the invaders, holding a lantern.

    Kaiser''s vision was exceptionally sharp and capable of observing through greater distance. Allowing him to watch the white-furred abominations being assaulted by hails of arrows, helpless to dodge, pathetically being abused...

    Which boosted the hunters morals once more, but Kai knew better. Even though the invaders had been on the receiving end all this time, constantly suffering humanity''s cruelty in the games of strategic battle. Kai wasn''t feeling so good, rather, his expression are becoming darker.

    Because despite it all, the invaders endured. Though wounded and bleeding, their monstrous resilience held strong. The clearing became a scene of chaos, the beasts writhing and snarling as the defenders unleashed their barrage. Once again, the cunning of humans had plunged these unrelenting predators into another torturous assault.

    Finally, the nearby archers raised their bow, lit their arrows with flames, took aim... Then, released.

    Kaiser sighed.

    Understanding why they would do that. Because, beasts were gifted with their own terrifying weapons, as well. And that is savagery.

    When abused to a certain degree, they''ll forget all reasons and simply act on instincts, bare their fangs, reveal their claws, and charge...

    That''s when their moves become unpredictable.

    ''I guess that''s why there was no further mention of acting as bait...''

    Why bother putting bait if there''s no more traps or ambushes.

    This is where their passiveness ends.

 Chapter 95: Battle in the Burning Woods 3 - Ignited

    Under the relentless rain of projectiles, the white-furred abominations suffered in the trickery of humans once again. Though the arrows lacked the precision to strike fatal blows, each one that found its mark was enough to send sharp pangs of pain through their sinewy flesh. They snarled and twitched in frustration as the assault persisted. It wasn¡¯t the lethality of the attacks that tormented them, but the unrelenting irritation, a cruel mockery of their supposed superiority.

    They had had enough.

    The fragile restraint they had shown, the meager attempt at caution¡ªcrumbled under the onslaught. Wariness had proven futile, turning into a weakness that only prolonged their suffering, instead of sparing them. To these savage beings, caution brought nothing but more pain. And so, instinct won, abandoning all reasons, they let their beastiality loss free. With a guttural growl, they abandoned restraint and gave in to their primal fury.

    Snarling and slavering, the invaders surged forward, their monstrous maws snapping as they charged headlong toward their tormentors. But just as one beast lunged, its gaping jaws wide with rage, a single arrow sliced through the night. Its flight was unnervingly fast, like a bullet unlike any other, and it struck with surgical precision as if the one who released it had predicted everything. The arrow plunged into the open maw of the charging hound, piercing through its brain and emerging subtly from the top of its flat-top-skull. The creature crumpled mid-leap, its lifeless form collapsing to the ground.

    In the far distance, from the shadows of the forest, the old chief allowed himself a faint smile, his steady hand lowering the bow that had loosed the killing shot.

    And then, the forest erupted.

    By then, flaming arrows arced through the air, their fiery tips streaking against the dark canvas of night. The defenders had unleashed a new wave of chaos, this time from the treetops and forest edge, not for the creatures, but for the surrounding.

    When one of the flaming arrows hit a soaked bark of a tree, a wave of fire was ignited, rolling to cover it whole. The first tree erupted into a tower of fire, its light casting long, menacing shadows over the battlefield. One by one, more trees ignited, the flames spreading with ravenous hunger, turning the dark forest into an inferno.

    Flames blossomed wherever the arrows struck, igniting oil-soaked wood and foliage with explosive brilliance.

    For a brief moment, the defenders hesitated, caught between awe and terror as the rising flames painted their surroundings in hues of orange and red. But there was no time to marvel.

    Amidst the blaze, Kaiser tightened his grip on his sword, the heat licking at his face as a roaring command pierced through the cacophony of crackling flames and screeching howls.

    ¡°Burn the land!¡±

    It may sound like an unreasonable demand, but it''s their only saving grace in this war. With the distance they have been maintaining disappearing, traversed by the invaders with terrifying speed, giving them mere seconds left before clashing. Running from those things are suicide, obviously. Their slender body structure was constructed more for speed. A clash was unavoidable, their only salvation lies in turning the very forest against their enemies. The inferior volunteers and hunters can only rely on smoldering heat to obscure their scent, thus rendering the invaders main sensory used to perceive the world a mess by heat, which disrupts smell. Putting them in an environment surrounded by fire will be like blinding their vision, thus giving them a significant advantage in an all out clash. Fortunately, the forest was in their favor thanks to it being surrounded by things to burn.

    Heeding the command, the defenders worked quickly. Lanterns were smashed against piles of dried leaves and thick undergrowth. The flames began to spread, consuming everything in their path and filling the air with smoke and heat.

    With this, the monsters¡¯ primary sense was obscured, hopefully. Blinded by the smoke and the suffocating heat, their keen ability to track by scent would be nullified in the chaos of the inferno.

    As the roaring flames intensified, casting the forest in an apocalyptic glow, the defenders wrapped fabrics around their lower faces as protection from the smokes. Unsheathing their weapons, while rangers kept sending arrows at the darting hounds. The invaders closed the final stretch. Their snarls grew louder, their claws tearing through the earth in a frenzied charge. Then, just as they were about to reach the defenders, a towering wall of fire erupted in their path, ignited by the Hunters.

    The flames roared high, blocking Kaiser¡¯s view of the charging beasts. For a moment, all he could see was fire¡ªwild, untamed, and unyielding. The heat was oppressive, the air thick with smoke, but he stood his ground, sword drawn and heart steeled for the clash to come. However, Kaiser can''t help but be apprehensive because from the looks of it, even if one of the invaders was dead, eleven was still too much for an army of Hunters and Volunteeres. Taking on all eleven of them despite their numerical advantage promises a catastrophic loss of men, perhaps even defeat. After all, half of their army was untrained civilians, not soldiers. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Things weren''t looking good for them.

    ''Where the heck are those guys...''

    But then, a low, echoing horn resounded, cutting through the crackling inferno and ringing in their ears with shallow, but booming noise. Kaiser grimaced, irritated by the sudden sound. However, his heightened senses caught a distinct, sickly-sweet scent carried by the warm, smoky air. Faint and but noticeable for his sensitive senses, which is incomparable to humans, second only to the white-furred hounds in this battlefield. It was the unmistakable stench of blood¡ªfresh and potent, yet unnaturally enhanced, as though altered by some human artifice.

    His brow furrowed. It wasn''t there before, was it the high-ranking Hunters doing?

    ''Wait¡­ Are they dividing them?''

    That''s the most logical conclusion he could come out of, considering the absence of key figures, Alfred and Garba. Kaiser had been wondering where they were, but as it turns out, they were executing a crucial plan, perhaps their last.

    Somewhere in the shadows, hidden from sight, the strongest of their forces were lying in wait. Timing was crucial, and now, with the invaders disoriented by fire and fury, the trap had been sprung. The bait¡ªa concoction of blood and rot¡ªwas too tempting for these particular beasts to resist.

    Divide and conquer: a timeless strategy.

    In this case, dividing and *devouring* might prove effective against such fearsome foes, it was a calculated necessity. The defenders knew their strengths and weaknesses well¡ªthough their forces numbered nearly two hundred, they paled in individual prowess compared to the eleven monstrous invaders. But by splitting the beasts and overwhelming them with sheer numbers, they might stand a chance of picking them off one by one.

    Blinded by rage, smoke, and fire, the white-furred abominations faltered. Their ears twitched toward the sound of the horns, their noses twitching greedily as the enticing scent wafted through the air. Slowly, they began to separate. Three veered to the right, two to the left, leaving six charging headlong toward the army Kaiser¡¯s is blending in. The hunters and volunteers standing beside him exchanged nervous glances.

    The six invaders were left at their mercy.

    His hopeful expression turned grim as he cursed.

    ''The f*ck... Did they miscalculate?''

    From the looks, yes. Then again, In the chaos of war, nothing could be predicted perfectly. The hunters had done all they could to manipulate these beasts, but even the best-laid plans had limits.

    Still, six was a daunting number to face, even with nearly a hundred defenders at his side. In Kaiser''s judgement from what he had seen so far, a single white-furred abomination could take on fifteen or twenty of their men''s, even death, victory isn''t certain. Heck, Kai wouldn''t be surprised if thirty died trying, because one snap by that invaders mouth is capable of instantly killing a man, their claws were equivalent to a deadly, their speed unrivaled. Truly a nightmare in the flesh, unlike any other.

    No more traps or schemes. They had exhausted everything, even arrows were running out. From here on out, all they have left is their swords, axes, bows and spears.

    ''But Damn, six?''

    It would have been more ideal if it was five.

    Kaiser was dubious of their victory against half a dozen invaders, even if their numbers were over a hundred. Fortunately, his here. And if his not mistaken, the old chief remained with them, as well, stationed atop a strategic high point, hidden, his bowstring drawn taut and ready to rain precise death from above. That old mad was their best marksman, having already killed one invader. It wasn''t that grim...

    As the hounds surged past the wall of flames, and the hunters in front surged forward to meet them, shouting their war cries. Kaiser¡¯s breath caught. Now that they were closer, he could see them clearly¡ªand they were even more nightmarish than before. Three meters tall, with sinewy, elongated bodies like grotesque parodies of horses, their skeletal frames had white furs, beneath blackened skins.

    Forget about hounds, those sh*ts are three meters tall horses! That said, the invaders were an entirely new species of creature to be specific, he just didn''t know what to call those nightmarish creations.

    He let out a dry, humorless chuckle. Thinking of turning back... Sadly, he can''t after saying all those heroic bullshit*ts without living up to it.

    Steeling himself, Kaiser adjusted the fabric mask covering his nose, shielding himself from the stifling smoke. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, the flickering flames dancing along its steel blade as he stepped forward. Around him, the defenders roared, summoning their courage as they charged into battle with wild war cries.

    Radiance of the burning woods touching their sweaty faces, rain of stray ashes was carried by the warm wind.

    **Elsewhere, on the eastern side of the battlefield¡­**

    A broad, muscular figure stood in a wide clearing, framed by the distant flames and the glowing embers floating through the air, as dark smokes rise above the night sky. Alfred, the commander of the hunters, was an imposing figure. His brown skin glistened with sweat, his massive greatsword resting on his broad shoulders like a deadly extension of himself. Around him stood a dozen warriors, a mix of his strongest soldiers and trusted comrades, including Brick, the spiky-haired brawler who radiated barely contained energy, fearless arrogance and composed resentment. All of them watching as the distant woods burn.

    Alfred¡¯s grim eyes never left the dark line of the forest ahead. He stood in tense silence, waiting for the inevitable. The air was thick with the putrid stench emanating from the crashed crate of rotting meat placed at the center of the clearing. It was a beacon, deliberately designed to draw the beasts to them.

    When a low rustling reached his ears, Alfred exhaled slowly, his hands tightening around his weapon.

    ¡°They¡¯re coming,¡± he muttered, his voice deep and steady.

    ---

    **On the western front¡­**

    Under the pale light of the moon, an old man sat cross-legged on the scorched ground, his face serene despite the chaos not so far away from him. Windslayer, his transparent blade, stood planted in the earth before him like a gravestone marker, catching the moonlight in ghostly hues.

    Garba¡¯s lips twitched in a wry grin as the sound of approaching beasts broke through the night. His old eyes glanced at the cleanly sliced crate of rotting meat nearby, its vile stench assaulting even his hardened senses.

    ¡°Ah, it seems my lovely hounds, had come to dinner at last...¡± he joked, chuckling weakly.

    But his humor soon faded. His expression darkened as he counted the shadows shifting in the distance.

    ¡°Cursed luck, that¡¯s more than I asked for,¡± he clicked his tongue.

    Garba calmly rose up, pulled Windslayer¡¯s hilt and took a deep breath. Before slowly looking up to appreciate the moon above, hanging ominously, casting its cold light over the battlefield.

 Chapter 96; Battle in the Burning Woods 4 - Blood and Fire

    As the forest burned, war raged on.

    Under the radiance of fire, swirling ashes and smoldering heat, everyone''s hearts burned with determination to protect their loved ones and faced the abominations themselves instead of the invaders feasting on those they set free to flee while they stayed.

    However, the fear was suffocating. The white-furred monstrosities charging before them were nightmares made flesh¡ªthree meters tall, appearing like horses from dark hell, with savage maws and relentless speed, a mere glance of them is enough to freeze someone in fright... Let alone, charging head on against them. Yet, the thought of these creatures reaching the fleeing innocents spurred them forward, driving them to charge. Their terror of death paled in comparison to the greater horror of knowing their families would be torn apart by these horrid abominations if ever they failed.

    Despite the fear, anxiousness and subconscious reluctance, in spite of how terrifying the otherworldly creatures are. They keep pushing forward, for the fear of these things reaching their loved one was greater than fear of death. Still, willingly running towards monstrous adversaries took its tolls on their mortal hearts, which is gripped by fear of death and promised pain. Exceptionally on the normal villagers that reluctantly volunteered upon knowing the true direness of the situation.

    Their only saving grace was the flames around, licking skyward as it devoured barks and leaves, exerting smoldering glows, the heat of the moment warmed their frightful bodies, heating cold sweats rolling down their bodies, their war cries deafening the whispers of hesitation, lessening the chilling dread and fear of bloodshed with those nightmarish beasts.

    Kaiser probably feels the same way as them. Because now, he also has a family to protect. A family that cherished him as much as he cherished them, people that will be saddened by his absence and would rejoice in his return. Ironically, it made him rather die here fighting, burning under this hellish forest, than return to their lifeless faces and drown in the agony of regret.

    So, he ran forward, too, sword glinting in the firelight, eyes blazing with silent determination... Wrapped in a blanket.

    Anyway, there¡¯s no way in hell these monsters will get past the battlefield alive! Only under their bodies!

    But then, the leading beast met a group of hunters head-on. And Kaiser came to understand Garba''s solemn words.

    The first clash was swift, brutal. The monster slammed into the group like a battering ram, scattering them as if they were mere leaves in a storm, unable to hold a candle against the reckoning force. Sadly, one unlucky man got caught directly in its path, and was crushed beneath its claws. The sickening sound of snapping bones under pressure and tearing flesh echoed through the battlefield.

    The creature halted, sniffing, before lowering its wide, slavering maw. Without an ounce of hesitation, it lifted the corpse and devoured the dead man in a single, repulsively crunching gulp.

    The defenders could only watch in horror as it devoured the man whole, the bloody remains disappearing into its jagged teeth.

    Those who saw these horrifying scenes froze for a moment. Before some let out cries of rage, others of despair. The volunteers had it worse, untrained and untested, stood paralyzed in shock, unable to comprehend the sight of such unrelenting savagery. On the other hand, the hunters, hardened by years of experience, recovered more quickly. But even they couldn¡¯t mask the dread etched on their faces as the abomination, blood dripping from its jaws, moved again in search for more with visible struggle for the surrounding scents was being tampered with by heat, but apparently, that wasn''t enough of a hindrance to drastically decrease the active slaughter. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Brave warriors died in the process of getting close, while those that remained can only tighten their grips as they took the opportunity to attack. Swords and spears were swung with all the strength they could muster, but the results were the same. Blades barely scratched the creature''s thick hide, leaving only shallow wounds that dripped dark blood. Rangers support isn''t reliable, either. Archers couldn''t do much in these situations because the enemies were too unpredictable, so did their comrades position, raising the chances of accidental friendly fire if they hastily release. However, even if a master sent a successful arrow from above, it only glance off their fur or lodge harmlessly in muscles too dense to pierce.

    On the other hand, the creatures retaliated with terrifying efficiency.

    One stomp from a clawed foot was enough to crush a man into the dirt. A single swipe from a limb sent defenders flying like ragdolls, their bodies colliding with trees and falling limp. Those close enough to strike back found themselves caught in snapping jaws, torn apart with horrifying ease.

    Everywhere Kaiser looked, the scene was the same.

    To his left, a hunter was hurled through the air, landing with a sickening thud. To his right, a young volunteer¡ªbarely more than a boy¡ªlunged forward with a spear, only to be batted aside, his body crumpling under the force. Another beast, littered by shallow wounds, plowed through a group of defenders, sending men sprawling in its wake.

    The white-furred monstrosities tore through the defenders with relentless savagery, and the defenders, for all their courage and numbers, could only slow the inevitable... Hunters and Volunteeres are dying.

    One of the invaders swept through a line of hunters, its claws slicing through flesh as if cutting paper. Another crushed a volunteer with its sheer weight, leaving nothing but a broken body behind. And always, they feasted¡ªripping, tearing, devouring.

    Desperation thickened the air.

    The defenders fought with everything they had, launching furious retaliatory strikes, but it was like ants trying to fell a spider. Their blows, even from the strongest hunters can''t severely damage the unyielding hides. At best, they left shallow, bleeding wounds¡ªmere inconveniences to the towering invaders, but clearly delivered a pang of agony which the enraged hunters lust for their comrades deaths. Even if it costs them their life, they would hurt the invaders as hard as they could.

    The fear, anxiousness and dread were overshadowed by hatred, rage, anguish and desperateness of the fiery battlefield. Retreat was not an option, for cowardice would sacrifice their families and likely kill themselves, too. Still, a few cowards did out of sheer fright.

    Ironically, the defenders were overwhelmed despite their numerical supremacy, disorganized and grossly outmatched. For each encirclement, every one of their own who fell, another stepped up, determined to hold the line, only to meet the same grim fate. Blood soaked the ground. The screams of the dying mingled with the roaring flames and screeching growls of the abominations.

    All of that happened in mere seconds of their suicidal clash, seemingly passing so slowly, so cruel and intense in the heat of war against beasts and hunters.

    Kaiser gritted his teeth, his face grim as warm breeze blew past him, feeling conflicted emotions for the lost of life.

    He expected them to at least stand a grain of change in the face of injured invaders with nothing but beastial minds driving monstrous figures. Apparently, his hopes were crushed by sheer superiority, they are simply built tougher, harder, swifter and deadlier. The invaders feral thinking playing in their favor as they moved with unpredictable wildness, rendering the fragile humans to do severe harms in retaliation while their numbers dwindle.

    Then again, what is there to expect from an army of mundane humans, with half of it made of inexperienced villagers, armed poorly? Not much, honestly. They were even given a hint of command that prioritize immobilizing the invaders first, before killing. Which could also mean if taking them down was impossible, they can crippled them at best before everyone was wiped out. That way, at least the fleeing villagers will be spared.

    Seeing the nearing chaos ahead, Kai would have loved to simply be wild, take a white-furred monster in a bloody brawl and see who died first, concluding to his victory, without a shadow of doubt, of course. Unfortunately, Kaiser had to restrain himself in this fiery field. Too many untrustworthy witnesses are around, threatening to potentially spread his immortality if ever shown his miraculous revival. However, now that the battle was in full swing, nothing is stopping him from revealing his presence because the higher-ups were too occupied to pay him any heed, let alone, dragged him to safety.

    Finally reaching the front of the chaos, Kaiser loosened his shroud and jumped up, timing his entrance when the horse-like invaders were distracted by the irritating ants stabbing blunt dagger beneath it.

    A swift figure of a young man flew above the warriors heads, attracting brief glances as if time slowed on his arrival. The young man wore a dark attire, with a short flattering cloak behind, his blade luster the colors of flames, held by two hands, tip aimed to be hammered down the flat of the beast skull with everything he had.

    Under the blazing radiance and serene night sky, a single light of hope ignited in the desperate war.

    A Player had entered the battlefield.

 Chapter 97: Battle in the Burning Woods 5 - Vulnerable Blade

    It was supposed to be a fatal strike¡ªperfectly timed, precise, aimed to end the creature''s life with the element of surprise.

    The invaders were tall beasts, their elongated necks elevating their heads far beyond the reach of most defenders. Therefore, Kaiser had assumed their heads to be the weakest point. It was a natural assumption¡ªafter all, a head houses crucial organs, the brain being the most vital. Moreover, their bodies bore numerous wounds, but the heads remained mostly unharmed. A high, small, unpredictable target like that would be challenging for the archers. Yet, to someone like Kaiser, it presented an opening.

    That vicious head had loomed over the defenders, snapping its gaping maw to devour anything in its path¡ªuntil Kaiser intervened.

    With cold determination gleaming in his eyes, Kai inhaled the stifling, smoldering air around him and tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade. He calculated the timing, the angle, every step of his strike. In a blur of movement, he vaulted upward with a powerful leap, his blade racing toward the flat of the invader¡¯s skull, it''s ominous tip set at a gruesome collision.

    However, the moment of impact was jarring. For the damned creature¡¯s skull was like ironwood.

    Kaiser¡¯s inhuman strength was formidable, but it wasn¡¯t enough. The blade landed squarely on its mark, yet it failed to penetrate. The steel screamed in protest, sending shockwaves through his arms as the recoil vibrated through the blade and into his bones.

    ''You gotta be kidding me!''

    His fatal attack had been rendered useless... or so, it seemed.

    The monster staggered, visibly dazed by the hammering blow to its skull. Its towering frame wavered for just a moment, and Kaiser didn¡¯t hesitate. The moment his boots landed back on the ground, Kai was already on the move for the next strike. Opportunities like this are fleeting, and he isn''t one to waste it.

    Cursing his failed attempt under his breath, he dashed in a wide arc and delivered a vicious slash upwards to the dazed creature¡¯s neck. His sword connected with the elongated, sinewy target, cutting deep and wide enough to draw much blood, parting the dark skin and white furs¡ªmore than anyone else had managed thus far. But even that wound wasn¡¯t enough to fell the beast, for it failed to cut the throat within. Its neck, though rubbery in its flexibility, was absurdly resistant, absorbing much of the force behind his strike.

    ''That, too?!''

    Grinding his teeth, Kaiser shifted into the next motion without breaking momentum. He guided his blade in a fluid arc, his body moving with practiced precision. His relentless training had ingrained the art of fluid movement, erasing the awkwardness and unnecessary moves from his swordplay. Moreover, feet, legs, hips, shoulders, and arms muscles were all working in concert. Every ounce of strength was channeled into his attacks, a testament to the grueling lessons he had endured, making him a decent swordman. Probably better than the rest considering the intensity of his training with Garba, which simulated days of continuous, real-like battles with a swordmaster without rest, not safeties. In those days, Kaiser bleed, battered, beaten and stood up again and again, like an endless cycle of losing battle.

    But it was all worth it. Because his swordmanship had improved leafs and bounds thanks to it.

    This time, he aimed lower.

    He couldn¡¯t reach its vital point anymore, nor did it work. So, he would cripple it instead.

    In one fluid motion, Kaiser dove beneath the invader massive frame, stepping with deft precision. His muscles coiled and released in unison as he twisted his waist and swung

    sidewards at the creature¡¯s hind leg in a vicious arch.

    The blade connected.

    For a fleeting second, he thought the attack might succeed this time. For several reasons, one is that his intentions were simply immobilizing it. Another is that, from the looks of it, the invader leg lacked fat for protection, more like bones covered in leathery skin and fur, so it wouldn''t be that hard to break... right?A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    But as the steel collided with the invader¡¯s bony leg, a sharp metallic *crack* rang out, reverberating through the air.

    Kaiser¡¯s eyes widened.

    ''Oh, F*ck! You!''

    His strike had been perfect¡ªhis technique was decently executed. Every fiber of his being had gone into that attack, and yet it wasn¡¯t the invader that gave way.

    It was his sword.

    The sword he first bought, the first decent weapon he ever had and accompanied him in many perils since then. Sure, it was mundane, but that thing still cost him a sum!

    The blade, abused and overworked, snapped later slicing skin and flesh, but failed against the unyielding bone of the creature¡¯s leg. The fractured steel spun through the air, glinting ominously in the firelight before clattering uselessly to the scorched earth.

    Kaiser stumbled back, clutching the hilt that was now little more than a jagged stump of metal. His breathing was heavy, his mind racing.

    The damned thing''s skin and muscles were tough, but the bones were on another level of durability! Superior than their steel weapons. The blacksmith had praised his sword as one of the best blades he forged. Thanks to his overflowing money, Kai bought the highest grade the store had to offer, but if even that broke, then what is he supposed to use in defeating that thing? Fist?

    ''Damn it all.''

    His strength, his technique, his sword¡­ none of it matters against something like this.

    The invader growled, its daze subsiding as it screeched in pain due to the excruciating bite on its foot. Then, screech pierced the chaos around them, guttural and sharp, and its hind leg buckled under the strain of the broken bone he had inflicted.

    The ground trembled as the beast stumbled, its colossal frame momentarily faltering. Kaiser narrowly avoided being crushed beneath it, rolling aside at the last second. His chest heaved with effort, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself a mental sigh of relief.

    That''s when he caught a glimpse of it.

    A silver arrow streaked through the smoke-filled air, slicing like a streak of light. It was unnaturally long and sharp, its polished steel catching the fiery glow of the battlefield. The arrow struck with incredible force, embedding itself in the side of the invader''s head. The creature let out a deafening, guttural roar, its maw snapping shut involuntarily as the arrow locked its jaw.

    Kaiser¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. The arrow had actually pierced the beast¡¯s tough hide! though likely by sheer luck avoiding any bone. Even so, it was a testament to the archer¡¯s marksmanship and strength,¡ªand the remarkable craftsmanship of the arrow itself, exceptionally made for penetration, probably for single use. Kaiser wanted to glance back and identify the sniper responsible, but there was no time. Added, there''s only one person capable of such feats, anyway.

    Unfortunately, the invader wasn¡¯t dead.

    Its head writhed, struggling against the arrow lodged in its jaw flesh, and its body continued to thrash in defiance. Blood streamed from its wounds, mixing with the ash and dirt beneath its clawed feet.

    The situation promised another opportunity on its momentary vulnerability, but Kai had to be careful not to waste it again. His mind raced, he had to think of a fast way to kill it without fail this time, for more people will die, otherwise.

    But that''s easier than done.

    This was the challenge of facing an entirely alien enemy¡ªits anatomy was a mystery. They knew fragments of information thanks to Garba, but the vital spots were unconfirmed because that old swordmaster had it easier thanks to Windslayer. The body was out of the question; its skin was too thick, its muscles too dense, and its skeletal structure is an enigma. Digging his blade towards it''s heart was unachievable, more so when he doesn''t know where it is. The neck was too tough and flexible for even Kaiser¡¯s strength to sever cleanly, it would take him more than a dozen slashes to cut it. Not like it would stay still while he did so.

    That left the head.

    Yet even that presented its own set of problems. The flat of its skull was nearly impenetrable, like a seamless, reinforced plate. It lacked eyes to target for a direct strike to the brain. And its gaping maw, while potentially vulnerable, was a death trap for anyone foolish enough to approach it head-on. Sadly, Kai can''t die here for personal reasons. Thus, enabling him from engaging in suicidal approach.

    ''Where else, where else, where else...''

    Then it clicked.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze darted to the creature¡¯s ears.

    ¡°The ears." He mustered in raspy breath.

    If his hunch was correct, the ears were the weakest point of the skull. It made sense now why the archer had aimed for the side of the beast¡¯s head¡ªit wasn¡¯t just a lucky shot. The archer, likely the Chief himself, must have been aiming for that spot, or at least hinting him where to strike?

    Nevertheless, his not completely clueless anymore.

    And it just so happens that the creature was at its most vulnerable point.

    Without wasting a moment, Kaiser spotted a fallen soldier nearby. He rushed to grab the man¡¯s sword, its blade slightly chipped but still serviceable. As the other hunters attacked from all sides, keeping the monster distracted with their futile strikes, Kaiser dashed toward the invader¡¯s thrashing body.

    Screeching, the creature struggled to lift its head, its movements sluggish under the weight of its injuries, trying to stand with one of its hind feet broken. All the while the annoying humans kept lunging their spears tip at it, slashing their blades and axes. Arrows being sent at its direction were growing in quantity, too, as it weakened, the invader''s movement was slowing, thus predictable for the ranged supports to take aim.

    In the midst of it all, a cold draft chillingly blew on its bloody fur. That''s when a young man appeared on its side, the moment its maw was distracted. Kaiser¡¯s movements were swift, deliberate. In a blur, he dashed at its side, timing his attack with precision.

    With a sudden surge of power, he drove the sword tip straight into the creature¡¯s two sharp ears.

    The sensation was strangely satisfying.

    The blade pierced through, meeting little resistance as it slid deep into the invader¡¯s skull. Kaiser¡¯s heart raced as he felt the weapon strike true, reaching deep into the brain.

    All of a sudden, the creature froze, its movements jerking erratically as if caught in a sudden, horrific seizure. Then, with a guttural groan, its massive body collapsed to the ground.

    Kaiser stood there, panting, his grip still tight on the hilt of the borrowed blade. A wide grin spread across his face as he muttered under his breath:

    ¡°¡­Jackpot.¡±

    The monster lay motionless, its grotesque form finally still. The battlefield seemed to hold its breath for a second, as if even the fires and ash acknowledged the triumph.

    But Kaiser didn¡¯t have time to bask in victory.

    There were more of them out there. However...

    ''What''s this strange feeling?'' He frowned.

 Chapter 98; Battle in the Burning Woods 6 - Price of Victory

    After striking down the invader, Kaiser was gripped by a strange, and unfamiliar sensation coursing through his body. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant¡ªin fact, it was the opposite. It felt as though an indescribable energy surged within him, wrapping itself around the very fabric of his being. It was both alien and strangely familiar, like recalling a forgotten memory, that wasn''t even there, or was it? Nevertheless, he felt lighter, stronger, and somehow more alive. His exhaustion ebbed away, replaced with an invigorating robustness that made his muscles taut with newfound vitality.

    It was as if something whispered to him from deep within, promising power, urging him to test his limits. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but he suddenly felt capable of crushing stone with his bare hands.

    Kaiser stared at the lifeless, massive body of the invader at his feet. A monstrous creature that only moments ago was a living nightmare, capable of wreaking devastation on an unthinkable scale. These white-furred abominations were unstoppable forces, the kind of threat that required entire armies to hold at bay. Even now, volunteers and hunters alike were being cut down in droves across the battlefield.

    But he had killed one.

    A realization struck him. Was this the pronounced feeling of Leveling? More specifically, Leveling-up? A rare, undeniable surge of strength gained from defeating a foe leagues above him in power? Thus giving a noticeable amount of improvement in a single instant. If so, it was unlike anything he had ever felt before¡ªan unexpected boon amidst the chaos of battle.

    Kaiser¡¯s sharp eyes flicked to the other distant beasts still rampaging across the battlefield. Five remained.

    He clenched his jaw, steeling his resolve. ''Five more¡­'' he thought grimly. But this time, the dread in his heart was accompanied by a weird sense of anticipation.

    The taste of triumph was intoxicating, sweeter than anything he could remember. Despite the gruesome reality of death and bloodshed, victory carried an odd satisfaction. This was no selfish achievement¡ªit was a victory for everyone who fought and died here today. For the survivors, for the fallen, and for those they sought to protect.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze returned to the corpse of the slain invader. The monstrous body lay sprawled on the charred earth, its once-pristine white fur now matted with dark, coagulated blood. Its massive form, riddled with wounds, arrows, and gruesome gashes, was a grotesque sight¡ªbut a sight that meant hope for those still fighting.

    Around him, the defenders were frozen in disbelief.

    It was dead.

    The seemingly invincible creature that had wreaked such havoc had fallen. For a moment, silence blanketed the battlefield, save for the crackling of flames in the distance. Then, cries of triumph erupted, shattering the quietness. Exhausted warriors dropped to their knees, gasping in relief, tears streaming down the faces of some as they shouted with every ounce of strength they had left.

    They turned to the one who had delivered the killing blow.

    It was *him*.

    Kaiser.

    The Player. He hadn''t abandoned them under the excuse of being too immature and significant to die, differ to their first assumptions.

    Though many had noticed him earlier, the chaos of battle had left no room for admiration or acknowledgment. But now, with the beast lying lifeless, their eyes were drawn to the young man who had accomplished what seemed impossible. Grateful hearts burned with hope as they looked to him, their voices rising in cheers that rang out above the din of the battlefield.

    Yet Kaiser did not share their enthusiasm.

    Amidst the jubilant cries, the labored breaths of the injured, the anguished wails for fallen comrades, and the barked orders of hunters trying to restore order, Kaiser felt only the weight of grim reality.

    It was a victory, yes¡ªbut a hollow one.

    The cost had been far too high. He briefly surveyed the battlefield, his heart sinking as he counted the bodies of his comrades scattered across the blood-soaked ground. Over twenty warriors had been lost to bring down a single invader. Their sacrifices, though not in vain, painted a dire picture of what was to come.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t working¡­¡± he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he considered the odds.

    At this rate, there would be no one left to fight by the time the last beast fell. Which is an acceptable but grim conclusion that will leave a bad taste in his mouth, because it represents both defeat and victory. Nothing to be proud about.

    Though, those outcomes are already considered miraculous. Because from the start of at all, the defenders were never expected to win, let alone, defeat every invader instead of just immobilizing them, at best.

    Can he do it? He wasn''t sure himself, but there''s only one way to find out.

    Kaiser bent down and picked up a stray sword from the ground, its blade mundane and unremarkable. It didn¡¯t matter. Anything would do. Without hesitation, he dashed forward again, his movements rapid and precise, his resolve hardening with every step. Knowing

    every second he wasted was a second that claimed another life.

    As he ran, he replayed the battle in his mind. The invaders were powerful, their anatomy alien and formidable. Their skulls were as tough as ironwood, their bones unyielding as steel. Fortunately, Kaiser now knew they were not entirely invincible. His earlier strike had revealed a crucial vulnerability: the base of their ears.

    Unlike the rest of their bodies, the area where the ears connected to the skull was weak. The lack of protective muscle and thin bone made it a rare soft spot, accessible to anyone with the skill¡ªand strength¡ªto exploit it.

    Kaiser tightened his grip on the hilt of the sword.

    If no one else could deliver the killing blows, then he would. If no one could reach it, then he would. There''s no way he will simply cripple the beasts, because even in that state, the death of the warriors would continue to rise.

    Only death for his foe''s was the option.

    If everyone''s too weak to do so...

    He would be their blade.

    That said, he can''t simply be a weapon. He couldn¡¯t afford to swing wildly, like a mindless blade driven by desperation or rage. Every strike needed to matter, if not, someone will die. Every move had to save lives, not waste them. Kaiser needed to be efficient and precise in this slaughter.

    His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, taking in every detail through the swirling ash and smoke. Then, he noticed something that surprised him¡ªsome of the invaders were starting to falter.

    It wasn¡¯t obvious at first. These beasts were unnatural, monstrous in their endurance and strength. But even they had limits. After going through a relentless assault of traps, barrage of arrows, and now, the furious onslaught of over a hundred warriors, had begun to take its toll.

    Out of the five remaining beasts, two were still as terrifyingly vicious and agile as ever, similar to the one he just slayed, their movements unyielding and terrifying. The other three, however, showed signs of strain. Their white fur was now matted with dark blood, their movements less fluid and more erratic. Yet with their decline came an unsettling new danger.

    As they weakened, they became wilder.

    Desperation overtook them, their savage instincts driving them into blind rampages. Without sight and with their sense of smell dulled by the smoldering heat, they lashed out in every direction in fear of death, as every living creature possesses, except Kaiser. Their powerful legs sent warriors flying, their massive jaws snapped shut on anyone who got too close. The more they bled, the more erratic they became, thrashing like cornered beasts with nothing to lose.

    Between the distinct condition of the five invaders, what do he choose? The ones that still stood well, maintaining a semblance of calm attentiveness, or feral strugglers?

    Kaiser¡¯s grip on his sword tightened as he made his decision.

    ''Obviously, the dying ones.''

    Not because it was easier¡ªfar from it. These wounded invaders were the most dangerous in their frantic state. But Kaiser knew their unpredictability made them deadlier to others. Their wild rampages were cutting down too many warriors, their desperation taking more lives than their stronger counterparts. They needed to die first. Additionally, it would be nice to kill them first before anyone could get those "experience points".

    Kaiser shifted his trajectory, his feet kicking up dirt as he veered toward the weakest of the thrashing invaders. The beast¡¯s towering form loomed ahead, its head snapping back and forth as it swung its massive frame in chaotic arcs. Warriors were thrown aside like ragdolls, their screams piercing the air.

    With a deep breath, Kaiser charged into the fray.

    The battlefield was pure chaos. Hunters surrounded the thrashing beast, trying desperately to bring it down. They stabbed and hacked at its legs, its sides, anywhere they could reach, but their attacks barely pierced its thick hide. Some careful arrows rained from above, some embedding in its flesh, others bouncing off harmlessly.

    Kaiser dodged past a hunter who had been flung aside, his body hitting the ground with a sickening crunch. Another Hunter screamed as the beast¡¯s massive maw snapped shut around his torso, silencing him in an instant.

    ''Stay focused. Keep moving.''

    Kaiser leapt over a fallen comrade, using the momentum to drive his blade into the beast¡¯s hind leg. The sword bit deeper than before, drawing a fresh gush of dark blood, but also breaking quicker. The invader roared in pain, its massive body twisting violently. Kaiser ducked beneath a sweeping limb, rolling to avoid being crushed as it thrashed.

    ¡°Hold the line!¡± a hunter shouted, his voice hoarse.

    Several warriors surged forward, their weapons gleaming in the firelight. Kaiser watched in grim admiration as they fearlessly charged, distracting the beast and giving him an opening and time to pick a new sword. But their bravery came at a cost.

    One man was caught by a sudden kick, his body flung like a ragdoll into a nearby tree. Another warrior managed to land a strike on the beast¡¯s flank, only to be crushed beneath its paw a moment later.

    Taking advantage of the chaos, Kaiser darted forward, again. He moved with purpose, weaving through the fray with a predator¡¯s precision. His goal was clear¡ªthe base of the beast¡¯s ear.

    However, the invader¡¯s movements became more erratic as its injuries mounted, but that only made it harder to predict... Until a severely injured Hunter willingly runs towards it, roaring a courageous cry, his bloodied body attracting it attention, and hungry maw.

    That brave fool died.

    ''But not in vain.'' he swears.

    Kaiser timed his steps carefully, his heart pounding as he dodged a flailing limb that narrowly missed him.

    Finally, he was within striking range.

    With a sharp grunt, he steps upward, using the momentum to drive his blade straight into the soft patch beneath the beast¡¯s ear as it bites the suicidal hunter. The sword sank deep, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze.

    To his nightmare, it seems he missed the brain by a centimeter.

    The invader let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing as it thrashed in its death throes. Kaiser clung to the hilt of his sword, his muscles straining as he twisted the blade for good measure.

    With a final, shuddering groan, the beast collapsed. Its massive form hit the ground with a thunderous crash, sending a cloud of ash and dirt into the air.

    Kaiser rolled free of the falling body, landing hard on his side. He gasped for air, his chest heaving as the adrenaline coursed through him.

    ¡°Four to go¡­¡± he grunted under his breath in a raspy tone, forcing himself to his feet.

    But as he stood, something caught his attention.

    The air around him was growing hotter, the oppressive heat pressing down on him like a physical weight. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his sharp eyes narrowing as he scanned the hellish battlefield.

    Something was wrong.

    He cursed, letting out an infuriated groan.

    ''As if this f*cking monsters wasn''t enough!''

 Chapter 99; Battle in the Burning Woods 7 - Misfire

    Kaiser felt the familiar, almost electric surge of leveling up, a wave of strength and vitality washing over him. But he had no time to revel in the sensation, nor pay it any heed in a battlefield that demanded every ounce of his focus.

    ''What the f*ck is this...'' he questioned himself.

    He was no stranger to bloodshed, killing and violence. However, what''s before him can only be described as... No, he didn''t even know what to call it anymore. It can''t be compared to his ordeal with a Bandits.

    By now, the scene before him resembled the very depths of hell. Flames danced with cruel grace, licking hungrily at the dried foliage and spreading faster than anyone could have predicted. The crackling of burning wood created a harsh symphony with the cries of the dying and the desperate shouts of warriors still clinging to life, desperately fighting the remaining demons. The air was thick with ash, gritty on the tongue and stinging the eyes, uncomfortable to the skin. Smoke curled into the sky, blotting out the stars, while the oppressive heat bore down like an invisible predator, squeezing the breath from his lungs.

    Everywhere Kaiser turned, there was carnage. Corpses littered the ground, their lifeless forms twisted in unnatural positions, some charred beyond recognition by the encroaching flames. Blood pooled in dark puddles, seeping into the earth as if it, too, wanted to escape the chaos above. Warriors fought valiantly amidst the chaos, their weapons flashing in the firelight as they struck at the remaining weakening invaders. But their movements were sluggish, as well, their strength waning, and for every one of them that fell, the world seemed to grow heavier.

    And above all, it was getting hotter. Too hot, without any hint of stopping.

    The once-smoldering warmth is becoming unbearable, the air thinning with every passing second. Each breath Kaiser took felt strained, the oxygen stripped away by the ravenous flames. His lungs burned, his body protesting the suffocating heat.

    The fire, which had been their ally, was now turning against them.

    The flames had been ignited to disrupt the invaders, their eyeless forms relying on scent to hunt. The smoke had masked the stench of human blood, confusing the beasts and causing their deadly strikes to often miss their marks, which save a lot of lives. It had been a brilliant, if desperate, strategy. Without the flames, the death toll would have been far higher¡ªevery attack from the invaders would have been devastatingly accurate.

    But now, as the warriors bled and the coppery tang of blood filled the air, their advantage was slipping away. The flames had grown beyond their control, spreading unpredictably as they devoured the dry, brittle undergrowth.

    Kaiser¡¯s mind raced as he assessed the situation. Fire was an untamable force of nature, indifferent to the plans of men. While it had been carefully managed at first, no one could have foreseen how quickly it would spiral out of control. The dry season had made the entire area a tinderbox, and now their battlefield was a roaring inferno.

    ''This is bad. If this keeps up¡­''

    He cast a glance at the other hunters. Most of them were too focused on the fight¡ªor too consumed by the bitter relief of small victories¡ªto notice the growing threat. A few had begun to realize the danger, their wary eyes darting toward the flames that crept ever closer.

    Kaiser pulled the makeshift fabric mask from his face, grimacing as he realized it was already dry. It no longer filtered the air but instead made it harder to breathe, suffocating him further. Around him, others were doing the same, tossing aside their masks to gulp down what little air was left.

    ''Everyone don¡¯t realize it yet, but this environment is going to kill us all before the invaders do.''

    The heat gnawed at his resolve, but Kaiser wasn¡¯t one to stop. Groaning, he adjusted his grip on the sword he¡¯d scavenged and pressed onward. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    He couldn¡¯t stop.

    Not while there were still lives to save, not while there were enemies to slay. Besides, they still had time before retreat begged to be ordered.

    Amidst his dash, a sudden flash of silver streaked through the air. The sharp whistle of a projectile cutting through the chaos caught Kaiser¡¯s attention, and in the next instant, a piercing screech erupted from where his next prey is located. A sound of agony and defeat. The screech was brief, shattering, and then abruptly cut off.

    Next thing he knew when he saw his intended target, one of the monstrous invaders, stumbled forward, its massive body crashing to the ground in a lifeless heap. The battlefield trembled from the impact.

    Kaiser skidded to a halt, his sharp eyes darting to the fallen creature. The silver arrow¡ªa marvel of craftsmanship¡ªprotruded from the side of its high, repulsive head. Its tip was buried precisely in the side of the beast¡¯s fragile skull section.

    ''Damn, that¡¯s some insane archery,'' Kaiser praised mentally, a flicker of genuine admiration in his otherwise grim mind as he pivoted, changing his trajectory toward the next target. But even as he moved, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the skill of the mysterious archer''s marksmanship. Having faced these monsters in brutal close combat himself more than once, Kaiser was well aware just how tough their bodies were. Their dense fur, sinewy muscles, and nearly impenetrable bones required pinpoint accuracy to find their single vulnerability: the side of their skull where their ears joined their brains. And to land such a shot from afar, under chaotic conditions with erratic movements, required more than just talent, it demanded supreme mastery, to make sure it hit the intended spot despite the delay.

    Kaiser knew the Chief, a seasoned and revered archer, perhaps the greatest marksman the village have, was behind these devastating shots. However, even the Chief couldn¡¯t fire indiscriminately. Probably because those silver arrows weren¡¯t ordinary; they were rare, crafted for maximum penetration, and likely in short supply. Each arrow had to count in every release towards a nearly impossible target. He shuddered to think about the risks involved. One misstep, one errant arrow, and it could have been a comrade that fell instead of the beast.

    Meanwhile, the other ranged supporters, unable to make a significant impact, had abandoned their bows entirely. Whether it was due to guilt over their ineffective strikes or sheer desperation for more manpower in close combat, most of them had long joined the fray on the ground.

    ''Focus, you moron.'' Kaiser aligned himself grimly as he zeroed in on his next target. He had his own battles to fight. And it had to be over soon.

    The next invader loomed ahead¡ªa towering, nightmarish figure with sinewy muscles and fur as pale as death, partially burned, but mostly dirtied by dark blood. Its elongated neck lashed out, jaws snapping wildly, hunting for its next victim.

    Kaiser lunged forward, aiming to close the distance before the beast could notice him, while dealing with the remaining hunters. It wasn''t the most valiant approach, but it''s the quickest way to land an instant killing blow. Kai had no issues against it. His blade gleamed in the infernal light of the flames as he drove it toward the creature¡¯s vulnerable ear.

    But the invader was quicker to react than expected. With a guttural screech, it twisted its head, evading his strike before being caught-up by its forceful body.

    The impact sent him flying backward, slamming down against the blood-drenched ground. His ears rang from the force of the blow, but Kaiser pushed through the disorientation, rolling aside just in time to avoid the invader''s thunderous stomp.

    Gasping for breath, he scrambled to his feet, his limbs screaming in protest. Around him, the battlefield was a dismal sight. The remaining hunters¡ªno more than ten¡ªwere battered, bleeding, and struggling to stay upright. Most could barely lift their weapons, let alone launch an effective attack.

    ''This won''t work.''

    Kaiser glanced at them, his sharp gaze cutting through the haze of exhaustion.

    "Stay back," he ordered in a raspy voice.

    There was no room for argument, for a Player''s reputation is higher than an ordinary officer''s. The surviving hunters faltered, exchanging hesitant glances before willingly retreating.

    Kaiser couldn''t afford their interference now. Not because he thought they were useless¡ªquite the opposite. If he didn¡¯t finish this quickly, they would be needed elsewhere, or worse, they would die trying to help him.

    He exhaled sharply. Every second wasted here was another life lost on the battlefield. His only choice was to end it fast. But with so few people around. An aggressive approach is unachievable, thus demanded him to adapt, costing more seconds in exchange.

    The invader, though weakened, was still thrashing violently. Its wild movements and snapping jaws kept the hunters wary, circling but not engaging due to his command. After a while, the beast began to calm slightly, confused by the sudden lack of resistance. Kaiser¡¯s mind raced as he raised a single finger to his lips, silently instructing the hunters to be quiet.

    The battlefield grew still, save for the distant echoes of desperate cries and the crackling of flames. The invader sniffed the air, its eyeless head jerking erratically as it searched for a target. Finally, it turned to a nearby corpse, sinking its teeth into the flesh with a sickening crunch.

    Kaiser¡¯s wasn''t moving an inch, either.

    ''Any time now'' he thought, his muscles coiled like a spring, his gaze burning with intensity.

    The surviving defenders can only watch with gritted teeth as the accursed beast freely feasts on their fallen comrades, not understanding the Player''s command.

    Until...

    A glint of silver caught their eye. Exploiting the momentary idleness of the beast, the arrow flew swiftly and true, slicing through the air and finding its mark¡ªthe side of the invader¡¯s head, as expected. For a brief moment, Kaiser allowed himself a flicker of hope.

    But the hope was short-lived. The arrow struck just below the vulnerable ear, embedding itself in the thick bone. A centimeter too low, and it failed to deliver the killing blow.

    ''So close! How the hell did he miss that?''

    There was no time to dwell on it, however. The invader, though stunned, began thrashing violently again, screeching its rage. Kaiser¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    If the arrow didn¡¯t finish the job, then he would. Still, why did the Chief fail such an easy target compared to the far complicated circumstances his been shooting through before?

 Chapter 100; Battle in the Burning Woods 8 - Teared and Broken

    It was a shame¡ªa bitter, wretched shame¡ªthat Kaiser had to hold himself back, watching as the creature feasted on the fallen warrior¡¯s remains. The sight twisted his gut, a disgraceful act etched into his mind. But necessity demanded to be endured for one critical opportunity for the sniping archer to exploit.

    And yet, it failed.

    There was no time to hesitate. Ignoring the pain in his battered body, Kaiser sprinted forward, weaving through the invader¡¯s thrashing limbs. The ground beneath him quaked as the creature raged, its bloodied claws tearing through mud and ash. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to move faster, leaping toward the creature''s side.

    But he wasn''t that lucky. The beast twisted its elongated neck, a grotesque motion that sent Kaiser sprawling backward. He hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from his lungs.

    ''Cursed things are too quick, stop moving!''

    Having failed, he lifted himself upright and adjusted his strategy. It seems burying his sword directly into its skull would be too slow and too risky. His eyes then darted to the loose silver arrow still embedded in the beast''s head, its shaft trembling with the invader¡¯s wild movements.

    If he could push that thing in, then it would be his victory.

    ''I guess that''s a better way.''

    Kaiser steadied his breathing, calming the storm within him. His nerves sharpened, his focus narrowing until the chaos around him blurred into nothingness. Another limb slammed down, and he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding being crushed. He kept his eyes on the silver arrow, adjusting his position as he dodged blow after blow.

    ¡°Damned horse, stop moving,¡± he muttered under his breath, his words barely audible over the cacophony of destruction.

    The invader rampaged blindly, its crushing clawed hooves hammering the ground with frenzied desperation as it defended itself from the sudden abuser that struck it''s skull. Ash and debris hung in the air, stinging Kaiser¡¯s eyes and sticking to his already dirty skin. He moved like a shadow, slipping through the gaps in the creature¡¯s assault. The increasing heat had already burned away any lingering scents, robbing the beast of its ability to track him. Still, the beasts movements were erratic, its limbs pounding the ground in chaotic patterns. Dust and ash filled the air, coating his skin and making every breath a struggle. The heat of the surrounding fires only added to the suffocating tension. Yet, despite the chaos, Kaiser¡¯s eyes never left the arrow.

    An ordinary warrior would have faltered under such pressure and lost composure. The sheer ferocity of the beast, the relentless chaos of the battlefield would have unraveled even the most seasoned fighter focus. But not Kaiser. For the fear of death didn¡¯t plague him; his immortal nature ensured that. All the while his beast-like reflexes sharpened his mobility, allowing him to read every motion, every shift in the invader¡¯s body and dodge.

    In fact, from the moment this war began, Kaiser had evaded every attack thrown his way. Not once had the invaders landed a direct blow on him, except for their unavoidable mid-air blunt strikes. Kai wasn¡¯t invincible, but his specialization in reflexes, honed through battles and training, made him feel untouchable.

    He danced beneath the rampaging beast, his movements fluid yet deliberate. Still, the dance beneath the creature¡¯s towering frame was no child¡¯s play. Fortunately, his luck soon came. Kaiser shifted to the side to avoid another stray limb, unknowingly placing himself in the path of the creature¡¯s swinging head. Its skull loomed toward him, threatening to collide with him. It just so happens that the silver arrow glinting faintly in the dim light, was at that side. It was coming directly at him! ¡ªa perfect opportunity, if not for the crushing force threatening to collide with him.

    Just what he aimed for.

    ''How lucky.'' he grinned mentally.

    In the split second before impact, Kaiser adjusted his footing, twisting his body to avoid a direct blow. His blade moved in a calculated arc, its flat side aimed at the arrow butt. If he could strike it at just the right angle, he could hammer it deeper into the creature¡¯s skull and end this fight.

    But as the beast¡¯s head swung closer, its trajectory shifted unexpectedly. Kaiser¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he realized the angle was wrong. But that''s fine, a little adjustment wouldn''t hurt... Or so, he thought. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    He cursed.

    His body... locked, unable to follow his will, it couldn¡¯t twist further. Because that position demanded flexibility that surpassed human physical limits, his simply not made to achieve such posture. It was impossible. His limbs couldn¡¯t bend that way, his joints couldn¡¯t align in time.

    It was a physical limitation, a reminder of the human anatomy that even his immortality couldn¡¯t overwrite.

    But that''s fine, he learned the Dance of the Wind. A collection of excruciating exercises made to surpass such barriers... Did he?

    ''...No.''

    He studied it, but failed to learn it.

    Garba had drilled him on the Dance of the Wind¡ªa grueling regimen designed to stretch muscles, lengthen tendons, and push joints beyond their natural limits. The thing is, no matter how many times Kaiser practiced it, his body never adapted. He memorized the positions, adjusted to the pain, yet there was no growth, no improvement in the performance itself. Perhaps his body needs time to adjust? Garba said so, too.

    Still, It had gnawed at him for days. After all his training, why hasn¡¯t his body performance improved, despite progressing on swordmanship finely? Performing the steps over and over again isn''t making him any better at it, which was justified by his body requirements to adjust first, but on the multiple trials he did, Kaiser never felt an improvement at it. As if his muscles were not adjusting at all in the constant strain...

    Kai had this suspicion for a while now...

    It''s as if his muscles refused to develop, remaining locked in the same lean frame, not lengthening or growing. Thus making the steps as hard to accomplish as before.

    Additionally, having done so much physical training in the past days, constantly straining himself to his limit. He began picking an interest in how his body is growing more on muscles, to be exact. After all, who wouldn''t want to see themselves with busty biceps and chiseled abs? Unfortunately, his muscles were not becoming bigger yet, nor show signs of change whenever he takes a look, justified again with the need for time to show results. But Kaiser thought otherwise, apparently, there''s no signs of results at all.

    Which poses the question.

    Were his muscles even changing at all? Or was it stuck in an unchangeable state since he received his immortality, that fixed him in a single state alone? An average built teenager?

    Will he even have those bulky muscles?

    No bulk, no definition, no progress.

    Was this the cost of being immortal? A body frozen in time, incapable of growth?

    Frustration bubbled beneath his calm exterior, but he shoved it aside. The invader needed to die¡ªnow.

    But if his body limits him from doing so, then.

    ''F*ck it!''

    Then he''ll force it.

    With a deep breath, he twisted his arm, pushing his muscles to their breaking point. The strain was immediate. He felt something snap¡ªtendons stretched to their limits, muscles tearing under the pressure. The pain was blinding, white-hot and searing through every nerve.

    But it worked.

    His sword connected with the arrow¡¯s butt just in time, the force driving it deeper into the invader¡¯s skull. The silver tip pierced the vulnerable brain at last.

    The beast froze mid-thrash, its massive frame shuddering violently. While Kaiser staggered backward, his injured arm hung limp at his side. Each breath was a struggle, his chest heaving as he fought to stay upright. Yet, despite the agony coursing through him, a grim smile tugged at his lips.

    ''One more invader down. Uh... two to go?''

    Kaiser stumbled away from the falling invader, its massive form crashing into the ground with enough force to send a tremor through the earth. Dust and ash swirled in the suffocating air, momentarily obscuring his vision. The adrenaline in his veins dulled the worst of the pain, but not by much. His arm dangled uselessly at his side, muscles screaming in protest of the overwhelming abuse, broken, teared and agonizing. His breathing came in sharp, uneven gasps as he fell on the ground, greedy for barely breathable air. He knew his supposed to get up, however.

    ''I felt like sh*t...''

    The strain, mentally and physically was overwhelming, dragging him to the ground for a short respite he really needs.

    The arrow had done its job, albeit in the most excruciating way possible. The invader was dead, its grotesque head slumped at an unnatural angle, the silver arrow still lodged in its brain.

    Looking at it, Kai couldn¡¯t suppress a grim smile. He won again, without dying, at that.

    But the cost was steep. His arm was likely dislocated, if not worse, and the sharp ache in his chest reminded him that even an immortal body had limits. He pressed his hand to his ribs, wincing at the tenderness.

    ''Nothing broken... probably.''

    Immortality was an extremely attractive trait that can''t be handled by careless hands, that''s why he rather not used it unless necessary. Thus, decreasing chances of exposure, so Kai had to learn to avoid death.

    Around him, the battlefield unfolded like a vision of hell. The once-coordinated hunters were now a scattered, desperate force, clinging to survival against the relentless onslaught of the remaining invaders. Screams of pain and roars of defiance mingled with the deafening clash of steel and the monstrous bellows of the invaders.

    The air was thick and choking, saturated with the acrid stench of burning wood and charred flesh. What had once been a strategic weapon¡ªthe controlled flames meant to herd the creatures¡ªhad spiraled into chaos. Now, an uncontrollable inferno raged, consuming everything it touched. The battlefield was bathed in fiery light, casting flickering shadows of both man and beast locked in a deadly dance. Ash fell from the sky like gray snow, coating the bloodied earth in a thin, suffocating blanket.

    Kaiser paused to catch his breath, his sharp gaze darting across the battlefield. He felt the oppressive heat licking at his skin, sweat streaking his soot-stained face. The swirling ash settled on his hair and shoulders, a mockery of the tranquil snowfall he longed for.

    ¡°Oh, how I wish it were winter,¡± he mumbled bitterly under his breath, longing for the crisp, cold air and silent peace of snow-covered plains instead of this fiery nightmare. Funnily enough, he never experienced real snow, it would be nice to be on a winter plane once.

    His moment of reflection was short-lived, though as his attention snapped back to the battle. His victorious grimace from earlier victory faded into a scowl. Then, a flashy movement caught his eye¡ªa glint of silver slicing through the smoky haze, a second arrow whizzing past an invader¡¯s massive head. The arrowhead gleamed in the firelight before embedding uselessly into the ground, far from its intended target.

    Kaiser¡¯s scowl deepened. His mind flashed back to his recent ordeal, the close brushes with death, the searing pain in his arm. If only Chief didn''t miss, he wouldn''t have to go through that trouble and head to another fray.

    Curiosity mixed with resentment, Kaiser tracked the direction of the arrows, squinting through the haze to spot their source. He scanned the trees at the edge of the battlefield, tracing the trajectory with sharp precision.

    And then, he froze. Suddenly jolted up, shouting.

    "Sh*t! Chief! Have you lost your mind!"

 Chapter 101; Battle in the Burning Woods 9 - A glorious end, a beastial start

    Kaiser¡¯s muscles reattached themselves as he jolted into an abrupt sprint, fiber by fiber, as his torn tendons knit back together with excruciating precision. The process was swift yet far from seamless, also not comfortable. Healing wasn¡¯t a comforting experience¡ªit was raw, invasive, and deeply unsettling. The sensation of his muscles writhing, like worms beneath his skin, made his stomach churn. Pain rippled through him, sharp and persistent, though far from unfamiliar. He gritted his teeth, refusing to let discomfort slow him down. This was his curse, his gift, and he had long since learned to endure it.

    He didn¡¯t care about the pain. He didn¡¯t care about the unnatural way his body restored itself.

    All that mattered was reaching that tree.

    His legs churned, carrying him forward with inhuman speed. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Not nearly enough. Every step felt agonizingly slow, every second ticking by a cruel reminder of how late he already was.

    ¡°Faster,¡± he growled, his voice harsh, his lungs straining against the thick, acrid air. The smoke from the inferno enveloping the battlefield stung his eyes and clawed at his throat, but he didn¡¯t falter.

    Far above, silhouetted against the eerie glow of the firestorm, the Chief stood atop the tallest tree in the forest.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze darted upward through the swirling smoke and flames, his heart clenching at the sight. The old man was perched precariously on a high branch, his bow drawn taut, a single silver arrow gleaming against the chaos. The Chief¡¯s posture was unyielding, his focus absolute as he aimed into the fray below, disregarding the hungry flames that crept ever closer to his position.

    Kaiser cursed under his breath, pushing his legs harder.

    ''His insane,''

    The fire wasn¡¯t supposed to reach the archers. Hunters like the Chief were masters of positioning, always choosing their vantage points with care, factoring in every variable¡ªthe wind, the flames, even the movements of their enemies.

    But no one could predict the fire¡¯s treacherous dance completely, nor anticipate the chaotic battlefield path of progressions.

    Branches weakened by the inferno cracked and fell, scattering embers and igniting new blazes in unpredictable patterns. Flames climbed relentlessly, leaping from tree to tree, and now they had reached the Chief¡¯s perch.

    Unfortunately, Chief''s position was already being devoured by hungry flames, its neighboring trees shorter than it, once verdant with leaves, were now skeletal and charred. The fire climbed higher, licking at the Chief¡¯s boots, threatening to engulf him entirely.

    No wonder his accuracy is decreasing, considering the high position, wide distance and disturbance of swirling ashes and heat, Coupled with the smokes going up towards him, disturbing vision clarity further. Making a successful shot should have been impossible.

    Unbothered by everything, the archer released another silver arrow, cutting through the smokes of fiery war and... Sadly, missing.

    Of course, it missed... Not only was his arm extremely sore from the overwhelming strain of launching those devastating arrows, his breathing smokes, too, while his eyes had difficulty opening.

    And yet, he didn¡¯t move.

    His focus didn¡¯t waver. Even as smoke billowed around him, choking the air and obscuring his vision, he remained steadfast. Another arrow was loose from his bow, cutting through the smoke and chaos below.

    It missed. Again.

    Kaiser''s heart panged as he saw the arrow uselessly hit a bark. The Chief¡¯s movements were slowing, his arms trembling under the strain of countless shots. He was breathing in smoke, his vision blurred, his aged muscles screaming for reprieve.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Kaiser shouted, his voice raw and desperate, but the Chief didn¡¯t hear¡ªor perhaps he didn¡¯t care.

    Kaiser¡¯s frustration boiled over, his teeth grinding as he forced his legs to move faster. They burned with exertion, every muscle and tendon screaming in protest, but he didn¡¯t care. He needs to move faster, quicker. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    The old man nocked another silver arrow, the last one in his quiver. His hands shook as he drew the string, struggling as he pulled it to its full tension, and failed... His ancient arms were giving in. However, even in the grimmest circumstances, not once did his calm and caring expression change.

    Kaiser¡¯s fists clenched as he pushed himself harder, the ground blurring beneath him. He couldn¡¯t understand the Chief¡¯s stubbornness, couldn¡¯t fathom the ignorance of his safety for a crude shot of a bow.

    But even as frustration roiled within him, Kaiser knew one thing.

    He wouldn¡¯t let the Chief die. Not like this.

    The fire was relentless now, creeping ever closer, the heat becoming unbearable. The tall tree swayed under the weight of its fiery burden, the flames consuming its branches, narrowing the old man¡¯s window for escape.

    But he didn¡¯t climb down.

    He wouldn¡¯t climb down.

    Of course, Chief wasn¡¯t oblivious to his plight. He knew his chances of survival were slim. That his only way of retreat was closing, slowly being devoured by raging flames beneath his stand. His stubbornness to refuse climbing down would only assure his death more, until his only way out to survive was fully closed, devoured by the gates of fire.

    However, for him, there''s no path of retreat, no tomorrow, only now with his bow and arrow.

    No safety to seek.

    He was the Chieftain¡ªthe oldest hunter, the protector of his people, and the father to many. He had always seen the villagers as his children, each life precious and irreplaceable. Now those children fought below, their screams and cries echoing in his ears, their blood staining the earth.

    How could he abandon his bow? How could he leave his people to suffer alone? If he can do anything about it, no matter how miniscule his aid, how low his accuracy fell, how dreadful it will be. He won''t drop his bow for his life, and waste the opportunities given in the cost of his children''s blood.

    For him, there was only the now.

    The veteran archer''s breathing was shallow, his vision hazy as the smoke swirled around him. His arms trembled as he pulled the bowstring one last time and thankfully, succeeded. The final silver arrow gleaming faintly in the firelight. The heat was unbearable now, the flames licking at the soles of his boots, climbing ever closer. His perch groaned beneath him, the wood cracking ominously, a clear warning of its impending collapse.

    But none of it mattered. Not the flames, not the pain, not even the inevitability of his end, only the last shot.

    His sharp, weathered eyes scanned the chaos below, locking onto a shadow¡ªan invader thrashing amidst the inferno, a repulsive beast with scorched fur and limbs that smashed through hunters like brittle twigs. The beast had eluded every strike so far, its thick hide deflecting blade and arrow alike. However, in the chaos of it all, he found tranquility within.

    His senses sharpened, his breathing calmed, and everything seemed to slow down as he entered a trance. Finally, the faraway invader aligned, so did all the circumstances in the frantic battle below, forming a line that only he could see.

    His lips curled into a faint smile.

    ¡°There you are.¡±

    With deliberate precision, the Chief aimed, the string creaking under the immense strain so did is entire body, his muscles screaming, his lungs burning, his vision blurring from the ash that clouded his eyes. But he held steady. This was the moment. He had spent decades honing his craft, and even now, with death pressing against his back, he refused to falter.

    The arrow loosed.

    It sang through the air, cutting a silver path through the smoke and embers. The battlefield blurred beneath it, a fiery blur of death and destruction. The arrow curved, finding its trajectory as if guided by fate itself, slipping past flailing limbs and striking... true.

    The invader let out a guttural roar as the silver arrow pierced its exposed flesh, sinking deep into its vulnerable spot. Its body convulsed violently, limbs crashing to the ground, before it collapsed with an earth-shaking thud to a tree. The flames reflected in the slaying arrow''s silver as silence briefly descended over the battlefield.

    The Chief let out a slow breath, his lips forming a small, satisfied smile.

    He looked down.

    Below him, the world was aflame. The forest, once a sanctuary, was now an inferno. Where everything was set aflame. Where his fate would end after living for so long. The tree beneath him groaned again, the flames creeping ever higher, their heat searing his skin. The leaves, the branches were dyed yellow and red, fiery wisps eagerly devouring everything beneath indiscriminately.

    ¡°What a nice night to retire,¡± he chuckled, closing his eyes for a moment and stare at the distant moon. Memories of hunts, victories, and quiet evenings in the village flashed through his mind.

    "As beautiful as ever, I see... It had been a worthy life... I''m glad, it ended in a glorious end, I even got to meet a Player. Truly, it was worth it."

    ***

    Kaiser stumbled.

    His feet, moving faster than his battered body could handle, caught on a stray root. He fell, crashing into the ash-covered ground and rolling uncontrollably down a slope. The heat seared his skin as he tumbled, but he didn¡¯t care.

    When he finally stopped, dirt streaked across his face and his breaths ragged, he looked up.

    The massive tree loomed above him, burning brightly like a fiery christmas tree.

    ¡°Chief!¡± Kaiser¡¯s voice was raw with desperation as he pushed himself to his feet. The fire was roaring now, consuming the

    base of the towering tree, sending sparks spiraling into the sky, he can''t see the top anymore due to the height but hope lingered on his mind. ¡°Chief! It''s safe to come down! I¡¯m here! I''ll catch you.¡±

    However, his calls were responded by silence, save from the cracking noises.

    No voice answered him. No figure emerged from the smoke and fire.

    ¡°Please¡­¡± he whispered, his voice cracking as dread crept into his chest.

    Then, something fell.

    Kaiser flinched as an object landed before him. It was the Chief¡¯s bow¡ªintricately carved, its once-pristine surface of the ancient wood was now scorched, its string burned away.

    His breath hitched, his heart sinking into a pit of cold despair. His shaking hands reached for the bow, cradling it gently, as if afraid it might crumble to ash in his grasp.

    ¡°Chief¡­¡±

    The weight of the bow, far heavier than its actual mass, pressed against his palm like the weight of the world.

    He stared up at the burning tree, the flames consuming it entirely, their roar deafening.

    The village Chief was gone. A true marksman, warrior, leader and caring person to the very end. They lost a good man.

    The realization hit him like a dagger to the chest.

    ''Damn it... Damn it... Damn it.''

    For a moment, the battle around him seemed to fade, the noise and chaos muted by grief that gripped him.

    Then, a swift fist assaulted the thick bark accompanied by devastating force that made the large wood shudder, causing a rain of tiny firelight to fall.

    His frustration was replaced by rage for himself, for the beasts, for misfortune... For everything. Questioning why this had to happen, why did the invaders come here and now of all places!

    However, Kaiser is a rational person who knows better than letting his emotions drive his actions. So, he forcefully swallowed his anger... But then again, do he need to?

    No.

    For once and for a reason, he voluntarily let his anger overwhelm him.

    Turning back to the last invader, the toughest one of them all, the last one standing. His gaze began to burn with eerie, inexplicable glints of beastial darkness.

 Chapter 102; Battle in the Burning Woods 10 - A greater monster

    The Chief wasn¡¯t someone Kaiser had been particularly close to, but there was something about the old man that had made him feel secure, welcomed, even from their very first meeting. He wasn¡¯t like the many strangers Kaiser had encountered in his life¡ªthose who wouldn¡¯t give a second glance to a struggling brat on the street. No, the Chief was different. He was the kind of man who would stop to help, no matter who you were or where you came from. If you stumbled, he would extend a hand without hesitation, like a elderly man who wants nothing more but shares kindness in his remaining lifetime. It didn¡¯t matter if you were a stranger, an outcast, or someone scarred by life. The Chief would see through all of that, offering his help with a patient smile free of judgment or malice. At least, that''s how Chief strikes him as a kind of person.

    He was like a caring grandfather, not just to Kaiser but to everyone in the village, especially to his people.

    The number of people who had genuinely cared for Kaiser in his life could be counted on one hand, and the Chief was partially one of them. Kaiser had only spent a single day under his guidance, learning how to use a bow, but that day had left an indelible mark. The old man¡¯s gentle mannerisms, his calm instruction, his unwavering patience¡ªit had all been unlike anything Kaiser had ever experienced before.

    On that day, Kaiser had felt something foreign but comforting: the warmth of being cared for. The Chief had treated him not as a tool, a student, or an obligation, but as a person. His guidance had been firm but kind, his criticisms constructive, and his praise genuine. When Kaiser made mistakes, the Chief didn¡¯t scold or belittle him, let alone harm him. Instead, he smiled, reassured him, and encouraged him to try again.

    It was a stark contrast to the teachers Kaiser had known in his past¡ªon Earth, in the unforgiving confines of university, or under the harsh tutelage of swordmaster in the tower. Those instructors had driven him relentlessly, often valuing results over understanding which a low-class like him didn''t deserve, while Garba had basically tortured him. The Chief, in his brief time with Kaiser, had done the opposite. He hadn¡¯t just taught him how to shoot an arrow; he made Kaiser feel seen.

    For once in his life, Kaiser had felt a sense of peace in learning, that it''s okay to make mistakes in order to learn.

    In Kaiser¡¯s view, there were two kinds of people in the world: those who deserved life and those who didn¡¯t. The Chief, without a doubt, was one of the few who deserved it.

    But now, the old man was gone.

    They hadn¡¯t even had the chance to see each other one last time. Perhaps it was better that way¡ªbetter for the Chief to be spared the disappointment of seeing Kaiser make a reckless decision to stay behind and participate in this gruesome affair, despite forcing the old man to risk everything for his safety. But still, the thought stung.

    It was bittersweet to feel cared for, to know that someone valued him enough to prioritize over an entire village. But Kaiser hated being the reason for anyone¡¯s sacrifice. He didn¡¯t want to be the helpless one, the one who needed saving. He never demanded anyone''s protection, nor ever will.

    Yet that¡¯s exactly what had pulled him in this mess.

    Experience the horrors of war, felt its scorching touch, heard its discordant symphony of screams, and now, witnessed the fall of a truly good man. And with that came an anguish that burned as fiercely as the fires raging around him.

    Kaiser wasn¡¯t a great man, but he understood the value of life. Every death he witnessed weighed on him, each one another grain of precious sand slipping through his fingers. He wanted to hold on, to save them all, but his hands weren¡¯t big enough. No matter how hard he tried, the sands kept falling, and he was powerless to stop them.

    If only I were stronger, if only I were faster.

    If only his hands were wider... But no, reality deemed it unreal.

    The anger simmered beneath the surface¡ªanger at the invaders, at himself, at the cruel hand of fate. But through it all, Kaiser kept his mind steady to maintain a strategic performance in constant battle with the invaders, keeping his cool through while others goes mad differed his presence immensely.

    He had spent a lifetime mastering the art of suppressing his emotions, knowing that letting them rule him would only lead to disaster, especially in dire circumstances. It was a lesson he had learned as an orphan, one ingrained so deeply that it had become second nature. In fact, he mastered suppressing it to the point expressing emotions became difficult, hindering his socialization.

    But this time, suppression wasn¡¯t enough.

    Stolen story; please report.

    The Chief¡¯s death wasn¡¯t just a loss. It was the final crack in the dam. Kaiser could feel the rage clawing at him, no longer content to be caged. He struggled to hold it back, to keep his composure as he always had.

    But really, what was the point? Previously, there is, but now, no more. The army was slaughtered to a few, with mayhem reigning over the battlefield, order was lost. Not like there''s much a command could do in this situation.

    They no longer need a brilliant commander, for this war demanded a strong warrior.

    There was no need to hold it back. Not anymore.

    ''Every single one of those invaders was going to die.''

    Glaring at the last enemy, rage bloomed within as Kaiser let the fury consume him, an unexplainable surge of strength coursed through his veins. It was raw, primal, and unrelenting, as if the floodgates of his very being had burst open, unleashing something long restrained. His senses sharpened to an unnatural degree. The acrid scent of smoldering wood filled his nostrils, yet it didn¡¯t choke him as it had moments ago. Instead, he felt it¡ªevery nuance of the air, the searing heat brushing against his skin, the vibrations of the ground beneath his feet as the flames danced and devoured. His surroundings became vivid, almost overwhelming, yet he wasn¡¯t paralyzed by the inferno consuming the battlefield.

    Even now, Kaiser still didn''t know whether to be grateful to Zara or resent that treacherous woman. Nor fully understand the mechanism of her shared beastial talent, enhancing his power with rage, or multiplying it? Though, one thing is certain, he felt his power increase significantly and his resistance grew higher, deeming the suffocating heat too insignificant to seriously harm him.

    The frantic shouts and anguished cries of his comrades, once so deafening, had faded to a distant echo. Kaiser strained to listen, but only silence and the crackle of the blaze accompanied by a few grunting whispers answered him. The battle¡¯s chaos had given way to an eerie stillness, broken only by the occasional sound of collapsing trees to reign over. The hunters and volunteers who had once stood together against the invaders were gone¡ªwhether retreated or slain, he couldn¡¯t tell. All that remained of their desperate stand were fleeting memories and ashes scattered in the suffocating air. However, his certain some strugglers remains.

    Kaiser didn¡¯t mourn the extreme decrease of life. It only fueled the inferno inside him.

    Letting the Chief¡¯s scorched bow fall to the ground, Kaiser clenched his fists before reaching for his battered sword, another one he found on the way. It was barely holding together, its once-pristine blade now nicked, blackened, and coated with the remnants of countless clashes. Yet it would suffice. He didn¡¯t need perfection¡ªhe only needed steel and a direction.

    He turned his eyes toward the last invader standing in the distance. Its grotesque, towering form loomed over the battlefield, thrashing wildly amidst the firestorm. It was a dark, monstrous silhouette against the flames, a living symbol of everything he despised in this moment.

    Kaiser¡¯s lips curled into a snarl as he tightened his grip on the hilt.

    Then, in the next moment, he blurred into motion like a dashing dark beast in the fiery war.

    ***

    The last invader towered above the battlefield, its grotesque, tailless form drenched in a vile cocktail of blood and ash. Its matted fur was no longer white, instead, bore scorch marks from the raging inferno, yet it stood tall, unyielding, a nightmare in the flesh. The beast was unlike its fallen kin, standing over three meters high, its eyeless head perpetually twisted into a horrifying mockery of a grin. It was a monster that seemed impervious to despair, to exhaustion¡ªthriving amidst the carnage as though the destruction only strengthened its hunger.

    Its size alone made it obvious that it was older than the rest, taller, sturdier and wilder.

    Unlike its brethren, this one had weathered the relentless traps, arrows, and blades with minimal damage. Its scorched but sturdy form mocked the efforts of the hunters, its endurance as monstrous as its appearance. Even among its kind, it was superior¡ª perhaps a leader, a butcher, the embodiment of hopelessness.

    Around it lay the remains of its defiance. The corpses of brave hunters and volunteers were scattered like broken dolls, their weapons shattered or discarded. Of the more than thirty who had dared to face this horror, only five battered survivors remained, hiding, playing dead, keeping safe distance or leaning on trees and clutching their wounds. They were battered, bloody, and powerless.

    The beast moved again, its gaping maw descending upon yet another fallen hunter. The crunch of bones echoed across the battlefield, a grotesque melody of despair.

    Now, they''re down to four.

    Then, a knife flew through the air.

    The blade spun futilely, clanging harmlessly against the beast¡¯s thick skull. Its grin widened as it stopped mid-motion, its head snapping toward the source of the attack.

    ¡°That¡¯s my brother, beast! Don¡¯t you dare treat him as food!¡±

    A hoarse voice roared, breaking the tension.

    The shout came from a hunter slumped against a tree. His legs were mangled beyond repair, yet his hands trembled with rage, clutching at the air as if yearning for another weapon to hurl.

    The other hunters, though equally devastated, gritted their teeth. Some wanted to scold him for his reckless defiance, but they all knew the truth: it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. None of them could stop this beast. All they could do was watch, helpless, as it turned its attention to their defiant comrade.

    They tried, over thirty of them truly did. Yet paled against the beast, reduce to four in exchange for shallow wounds on the invader''s leathery hive. By now, in their wounded states, all they could achieve was hasten their impending death.

    The invader began its approach, its gait slow but deliberate as if there was no more danger around. It didn¡¯t rush; it didn¡¯t need to. It moved with the cruel patience of a predator savoring the inevitability of its prey. Its bloodstained maw widened in anticipation, revealing jagged rows of teeth glinting even through the smoke-filled air.

    The injured hunter met the beast¡¯s gaze¡ªor where its eyes would have been¡ªwith burning hatred, so much that fear had no place. His fists tightened around nothing, his body refusing to tremble despite his broken state.

    As the beast loomed over him, dropping a dreadful shadow, its gaping maw opened inches away, he shut his eyes. There was no fear in his final moment, only the pride of a man who refused to bow. He had no regrets, even as he waited for the end.

    But the end didn¡¯t come.

    Instead, a deafening, guttural screech of pain tore through the battlefield.

    The hunter¡¯s eyes snapped open in shock. Before him, the invader stumbled back, its body writhing in agony. Blood sprayed from its side where a broken blade was forcefully drilled into the hive until the iron bent. And there, in the distance was a fearsome figure swiftly picking another sword from the ground.

    No, his eyes widened.

    It was a young man.

    A young man, yet not. His form was human, but his presence was that of a predator unleashed. His eyes blazing with a fury so consuming it seemed almost inhuman. The bloodied sword in his hand gleamed menacingly, and his body silently radiated an aura of unrelenting wrath.

    The hunter could only gape.

    ¡°The Player¡­¡± he let out a low, trembling voice.

    But it wasn¡¯t the unsociable young man he remembered awkwardly walking in the village as if his allergic to everything, even covering his companions as if others gaze would rob them from him.

    This was something else entirely¡ª More like, an unstoppable, wrathful Beast. The most terrifying one he seen through his life as a Hunter.

    Was he mistaking it? Or did he just sense the invader shuddered, for the first time? He can''t blame the poor thing, for even he felt a creeping dread in the presence of the monster in human clothing.

 Chapter 103: Battle in the Burning Woods 11 - Viler than the Wicked

    Kai felt... rattled himself, a brief dissonance cutting through the haze of his fiery rage.

    ''When did I get so strong?''

    The question echoed in his mind, as impossible to ignore as the adrenaline surging through his veins. He had known strength before¡ªZara''s gift, surviving trials, and relentless days of honing skills had forged him into an individual far beyond ordinary. But this? This was something entirely different. His body no longer felt like his own. No longer human, but that of a predator unleashed, a harbinger of destruction.

    Zara¡¯s beastial abilities had transformed him, elevating him to a level that rivaled feral creatures feared by men. But now, he has become too monstrous, even in his own opinion. Something deserving the dread of beasts¡ªa predator of predators.

    His gaze sharpened, fixing on the towering invader, drenched in blood and ash, with height towering above all others like a symbol of destruction and despair. Kaiser clenched his jaw, his fingers curling tightly around the hilt of a fallen hunter¡¯s short blade.

    Without hesitation, he surged forward.

    And the world shifted.

    The ground beneath him blurred into streaks of color as his body moved faster than it ever had before. The smoldering air and ashes itself seemed to part, giving way, unable to keep pace. Despite using his mere legs, it felt as though he was riding the wind, or a motorcycle with force so swift and untethered that the earth could barely hold him. His body felt impossibly light yet carried a destructive momentum that could tear through steel.

    However, instead of being disoriented and troubled in processing the passing surrounding, his senses processed it as if his only running.

    In an instant, the distance between him and the beast closed. As he entered the pain invader¡¯s range, a startling clarity washed over him. Time slowed, each detail crystallizing in his heightened senses¡ªthe acrid stench of scorched earth, the oppressive heat licking at his skin, the frantic, erratic movements of the invader as it flailed its massive limbs.

    Even the wildly thrashing invader, once so fast and deadly to his sight seems slow. It had seemed untouchable before, impossibly fast and devastatingly strong. But now, he could sense its frenzied movements as if it''s a crude punch from a stranger, flying towards a decently trained boxer, making it avoidable with ease. The difficulty of sensing its clawed hooves mobility visibly decreases in his perception, while his reaction time was more than enough to fair against the blind creature. Actually, he felt like his at the same level as the terrifying invader in terms of capabilities.

    Still, in sheer physicality, the invader was undeniably superior than him. It also boasted terrifying speed and durability, but Kaiser had the edge in reflexes, precision and agility. And while the beast relied on primal instinct, its lack of intelligence left it woefully unprepared for a foe like him. Eyeless, and with the smoldering environment further hindering its primary sense of smell, left it pitifully blind to its surroundings. Added that its intellect and combat comprehension paled miserably compared to his put it at extreme disadvantage.

    Then again, if counting only his inherited power from Zara and additional strength gained from leveling up after defeating three invaders, he might have been inferior to this creature under normal circumstances without the rage burning within him, fueling a skill that multiplied his original strength to support his vengeance.

    Spotting a gap in the invader''s erratic movements, Kaiser shifted his weight, dodging under its massive legs and darted through with inhuman precision. He slid to the beast¡¯s under-side in the blink of an eye, the blade tip poised against its filthy, matted fur.

    He can only grimace at the weapon durability and sharpness inferiority. Making a quick stab difficult. But with a burst of force, Kaiser forcefully drove the blade forward. The weapon groaned under his crushing grip, the wood of the hilt cracking, iron within compacting and blade slightly bending, nevertheless, the short sword found purchase with brute force. Halve of it tore through the creature¡¯s skin and flesh.

    The invader¡¯s pained shriek tore through the air, a piercing cry that sent a shiver of cruel satisfaction through Kaiser''s fury-clouded mind. But it wasn¡¯t enough¡ªnot nearly enough to quell the storm within him. His wrath demanded more. These vile creatures had invaded their peaceful land, disrupted the villagers'' joyous farewell festival, and left behind a trail of death and despair.

    For that, they would suffer.

    His grip tightened on another stray blade as the beast thrashed, trying in vain to shake nothing off. Kaiser''s indifferent eyes silently burning with cold, merciless darkness simply watch it. There was no pity in his heart¡ªonly the unrelenting need to make this invader regret every step it had taken into this place.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    This beast, this vile creature, had brought ruin to a night meant for joy. It had turned laughter into screams, happiness to sadness, soothing coldness of night into scorching heat and ashes, stolen lives that could never be replaced. The image of the Chief¡¯s kind smile flickered in his mind¡ªa memory now tainted with the weight of loss, everyone''s lost among the many who stayed behind to fight.

    If these invaders hadn¡¯t come, the village could have had one last night of peace. They could have celebrated, shared stories, foods, danced, and bid farewell to their old home with dignity. Instead, the ground was a graveyard, littered with the bodies of the fallen relatives of fleeing escapees.

    His only regret is that, only one invader was left standing to suffer his wrath.

    All he could do was make the most of it.

    A dark smirk tugged at his lips, his voice low and venomous as he muttered, ¡°Pitiful thing¡­ I¡¯ll make you regret ever stepping foot in this land.¡±

    The invader thrashed violently, blind to the greater predator staring daggers at it. The former devourer had become a miserable prey, and Kaiser intended to savor every moment.

    Furthermore, this particular invader was literally asking for it. Killing so many Hunters and Volunteeres, leaving their bloody weapons behind. Ironically, its struggle to survive had brought its own demise, a far more merciless one, at that.

    The fiery inferno raged on, consuming the once-vibrant village in a chaotic dance of orange and crimson. Sparks leapt into the air, and smoke coiled like serpents, choking the night. But amidst the chaos, one figure moved with unnatural grace¡ªa shadow among the flames. The Player, in the surviving hunters eyes were chillingly relentless.

    A dark beast, much smaller was darting through the battlefield like a predator honing in on its kill. The last invader¡ªa massive, eyeless monstrosity¡ªshrieked and thrashed, its clawed limbs tearing at the ground in a frenzied attempt to defend itself from the tormenting fathom, leaving pang on its body in his every passing.

    It''s far bigger, stronger, and monstrous in appearance but it was no match for the line player.

    Not now.

    Not with the searing rage that coursed through his veins.

    Kaiser¡¯s dark eyes burned with purpose as he sprinted toward a fallen spear, its shaft broken but its tip still sharp enough to serve. Without missing a beat, he snatched it up, spun in a blur of motion, and drove it into the invader¡¯s flank with monstrous force. The spear splintered, its jagged edge burying itself deep into the beast¡¯s thick hide. The invader howled in pain, flailing wildly, but Kaiser was already gone, disappearing into the smoke like a wraith.

    He reemerged a heartbeat later, another weapon in hand¡ªa battered sword left behind by one of the fallen it had killed. The blade¡¯s edge was dull, its surface tarnished with soot and blood, but it didn¡¯t matter. Kaiser lunged, driving the blade into the creature¡¯s high shoulder. The weapon bent under the strain, groaning against the invader¡¯s tough hide, but Kaiser forced it deeper with sheer, unrelenting strength powered by inextinguishable wrath.

    However, he didn¡¯t stop there.

    He couldn¡¯t stop.

    Because it just felt so nice to be superior, free from metal and physical retrains for once without shackles holding him back from venting all his frustrations. As someone who tends to choose composure over anger, this was a rare moment where he could fully unleash his dissatisfaction with the world.

    And the poor thing was like a massive target for his rage. Once so fearsome and savage, coming to an abundant land as a monstrous harbinger of despair with nothing in mind except hunger. Was reduced to a blind creature, under a Hunter''s torturous onslaught.

    To the invader''s nightmare, it was completely hopeless. Not only was it blind, and its senses weakened. The tormenter was ruthless, dancing around while evading its futile attempt to defend, bringing agony after agony in its irresistible passing. As he did, it weakened, drowning it deeper in the depths of helplessness, to the same despair it had put the courageous defenders.

    On the remaining hunters that survived, it was akin to viewing a twisted performance. The invader¡¯s screeches echoed through the night, a twisted symphony of agony that''s strangely satisfying to the few audience witnessing it.

    The Player was like a demented craftsman, nailing the weapons of the fallen as paints to a monstrous, living canvas. The battlefield became Kaiser''s forge, and the invader is his masterpiece of torment.

    When the swords around ran out, he switched to broken axes, discarded arrows, spears, even splintered stakes¡ªeverything became a weapon in his hands, . Kaiser nailed the invader¡¯s body with relentless precision, each strike pushed in to inflict maximum pain, assuring it dug deep. The beast¡¯s once-formidable form was now a grotesque display, its hide bristling with impaled weapons like the twisted creation of a mad artisan, the painting made with all his rage.

    Kaiser moved with an almost feral intensity, his strikes unending, his presence suffocating. The invader¡¯s wild thrashing slowed, its massive body trembling under the weight of its torment.

    Even the four Hunters began feeling pity for the poor thing despite its vile deeds.

    But Kai''s fury was far from spent, his pent up stress was yet to be drained. And now, his troubled where to get more nails even though the invader''s body was littered by mariads of weapons ¡ª blades, daggers, spears, axes, arrows, stakes.

    Luckily finding a long knife buried on the ground, he nonchalantly pulled it out and dashed towards the bloody beast without delay with heart filled with mindless fury. Disregarding the invader increasing savagery, as it neared its death.

    However, amidst the chaos, a faint cursing groan of a man cut through the roaring flames and the invader¡¯s anguished cries. Kaiser¡¯s heightened senses caught it instantly, and he froze mid-step, his gaze snapping to the source of the sound.

    There, leaning against the charred remains of a tree, was a wounded hunter. Blood pooled around his mangled leg, and his pale face glistened with sweat. His wide, fearless eyes locked onto the rampaging creature closing in on him.

    The invader, despite its pain, caught the scent of its helpless prey. A guttural snarl rumbled from its throat as it turned toward the direction of the wounded man. With a sudden, desperate burst of energy, it lunged.

    ''Oh, sh*t.''

    He became too careless, too focused on his task to pay attention to the surviving hunters. Three of them were still capable of running, if not limping to move to a safer distance, but that unfortunate man was immobilized.

    By then, Kai was already back to his senses. Many had already died, he can''t add another due to his recklessness.

    Besides, he can''t die unlike them.

    His body moved on instinct. Before they met, he was between the hunter and the charging beast, launching his arm to shift its gaping maws trajectory. His fist rattled the pointy teeth, and it felt like he punched a solid iron. Thankfully, the powerful fist forced its aim to tilt aside, saving the man from harm. However, Kai cursed the beast *dental health* for the fangs given in, letting the lingering momentum of his own fist push it forward into the hungry chasm within.

    The invader¡¯s jaws snapped shut, and pain erupted through him as razor-sharp teeth sank into his forearm.

    ¡°F*ck your dentist!" Kaiser hissed through gritted teeth.

    His caught.

 Chapter 104; Battle in the Burning Woods 12 - Hollow Victory

    This was exactly why Kaiser hated letting his emotions take the wheel.

    It never ended well.

    Sure, giving in to his fury sometimes made him feel better¡ªit was cathartic, like smashing a pot into a million pieces. But the aftermath? Often a disaster. Even in childhood, he had long learned the hard way that venting his emotions, while satisfying, usually just made everything worse. Or maybe, just maybe, the world had a personal grudge against him?

    Right now, though, as the invader''s massive jaws clamped down on his arm, Kaiser was starting to suspect karma had upgraded its game.

    ''F*ck.''

    He didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. Though, he should be crying soon because his in for a crazy ride.

    The frenzied beast growled low and guttural, as delicious flesh entered it maw, a flicker of delight amidst it suffering. Savoring what it thought was a savoury meal that feeds blood on his unseen tongue. It lifted its head high, but instead of the soft, tender flesh it was used to tearing through, it found something closer to... rubber.

    This particular human wasn''t as fragile as its kin.

    Kaiser could feel the pressure on his arm¡ªthe teeth digging in, the crushing force of its jaw trying to break his bones¡ªbut the invader¡¯s efforts only managed to painfully dig into his flesh instead of ripping it apart. Kaiser winced from the agony and the absurdity of the situation.

    Because as much as the invader would love to reap it''s tormentor''s arm off, Kai would love it too, as well.

    It freaking hurts!

    ¡°Oh, for the love of¡ª¡± he screamed, only to be interrupted as the beast swung its head violently.

    He found himself airborne, hurtling toward a tree. His body slammed into the trunk with a sickening crack, bark splintering from the impact. Before he could recover, the creature whipped its neck in the other direction, sending him crashing into the dirt. It repeated this motion, swinging him like a ragdoll through the fiery chaos.

    ''Did my bone just crack!?''

    ...Probably.

    ¡°DAMMIT!¡± he yelled, clinging to whatever shreds of dignity he had left. ¡°Of all the times to get bitten¡ªjust freaking eat it alrea¡ª!!¡±

    His words were cut off as he got slumped to the ground in a forceful thud. Before swinging again midair and colliding with a burning tree, It thrashed and swung its elongated neck wildly, determined to get the arm off that rubbery human.

    Still stuck, its powerful neck swung back and forth, treating Kaiser to the most nauseating, bone-jarring carnival ride of his life. Trees, rocks, invader''s head and burning debris blurred past him as he bounced off the environment like a particularly durable pinball.

    He felt sick, pained and battered. Watching the last invader suffer was amusing, but joining it by getting one of his hands stuck on its freaking maw was an unimaginable experience.

    In fact, he had lost count of how many of his bones broke.

    If there was one thing Kaiser regretted at this moment, it was having such a sturdy body. It was a blessing in battle, sure, but right now, he found himself cursing his resilience from the bottom of his heart. A normal human would have been torn by now¡ªquick, clean, and done. But not Kaiser.

    Why did he even strive to become powerful. He takes that back now.

    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± he struggled to voice out, before yelling out again, puking blood, ¡°JUST LET IT GO, YOU DAMN LEECH!¡±

    But it won''t, not until his arm is taken.

    Finally getting a moment of reprieve from the constant blackout caused by continuous collisions. He recollected himself, willing his free arm that''s still holding the lengthy knife tightly. His resentful gaze darted on the nearby ear of the invader. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Fed up with the disorienting thrashing, Kaiser raised his free hand, clutching a lengthy, battered knife. Swinging it with all the force he could muster while being tossed around, he drove it straight into the beast¡¯s thick skin. Driven by brute force, the blade sank deep, but it wasn¡¯t sharp enough to finish the job. The invader didn''t even release the lock of its maw to screech, afraid to let its delicious meal go.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Kai snarled, before losing grip due to the increased wild movements of the damned head.

    Sighing mentally, he steeled himself to do the unthinkable.

    Forced by the particularity of the circumstances, his dizzy vision locked at the knife''s protruding hilt, gritting his teeth, Kai pushed through his flexibilities limit like he did before, twisting his stuck arm with a burst of strength to get his legs to the desired position in the cost of teared muscles and tendons to kicked the long knife into the invader''s brain.

    At last, the invader unlocked its jaw and whipped its head one last time, slamming Kaiser into its head. Oh, to his cursed delighted, the damned arm finally tore off.

    ''You gotta be kidding me.''

    He hit the ground in a heap, rolling to his feet just in time to see the invader stumble. The beast, disoriented and wounded, backed straight into a tall, burning tree. Whether the tree was old from the start of the forest fire, making it fragile, the fiery trunk cracked and fell, burying the creature under a pile of blazing lumber.

    Still in agony, Kaiser struggled to raise himself up, staring resentfully at the smoldering wreckage of the fallen invader. His severed arm dangled grotesquely from the beast¡¯s bloodied maw, a macabre trophy of their mutual fury. He wouldn''t miss that unlucky thing for putting through that *ride*, though. Maybe his next arm¡ªwhenever it regenerated¡ªwould have better luck than this one.

    The monstrous creature twitched once under the fiery rubble before finally succumbing to the flames, its massive body motionless save for the embers dancing across its filthy fur. Countless weapons¡ªswords, axes, spears, and shards of broken steel¡ªprotruded from its body like an iron garden, a testament to Kaiser''s relentless assault, mark of his fury and a deserving death for the final foe.

    The last invader¡­ was dead.

    Kaiser let out a long, weary sigh of relief. With the creature gone, his fury faded, and with it, the power that had surged through his body. The extra strength and reflexes that had carried him through the battle now ebbed away along the adrenaline rush, leaving him with the crushing weight of exhaustion.

    ''Curse that thing... I feel like a scrambled egg.''

    He swayed on his feet, his head pounding like a war drum. Every muscle ached, and he was sure his internals were as much of a wreck as his messy, blood-streaked appearance.

    Doubling over, he coughed, spraying blood into the ash-choked air. The metallic taste in his mouth didn¡¯t even faze him¡ªhe had grown used to it. After lingering for a moment to catch his breath, he forced himself upright. Surprisingly, despite everything, his battered body still obeyed his commands, functioning crudely, though every movement sent spikes of pain through him. It was almost laughable how resilient he had become after killing three invaders before this one, an exceptionally mature beast.

    ''Am I still human?''

    An average man would have all his bones crushed in his circumstances, limp and dead, let alone stand... And walk. Who knew Leveling was so awarding? Kai almost wished for more invaders to come.

    He chuckled bitterly to himself, for no particular reason, as he staggered toward the wounded hunter leaning against a charred tree. The man¡¯s wide, disbelieving eyes followed every step Kaiser took with fake pale as ash, as though watching a ghost rise from its grave.

    Feeling the hunter¡¯s gaze, heavy with a mix of awe and unease. The silence between them stretched uncomfortably until Kaiser broke it.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked nonchalantly, his voice hoarse but steady.

    The hunter blinked, his lips parting in astonishment. ¡°T-talk about tough... Damn, kid. Not even a drop of a tear, just what are you made off?" As if remembering who his talking to, the hunter froze. Hint of fear and respect touched his tone, his body stiffed.

    The man that fearlessly stared straight to death was actually feeling dread before the young man. No one can blame him though after seeing the fearsome beast suffer under Kaiser''s fury in a one-sided battle.

    "Please forgive my rudeness, Mr. Kaiser, I didn''t intend to disrespect."

    "No worries. Though, I would prefer not being referred to with *Mr* make me feel old already." Kai shrugged.

    The Hunter was surprised for a moment, before offering a weary smile.

    "I''ll keep that in mind... But, Players really are in another league, no wonder."

    Kaiser smirked weakly, brushing off the praise. ¡°Yeah, well¡­ I¡¯m particularly hard to kill. But I don''t know about the others. Anyway, I would call my buddies if I were you. That leg isn''t looking great.¡±

    The hunter glanced down at his mangled limb, his grimace deepening. However, hearing those words from someone who had just endured a beating that should have been fatal¡ªsomeone missing an arm and covered in blood and ash that shrouded countless wounds, scratches, bruises and that''s not counting the internal injuries¡ªmade his situation feel almost trivial. His lips twitched, caught between disbelief and reluctant admiration.

    But then, his expression softened upon hearing the Player''s next words, low and humble but carried the weight of finality.

    ¡°Retreat now... It¡¯s over.¡±

    The hunter¡¯s lips parted, trembling slightly as a strange mix of emotions washed over him¡ªrelief, gratitude, and a lingering fear of the young man who had just single-handedly decimated the invader. But above all... The overwhelming joy of having won, for their sacrifices, including his brothers was spent to victory.

    ¡°Thank you...¡± The hunter whispered in a verge of crying, voice barely audible over the crackling flames.

    Before Kaiser could respond, the other two hunters who could still walk emerged from the shadows by then, their faces pale but determined. They lifted their injured companion carefully, avoiding Kaiser¡¯s piercing gaze. It seems that the cripple man is the bravest one here to manage talking to a greater monster in human clothing.

    ¡°Get out of here,¡± Kaiser ordered, his tone brooking no argument.

    The trio, joined by the limping fourth hobbled away without a word for time wasn''t in their favor ¡ªThey''re bleeding, amidst a soon to be a deadly infernal environment¡ª sparing only a few furtive glances back at the lone figure standing amidst the flaming carnage. The sight of him impaling the invader with every weapon he could find, his unrelenting rage, and his grim, bloodied visage¡­ was something they would never forget.

    As their silhouettes disappeared into the distance, Kaiser remained rooted to the spot, wearing a somber expression. He turned his gaze toward the remnants of the battlefield. What had once been a peaceful forest was now a graveyard of charred wood and broken bodies, being devoured by licking flames.

    Close to two hundred people had been here just hours ago. Now, he doubted even fifty were left alive, with the majority of them being experienced Hunters. Scattered corpses painted a grim picture, volunteered villagers and hunters alike who had fought desperately but succumbed to the invaders¡¯ monstrous savagery.

    The weight of it all settled on him, heavy and suffocating. He clenched his remaining fist, nails digging into his palm, but there was no solace to be found.

    There''s nothing he could do about the past, except accepting the meagerness of his accomplishment. If not for his involvement, none of the Hunters would have survived, and likely end in humans defeat.

    ''...What a messed up world.''

    Sighing, Kaiser turned around intending to follow the others. However, sensing a different movement other than dancing flames and falling branches. His attention darted to that direction, piercing distance with his sharp eyes.

    Then, he saw a living figure.

    A shadow amidst the fiery haze of smokes.

    His heart sank.

    ¡°No¡­ no, no, no, no, no¡­¡±

    The words escaped his lips like a broken mantra as he stumbled forward, dread clawing at his chest as his nightmare came true.

 Chapter 105; Defiance

    Garba staggered towards the burning woods, each step heavier than the last. His weary, bloodshot eyes scanned the fiery horizon, the disheveled white hair on his head matted with sweat and streaked with his own blood and that of his defeated foes. His sword, Windslayer, once a weapon of grace and lethality, now serves as a cane, trembling under the weight of his battered body. His breaths came shallow and ragged, his strength all but drained.

    As he moved closer to the flames, the heat pressed against his face, pushing away the bone-chilling grasp of death creeping within him. The warmth was oddly comforting, as if the heat themselves offered him solace in his final moments. But it wasn¡¯t just the warmth he sought. He searched for something¡ªor someone¡ªelse, hoping to find amidst the ashes and carnage.

    If anyone survived, perhaps it meant the invaders had been vanquished ending this battle to their victory... If not, that will be a grim outcome, but not unexpected.

    Then, through the haze of ash and smoke, he saw a figure moving. A shadow darting between the dying embers. At first, he thought it was his mind playing tricks, perhaps a cruel mirage conjured by his fading consciousness. But no, the figure slowed, its dark silhouette clearing in the fiery glow.

    It was a figure Garba knew all too well.

    ¡°Kaiser...¡± he whispered hoarsely, wondering why the brat that''s supposed to be away was in this dangerous forest of all places. Sadly, his too weak to scold the brat.

    The young man stopped a short distance away, his form clearer now. His frame was battered, his clothes torn and soaked with blood, dried by ashes, and his arm¡­ gone. Yet, despite it all, Kaiser still stood, his face etched with exhaustion and concern.

    ¡°Gramps¡­¡± Kai¡¯s voice was thick with emotion, trembling with a rare crack in his usually defiant demeanor.

    Garba huffed. ¡°Man up, brat. Don¡¯t you dare cry on me.¡±

    Kai forced a smile, though it trembled at the corners. ¡°Who do you think I am? I don¡¯t cry for old people.¡±

    ¡°Good... That¡¯s my boy¡­¡± Garba¡¯s words were cut short as he coughed violently, blood splattering onto the ground. His knees buckled, and he sank into the dirt, his grip on Windslayer faltering.

    ¡°Gramps!¡± Kai rushed forward, his mask of composure cracking. As he reached Garba, the old man managed to look up at him, studying his apprentice¡¯s disheveled appearance. They''re both a mess, but Kaiser undoubtedly takes the prize.

    ¡°Quite a looker, aren¡¯t we?¡± Garba smirked in a weak tone laced with dry humor.

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    He scoffed, keeping his voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing within.

    His mentor chuckled, though it turned into another fit of coughing. ¡°Care to help an old man, brat?¡±

    He hesitated, his forced stoicism faltering before he knelt and helped his mentor to his feet. He supported the frail man, guiding him toward the warm glow of the flames.

    Right now, Kai didn''t know what to feel or what to do. Let alone, say anything because his overflowing emotions might burst out of his tongue, followed by tears... Garba wouldn''t like that. So, he stayed silent as much as he could.

    ¡°What happened to your hand?¡± On their way, Garba asked, his tone rasping.

    ¡°...Stupidity,¡± replied Kai flatly after a moment of hesitation.

    That earned a laugh from the old man. ¡°You never change. Still remember the time you tried to attack me mid-lecture? You haven¡¯t learned a damn thing since then, have you?. Guess you learned your lesson this time, huh?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Kai said with a nonchalant shrug. ¡°It was kinda fun. Might do it again.¡±

    Garba almost choked, coughing harshly as he laughed. ¡°You really are a fool.¡±

    Finally, they reached a small clearing where the flames cast a dim, flickering light. Garba motioned for Kai to stop. ¡°This¡¯ll do,¡± he muttered.

    Kaiser lowered his mentor gently to the ground, before sitting back, the somber look in his eyes betraying his otherwise calm demeanor. His gaze drifted to Garba¡¯s side, where a horrifying sight awaited him. Making his wish it was a hallucination. However, it''s not ¡ª A large chunk of the old man¡¯s waist was¡­ gone. The jagged wound oozed blood, and his breathing grew fainter with every passing second.

    That''s something that can''t be patched by any fabric or burn. It''s too big of a wound.

    He uttered hesitantly.

    ¡°Hey, Gramps¡­How about we head back to the village? They might be able to do some¡ª¡±

    ¡°Quit it, fool,¡± Garba cut him off, firm despite its weakness. ¡°I¡¯ve lost too much blood. It¡¯s no use.¡±

    The weight of those words hit Kaiser like a blow to the chest. Of course, he realized that, he just doesn''t want to believe nor accept it.

    Garba continued, his tone lighter as if to soften the truth. ¡°Besides, this isn¡¯t the only problem. Got a few broken ribs, a busted arm, and damaged organs¡­ oh, and did I mention I had to cut off some of my intestines earlier? Damn things were getting in the way.¡± He coughed violently, his body convulsing with the effort. ¡°Yeah, kid¡­ I think I¡¯m dying.¡±

    He looked up at Kai with a small, wry smile. ¡°So¡­ what did you get?¡±

    ''F*cking idiot, this is not the time to brag about that.''

    Still, not wanting to spoil his mentor''s joke, Kai tried to match the old man humor, though his voice was strained. ¡°Got one arm ripped off in the ride of my life on a giraffe, or a horse. Whatever that f*cking creature is! But I got plenty of souvenir. Uh, let me think... Yeah, I got a rib fracture, too. Judging by how sh*tty I feel right now, there are some cracks in my spine, legs, skull, as well. I also got liver and organ damage, ruptured spleen, abdominal injuries, brain bleeding, kidney disease, cancerA case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    and lots of internal bleeding¡­ maybe a snapped tendon or two. You know, the usual. Honestly, Gramps, I think I¡¯m dying too."

    Garba gives him an unconvinced look.

    "Now that''s just spouting nonsense. I guess this is my win. Ha! You can''t win against your teacher, brat. Dream on." He laughed, followed by more coughing, sending daggers in his heart.

    Taking a deep breath, Kai sighed.

    "You know, I really hate your teachings.¡±

    Garba chuckled, the sound weak but genuine. ¡°Then stop following them, idiot. And don''t even think about following me to death.¡±

    ''I can''t, even if I wanted to.''

    Silence settled over them, broken only by the crackling of the flames. Kai sat nearby, his distant gaze fixed on Garba somberly. The stoic mask he wore couldn¡¯t hide the sorrow in his eyes. He had always seen Garba as a unbeatable sword master, but seeing him like this¡ªbeaten, broken, fading, bleeding¡ªwas a reality Kai wasn¡¯t prepared to face.

    His the strongest swordsman he knew, the one who taught him the way of the sword in the lonesome tower. Be it the hard way, in which Kai appreciates and secretly takes pride in. Garba was the person that forged him into a swordman he is now.

    ''Why am I so hopeless?

    How could he, someone molded by this master¡¯s teachings, do nothing when the man who taught him everything was dying?

    Guilt keeps gripping his heart.

    The firelight flickered, casting long shadows over the two of them. Then Garba¡¯s raspy voice broke the silence.

    He muttered, softer than Kai had ever heard him, ¡°Hey, brat, you¡¯ll be fine without me, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Kai¡¯s throat tightened, but he forced himself to answer, forcing a smirk. ¡°Of course. Who needs an old geezer like you anyway? But, uh¡­ I¡¯d really like to have your sword.¡±

    Garba chuckled weakly, the sound dry and rasping. ¡°Why bother asking? With a face as thick as yours, you¡¯d snatch it anyway.¡±

    Kai leaned forward, pretending to shrug. ¡°Then please understand there¡¯s no use refusing.¡±

    ¡°I know, brat.¡± Garba¡¯s smile softened into something more genuine. ¡°I was planning to give it to you, anyway.¡±

    "...Really?¡±

    When did this old bag of bones become so kind?

    ¡°Yes,¡± Garba rasped, his gaze fixed on the orange glow of the flames. ¡°But promise me one thing, Kaiser... Don¡¯t walk the path of a swordsman if there¡¯s doubt in your heart. Actually¡­¡± He paused, his face shadowed by regret as he looked at him straight in the eyes. ¡°I¡¯d prefer you give up on the blade altogether.¡±

    Kai frowned, suddenly confused ¡°And why¡¯s that?¡±

    He had spent days, suffered and got battered honing his skills under his teaching.

    His mentor sighed, the sound filled with the weight of years. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for saying this now. The truth is¡­ the sword is for the weak, not for the Players.¡±

    Kai froze, puzzlement twisting his features. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Garba¡¯s gaze turned distant, as if recalling something from long ago. ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve hidden from you, Kaiser. Something I should¡¯ve told you earlier before passing my family''s dying legacy. The truth is¡­ the sword may be potent in the hands of normal humans, but for Players like you, it¡¯s nothing more than a flimsy stick compared to the power Players hold.¡±

    Kai¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You¡¯re wrong. A sword is more than that. A sword is discipline, technique¡ª¡±

    ¡°Discipline and technique won¡¯t stop the inevitable,¡± Garba interrupted, ¡°History has seen it, Kaiser. Be it an entire army of swordsmen can be wiped out in an instant under the power of a single Player. Thousands dead in the flash of a thunderous ability. The sword, no matter how skillfully wielded, is futile against the sheer might of what Players are capable of.¡±

    Kai¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, his fists clenched.

    That, he can''t deny. Perhaps he hasn''t experienced what real abilities Players hold to fully comprehend what Garba is trying to make him understand. However, Kai does get the shallow meaning. It''s like a swordman against mages, while a slash of a blade could potentially kill a single enemy. A mage explosive spell is capable of annihilating an entire squadron without even getting close to harm. Swords simply paled in comparison to sorcery, which is similar to the varying powers Players possess. Additionally, mastering one''s magical ability is probably easier than swordplay. Kai hasn''t discovered his yet, so his not so certain.

    Still, the future of swordmanship in the world of Players is undeniably bleak. He should be getting mad at Garba for tricking him into learning the blade, but for many reasons, he can''t.

    He let out a heavy sigh, before questioning.

    ¡°But what about your ancestor? You said even the undying Bakar was no match against him? He was a powerful Player swordsman, wasn¡¯t he?"

    Garba¡¯s smirk returned, though it carried a bitter edge. ¡°Powerful, yes¡­ because he wielded a powerful sword. One that could cause a forest fire like this in one swing. That¡¯s why he thrived. You, brat? You don¡¯t have a sword like that. You now have Windslayer, but it¡¯s... well, it¡¯s not exactly legendary.¡±

    It''s almost funny how a swordman''s future was defined by his blade, it makes him question why he even trained so hard to improve his skill.

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll find one."

    If memory serves him right, Relic''s were acquired from slaying monstrosities. Needless to say, the stronger a creature are, the greater the reward. That''s probably how *WFEW* got his so-called infernal sword that made him a great swordsman in spite of the odds compared to other Players.

    The fire crackled, its embers spiraling into the dark sky like fleeting stars, as Garba¡¯s weathered voice broke the oppressive silence. It was softer now, tinged with a rare vulnerability.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time,¡± he murmured, his eyes searching Kaiser¡¯s as if willing his hard head to understand. ¡°The chances of stumbling onto something like that are slim. You¡¯re better off letting go of the blade. Take up marksmanship or something less¡­ dangerous. The path of the sword is narrow, unforgiving. You¡¯ll either die on it, or you¡¯ll become great.¡± His voice faltered for a moment before continuing, the words almost sticking in his throat. ¡°And I¡¯ll be honest with you, Kaiser¡­ I don¡¯t want my only disciple dying because of me.¡±

    Kaiser blinked, the weight of the words pressing on his chest like a boulder. Still, he managed to force a crooked smile.

    ¡°Who said I¡¯ll die?¡±

    Garba¡¯s gaze wavered, his lips tightening into a grim line. For a moment, he looked as though he might drop the conversation, let it die in the flames around them. But then, with a sigh heavy enough to carry a lifetime of regret, he spoke the bitter truth.

    ¡°Your potential¡­¡± he said, his tone sharp with the sting of reality. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kaiser, but you¡¯re not a genius. Nor exceptionally talented. Judging from your learning speed, you¡¯ve got skill and a good head over your shoulders. I¡¯ll give you that. But¡­¡± His voice softened, the words cutting deeper for their gentleness. ¡°It¡¯s lesser than mine. If I were fifteen again, I¡¯d probably beat you as you are now in terms of pure swordsmanship. So tell me, brat¡ªwhat gives you the idea that you¡¯ll ever be so great that even Players won¡¯t be able to stand against you?¡±

    The words stung.

    Not because they were cruel but because they were true. Garba had kept this unspoken truth buried for days, feeding him encouragement instead, letting the flame of ambition burn bright. Now, as the fire around them consumed the forest, as Garba lay weakened and weary, that flame was snuffed out for the sake of keeping his only student safe.

    Kai understood why his mentor had said it. The old man wasn¡¯t trying to belittle him¡ªhe was trying to protect him. Kai wasn¡¯t the kind of person stories were written about. He lacked the brilliance of a prodigy, the sharpness of a genius, the heart of a leader, or the ingenuity of an inventor. These were the qualities that made someone extraordinary, the traits that built legacies.

    But he was¡­ ordinary. A little above average, perhaps, but not enough to stand out. He wasn¡¯t destined to lead armies or carve his name into history. At best, he was a soldier, the kind whose fate was left to chance. And wielding a sword only made that fate bleaker. A safer path would be to take up a bow, stand at the back-lines, and live longer than melee''s on the front.

    That was why Garba had urged him to abandon the sword. It was a path that would only end in his death¡ªsooner rather than later.

    Of course, deep down, Kai had always known this. If he truly had the makings of greatness, he wouldn¡¯t have died so pathetically on his first day, cut down by a handful of sloppy bandits. He wouldn¡¯t have stumbled through failure after failure, kept alive only by the curse of his immortality. Every death, every defeat, was a reminder of his mediocrity.

    His nothing special, really.

    Garba¡¯s final lesson was as cold as it was honest: accepting his own inferiority wasn¡¯t a weakness. Cowardice, might actually save him. Putting down the blade and choosing a safer path might keep him alive into a safer life where he belongs, and leave the throne to those born worthy of it.

    However, for some reason, Kai can''t simply accept that.

    He had felt this sting before¡ªback on Earth, where his professors had written him off as unremarkable, another struggler destined to fade into obscurity. It was a familiar pain, one that told him to lower his head, to know his place.

    And now, his sword instructor was saying the same for his own good.

    ''Am I?''

    Something inside him snapped.

    ''Sorry gramps... I don''t wanna be a disappointment anymore.''

    He refused to accept Garba''s last teaching!

    A chuckle escaped Kai¡¯s lips. At first, it was soft, almost humorless, but it grew louder, sharper, until it echoed through the clearing like a defiant sinister cry. His body moved on its own as he stood, his shadow stretching long in the firelight. He reached for Windslayer, the translucent blade catching the flickering glow as he unsheathed it.

    The fire reflected in his eyes as he turned the blade toward his chest, the tip pressing lightly against where his heart hid. The movement was deliberate, unhurried, as though he were testing Garba¡¯s resolve as much as his own.

    He locked eyes with his mentor, a cold, almost playful smile curling at his lips. Without hesitation, he drove the blade into his chest.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kai murmured, his voice calm but brimming with something unyielding.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll definitely become great.¡±

    ¡°Kaiser, stop!¡± Garba rasped, his voice rising in alarm.

    But Kaiser didn¡¯t stop doing the unthinkable.

    With one swift motion, he drove the blade into his chest, the sound of steel meeting flesh sharp and final.

    Garba gasped, his body lurching forward as if he could stop what had already been done. ¡°What are you doing?!¡±

    But Kaiser didn¡¯t fall.

    The blade buried in his chest didn¡¯t kill him. Blood trickled from the wound, dark and glistening in the firelight, but his body remained upright, his breathing steady.

    He looked down at the sword, then back at Garba. His smile widened, cold and unyielding.

    Kai¡¯s gaze never wavered, his smile unfaltering. Then said, his voice low and resolute.

    ¡°That¡¯s why, old man... No one decides my limits. Not you. Not the world. Not my lacking potential. Not fate. Nothing.¡±

    Because for better or worse, Kaiser had chosen his path. A path carved in blood, steel, and defiance. A path that no one¡ªnot even death¡ªcould take from him, no matter how many times it tries.

    Garba could only stare in disbelief, his breath caught in his throat.

 Chapter 106: Grief for the Wicked

    This is the first time Kai had revealed his immortality to someone, other than Ariella who safely can''t spread secrets orally because she''s literally unable to communicate, despite being a goddess for reasons unknown. Of course, his instinct made sure that there was no one around to see, other than himself and his mentor.

    The fire crackled softly, filling the space between them as Garba¡¯s breaths grew weaker, shallower in his speechless state. For a moment, silence reigned, and Kai thought his mentor might have already slipped away due to excessive shock. Then, to his surprise, Garba¡¯s raspy voice cut through the stillness.

    ¡°I see¡­ If that¡¯s the case, then I trust my last and only disciple will honor his mentor¡¯s name at the top,¡± he said, his gaze no longer pitying but filled with a faint glimmer of pride and relief.

    Kai snorted, trying to mask the ache in his chest. ¡°Like hell I¡¯ll do something like that. Climb it yourself, old geezer, instead of dying here,¡± he quipped, gripping Windslayer¡¯s hilt and pulling the blade free from his chest like it was nothing more than a splinter. It hurts though, but paled in comparison to the spreading cracks in his emotional heart.

    ¡°If I could, I¡¯d try killing you myself right now. Ah, I wonder what it¡¯d feel like to slay my treacherous student just once before I go...¡±

    Garba chuckled weakly, the sound crackling like dry leaves.

    Kai grinned.

    ¡°What a coincidence. I was wondering the same thing. You¡¯ve beaten the crap out of me so many times, always dodging my sword, always one step ahead. It''s really infuriating, do you have any idea what it feels to be bullied by a swordmaster over and over again. You know, I really wish you''ll just stay still back then and let me land even a single slash. But now that you¡¯re finally immobilized¡­¡±

    ¡°Spare some mercy for this old man, brat, show some shame for once.¡± Garba wheezed, a faint smirk pulling at his lips. Aware that his treacherous student can''t do such a horrible thing to an elderly man... Right?

    Garba wasn''t so sure what this brat is capable of even to this day... Though, it''s getting harder to speak as strength keeps leaving his old, bleeding body.

    The brief spell of humor faded, and silence settled between them again, heavier this time. Kai stared at his mentor, the flickering firelight dancing over the man¡¯s weathered face, lined with pain yet still managing to hold that familiar, stubborn strength.

    Finally, Kai broke the silence with a smile.

    ¡°Hey, gramps¡­ there¡¯s something that¡¯s been bugging me for a while now.¡±

    He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck as if trying to find the right words.

    ¡°It might offend you, so I didn¡¯t ask before. But since this is¡­ well, this is the last time I¡¯ll see you¡­ can I?¡±

    Garba¡¯s breathing was labored now, each word taking visible effort. Yet, he managed to nod faintly. ¡°Ask away.¡±

    Kai¡¯s lips quirked into a mischievous smile. He leaned closer, his tone light but laced with genuine curiosity.

    ¡°...Are you gay?¡±

    For a moment, Garba¡¯s weak expression froze, his brow furrowing in disbelief.

    Kai pressed on, grinning despite himself. ¡°I mean, don¡¯t get me wrong. It¡¯s just¡ªyou live alone in a tower. No spouse, no family, even though you had the fame and strength to make women fight to climb into your bed in your younger days. But instead of settling down, you tricked me into learning your family¡¯s sword technique because you had no kids of your own. Plus, you spent all your time practicing that weird dance inside the tower¡­ alone. So, seriously, are you gay, or what?¡±  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Garba stared at him, his dimming eyes narrowing as if to say, ''You ungrateful brat, is that really what you want to ask your dying mentor?''

    He knew it. If Kaiser can''t give a last slash of spite for his harsh teaching in his last moments, then the treacherous fiend would strike his pride.

    Suddenly, Garba¡¯s face softened, and he let out a hoarse, wheezing laugh. It was brittle, bitter, but somehow warm. A laugh of a dying man was strangely... Bittersweet.

    ¡°Gods¡­ that¡¯s the most absurd thing I¡¯ve ever heard,¡± Garba said, shaking his head slightly. He struggled to draw a deeper breath, his smile faint but genuine. ¡°As for your question... maybe¡­ I am.¡±

    Kai blinked, caught off guard. Then he forced a quiet laugh of his own, one filled with an ache that ran deeper than he cared to admit.

    ¡°And that¡¯s the worst joke I¡¯ve ever heard from you,¡± he murmured.

    But there was no response.

    Because Garba... Is no more. An enthusiastic slight smile stuck on his face, brought by his student to ease his inevitable passing.

    Gently, he reached out and closed the old man''s eyes that saw many through his lifetime only to shut now, forever, amidst the burning woods of a sorrowful war that ended in their hollow victory. Which should have been a grim defeat without this swordmaster''s participation. Garba has taken down six invaders all on his own, despite already being spent, bloodied and injured from facing three alone and informing the village of impending danger, he still voluntarily partakes in the following battle... Even then, his foes fell before he did under excessive loss of blood and grievous wounds Kai had no way of treating, for this world lacks such medical implements.

    His no healer, either. All Kai could do was follow along, accompanied his mentor''s last moments to ease the dread of death that Garba''s had long prepared himself to face.

    The silence that followed was absolute. The fire crackled softly, but it couldn¡¯t drown out the weight of what had just happened. Kaiser remained still, staring down at the lifeless form of his mentor. At least, it came slowly for him to accept, so it didn''t come a shock...

    Still. How could he accept this?

    Suddenly, his grip tightened around Windslayer¡¯s hilt so much that a normal hilt would be crushed, his knuckles white as he abruptly hurled the blade away with all his strength. The graceful sword spun through the air, deeply embedding itself into a burning tree''s bark with metallic ringing.

    ¡°F*ck it!¡± Kai roared, his voice breaking. He fell to his knees, fists slamming into the earth. The ground trembled beneath him as his restrained emotions erupted in full force.

    He punched the ground again and again, each strike a release of the frustration, grief, and helplessness that had been building within him for far too long.

    "Aren''t you strong?! Why the f*ck did you get yourself killed, damned old hag... You weren¡¯t supposed to die, damn it!"

    The world seemed to hold its breath, the only sound of the distant rustle of the wind and the quiet crackle of the dying fire.

    Finally, Kai slumped forward, his forehead pressing against the cold, unyielding earth. His breaths came in ragged, uneven gasps as the storm of emotion left him drained. All that remained was the hollow ache of loss and a deep, gnawing emptiness.

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll make it to the top,¡± he whispered hoarsely, his voice cracking under the weight of his vow. ¡°Even if it kills me. I¡¯ll show you, gramps¡­ I may have failed my real parents, my teachers, myself, and maybe even the world itself. But I won¡¯t fail you.¡±

    His hands clenched into fists, dirt embedding beneath his fingernails as his resolve solidified. ¡°I¡¯ll make you proud. I¡¯ll become a better swordmaster than you. Actually, scratch that¡­ I¡¯ll become the greatest swordsman the Shattered Realm has ever seen!¡±

    The fire beside him crackled louder, its embers glowing defiantly against the oppressive darkness of the night. The heat seemed to mirror the flame that had ignited within Kai. Amidst the stillness, his resolve was born¡ªnot from innate greatness, but from sheer, unyielding determination. He would not let Garba¡¯s name fade into obscurity, for his sole disciple would honor his existence for showing him the path of the blade.

    After what felt like an eternity, Kai pushed himself upright. His muscles ached as he rose to his feet. The rage and sorrow that had momentarily consumed him were now simmering embers, leaving behind a strange sense of clarity and indifferent expression on his face.

    He coughed.

    ¡®That was¡­ embarrassing,¡¯ he thought, his lips twitching into a grimace. Although, he had little to no shame for others, he at least had a shame for himself.

    Kai wasn¡¯t usually one for dramatics, but the emotional strain of watching Garba die, helpless to do a thing while suppressing his conflicted emotions, at the same time, faking a smile for his teacher had been unlike anything he experienced before. Causing his pent up frustration to burst out as soon as the moment allowed him. Even throwing Windslayer in a fit of rage. The thought made him groan inwardly. It was impulsive. Stupid. Absolutely unnecessary. And now he has to retrieve that blade which is quite a hassle considering how far his maximum strength sends it away into the flaming greeneries.

    Then again, tonight had been nothing short of a nightmare. The relentless chaos had claimed so many lives, including those of two elderly figures he had grown fond of, even if only briefly. It was hard to process everything all at once, taking a toll on his mind.

    However, a part of him recognized his detachment to compartmentalize pain and grief. He hated to admit it, but his years as an orphan had turned him a little psychopathic. Losing people hurt, yes, but the pain was fleeting for him, dulled by the indifferent emptiness he carried for so long, given by excessive loneliness spent in the better part of his life. Allowing him to move forward faster than most.

    Still, although, he and his mentor hadn¡¯t even been that close; their time together barely spanned over a week. Strangely, the old man¡¯s final moments felt heavier than they should have. It makes him wonder if he would feel the same if Ariella or Cia, his closest companion were to unfortunately perish. Would he grieve them for a fleeting moment before moving on? Or would their loss shatter something deeper inside him? Perhaps finally breaking him?

    Kaiser didn¡¯t know nor ever wanted to know.

    But forget about that.

    ''What the hell was I thinking, shouting those cheesy lines while pathetically groveling on the ground like a fool?''

    A sharp pang of embarrassment shot through him. He cringed, dragging a hand over his face. The memory would probably haunt him for the rest of his immortal life. If there was one silver lining to this whole debacle, it was that no one had been around to witness it.

    ''Thank the gods I was alone.''

    Though, not for long.

    His body tensed, instinctively on alert upon sensing something or someone moving towards him through the fiery forest. Probably attracted by his dramatic shouts.

    Kai sighed.

    ''Great... Just, great.''

 Chapter 107: Two Hunters, one Immortal

    Kai didn¡¯t have to wait long to see who was approaching.

    He exhaled sharply, pushing his lingering emotions aside. Then adjusted his posture, brushing off the dirt and ash that clung to his clothes, which do little to better his appearance that was still as ragged as his state of mind.

    The approaching figures came into focus¡ªAlfred and Brick. Both looked as battered as the rest of the surviving hunters, their armor and clothing torn, faces pale with exhaustion. They were the only ones left from their squad, having barely managed to slay two towering invaders at the cost of nearly a dozen of their comrades, which is commendable considering making one invader fell took more than thirty plus men to achieve, even then, victory isn''t certain if no one is capable of delivering a deadly strike to end its life ¡ª if not for Kaiser doing just that, some invaders might still be alive.

    So no one could blame them. Kai, even with his beastial strength and the help of over a hundred Hunters and Volunteeres combined drawing most of the invaders¡¯ attention, it had taken everything he had to slay the invaders. The Chief''s sharpshooters had taken down three invaders and had assisted with two of Kai¡¯s kills, but even with their aid, he struggled and died in the final confrontation, falling to his own recklessness, which earned him a well deserved tossing and an arm. Still, here he was, alive¡ªdespite his best efforts to the contrary.

    A shame, Kai felt like he looked so badass in that moment, mercilessly planting weapons on the helpless invader like a beast. Only to hang by his stuck arm and thrashed around on a swinging head of the invader he tormented.

    In any case, as the two hunters drew closer, they paused beside Garba¡¯s lifeless body. Brick¡¯s expression shifted into something uneasy, almost reverent, while Alfred offered a curt nod in respect. Then turned to Kai, his deep voice sounding grim.

    ¡°You really did come back. We heard news of your commendable deeds from the hunters you saved. Thank you for helping my men in my absence.¡±

    He had expected to be reprimanded for defying their orders to leave. But Alfred, ever pragmatic, seemed to accept what couldn¡¯t be undone. Instead of dwelling on Kai¡¯s disobedience, he focused on what mattered¡ªwhat had been achieved and showing gratitude he deserved. It was a relief. The last thing Kai needed right now was pointless arguing.

    ¡°Stop spacing out,¡± Alfred then snapped, shaking him from his thoughts. ¡°Prepare a fire funeral for the Tower Keeper. Make it quick.¡±

    Alfred¡¯s tone left no room for questions as he turned to Brick, who flinched under the weight of his leader¡¯s gaze. The younger hunter, who had once carried himself with an air of arrogance, now seemed hollowed out, his movements shaky and hesitant. Without a word, Brick began gathering wood, his hands trembling as he arranged the pyre.

    ''Poor bastard must be traumatized.''

    Kai spared Brick a glance but didn¡¯t speak. He had no objections to Alfred¡¯s decision. A proper burial wasn¡¯t a luxury they could afford in a war-ravaged forest still smoldering with danger with injured soldiers at their disposal who barely survive. Added, burning Garba¡¯s body was not only practical but honorable, allowing the Tower Keeper¡¯s ashes to become part of the land he had fought to protect.

    It''s not that bad.

    Still, something about Alfred¡¯s demeanor unsettled him. There was tension in the big man''s voice. Kai can''t help but feel Alfred was in a hurry. Sure, the forest fires are harmful to those who linger, but nothing dangerous for anyone who knows how to run out of the harmful area. More so on the three of them whose physicality was superior than most. Additionally, Alfred seems to be in a subtle state of unrest. Which contradicts how victors should act. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    So why''s the haste?

    Kai frowned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but could you get straight to the point?¡±

    Alfred hesitated, his jaw tightening as if weighing his words carefully. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, almost reluctant.

    ¡°We need to leave now. In our current condition, I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s no hope of resisting anymore, we''ve done the best that we could, any further engagement will only result in our certain downfall.¡±

    Said Alfred bluntly.

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied Alfred¡¯s face, searching for answers which are with him from the beginning of this hopeless battle. He gave out a dry, humorless chuckle.

    ¡°Tell me... We never stood a chance¡­ did we?¡±

    As if in response to his words, a faint ripple pulsed through the air in the far horizon on Southern Boundary. It was subtle, barely perceptible, unseen to those who''re not observing atop the tower.

    Moments later, a piercing howl shattered the quiet¡ªa sound like shards of glass grinding against one another. The noise clawed at Kai¡¯s senses, sharp and dreadfully familiar, making his ears ring despite the origin distance.

    Alfred¡¯s face darkened, confirming what Kai already suspected.

    Kai¡¯s chuckle faded, replaced by a cold, hollow grin. He shook his head, the weight of realization settling heavily on his shoulders.

    ¡°What kind of cruel joke is this?¡± he asked the world, the bitterness in his voice cutting through the suffocating tension.

    The ripple subsided, but the oppressive atmosphere lingered. In the distance, the faint echoes of the screeching howls continued, growing louder with every passing moment.

    Garba had stated the situation is hopeless, but to think it literally is unsalvageable? Despite the odds, they miraculously won against twelve invaders, fifteen if adding the first three his mentor had slayed. Each one of those monstrosities were harbingers of death capable of slaughtering hundreds of civilians, yet they won. However, what''s the point of winning if another wave will come? Even if they miraculously achieve the impossible by surviving through the upcoming wave, how long could they last?

    ''We already lost from the start. It''s a losing game we''ll never win.'' he thought somberly.

    Everyone will really die and there''s no stopping it.

    Alfred¡¯s expression tightened, his jaw flexing as he struggled to accept reality, as well. The faint glow of the distant fires reflected in his dark eyes and brown skin, adding a flicker of intensity to his stern features.

    "How regrettable... Our time is shorter than expected. We need to go now, Kaiser."

    Alfred glanced at Garba''s supposed burial, voice low, almost resigned.

    But Kai didn¡¯t even blink. "Nah."

    Alfred''s brow furrowed. "What are you¡ª"

    "I won''t go."

    The words hung heavy in the air. Alfred¡¯s calm demeanor began to crack, replaced with a mix of disbelief and restrained frustration.

    "Kaiser," he said sharply, stepping closer, his towering frame radiating authority. "Do you understand what you''re saying? There''s no point holding them back with so few of us. Even if you''re a Player, it won¡¯t be enough. We bought enough time in the best of our capabilities. It''s time for us to go."

    Kai¡¯s lips curled into a grim smile, but his eyes remained cold. "Yeah, I understand perfectly¡­ I also understand that running won¡¯t save our asses."

    Alfred¡¯s hands clenched into fists. "It¡¯s better to try than to face certain death! And your survival is our top priority right now, Kaiser. We can¡¯t afford to lose a Player! Listen to me!"

    "And then what? Do you think that¡¯ll save anyone? You know as well as I do that those things could reach the fleeing caravan in under an hour with their speed. What about us? Even if we run at full speed, we¡¯re not going to make it and I never asked to be protected."

    The logic cut through Alfred¡¯s protest like a blade. For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the crackling flames and distant, bone-chilling howls.

    Alfred¡¯s voice softened, though it carried a desperate edge. "Then what do you suggest we do?"

    Kai stepped forward, the flickering firelight casting shadows across his dirty face. "The problem is the invaders. We¡¯re doomed unless someone stops them here... I can do it."

    Now that''s more illogical than running, at least survival is more believable that way. Studying the lunatic before him, Alfred was speechless.

    Missing one arm, covered in dried blood and ash that shrouds countless wounds, bruises and scratches, with the deepest one on his chest which makes him doubt if Kai''s heart is still beating or his ribs are whole. He looks like one step away from the grave, to say the least. Although, his aware of Kaiser''s potent regenerative ability, everything has a limit.

    Alfred¡¯s composure shattered. His voice rose in uncharacteristic anger. "Are you insane? Do you see yourself right now?!"

    Kai chuckled, a dry, self-deprecating sound that didn¡¯t reach his eyes.

    "Yup. I also feel it in my brain and veins."

    Then, as if flipping a switch, his expression hardened into something unyielding, devoid of humor as he said in all seriousness.

    "...But believe me just this once. No invader will cross my dead body. I won¡¯t let them get past me."

 Chapter 108: Unreasonable Madman

    A tense silence fell over them as their gazes locked, the weight of Kaiser''s unyielding resolve pressing against Alfred''s grim practicality. For a fleeting moment, his grim eyes scrutinized Kai¡¯s impassive face, searching for a crack, a sliver of doubt or hesitation¡ªanything that might hint at uncertainty to pull him out of this madness.

    But... Strangely enough, there was nothing.

    Not a shred of doubt in his claim, no flicker of fear in his eyes. Only a maddening belief in himself, a conviction so absolute it bordered on insanity, defying normality of someone of his age.

    ''This kid''s head is broken...''

    This isn¡¯t a man I can sway. Alfred realized grimly, feeling defeated. Unfortunately, his battered state lacks the capacity to force sense into this deranged brat.

    Finally, Alfred sighed, dragging a hand through his sweat-matted, short black hair. He looked away, his face etched with frustration and conflict. "You¡¯re crazy, you know that? A damn fool. I always knew there was something wrong with you, but somehow, you¡¯ve managed to surpass even my worst expectations."

    Kai smirked, the faintest trace of humor creeping into his otherwise determined expression. "Takes one to know one."

    For a moment, Alfred hesitated, weighing his options, before reluctantly speaking.

    "...Have it your way. But I won¡¯t let you do this alone. Those willing will fight alongside you¡ªincluding me will stand by your side. To the death."

    It was a noble sentiment, but Kaiser¡¯s response shattered it like glass.

    "No. I don¡¯t need help," Kai said flatly, as if they were more of a liability than an asset.

    Alfred was once again speechless... Was this damned madman still have brains in that head? The stern hunter stared at him, slack-jawed, then stared some more. After a few seconds, he finally found his words.

    "You don¡¯t need?¡ªare you out of your damn mind?! You think I¡¯m just going to run away while some reckless kid throws his life away holding the line?"

    Kai shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, pretty much."

    Honestly, Alfred wouldn''t even think of retreating if not for this troublesome Player coming back. And now, his ordering him, the Leader of the Hunters to retreat under his cover?

    Alfred¡¯s voice rose, his frustration boiling over. "Listen here, you lunatic. You had no rights to command me. I¡¯m a Hunter. I¡¯ll die as a Hunter if I decide so, not some coward running while an arrogant brat¡ª"

    Alfred is stubborn himself. However, it seems his still underestimating this madman.

    Before he could finish, Kai lifted a slim dagger from Garba and placed its razor-sharp edge against the side of his own neck.

    The gesture stunned Alfred into silence. Brick took an uneasy step back.

    "This," Kai said, voice low and calm, "is why."

    Alfred scoffed. "You¡¯re joking."  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    There''s no way this insane bastard will kill himself, even a lunatic knows to fear death.

    Kai wasn¡¯t, though. Unbothered, he pressed the blade into his skin, a thin line of blood trickling down his neck.

    "Kaiser," Alfred growled, his tone sharp with warning, "stop it."

    But his words fell on deaf ears, Kai didn¡¯t flinch. He pushed the blade deeper, his expression as calm as if he were buttering toast, instead of cutting to his own throat, therefore, his life.

    Was this brat so in love with courting death alone, that he will end it his own life if his wishes are not granted?

    "I said stop!" Alfred barked, stepping forward hesitantly. Feeling uneasy. As someone who saw many terrible things through his years, he could recognize fear of everyone''s body language and eyes. And from the looks of it, the Player is really killing himself.

    The kid is not playing a game. Still, what kind of absurdity is this? Using himself as a hostage to make others obey his selfless demand?

    Kai didn¡¯t stop. The metalic blade¡¯s edge gleamed ominously, now cutting dangerously close to a vital point. One second more, the hostage will die... In the hostage''s own hands.

    Forcefully stopping the suicidal young man wasn''t an option either, for Kai''s reflexes are too potent to bypass. He could end himself the moment Alfred attempted. The big man wasn''t having it today. A Player''s life, be it the most deranged Player was too significant to be wasted on such stupidity.

    Feeling like going mad himself, Alfred finally gave up.

    "Okay! Fine!" Alfred finally shouted, throwing up his hands in defeat. "I¡¯ll lead the survivors to retreat! Now put the damn sword down before you actually kill yourself!"

    Alfred knew many ways to command men, even towards demise. However, he never thought that he would one day surrender to such messed up tactic. That said, although he agreed for the sake of stopping Kaiser''s suicide, that does not mean he would flee entirely because once Kai surely got himself killed, they''re the invaders next target, allowing him to die with honor. Sadly, this brat can''t be saved anymore, the Player completely lost all reasons, further argument with a madman will only waste time. His normally tough composure was all shattered, his head is aching. Alfred gave up.

    Only then did Kai stop the dagger, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.

    "Good," he said calmly. Then, as if discussing the weather, he added, "By the way, in case I don¡¯t come back, promise me you¡¯ll protect Ariella and Cia at all costs. Support their financial needs, make sure they have a place to stay, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªdon¡¯t touch them. Don¡¯t let any man get close to them, either. That includes you. *No exceptions.* Limit interactions when you check on them. And if I find out someone so much as laid a finger on them¡­"

    Kaiser leaned in, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "I¡¯ll come back from the grave and hunt all of you down."

    Alfred stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. In all honesty, his begining to feel creeps.

    "Seriously?"

    Back then, after their confrontation in the tavern due to a horrible misunderstanding. Alfred oath to protect his companions as compensation for his mistake that almost endangered the innocent trio, and now, Kai was making him promise it... again. Just how overprotective is this lunatic?

    "Dead serious," Kai replied.

    After a long, exasperated pause, Alfred finally sighed. "Fine. I¡¯ll do it."

    "Not good enough. Give me your word again."

    Alfred¡¯s eyes twitched. "If I live, I¡¯ll fulfill it to the best of my abilities. Satisfied?"

    After all, a dead man can''t do anything.

    Kaiser nodded, finally lowering the dagger entirely. "Good. Now get moving. They¡¯ll be here soon."

    Alfred gave him one last long, measuring look, then turned to leave. "You¡¯re the most insane person I¡¯ve ever met. Do you even care about your own life? If not, then good luck dying alone there, I just hope you will realize the value of fighting alongside allies if you somewhat survive... I''ll be hoping for your return."

    Kai grinned. "Not really. In any case, I''ll be needing that thing Brick." He pointed at something hanging on Brick''s belt.

    Without a word, Brick untied the blowing instrument Hunters often used for announcing signals, made from a horned hounds horn and tossed it at Kaiser before following their leader. However, he paused and with a reluctant sigh, he suddenly spoke without facing Kai.

    "This is probably the last time I''ll see you. I want you to know that¡­ I¡¯ve never really liked you. Why? Because since I first met you. You always strike me as a naive kid that didn''t know a thing about what it takes to become strong. You have no talent, no skills, no experience, nothing. Actually, I''m better than you could even be. It only got worse when we found out you were a Player. I mean, you¡¯ve got two beautiful girls already, and somehow even Layla¡ªwho I¡¯ve been trying *so long* to win over¡ªhas a thing for you! You¡¯re the luckiest motherf*cker! That doesn''t deserve everything you own because without that unfair title and strength of yours, you''re nothing. At best, perhaps you''re at the level of an average villager, lesser than me. That''s why I always hated you, I''m stronger, I''ve tried harder, suffered worse in my hunts and proven myself as an exceptional hunter, a cut above the rest! Most importantly, I had more potential than a damned lucky bastard like you. I''m better, so why did you have better things than me? Why can''t I have your strength? If I had it, I wouldn''t be so helpless against those things... Why does it have to be you?" He took a breathing, continuing with a heavy tone, but calmer and accepting.

    "I have my answers now... What I¡¯m saying is, I¡¯ve always thought you were just a naive loser who got lucky... But I was wrong." Turning to meet Kaiser''s eyes, Brick stated firmly, full of acknowledgment.

    "You¡¯re the bravest, most daring, insane, true warrior I¡¯ve ever met. It¡¯s been an honor knowing you. And I swear, if you die, I¡¯ll make sure to brag to everyone about our duel in Miss Lina''s Inn¡ªand I¡¯ll tell them I punched you square in the face back then, that I defeated Kaiser the brave once, if you don''t come back."

    With that, Brick hurried away with clenched fists, not wanting to hear a response.

    Watching the two hunters back vanish into the fiery haze of the burning forestry with a distant gaze. Left alone, Kai smirked.

    "You''ll never."

    Was his late response to Brick''s farewell. Then added a bit regretfully, his smile fading.

    "Did I f*cked up big this time...?"

    Kai asked himself, looking at his own hands.

 Chapter 109; What a wall is made of.

    Did he?

    Maybe.

    Facing all invaders alone could very well be the end of him if they feasted on his body, tearing him to shreds in spite of his ability to regen. However, could his mind withstand such relentless brutality forever? The events of tonight''s gruesome war had stressed his mentality too much already, bringing him a dozen steps closer to madness.

    Kaiser didn''t want to be a hypocrite.

    He had always claimed he wasn¡¯t some selfless hero. He wasn¡¯t a martyr or a savior looking for glory, but a selfish bastard that rather not care for others. Yet here he was, standing on the edge of death, ready to face an unstoppable tide alone for the sake of others.

    It was reckless, stubborn, foolish¡ªtypical of him, perhaps¡ªbut not something he wanted to do.

    He loathed the idea of standing against an unknown horde of invaders with nothing but his sword and resolve. Yet the truth was as stark as the bloodstained ground beneath him: He had to make a stand.

    The remaining Hunters could run with all their battered bodies might, but they wouldn¡¯t make it far, fighting was no better option. The invaders were swift predators, faster and more relentless than any human could hope to be with their four elongated limbs. Even the caravan that had fled hours ago might have a slim chance of outrunning them, but even that was uncertain. The beasts could catch them within the hour, tracking their lingering scents and tracing the road with far superior traveling speed. Only the special carriage meant for him¡ªa cursed gift of priority due to his status as a Player¡ªhad any real hope of escaping. Running himself won''t solve anything.

    And so, here he was. Cursing his own decision.

    In Kaiser''s view, this was the only solution that gave anyone a chance at survival. It wasn¡¯t noble or heroic¡ªit was cold, calculated necessity. He would stay behind, one soldier holding the line against an unknown number of foes. Unyielding and undying, and that made him the only one who could do it, because others in his place would simply die once, therefore, failing to buy time.

    Time for the others to flee. Time for the survivors to live.

    Yet to make this work, he had to fight alone. The way he intended to fight¡ªpushing himself to the limits of his immortal body¡ªwould be impossible with others at his side. Their presence would force him to split his attention, to think about protecting their mortal lives, and die because of his decision would only weaken his ability to fight effectively. Added, he would also be risking exposure of his immortality. Kai didn''t like that.

    Alone, he could disregard safety entirely, unleashing a level of offense that was as brutal as it was self-destructive. This was a battle meant for someone who could heal from wounds that would kill anyone else. Someone who could endure pain without faltering. Someone like him.

    Furthermore, Kaiser owed a debt of saving a thousand people in exchange for continuously living for his selfishness, he paid some of that by now but not completely. Kaiser decided to pay everything tonight, and live to see tomorrow free of burden, guilt and regrets when he met them again... If he returned, which he undoubtedly will for death was beneath him.

    But first, there was one final duty.

    Kaiser turned to Garba''s lifeless body. Brick had already built a crude pyre of branches and dried brush beneath the old swordmaster¡¯s corpse before abandoning the task due to the sudden lack of time.

    After picking up a flaming branch laying nearby, borrowing fire from the burning forest surrounding him. He stepped forward, his gaze lingering on Garba¡¯s face¡ªnow pale and still, devoid of the sharp wit and sly humor that had defined him in life.

    "You were a pain in the ass," Kaiser muttered with a dull smile. "But you were the best damn teacher I could¡¯ve asked for."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Crouching down, he ignited his mentor''s pyre-burial. Sparks caught the leaves, and soon the flames began to rise, crackling hungrily as they consumed the wood and cloth. He watched as the flame meant to honor the fallen, to release their spirit into the skies and scatter their ashes across the land they fought to protect rise.

    Kai stayed there, motionless, as the fire roared to life. The heat touches his messy face, orange glow illuminating his feature, casting sharp shadows that made his expression unreadable. Sounds of the invaders screeching howls are drawing near, mixing with the cracks of fire.

    Deeming all was said and done, he sighed.

    "Guess I¡¯m finishing this without you," he said softly, as if Garba could still hear him. His voice held no anger, only calm resolve.

    "Don¡¯t worry, old man. I¡¯ll keep them safe. You can count on me. Just this once, I guess... I''ll kinda be a hero."

    He suddenly chuckled at himself.

    "Funny how a coward like me, who will never risk my life for others becomes the bravest hero of all time."

    In his case, there''s no life at risk.

    The fire climbed higher, engulfing Garba entirely. Embers danced into the dark sky, carried by the rising smoke onto the countless others from the burning woods.

    He turned away. There was no time for mourning anymore.

    From his belt, Kaiser retrieved the horn Brick had given him. He held it for a moment, feeling the weight of it in his hands. Then, raising it to his lips, he blew.

    The sound was deep and mournful, letting out a deep, resonant call that echoed across the battlefield like a distant thunderclap. It was neither a cry for help nor a farewell but a declaration of challenge.

    To those who dared heed his call.

    Which... Was pure madness in his state.

    The flames of the pyre flickered wildly, as if responding to the horn¡¯s cry. Shadows danced across Kaiser¡¯s battered form¡ª His left arm was gone, nothing but a bloodied stump at his side. His body was littered with wounds, bruises hidden beneath the dried blood that caked his skin, visible exhaustion can be seen in his haggard eyes, his movements were crude, too, hinting at the dire damages within his body. He looked as though a single gust of wind might knock him over.

    To any who saw him, this young man¡ªmangled, bloodied, standing alone amidst a burning forest¡ªdidn¡¯t seem like much of a threat.

    Until...

    The blood staining him began to flow backward, as if drawn by an unseen force. Slowly, the crimson tide snaked its way back to his body, seeping into his wounds like rivers returning to the sea.

    The torn flesh of his injuries knit itself together, closing seamlessly. Bruises faded, vanishing as though they had never existed. Fractured bones realigned and hardened, the sharp pain of breaks dissolving into nothingness. Muscles, shredded and overtaxed, regenerated, taut and unyielding once more.

    And then, most astonishing of all, the stump of his left arm began to reform.

    A skeletal structure emerged first, pale and bare under the firelight, followed by layers of muscle and sinew weaving together like strands of rope. Skin wrapped around the growing limb, fresh and unblemished. Within moments, his arm was whole again, fingers curling experimentally as if they had never been lost.

    In mere moments, his whole again. Under the flickering glow of the surrounding flames, Kaiser¡¯s battered form had renewed.

    Additionally, a wave of vitality coursed through him, washing away not only his wounds but the exhaustion that had weighed him down. His shoulders straightened, his breathing steadied, and his grip on reality sharpened like a blade honed for battle.

    Kaiser flexed his fingers, his expression shifting from subtle surprise to something far more dangerous. A wide, toothy grin spread across his face.

    "I knew it," he mumbled in a sinister tone.

    It wasn¡¯t the first time he felt his body repair itself. But until now, those moments had been chaotic, happening in the frenzy of battle when adrenaline clouded his mind, restlessly over active for surrounding dangers. He never truly stopped to consider the full extent of his regenerative abilities nor put it under meticulous observations.

    Still, he had a suspension. Why did his body not develop bulking muscles? Why can''t he improve the Dance of the Wind?

    But now, with his mind grown used to the violence with clarity of calm. Kai suppresses his healing ability to confirm it, planning to find a crucial aspect after slaying the last invader and the situation settled down. However, things keep throwing him into things he can''t ignore such as Garba''s passing and his ridiculous arguments with Alfred. Only now did he get a moment to confirm the truth.

    Which didn''t disappoint him.

    His immortality mechanisms are saving him from death by restoring him to the state he had been in the moment it was first activated ¡ª when he died for the first time. No matter how torn, ripped, crushed, or broken his body became, it would always revert to that original condition whenever he willed it.

    This restoration wasn¡¯t limited to major injuries. It included the micro-tears in his muscles¡ªthose tiny, accumulated strains that caused physical fatigue and made movement heavier over time. So... What if, he used it not for revival, but on something insignificant than death such as healing these micro injuries that made him physically spent?

    Well, Kaiser could consciously trigger his immortality to address these minor tolls instead of waiting for death to reset him, then...

    ''Unlimited endurance. My physical exhaustion can vanish whenever I want.''

    A slow, dangerous smile crept across his face, growing wider and wider.

    To be blessed with the ability to revive himself, or perhaps potentially bring an old man back to his youth. But instead, using it on something as trivial as healing micro-tears resulted in straining muscles was utterly... Unthinkably idiotic. At the same time, ingenious!

    Kai himself didn''t know if his an idiot or a genius.

    If they could, the invaders would be turning back from his call of challenge. For their supposed prey was not only an undying challenge; he was now an unexhaustable foe. A warrior who could fight endlessly, immune to both death and fatigue was just a ridiculous wall to cross paths with.

    More so, because...

    He stretched his freshly grown hand toward the burning tree where Windslayer had been embedded a considerable distance away. The blade trembled, then flew toward him, cutting through the smoke-filled air with a high-pitched whistle. It landed perfectly in his grip, the hilt fitting snugly in his palm like it belonged there, and will be from now on.

    Slightly surprised by the unexpected ease in performing his mentor''s trick with Windslayer, Kai gave his new sword a satisfied look and twirled the relic once, feeling its weight and balance that differed to any mundane blades he held before.

    His grin widened, a spark of exhilaration igniting in his chest.

    "Now that¡¯s more like it."

 Chapter 110; The monster they made

    Speeding through the forest, a creature from the other side raced under the pale glow of the moonlight and crowns of greenery. Its form mirrored its slain kin: tall and fearsome, with white fur stretched taut over black, sinewy flesh. From a distance, it resembled a fearsome, elongated hound, its unnaturally long neck supporting a head that defied natural order. Its skull''s top was flat and eyeless, as though sliced cleanly across the top, leaving behind only four pointed ears, a grotesquely wide maw brimming with jagged teeth, and a twisted, blackened nose that twitched hungrily with each breath.

    At close range, the true horror of the beast became clear. It stood over three meters tall, towering higher than any warhorse, its lean, muscular frame radiating predatory intent. Like any remnants of the monstrous kind that had wreaked havoc in the burning woods during the previous war. And now, this abomination was hurtling through the forest, its powerful legs carrying it with astonishing speed toward the inferno ahead, where the scent of blood and the promise of prey awaited.

    The closer and closer it came, its maw dripping with anticipation, its prey was near. But all of a sudden¡ª

    A swift and sharp whisper of steel split the night, and the creature''s elongated head was severed cleanly from its body. The dismembered skull flew through the air before landing with a sickening thud. Its lifeless form continued crashing forward, momentum dragging its headless corpse across the forest floor before it crumpled into a heap.

    Behind the slain invader, the pack came to an abrupt halt. Snarling and growling, sensing danger ahead, the remaining nine sniffed the air, their instincts now tempered with wariness. Amid the mingling odors of dirt and ash, they discerned something else: the faint, undeniable scent of another creature made of flesh and blood in disguised, resurfaced now that they are looking carefully instead of dashing.

    Soon, a figure emerged from the shadows of a tree where the dead invader just passed by before dying. Stepping into the moonlight. He appeared ghostly, his tattered clothes and torn hood clinging to his dirt-streaked body. The hood cast deep shadows over his face, revealing only glints of cold determination in his eyes. As if a corpse of a faller hunter rose from the dead, like a vengeful spirit armed with a blade forged to reap destruction to his killers, for all eternity. In his hand, he held a sword of elegant design, its glass-like edge stained with blood, glowing faintly under the moonlight.

    The invaders snarled, their twisted hunger momentarily clashing with their instincts. This prey was unlike anything they had faced before, and the air around him seemed heavy with danger. But beastial hunger won out, convinced by the mindset of eat or be eaten.

    Their monstrous forms tensed, claws digging into the ground as they prepared to pounce.

    Seeing all of them, Kaiser allowed himself a fleeting, grim smile. His heart hammered in his chest as he gripped Windslayer tightly, steadying himself. Each one of these creatures was a force to be reckoned with, and he counted nine of them. Nine deadly, otherworldly monsters, their lean frames vibrating with savage energy.

    He adjusted his stance, drawing a deep breath of the cool night air. It was a far cry from the suffocating heat of the battlefield he just left¡ªthe battlefield where he and countless hunters and volunteers had fought valiantly, only to fall one by one. Now, he stood alone, the last line of defense between these monsters and the innocent lives they sought to devour.

    ''Come, damned horses, I''ve been waiting!''

    The invaders charged, their elongated limbs propelling them forward in a terrifying burst of speed. The first came low, aiming for Kaiser''s legs. In an instant, he sidestepped, slashing Windslayer downward in a fluid motion. The blade, sharp as death itself, met some resistance but driven by his renewed might, it cleaved through the creature¡¯s neck, its head hitting the ground with a dull thud. Dark blood oozing out.

    He grinned in satisfaction.

    ''Dang, this thing is sharp!''

    Two more lunged from either side. Kaiser ducked beneath one¡¯s gaping maw, spinning on his heel to slash upward. His sword cut cleanly through its chest, the force of the blow splitting the beast underside in a terrifyingly wide wound that bleeds excessively. The other lashed out with claws, grazing his shoulder as he pivoted. Ignoring the sting of the shallow wound, he drove his blade through its open mouth, the tip emerging from the back of its skull.

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Four down.

    Kai can''t almost believe it, but it''s true.

    He just slayed four invaders in mere seconds without much of a sweat, one dying by his ambush, three on his blade, leaving six wary predators from the horde of ten.

    To think he struggled in slaying these horrid creatures moments ago in the fiery war.

    ''What the heck is happening here...''

    Although, he asked that, Kai knew the answer very well.

    The invaders fell so easily because, despite their ferocity, they severely lacked the nuance and understanding of true combat. Their attacks were governed by instinctive savagery, driven by hunger and primal rage, but devoid of any grace or strategy, mindless and feral. They had no concept of feints, no understanding of defense, and no finesse in their strikes, nor technique in wielding their maws and claws. These beasts relied solely on their overwhelming physical power and speed to dominate their prey. Nothing more.

    Against the previous army, this brute strength had been more than enough. The humans, wielding mundane weapons and insufficient strength, had stood no chance. Their blades too crude dulled against the invaders¡¯ unnatural hides, and their bodies faltered under the relentless onslaught while all their pebble strength could achieve was shallow wounds. It was a massacre¡ªa testament to the creature''s sheer physical superiority.

    But now, the battlefield has changed.

    Kaiser had grown far beyond what he had been in that first encounter. His strength had been forged through pain and tempered by experience, rising rapidly as he fought and survived, killing multiple members of their previous horde, bringing him to the level of these nightmarish creatures. The leveling of his abilities had pushed him to a new height, granting him the raw power to match these monsters. And thus, their monstrous advantage over humans was erased against Kaiser. Coupled with Windslayer in hand, a real relic from that ancient Player passed down to Garba''s ancestors and ending up in his hands, his current weapon fitted his capabilities nicely unlike mundane swords that crumbled under his grip. Windslayer''s blade can pierce even the toughest defenses, saving him from ten trouble of forcing a bended iron in those tough hives. He was no longer a helpless participant in the slaughter, for Kai now has the strength and suitable tool for killing these terrors.

    The remaining five circled him, their savage growls echoing through the trees. One of the smaller invaders broke formation, darting forward with deceptive agility. Kaiser crouched, feinting low before launching himself upward, slamming Windslayer into its exposed spine, cutting the bone before quickly retracting. The creature howled before collapsing, lifeless.

    The remaining four attacked together, their movements erratic and unpredictable, a deadly combination of speed and savagery. Kaiser¡¯s breath came quicker as he dashed under one of them, swinging Windslayer with all his might and killing another.

    ''Isn''t this too easy?'' He commented, noticing a crucial disadvantage of these creatures aside from their horrible fighting style, they''re also too big against a swift slayer like himself. Kai''s skill set up with Zara''s beastiality as the foundation was focused on reflexes, lethality and agility, making him more of an assassin, than a stalwart fighter. Thus, weaving under their bodies, avoiding thrashing limbs easily manageable, all the while allowing him to strike freely on their belies, if he wanted to, Kai could just cripple their legs.

    Actually, now that Kaiser think about it, this abominations evolution were just too. Rigid? Without their strength advantage, what''s left of their capabilities was just too inconvenient for fighting against other creatures of equal might, more so due to their lack of crucial perception of vision. Other than running, they''re not much of a threat, really.

    Then again, all his attacks were powered by everything he had without reservation. Because he no longer needs to ration energy, and simply goes all out. Straining all his movements without calming down.

    Sweat dripped down his face, mingling with the grime and blood coating his skin. His arms burned from the relentless strain, his muscles screaming for respite. But there was no time for rest. There''s no more need.

    Kaiser¡¯s immortality gave him a staggering advantage. Every ounce of physical strain, every minor wound, and every ounce of exhaustion that would have hindered another warrior vanished at his command. His body, revitalized and restored, moved with precision and force. There was no hesitation, no need to hold back his strength to conserve energy. He fought at his peak, unrelenting, every strike calculated to kill.

    The invaders, so used to crushing inferior foes with ease, had no answer for him. Their instincts were no match for Kaiser''s understanding of the fundamentals of combat. He understood the rhythm of battle, the flow of attacks and counterattacks, strategic styles, and awareness where weaknesses are located. Each swing of Windslayer carried purpose; every dodge and parry flowed seamlessly into his next move. Against a foe who knew how to fight, who could exploit their lack of discipline, the invaders'' monstrous strength meant little.

    Strangely enough, he felt like his fighting the past him. The brat who only possesses strength but no skills to speak of, moving crudely, awkwardly, hesitantly.

    A mindful combat really changed the game. The gap between him and the invaders strength was at the same level as them, if not, a bit greater or lesser, but in terms of intelligence, Kaiser was tremendously above this beasts leagues.

    That''s why humans reign over earth despite their physical inferiority compared to other species of animals and rise as supreme beings that made numerous species extinct with greed alone. All the while the animals stayed helpless under their rule.

    With a sharp, subtle whistle, another invader fell. Kaiser surged forward, slicing through the final two invaders in a single, decisive motion followed by a throw of Windslayer to the crippled invader''s head, ending its life. Their bodies collapsed in a heap, the eerie silence of the forest returning as their snarls faded into nothingness.

    As the final beast collapsed, its lifeblood soaking the ground, Kaiser stood amidst the carnage. For a moment, his gaze lingered on the broken bodies of the invaders, and an unwelcome thought surfaced.

    ''If I had this strength before¡­''

    The question lingered, gnawing at the edges of his mind. Would more hunters have survived? Could he have made a difference in the face of that earlier slaughter?

    But it was too late for regrets now. The dead could not be saved, and mourning them would not protect the living. His purpose was clear: Buy time.... Or destroy every invader that crossed his path.

    Panting, Kaiser surveyed the carnage. His chest rose and fell as he straightened, willing Windslayer to fly back and gripped the hilt. Around him lay the remains of an entire horde of otherworldly creatures, their black blood pooling beneath their broken forms.

    Alone once more, he wiped the sweat from his brow, his resolve hardening. This was only the beginning. The night was far from over.

    Seeing another tremor on the Southern Boundary''s surface, Kaiser sighed and moved on.

    ''Might as well see what''s going on there.''

 Chapter 111: To the Origin

    "Forty three..." Kaiser counted under his breath before reluctantly commanding his immortality to restore his body to its former glory.

    A familiar warmth surged through him, and in moments, the accumulated fatigue of his relentless battles was swept away. His torn muscles mended, his bruised body rejuvenated, and his vitality replenished as if he had never spent hours slaughtering invaders. It felt almost like waking up after a long, restful sleep¡ªhis limbs light, his senses sharp, and his strength renewed.

    This newfound vitality was hard-earned. Kaiser¡¯s method of fighting relied heavily on speed and precision, wielding his supreme agility to deliver lethal strikes to the vital points of his monstrous foes. His style was akin to that of a dagger¡ªsharp, swift, and fatal. Every move prioritized offense over defense, each strike designed to kill as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, defense was never his strong suit, yet still played the danger game.

    But such recklessness came at a price. The creatures were powerful, too, as powerful as him with far greater mass and one hit was often enough to severely injure or outright kill him. Time and time again, he had died¡ªbitten, crushed, or dismembered¡ªonly to rise again, his immortality restoring his broken body as if nothing had happened before escaping, then coming back as a new man... Which honestly baffled the invaders.

    However, although his body was repaired, Kaiser''s mind bore the weight of his constant resurrection.

    His mental tolerance was naturally high, forged by a rough upbringing, and previous experiences on participating in the real battlefield, and dying. But he was still a teenager. Each death chipped away at his resolve, leaving cracks for dark thoughts to seep in. Bringing haunting questions, whispering in the back of his mind: *Should I stop?* Surely, he had bought enough time for the others to escape. Surely, he deserved to rest. That said, a normal human would take a day and a half to traverse through migration. He can''t stop, not now.

    Then, another thought gnawed at him, more unsettling than the first: Was his immortality limitless?

    He hadn¡¯t considered it before, but now, after using his regenerative ability so often¡ªnot just to resurrect, heal fatal wounds but to also erase physical exhaustion¡ªhe began to wonder. Could his immortality run out? Was there a finite number of times he could revive? Or were there limits to how much damage or strain it could repair?

    Still, he doubted it. Since the day his immortality had first manifested, it had only grown more efficiently, responding faster and more obediently to his will. Whether this was a result of its evolution or his increasing familiarity with controlling it, Kaiser didn¡¯t know. But one thing was clear: it''s not degrading, in fact, his immortality is noticeably improving, somehow. Just what the heck did those lazy gods do to him?

    In any case, the invaders kept coming, and he was the only thing standing between them and the survivors.

    Kaiser grunted, narrowly dodging a ramming attack from one of the creatures snapping jaw before sending order to his sword. Windslayer, which he had thrown moments earlier to plunge into another invader¡¯s skull, responded to his mental command. It flies back towards him, which was calculatedly blocked by the invader''s spine between him and his blade. Struck by unexpected torn that dived into its neck vulnerable spot, the beast thrashed briefly before collapsing in a heap. Another quick command sent the sword flying through the air, stabbing into the spine of the last crippled creature in the horde, which he failed to kill swiftly earlier. It twitched violently before falling lifeless to the ground.

    With a flick of his will, Windslayer pulled itself free from the creature¡¯s corpse, hovered briefly, and zipped back to Kaiser¡¯s waiting hand. He turned away from the carnage, already hearing another chorus of screeching howls in the distance.

    Kaiser sighed, his mind a mess from the relentless pressure of battle. Only in these fleeting moments of reprieve could he feel the weight of what he had been enduring.  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Not that he hated it.

    On the contrary, a part of him was enjoying the fight.

    There was something exhilarating about the rush of combat, a primal satisfaction in besting such terrifying foes in a deadly dance.

    ''How do I describe it...?''

    Well, for him, it''s a combination it gambling,

    where life is at stake, and one wrong move often proves fatal. Dance, exhausting, but enjoyable. Chess, requiring strategic styles, finding weak points on the enemies defenses, exploiting it and thus, earning a crushing victory. All the white, appearing awesome and feeling badass. It was as if he had found a sport he was passionate about, one that drove him to keep going despite the mental and physical toll.

    Yawning, he flung the disgusting blood off his sword, sending it''s spraying on the ground and glanced down at Windslayer, inspecting the glass-like blade for any signs of wear, worried about damaging his new sword so early in his hands. After all, it was his mentor''s parting gift, he can''t be uncaring. Fortunately, It remained pristine, without a single dent or crack to stain its elegance.

    "What the heck is this thing made of?" He mumbled.

    The question had lingered in his mind since the first time he held the sword. Even Garba, his sly and knowledgeable mentor, hadn¡¯t known its origins. Added, the sword is a rare relic, something that either came from slaying a special beast or forged by players with craftsmanship related ability from other Realms. So, seeking for answers to what it''s made of is a fool''s errand. But figuring out its magical properties was not. After wielding it multiple times by now, Kaiser had begun to grasp its abilities with confidence.

    Windslayer''s abilities were telepathic in nature, allowing it to connect to its wielder''s mind and respond to their commands. This connection made it capable of moving on its own, guided entirely by the focus and intent of the one wielding it.

    The most basic application of this ability was summoning the blade. With a clear mental command and the intent to hold its hilt¡ªnot the blade¡ªWindslayer would zip through the air to its master¡¯s grip. While this sounded simple in theory, it required precision and concentration.

    For someone like Kaiser, whose reflexes and instincts were honed already high, summoning and catching the sword was second nature. But for an average person? The risks were considerable. A lapse in focus or hesitation could lead to disastrous results. If the wielder failed to ensure the hilt was what they intended to grab, the blade could strike them instead. And if their reflexes weren¡¯t sharp enough, Windslayer¡¯s speed could cause it to collide with their body¡ªeither striking with its pommel or, in a worst-case scenario, impaling them outright... Killing themselves. Difficulty on successfully performing this trick increases dramatically when amidst combat.

    Fortunately, Kaiser''s skill set and adaptability made such mistakes unlikely. His reflexes ensured that Windslayer¡¯s return was seamless, heck, Kai could even catch an arrow with instinct alone thanks to his Sacred Bond with the beastial woman, Zara. And his mental clarity during battle, devoid of worries even for death kept his commands precise.

    The sword was not forgiving of clumsiness, but in the hands of someone like Kaiser, it became a flawless weapon, like a deadly extension of his will.

    Windslayer fitted him well.

    Still, Kaiser suspected that Windslayer¡¯s floating ability was only scratching the surface of its true potential. There was something more to the weapon, something he couldn¡¯t quite grasp yet.

    Unfortunately, he had no way of uncovering its mysteries except through trial and error. Much like his own growth through *Leveling*, the sword¡¯s secrets would only reveal themselves through experience.

    The term *Leveling* had been coined by the Players who came before him, a name that sounded almost absurdly game-like. Yet, it fit the world''s bizarre rules perfectly. By defeating enemies, he gained incremental boosts in power, akin to earning experience points. The stronger the foe he vanquished, the greater the surge in strength he received¡ªsomething he learned firsthand in his battles with the invaders.

    Those creatures had once been nearly insurmountable adversaries. Their speed, power, and savage instincts had left him struggling to kill even one. But now, after slaying dozens of the monstrosities, Kaiser had not only caught up to their level of strength but had far surpassed the average among them.

    However, his progress wasn¡¯t without its limits. He could feel it¡ªthe diminishing returns. Every new surge of power came more slowly than the last, each leap forward requiring exponentially more effort. His ascent toward greater strength was growing steeper, forcing him to work harder for smaller gains.

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but let his mind wander as he mused about the world¡¯s strange mechanics. What if he had some kind of system¡ªa tabulator¡ªthat could track his progress in neat numerical values? A tool that could provide detailed descriptions of his abilities, strengths, and even Windslayer¡¯s potential?

    The thought made him huff a quiet laugh.

    "That would be a blessing."

    However, no such luxury existed here. All he had was his body, his mind, and the instincts he honed through constant trial and battle. If there were answers to be found, they would have to be earned the hard way. And sadly, nothing will change the fact that this isn''t a game. Kai had died in this accursed world multiple times already, and witness many horrible things, the most sinister among them is what his facing now.

    After slaying another horde of five invaders on his way. Finally, Kaiser finally reached where the invaders are coming from. The place Garba warned him dearly to never get close, and what he had been dreading for many days due to its eeriness.

    He arrived at the Southern Boundary... Which, appalled him more than it should, because it appears his timing is bad... Really, really bad.

    Kai shivered, his eyes wide in terror.

    ''F-f*ck me sideways...''

 Chapter 112: Apex Predator

    Kaiser came here driven by a mix of curiosity, duty, and desperation. The invaders were pouring out from a specific spot along the Southern Boundary, and he couldn¡¯t ignore it any longer, because sooner or later, if Kai did not block the source, more invaders would come out, eventually, some of them would pass his guard due to his narrow range, which would undoubtedly head to those that flee ¡ª the survivors of the battle and innocent migrators, none of them can handle a invader without cost. So, he can''t afford to let even a single one pass him, for it would cost the lives of many and the only way to assure that is blocking the source directly.

    Additionally, he sought to find a way to stop them from passing through what he assumed was a breach in the Boundary. And partially curious about what the Boundary actually looked like up close. Against Garba''s dire warnings, Kaiser decided to investigate the source of this calamity, determined to uncover what had triggered the invasion tonight of all nights, fighting his way forward.

    Kaiser hadn¡¯t expected much at first¡ªjust another battlefield, perhaps. But as he crept through the forest, his doubts began to waver. Finally, hidden in the shadows of ancient, gnarled trees on the edge of a clearing, he saw it: the Southern Boundary, where reality itself seemed to distort and ripple.

    Up close, it was like a massive, eerie mirror, attempting to reflect the world on Kaiser''s side. And it succeeded, almost too perfectly¡ªreplicating the trees, the supposed horizon, and even the smallest details of the forest, as if Greenland vast forestry stretch further ahead. Yet something was profoundly wrong. The reflections shimmered unnaturally, their movements fluid yet jarring, as though filtered through a lens that couldn''t quite capture their essence. The trees within the mirrored expanse seemed to stretch in strange directions, their angles subtly wrong, their proportions uncanny.

    It''s just, doesn''t feel real, almost sickening to look at, differ to the reality his so used to seeing.

    The barrier¡¯s surface rippled like a tranquil lake disturbed by an unseen force. At times, the ripples smoothed out, giving the illusion of serenity. Other times, they warped violently, creating dizzying distortions that made Kaiser¡¯s head churn. It stretched endlessly to the left and right, rising into the sky beyond what his eyes could trace.

    Behind him, in the distance, stood the ancient tower where Garba lived. Its peak shone like a steadfast lighthouse, casting a wide beam of light over the desolate forest under the silent night. Though its assumed purpose was to warn the lost away from the Boundary, tonight, it served its true role. The light illuminated the rippling barrier, highlighting the unnatural disturbance within, aiding the tower Warden to immediately notice unnatural disturbance on the Southern Boundary.

    However... All thoughts were lost in Kaiser the moment he came here, and saw it. Freezing him in place. His wide eyes locked at the center of the distortion, where the ripples are coming from.

    ¡°What the hell is that...¡± He uttered shakily after a few seconds.

    Needless to say, appalling him was not easy anymore. He had seen and faced horrors that would break lesser men and endured pain that most could never fathom. But this? This was something else entirely.

    For the first time in a long while, Kaiser was genuinely fearful.

    Because what he was seeing now made everything horrifyingly clear, answering questions Kai never wanted to be answered¡ªthe invaders he had been fighting weren¡¯t conquerors or apex predators. They were desperate, food-deprived refugees, runaway stragglers from the other side of the Boundary. The skeletal, nightmarish horse-like creatures he had encountered¡ªthin, gaunt, and acting as though they hadn¡¯t eaten in ages¡ªThey hadn¡¯t entered Greenland as conquerors but as refugees from a realm of pure terror.

    They were fleeing from something far worse.

    Their emaciated frames and erratic behavior suddenly made sense. In their home realm, they were weak, barely scraping by against creatures of equal or greater strength for they weren¡¯t built for survival or combat¡ªthey were prey. Easy prey in whatever hellish place they had come from had chewed them up and spit them out.

    And now, their true predator has followed them.

    There, inside the Boundary, was a massive outline of something slowly forcing its way into reality. At first, it was difficult to comprehend, like a vague shadow pressed against frosted glass. But as it pushed closer, details began to emerge¡ªand each one made Kaiser''s blood run colder.

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    The creature¡¯s head was grotesquely massive, its shape akin to a hammerhead shark but twisted into something far more sinister. Two colossal horns sprouted from the sides of its elongated snout, curling upward like demonic scythes. Its four glowing eyes burned like embers, set deep within its monstrous face. Between them, a gaping maw bristled with jagged teeth, each the size of a longsword.

    Its body was a nightmare of armor-like scales, deep red and glinting like molten metal under the faint moonlight. Towering over the trees, it dwarfed everything around it. Each of its limbs, thick and gnarled like the trunks of ancient trees, ended in massive claws that could crush an entire house with a single step. Even from behind the barrier, the creature¡¯s presence was suffocating, as though it was exerting a force that bent the very air around it.

    The rippling barrier trembled violently as the beast pressed against it, its immense form becoming sharper and more real with every passing moment. The Boundary seemed to fight back, but it was clear it was losing, struggling to contain the titan that sought to break through. Marching like a mammoth towards his reality, dreadfully unstoppable.

    Kaiser gripped Windslayer tightly, his hands trembling subtly. He had faced death multiple times, but nothing had prepared him for this.

    His voice broke the heavy silence, a faint, almost whispered mutter.

    ¡°F-f*ck me sideways...¡±

    Then, as if the Boundary''s resistance finally gave way, the creature emerged fully from the rippling, distorted surface of the illusory barrier. Revealing its full terrifying glory, boosting a scaled hive akin to a bull, with each lumbering step, the ground trembled beneath its massive weight, the vibrations radiating outward like the harbinger of doom. Its hulking frame, covered in jagged, reddish-brown scales, exuded an overwhelming presence that seemed to make the life from the clearing shuddered.

    Its ember-like eyes burned through the darkness, scanning the surroundings with a predator''s precision until they locked onto Kaiser. In that moment, a chill raced down his spine, his instincts screaming to run, even though his legs refused to obey.

    Even though he had long overcome death, his not immune to raw fear of abominations, especially something at this size.

    Then, it''s maw revealed long jagged teeth and suddenly roared, sending a wave of violent breeze towards him.

    A deep, guttural sound erupted from its chest, shattering the stillness of the night. Loud and deep, sending a wave of force that tore through the air like a living storm. The leaves frantically danced, the branches sway and Kaiser''s hair fluttered. An ordinary human would have been pushed back, but not him. Still, Kaiser felt it sipped into every bone of his body, rattling his ribs and sending a tremor through his chest. His ears rang violently, drowning out every other sound, while the very air seemed to vibrate with the creature¡¯s fury.

    That roar rolled throughout the vast stretch of Greenland, even the devouring flames of the wildfire shook for a moment, the surviving hunters on standby in the abandoned village, forming a crude defensive formation flinched in fear. Before reaching the thousands of migrators venturing the road under the lead of an armored caravan, the knights, mercenaries and villagers all turn to look where they came from, their expression sharing grimness and dread.

    Because whatever could produce that howl of doom, was... Unimaginable.

    As though a primal declaration, a call of dominance from an apex predator to its prey. For a moment, all of Kaiser''s thoughts were stripped away, leaving only raw, unfiltered terror.

    Luckily, the pain in his busted eardrums and the weight in his chest yanked him back to reality, albeit roughly. Wincing, he raised a trembling hand to his face, rubbing it as if the motion could erase the image before him. His breaths came shallow and ragged as he forced himself to look at the creature again, hoping against hope that it wasn¡¯t real. But it was, the damned thing didn''t disappear. He blinked, then looked again... And again.

    Indeed, It was real. *Too real.*

    The massive beast towered over everything, its hammerhead-like skull glinting in the faint light. Long, jagged horn jutted from the sides of its elongated snout, making it look like an upgraded version of a hammerhead shark, with the body of a bull. Framing its small, glowing eyes that seemed to burn with an otherworldly malice. Each step left deep imprints in the earth, its enormous clawed feet capable of crushing entire trees with a single stomp. Its body, a grotesque combination of muscle and hardened scales, radiating power¡ªa stark contrast to the frail invaders Kaiser had fought earlier.

    He put on a crooked smile, having recovered from the shock.

    "Well I''ll be damned, it-its a dinosaur...''

    The thing resembled a dinosaur, or at least what he imagined one might look like¡ªif dinosaurs had been plucked from a child''s worst fever dream. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have the luxury of coming up with creative names for the endless horrors he faced. After all, who had time to christen their enemies in the middle of a battlefield? Especially unimaginable monsters like this!

    ''Yeah, let¡¯s just settle on cute dino,'' he thought bitterly, a hysterical laugh bubbling in his mind as he rubbed his temples. Was he going mad? Maybe. He cursed under his breath, wishing for a second he could blame those skeletal horse-things for bringing this thing here. Ah, he would¡¯ve loved to eviscerate them all over again. But unfortunately, he already wiped out every last one of those starving invaders, it seems.

    Which meant now, he was this dinosaur only target.

    Kaiser swore again, every nerve in his body alive with conflict.

    The invaders he had fought before had been unnervingly tall, their elongated necks stretching them to an average height of three meters. But this beast? This *dinosaur* towered over them with ease, beating even the surrounding trees in height. Its colossal frame, packed with dense muscle and protected by reddish-brown scales that gleamed in the pale moonlight, was the complete opposite of the gaunt, malnourished horses he had faced earlier.

    Kaiser had been confident before, acting all brave and tough on playing the wall, throwing himself into battle with reckless abandon against skinny invaders. But this?

    This wasn¡¯t part of the deal.

    His heart pounded as his mind raced. How was he supposed to stop something like this? Something so massive that the tops of the surrounding trees can''t barely reach its shoulders. Something that radiated strength and ferocity with every breath it took? Crumbled the earth with every step.

    And most pressing of all¡ªhow in the hell was he supposed to survive this?

    Which, ironically, wasn¡¯t really a question. He *would* survive. His immortality guaranteed that, but there was a fine line between surviving and winning, and right now, the line felt impossibly distant.

    But there was no time to dwell. The creature had spotted him, and its towering form shifted as it began to lumber forward, each step a countdown to his impending doom.

    Kai really wished running was an option.

    Gritting his teeth, Kaiser responded with his own roar¡ªblowing his borrowed horn¡ªwhich sounds adorable compared to the dinosaur''s bellows.

    The only silver lining in this impossible situation, is apparently, this enormous invader was the last wave of visitors from the other side. If he could somehow take it down, this nightmare might finally end.

 Chapter 113: Elusive Rat

    Although killing didn¡¯t seem like such a bad idea, that wasn¡¯t Kaiser''s goal¡ªnot here, not now. Besides, the creature¡¯s reddish-brown scales gleamed like impenetrable armor forged in some hellish realm. Even if he tried, he doubted Windslayer alone could pierce the layers of thick flesh beneath.

    So, like any rational man, Kaiser chose not to fight a pointless battle. Instead, he turned to strategy: stalling for time.

    Of course, he won''t fight that huge lizard mammoth to death! Sure, his a bit fearless but not completely.

    Without hesitation, he sprinted deep into the forest. Which is not supposed to be an option considering his meant to be the last line of defensive wall separating this monstrous predator from the innocent mortals beyond. Though, serving as a wall was no longer ideal. But Kaiser was anything if not adaptable, if he couldn¡¯t act as the wall, he would play another role: the mouse that leads the cat astray.

    The plan was simple. Exploit the creature¡¯s size, which tends to slow big monsters down due to their weight. And use the dense woodland to his advantage. Its bulk against these countless trees will restrain its speed further, and the terrain favored someone small and nimble like him.

    ¡°Come on, big guy,¡± Kaiser muttered, his voice half-taunt, half-nervous. He glanced over his shoulder as the beast traversed into the clearing behind him. ¡°Let¡¯s see if all that bulk makes you as clumsy as you look.¡±

    But his confidence faltered the moment the creature entered the forest.

    Trees splintered like brittle twigs. Massive trunks, decades old, bent and cracked as though the forest itself bowed to the creature¡¯s wrath. Roots were ripped from the ground, and the canopy shattered as entire trees were uprooted in its wake, giving way to the jurassic monster. The colossal invader was not slowing down, either, it was accelerating, its massive four feet tearing into the earth with terrifying speed, unhindered by the terrain.

    Kaiser swore under his breath as the ground beneath him trembled with every thunderous step. The beast was faster than it had any right to be.

    He weaved through the trees, ducking under low branches and vaulting over exposed roots. His feet barely touched the ground as he sprinted, twisting and turning to stay ahead of the destruction behind him.

    A deafening crack split the air as one of the beast¡¯s massive claws smashed into a tree, sending a spray of splinters flying. Kaiser threw himself to the side, narrowly avoiding a jagged shard that embedded itself into a nearby trunk. He stumbled, his chest heaving, before pushing himself forward again.

    The forest around him descended into chaos. Every step the creature took sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, shaking loose leaves and branches. The once-dense woodland was rapidly transforming into an open wasteland, as trees kept falling, crushed under the weight of its advance.

    He was starting to feel that playing the mouse wasn''t a good idea. When he got a breather, escaping the titanic dinosaur''s eyes that were still rampaging nearby in search of the annoying mouse. Despite the dread, Kaiser still hesitantly blew the horn strapped to his belt, the deep sound echoing through the trees, announcing where he is. The beast roared in response, a guttural sound that made his bones vibrate, rolling through the vast land and busting his eardrums again, which he quickly healed for the situation demands everything from him. Kaiser was already dashing away before its tail was lashed out, obliterating an entire section of underbrush in a single, devastating sweep, sending splinters raining.

    He darted between the trees again, zigzagging to keep the creature off balance. But no matter how fast he ran, it was always just behind him, accompanied by the sounds of snapping timbers as if a ramming force of nature was at his tail, devastating everything in its path. Despite being unable to die, Kai felt constant dread of potentially being crushed by its mass.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    At one point, he dived into a dense thicket, hoping to lose it in the shadows again. The creature plowed through without hesitation, its sheer size reducing the thicket to mulch. Kaiser barely had time to roll out of the way as a massive clawed foot crashed down where he had just been.

    ¡°Not good. Not good!¡± he hissed, dodging another swing of the tail that took out three trees in a single blow.

    Long story short, the chase continued for what felt like an eternity. Kaiser specializing in agility coupled with a decisive mind utilizes his surroundings environment to his advantage. He darted beneath the crowns of trees, weaving between trunks with astonishing speed. His small frame and swift movements turned him into an elusive shadow. As he used every ounce of his skill to stay ahead of the monstrous predator. He darted through the forest, weaving under the canopies of trees, slipping into shadows swiftly. His movements were unpredictable¡ªturning sharply, doubling back, and vanishing into thickets¡ªmaking him an infuriatingly elusive target. Furthermore, he seemed to be powered by unlimited energy, never showing signs of slowing down.

    At one point, with a boldness bordering on recklessness, he dashed directly beneath the creature¡¯s towering frame. Its underbelly loomed above him like the ceiling of a cathedral, and for a fleeting moment, he swung Windslayer upward, testing its edge against the beast¡¯s scales. The blade met its mark, but instead of cutting, it sparked against the hardened plates, creating a shower of tiny embers before Kaiser rolled, and dashed away, evading the crushing limb from flattening him.

    ¡°Figures... Of course, you''re built like a fortress.¡± He muttered, frustration laced in his voice.

    The massive creature roared in fury, its frustration mounting as it failed to catch the insect-like figure mocking it at every turn. But it refused to give up the chase.

    Over an hour passed, the cat-and-mouse game grinding on. Kaiser¡¯s relentless maneuvering and sharp decision-making kept him alive, but at a cost. All around them, the forest bore the scars of their destructive pursuit.

    Eventually, Kaiser came to a stop, deeming it safe to do so. His chest heaving as he gasped for air. Sweat dripped down his face, mixing with the dirt and soot caked on his skin. He is beginning to feel dizzy, not because of exhaustion but thirst.

    He looked around.

    Near the Southern Boundary, once-tall and luxuriant trees now lay scattered across the ground. Uprooted trunks, shattered branches, and splintered debris painted a grim picture of the destruction, as if a mysterious catastrophic calamity passed by. What was once a dense woodland was now a sprawling clearing marred by chaos, with only a few lucky trees left standing. The ancient lighthouse of his mentor to the north cast its light over the wreckage, its bright beam cutting through the haze of smoke above that rose from the spreading wildfire not that far away.

    Well, the blame is in Kaiser on this one for circling around the area in their chase until it eventually turns to the wreckage it is now.

    He glanced at the dinosaur, which stood still amidst the devastation it made. It''s loud breathing¡ªsounding more like snorting¡ª uneven and ragged, seemingly exhausted from all the chasing.

    Its four amber eyes burned with feral anguish, locked onto Kaiser with an almost personal rage. The beast¡¯s hulking frame trembled slightly, a sign that the relentless chase had taken its toll. Even so, its refusal to give up was etched into every tense muscle. Not after being played with by the insect all this time, it''s an apex predator with feral dignity to uphold. Letting go of this human was out of the question... Though, that determination appeared to be wavering.

    Kaiser straightened, still catching his breath. Despite the clear disparity in their size and power, his tone remained audaciously mocking.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Tired already, you dumb oversized lizard? Dinosaur? Whatever the hell you are! Come on, we were just getting started!¡± He laughed, shamelessly offending the dinasour even though all he did was run around.

    Funny how something so fearsome from the start becomes his laughing stuck, helpless to do anything in retaliation to his mockery.

    The beast roared again, shaking the earth with its guttural fury and stumped one foot that quaked the ground. However, it didn¡¯t charge this time. Its anger was raw, but so was its fatigue.

    Kaiser heaved in relief, knowing while the creature was a force of nature, it couldn¡¯t match his unlimited stamina.

    Although the massive scaled beast far surpassed him in strength and durability, it had one fatal flaw¡ªit wasn¡¯t built for endurance. Unlike Kaiser, whose immortal body granted him boundless energy, the dinosaur had limits, and those limits were starting to show.

    The two adversaries stood still, surrounded by the aftermath of their destructive battle¡ª If running around can be called a battle. The devastation stretched far and wide, a testimony to the chaos they had brought. The forest¡¯s silence was broken only by the crackling of distant flames, the wildfire still spreading and devouring everything in its path.

    Kaiser glanced at the towering creature, noting the hesitation in its posture. Its feral gaze suddenly shifted, no longer focusing on him. Instead, it turned its head northward, toward the growing wildfire. The orange glow illuminated the night, casting long, flickering shadows across the ruins of the forest.

    His brow furrowed as he followed its gaze. Smoke billowed into the sky, dark and suffocating, rising high enough to block out the stars.

    The dinosaur¡¯s body tensed, and it let out a resigned growl¡ªas though it gave up on him. Its massive frame shifted as it began to step toward the flames, its amber eyes fixed on the

    in the distance, intending to leave him. Or did it smell the bodies of the fallen within the heart of the wildfire? Wanting an easier prey than him?

    Kaiser watched, a flicker of unease creeping into his mind.

    What now?

    He sighed.

    "I guess it''s finally time to wrap this up."

    Apparently, the reptilian giant was far too powerful to roam freely in Greenland. Forget about Villages, that thing could destroy an entire City, which it will undoubtedly do if it discovered one existed, inhabited by the *insects* that been toying with it.

    Gripping Windslayer, Kai decided to proceed onward on the plan he formulated amidst his run.

    This time, however, he would be attempting to vanish the foe and finally end this grim night once and for all.

 Chapter 114: Why you should never ignore a mouse

    As the massive bull-like reptile with a hammerhead snout stomped forward, Kaiser raised the horn to his lips and blew another blast, now sounding offensive rather than adorable. The sound echoed through the devastated forest, loud and taunting, but the beast didn¡¯t react. Exhaustion, frustration, or perhaps both had dulled its desire to continue the relentless chase with the elusive pest that never seemed to get tired.

    Finally, silence settled over the clearing. The monstrous invader stood still, its heavy breaths the only sound, savoring the fleeting peace.

    But the peace didn¡¯t last.

    A strange sensation prickled at the creature¡¯s awareness, a faint wrongness that it couldn¡¯t quite place. It turned its hammer-shaped head, scanning the ground where the annoying insect had last been. Nothing. The human was gone¡ªvanished as though into thin air. Had the pesky rodent finally given up? Or was it scheming another wave of pestering?

    Meanwhile...

    Kaiser grinned to himself, carefully clinging to the reddish-brown scales of the dinosaur¡¯s colossal body. He had seized the opportunity the moment the beast¡¯s attention faltered, refusing to give him the attention it had been showering him moments ago. So, Kaiser slipped into its blind spot and began his climb when it was not looking. Each movement was slow and deliberate. He gripped only the unfeeling, rock-like scales to avoid alerting the creature to his presence, making himself as insignificant as a gnat.

    Up close, the dinosaur¡¯s natural armor was even more impressive¡ªa dense, interlocking network of tough, impenetrable plates. Kaiser clicked his tongue mentally.

    ''There¡¯s no way Windslayer could pierce this monstrosity.'' And beneath the armor? Thick flesh that would take more than just a sword to cut through before reaching hints of vital organs.

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t kill this thing. Not with the tools and ability he currently had.

    Which begged the question¡ªhow will he vanish such monstrosity?

    A sharp grin tugged at the corners of his mouth as he reached the broad expanse of the creature¡¯s back and hauled himself up. One of the flaws of being so massive, was that it couldn¡¯t sharply perceive every inch of its body¡ªjust like a human wouldn¡¯t immediately notice a mosquito landing on their skin until it bites.

    ''Not that I feel great about being the mosquito in this analogy.''

    He stood cautiously on the dinosaur¡¯s back, atop the swinging tail, balancing as the massive beast stomped forward, crushing pitiful trees beneath. The sensation of the wind rushing past him filled him with a surprising sense of exhilaration. Against all reason, Kaiser found himself... enjoying it.

    ''This is awesome. I¡¯m actually riding a dinosaur!''

    Then again, it''s not a damned dinosaur, only shared some similarities but still different. Its hammerhead snout and extra eyes gave it a monstrous, otherworldly quality. Still, the sheer absurdity of the situation made his inner child¡ªone he rarely indulged due to his poor upbringing¡ªbubble to the surface. For a fleeting moment, Kaiser allowed himself to savor the experience.

    Riding atop the massive creature, he had an incredible view of the sprawling landscape below. The wind tousled his hair as the ground trembled beneath the dinosaur¡¯s footsteps. Even the eerie sight of the spreading wildfire ahead that make it appear they are heading to burning hell could not entirely dampen the odd thrill of the moment.

    Nevertheless, this is something he will cherish for the rest of my immortal life. Heck, his already excited to rub this in Ariella and Cia¡¯s faces.

    But the twisted sense of childish joy faded as reality crashed back down on him. The wildfire was spreading fast, the orange glow consuming more of the horizon with every passing second, beyond it lay countless humans incapable of handling this humongous terror. And his the only one that could stop it here before it could trampled a City.

    He took a deep breath, steeling himself as his gaze fixed on the creature¡¯s head, attached to a short, thick neck as wide as a road. A grim determination replaced the grin on his face. From where he stood, the enormous hammer-shaped head loomed like a ramp before him. He would have preferred walking there if not for the risk of exposure, after all, the head tends to be the most sensitive part for it housed the organs that controlled its senses, littered by sensory veins. It was also its most dangerous and well-guarded spot.  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°Life sure is funny.¡± Kaiser muttered, his voice dry and humorless. Because never in his dreams did he ever thought of doing something like this one day.

    His gaze locked onto the ramp, his tightening.

    Clenching his jaw, he adjusted into a running stance. There was no time to waste. If he hesitated, he would lose this one precious chance. Windslayer¡¯s hilt pressed against his lips as he gritted it between his teeth, freeing his hands to balance.

    He drew another deep breath, stretching his arms forward, his body taut like a coiled spring.

    ''All or nothing... but I really must be insane for thinking this qualifies as flying.''

    With a burst of speed, Kaiser dashed toward the ramp¡ªthe dinosaur¡¯s colossal skull¡ªevery step a test of his agility and sheer audacity. His feet barely touched the rough surface of its scales, but forceful, his movements lightning-fast. Having already specialized in speed, coupled with relentless leveling up from slaying over fifty lesser invaders, had honed his swiftness to a razor¡¯s edge. Faster than even this towering monstrosity, Kaiser moved like a shadow cutting through the air.

    The massive creature snapped its head upward, sensing him at the last possible moment. But it was too late. Kaiser had already launched himself off the top of its skull in a daring, almost suicidal leap.

    As he soared through the air, time seemed to slow. The world stilled, and he felt the surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Above, the pale moon loomed, its cold gaze illuminating the devastation below where a young man and a giant beast. Kaiser turned his neck mid-air, just in time, locking eyes with the dinosaur¡¯s glowing amber orbs¡ªfour small, also looking at him with fiery eyes that radiated unbridled rage.

    ''Perfect.''

    Gritting his teeth, Kaiser released the hilt of Windslayer, grabbing the blade mid-flight. With a sharp twist, he spun, directing the sword in a downward arc. The weapon hurtled through the air like a missile, its tip aimed at the beast¡¯s nearest eye.

    However, Kaiser had to admit his accuracy isn''t stellar due to the lack of experience in shooting ranged attacks. Thankfully, Windslayer¡¯s telepathic bond provided him a great aid in that regard. Just as the blade¡¯s hilt would return to his grip when summoned. Kaiser had recently discovered that if he ordered Windslayer when thrown to land on a specific spot blade''s tip first, which is what his intensely focusing on at the moment, the obedient blade will shift its own trajectory according to his wishes. Therefore.

    ''Bullseye!''

    Windslayer struck true, embedding itself in one of the abomination''s eyes his been concentrating on. The beast let out an ear-splitting roar of agony, its head thrashing wildly as black ichor spilled from the wound.

    Kaiser landed hard on the dinosaur¡¯s snout, having anticipated such an outcome, he came prepared. Gripping its trustworthy scale to avoid being flung off as it bucked and bellowed. The massive creature¡¯s remaining three eyes glared down at him with pure malice, but with no arms to swat him away, it could do little to stop the insect clinging to its face.

    Grinning viciously, Kaiser called Windslayer back. The sword responded instantly, ripping itself free from the beast¡¯s ruined eye and flying back into his outstretched hand. He barely took a moment to regain his grip before hurling it again. The blade sliced through the air, guided by his concentration, and struck its second target.

    Another eye blinded.

    The dinosaur roared in fury, its head shaking violently in an attempt to dislodge the stubborn human. Kaiser clung tightly, feeling the tremors course through the creature¡¯s snout as it thrashed and stomped in its pain-induced rage.

    Windslayer returned to his hand like a falcon to its master. Without hesitation, he threw it once more, his aim narrowing on the next target. Though the eyes were small in comparison to the creature¡¯s massive frame, they were still the size of four basketballs combined. At this distance, and with his elevated position offering a great location for poking eyes a few meters in front of him, the strike was manageable¡ªespecially with Windslayer¡¯s uncanny precision acting as a cheat code. As long as he doesn''t fall, of course. Which his strong grip on the proven sturdy scale ensures.

    The third eye went dark.

    Kaiser smirked despite himself. Blinding the beast wasn¡¯t easy, but it wasn¡¯t impossible either¡ª ''if only the damn thing would stop shaking!'' His only problem now was staying on its face long enough to finish the job. Luckily, Kaiser never planned to be here for long.

    Gripping its rough scales as tightly as his fingers would allow, Kaiser prepared for the next strike. He could feel the creature¡¯s rage vibrating through its enormous frame, each furious shake a test of his balance and endurance.

    Windslayer hummed in his hand, ready for the next throw. Kaiser¡¯s grin widened. "Alright, big dino, let¡¯s make this quick."

    Mustering all his might, Kaiser hurled Windslayer one final time. The blade spun through the air, its bloodstained, glass-like surface catching the moonlight in a gleaming arc. It whistled sharply, slicing through the chaos until it found its mark. The abomination''s thin eyelid¡ªa last, desperate shield for its remaining vision¡ªwas no match for the relic''s razor-sharp edge. Windslayer¡¯s tip sank in, not deeply, but enough to shatter the fragile eye and rob the beast of sight completely.

    No creature was truly impenetrable, because everything has its flaws.

    The creature¡¯s anguished roar tore through the night, a thunderous cry of pain and fury that sent tremors rippling through the earth. Its massive frame flailed in blind panic, swinging its colossal head and tail in all directions, toppling what few trees still stood around it.

    Satisfied, Kaiser released his grip and let himself fall from the monster¡¯s snout, landing amidst the devastated forestry below. He crouched to absorb the impact, the earth beneath him cracking slightly under the force of his descent. A moment later, Windslayer struck the dirt near him with a solid *thunk.*

    Rising to his feet, Kaiser yanked the blade free, wiping the monster''s dark, viscous blood off its edge with a practiced motion. He glanced back at the blind, thrashing dinosaur, now a towering symbol of chaos and confusion.

    "Good job, buddy," Kaiser chuckled, patting the blade¡¯s hilt affectionately, it''s just so great to have a magical sword instead of mundane blade''s.

    A smirk tugged at his lips as he sheathed the weapon. "Now all that¡¯s left is to vanish the evil and soak up all that useless honor. Hopefully, they won''t force me to attend parties."

    With casual confidence masking his exhaustion, Kaiser turned and began to walk away. Behind him, the once-mighty dinosaur stumbled and panicked, its colossal body tearing through the wreckage it had created as it blindly tried to make sense of the world it could no longer see.

 Chapter 115: Vanish

    "Finally..."

    Kaiser muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the faint cries of the blinded dinosaur in the distance, looking for a certain mouse to crush.

    At last, victory was his¡ªagainst this final wave of invaders. Well, most of them, at least. And he had done it alone, without completely dying. That fact alone was worth some pride, especially for someone who once died on his very first day in this cursed Realm, slain by lowly bandits, no less.

    It was undeniable how far he had come since then. Every step of progress had been a trial by fire, his lessons learned through harsh trials and errors. Fortunately, immortality afforded him the luxury of learning the hard way¡ªan edge that had proven invaluable in surviving this merciless domain, letting him try again, and again.

    Of course, much of his success came from exploiting the predictable nature of these creatures. No matter how massive or swift, most of these beasts were still ruled by their primal instincts. That lack of intelligence was Kaiser''s greatest advantage, allowing him to outthink them at every turn.

    After all, sheer might were no match to the wise, often times.

    But not all monsters were so simple. There exists old stories from the earliest Players, speaking of monstrosities with chilling intelligence. Creatures whose minds rivaled humans in cunning, and whose strength dwarfed even the fiercest of beasts. Legends, perhaps, but Kaiser didn''t dismiss them entirely.

    He couldn¡¯t. Not after facing the Shifter, or what he likes to call it instead of undying hound.

    The memory of that grotesque creature still sent a chill down his spine to this day. The Shifter was a deceptive monster that infiltrated a remote village disguised as a harmless horned hound. It had shed its disguise only when no one was looking, hunting humans in the shadows. Had Kaiser not exposed its ruse, who knows how much destruction it could have wrought? The fiend had the patience of a predator, the cunning of a demon, disguise of a deceitful monster and the insatiable hunger of a void. It grew stronger the more it consumed, raising the number of its victims daily, becoming more active the longer it stayed.

    If Kaiser hadn¡¯t known better, he might have believed it was an ancient abomination, feeding on a remote settlement to silently recover its strength to unleash its wrath upon the world once it did.

    ''Good thing it¡¯s dead,''

    The Shifter had been a nightmare to kill, even in its weakened state. It took a coordinated effort, Alfred¡¯s decisive leadership, and no small amount of luck to bring the creature down. Now its charred remains were scattered to ash, its wretched existence snuffed out forever. Never to return again.

    The dinosaur¡¯s pained cries pulled him back to the present as Kaiser reached the Southern Boundary.

    Standing before the vast, enigmatic barrier, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at its eerie presence. The Boundary loomed like an unending wall of distorted reality, stretching into infinity in either direction. Up close, its deceptive properties became clearer, and it appeared as an unsettling, glass-like veil separating the Greenland from whatever lay beyond. Its reflective surface shimmered in the dim light, distorting the world on either side like a fractured mirror. Strangely, it''s not reflecting him, only the false land ahead.

    Kaiser squinted, his head throbbing slightly from staring too long at the unnatural barrier this close. He glanced down, noticing a thin crater under his boots¡ªa clean scar cut deep into the tough earth, measuring one meter in length. The gaping chasm beneath seemed bottomless, dark and foreboding.

    Creepy how the land itself recoiled from the Boundary. Nothing dared to linger near it for long. Because anything that touched the barrier was pulled into its depths, swallowed into the unknown Realm on the other side, or somewhere else. However, its pull wasn¡¯t absolute, Kaiser knew, thanks to the daring humans who had tested its grip in the past, tethering themselves with ropes and escaping the Boundary¡¯s pull with the combined strength of many.

    Which explains why the invaders struggled to breach it, their advance met with an invisible resistance, pushing them back from going to Greenland like an immense, unrelenting pressure.

    "Just like a vacuum cleaner," Kaiser mused, tilting his head as he observed the surreal expanse. "But large. Really, really large."  Stolen story; please report.

    Perhaps he should test his current strength with it? Kai shook his head, and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the comparison. Yet, despite his attempts at humor, the Boundary¡¯s ominous presence sent an unshakable unease crawling up his spine. Whatever lay beyond it, he had no desire to find out... But that dino was more than welcome to come back to his home, or wherever this ominous Boundary leads to.

    Readying himself, Kaiser cast a glance at the blind dinosaur. Its enormous form loomed in the distance, rampaging, brimming with fury as it searched for the damned mouse. He raised the horn, took a deep breath, and blew.

    And there it is, the same annoying note that had plagued the massive creature all this time. Once adorable turn irritating, and now, it has become a mocking symphony of disdain.

    The noise it hated the most.

    The dinosaur froze mid-step, its body trembling with unrestrained rage. Ragged breaths escaped its nostrils in heavy huffs, breathing restlessly. Its bleeding eyes¡ªtwin streams of crimson¡ªlocked in the direction of the sound, crying blood that rolled down it''s scales. Though sightless, it could sense the presence of the wretched insect that had tormented it, stripped its vision, and left it vulnerable for life.

    There''s no room for forgiveness anymore, only rage.

    It roared.

    A primal, deafening bellow erupted from its throat, the loudest one yet announcing it''s fury to the world, a sound so powerful it rippled across the land. Saliva and a shockwave of air blasted outward, slamming into the Boundary and causing its reflective surface to shudder like disturbed water. The echo was so loud that every corner of Greenland heard it.

    In distant settlements, people were awakened from their slumber, nervously scanning the horizon. High-ranking figures in grand, elevated homes stepped to their windows, their eyes narrowing in the direction of the disturbance.

    The roar¡¯s sheer intensity gripped the land with unease.

    And there stood Kaiser, facing the beast¡¯s wrath at the very edge of the Southern Boundary. The wind from the roar pressed against him, ruffling his tattered cloak and making him shield his nose from the putrid stench.

    He grunted.

    ¡°Your breath stinks! Seriously, do dentists not exist in your Realm?¡±

    The roar subsided, leaving the air heavy with tension. Kaiser didn¡¯t miss a beat. Raising the horn again, he blew into it, as if playing a rough melody of mockery.

    Hummm... Hum? Hum, humm. HUMMM! Hummm!!! HUMMMMMMMMM!!!!!! huummm...

    Who wouldn''t be irritated by that? More so when that musician poked the audience''s eyes.

    The dinosaur snorted, smoke curling from its nostrils. Its burning eyes, weeping blood, radiated unbridled hatred. It lowered its massive head, claws digging into the earth as it took the stance of a charging bull.

    Kaiser observed the incoming charge with a calm yet wry expression. The ground beneath him quaked with each thunderous step as the colossal beast barreled toward him without hesitation, blinded by rage and instinct.

    "It sure is angry," he commented, his tone dry, though a flicker of dread danced at the edge of his thoughts.

    Still, he wasn¡¯t particularly worried. Stepping back, his boots hovered at the edge of the chasm behind him¡ªthe abyss that separated Greenland from the Boundary. Loose pebbles tumbled into the darkness below, disappearing into the bottomless darkness.

    Kaiser let out a quiet sigh, his eyes fixed on the beast''s dreadful approach. The ground trembled beneath its weight, each pounding step amplifying the sense of impending doom. Yet he stood firm, his calm expression betraying none of the tension that coiled in his muscles.

    The massive reptilian, the last invader, pounced wildly and blindly, driven by rage. Its furious charge shook the earth, its momentum unrelenting. From its perspective, the insolent prey hadn¡¯t moved an inch, standing boldly while continuing to play that maddening horn.

    Kaiser raised the horn one final time and blew into it. The sound echoed between them, a mocking note that sliced through the air just as the beast closed in.

    And then, with perfect timing, he stepped back.

    Kaiser vanished, plunging into the bottomless chasm between the Boundary and Greenland.

    Suddenly robbed of its target, the massive beast snorted in confusion and frustration, feeling something amiss, but it''s too late, its momentum carried it forward, unchecked and unstoppable. The dinosaur slammed headfirst into the Southern Boundary.

    The eerie surface rippled on impact, like a tranquil lake struck by a massive stone. Strange waves cascaded outward, distorting the glassy expanse. Yet, there was no sound, no splash¡ªonly the silent and willing absorption of the beast into the Boundary¡¯s vast, consuming it into the otherworldly void. Moments later, the surface stilled, as though nothing had happened.

    The dinosaur was gone.

    Clinging to the cliff¡¯s edge, Kaiser heaved a sigh of relief, his fingers gripping the rocky ledge tightly that had withstood hundreds of years and the massive creature''s descent and leave. That quality is what convinced Kaiser to trust it with his life in this stunt. Of course, other less risky options were available, but a beast might not be smart, it''s instinct wasn''t easily fooled because it''s their sharpest weapon.

    Nevertheless, with all the invaders gone, Kaiser could finally breathe. He could return home and face tomorrow without the burden of regret or guilt, knowing he had done everything in his power to prevent a calamity. Instead of staying idle in the comfort of his carriage while others risked their lives for his safety, he had stepped up, using his strength to make a difference.

    For once, he felt proud of himself¡ªgenuinely proud. It was a rare and foreign feeling, enough to make him pause before reflexively calling himself a piece of sh*t. The accomplishment warmed his heart, a far cry from the usual self-doubt gnawing at him.

    Slaying numerous lesser invaders and outwitting a colossal beast he couldn¡¯t hope to kill was nothing short of extraordinary. And though exhaustion weighed heavily on his immortal body, Kaiser allowed himself a small, satisfied grin.

    It felt good to achieve something meaningful for a change¡ªto do more than just survive.

    Additionally, this deed of his wasn''t left unpaid. The invaders he slayed improved his strength leaps and bounds through leveling, making him a dreadful force that not even a hundred of those nightmarish horses could hope to defeat... Not like anyone actually kill him.

    But most importantly, he can finally return to his stepdaughters... Companions. After all, he did, promised to return and probably buy a house of their own with the money he will receive. Surely, the Greenland government will reward his heroism, if not, Kai doesn''t mind forcing them to give what he deserved, and it can''t be anything lesser than a mansion.

    After being a poor orphan for many years, his finally filthy rich!

    Though, his skeptical.

    ''That went smoother than I thought.''

    Too, smooth, in fact, it left him doubting the saying that nothing ever goes as planned. But what can he say?

    ''I guess plans do work nicely, sometimes.''

    Or not.

    Before he could pull himself up, a shadow loomed over him...

    Both that of a human and a beast. Looking up, he froze.

    While that thing, crouched and started clapping.

 Chapter 116: Shifter

    He didn''t even sense its approach.

    The sound of clapping echoed through the silence, jarring Kaiser from his frozen state. It wasn¡¯t the crisp applause of palms meeting but the wet, grating slap of bone and flesh colliding, producing a grotesque noise that seemed to mock rather than commending.

    Perched above him at the cliff¡¯s edge, silhouetted against the moon¡¯s pallid glow, was a nightmarish figure. The creature seemed born of a creator''s madness, a horrifying amalgamation of man and beast. Its form was a grotesque patchwork, as though human corpses had been forcibly melded with one of the lesser horse-like invaders. White fur and blackened skin stretched unevenly across a frame of exposed muscle and bone. Atop its shoulders, the opened maw of a jackal¡¯s skull served as its head, its flat top lending it an eerie asymmetry. Within the beast¡¯s jaws lay the face of a man¡ªlifeless eyes staring from a grotesque prison of teeth, as though the human skull was merely a grotesque mask.

    Kaiser¡¯s chest tightened. He knew this abomination, there''s no way he''ll forget what creature could mend flesh together in such a repulsive manner yet live.

    "So... you''re still alive," he muttered, his voice dripping with bitter recognition.

    His not happy to see this damned thing again, especially in this position.

    The creature leaned forward, its exposed sinews creaking like old leather. It was the Shifter¡ªthe deceitful monster that had once terrorized the village in the guise of a horned hound. Somehow, despite its apparent defeat, it had survived, its form now more monstrous and powerful, likely from feasting on the corpses scattered across the battlefield.

    The Shifter tilted its grotesque head, pausing for a moment before surprisingly speaking. Its voice was a discordant blend of grating screeches and fragmented human tones, each word unpleasant to hear but understandable.

    "Don¡¯t get cocky, brat. A band of puny humans could never hope to kill me, even at my lowest."

    Kaiser frowned. "You... talk?"

    "Of course, I talk!" the Shifter barked with a grotesque laugh. "What? You thought I was some mindless beast? I¡¯m nothing like those dumb creatures or you, humans. I am my own kind¡ªa superior kind!"

    Kaiser remained silent, his mind racing. His situation was precarious¡ªdangling off a cliff with this abomination towering over him. Buying time will delay his impending doom, but it won''t save him, and won''t last long.

    However, making risky moves in the face of this creature makes him reluctant despite his capabilities.

    Sighing, Kaiser forced a disarming smile. "Uh, sure, dude. Mind if I pull myself up first? Hanging here is kinda tiring."

    The Shifter¡¯s grotesque maw stretched in what could only be described as a twisted grin, its corpse-like eyes glinting with amusement.

    "Oh, sure, sure. Let me lend you a hand," it sneered. "Do you think I¡¯m stupid? Do you think I¡¯ve forgotten what you did, pisky brat? If it weren¡¯t for you, I would¡¯ve devoured that village days ago instead of clawing my way back in the wilderness, like a worm! I could have gotten myself a better shell, instead of this ugly suit. You ruined everything!"

    The Shifter snarled, then leaned closer, it''s smelly body pestering his nostrils . "So, kid, give me a reason why I shouldn¡¯t drop you right here and now."

    Kaiser shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I¡¯ll give you gold?"

    The Shifter barked a laugh, a chilling sound that echoed across the cliff. "Gold? That¡¯s a good one. How about your fancy little sword instead?" It jabbed a clawed finger toward Windslayer.

    Kaiser¡¯s lips curled into a defiant smirk. "Do you think I¡¯m stupid?"

    His not so foolish to take this humanoid monster''s word. If anything, the Shifter would probably drop him the moment it got his Relic.

    The Shifter snorted, retracting its claw. "Fair enough. That sword isn¡¯t worth much, anyway. So what else, kid? The clock¡¯s ticking, and my patience is wearing thin. Give me something, or I¡¯ll make this quick."  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Kaiser sighed inwardly. He knew this game. In all honesty, no matter what he offered, the Shifter had no intention of letting him go from the start. It was simply savoring his desperation, feeding on his fear, instead of giving mercy. Still, Kaiser had no intention of giving it the satisfaction. He needs to remain calm and think fast, if not...

    ''Damn it.'' He secretly gritted his teeth, barely keeping a composed facade.

    Time is running out, while his still conflicted on thinking of a solution. Nothing will save him from this predicament, his best shot is giving it a reason not to do bad against him. That said, what is his best bet? Something he possesses that will make this horrid patchwork fear him?

    Eventually, he said, his voice cold and unyielding, with eyes filled with confidence on his words.

    "Let me go, and you won¡¯t make an enemy of me."

    The Shifter froze for a moment before bursting into a creepy laughter, its body convulsing with amusement. "The new generation really is hilarious! You remind me of the good old days!"

    As the laughter subsided, the creature leaned down until its grotesque visage filled Kaiser¡¯s view, its tone chillingly low. "You have no idea who you¡¯re talking to, do you? ...I am *Bakar, the Undying.* Feared and loathed across the Shattered Realms by Players and descendants alike!"

    Kaiser''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ''... No way.''

    Bakar¡ªthe very ancestor of the bandits heinous Boss, and one of the *Three Ancient Players* of Greenland. His name alone was steeped in horror, a legend passed down in grim tales that spoke of his cursed ability to defy death itself. A figure from hundreds of years ago, long before Kaiser¡¯s generation arrived.

    He didn¡¯t want to believe it. The idea that the monster perched above him was one of those legendary Players seemed impossible. Surely no human could live for centuries, let alone thrive in the chaos of the Shattered Realms for so long.

    And yet¡­ hadn¡¯t the village chief and Garba themselves survived well beyond a hundred years? Despite their advanced age, they remained formidable, able to fend off invaders with precision and power. What, then, of a Player like Bakar? One who had potentially leveled up relentlessly for hundreds of years, growing stronger with every battle, every kill? The mere thought justified Kaiser¡¯s hesitation on pulling a defiant move on the monster above him. It also explained why this Shifter had grown so overwhelmingly powerful in just a matter of days.

    Bakar¡¯s abilities must be tied to the flesh of others¡ªusing the bodies of his victims as both sustenance and armor. Each corpse became a piece of his grotesque shell, a living monument to his undying nature. It made sense now why the tales called him the Undying. Bakar was a survivor in the truest, most horrifying sense.

    Kaiser¡¯s chest tightened as the realization hit him with full force: there was no denying it. The monster before him was indeed Bakar, the Undying.

    A swirl of emotions churned within him¡ªaggrieved and disappointed. Disappointed because this meeting shattered the image he had of the older Players. He had envisioned them as legendary figures: draped in enchanted armor, wielding strange weapons that defied comprehension, their very presence commanding awe like epic heroes from a bygone era, untouched by time. But the reality was far different. For what met above him was a twisted abomination, grotesque and barely human.

    Is this what happens to Players who live too long? Kaiser wondered bitterly. Do they become so powerful they shed their humanity? Or is Bakar a unique monstrosity¡ªa rare nightmare among legends?

    And unfortunately, they met as enemies due to unforeseen circumstances. However, their immortal and undying traits were quite similar. The thought, as absurd as it was, lingered for a moment: could they be allies? Two immortals navigating the chaos of the Shattered Realms, their shared inability to die forming an unlikely bond. However, he knew revealing his immortality won''t save him. If anything, it would hasten his doom because

    Bakar isn''t foolish enough to spare threats he could dispose, and Kaiser, with his immortality, was the greatest risk of all. The Undying would see him as a loose end to tie off, nothing more.

    Bakar''s voice grew sharper, more venomous. "Don''t tell me you think you¡¯re special because you killed a few invaders and blinded that massive creature? You think that makes you strong? Let me tell you something, brat. I¡¯ve seen real power¡ªPlayers with abilities that defy logic and talents that reshape reality. And you? You¡¯re just another mediocre talent with a fancy sword and a self-healing trick. Players like you are useful at first, but in the grand scheme of it all, it takes a genius and inexplicable power to rule, while your kinds are nothing but pawns waiting for a leash. So tell me, boy¡ªwhy should I ever fear you?"

    The question hung in the air like a noose.

    Heavy silence followed, pressing down on Kaiser like the weight of the very cliff he clung to. His mind churned, desperately clawing for a way out, but no matter how he strained, no answer came. Every avenue, every possibility, led to the same bleak conclusion. Perhaps the sheer accumulation of mental fatigue was taking its toll, rendering him incapable of coherent thought.

    Fighting Bakar head-on? Impossible. The towering Player could swat him into the Southern Boundary with a single motion. More so in this position, where his in the edge of defeat. Pleading for mercy will only be a waste of time; the Shifter¡¯s mockery already made it clear that he had no intention of letting Kaiser go.

    It¡¯s a dead end and all he could do was delay it.

    The realization coiled around his heart, squeezing tighter with every passing second. His grip on the cliff''s edge faltered slightly as fear and helplessness surged like a tidal wave, threatening to drag him under. His teeth clenched so hard he tasted blood, his composure cracking under the pressure.

    ¡®F*ck!¡¯

    The word screamed in his mind, a raw and bitter acknowledgment of his predicament.

    Bakar observed him closely, relishing the cracks forming in Kaiser¡¯s defiance. Seeing that Kai won''t beg for his life, the Shifter sighed, a sound of exaggerated disappointment. Slowly, he rose to his full, grotesque height, his twisted body towering ominously over the precipice.

    ¡°Well then¡­¡± Bakar¡¯s grating voice scratched his ear as he lifted one foot high above the crumbling edge, ¡°¡­let¡¯s end this, shall we?¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s heart thundered in his chest as the shadow of Bakar¡¯s beastial foot loomed over him. His thoughts raced, frantic and desperate, but no solution came. His immortality wouldn¡¯t save him here; falling into the abyss below meant entering the Southern Boundary, to the unknown.

    Yet even as terror gnawed at the edges of his resolve, a spark of defiance flared within him. Drawing a deep, shuddering breath, he glared up at Bakar, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him.

    "...I may not be the brightest, but I promise you this¡ªI burn the longest. You¡¯ll regret this. I¡¯ll make sure of it, Bakar!"

    For a moment, silence reigned. Then, Bakar tilted his head, his corpse-like eyes narrowing with cruel amusement. A slow, mocking smile stretched across his maw, revealing jagged rows of mismatched teeth.

    ¡°Make me, kid.¡±

    With those final words, Bakar¡¯s massive foot came crashing down.

    The stony ground that withstood years of wind and rain, finally gave way under the force of his monstrous strike. Cracks spider-webbed outward, deep and jagged, until the entire section of the cliff collapsed in a deafening roar.

    The last thing Kaiser saw was the sky spinning above him before he plunged into the churning chaos below, swallowed by the falling debris.

    ''I guess I won''t be going home... I''m sorry.''

    He shut his eyes tightly.

 Chapter 117: Immortal Blade

    Gabriel, a relatively handsome man with a tall stature and neatly combed black hair that swept elegantly to one side, sat in a carriage, gazing out the window with a distant expression. The bustling streets of the largest city at the heart of Greenland rolled past¡ªa patchwork of towering medieval houses and people dressed in simple tunics and armor. There was an unusual tension in the air. The streets, typically lively, were subdued, weighed down by a shared unease.

    The cause of the city¡¯s nervousness was no mystery to everyone. The previous night, a monstrous roar had shattered the peace of night, so powerful it had shaken Gabriel awake despite the considerable distance, sending dread seep into his heart. The sound had unsettled not just him but the entire region, and by morning, the response was immediate.

    An army of hundreds of thousands hastily arranged that same night was sent marching toward the Southern Boundary¡ªa combined force of knights from Greenland¡¯s various settlements, bolstered by mercenaries drawn by promises of generous rewards. It was a call to arms unlike any before, signaling a potential war that could determine the fate of their peaceful land. The testimonies brought by the migrating villagers from the source only heightened the urgency: invaders from beyond the Boundary had begun their assault, the beastial descriptions confirm that they''re far from friendly unavailable for negotiation. After all, humans can''t negotiate with beasts.

    Among these tales was a chilling account of a towering beast, its monstrous form rising above the treetops in the far distance. Witnesses spoke of its thunderous roars, first filled with intimidation, then irritation, and finally escalating into a deafening cry of rage. And then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the creature vanished without a trace... For reasons unknown.

    For Gabriel, these events stoked a sense of duty he could not ignore. He felt compelled to answer the call to arms, a resolve strengthened by memories of a courageous Class F student¡ªKaiser. This fellow transmigrator from Earth had once saved him from captivity, slaughtering the bandits who had imprisoned him and others. Gabriel owed his freedom to that act of heroism, and it had set him on the path to forming his own mercenary band alongside the former prisoners who shared the same gratitude.

    Since then, unlike Kaiser and Cia, Gabriel had discovered his own unique ability during the battle with the bandits. As it turns out, it''s a group-focused power that enhanced the strength of those who fought under his command. This ability didn¡¯t just empower his comrades; it also grew his own strength. The more warriors he led, the stronger they became collectively, and the stronger he became individually. By now, he had the individual strength equal to five men, and his power continued to grow as his mercenary band expanded.

    Thanks to the high regard the people of Greenland held for Players, Gabriel¡¯s charismatic nature, and his mercenary group¡¯s rising fame from completing difficult tasks, recruitment was swift and smooth. His confidence soared, as did his ambitions. Gabriel could already see himself crowned a king in a decade if he continued at this pace.

    But beneath his growing success lay an unwavering determination: to find Kaiser, his benefactor, and return the favor. He had heard that a certain Player, Kaiser had stayed behind at the Southern Boundary with the hunters for the sake of the noncombatants migrators. It''s a brave and reckless act, something that the Kai he came to know in their short encounter would do. And Gabriel intended to aid him, no matter the risk. Though truthfully, the risk felt negligible at first. The marching army, boasting an overwhelming force, had encountered no signs of invaders on their way to the Southern Boundary. The absence of resistance led to growing confidence among the troops. Some began to joke that if a hundred villagers had been enough to hold the invaders in place, then sending an army of this scale was absurdly overkill, were the higher-ups paranoid?.

    However, their faces soon fell when they finally heard from the gravely injured hunters who had survived the confrontation with the invaders. The survivors painted a grim picture of their enemy¡ªbeasts that defied logic and matched no earthly predator. Those otherworldly creatures were monstrously resilient. A full-force swing from a grown man, capable of killing any human, can only achieve a shallow wound on an invader. In contrast, a single strike from the creatures was enough to kill a man in the most gruesome manner.

    Even their iron armor offered little protection. Worse, it could doom its wearer by hindering their agility, an essential skill for evading the creatures'' ferocious attacks. Killing even a single invader was an arduous task, unless one had the precision to exploit its vulnerable spots¡ªsomething almost impossible to achieve in the chaos of battle against those tall monstrosities.

    The survivors recounted the carnage in vivid detail: a hellish battlefield engulfed in flames, littered with the remains of comrades, and the relentless invaders crushing and eating anyone in their path. Amidst the horror, they sometimes praised certain powerhouses and sacrifices¡ªindividuals whose exceptional strength and courage had turned the tide, even if only briefly. These figures had made the difference in what was ultimately a misunderstood victory in an unwinnable game.

    But what struck Gabriel most wasn¡¯t the tales of chaos or the strength of the invaders. It was their account of a lone figure¡ªthe Player who had stood among them and forced the hunters leader to retreat from the burning forest, ordering them to stay back from a fight they couldn''t win. Despite the bitterness in their voices, the army¡¯s commander saw this decision in a different light. Given the hunters¡¯ shattered condition and dwindled numbers, he deemed the act a calculated choice¡ªperhaps the only reason some had survived at all, if that young didn''t make such a selfless decision, then the survivors they''re conversing with are corpses. Truly, a wise decision.

    Until...

    They heard the condition of the one that gives the command with unwavering confidence condition, which isn''t any better, or perhaps far worse than any survivors here. Missing one hand, battered, bathed in blood and suffering some grievous wounds himself and likely a dozen bone fractures after being swung around by an exceptionally tall invader in the testimony of a crippled hunter.

    Leaving everyone baffled, some even coughed their coffees out.

    For someone like that to command the remaining hunters to retreat, that young man''s head must be really broken, rather than wise.

    Then again, the fact remains that strangely, no invaders even faced the survivors after that insane declaration. And When the marching army got to the location, everyone was rendered speechless at the sight for they saw nothing but marks of devastation. The forest of tall trees was gone, turned into a desolate vast clearing. The ground was covered in grey ash and coals of the burned trees, corpses can be seen here and there which the army retrieved to give a proper burial deserving for the honorable fallen defenders. What left them baffled though was the numbers of invaders corpses, over fifty of them were sighted, cut by a merciless blade. Which is baffling because according to the surviving hunters, they only faced less than a dozen. However, what''s more chilling is when they finally arrive where the massive creature was spotted, dangerously near Southern Boundary itself. The wildfire didn''t spread there, for the trees were trampled by something else far more frightening than fire.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    The soldiers were struck silent by the sight before them. The devastation was nothing short of apocalyptic.

    The earth, once lush and carpeted with soft grass and moss, was churned into a wasteland of jagged craters and deep, irregular trenches. Trees that had stood tall and proud for centuries were nothing more than shattered remnants, their trunks snapped like twigs or flattened entirely. Some lay twisted, as if crushed by a force so immense it defied comprehension.

    The landscape bore unmistakable evidence of the creature¡¯s sheer size and power. Massive footprints, each the size of a small pond, gouged deep into the ground, left behind a clear path of destruction. Around the edges of these prints, the earth was cracked and sunken, as though the heat of its rage had seeped into the soil itself. Boulders, large and immovable under normal circumstances, had been thrown aside like toys or crumbled into debris.

    The air carried a strange, acrid scent, a mix of burnt wood and something metallic, almost blood-like, as if the creature¡¯s very presence had tainted the atmosphere. The treetops¡ªthose few that still stood at the farthest edges of the devastation¡ªwere stripped bare of leaves, their blackened branches clawing at the sky.

    What left the soldiers most unnerved wasn¡¯t just the sheer scale of the devastation¡ªit was the fact that all of it had been caused by one young man. A one handed teenager who, by all accounts, had been gravely injured even before the battle began. The thought that this lone figure had faced not only over fifty lesser invaders but also the massive monstrosity responsible for such cataclysmic destruction was simply inconceivable. The battle itself was beyond imagining, yet the results stood as undeniable proof: humanity had triumphed.

    Following orders from above, the army settled there, transforming the devastated area into a fortified defensive position in preparation for the inevitable next wave of invaders that would emerge from the Southern Boundary.

    Gabriel shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the image of the battlefield burned into his mind. He couldn¡¯t fathom the sheer terror and pressure Kaiser must have faced, standing alone against such overwhelming odds to ensure the survival of others. How much courage did it take to fight creatures capable of such ruin? How much bravery was required to win against something so seemingly insurmountable? The answers eluded him.

    How did he even win?

    Lately, Gabriel had begun to question whether the reverence that the people of Greenland held for the Players was truly deserved. Most Players, plucked from their safe and modern lives on Earth, were struggling to cope with the brutal reality of this new world. Many were overwhelmed by distress or consumed by their own frustrations, choosing laziness over adaptation. Worse still, some were exploiting the privileges granted to Players, abusing their status to demand luxuries and comfort instead of rising to meet the challenges of their circumstances.

    This behavior hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed. The once-exalted legends of the Players were being tarnished by dissatisfaction and disappointment. The people of Greenland had started to view them not as saviors but as burdens, spoiled brats unwilling or unable to live up to their reputation.

    But that was about to change.

    When news of a certain Player''s deeds spread¡ªhis selfless courage, his unyielding determination in the face of impossible odds¡ªit would reignite the fading respect and hope for the Players. His heroic actions would stand as a testament to what a true Player could achieve, a story to inspire others to strive for greatness rather than squander their potential.

    Right now, Gabriel found himself seated in a richly adorned carriage, a vehicle meant for high-ranking individuals. It had been personally provided by the knights'' commander to take them to their destination. Alfred and Brick, bandaged sat beside him, their expressions mirroring his somber thoughts. With them was a renowned legal expert, a man whose words usually brimmed with charm and strategic connections and someone akin to a lawyer. Today, however, even he was silent.

    Gabriel was typically outgoing and full of confidence does not usually waste such a rare opportunity to make valuable connections. However, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to speak. Not now, not on such crestfallen occasion.

    The atmosphere inside the carriage was heavy with gloom, the weight of the situation pressing down on them all. The rhythmic creak of the wheels rolling over cobblestones was the only sound in the oppressive silence.

    Finally, the carriage came to a halt.

    Alfred was the first to rise, his movements slow, almost hesitant, as if a great weight pressed down on him. Brick followed silently, then Gabriel. The three stepped out of the ornate carriage into the quiet yard of a modest, charming new house. The small patch of grass was neatly trimmed, the white picket fence a picture of peace, but to them, it felt like a battlefield they weren¡¯t prepared to face.

    Alfred walked ahead, his steps heavy with reluctance. Each movement seemed a struggle, yet he pressed on, his determination driving him forward. Gabriel and Brick trailed close behind, their silence speaking volumes. Soon, the three stood before the white wooden door, its bright color at odds with the somber cloud hanging over them.

    The big man hesitated. His hand hovered over the door, trembling slightly. Seconds stretched into eternity, his resolve faltering.

    Prompting Gabriel to step forward, his voice soft and steady. ¡°Do you need help? I can knock for you.¡±

    Alfred turned to him, a flicker of gratitude in his tired eyes, but he shook his head.

    ¡°No need, young man¡­¡± His voice was firm, though the weight behind it was unmistakable.

    He inhaled deeply, steadying himself, and finally knocked. It was soft, almost hesitant, as if he didn¡¯t want the sound to reach the ears of those inside.

    But the house''s new occupant had sharp ears.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± came a voice from within, delicate and feminine.

    Alfred froze for a moment, his throat tightening. Then, in his deep, resonant tone, he replied, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from inside, quick and eager. The door creaked open, revealing Cia. Her delicate features were alight with relief and joy, her pale blonde hair falling like a golden halo around her face. Her charming smile brimming with unrestrained hope.

    Behind her, Miss Lina appeared, her lined face softening with profound relief at the sight of Alfred, alive. But that relief quickly turned to unease as her gaze moved to the other two men. Something was wrong, and she felt it immediately.

    ¡°Kaiser?¡± Cia¡¯s voice cut through the air like a fragile thread, full of hopeful expectation. She stepped forward.

    Alfred looked down, unable to meet her eyes. The weight of the truth bore down on him, and for a moment, he was silent. But he couldn¡¯t avoid it forever. Besides, this is not his first time delivering such messages.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± His voice broke, the words barely audible. ¡°...He¡¯s gone.¡±

    The light in Cia¡¯s smile dimmed instantly, replaced by confusion. ¡°W-what do you mean? Wait, is this some kind of prank?¡± She let out a shaky laugh, as if she saw through his trick. ¡°Kai arranged this, didn¡¯t he? His the kind to pull stunts like this.¡±

    The silence that followed was suffocating.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t funny,¡± she said, her voice trembling. ¡°Kaiser¡­ this isn¡¯t funny.¡±

    She didn''t want to believe it, Kai could heal himself and spoke a promise to return with so much confidence as if nothing could stop him. So, how could Alfred survive but not him?

    Miss Lina stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Cia, pulling her into a tight comforting embrace. The older woman¡¯s tears spilled onto her shoulder, silent but undeniable proof that... this was no cruel joke.

    Kai is indeed gone.

    Her knees buckled as she fell to her knees, suddenly robbed out of strength, crumpled to the floor, her hands clutching at the doorframe for support. Her voice cracked, raw and trembling. ¡°But¡­ he promised. He promised!¡±

    "He promised that he would return..."

    The tears came then, unstoppable, streaming down her pale cheeks as she sobbed uncontrollably. Her grief spilled into the air, each broken cry like a melody of sorrow that pierced the hearts of everyone present.

    Alfred clenched his fists, Brick turned his gaze to the ground, and Gabriel shut his eyes tightly. None of them could bear to look at her, her despair too much to witness. Her cries echoed in the quiet yard, a sound so devastating it seemed to seep into the very earth beneath them.

    For all their strength, all their resolve, none of them could muster the courage to offer her comfort. Her pain was too great, her loss too profound. All they could do was stand there, silent witnesses to the breaking of a heart... Powerless wishing to turn back time and had the strength to prevent such calamity that took the life of a good young man.

    Who, in the investigation of professional experts that traced the lingering tracks of the Player. Concluded that Kaiser''s last steps had sacrificed himself to the shattered cliff, taking the massive monstrosity to the other side with him with the last of his strength. In consideration of every aspect of survival, such all sustained injuries, blood loss, potentially harsh environment behind the Southern Boundary littered with unimaginable terrors. The experts came to a final conclusion, that, the Player named Kaiser. Was, in all logical regards had no chance of survival, therefore, safely assumed...

    Dead.

    Volume 1 End: Immortal Blade.

 Chapter 118; Unfortunate

    Kaiser died.

    Sometimes, life is cruelly unfair. No matter how much one trains, prepares, or plans, when fate decides to tip the scales, even the best-laid strategies crumble. It doesn¡¯t need a reason. It simply labels the tragedy as *unfortunate*.

    Just as when Kaiser had been so close to victory, only to be ambushed by Bakar in a moment of vulnerability. The battle should have been his. Victory was within his grasp, just millimeters away¡ªuntil it wasn¡¯t. Cornered, exhausted, and out of options, he had no choice but to face the inevitable.

    And similar to now.

    The boulders came first, raining down with a force that could crush entire buildings. Kaiser felt the cold, stifling pull of the Southern Boundary the moment his back brushed against its edge. Before he could even react, the world twisted around him. One second he was fighting gravity, and the next, he was midair, tumbling into the unknown.

    For a fleeting moment, he caught a glimpse of something absurdly vast¡ªa body of water stretching far beyond comprehension, swirling unnaturally. His breath hitched, then realized he was falling from great height.

    The solid ground rushed up to meet him with brutal force. His body slammed into jagged black stone, bones shattering upon impact. His skull cracked with a sickening sound, and mercifully, unconsciousness claimed him for a brief instant.

    But fate wasn¡¯t done.

    The boulders followed him down, massive and unrelenting, crushing his prone body before rolling onward. Somehow, even in his mangled state, he clung to life, but the nightmare only grew worse. Because he had landed on the steep slope of a jagged stone mountain. Gravity claimed him, and he was sent tumbling down, caught in an uncontrollable spiral alongside the relentless boulders.

    Kaiser¡¯s body became a ragdoll in the chaos, bouncing violently off sharp outcroppings. Bones snapped, muscles tore, and the unforgiving stones ripped at his flesh. The pain was excruciating, a torment he had never experienced before, incomparable to even when the invaders thrashed him around with its long neck swinging.

    At first, he tried to heal, to activate his immortality and push through. But it was pointless. Every bone he regenerated snapped again an instant later, every patch of skin he mended was torn anew. The sheer momentum of the fall mocked his attempts at survival, constantly hitting his poor body as it bounced on hard rocks and rolled.

    So he gave up.

    He let his body remain broken, conserving his strength as he injured the torture and waited for a chance to stop the endless descent. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of agony, he saw a jagged crack in the mountainside, large enough to grip. Summoning every ounce of willpower he had left, Kaiser repaired his shattered arm in a burst of agonizing effort and lunged for the crevice.

    His hand caught it, thankfully. The momentum nearly ripped his arm from its socket, but he held on, gritting his teeth against the pain as the boulders rolled past him.

    Hanging there on the steep incline, his body battered and bruised, Kaiser let out a shuddering breath. He activated his immortality again, forcing his broken bones to mend, his shredded muscles to stitch back together. Each second of healing brought a fresh wave of discomfort, but better than excruciating pain of grievous wounds. Finally, his body was whole again, though, he still felt like torn apart, broken and mangled mentally.

    Leaning against the freezing black stone, Kaiser gasped for air. His pale face was twisted in pain, anger and exhaustion. The torment he had endured was unlike anything he had ever faced, causing his body to subconsciously shake from the lingering memory. The air was cold around him, seeping chilliness through his tattered leather armor and clothes.

    Kaiser just rest there for a while, hanging silently like a dead man. Eventually, he muttered hoarsely.

    ¡°I swear, dying on my first day in Greenland would¡¯ve been less humiliating than this.¡± at least there, he lived for a couple of hours with the company of a goddess before unfortunately encountering the Bandits. Here, however, not even a minute pass and his already dead.

    He paused, then spat bitterly, ¡°It¡¯s not even my fault! Blame my rotten luck! DAMN IT, THAT HURT!¡±

    The cold stone beneath him sapped the last remnants of warmth from his body, but his rage burned hot. Memories of Bakar flooded his mind, along with the cruel hand fate seemed to play against him time and time again despite his struggle. And now, his unable to fulfill his promise of returning. The thought of his misfortune frustrated his to the Brim, boiling up into uncontrollable anger. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Suddenly, he roared into the void.

    ¡°F*ck luck! F*ck all its ancestors and relatives, if it even HAS any! What the f*ck did I do to deserve this?!¡±

    Nothing, really. In fact, Kai did a heroic deed that saved countless lives, yet here he is, clinging to a colossal mountain side, alone, cold and lost, adding to his infuriation.

    However, luck itself seemed to take offense and spat in return.

    A gust of air swept over him, sending a chilling breeze on his back, carrying with it the low, grating sound of something alive.

    Six serrated limbs, akin to crab legs, surrounded him, piercing into the rock with an audible crunch. Each ending in a single razor-sharp claws, dyed black.

    Kaiser froze. Then, slowly, he turned his head up.

    A grotesque creature loomed above him, its body covered in leathery, bat-like skin that blended in the dim light. Four malformed wings twitched on its back, their veined membranes pulsing as if alive.

    But the worst part was its face¡ªor lack thereof. Its head was embedded in its wide body from the looks of it, a grotesque mouth was a vertical slit running down its underbelly, lined with rows of needle-like teeth. On its top dangled two antennae, each tipped with glistening black eyes that swayed and twitched as they studied him.

    Kaiser forgot to breathe for a moment, shocked by repulsive terror, but then, against all reason, he smirked sarcastically.

    ¡°Okay, I take that back¡­¡±

    His grin widened, twisted and daring. That of someone who has lost everything and doesn''t give a sh*t to everything.

    ¡°Like hell I would! What are you waiting for, you overgrown insect? EAT ME! COME ON, TRY¡ª¡±

    The creature lunged, its mouth splitting open unnaturally wide.

    And it did. It swallowed him whole.

    The world went dark, the creature¡¯s grotesque gullet squeezing around him. Yet even in the suffocating blackness, Kaiser¡¯s voice echoed, muffled but unbroken, devoid of fear.

    ¡°...You¡¯re gonna regret that, you ugly bastard!¡±

    ...

    ''What now?''

    All he saw was black, the oppressive darkness of the insect¡¯s stomach pressing down on him. Slimy walls clung to his skin, and viscous, acidic fluids pooled around him. Kaiser was unarmed¡ªWindslayer had been lost somewhere during his hellish tumble down the mountainside, because even his arm wasn''t spared from being broken. Yet, strangely, there was no panic in his expression.

    In fact, he looked...relaxed. Kinda bored, actually.

    The interior of the creature was unexpectedly warm. The tight, slimy embrace of its insides seemed almost snug, the liquid heat spreading through his body like a grotesque, suffocating blanket. The caustic stomach acid that would eventually dissolve him was little more than a mild sting, barely scratching the surface of his battle-hardened pain tolerance. After everything he had endured, this was nothing¡ªif he didn''t stay too long.

    He leaned back against the pulsating wall, letting out a tired sigh.

    The only things that truly bothered him were the foul stench¡ªa vile, sour rot that clung to his lungs¡ªand the limited supply of air. But even that wasn¡¯t enough to rattle him.

    He was too tired for that.

    Too weary.

    Everything that had happened up to this moment¡ªthe hellish battles in the burning woods, dangerous chase with the massive dinosaur, hopeless against Bakar, the Boundary, the endless, excruciating fall¡ªhad drained him mentally. He didn¡¯t have the energy to rage, to scream, or even to fight back.

    Kaiser just wanted to rest.

    He closed his eyes and let the quiet engulf him. The world outside¡ªGreenland, its invaders, its people¡ªfelt impossibly distant. He tried to ignore the intrusive thoughts clawing at his mind, tried to push them away and surrender to the dark, but they refused to be silenced.

    He had failed. Not his others, but himself.

    That truth burned deeper than any acid could. He had failed Cia and Ariella.

    Especially Cia, after convincing the blind girl that lost all hope in life to live for him and promised to return confidently knowing death couldn''t stop him only to miserably disappear without a trace. Because as fate would have it, it freaking sent one of the ancient Players and an accursed Boundary on his path of return, in the most unfortunate moment. Vanishing him from Greenland, and now, he didn''t know what to do, his lost and tried to think, to move.

    Fate was probably laughing in his face.

    He could picture Cia now¡ªalone, waiting for him, tears streaming down her face as the realization struck. How could he have been so careless? How could he have let her down like this? No words can measure his disappointment to himself.

    And Ariella... He wasn¡¯t even sure what she would feel. Would the enigmatic goddess grieve for him? Or would she dismiss him as just another mortal who had dared to stand beside her? He didn¡¯t know, and the uncertainty twisted in his chest like a knife.

    He let out a hollow laugh, the sound swallowed by the creature¡¯s insides. The absurdity of it all hitting him. He had imagined a triumphant return¡ª awarded with generous amounts of gold enough to fill an extravagant bathtub in his future mansion, be paraded in the streets, showered in praises even though he would likely avoid it. Still, anything is better than falling down a jagged mountain. Beaten, battered, and swallowed whole by an overgrown insect in some dark Realm.

    His chest tightened with anger and helplessness.

    His thoughts drifted back to Greenland, to the people he had fought for and the lives he had saved. Would they remember him? Or would his disappearance fade into obscurity, just another forgotten casualty in a world overrun by chaos? Then again, he gives no sh*ts about that, only Cia and Ariella, the only two people he had to a family, people that won''t leave him. Funny that he was then one to leave, despite being immortal.

    Kaiser closed his eyes again, his jaw tightening. He hated this. The helplessness. The loss. The unbearable distance between him and the people he cherished.

    And yet, beneath the exhaustion, a flicker of determination stirred.

    His alive, isn''t he?

    ''They¡¯re in another Realm...''

    The thought cut through the haze of his despair, sharp and clear. And if they were in another Realm, then he¡¯d just have to find a way to cross it.

    Kaiser opened his eyes, the darkness around him no longer oppressive but a canvas for his resolve.

    ¡°...Then so be it.¡±

    His voice was low, a whisper swallowed by the grotesque confines of the creature¡¯s stomach. But it was filled with steel.

    No matter how far he had to go. No matter what stood in his way. He would claw his way back to them. To Cia and Ariella, to his stepdaughters...

    He coughed, trying hard to vanish intrusive thoughts.

    ''Seriously, what was I thinking back then? How the heck did that even happen? Can''t I just, you know, have a normal relationship...?''

    Unfortunately, what''s done is done.

    Suddenly, a transparent blade stabbed through him, its glass-like tip emerging from his abdomen. The huge insect shrieked outside.

    He grunted with a smile.

    "Took you long enough."

    In the distance, a dazzling young woman with silky pink hair noticed a falling creature. She thought for a brief moment, before shifting directions.

 Chapter 119; Obsidian Mountains Beneath the Ocean

    The four-winged bat-like creature, doomed by its poor choice of a meal, plummeted from a dreadful height amidst its flight. Its unstable body¡ªthanks to a certain someone''s sword ripping one of its wings, thus breaking balance¡ªsmashed into the jagged, black stones below with a sickening crunch, the impact reverberating through the desolate silence of the mountain side. For all its monstrous toughness, the fall didn''t prove too much, leaving it dizzy but alive. However, the unlucky young man within it seems to be despised by the god of fortune, that even the innocent bat was not spared. The oversize insect rolled down the steep mountain side in his turn, and after who knows how long. Their rough descent finally ended with a repulsive thud.

    The poor creature¡¯s twisted remains sprawled across the ground. Ironically, its gruesome fate spared Kaiser from an even worse one, as it cushioned his landing just enough to keep him from being reduced to pulp. To think a day would come when he thanked a bat for swallowing him whole.

    However, the prolonged rolling down a rocky path within a monster''s belly did not spare his life, either.

    With a weary groan, Kaiser¡¯s broken, mangled body began the slow, agonizing process of regenerating itself.

    ''Who knew this freaky insect flew so high.'' Too high, in fact, Kaiser speculated that their descent took almost an hour despite traveling down the mountain side devoid of safety at bone crushing speed.

    Of course, he just had to fail life again.

    How many times has it been since he had crossed the Southern Boundary? Kai had long since lost count and didn¡¯t care to keep track. Every new death was just another tally in the never-ending farce that was his existence. Then again, what could he do against overwhelming gravity? Nothing but fall and die.

    "I''m really getting sick of this," He grumbled as he sat up from the bat gruesome remains, shaking off the last remnants of disorientation.

    He grimaced, cracking his neck as his bones stitched themselves back together with a series of sickening pops. After enduring another set of torturous sessions, he sighed.

    ¡°Did I use up the already pitiful amount of luck I had babysitting a goddess and gaining immortality I never wanted in the first place?"

    ...Or maybe, this is the gods doing for all the crap he said about them?

    He glared at the torn remains of the insect that had dared to eat him. ¡°Even the bugs here have it out for me. Great.¡±

    Now that his not falling, and instead, standing on solid ground with his raging emotions calmed down, the first thing he sensed in his sober state was cold.

    Shivering slightly, Kaiser became aware of the cold. The air here was frigid, an uncomfortable chill that seeped into his skin, made worse by his wet body, soaked in stinky bodily fluids of the four-winged bat.

    It wasn¡¯t cold enough to kill him, though. At least in a matter of days, which comically

    is the understatement of the century for someone who survived through death.

    However, it was a far cry from the comfortable, temperate air of Greenland. His breath misted in the air as he exhaled, and he rubbed his arms for warmth. Not that it did much good.

    Taking a deep, steadying breath, he stood on unsteady legs and took a proper look around for the first time. Blinked, then look some more then blinked again. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    Eventually, he just froze, deeply frowned, mouth slightly agape, eyes filled with disbelief.

    ¡°What... the... f*ck?¡±

    The landscape stretched out before him like a scene ripped from a fever dream.

    The ground beneath his feet was made of black, glass-like stone, jagged and sharp as though it had been shattered and scattered by some unimaginable force. It wasn¡¯t a flat plain but a chaotic expanse of peaks and troughs, undulating like frozen waves of molten rock. The obsidian-like surface gleamed faintly, catching the dim light from above and reflecting it in a way that gave the illusion of movement. In the distance, towering mountains of the same black material loomed, their jagged spires reaching hungrily toward the sky, like many countless others of varying height.

    And then there was the sky itself.

    Kaiser tilted his head back, his jaw falling slack.

    Above him was an ocean¡ªa vast, boundless expanse of water suspended high in the air. It swayed and rippled as if moved by a gentle current, its deep, liquid blue a stark contrast to the black desolation below. Light filtered through the water, casting shimmering, distorted patterns onto the dark mountains, like sunlight dancing on the bottom of a pool. The effect was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, as though the entire realm were bathed in the light of an ethereal, underwater sun.

    But the ocean wasn¡¯t merely water. Within its depths, streaks of color¡ªvivid greens, purples, and blues¡ªshifted and swirled akin to flashing thunders sparking within thunder clouds but far slower and smother instead of instant, creating patterns that mirrored the aurora borealis for a fleeting moment. The colors pulsed and danced like living things, their movements both beautiful and otherworldly, before fading into the oceanic vastness.

    Kaiser¡¯s brain struggled to process what he was seeing. The beauty of the scene was undeniable, but it was the kind of beauty that felt wrong, alien, as if it didn¡¯t belong to the natural world.

    ¡®Why the heck is there a freaking *ocean* in the sky?!¡¯

    The absurdity of the thought echoed in his mind as he turned in a slow circle, trying to take it all in. The vastness of the blackened landscape, the looming obsidian peaks, the surreal, luminous ocean above that casts dim light¡ªit all felt like something out of a madman¡¯s dream. That said, as someone who got summoned from another world and can''t die. His close to being a madman himself, so why bother being shocked.

    "Well, at least it looks prettier than Greenland."

    Though, that only applied on what''s above, not what''s below where his located.

    Kaiser¡¯s chest tightened as he considered the implications. What''s beyond the Southern Boundary had been unknown, because those who dared venture never came back. So, he expected it to be an inescapable hell, which is safe to assume because the nightmarish invaders can only come from a hellish place.

    And indeed, the surrounding glossy rocks do look apprehensive, silence suffocating and creatures... Kai glanced at the four-winged bat again, and shuddered slightly.

    ''Creepy.''

    Who knew what other monstrosity awaited him here? Hopefully, Kai won''t encounter the dinosaur again, that creature is really hard to deal with without a sucky Boundary. Now that he mentioned it, where are the Boundaries in this dim Realm? He looked above, not to the oceanic sky but to where he came from and saw...

    An extremely high mountain clinging to the Boundary, its terrain dangerously inclined, steep enough to make any climber consider for a long time before trying it. However, Kai doubt anyone would make it, because its sheer height made the idea of reaching its summit impossible. No wonder his recent descent took almost an hour despite rolling down and dying multiple times. And beyond the steep mountain''s summit was.

    He frowned.

    Nothing but blackness stretching above, with color far deeper than the obsidian mountain, ending at a straight line where the waters of the sky collided with complete darkness.

    One of the things he learned from Garba is that, there are varying kinds of Boundaries, as there are varying kinds of strange Realms. Greenland, having four only possesses one type of Boundary¡ªa pulling mirror type, just like the Southern Boundary¡ª however, the ancient Players knowledge was too crucial to ignore, forcing everyone who''s interested to know that there are different forms of Boundaries, not just one. As for what the variants are, his dead mentor had no access to such explicit knowledge, however, it was said that there might be endless kinds of Boundaries. In fact, even the oceanic sky above could be one, including the utter blackness where the steep mountain clings to. And considering it''s a wall that served as this world''s edge, it''s most likely one. The Boundary where he emerges from and would surely return him to Greenland.

    Kaiser kept staring upwards until his neck ached from being craned for too long. He let out a heavy sigh.

    This was the realm beyond the Southern Boundary, the place where no one returned from. Kai can see the reason now, because all that enters the Southern Boundary was sent stumbling down a colossal mountainside.

    The only way back is climbing up, which is obviously easier said than done. Kai just stood there, thinking somberly, quietly resisting the coldness. The silence around him was deafening, broken only by the faint, rhythmic sound of the ocean above. The air was thick with an oppressive stillness that made him feel small, insignificant, as though the very world itself was watching him.

    Kaiser took a deep breath, the cold air burning his lungs. His gaze drifted back to the shimmering ocean above, the colors reflected in his eyes.

    This was the place he had been thrown into, the place he had to get out if he ever wanted to see them again. Cia, Ariella, his¡­ step, family. They were out there, beyond this hellish realm, waiting for him.

    And he would claw his way back to them, no matter what.

    ''But first, let me rest.''

    Yawning, Kaiser heads off to find a comfortable place to sleep, for the first time in what feels like forever. He walks around the rocky environment with weary eyes, searching for a cave, perhaps? But honestly, his so mentally fatigued that even a simple hole between rocks would do, heck, Kai would have dug a hole to slumber under layers of dirt if there were actually any soils in this godforsaken place. Sadly, except for the sharp fragmented black rocks, there''s nothing.

    His about to give up and just sleep in the damned hard ground despite the cold. When he found it.

    Something man-made.

 Chapter 120: Sleep is a Struggle

    Amidst his weary search for shelter, Kaiser¡¯s tired gaze fell on an odd cluster of rocks wedged tightly between two towering boulders. At first glance, they seemed like nothing more than natural formations, nothing strange, typical of this desolate world of jagged obsidian. But as he drew closer, a flicker of suspicion crossed his face. The rocks were too deliberately arranged¡ªstacked in a pattern too neat to be the work of chaotic nature.

    He frowned, leaning closer to inspect the unusual barrier.

    ''Could this be the work of a monster?'' he mused, though the idea didn¡¯t sit right. Why would a creature build something resembling a barricade? That said, some animals on Earth do have a habit of building peculiar stuff, but Kai''s intuition suggests otherwise.

    It was almost as if someone had deliberately blocked the path between the boulders, sealing off whatever lay beyond. His more inclined to believe this is the work of a human and there''s only one way to found out. Besides, even if curiosity killed the cat, Kai had more lives than any cats.

    Curiosity tugged at him, battling with his overwhelming exhaustion. He was too drained to dismantle the barrier, so he opted for the next best option: climbing. Groaning softly, he reached for the nearest handhold on the rough, cold surface of the boulder. As he began his ascent, an unsettling realization crept over him.

    His grip felt weaker than usual. His arms were still strong¡ªstronger than necessary to scale this boulder, actually¡ªbut there was a subtle sluggishness to his movements, a dullness that he hadn¡¯t experienced in days. His muscles, once capable of incredible feats, now strained against the climb in a way that felt slightly foreign to him. Kai knew his body performed better than this, responding faster. However, at the moment, its performance rate seems to have decreased.

    ''Did I get weaker?'' The thought gnawed at him as he hauled himself upward. His mind, weary from constant struggle, offered no clarity.

    ''Maybe it¡¯s just fatigue...'' Kaiser shrugged, after all, a tired mind can''t order a body properly, because mentality and physicality heavily rely on each other.

    The climb, though short, felt like an eternity. Every muscle in his body begged him to stop and sleep, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion, urging him to nap. But Kaiser, stubborn as ever, muttered to himself, ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll finally sleep after seeing what¡¯s on the other side.¡±

    Finally, with a grunt and a last burst of effort, he reached the summit of the boulder. What he saw on the other side made his heart lurch, his footing momentarily slipping before he caught himself. Pulling himself up again, Kai rose to his feet. He blinked, then rubbed his eyes to make sure his sleep-deprived brain wasn¡¯t conjuring illusions.

    But the sight didn¡¯t vanish.

    ''...A camp?''

    Nestled in the clearing below was an unmistakable human campsite. Under the dim, rippling light of the vast sea above, two tents stood¡ªor rather, one stood while the other lay crumpled and torn. The intact tent was simple, made of brown fabric stretched taut over thin metal poles. Its skeletal frame glinted faintly, sturdy and functional, though nothing fancy. The other tent had clearly seen better days. The fabric had been shredded, its remains strewn across the rocky ground as though some creature had savaged it. The two tent resembled an overly simple house, large enough to accommodate quite a number of people within. However...

    Kaiser squinted, his sharp eyes scanning the scene for any sign of life. There was none. No movement. No sound. Just the eerie silence of an abandoned camp.

    The location of the camp, however, was clever. It was tucked into a natural hollow between the boulders, shielded from casual observation of nearby wanderers. From his vantage point atop the barricade, Kaiser could see how the terrain worked to the advantage of whoever had set it up. The narrow passageways leading to the camp were few and easily blocked¡ªlike the one he¡¯d just climbed over. The rocks used to seal the paths were ranging from small to massive, some far too heavy for an average human to move without considerable effort, tools or equipment. Makes one wonder if normal humans set this campsite up... Or, perhaps fellow Players with strengthening ability?

    Despite the eerie stillness, his trained eye caught other details. Iron spikes had been driven into the larger stones, forming makeshift ladders for scaling the barriers. It was a practical touch, likely for the camp¡¯s lookouts or occupants to move quickly if the need arose.

    But where were they now?

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze shifted back to the camp itself. The torn tent, with its shredded fabric fluttering faintly in the cold air, told a grim story. Whatever had happened here, it wasn¡¯t peaceful. The second tent, though still upright, wasn¡¯t much better. Its frame was exposed in places, its once-taut canvas sagging like a forgotten memory.

    His frown deepened as he scanned the area once more, his instincts tingling. Something about the emptiness unsettled him. Where are the people? And what tore through that tent?

    Most probably, they all had successfully fled from whatever tore their tent and from the looks of it. Kai''s gaze settled on a certain pathway that had been sealed with smaller stones, currently ruined, rocks spilled on the floor, giving way for a sizable passage suitable for humans to pass through, but would hinder anything else larger.

    Whoever commanded this camp, they sure knew what they were doing. Leading everyone to a successful escape without losses.

    Fatigue momentarily forgotten, Kaiser crouched low on the boulder¡¯s edge, his sharp gaze studying every inch of the abandoned camp. The eerie silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the occasional sound of shifting stones beneath his boots.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Looks like I found something interesting after all,¡± he mumbled under his breath. Despite his exhaustion, his curiosity burned brighter now. Whatever had happened here, it wasn¡¯t something he could ignore. Furthermore, that''s a nice looking tent out there, it''s more than he wished for.

    With a deep breath, Kaiser launched himself off the boulder¡¯s edge, aiming for a clean, cool descent into the abandoned campsite below to boast his inhumane power to literally no one. Unfortunately, fate was watching and had other plans.

    His foot landed squarely on a loose shard of obsidian, sending him tumbling forward. His arms flailed, but gravity was merciless, and he crashed face-first into the jagged ground with all the grace of a dying bird.

    ¡°Argh, damn it!¡± he hissed, clutching his throbbing nose. Warm blood trickled between his fingers. He froze, unease prickling the back of his neck.

    ''Bleeding? That¡¯s... odd.''

    He frowned, rubbing his nose gingerly. It wasn¡¯t like him to bleed so easily, not after slaying numerous invaders, even from a faceplant... His not sure, really. Kai still wished to have a system-like tabulator to track his progress.

    Still, his exhaustion quickly drowned out his unease. Right now, the promise of shelter¡ªof slumber inside the tent¡ªwas too alluring. He grumbled under his breath, cursing every sharp-edged rock in this cursed realm, as he pushed himself upright.

    And soon enough, he saw it.

    Inside the standing tattered tent was something that made his weary heart leap with cautious hope: uniforms. Actual clothing. Kaiser¡¯s bedraggled state had become almost comical. His once-proud leather armor, reinforced with some steel plating, had been shredded in battle after battle¡ªIn the fiery war amidst the burning woods followed by his confrontation with the dinosaur¡ªThe last remnants of the steel plating had long since scattered during his rocky descent into this nightmarish realm. All that clung to his body now were filthy, tattered scraps, reeking of sweat, blood, and the foul ichor of slain invaders, dried and stinky.

    Kaiser sniffed, grimacing. The stench was unbearable even to him. His current attire was less a uniform and more a collection of damp rags held together by sheer stubbornness. He sighed, his hand brushing against one of the uniforms in the tent.

    But his fleeting smile faltered.

    They were all women¡¯s uniforms.

    Not just any women¡¯s uniforms, either¡ªthese were identical to the ones worn by students at the university he had attended before being thrown into this shattered reality. The realization hit him like a slap.

    ''So... They''re here after all.''

    The sight of these uniforms confirmed his suspicions, though it didn¡¯t surprise him much. He had encountered other former students in Greenland before being cast into this abyss. Still, knowing he wasn¡¯t entirely alone in this desolation brought a faint sense of relief.

    But relief didn¡¯t solve his immediate problem.

    Kaiser stared at the uniforms, the corner of his mouth twitching. They were clean. Whole. Warm. Everything his current rags were not. But they were also... distinctly feminine. His face twisted in hesitation.

    ¡°No way,¡± he muttered, stepping back as if the uniforms might attack him. The very thought of draping himself in a girl¡¯s uniform sent shudders down his spine. He could face monstrous, four-winged bats that could swallow him whole without flinching, but this? This was a different kind of horror.

    Kaiser shook his head vehemently, muttering to himself as he turned toward the other tent. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m wearing that. No, freaking way, I''d rather die.¡±

    Kai may not possess much shame for others but he at least is ashamed of himself.

    The other tent, though crumpled and torn, seemed promising. With a determined grunt, he rummaged through the collapsed fabric which fortunately had male uniforms in it. After searching for a while more, Kai got himself a new set of formal attire making him look human again.

    Kaiser¡¯s new uniform was simple yet striking, designed with a balance of practicality and elegance¡ªrelatively suited for combat yet refined enough to evoke a sense of authority. The previous owner of this suit was probably filthy rich back on Earth, because it''s made of high quality fabric that adjusted to his movements. Then again, his former university is kind of prestigious.

    The base was a sleek black jacket, form-fitting yet flexible, made from a material that shimmered faintly in the dim light. The high collar was edged with crisp white trim, adding a sharp contrast to the deep black. The jacket was adorned with subtle silver buttons running down the front, with two additional decorative straps crossing the chest diagonally. The cuffs bore intricate white embroidery in angular patterns, reminiscent of the obsidian shards surrounding him.

    Underneath, a white undershirt peeked through, its collar just visible beneath the jacket, providing a clean, polished look. A slim black tie was tucked neatly into place, adding a formal touch to the ensemble. He almost threw the tie away, after all, who needs that in chaotic the Shattered Realms? But Kai kept it solely because it''s the first proper tie he had. And it''s free!

    The pants were tailored and black, reinforced with subtle padding at the knees for durability without sacrificing style. Thin white piping ran down the sides, accentuating the uniform''s streamlined design.

    His shoes were black, polished to a mirror shine, and fitted perfectly to his feet. They were practical, designed for movement, with soles that gripped well against the jagged obsidian terrain, yet their minimalist style complemented the rest of the uniform¡¯s aesthetic.

    Completing the outfit was a short black cape draped over his left shoulder, secured with a silver clasp shaped like a crescent moon. The cape¡¯s inner lining was white, creating a dynamic contrast when it fluttered in the wind. Kai thought for a moment, then decided to rip that part away. The rich students at the top add such decorations to express their superiority through fashion, and he disliked that. Furthermore, the fancy cape looks silly in his opinion, the ones made for hunters like what he has before are far cooler.

    Kaiser adjusted the cuffs and collar, making it more loose and casual, all the while marveling at the fit. The uniform was surprisingly comfortable, almost as if tailored specifically for him¡ªall his sizes are average, finding his fit isn''t hard¡ªThough simple in design, it exuded an understated elegance that suited his silent presence perfectly, clean, sharp, and ready for the battles ahead... Well, it won''t become tattered easily due to the quality.

    It''s a formal attire made for a rich, proper young man, but worn by an introverted delinquent, to say the least.

    ¡°Finally,¡± he breathed, checking it with a sense of triumph. He didn¡¯t know why the students who built this camp had discarded their uniforms, but that was a mystery for another time. Right now, all he cared about was warmth and comfort.

    Apparently, the two tents were meant to separate males and females sleeping quarters for the sake of decency. The crumbled one is for the males, with the other for females. Kai briefly wondered if the thing that ravaged this camp didn''t acknowledge gender equality and chuckled to himself.

    The inside of the still-standing tent was equally promising. Other than being whole, there was a makeshift firepit¡ªa circle of carefully arranged stones with charred remnants of burnt cloth inside. A flint, worn from use, lay nearby. The firepit hadn¡¯t been used in some time, but it was clear that the campers had resorted to burning discarded uniforms for warmth. No one can blame them for burning expensive uniforms due to the uncomfortable coldness of this Realm, chilling enough to end an average person''s life in one day or more, perhaps.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze shifted to his tattered leather armor accompanied by ragged garments, now crumpled on the ground like a forgotten relic. It had served him well, enduring countless battles and surviving through hellish challenges. Yet now, its stench and sorry state made it impossible to ignore.

    He sighed heavily, dragging it to the firepit. With a few careful strikes of the flint, sparks caught on the shredded leather, alongside all the female clothes he gives not even the smallest hint of care. Flames flickered to life, growing steadily as they consumed the fabric.

    His former attire had been a loyal companion¡ªnot like a cloth could ever betray him¡ªserving him through thick and thin until it was reduced to tatters, yet still clung to his immortal body to the end, even crossing the Boundary with him. It deserves an honorary burial in the fire, just like Garba, the last swordmaster of the tower.

    Definitely not because it stinks, dirty and could prolong the bonfire flames. Yeah, Kai was sincerely doing this to honor his former hunter''s attire, definitely not for comfort.

    ¡°Thanks for everything,¡± Kaiser said shamelessly with a straight face as he watched the flames dance. The warmth spread through the tent, chasing away the bitter chill of the surrounding silence.

    As the fire crackled softly, he sank onto the ground, his body finally relaxing. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Kaiser allowed his eyes to drift shut.

    ¡°Finally... peace,¡± he murmured, surrendering to sleep at last.

    After an unknown amount of time, his beastial sense informed his consciousness that something or someone was approaching.

 Chapter 121: Stranger

    ''...That''s new.''

    In the cozy embrace of sleep, Kaiser¡¯s instincts stirred, dragging him abruptly to full alertness. He lay there, still sleeping, his body unmoving as his mind honed in on the sensation. It was strange¡ªthis clarity that sharpened his awareness as if the darkness itself whispered of an intruder. His senses felt heightened, far beyond their usual sharpness, like a predator sniffing the faintest trace of prey.

    This wasn¡¯t normal. He had always been perceptive since receiving Zara''s beastial capabilities through the result of his Sacred Bond with her. But this... This felt like a whole new level of acuity. He didn¡¯t even need to open his eyes to know something¡ªor someone¡ªwas approaching. The faint, almost imperceptible tremors in the ground told him the intruder was navigating the natural stone walls surrounding the camp, heading towards him. However, it wasn¡¯t just physical awareness. It was as though his instincts were now finely attuned to danger itself.

    As he lay there, Kaiser recalled the beastial woman, Zara. The Sacred Bond they had forged in the dark prison of their captivity by the bandits. She had explained it back then, the nature of the bond¡ªhow their powers would intertwine, strengthening each other and him becoming her master... Though, now that he thinks about it, that treacherous woman words were likely mixed with lies to convince the inexperienced and naive Kai back then. However, she is honest about the crucial parts which the Sacred Bond required to successfully form. The straightforward part of her power becoming his, and his becoming her''s, sharing each other''s strength for a greater output. And indeed, her beastial strength, her heightened senses, her animalistic reflexes¡ªthey had become his to wield. As for his immortality... Due to its extreme exceptionality, so potent that it could defy death itself, Kai wasn''t so sure if she did benefit from him like he did to her.

    That said, if memory serves him right, the last time they saw each other was weeks ago, two or three, maybe? Kai doesn''t have the best mind in tracking time thanks to his agonizingly undying life that often felt like eternity. Nevertheless, she''s apparently becoming stronger if her blessings to him are increasing, which justified why his senses suddenly heightened to this degree. But how? With the existence of Leveling, doing so isn''t that hard as long as one knew how to kill, and that woman was the most dreadful reaper in his memory. Kai would never forget her savagery in slaying the Bandits with the chilling grace of a dancing reaper. However, Greenland''s forest dwellers were weak, too weak in comparison to creatures of neighboring Realms, making even the veteran Hunters sacrificed many to kill a single lesser invader. Therefore, hunting in Greenland to strengthen herself would be a long and slow journey to power. Kai didn''t even notice the effects of leveling until he defeated otherworldly invaders, making her current progress impossible to achieve in a matter of weeks in Greenland wilderness... Unless, she ventured to another Realm. Which isn''t that strange for someone who doesn''t belong in that relatively peaceful Realm in the first place because she''s no human, at least, not fully.

    A delightful realization dawned on him.

    ''If Zara was growing stronger... then so was I.''

    Kaiser smirked mentally at the thought. Was she out there, tirelessly slaying monsters, pushing herself to the limit to grow more powerful for an unknown goal? If so, then it meant he was reaping the rewards of her labor thanks to the Bond of blood she insisted on him. He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle lowly at the irony.

    "I¡¯m literally leeching off her hard work," he muttered, his voice low but tinged with humor. "How¡¯s that for poetic justice?"

    After all, Zara had betrayed him. It wasn¡¯t exactly a shock¡ªtrust was a luxury he rarely afforded anyone¡ªbut her treachery still stung¡ªWell, she did kill him cold blooded¡ªBut now, knowing she couldn¡¯t escape the bond they had forged, the tables had turned in the most satisfying way. Wherever she was, he hoped she was cursing his name as much as she was swinging her claws at her enemies.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Kaiser also hoped she lived long and strong, so he could keep sucking at her efforts. He was really grateful to Zara for forming the Sacred Bond with him, in which she can''t escape. He suddenly chuckled once again, thinking what comical expression would she make once he found out that she''s stuck with the immortal him for eternity. That said, Kai was not sure if she was benefiting from him, as well, due to the peculiar exceptionality of his immortality, so potent that it could defy death, itself. Even if she did, immortality is more of a curse than a gift in Shattered Realms in his experience, it''s like playing a cruel game without a choice of quitting.

    ''Good luck to that wolfy... Serves her right.''

    Oh, right, he had a guess coming, he should really give them some attention. Kai thought for a moment before shrugging, deciding to continue his slumber while tracking whatever the intruder is. For now, this was... training. A lazy smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he thought about how Garba would berate him for such carelessness. Then again, how the heck does his mentor expect this disciple of his that killed himself to act?

    There was no time to dwell.

    The intruder was closing in.

    Kaiser shifted slightly, repositioning himself for comfort as the presence grew closer. Rather than rousing himself fully, he decided to stay as he was¡ªhalf-asleep but fully aware¡ªusing this situation as an impromptu exercise for his heightened senses. Whoever was approaching would reveal themselves soon enough, and if they had hostile intentions, he would deal with it.

    The intruder was now inside the camp, their steps cautious but deliberate. From the sound of their gait, they were more like staggering rather than walking confidently. He expected it to be some odd monster attracted by the mysterious sight of flame within the tent due to how cautious it seems, seemingly thinking beyond an average human in approaching a deserted camp with lit fire inside and for some reason, it doesn''t walk like a human, but to his surprise. As seconds ticked by, Kaiser¡¯s perception began to piece together more details. Whoever it was moved on two legs¡ªnot a beast, then¡ªbut their balance was off, as though they were injured.

    ''An injured human?''

    The soft shuffle of feet against the cold, obsidian ground carried subtle elegance. Even in her staggered state, her movements possessed the grace of a woman. And then there was the faint trace of her scent¡ªa youthful, sweet, indescribable fragrance carried by the chilled air, the odor, despite being mixed with blood was noticeably more pleasant than men''s.

    Kaiser frowned in his sleep. ''Great. It¡¯s a girl.''

    The stranger paused outside the tent, keeping a safe distance, seemingly assessing the scene. For a moment, he wondered what she might be thinking. The firelight dancing through the torn fabric, the lone figure sleeping within¡ªit must have looked like a trap or some kind of illusion. Yet, instead of barging in recklessly, she began circling the tent, seeking an angle that allowed her to peer inside through the tears of fabric without exposing herself.

    ''Smart. I wouldn¡¯t have thought of that,'' Kaiser admitted silently.

    Only then did she approach the tent in haste, but Kaiser didn''t move, just considering what she''ll do to a sleeping human, will she rob him? Worse case, she''ll kill and eat him, in any case, what she''ll do will determine what he''ll do with her, Kai has been betrayed enough times already.

    The sound of her steps grew more urgent as she approached the tent. She briefly paused outside to confirm that there was no danger within, her presence lingered before she ducked inside, rushing towards the seemingly sleeping young man.

    Kaiser¡¯s senses tingled as she knelt beside him. Her hands hovered uncertainly for a fraction of a second before gripping his shoulders. She pushed him onto his back with surprising care but undeniable urgency. The next thing he knew, her hands were pressing firmly against his chest.

    "Stay with me!" she commanded, her voice sharp and trembling with both fear and determination. Her hands moved rhythmically, pressing down with practiced precision. "Come on, don¡¯t you dare give up on me!"

    Kaiser remained still, amused by the situation but also curious. He hadn¡¯t realized how cold these Undersea mountains had made him appear¡ªcold enough for this woman to mistake him for a victim succumbing to hypothermia.

    Her voice cracked slightly, revealing the pressure she felt in this moment. "You¡¯re not dying on my watch!" she declared, her tone shifting between stern professionalism and rising panic. Her movements sped up, desperation creeping into her actions.

    Her fingers brushed against his face, searching for signs of life. "His temperature didn''t improve, Argh, why did you fall asleep on these cold stones, of all places." she muttered, though the worry in her tone outweighed her frustration.

    Little did Kai know that sleeping on these stones was a grave mistake for it''s almost akin to laying on ice for a prolonged period of time without proper protection from the cold, therefore, killing his body''s warmth gradually in his slumber, the flame only slows it down. Yes, his actually dying here... Nothing new. Just, slow and numb, far less painful than the agonizing deaths is accustomed to.

    As she leaned closer, her breath warm against his skin, Kaiser smirked inwardly.

    ''How long is she going to keep this up?''

    Strangely enough, his kinda enjoying the CPR.

    But then she did something unexpected. She began murmuring to herself, her voice soft and resolute as she continued pressing on his chest. "If this doesn¡¯t work, he''ll die... His dangerously cold, I need to increase his blood circulation by hasting his heart pumping rate. Chest compressions aren''t enough. Should I try mouth-to-mouth? B-but, that''ll be my first..."

    Meanwhile, in his flabbergasted head.

    ''No way... Will, I finally get my first kiss?''

 Chapter 122: Wasted

    Kaiser fell into deep thought, his mind spiraling into an unexpected and oddly introspective debate.

    He only ever had one first kiss in his life¡ªor rather, he had not had it yet¡ªso the importance of the moment warranted deep consideration. After all, this wasn¡¯t something trivial for a growing man, like the first hug Kai had received. That was taken by Zara, amidst the chaos of a burning mansion, only for her to betray him in that dreadful moment, frozen in his chilling embrace as she ripped his heart ¡ªliterally. It had been a uniquely unpleasant experience, one he was not keen to repeat.

    And now, here he was, on the verge of what might be his first kiss. But never, not once, had he imagined it unfolding like this.

    Back on Earth, Kaiser had entertained mundane dreams for his future: grow up, meet a girl, fall in love, and eventually share a romantic first kiss¡ªperhaps even lose his virginity to that special someone. Maybe it would be awkward, maybe magical, or maybe taken by chance with a stranger in a bar after one too many drinks, or be bought by money.

    But this?

    Summoned by gods, cursed for cursing them, thrown into the chaos of the Shattered Realms, battling humans and monsters for the sake of the goddess, crossing the southern end of the world and now lying in a desolate, godforsaken wasteland beneath an oceanic sky¡ªonly to have his first kiss stolen out of pity while dying of hypothermia.

    At least it''s better than being hugged by a bloody lady with wolf-like ears who just massacred countless men before dying the next instant.

    When the heck does getting a hug and kiss become this hard? Kai swears he saw many guys get plenty of it easier!

    The sheer absurdity left him conflicted. Should he accept it? Technically, it would not be a kiss of love, but one of necessity, a trick of circumstance rather than sentiment. But¡­ wasn¡¯t it still worth something? A girl¡ªan actual girl¡ªwas about to kiss him, and here he was, hesitating like some prudish saint.

    He groaned internally. ''Why am I even debating this? Is CPR even considered a kiss?''

    Who cared about the technicalities? It was the experience that mattered, even if it came from pity. Besides, the girl¡¯s voice, soft and soothing as she muttered under her breath, had a certain charm. Maybe she was attractive. Yeah, maybe, he couldn¡¯t know for sure, but he chose to hope.

    Still, something about her voice tugged at his memory. It felt oddly familiar, like a distant echo from his days at the academy. He had heard it before, but he couldn¡¯t quite place it.

    As he wrestled with his thoughts, the girl suddenly sighed heavily, pulling him out of his reverie.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry. For personal reasons, I can¡¯t perform mouth-to-mouth. Please forgive me.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s fleeting hopes crashed and burned. ''So my life is worth less than a girl¡¯s first kiss¡­ figures. Why did I even bother hoping?'' He thought bitterly, wanting to die right here an now.

    He prepared to give up entirely when the girl continued.

    ¡°The best I can do is body heat transfer. Thank God he¡¯s unconscious¡­ and please, *please!* stay unconscious until I¡¯m done, or I might just die of embarrassment.¡±  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Kaiser froze, her words reverberating in his mind like an alarm bell.

    ''Body heat transfer?''

    Before he could fully process it, he felt her hands on his chest, unbuttoning his uniform. His eyes widened in realization.

    *She¡¯s undressing me!*

    Panic surged through him. A kiss was one thing¡ªa slightly mortifying, slightly amusing thing¡ªbut this? Being stripped down in his sleep for ¡°treatment¡±? That was crossing a line.

    He refused to be stripped and molested by a girl!

    Kaiser¡¯s instincts screamed at him to stop this madness.

    "Whoa, whoa, whoa¡ªstop right there!" Was what he''s about to blurt out when he remembered he had to act mortal, yeah, a dying human fighting for his life.

    His eyes flew open, but he barely stopped himself from sitting upright. He had to act like he was still half-dead.

    ''Yeah, like a dying mortal would.''

    ¡°Ugh¡­ wh-where am I?¡± he rasped weakly, his voice dripping with theatric frailty. If there were awards for acting around, he was sure he would just earn one.

    The girl froze, her hands pausing mid-motion, and he braced himself for the fallout.

    The two stared at each other, an awkward silence settling heavily between them. It was, undeniably, one of the strangest and most mortifying situations either had ever been in. A girl stripping a guy on the floor inside a tent¡ªboth at a suitable age for such boldness¡ªwas already scandalous enough. Reversing the roles would not have made it any better.

    The flickering flames from the campfire cast dancing shadows on the tent walls, the faint crackle of burning fabric the only sound in the still air. Kaiser¡¯s deep, dark brown eye, so dark it appears black locked onto hers¡ªeyes like pink diamonds, dazzling and almost otherworldly. There was something strikingly elegant and utterly captivating about them, as if her very gaze radiated a sense of perfection, at the same time, harshness of its burden concealed beneath her charm.

    And then, recognition hit him like a thunderbolt.

    Hazie.

    There was no need for introductions.

    Kaiser felt the blood drain from his face as his brain scrambled to process the situation.

    ''H-hazie? The Haziel, Haze, but often called Hazie?''

    Yes, Hazie. No student on campus would not recognize her elegance, due to her beauty and achievements. She''s the girl who had been the epitome of perfection at their former university. She wasn¡¯t just any girl; she was *the* girl. Top of every subject, and famed for scoring flawlessly in all written exams, performance, and excelling at every sports team she graced, and the only heir to a billionaire family. Hazie was the dream of every man and, frankly, a fair number of women. She had been untouchable¡ªso far above him that he might as well have been dirt beneath her designer shoes.

    And here she was, dressed in an exquisite suit of armor that seemed a seamless fusion of knightly regality and modern innovation. Unlike the bulky, clunky suits forged by blacksmiths, Hazie¡¯s armor was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its smooth, silver plates interlocked with matte black obsidian pieces, fitting her graceful yet athletic frame as if tailored specifically for her. The complexity of its design was awe-inspiring¡ªwhere traditional armors had maybe thirty or forty components, hers boasted over a hundred intricately engineered pieces, all put together like a mechanical puzzle to clad her body in a fashionable manner.

    But the pristine perfection of her armor had been marred by battle. Chipped edges and scratches hinted at fierce combat, while several parts appeared to have been intentionally removed¡ªlikely for better mobility after sustaining damage, and the parts seems to be conveniently removable. The most noticeable wound was on her right leg, where cold blood had smeared her obsidian plates. Despite the wear and tear, she carried herself with an effortless grace that only heightened her allure with a touch of toughness. Over her shoulders was a thick, expensive-looking cloak made of white cotton and blue leather, slightly tattered from the elements yet retaining its regal aura. That cloak is likely from Earth, brought here like the uniforms they wore when being transported here.

    Kaiser felt his heart sink. Of all people, Hazie had been the one to find him. And not only had she found him, but she had been *stripping him*.

    The universe had given him a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be undressed by the literal dream girl of his youth¡­ and he just wasted it.

    Truely, what a shame.

    ''You idiot,'' he cursed himself.

    His sad, forlorn gaze of a lost man was not an act anymore. No, this was genuine despair. He admired Hazie¡¯s brilliance, her achievements, her beauty¡ªjust like every other guy had. However, truthfully speaking, he had never held any deep feelings for her. It was more like an unattainable admiration from afar like one would feel for an unreachable brilliant star, or awe to a celebrity. Still, the absurdity of being stripped by someone so unattainable amused him. Or at least, it *would have*, if he weren¡¯t such a colossal screw-up.

    The silence between them grew unbearably thick until Hazie, cool and composed as always, broke it.

    She calmly reached for the buttons of his black jacket and fastened them back up, as if what she had been doing moments ago wasn¡¯t at all strange. Her movements were confident and efficient, her expression betraying none of the embarrassment Kaiser felt radiating from every pore. It''s as if she put on her usual mask for others to see, confident, elegant, a bit impassive and commanding, differ to the one Kai heard mumbling to herself when his acting unconscious.

    ¡°You¡¯re alive,¡± she said, her voice smooth and steady, though there was a faint note of relief in her tone. ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I thought I lost you there for a second¡­¡±

    She paused, then smiled¡ªa smile so disarming it made Kaiser¡¯s heart skip a beat. But also wary.

    ¡°Kaiser.¡±

    Her voice lingered on his name like a melody, and he could do nothing but stare, still caught somewhere between disbelief and mortification.

    He frowned in confusion.

 Chapter 123: Care of a Princess

    Kaiser blinked, his weary eyes narrowing slightly in surprise.

    ''That¡¯s¡­ unexpected.''

    As someone who had always lingered at the bottom rung of society, with little to no achievements to his name and a preference for the quiet solace of a small social circle, Kaiser had never imagined someone like Hazie would recognize him. Not only that, but she had called him by name, without hesitation, and as if they were already familiar with one another.

    In a normal situation, anyone meeting Kaiser for the first time would have to ask his name. His lack of presence ensured he was nearly invisible, the kind of guy people only remembered when absolutely necessary. Unlike the popular guys whose names spread like disease, Kaiser had lived in a comfortable anonymity. He had never envied their spotlight before. But now, they have every reason to envy him.

    For the first time in his life, Kaiser experienced what it was like to have someone¡ªand not just anyone, but the most popular girl from his school year¡ªknow his name without need for an introduction, like a star himself. What were the odds of such a moment?

    That said¡­

    ''How does she know me?''

    In the past, he might have been too surprised or flattered to think critically about it. But after meeting Cia¡ªan unassuming yet brilliant girl who had completely rewritten his expectations¡ªhe had learned not to underestimate people. Cia, despite her blindness, was a high achiever, and her ability to outthink others constantly kept him on his toes to the point he felt wary of what he says. Let alone, Hazie. She was above Cia in multiple measurable ways: academics, athletics, wealth, and physical capabilities. In fact, Hazie''s genetics are from elites of humanity, gifting her an excellent mind and body.

    Kaiser didn¡¯t need long to come to a conclusion. People like Hazie were at the top of society for a reason. They didn¡¯t just achieve greatness by accident. They were raised by the elites, children of families who earned millions¡ªif not billions. Needless to say, those kinds of people weren¡¯t like the average folks struggling to break free from the flow of the world. He easily concluded that Hazie probably knew every single name from her graduating batch, from Class F to Class A. Even the dirt at the bottom, like him, had been remembered.

    As this realization dawned on him, Hazie smiled softly, her expression warm and reassuring. The flickering firelight casts an ethereal glow over her delicate features, momentarily distracting him.

    She spoke, her voice gentle yet confident.

    ¡°Correct me if I¡¯m wrong, but you¡¯re Kaiser, right? From Class F? Rank ten in your class. So don¡¯t be surprised if I remember. It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you, Kai. You don¡¯t mind if I call you that, do you?¡±

    Kaiser hesitated for a moment, then mumbled weakly,

    ¡°Um¡­ no.¡±

    His voice was hoarse and tired, a reflection of his current state.

    Her smile widened slightly, lighting up her face in a way that could probably melt glaciers. ¡°Great. I¡¯m Haziel, but everyone calls me Hazie. My best friends call me Haze. Haziel, Hazie, Haze¡ªjust pick whichever one you like.¡±

    Kaiser simply looked at her, his expression unreadable.

    ''Do popular girls normally have this many nicknames?''

    Shrugging off the thought, he redirected his focus to her appearance. Not to admire her beauty, but to study her more closely. Now that he was paying attention, Hazie didn¡¯t look as perfect as she first seemed. Her silky pink hair was slightly disheveled, her cheeks hinted at mild food deprivation, and there were faint bags under her eyes¡ªthough her natural charm and charisma overshadowed these imperfections. Her warm smile, soothing voice, and welcoming demeanor radiated an energy that could put anyone at ease.

    But Kaiser wasn¡¯t fooled.

    If he didn¡¯t know any better, he might have thought this version of Hazie was the real deal. But something about her felt off, as though the girl before him was wearing a mask. And while he couldn¡¯t pinpoint what exactly was amiss, the unease creeping into his thoughts was hard to ignore. The Hazie he remembered from school had been slightly different¡ªdistant, perhaps. More untouchable. But who was he to judge?

    Especially when she was going out of her way to save his waning life, which he had endless of.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Kai let out a silent sigh, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation.

    ''All this because I was stupid enough to sleep on freezing stones.''

    Overwhelming weariness had clouded his judgement back then, coupled with the fact that being accustomed to death had changed his mindset.

    Hazie, noticing his silence, didn¡¯t seem offended. Instead, she spoke again, her tone as calm and reassuring as before. ¡°I¡¯ll step out for a bit to get you some bedding. Wait here, okay? Don¡¯t worry¡ªI won¡¯t leave you.¡±

    Before he could respond, she shrugged off her expensive blue coat, made of fine white cotton and reinforced with soft leather dyed royal blue. She draped it over him carefully, her movements gentle and deliberate, as if silently promising she would be back.

    Then, with one last glance at him, she stepped outside into the cold, leaving Kaiser alone with his thoughts.

    Kaiser¡¯s mind was blank for several seconds as he lay there, processing the scene that had just unfolded. Then, a faint and absurd thought surfaced in his mind.

    ''Am I in heaven?''

    No. Far from it. He was still dying of hypothermia, his body cold and numb, his muscles weak, and his blood moving sluggishly through his veins. Sleepiness weighed heavily on his mind, as though inviting him to surrender, but he remained at peace despite the creeping chill overtaking him. Compared to the agonizing deaths he had endured in the past, this felt strangely serene knowing death will never claim him.

    Comically, death was the least of his worries right now.

    The kiss had been missed, and he had squandered the surreal experience of being stripped by Hazie herself¡ªboth opportunities slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. Yet, as disappointing as that might have seemed, this moment wasn¡¯t so bad, either. In fact, it was something far better.

    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, someone was genuinely caring for him. And that someone was Hazie of all people!

    A small, bittersweet smile tugged at his lips.

    Kaiser¡¯s memories of being cared for were fleeting and distant, tied only to faint recollections of his parents. They had passed away when he was no older than four or five. He couldn¡¯t be sure of the details¡ªtime and childhood immaturity had blurred them into indistinct fragments. After their deaths, he had been shuffled off to a run-down orphanage, where no one had adopted him. He remained there until the orphanage itself shut down.

    What followed were hard days spent surviving on the streets through shady means. It was only later, thanks to a government pension program for orphaned children, that he was admitted to an academic institution, before earning himself a scholarship to a university. The financial support was minimal, barely enough to feed him, but it freed him from the crushing need to work all day and allowed him to pursue an education, however difficult the path. Which he later lost hope on due to misdirection.

    Through all those years of hardship, Kaiser had no one. No one cared for him when he was sick in his bed, weak, or at his lowest. He had always been forced to claw his way out of the darkness on his own. Perhaps that was why he eventually felt such a strong compulsion to care for Ariella and Cia. Their circumstances had been far different from his, yet he had seen their need, their pain, and knew what it was like to be helpless and alone. He was glad he had done what he could for them. He had no regrets about giving them the care he himself had been deprived of.

    And now...

    Now it felt like the heavens¡ªor maybe the oceanic skies above this godforsaken place¡ªhad finally smiled down on him.

    It was his turn to be cared for.

    The warmth of Hazie¡¯s words might have been born from pity for a dying man, but Kaiser didn¡¯t care. He had learned to savor fleeting moments of kindness when they came, no matter the reason.

    ''Let me enjoy this.''

    The faint sound of footsteps broke the quiet. Hazie had returned, dragging the tattered remains of the tent¡¯s fabric and a few discarded uniforms. She moved with purpose, her steps light but deliberate as she laid out the torn fabric beside him.

    ¡°Alright, it''s done!¡± She said softly, more to herself than to him. With surprising strength and a gentleness that made Kaiser¡¯s heart stir, she lifted his unresisting body and set him down on the makeshift bedding. The barrier between him and the cold rocky ground immediately dulled the biting chill, and he almost sighed with relief.

    Shameless as ever, he let Hazie handle all the effort without so much as a token protest.

    His truly savoring the moment.

    ¡°Comfortable?¡± she asked, her voice laced with quiet humor as she leaned over him.

    Kaiser gave her a tired smile, playing up his weakness. ¡°Much better.¡±

    Rolling her eyes but not unkindly, Hazie turned to the fire, using the discarded uniforms to fuel the dying flames. The fabric caught quickly, and the warmth radiated stronger.

    As the firelight danced before them, Hazie glanced back at him. ¡°So,¡± she looks at him casually, brushing her hands free of stain, ¡°what were you even doing out there? Alone, lying on the cold stones like an idiot?¡±

    Kaiser shrugged as much as his lethargic body would allow. ¡°I needed a nap.¡±

    ¡°A *nap*?¡± Hazie¡¯s eyebrows shot up, frustration clear in her voice. ¡°Out in the freezing cold? Were you trying to die?¡±

    ¡°Not on purpose,¡± he replied, his tone light despite the situation. ¡°I just... underestimated the temperature. Happens to the best of us.¡±

    He really can''t tell her the temperature meant nothing but discomfort to him, for death was beneath him.

    Hazie crossed her arms, leaning back against the fabric wall of the tent. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I found you when I did. Hypothermia isn¡¯t exactly something you can shrug off, you know.¡±

    Kaiser chuckled weakly, though it came out more like a hoarse breath. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll try to be more careful next time.¡±

    ¡°*Next time?*¡± she echoed, gently shaking her head in exasperation. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable."

    A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the crackling fire. For once, Kaiser didn¡¯t feel entirely alone in the world. Hazie¡¯s presence¡ªher care, even if it stemmed from pity¡ªwas a rare balm to his battered spirit.

    Staring at the fire with a distant gaze, Hazie glanced over at him again, her expression softening, knowing he learned his lesson. Her lips curving up.

    Staring into the fire, its flickering glow casting fleeting shadows on her face, Hazie glanced at him again. Knowing he learned his lesson, her expression softened, a subtle curve tugging at her lips.

    "That¡¯s... rare," she murmured, "Of all the people I¡¯ve met since being thrown into these Undersea mountains, you¡¯re by far the calmest. Are you... not afraid?"

    Kaiser lingered for a few moments, thinking if he was acting too unnatural, too indifferent. Finally, he let out a low sigh, his gaze shifting blankly to the ceiling of the makeshift tent.

    "...Not really," he said simply.

    Her brows furrowed slightly, curiosity flickering in her pink diamond-like eyes. "Why?"

    "I don¡¯t know," he admitted, his voice quiet, almost detached. "And I don¡¯t want to talk about it. Let¡¯s just say, my life¡¯s never been particularly bright to the point I''ll be desperate for it."

    Hazie¡¯s lips parted, but no words came out at first. Then, her mouth quivered slightly, as though she was unsure whether to press further or let it be.

    "Sorry," she said softly, her gaze dropping back to the fire. "I didn¡¯t mean to pry. I guess I just... got too excited." Her voice wavered, a hint of vulnerability seeping through. "It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had someone to talk to. I¡¯ve just been... troubled. Alone."

    The fire cracked softly, filling the silence that followed. Kaiser said nothing, his thoughts tangled between the unsettling tension in her words and the unease they stirred within him. Frowning, his gaze wandered across the sinister tears in the tent walls, the discarded uniforms feeding the flames, before slowly settling on her figure.

    Despite her calm demeanor, her shoulders seemed to carry a hidden weight. The gleam of her armor, now dulled by scratches and faint bloodstains, told its own story of battles fought and endured. His weary eyes studied her quietly.

    Finally, breaking the silence, he asked, his voice low, "Where are the others?"

 Chapter 124: Story-time

    Hazie tilted her head, the flickering firelight casting soft shadows on her face. "Ah, that... Kai, how long have you been here?"

    Kaiser blinked slowly, his mind still sluggish from the cold but eerily composed. "...I¡¯m not sure, exactly. Everything feels like a blur, and, well..." He gestured vaguely above. "I¡¯m still not used to having water for a sky. But... I think more than a week?"

    Of course, he lied. He''s no fool to abruptly share his tales with others without thinking about the consequences.

    She nodded thoughtfully, her expression hardening slightly. "Twenty-four days and a half, to be exact¡ªat least according to Earth¡¯s twenty-four-hour time zone. A lot has happened in those twenty four days."

    Her words carried weight, a sense of hardship that made Kai¡¯s chest tighten. Still, he kept his tone light, if only to ease the mood.

    "Yeah... a lot." He said, while thinking of his own experience... Indeed, it was a lot.

    Hazie studied him for a moment before offering a faint smile, one that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. "Since we have time, Kai, would you like the short version or the long one?"

    "The long,"

    He said without hesitation, shifting slightly on the makeshift bedding.

    "As you wish," she replied, settling into a more comfortable position. "Good thing I¡¯m quite good at storytelling."

    She took a deep breath, her gaze momentarily distant, as though reliving the memories she was about to recount.

    "It started on graduation day, I was in the middle of giving my speech¡ªsomething I''d spent weeks preparing for, trying to make it perfect. Then, without warning, everything... shattered. One moment, I was standing at the podium, looking out at everyone. The next, I was here. Thrown into this desolate, freezing hellscape." Her voice was steady but tinged with emotion hidden beneath her smile.

    Hazie paused, her fingers instinctively brushing against a faint scratch on her armor, her expression briefly flickering with the weight of memories before she forced a bright smile.

    "At first, I thought I was alone. But then, I started hearing voices. Turns out, there were other people from the university graduation ceremony¡ªscattered across these mountains, just like me. Fortunately, we''re all transported closely, so it wasn''t that hard to regroup. However, it seems there are people that got left out. I apologize for not finding you back then. Ah, are you alone when you get here?"

    "Yeah. I don''t feel comfortable talking about it, either... Can you please continue." Kai responded in a bleak tone like a weak little child.

    "It must have been hard..." Hazie mumbled softly, but didn''t press on. "Anyway, none of us knew what was going on or why we were here. Some panicked, others broke down crying. But thank God, there were enough sensible people among us. Otherwise, trying to calm everyone down would¡¯ve been an absolute nightmare."

    She leaned back slightly, her smile growing wider as she added, "One thing led to another¡ªit got pretty chaotic. People started panicking, shouting, demanding answers no one had. And then, as these things go, the masses began demanding a leader to guide them. And guess what?" She leaned closer, her smile bright and teasing. "Have I told you that I¡¯m the leader?"If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Her words carried a mix of pride and mischief, as if urging Kaiser to applaud her brilliance. Whether she''s comforting him or that''s just who she is, he didn''t know.

    Kaiser stared at her, momentarily caught off guard. Her enthusiasm was almost infectious, though he couldn¡¯t ignore the grimness of her story. It was... impressive, he admitted to himself, how Hazie could maintain such brightness despite the obvious weight of her responsibilities. Especially in a place like this, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death of her followers.

    But then a thought struck him, one that made him hesitate before asking, his brows furrowing.

    "Wait... if you¡¯re the leader, doesn''t that mean they are in trouble right now? I mean, you¡¯re here with me, and they¡¯re... somewhere else. Shouldn¡¯t you be with them?"

    This doesn''t look good, a leaderless group is akin to a headless snake. And cutting a snake''s head meant something dire happened in the group.

    To his surprise, Hazie laughed¡ªa joyous, melodic sound that felt strangely out of place in their bleak surroundings.

    "Yes, I am their leader," she said between chuckles, "and no, they¡¯re not in trouble. Because even though I¡¯m here with you, I¡¯m also with them. Sorry to disappoint, but you can¡¯t keep me all to yourself. I¡¯ve got crucial responsibilities to attend to elsewhere."

    She shot him a playful look, her teasing tone enough to completely dumbfound him.

    "Uh, what?"

    Her laughter erupted again, louder this time, as she clutched her sides. "Oh my God! That face¡ªyou look like I just told you I¡¯m a space alien or something!"

    Kaiser¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, indifferently watching her with a mix of confusion and suspicion. As far as he could tell, she hadn¡¯t lost her mind... Maybe? But her cryptic words weren¡¯t doing much to convince him otherwise.

    Eventually, when her laughter subsided, Hazie wiped at the corners of her eyes, her smile softening. "Sorry, sorry," she said, still giggling under her breath. "It¡¯s just... your reaction was priceless. But okay, I¡¯ll explain now."

    She straightened, glancing toward the fire as if gathering her thoughts. Then her gaze shifted to Windslayer, the peculiar weapon resting near Kaiser¡¯s side. Her eyes lit up with curiosity.

    "Actually," Hazie lingered, tilting her head curiously, "before I start... I¡¯ve been meaning to ask. Is that your Player¡¯s Gift?"

    Her question snagged Kaiser''s attention. He instinctively glanced at Windslayer, its slender, translucent blade lying beside him. The black hilt and the faint, ethereal edge of the blade caught the warm glow of the fire. It was clean, as always¡ªKaiser had a habit of giving it a sharp swing to rid it of bloodstains after every fight, which the sword''s easy to clean aspect akin to smooth glass cooperated as if it didn''t like being stained itself.

    Currently, he had two options¡ªPlay oblivious to abilities given to players, or exposed his knowledge.

    ''Of course I''ll Play dumb.''

    It was the smarter move. Hazie is sharp¡ªtoo sharp to not pick up on inconsistencies if he revealed too much. Luckily, he already looked dumb, his disheveled appearance and dirt-streaked face only adding to the act coupled with his dirt-like background. All he needed to do was utter a few clueless words.

    "What?" he asked, keeping his tone flat and unassuming.

    Hazie¡¯s eyes flicked toward the weapon, her expression lighting up with a mix of curiosity and excitement. "The sword," she clarified, gesturing toward Windslayer. "Is it your Player¡¯s Gift? You know, the special power you were given when you woke up here?"

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze shifted between her and the blade, his feigned confusion deepening. "Player¡¯s Gift?"

    ''So that¡¯s what they¡¯re calling it,'' he thought, filing away the term for later.

    Hazie blinked, her brows knitting together in surprise. "Wait... you mean you *don¡¯t* know about it?"

    "Uh, yeah," Kaiser replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

    She sighed, her tone softening as she began to explain. "We don¡¯t know exactly why, or the reasons behind it¡ªjust like why we were brought here or how. But it seems like... whoever or whatever brought us here gave us something. Abilities. Gifts, I guess. They¡¯re meant to help us survive in this insane place, though it¡¯s as bizarre and unscientific as everything else we¡¯ve seen so far."

    Her fingers fidgeting as she continued, her voice growing steadier. "The first signs of these abilities showed up in a few people. Some got undeniably strong, others gained control over elements¡ªfire, water vapor, stuff like that. Each ability is unique, strange, and completely beyond anything we¡¯ve ever seen before. Honestly, they¡¯re the only reason most of us are still alive. Without those Gifts, we¡¯d be dead. There¡¯s nothing here but rocks, creepy creatures, and endless water. Survival is sustainable but the cold would¡¯ve wiped us out gradually."

    Hazie gestured to her armor and the tent. "See this? The tent, my armor, even everyone¡¯s winter clothes¡ªthey were all made using Gifts related to crafting and material production and transformation. People with those abilities keep us alive. And the more people we have, the more Gifts we can rely on to meet our needs."

    She shifted her attention back to Windslayer, her tone suddenly lighter. "Your Gift is probably that awesome sword of yours. It looks really good, by the way. Can I touch it?"

    Kaiser hesitated for a brief moment before shrugging. "Sure."

    Hazie¡¯s eyes sparkled as she picked up the blade, handling it with care. She tilted it toward the firelight, marveling at its pristine, glass-like design. To her, it probably looked more decorative than practical. She had no way of knowing it was the toughest weapon Kaiser had ever wielded¡ªdeadly and unyielding in battle that killed uncountable fearsome foes, beasts and humans alike, originating from one of the ancient Player himself.

    While Hazie admired the sword, Kaiser retreated into his thoughts. Should he lean into the offered lie, claiming the sword as his Gift? Or admit he had not discovered his ability yet?

    However, exposing more than the circumstances allowed might bring unnecessary problems his not keen on having.

    That said.

    ''Wait... how does she even know we¡¯re Players?''

    That question crept into his mind, tugging at the edges of his curiosity and suspicion.

 Chapter 125: True Hazie

    Knowing his name was one thing; it was easily accessible on Earth. But the term Players was a different story. The only ones who could have known such a term were descendants of ancient Players, where referring to Transmigrators as such originated from. Unless there were natives here who carried the bloodline of those legendary figures, the knowledge should have been inaccessible in Undersea. Sure, there was the slim possibility that they had stumbled upon the term through sheer coincidence, but it was highly unlikely. How would they even begin to connect themselves to the concept of Players without prior knowledge?

    Then again, they had already uncovered their abilities, while his own Gift remained shrouded in mystery. With the collective intellect of a group of brilliant university students, perhaps they had pieced together a broader understanding of the situation. Could they have already discovered the existence of *Leveling*, *Relics*, or even *Sacred Bonds*? The thought unsettled him.

    Kaiser¡¯s mind churned with questions, but he held them back. There would be time to ask later. Hazie was not going anywhere. And even if she tried to run, she could not outrun him. That''s for sure.

    Hazie gently placed Windslayer back where she had taken it from, her movements careful and respectful, afraid to damage the seemingly fragile glass. Then, with a playful smile, she continued.

    "The Gifts really are strange. Yours is a glass sword, and mine is¡­ Split!"

    Kaiser blinked, dumbfounded for a moment. His reaction drew a delighted giggle from Hazie, who clearly relished catching him off guard again.

    Nonchantly, he said, "Is this how you treat a dying patient? Ah, it''s so great to be a laughing stock on my deathbed." His words carried no irritation, only a dry, deadpan delivery.

    Her soft laughter faltered, her expression softening. She gave him a tender, apologetic smile. "Oh, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I was just trying to cheer you up. And you''ll be fine, so don''t call yourself a dying man¡ªyou¡¯ll live, Kai. I believe in you."

    "I¡¯m joking," he said flatly, watching her freeze for a moment before chuckling again.

    "Is that so? Your face is so calm, I thought you were serious."

    Kaiser rolled his eyes, offering no further response.

    ''There goes my enthusiasm... I really need to improve my communication skill.''

    Fortunately, this pink-head is more than enough to keep a conversation going despite Kaiser''s timidness in his words. For him, talking to a fearsome foe with curses and slashes is a lot easier.

    Hazie took a breath and resumed. "Now, where was I? Oh, right. When I said my Gift is Split, I meant it literally. At first, I couldn¡¯t figure it out. It took me an entire day of running through every superpower I could think of before I finally discovered what it was. Turns out, I can split myself. But not just physically¡ªmy personalities divide into distinct personas."

    She leaned forward, her expression animated as she explained. "There are five versions of me now, and each embodies a different aspect of my personality. First, there¡¯s *Cold Hazie*. She¡¯s the intellectual, the analytical one. Highly intelligent and logical, but emotionally detached. She rarely smiles or talks and is as icy as they come. She handles all the analytics for the group¡ªperformance tracking, resource allocation, things like that.

    "Then there¡¯s *Queen Hazie*. She¡¯s the main persona, the one everyone sees when I¡¯m leading. Charismatic, confident, and, if I may say so, alluring," Hazie said with a playful smirk, clearly enjoying her own description of *herselfs*

    "But don¡¯t let her seductive charm and soothing voice fool you¡ªshe¡¯s as cold as *Cold Hazie*. She despises men, so don¡¯t even think about trying to court her, I already have enough courtiers to last a lifetime." she teased, giving Kaiser a pointed look. "She¡¯s in charge of speeches, negotiations, and making big decisions at camp, she''s basically the leader figure there."  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Kaiser quirked a brow but didn¡¯t interrupt, letting her continue.

    "Next is *Warrior Princess Hazie*. She¡¯s strong, determined, and thrives on challenges. She doesn¡¯t back down from a fight, no matter how tough it is, of course, only if absolutely necessary. That¡¯s where all my athleticism went. She¡¯s sharp, quick-thinking, and deadly in combat. Honestly, I kind of envy her sometimes. The Warrior Hazie are in charge of the discipline committee, so don''t do yourselves a favor and don''t cause trouble in the camp once we get there." Hazie admitted with a small laugh.

    "Then there¡¯s *Angel Hazie*. She¡¯s warm, kind, and nurturing¡ªlike the embodiment of compassion. Everyone loves her. She handles food distribution, medical management and goes around helping those in need. But don¡¯t underestimate her. She might seem sweet and gentle, but she¡¯s not as na?ve as she looks."

    As Hazie spoke, her voice carried an undertone of pride mixed with amusement, as if she herself marveled at how bizarre and fascinating her Gift was.

    Meanwhile, Kaiser listened intently as Hazie spoke, but the more he processed her words, the more his head began to ache. The complexity of her ability unraveled a tangle of thoughts in his mind, forcing him to confront just how little he truly understood about the nature of these so-called *Gifts*.

    He had known about Player abilities for some time¡ªfragments of information gathered through scattered tales, firstly shared by Gabriel¡ªbut this was the first time someone had openly explained their Gift to him. What he had expected was something simple, something straightforward. He had imagined throwing fireballs, enhancing one''s strength, summoning water, or controlling the elements¡ªabilities that made sense in their absurdity. But Hazie¡¯s Gift was¡­ different.

    It felt like these powers had been plucked from a bizarre roulette wheel of randomness, handed out to *Transmigrators* without rhyme or reason. Some Gifts might seem practical, others utterly absurd. It was as if whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªgranted these abilities didn¡¯t care about the recipient''s preferences, identity, potential or needs.

    Take Hazie¡¯s ability, for instance. It wasn¡¯t flashy or overtly powerful. Splitting herself into multiple bodies, each with its own distinct personality fragment, didn¡¯t exactly scream game-changing power. Yet, somehow, she had turned it into something indispensable. By delegating responsibilities among her various personas, Hazie had transformed her Gift into a critical tool for survival, allowing her to lead their group of survivors with unmatched efficiency. For most people, such a Gift would probably feel overwhelming, useless even. But Hazie had found a way to make it work, bending its limitations to suit her needs.

    This realization left Kaiser uneasy. Were the abilities determined purely by chance? Was it all down to luck, not potential? The idea made his chest tighten. What would his Gift be?

    Would it be weak, impractical, or so flawed that it became a hindrance rather than an asset? Or would he receive something extraordinary¡ªlike Bakar¡¯s terrifying power, a Gift so dark and twisted that it sustained the man¡¯s life despite destruction by harvesting the bodies of others? Or perhaps something even more unfathomable and destructive, something that would elevate him beyond his current capabilities.

    The possibilities were endless, and for someone like Kaiser, the uncertainty was maddening. He wasn¡¯t the type to shy away from risk, but this was different. He couldn¡¯t shake the nagging fear that his Gift might turn out to be completely useless, which will be a great disappointment.

    Still, even without a Gift, Kaiser was far from powerless. He had already built himself into a formidable combatant, with Zara¡¯s beastly prowess coursing through him, enhancing his body with the instincts and strength of a predator. Add to that his honed swordsmanship and Windslayer¡¯s loyalty. He was already a force to be reckoned with. But the thought of unlocking his Gift made him greedy. No, his greedy by nature, most humans are. He couldn¡¯t help but imagine how much stronger he could become, what new heights he could reach.

    Then, his gaze flicked back to Hazie.

    ''WTF?''

    To think the person he had been talking to this entire time was just one part of her true self. That subtle sense of something being off about her now made perfect sense. She wasn¡¯t the complete Hazie he had seen on Earth. She was merely a fragment. A piece of the whole.

    Still, something didn¡¯t add up. Hazie had mentioned four distinct personas: the cold, analytical one; the charismatic queen; the warrior princess; and the warm, nurturing angel. But she did also said there were five versions of her.

    The thought lingered in his mind, gnawing at his curiosity, until he finally broke the silence. Hazie seemed to sense his unease and had patiently given him the space to process everything.

    "Uhh, okay," he said at last, his tone cautious but laced with curiosity. "I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re the fifth one, then. So¡­ what kind of Hazie are you?"

    "Me?" Hazie¡¯s confident demeanor faltered for the first time. Her gaze drifted to the fire as she hesitated. A faint blush crept up her cheeks.

    "I-I guess¡­ I¡¯ve got the leftovers," she mumbled, her voice trailing off.

    Kaiser blinked, taken aback by her answer. For a moment, he stared at her blankly, watching as she offered a wry, self-deprecating smile.

    Then, the realization hit him, and he let out a low chuckle. "You¡¯re the dumb version, aren¡¯t you?"

    She froze, her blush deepening as her wide eyes locked onto his.

    "I-I¡ªwhat?! I¡¯m not dumb!" she stammered, her voice rising defensively.

    Kaiser leaned back on his bed, his laughter deepening. "Come on, Hazie. ¡®Leftovers¡¯? That¡¯s literally what you just said."

    Intellectual, Charismatic, Athletic, and unassuming gentleness. All of which possess great minds and useful characteristics, and what''s left are put in the Hazie his with. Perhaps the leftovers are flaws of her? Put in a single body so it wouldn''t hinder the others. If Kai remembered correctly, the Hazie back then was known for being a perfectionist. Maybe her Gift allows her to allocate her traits to her copies, thus, forming four stable versions of her to serve crucial purposes in operating the camp.

    Furthermore, the real Hazie would probably think of a better solution when dealing with an unconscious young man dying in hypothermia. Instead of stripping him.

    Her mouth opened and closed as if she were searching for a retort, but nothing came out. Instead, she crossed her arms and huffed, looking away with a pout.

    "Well, maybe I¡¯m the fun version!" she said, her voice indignant.

    Kaiser smirked. "Fun? Sure. I¡¯ll give you that. But still dumb."

    She threw a small pebble at him, which did nothing to erase his smirk, her frustration only making him laugh harder. For the first time in a long while, the tension in the air eased, and amidst the chaos of their situation, Kaiser found a fleeting moment of levity.

 Chapter 126: Meany

    This time, it was Hazie¡¯s turn to stare at him blankly as Kaiser couldn¡¯t stop himself from laughing on his makeshift bed. Her lips pressed into a pout as she sulked in the corner, waiting for his mirth to die down.

    "Happy now?" she asked, crossing her arms and fixing him with an unimpressed glare.

    He nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah, I thought I got really lucky waking up to be taken care of by the famous Hazie, but what the heck? Turns out, I got stuck with the *lowest version*."

    "Shut up! At least I look the same, you meany!" she huffed, her cheeks puffing slightly.

    "Yeah, yeah," he teased, waving her off with a smirk.

    Hazie sighed dramatically, the corner of her mouth twitching as she lingered at the moment. Then, she suddenly looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

    "Kai, tell me something," she began, her voice dripping with teasing amusement. "You¡¯ve never had a girlfriend, have you?"

    His chuckle evaporated, his expression turning serious in an instant.

    "Hey, that¡¯s crossing the line."

    He said coldly, narrowing his eyes.

    She shrugged nonchalantly. "So, I was right. Not that it was hard to guess, judging by how *mean* you are to girls."

    "Mean? Says the lady who¡¯s been making a laughingstock out of a *dying man,*" he shot back.

    She gasped theatrically, clutching her chest as if mortally wounded. "How dare you..."

    "Oh, why? Did I hurt your poor little girly heart?" he taunted, his grin widening. "Since you¡¯ve probably got loads of boyfriends, why not run to one of them for comfort?"

    Hazie froze for a moment, her playful demeanor faltering. Then, after a brief silence, she muttered, "I... I¡¯ve never had a boyfriend, for your information. Just a lot of useless suitors I didn¡¯t have time to deal with."

    Kaiser blinked, his grin twisting into a look of disbelief. "Ehh¡­ So you¡¯re telling me, with all your fame, riches, beauty, and now *multiple bodies,* you *still* haven¡¯t had a boyfriend? Who¡¯s more miserable between the two of us now?"

    Hazie¡¯s lips twitched in irritation, and she rubbed her forehead with an exasperated sigh. "¡­I swear, Kaiser, you¡¯re the *rudest* person I¡¯ve ever met. I actually thought you were a calm, timid guy who silently admired the angelic charm of the woman who saved him. Hmph. To think you turned out to be such a *meany.*"

    "It¡¯s not being mean," he retorted, "I¡¯m just respecting gender equality. Besides, sorry to disappoint you, but my standards are literal goddesses, and I already have one that can¡¯t live without me."

    "You¡¯re unbelievable," Hazie muttered, turning away with a sharp huff. She''s not buying it at all despite its relative truthfulness.

    Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly, and Kaiser noticed the faintest flicker of hurt in her expression. He sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck.

    "¡­Okay. Maybe I was too harsh... I¡¯m sorry," he said, his voice softening.  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Her head turned slightly, just enough for him to see her side-eye him. "You mean it?"

    "Yeah," he said, more firmly this time.

    "If you really mean it, then take it back," she demanded, her playful tone returning.

    "What?" He blinked, confused.

    "I said, take it back. And tell me I¡¯m the most gorgeous and smartest lady you¡¯ve ever met¡ªeven though I totally am," she added with a smug, self-satisfied smile.

    Kaiser¡¯s thoughts betrayed him, ''For others, sure, but not for me. Not after meeting a real goddess, although, she''s just uselessly cute¡­¡¯ Still, he decided against voicing that, opting to end the banter quickly.

    "Fine," he relented with a heavy sigh. "Haze, you¡¯re the most beautiful and smartest girl I¡¯ve ever met."

    "Could you at least *pretend* to sound sincere?" she asked, her hands resting on her hips.

    "Let me try again¡ª"

    "You know what. Never mind!" she cut him off, throwing her hands up. "You¡¯re making me feel like I¡¯m forcing you."

    ¡®Are you not?¡¯ Kaiser thought but kept the remark to himself. Instead, he smirked and leaned back, letting the silence settle between them. Hazie muttered something under her breath before plopping down beside him, clearly exasperated but unable to hide the faint smile creeping onto her lips.

    After a while, Kai deemed it suitable to ask.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Kaiser began, his voice steady as he shifted his gaze to Hazie. ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me what happened to this camp.¡±

    She paused, her expression thoughtful as if deciding where to begin. ¡°I know¡­ It¡¯s a long story. Where do I even start?¡± She tapped her chin lightly before nodding to herself. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go back to the beginning.¡±

    Hazie leaned forward to her knees, her tone taking on a narrative rhythm as she gazed at the fire. ¡°When we first discovered our abilities, it was chaotic. No one knew what to make of them or how to use them even after a day here. It was by pure coincidence that one of us¡ªlet¡¯s call him Arlen¡ªrealized his Gift allowed him to perceive danger. Not long after, another person, Marie, discovered her ability to see vast distances, like a living telescope. Together, they pieced it together and spotted a threat: a massive, board-like creature with rocky skin. It seems to have fallen from the cliffs above and was heading towards us."

    ¡°That was the moment everything changed,¡± she said, her voice quieter for a moment before steadying again. ¡°We had no leader back then, no structure, just a group of frightened people with strange powers. Someone needed to take charge, and¡­ I guess that someone ended up being me.¡±

    Hazie exhaled, a mixture of pride and weariness flickering in her expression. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy. That thing was enormous but luckily gravely injured, and we were barely more than University students, professors and teachers, some lost parents armed with Gifts we didn¡¯t fully understand. But everyone contributed under my command¡ªusing their abilities in ways none of us had imagined. We struggled, stumbled, and panicked, but somehow, we managed to take it down. That victory wasn¡¯t just about survival. It was a wake-up call. We realized two things: one, we weren¡¯t alone in these black mountains, and two, this desolate world wasn¡¯t as barren as it first seemed.¡±

    Her gaze drifted toward the jagged peaks in the distance through the tear on the roof. ¡°That realization was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it meant there were creatures out here we could hunt for food, which was a relief. On the other hand, it meant there were *things* out here that could hunt us, too.¡±

    Kaiser stayed silent, absorbing her words as she continued.

    ¡°We got lucky with water. One of the others discovered their Gift could extract moisture from the air. On top of that, we found hidden pools of water nestled in the stones around here. After boiling it for safety, it became drinkable. With food and water secured, survival became manageable, though far from easy.

    ¡°Then there were materials. A few of us had abilities tied to creation or manipulation, which gave us the means to craft winter clothing and build shelter. By the end of the first week, we abandoned our uniforms and created something resembling a real camp. It wasn¡¯t luxurious by any means, but it was sustainable.

    ¡°One fortunate thing about this area,¡± Hazie added with a wry smile, ¡°is that the truly dangerous monsters seem to prefer the high mountains. The creatures avoided the lowlands are wary for some reason, almost like they know something we don¡¯t. It gives us a bit of breathing room, though I can¡¯t help but suspect there¡¯s more to it.¡±

    She hesitated, her expression darkening. ¡°By the time we¡¯d adjusted to our new life, I began suggesting we explore and get to higher ground. I believed we needed to find a more defensible location, somewhere safer than this exposed area. But¡­ I was met with resistance. Most of the group was too scared to move deeper into the unknown. So, we stayed put, just for one more day.¡±

    Her tone dropped, and her hands clenched slightly. ¡°That¡¯s when *it* came. A beast unlike anything we¡¯d seen before. Our crude defenses were obviously no match for it¡ªnot that it was surprising. Most of us had no real combat experience, especially against those monsters here. But what saved us that night wasn¡¯t brute strength or battle strategy. It was my dear friend, Julia.¡±

    Hazie¡¯s voice softened as she spoke her name, a flicker of warmth crossing her face. ¡°Julia¡¯s Gift is¡­ special. She can foresee the truth or falsehood of any question posed to her. Every evening, we¡¯d ask her, ¡®Will there be danger tomorrow?¡¯ And she¡¯d answer with certainty. Because of her, we knew the really dangerous beast was coming beforehand, and we fled before it reached us.

    ¡°That night was a turning point. It wasn¡¯t just about escaping. Julia¡¯s foresight also revealed something else, the glimpse of hope I''ve been meaning to chase since the start. It''s also thanks to her that we confirmed that there are safer places beyond these mountains, places with resources to sustain our survival with lesser risk."

    She sighed heavily. "However, the only way to achieve that is leaving this world entirely. Which is where my main persona is leading the group right now.¡±

    Hazie fell silent, her gaze turning distant as she seemed to relive the memories. Kaiser, still leaning on his bed, studied her carefully.

    ¡°Then why are you still here?¡± he said after a moment, his voice measured.

    She smiled bitterly, her lips pressing into a thin line. ¡°Because along the way, a time came when a sacrifice had to be made..."

    Hazie took a deep breath, and said apologetically, her voice a whisper.

    "I think I owe you an apology, because that sacrifice is me..."

    Hazie''s words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, as Kaiser mulled over the gravity of her story.

 Chapter 127: Another Sin

    Hazie¡¯s voice softened, the excitement in her earlier tone fading like a dying ember.

    ¡°Thanks to a lot of luck, my brilliance, and everyone¡¯s cooperation. I managed to lead us deeper into these mountains. By carefully arranging combinations of the group¡¯s Gifts, we could move forward while avoiding the worst of the dangers. Of course, the strategies we used were far from simple¡ªso complicated, in fact, that explaining it all to you would take an entire day, and even then, I¡¯d probably have to rush through it.¡±

    Her lips curved into a faint smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. ¡°Still, somehow, against all odds, we managed to keep everyone alive. Not a single life lost. That¡¯s not something many can claim in a place like this.¡±

    She paused, her gaze drifting to the flames of their campfire. The light flickered across her face, making the shadows under her eyes look deeper.

    ¡°But¡­ pleasant dreams don¡¯t last forever,¡± she continued, her voice quieter now, tinged with regret. ¡°Eventually, *it* caught up to us. That¡­ *thing*¡ªthe one that had been stalking us all this time. And as fate would have it, our previous tricks can''t fool it twice. We got stuck in a cave and nothing guaranteed success. Every option we had left was a gamble, and each one came with risks too great to ignore. Risks that could cost the lives of the people who trusted me to lead them.¡±

    Hazie¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she clenched them into fists. ¡°I couldn¡¯t let that happen. I couldn¡¯t risk losing anyone. My principles as their leader wouldn¡¯t allow it. I refused to forsake them. So, when all other options failed, I had to make a choice¡ªa terrible, unavoidable choice. And the only option that ensured the survival of the group¡­¡± She took a deep breath. ¡°Was to send someone to distract that monster. To serve as bait.¡±

    Her voice broke slightly on the last word, and her lips pressed together into a thin line before she forced herself to continue. ¡°And as you might¡¯ve guessed, that someone was me. I mean, it made sense, didn¡¯t it? I have multiple bodies, and out of all of Hazie¡¯s personas, I¡¯m the least useful. The weakest. The most expendable.¡±

    She smiled, but it was a hollow expression, one that failed to mask the bitterness in her eyes. ¡°The choice was obvious and no one had objections. So, after receiving every possible buff, enhancement, and reinforcement the others could give me, I ran. I ran and kept running. Alone.¡±

    Hazie turned to him, the flickering firelight reflecting in her melancholic gaze. Her forced smile twisted painfully as she added, ¡°I thought¡­ I thought I¡¯d saved everyone with that sacrifice. I thought it was over. And then, out of nowhere, you appeared.¡± She shook her head, her voice gaining a frustrated edge. ¡°You *idiot.* Why didn¡¯t you find the camp sooner? Why didn¡¯t you stay with them where it was safer? Why...¡± Her voice died down as she struggled with her conflicted emotions.

    Kaiser studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before replying nonchalantly. ¡°I was busy, you know. Taking care of girls and pretending to be a false hero."

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a laughing matter, Kai!¡± Hazie snapped, standing abruptly as her voice rose. ¡°Don¡¯t you get it? There¡¯s a monster after me!¡±

    The sharpness of her voice echoed in the stillness around them. But as she looked at him¡ªat his pale, dirt-streaked face and weakened state on a makeshift bed¡ªher anger faltered. Guilt replaced it almost instantly.

    Her shoulders slumped, and she sank back down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she murmured, her voice trembling. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to shout¡­ It¡¯s just, I¡­¡± She trailed off, gripping her knees tightly before letting out a shaky sigh. ¡°Kai, I need to tell you something. I wasn¡¯t entirely honest with you before.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s brow furrowed, but he said nothing, letting her continue.

    ¡°The camp¡¯s pursuer¡­ that monster¡­ it didn¡¯t vanish. It got transferred to me. The only reason this version of me existed is to lead it as far away from the group as possible.¡±

    Her voice cracked, but she pushed forward. ¡°This persona of mine has only one purpose: to run. To keep running until it catches me. And when it does¡­ I¡¯ll die. That¡¯s my sole role, Kai. That¡¯s what I¡¯m here for. To buy time for everyone else.¡±

    She lifted her head to look at him, her expression strained but resolute. ¡°That¡¯s why, chances are, you¡¯ll die too if you stay with me. I don¡¯t want that. So¡­ if you want to survive, if you want to live¡­¡± She hesitated, her voice breaking into a whisper. ¡°I can leave. I¡¯ll run again. And I¡¯ll die alone.¡±

    The words hung heavily in the air, settling between them like an invisible wall. For a moment, neither spoke. The crackling fire filled the silence until it was finally broken by Kaiser¡¯s voice, calm and utterly unworried.

    ¡°Nah. If you leave, then who¡¯s going to take care of me?¡±

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    His words caught Hazie off guard. Her lips parted slightly, as though she wanted to say something, but no sound came out.

    Honestly speaking, he can''t care less knowing whatever abomination is pursuing them. Kai only ran once from a beast, and needless to say, the crawling snake that dared met a bitter end,¡ªalthough, not by his own hands, but the Bandit''s barrage¡ª Nevertheless, what comes after that made him a predator that hunts, no longer running from his dreadful adversaries as he face them head on, be it wars in the wildfire or massive behemoth and a Player from ancient time.

    In truth, Kaiser found himself admiring Hazie¡¯s leadership skills far more than he was concerned about the looming monstrosity hunting them. He had faced creatures from this realm before, and he knew they were nothing like the prey of the mundane world of Beasts of Greenland. They were predators of nightmares, terrifyingly and ruthlessly. For someone to lead a group of untrained survivors to take down even an injured dweller here was nothing short of miraculous.

    The feat alone spoke volumes about the kind of leader Hazie¡ªher *complete* self¡ªmust have been. Ordinary humans could never have accomplished such a task, even with powers. What made the difference was the person at the helm, the one who could take a disorganized, terrified group and mold them into a cohesive unit. That person had been Hazie. Her original personality, though fragmented now, still shone through in the way her fractured selves handled various challenges with startling precision.

    Under her guidance, not a single life had been lost¡ªa testament to her ability to strategize, adapt, and lead under impossible conditions. Lesser leaders would have faltered, but Hazie¡¯s brilliance ensured survival. Her existence as the group''s anchor proved her reliability and the respect she commanded.

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it would be like to meet the real Hazie, the *whole* version. The glimpses he caught through her fractured personas painted the picture of a woman with no visible weaknesses, someone who could make harsh decisions with calculative resolve. And then there was *this* Hazie¡ªthe one with him now. The ¡°dumb¡± version, as he put it.

    He glanced at her and smirked slightly. If this Hazie was where all her flaws were dumped, then even her ¡°weakest¡± self was remarkable. Despite calling herself a leftover, she carried herself with surprising strength. She wasn¡¯t lacking in intelligence, physicality, or mental fortitude. If anything, she displayed an exceptional level of courage and wit, qualities that shone even in her moments of self-deprecation.

    If not, this dumb Hazie wouldn''t have survived a relentless pursuit and escaped a literal monster, all while knowing her end was inevitable. Most people would have crumbled under such pressure, but not her. She endured, adapted, and fought to stay alive¡ªnot for herself, but to protect the lives of those she cared about.

    In many ways, she was more capable than the average person. Her determination and grit were undeniable. Even her social skills, which far outstripped his own, made her a more effective communicator than him, shamefully. Kaiser found himself begrudgingly impressed. If *this* was the lowest version of Hazie, what kind of brilliance did the complete Hazie possess?

    His musings were interrupted by a sharp intake of breath. He glanced up to find Hazie staring at him, her mouth slightly open, her eyes twitching as though she couldn¡¯t decide whether to be amused or annoyed.

    Finally, she stood up, dusted herself off, and took a deep breath. When she turned back to him, her face was lit with a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes.

    ¡°Kai, did you hit your head or accidentally eat something that fried your common sense?¡±

    ¡°Um, no?¡±

    She let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. No, scratch that¡ªyou¡¯re insane¡­Wait...¡± Her voice trailed off as if something had clicked in her mind. She leaned forward suddenly, bracing her hands on her knees as her face hovered above his, a teasing grin curling her lips.

    ¡°Be honest,¡± she said, her tone laced with playful mischief. ¡°Am I so gorgeous that you actually think I¡¯m worth dying for?¡±

    Whether she''s dumb or smarter than Alfred, thus, give up instilling mundane common sense to an Immortal sooner than the hunter. He doesn''t know.

    Kai met her gaze with a blank stare, unfazed by her theatrics. There was no denying Hazie was beautiful¡ªstunning, even¡ªbut he had a preference for a softer, more vulnerable beauty. Hazie, in all her chaotic glory, was far too dangerous for his tastes. The last time he met a lethal lady, Kai''s first hug was taken along his life.

    ¡°In your dreams,¡± he said flatly, before adding with a slight smirk, ¡°I have no plans of dying here, but I also don¡¯t plan on letting you leave me behind. It¡¯s more fun surviving together than alone. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Her teasing grin faltered, replaced by a puzzled look as she studied him. ¡°You *do* realize we¡¯re going to die, right?¡± she asked, her voice steady but laced with disbelief, as if his indifference was the most baffling thing she had ever encountered.

    Hazie chuckled softly. She straightened a little, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. ¡°You¡¯re impossible, Kai. Truly impossible,¡± she muttered, shaking her head as if he were some unsolvable riddle.

    Then she paused, her hand drifting to her temple. A flicker of unease passed over her face, so fleeting that it might have gone unnoticed if Kai hadn¡¯t been watching her so closely.

    ¡°Hazie?¡± he asked, his tone low but edged with concern.

    She waved a hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just¡­ dizzy for a second.¡± Her words were light, but her voice carried a faint tremor.

    Kai sat up slightly, as much as his body allowed. ¡°You don¡¯t look fine.¡±

    Hazie ignored him, trying to straighten herself, but her legs wobbled beneath her. Her breath hitched, and her usually sharp eyes dimmed like a candle struggling against the wind.

    ¡°I just¡­ need a moment,¡± she mumbled, her voice growing faint.

    Before Kai could process what was happening, Hazie swayed dangerously, her body tipping forward as if the world had tilted beneath her feet.

    ¡°Hazie!¡± Kai shouted, alarm sparking through him.

    Kai barely had time to react¡ªnot that it could move well in its weakened state¡ªbefore her full weight fell onto him, her head landing squarely on his stomach. A sharp grunt escaped his lips as the impact jarred his still-recovering body.

    ¡°Oof¡ªHazie!¡± he gasped, instinctively trying to push himself up, but his weakened state made it nearly impossible. Instead, his hands hovered uncertainly above her back, unsure whether to shake her awake or simply let her rest.

    Her breathing was shallow but steady, and up close, he could see the dark circles under her eyes and signs of food deprivation, the exhaustion she had been masking with her sharp tongue and bravado. She had been running herself ragged long before he came into the picture.

    ¡°Damn it, Hazie,¡± he muttered, his voice softening despite the frustration.

    ¡°Really? Now of all times?¡±

    Her breathing was shallow, her face slack as if all the fight had been drained out of her. Up close, she looked smaller, more fragile than she ever had before¡ªa stark contrast to the confident, unyielding presence she usually exuded.

    Kai exhaled sharply, leaning back against the bed. ¡°Guess even you have your limits, huh?¡± he muttered worriedly.

    With a grunt of effort, he adjusted her slightly, letting her rest more comfortably against him. He placed a hand lightly on her back, feeling the faint rise and fall of her breath.

    ¡°You¡¯re always trying to carry everything on your own,¡± he murmured, almost to himself. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time someone carried you for a change.¡±

    The room fell silent, save for the faint sound of their breathing, as Kai lay there, holding Hazie close and watching over her. For once, she seemed at peace, and for now, that was enough.

    After a while more... He froze as reality struck him.

    ''Oh, sh*t... We''re not even friends, plus I already have two stepdaug...''

    "Ahem."

    He then pushed her away, get up as if nothing happened and rubbed his face hard.

    ''What the f*ck did I just do? Taking advantage of an unconscious girl, really?!''

 Chapter 128: Troubled Mind

    If the Shattered Realms had a police force, Kaiser¡¯s sins alone would have been enough to throw him into the deepest, darkest cell.

    Let¡¯s start with the illegal adoption of two girls. One had a vision disability so severe that navigating a straight path was a challenge. While the other is a complete mystery, known only as a goddess named Ariella, incapable of speaking with no discernible age or identity... Which is counted as another person with disability. By some twisted logic, this alone painted him as either a saint or an irresponsible criminal.

    And now this.

    Kaiser had just taken unintentional liberties with an unconscious woman who happened to have collapsed onto him. In a moment of sheer awkwardness, he had done the unthinkable: he had partially hugged her. Yes, like a desperate loser clinging to an imaginary girlfriend he would never, ever have.

    ''Sh*t the f*ck up! I didn¡¯t mean to¡­'' he groaned inwardly, sitting cross-legged on the stony ground with his face buried in his hands as if he had just committed the most heinous of crimes.

    It wasn¡¯t actually that horrible¡ªat least not in the grand scheme of things¡ªbut how in all the realms was he going to explain this to Hazie when she woke up?

    ''Hell no, there will be no explaining. I¡¯m taking this secret to the grave!¡¯

    If he will ever get a grave, that is.

    There was no way he was admitting to any of this. No way. No chance. Kaiser could barely stomach the memory of the utterly cringeworthy words that had slipped out of his mouth earlier: ¡°You¡¯re always trying to carry everything on your own. Maybe it¡¯s time someone carried you for a change" Said the stranger to an unconscious girl.

    What the hell was he thinking? What was he, some gallant prince? A hot, romantic lead in a cheap novel, sweeping his tired heroine off her feet? Just the thought made him recoil in disgust. Kaiser was a lot of things, but he sure as hell was not romantic.

    If Hazie ever heard about it, Kai would probably never hear the end of her laughter¡ªor worse, sneer in disdain. ¡°Are you really that desperate?¡± or ¡°Ew. Seriously, Kai?¡± he could already imagine her mocking him with those words.

    ¡°Sh*t... I wanna die.¡±

    His gaze wandered over to Windslayer, the weapon leaning casually against the rocky floor. For a fleeting moment, the thought seemed tempting. And before his self-loathing could spiral any further, a pained grunt came from inside the tent.

    A while later, Kaiser managed to scrub away most of the memory of his humiliating slip-up. He composed himself, pulling the pieces of his fractured dignity back together¡ªwhatever dignity he has. His gaze shifted to Hazie, who was still out cold on the makeshift bed she originally crafted for him earlier.

    Her royal blue coat was draped over her as a blanket, its elegant fabric an odd luxury in the bleakness of the barren hellscape. For a moment, Kaiser¡¯s expression softened as he watched Hazie¡¯s tranquil sleep, her chest rising and falling in steady rhythm despite the hardships she had endured.

    It was almost laughable how their roles had reversed in mere minutes. Not long ago, Kaiser had been the bedridden one, on the verge of death from hypothermia. Now, it was Hazie who lay unconscious, her condition far more fragile than his had ever been.  Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    Kaiser¡¯s immortality was a cruel gift¡ªa cheat, really. No matter how dire the situation, his body always healed itself, knitting wounds, curing illnesses, and erasing exhaustion as if it were nothing. But had an equally harrowing price to pay, constantly reminding him that survival was its own punishment. Hazie, however, didn¡¯t have that luxury.

    Her body bore the evidence of her struggle: the stains on her skin, the scars of her armor, the way her lips had turned paler from the cold. She didn¡¯t have Kaiser¡¯s unnatural resilience to lean on. Instead, she relied on sheer grit to keep moving, to keep surviving.

    How long has she been running? Kaiser wondered. How long had she been leading that monstrous pursuer away, knowing full well that her death was inevitable? To keep going, knowing there was no salvation, no one was coming to save her... It must have taken a strength far beyond anything Kaiser could comprehend. And now, with her body starved and her strength sapped, the relentless cold had been the final blow that brought her down.

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze somberly settled on the royal blue coat covering her. Guilt twisted in his gut. She had given it to him without hesitation, thinking it was his only chance to fight off hypothermia. She did not even consider her own wellbeing. That selflessness had cost her dearly, leaving her vulnerable to the bitter chill that had seeped through her armor.

    He sighed heavily, feeding more discarded pieces of fabric into the flickering fire.

    Their situation could have been disastrous if not for his immortality. If they had both succumbed to weakness at the same time, it would have been a death sentence. One of them would have to rise first, to fend off the relentless dangers of this realm. And if neither could provide, the stronger one would be forced to leave the weaker behind, sacrificing them to buy time for survival.

    Was that Hazie¡¯s plan all along? To ensure he recovered, even if it meant her own life? The thought made his stomach churn. She might have already resigned herself to death, assuming he would abandon her once she became a burden.

    ''Oh, great. Another beauty in distress,''

    He had already dealt with the weight of responsibility for two girls back in Greenland. And now, here he was, saddled with another one. But even in her weakened state, Hazie was not just anyone. She was far from ordinary. Beneath her exhaustion and vulnerability, she possessed a will of steel and decisive mind. Hazie was no mundane human and was someone he could rely on when push came to shove as a capable companion.

    Besides, her accumulated knowledge might prove invaluable.

    However, Kaiser was deeply conflicted. He had a clear goal in mind: to return to Greenland as quickly as possible. The only way back was to climb the great cliff he had fallen from, scale its jagged heights, and pass through the Boundary at the summit to meet Ariella and Cia again, which is easier said than done, but doing so meant leaving Hazie behind.

    His gaze drifted back to her face. In sleep, her features were peaceful, her vulnerability laid bare. She looked like a sleeping beauty trapped in a tale with no prince to wake her. Leaving her here would lead to only one outcome¡ªand it was not one he could stomach, despite knowing she''s a mere incarnation, incomplete and expendable just like everyone views her, including her own selves.

    If he left her here, the "real" Hazie would lose only a piece of herself. She wouldn¡¯t even falter in her mission to lead her group to their destination. The Hazie before him was created to serve a purpose, and that purpose would inevitably end in her death, as expected.

    Still¡­ still¡­

    His fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms.

    He didn¡¯t want that. He didn¡¯t want to leave her behind to her grim fate, no matter how inevitable it seemed. Because everyone else had ignored one undeniable truth about her: despite being just a fragment, the lowest kind of them all, she was still human. And, in fact, she was more human than most people he had ever known back on Earth.

    Truth be told, this girl¡ªthis incomplete, cast-off version of Hazie¡ªwas probably the only person who had ever genuinely cared for him as a person in need, not as a warrior or brat. She had come to him when he was at his lowest, offering a brief but profound warmth that he had not even realized he desperately needed. She had been a comforting presence in a sea of chaos, making him feel, for the first time in what felt like forever, as though he could simply exist without the crushing weight of fear and responsibility. Without pain, worries and enemies like a child in his bed under his mother''s care.

    Her care had been brief, but it had been real. She had smiled through his awkwardness and tried to bring him comfort in her own earnest way on making him smile. In which she succeeded in making him laugh and forget the tragedies he experienced. It was such a rare, fleeting thing that it made him wonder why Hazie had forsaken this version of herself.

    Perhaps that was why he had subconsciously reached out, why he pulled her close earlier and muttered those absurdly cheesy words he would rather bury in the deepest pit of his memory.

    But no amount of sentiment could delay the inevitable. A choice would have to be made, sooner or later.

    Eventually, Kaiser let out a heavy sigh, running his hands up his hair.

    "I¡¯ll think about it later..." he muttered, his voice low and resigned.

    Then, shaking off any lingering traces of his earlier meltdown, he stood tall, his calm, stoic demeanor returning like a fortress wall slammed back into place. Whatever had happened, whatever cringe-worthy words had been spoken, they were buried now. And for god''s sake, as the only man here, he needs to provide for the unconscious lady.

    Pulling his uniform tighter around himself, he stepped out of the tent. The cold bit at his exposed skin, the chill seeping through even the thick fabric of his clothing. Fortunately, it still offered some protection.

    The dim barren world beyond the tent stretched endlessly, its black jagged mountains and breathtaking oceanic sky above ominously hung.

 Chapter 129: Still thinking

    After doing a quick sweep around the camp¡¯s jagged stone barrier to ensure no flying or crawling abominations were lurking nearby, Kaiser felt slightly at ease. Leaving an unconscious young woman alone and defenseless in a place like this would be reckless beyond measure. His sharp eyes scanned every shadow and crag for movement, his ears attuned to the faintest sound. Satisfied that no immediate threats loomed, he deemed it safe¡ªif only for a few moments¡ªto leave the camp.

    Without wasting time, Kaiser set off on his mission: securing food and water. Survival in this forsaken undersea mountain range demanded efficiency especially when he''s partner is vulnerable. Fortunately, he knew where to start. Heading back to the site of his earlier fall, he returned to the mutilated corpse of the four-winged bat the roll had slain. Its carcass lay sprawled across the uneven terrain, grotesque and otherworldly. Kaiser didn¡¯t flinch as he hacked off a sizable chunk of its dense, rubbery flesh, tying it securely before moving on to his next task.

    Water.

    This proved trickier to find, but eventually, he did. The cold of the Undersea Mountains was biting but not fatal, provided one had proper protection and avoided prolonged, reckless exposure, so water does not freeze here. The landscape was dotted with pools of stagnant water clinging to the obsidian rocks, likely remnants of some oceanic deluge from above. It was no fresh spring, but it would suffice for his needs.

    Kaiser crouched by one such puddle and cupped the icy water in his hands, lifting it to his lips. The chill bit into his skin, but the liquid slid down his throat with surprising smoothness, carrying an odd, metallic aftertaste he could not quite place. Despite its alien flavor, it felt refreshing, quenching his thirst.

    But then, a problem arose.

    While he could risk drinking the unpurified water, Hazie was not blessed with immortality. Her fragile humanity meant the water had to be boiled first, and for that, he needed a suitable container¡ªsomething that would allow him to transfer and sturdy enough to hold the liquid and withstand the heat of the flames. Kaiser¡¯s gaze drifted over the rocky terrain, searching for anything useful.

    It was then that he noticed something peculiar: dark, rounded shapes clinging to the sides of the rocks, blending seamlessly with the obsidian surface. At first glance, they appeared to be part of the environment¡ªmotionless and rough-textured, like barnacles fused to the stone. But their size and subtle, bulbous curves caught his attention.

    Curious, Kaiser pried one loose, revealing a creature inside its bowl-like shell. Its rough exterior camouflaged perfectly with the rocks, and its structure resembled a cross between a barnacle and a snail. The shell was large, about the size of a human head, with a natural concavity that could serve as a makeshift container.

    Kaiser examined his find, noting how easily the creature came away from the stone. It seemed to be in some form of hibernation, its sluggish movements offering little resistance. With a sharp, precise motion, he dispatched the creature with the help of Windslayer''s and inspected its shell. It was surprisingly lightweight yet durable, perfect for his needs.

    He didn¡¯t stop at one. Scouting the area, he harvested several more of these barnacle-like creatures, their shells and meat now part of his growing supplies. Kai would have explored longer if not for the need of haste. After gathering everything, he spared a glance toward the towering summit to the northern steep, its jagged edges drowning in dimness and impossibly far away, with only the ramp-like steep as the only path to the top. The climb loomed over him like a taunting specter, a reminder of just how far he had fallen¡ªand how much he had to climb if he wanted to return.

    He sighed, before turning around. With his haul secured, Kaiser made his way back to the camp. The icy atmosphere tore at his exposed skin, but he pressed on, determined. By the time he reached the camp¡¯s barrier, the glow of the fire greeted him, flickering weakly against the shadows.

    He stepped inside, shaking off the cold as he set his findings down. A glance at Hazie¡¯s resting form steadied his resolve. There was work to be done, and lots to think about.

    After setting the water to boil in the makeshift shell-container and impaling chunks of bat meat on his sword to roast over the crackling flames, Kaiser settled into a quiet vigil. The firelight danced across the rocks within the tent, casting fleeting shadows that flickered like ghosts. He leaned back, his weary gaze fixed on the hypnotic movements of the flames, letting his thoughts wander.  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Hazie would wake up eventually¡ªmaybe in an hour, maybe longer¡ªbut for now, silence reigned. Left alone with his thoughts, Kaiser found himself doing what he always did in moments of idleness: overthinking. And tonight, his mind latched onto one unsettling question he had not been able to shake since discovering it earlier.

    Why had his strength diminished?

    At first, Kaiser dismissed it as excessive mental exhaustion. The battles, the relentless running, twisting revelations, and the mental toll of crossing into the abyssal chaos of this realm had pushed him to his limits. But after resting and recovering enough to stand and move freely, his strength should have fully returned.

    Yet it hadn¡¯t.

    It was subtle but undeniable. His reflexes were slower. His grip lacked their usual force. Even his body¡¯s resilience to external conditions, like the biting cold, seemed compromised. Before, he might have scoffed at this temperature as a mere inconvenience like the heat of the wildfire. Now, he felt the creeping chill as if it could sink its claws into his core, threatening to kill him if he lingered too long without adequate protection.

    Kaiser frowned, turning the problem over in his mind, searching for answers. He didn¡¯t like it¡ªthis feeling of being less than himself. He didn¡¯t like the vulnerability it implied. More so because he earned it through blood and death.

    Then, an unsettling thought took root.

    His immortality, the miraculous ability that allowed him to cheat death at the cost of unimaginable pain, might have more consequences than he had initially understood. As far as he understood, defeating creatures fed their souls into his own, a process the majority called as "Leveling." Each victory strengthened him, enhancing his physical abilities and pushing him further beyond the limits of ordinary humans.

    But what if a certain participant defies death in this cruel game of power?

    Kaiser sat up straighter, his jaw tightening as he followed the thread of this grim possibility. If his growth came from absorbing the essence of others, then what happened to that essence when he died? Could it be... leaking away?

    He pictured his soul as a vessel¡ªa balloon filled with the energy of accomulated victories. Perhaps every death he endured was like a puncture, releasing the hard-earned strength he had accumulated into the void of death. Not all at once, but steadily, like a slow, insidious leak. That would explain why his power hadn¡¯t vanished entirely but had clearly diminished, leaving him weaker than before.

    The thought sent a shiver down his spine, one that had nothing to do with the cold.

    The realization was disheartening, to say the least. His immortality, which had seemed like the ultimate advantage, now felt like a double-edged sword. Yet, as much as the idea gnawed at him, Kaiser couldn¡¯t bring himself to regret the trade. It''s a cheap price for a miraculous chance to live again, to keep moving forward, even if it means he has to fight harder to protect the strength he had left.

    He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as the meat began to sizzle on the blade of his sword.

    ''I just need to stop dying'' he thought to himself, a grim smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

    "Simple, right?"

    Simple in theory, perhaps. But Kaiser knew better than anyone that the life he led was anything but thanks to misfortune always chasing after his tail.

    Kaiser let the flames warm his hands as he stared into the dancing flames, watching as the food cook, his thoughts a tumultuous blend of problems and possibilities. Amid the grim realities of his weakened state and the monumental task ahead, a bright realization flickered in his mind, cutting through the haze like a ray of light. Because after considering it for hours, he realized that scaling the great steep to reach the summit was unachievable.

    At least, not in the way he initially thought. Kaiser could, theoretically, grit his teeth, steel his resolve, and begin the arduous climb with sheer determination. But as much as he hated to admit it, raw perseverance wouldn¡¯t conquer the unforgiving, near-vertical expanse of jagged rock and ice¡ªif there''s any¡ªthat loomed far above the summit.

    Determination alone wouldn''t cut the mountain.

    He had no experience in rock climbing, no knowledge of the proper techniques, no equipment to aid his ascent. The great steep wasn¡¯t something he could brute-force through sheer willpower. Each failure would see him plummeting to the ground, his immortality dragging him through the agony of death, only for him to rise and try again¡ªeach attempt likely ending the same way.

    It was a maddening cycle, and while he could theoretically endure it, there was one glaring problem: time.

    Even if he mastered the steep terrain and acquired the skills through countless deaths, how long would it take? Kaiser roughly estimated the climb itself, assuming uninterrupted progress, would take anywhere from two to five months for a normal human. But factoring in failures, and the painstaking process of trial and error, it could easily stretch into years because immortality can''t defy gravity. Years spent on a single climb while the world above and below continued without him.

    That wasn¡¯t a price he was willing to pay.

    No, he needed to work smarter, not harder.

    His solution came in the form of a group he had been reluctant to acknowledge: the Players. Their presence in this dim world turns out to be a blessing due to their resourcefulness. They had crafted clothes, tents, and tools to aid their survival in their own journey, proving their ingenuity. If Kaiser could integrate himself into their group¡ªhowever briefly¡ªhe might gain access to the equipment he needed: ropes, harnesses, tools, and perhaps even knowledge from those who had experienced scaling cliffs.

    With the right gear and preparation, the climb wouldn¡¯t take years.

    And best of all¡­

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze shifted to Hazie, still sleeping soundly beneath her royal blue coat.

    He wouldn¡¯t have to leave her behind, forsaken her just like what others did.

    The thought was an immense relief, easing the guilt that had been gnawing at him. For all his frustration at the situation, Hazie didn¡¯t deserve to be abandoned¡ªnot after everything she had already endured despite being a mere disposable fragment. He''s really thankful that he could pursue his goal without sacrificing the humanity Kai''s been trying to reclaim.

    The sound of movement pulled him from his reverie. Hazie stirred beneath her blanket, a soft groan escaping her lips as she began to wake up.

 Chapter 130: I dont know what to name this.

    "Hmmp, I''m still alive?" She groaned sweetly.

    Hazie''s eyes fluttered open, her expression groggy as she stared at the fabric ceiling of the tent. Took a deep breath, catching the distinct scent of roasted meat. Turning her head, she blinked in surprise at the sight before her: Kaiser sitting by the fire, his glass-like sword acting as a spit for a slowly rotating slab of meat.

    "Huh? You''re still here? And is that... actual food?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and mild suspicion.

    Kaiser glanced at her, his expression unreadable. He let her words hang in the air for a moment before sighing.

    "Yeah. Why? Did you think I''d just leave?"

    Hazie''s lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. "Honestly? Yes. You strike me as the type."

    Kaiser admitted.

    "Well, you''re not entirely wrong." If he were still mortal, he likely would¡¯ve run off with the fire and whatever supplies he could carry... Probably.

    "Then why?"

    He paused, considering his response. Should he go for something honest but cheesy? *¡°Because I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of leaving a damsel like you alone in this wasteland.¡±* Or maybe casual? *¡°You cared for me, so I care for you.¡±* Perhaps something poetic? *¡°You¡¯re too beautiful of a flower to wither away here.¡±*

    The thought alone made him shudder. He muttered instead

    "...Don¡¯t ask me, I don¡¯t know why, either."

    Hazie chuckled, as though reading his thoughts. "You''re a coward, aren¡¯t you?"

    "Who¡¯re you calling a coward?" Kaiser shot back, gesturing at the sizzling meat. "I hunted this just for you!"

    "Really?" she asked, arching a skeptical brow.

    He hesitated, then shrugged. "Of course not. I had to find food for myself; this is just the extra."

    Hazie didn''t respond immediately, as if realizing something wrong. And indeed, her supposed weak patient wasn''t resting beside her and instead, had already gathered food and boiled water. She studied him intently for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly before saying flatly.

    "You weren¡¯t really sick earlier, were you?"

    Kaiser didn¡¯t even flinch, his face the picture of innocence devoid of shame. "What are you talking about? Can¡¯t you see I was dying in my bed back then?"

    Her shoulders sagged, a sigh escaping her lips. There was a hint of frustration there, as if she just realized she had been thoroughly scammed by this bastard, acting all weak and vulnerable, while in truth he had the damned strength to carry himself. What a waste of her genuine care.

    "Yeah, sure. I totally believable..."

    There was a brief pause before she spoke again, her tone light but deliberate. "Hey, Kai... I¡¯m hungry."

    "Then eat," he replied nonchalantly.

    She eyed him with a pitiful look, her voice suddenly dripping with faux adorable helplessness. "But I¡¯m too sick... Feed me."

    "No way. Get it yourself."

    "Aw, I think I¡¯m dying here," she lamented dramatically. "Oh, how I wish a caring gentleman would feed this poor, helpless damsel in her bed."Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    "Use your damn hand," Kaiser snapped, determined to not give a refund.

    Hazie wasn¡¯t done, though. She batted her lashes exaggeratedly. "Kai... I¡¯m also thirsty."

    He would have fulfilled her request if not for the fact she''s obviously acting. But even then, his heart was not meant for this kind of romantic thingy.

    Scratching the back of his head, Kaiser let out a long, exaggerated sigh. Put his meal aside and raise to his feet, he walked over to her bedside and began reaching for his zipper.

    "W-what are you doing?!" Hazie stammered, her eyes wide with alarm.

    "What else?" Kaiser replied with a perfectly straight face. "Peeing. Did you know urine is warm when freshly released? It¡¯d be a waste to dump it outside. Might as well give it to a sick person in need of warm water."

    His sinister gaze fell down on her as he said. "Say... Ah."

    Hazie scrambled upright, waving her hands in a panic. "W-wait, wait! Okay! I¡¯ll eat on my own, just stop! No! Please, I¡¯m begging you¡ªstop!"

    Moments later, Hazie sat cross-legged with her bowl of grilled meat, eating obediently. The shell bowl had been clean, and a small trickle of water accompanied her meal. She chewed with an expression that was equal parts relief and indignation.

    "You monster. No wonder you¡¯ve never had a girlfriend," Hazie muttered, shaking her head as she nibbled at her food.

    "Yeah, yeah, whatever," Kaiser replied, waving off the comment. He watched her for a moment before asking, "By the way, you haven¡¯t told me where you¡¯re leading the group yet."

    Taking an elegant yet ravenous bite of the meat, Hazie raised a brow. "Didn¡¯t I tell you? I¡¯m leading them to a safer place."

    "And where exactly is that?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

    She smiled faintly, gesturing upward with her finger. "Above. According to Julia¡¯s divination, out of all directions¡ªsouth, north, west, east, or even down¡ªour safest and only hope is to cross the sea above. Ironic, isn¡¯t it? Poetic, even. The only way out is to reach the heavens, but instead of clouds and blue, it¡¯s a sea in the sky... which is supposed to be below."

    "Yeah," Kaiser said, nodding blankly, despite not entirely grasping the concept of the term *irony* but pretending he did. "So... how are we going to join them?"

    She froze mid-chew, her expression faltering. After a moment, she sighed. "We?" she echoed softly. "Sorry, Kai, but I was tasked to lure a pursuing monster away. Sooner or later, that thing will figure out the blood trail I left behind is leading it in circles. Once it does, it¡¯ll find my real tracks eventually. I appreciate your concern, but I¡¯m destined to die anyway."

    Her voice grew quieter, almost regretful. "Honestly, I was hoping you¡¯d just leave me to make it easier. But here you are... sticking around, not even taking advantage of my weakness. Has anyone ever told you that you fail as a man?"

    Kaiser smirked. "Maybe you just fail as a woman."

    Hazie groaned, clearly stung by his words. "Unbelievable. You¡¯re as unbelievable as the number of times I¡¯ve said that today. I thought I was rescuing some cute little puppy shivering in the cold, but instead, I get a psychopathic monster who¡¯s too cowardly to say something sweet to a lady¡ªor even feed her properly like I would have done to you, no questions asked!"

    "Don¡¯t change the damned subject. Where are they now, and how are we catching up to the group?" He said flatly.

    Hazie paused, then sighed again and gave him a sharp look, as though measuring his intent. "You¡¯re smarter than you look," she admitted, her focus drifting back to the meat in her hands. "Braver and stronger, too." She took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. "I recognize the taste of these big barnacles¡ªthey¡¯re the camp¡¯s main food source, after all. But this..." she gestured to the rest of the meat, "...this isn¡¯t something I¡¯ve tasted before. Let me guess¡ªit''s a flying creature that fell from the cliff? Or... Did you hunt it?"

    "Found it,"

    She tilted her head, studying him intently. "Hmph. Of course you did," she murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips. After a moment of silence, she continued, her tone carrying a note of reluctant admiration. "But, then again, you¡¯ve survived this long on your own without relying on anyone. That¡¯s no small feat. You¡¯re tougher than you look."

    She straightened slightly, her expression growing more serious as her voice softened. "Kai, let me be honest with you. Given the situation we¡¯re in, there are two paths we can take. The first option is that we part after I tell you where the expedition is heading and the route they have taken. But let¡¯s face it, the details would be hard to remember, and there¡¯s also the risk of leading that monster straight to them if it follows you after my death. That would undo everything I¡¯ve done to protect them." She paused, letting her words sink in before adding, "Even if that doesn¡¯t happen, navigating these mountains alone without a guide is no easy task. The terrain is complicated¡ªconfusing, dangerous. Chances are high that you¡¯d get lost or hunted down by that creature that''s pursuing us, if not, you''ll be giving the group trouble. That''s why I''m still reluctant to tell you where they really are. Then again, I extremely doubt you''ll find them due to the complexity of the terrain. Survival alone It¡¯s bleak at best, to say the least. However, reuniting with the group isn¡¯t impossible, but it¡¯s a gamble."

    She leaned forward slightly, her expression conflicted. "The second option is we stay together. For reasons I can¡¯t explain, I have a connection to my other personas that let me sense where they are. We wouldn¡¯t have to worry about losing our way, in fact, we''ll reach them faster with my help. But traveling together comes with its own risks. My pursuer is relentless, and I can¡¯t avoid it. My job is to keep that thing far away from the others, not lead it back to them. If you stay, we¡¯ll have to face it eventually, and I can¡¯t promise we¡¯ll make it out alive."

    Hazie exhaled heavily, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the shell bowl she held. "So... what¡¯s it going to be?"

    Kaiser didn¡¯t even hesitate. "Let¡¯s kill it."

    Her head snapped up, failing to comprehend the young man before her. "At least *think* about it before deciding!" she exclaimed, exasperated.

    "I already have."

    Cats are already out of the bag thanks to the obvious fact that he had been going solo all this time while they''re surviving as a group. And Kai did not want to act as a coward, to hide he''s true self in front of his potential comrade in arms in their journey, especially because she''s no simple girl he could easily fool.

    Hazie groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. "You do realize we¡¯re probably going to die, right? It''s nothing like the barnacles here, it''s a real monster, a hybrid between ground and airborne one at that."

    In summary, one option offers bleak possibility of success while the other is nothing short of a death sentence.

    And his answer is...

    "Yup." Kaiser shrugged, chewing uninterrupted.

    It''s quite a relief, really, on how easy it is to talk to Hazie about serious matters without needing to argue. However, it''s noticeable how

    she''s not doing well.

    Her lips twitched, look at him for a while with conflicted expression. Then, a spark of curiosity ignited in her eyes.

    "You¡¯re so confident for someone so reckless." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him closely, slightly amused by his absurd lack of fear in regards to danger. "Tell me something, Kai... What¡¯s your level?"

    The flames crackled between them, the silence stretching as she awaited his answer. While Kai...

    Kaiser tried hard to hide his bewilderment, but failed to shroud the shift in his expression.

    Indeed, what''s his *Level*, exactly?

 Chapter 131: I have no idea what philosophy is, either.

    Kaiser had been meaning to ask how Hazie knew about the Players in this dim, lifeless wasteland. The question lingered in the back of his mind, waiting for the right moment to be answered after settling their plan of action. But that thought quickly faded when she asked him something far more unexpected.

    "What¡¯s your level?" The question echoed in his mind, catching him off guard. He halted mid-bite. His gaze lifted from the food to her, genuinely perplexed.

    ''Forget about Players. How does she also know about Levels?''

    This revelation stirred a mix of curiosity and puzzlement. If Hazie could ask such a question brazenly, does this mean she understood more about this strange system than he did because he himself was unaware of his level, and unsure what it really is. However, Hazie seems to already know hers... Somehow.

    For Kaiser, the lack of a clear measurement of his progress had been sort of maddening. The vague, unquantifiable nature of his abilities that lacks specific measurements felt like trying to grasp smoke. It was as if he were a creature without a name or species, an enigma even to himself. Or doing your best in an exam, but unable to see the numerical results of your efforts, only its effects. And the more he grows in power in this world, the more that gnawing sense of frustration grows.

    ''Seriously, what does she know?'' The question burned at him.

    He had wished for details of his grade more than he could count, constantly asking why Leveling called as such if there were no specific levels an individual is climbing. If so, then what''s his? Is it graded numerically, or observably like the level of water within a glass, perhaps something else entirely? New, or alien?

    And now, it appears Kai finally found a lead to that particular knowledge.

    Kaiser leaned back slightly, his voice tinged with halfhearted confusion and hidden excitement. ¡°My level?¡±

    Hazie¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. It was as though she had anticipated his reaction and took pleasure in confirming her suspicions, instead of being infuriated at Kaiser''s odd reactions. ¡°That¡¯s no surprise,¡± she said smugly, pulling off the reinforce gloves that came with her armor with deliberate elegance. ¡°After all, you don¡¯t have one of *these*.¡±

    As she removed the final glove, she held up her hand, showing him her delicate fingers. They were pale, slender, and uncalloused but had hints of bruises, the kind one might expect of someone who had known gentler days, yet could withstand the harshest if needed. But Kaiser¡¯s eyes quickly caught the silver ring adorning her finger.

    It wasn¡¯t an engagement ring, nor was it adorned with intricate jewels or dazzling craftsmanship. Instead, the design was simple yet striking. The band was plain silver, with faint golden lines etched into it in an odd but aesthetically pleasing pattern. The carvings almost seemed like an alien language, swirling in a way that felt deliberate but incomprehensible.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with the ring?¡± Kaiser asked, narrowing his eyes as he studied the seemingly ordinary item.

    Hazie slid the ring off her finger, turning it over in her palm as she began to explain. ¡°It¡¯s a ring, just as it appears, but its function is what matters,¡± she said, holding it out for him to see.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know how it works exactly, but for some reason, this thing can display detailed information about its wearer. And I don¡¯t mean just surface-level stuff¡ªit seems to access our memories, I think, but not in the way you¡¯d expect.¡±

    ''So, they did have a tabulator to track their status in a form of a ring.''

    He wholeheartedly agreed to the senior Players creation of something to track their state, which constantly grow through Leveling, therefore, having something to tabulate progress was nothing short of helpful. However, there''s one concerning detail about the ring.

    Kaiser¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Our memories?¡±

    That sounds ominous.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Hazie continued. ¡°You¡¯re familiar with games, right?¡±

    He gave a small nod, his expression darkening with curiosity.

    ¡°Well, the stats this ring shows are a lot like the ones you¡¯d see in a video game.¡± She held the ring between her fingers, twisting it slightly so the firelight reflected off its strange etchings. ¡°For some reason, it¡¯s able to quantify something called ¡®Level.¡¯ and thanks to those numbers, we also gained valuable insight, the kind of knowledge we wouldn¡¯t have been able to figure out otherwise. It¡¯s thanks to these rings that we¡¯ve managed to survive as long as we have in this godforsaken cold wasteland in spite of the environmental difficulties."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Her voice softened slightly as she looked down at the ring in her palm. ¡°What¡¯s even stranger is that the language it uses, the design, the way it works... it¡¯s all eerily familiar. It¡¯s written in the same language we used back on Earth, and its mechanics seem heavily inspired by games from there, too. And you know what¡¯s even weirder?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°It refers to us as Players. Like we¡¯re part of some twisted, cosmic game.¡± She paused, her tone laced with unease. ¡°That can only mean whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªmade these rings must have some connection to Earth. Maybe they¡¯re even from Earth, like us. But if that¡¯s the case, it means we¡¯re just pawns in someone else¡¯s cruel design, the gods, maybe?¡±

    She chuckled, though it lacked humor. ¡°Of course, all of that¡¯s just speculation. What we do know for certain is that this ring tells us one hard truth: killing in this world grants power, that''s the only way to raise our level, therefore, become stronger and resilient. And because a normal human can''t hope to last long in these mountains, we were forced to utilize such vile tactics for the sake of survival. I''m guessing you know where this is going because you''ve undoubtedly felt it as well, by now."

    He slightly nodded.

    Hazie''s lips curled slightly in relief.

    "Saves me the trouble of explaining how we''ve been increasing our rate of survival. Think whatever you want, but I am not ashamed of forcing everyone to kill living creatures whether they like it or not. Because of me, everyone has blood on their hands, though, only barnacles blood." She chuckled at herself again, finding it funny how everyone became barnacle slayers because of her command. However, the hints of darkness in her humor never leave. For what she''s doing¡ªhumanely acceptable, relatively righteous and bearable as it appears might very well be planting seeds of horrible bloodshed in her followers.

    Kaiser¡¯s stomach churned at the bluntness of her words, understanding the weight. Hazie continued, her voice growing colder. ¡°Slaying other living beings feeds into this so-called ¡®Leveling¡¯ system. That¡¯s how it¡¯s translated, probably to make it easier for us to understand. But let¡¯s not sugarcoat it¡ªthis world is nothing but a brutal hierarchy where the strong thrive by feeding on the weak. It¡¯s a mess, isn¡¯t it? Killers are rewarded, while the weak are left to rot. As if humans aren''t horribly enough already, this world just had to add a twisted law that literally announced that the strong trample the weak. Discouraging peace, unity, any hope for a better society¡ªWhat kind of horrid system is that? Are they trying to destroy all civilizations here?¡±

    She paused, then added wistfully.

    "Then again, in a world where the sea is in the sky and the land has nothing but black rocks, is it really surprising that the laws of survival are just as warped?¡±

    Hazie glanced at Kaiser, her sharp eyes softened by an undertone of weariness. ¡°But in the end,¡± she murmured, as though speaking to herself, ¡°we¡¯re just fragile humans stuck in this twisted game. Forced to play by its rules, no matter how much we despise them. All for the sake of not dying.¡±

    Silence...

    Kaiser set down his food with a quiet thud, his fingers curling loosely over his knees as he leaned forward. The firelight flickered across his face, catching in his eyes like smoldering coals, but his expression remained unreadable. For a long, drawn-out moment, the only sound between them was the crackle of the flames and the faint howl of the wind outside.

    Hazie watched him carefully, her gaze lingering, as if searching for something hidden beneath his stoic exterior. She might¡¯ve assumed he was deep in thought, mulling over her words, but the truth was far less profound. Kaiser wasn¡¯t one for philosophical musings about humanity¡¯s plight or the weight of moral choice. That sort of high-minded chatter might mean something to people like Hazie¡ªclever, deliberate, and far more interested in the grand scale of things¡ªbut to him, it was just noise. Not after knowing it already from the Chief, therefore, nothing startlingly new in his mind.

    ''What the hell is she even talking about?'' he thought, feeling as lost and disinterested as ever.

    Finally, he let out a slow sigh, not because he had arrived at some grand realization, but because it felt like he was supposed to, so Hazie will let him borrow the ring. He met her gaze, his tone low and resolute, though it carried the subtle edge of someone acting like he had it all figured out.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure where you¡¯re going with all this,¡± he admitted, blunt as ever. ¡°But so what if killing makes us stronger? Nothing¡¯s going to change that. The laws of this world are what they are¡ªunless you¡¯re some god or something.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t really care. But if that¡¯s how it works, then maybe surviving isn¡¯t just about staying alive. Maybe it¡¯s about deciding who you¡¯ll become in the process. For better or worse.¡±

    Hazie blinked, clearly not expecting that kind of insight from him. Slowly, a faint, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. It wasn¡¯t mockery; it was more like the acknowledgment of a truth she hadn¡¯t expected him to stumble upon.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± she said softly. Her eyes lingered on him, studying him with an expression he couldn¡¯t quite place¡ªsomething between curiosity and quiet contemplation. She tilted her head slightly, almost wistfully, before adding, ¡°I wonder¡­ What kind of people we¡¯ll become someday in this wrecked world.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze flickered to her, but he didn¡¯t answer immediately. The fire crackled and popped, the sound filling the silence. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet, almost introspective.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said simply.

    Hazie gave a short, knowing laugh, though there was no joy in it. ¡°Figures,¡± she replied, shaking her head lightly. ¡°You don¡¯t strike me as someone who¡¯s got a clear goal in mind. Not yet, anyway. I just hope¡­¡± She paused, her expression sobering. ¡°I hope there won¡¯t come a day when I have to straighten you up. If we survive long enough, that is.¡±

    ''Is she indirectly saying I have the potential to be a mass murderer? A battle hungry maniac or something?''

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°Straighten me up?¡±

    Her smile widened slightly, amused by his reaction. ¡°What can I say? You¡¯ve got that reckless, wandering look about you. Strange lack of fear and the eye of a natural born killer. You¡¯ll need someone to guide you eventually.¡±

    Before he could retort, Hazie leaned back and stretched her legs, staring up at the sky, through the tears of the tent ceiling. Her voice softened again, though it still carried that note of authority she wore so well.

    ¡°Hey, Kai,¡± she said, her tone light yet earnest. ¡°If you ever get lost¡ªreally lost¡ªknow that you can seek my guidance.¡±

    Kaiser snorted, leaning back as well. His patience was running thin. Hazie¡¯s speeches¡ªeloquent and full of meaning¡ªwere the sort of thing people like her probably found reassuring, maybe even profound. But not for him, he had never been great at sitting through long, winding conversations. Still, out of respect and secure his intentions, he let her finish.

    But he couldn''t contain his excitement anymore.

    ¡°Yeah, sure. Whatever.¡± He stretched his arms lazily and gave her a pointed look, his patience reaching its limit. ¡°Now, can you pass me the ring already?¡±

    Hazie blinked at him, startled out of her thoughtful reverie. Then, her lips parted, and for a moment, she seemed genuinely speechless. Then, with an exasperated sigh, she muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡±

    She tossed the ring toward him, and he caught it mid-air, inspecting it closely. Hazie watched him for a moment longer before shaking her head, the faintest hint of a smile still playing at the corners of her lips. Though, it looked forced.

    ¡°Kai... You didn''t listen, did you?¡±

    Kaiser didn¡¯t respond, having gotten what he wanted. He was too busy studying the silver band, its golden etchings glinting in the firelight like a secret waiting to be unraveled, his gaze filled with anticipation. Right now, all he cares about is finally... At long last, he''ll find out what his Level is.

    Without lingering any longer, he put it on.

 Chapter 132: Tabulator, Ring

    The moment Kaiser slid the ring onto his finger, he braced himself for something dramatic¡ªan electric surge racing through his body, a flash of light, or maybe even a voice booming some ominous revelation. Anything. But instead¡­ nothing. No sudden flood of knowledge, no out-of-body experience, no mystical screen floating in the air.

    Kaiser blinked, confused. His excitement, sharp and anticipatory just moments ago, ebbed into mild frustration.

    ''Seriously? Nothing?''

    For an instant, he thought maybe he had been too eager, too caught up in the idea of finally uncovering his true level. Maybe there were mechanics he didn¡¯t understand¡ªthings he should have asked Hazie about before rushing in. But just as he was about to take the ring off and demand answers, something shifted.

    It wasn¡¯t physical, not a sensation he could describe in any clear terms. But it felt¡­ mental. Subtle, like the faintest knock echoing from the back of his mind¡ªweak and unobtrusive, as though whatever was ¡°there¡± was asking for permission to come in.

    Kaiser frowned slightly. ''So this is how it works.''

    It would be too illogical if the ring suddenly revealed his stats, that he himself wasn''t completely aware of out of nothing. As it turns out, the tabulator was relying on the person''s memory as a source of information, which it translates.

    The realization settled in as he sat still, focusing on that faint presence. It would begathering information by probing through his memories, cataloging his experiences. Slowly, it made sense to him. This ring, this magical tool, likely functions by assessing whether the wearer was a Player¡ªsomeone who had been *transmigrated*¡ªby analyzing the memories connected to that experience. A kind of sorting mechanism, determining who originally belonged in Shattered Realms and if not, the wearer will be branded as a normal person, probably a Descendant here. And those that experienced Transmigration are referred to as Players.

    The same process likely applied to levels. By combing through memories of kills¡ªhow many, what kind of creatures¡ªthe ring would summarize the wearer¡¯s accomplishments and translate it into something measurable. A Player¡¯s strength is reduced to stats and numbers for simplicity.

    Kaiser hesitated, the faint mental knock still pressing at the edges of his thoughts. He wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable with the idea of letting something rummage through his memories. Because first of all, one''s mind is privacy. And the secret''s he held were no laughing matter. Including his meeting with gods, in which he messed up. Earning a cursed life from then on that is unlike Hazie¡¯s or anyone else¡¯s. His memories were *tainted*¡ªlittered with death, over and over again, as though each time had been the final page of a book that refused to close.

    ''What if it breaks?'' he thought, half-jokingly.

    However, the ¡°knock¡± was patient, non-invasive. It was like the ring itself was assuring him that it¡¯s harmless. Just a tool, so weak he could crush it if he willed. It''s no surprise to be designed that way, for no one would use it if the knock show even the slightest hint of sinister intent.

    He let out a resigned mental sigh.

    ''Life¡¯s a risk, anyway. Nothing new.''

    With that, he allowed it in.

    Nothing changed. There was no jolt, no pain, no strange sensations. But suddenly, before him¡ªsomewhere between his imagination and reality¡ªa screen appeared.

    Kaiser flinched slightly, eyes widening slightly. The screen was there, yet it wasn¡¯t¡ªexisting in that strange place where it seemed both tangible and unreal, like an illusion imposed onto his senses. It glowed faintly red¡ªhis favorite color¡ªwith lines of white text sprawled across it.

    But something was wrong.

    The letters and numbers twitched, jittering erratically like they were glitching. Kaiser''s brows furrowed as he stared at it, the symbols flickering and warping as though struggling to stabilize.

    ''WTF?''

    His eyes narrowed. The screen¡¯s text distorted further, fragments of words breaking apart before reforming into garbled nonsense. It was as if the ring couldn¡¯t make sense of what it was seeing¡ªlike it was trying to read him and failing.

    ¡°Anything wrong?¡±

    Hazie¡¯s voice cut through the tension, her tone casual but tinged with curiosity. She didn¡¯t look up from her food, chewing lazily as she spoke. At some point in time, his companion returned to eating. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Kaiser glanced at her sharply, the strange screen still glitching in the air before him. Before he could open his mouth to respond, however, she raised a hand, stopping him mid-thought.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even ask if I can see what you¡¯re seeing,¡± she said, her tone dry, ¡°because I can¡¯t. Unless you want to show me what details you willed, that is.¡± She set down her food and flexed her fingers. ¡°But for that to work, we¡¯d both have to be within one and a half meters of each other, and both of us would need to be wearing rings. How do I know? We experimented. A lot. If there¡¯s nothing else, don¡¯t disturb me.¡±

    And just like that, she went back to eating, seemingly unconcerned.

    "Uhh, okay, thanks."

    Kaiser shifted his gaze to the disoriented screen again. His unspoken questions were answered before he could even asked them. But there was something else gnawing at him. Hazie hadn¡¯t mentioned anything about a glitch. If this had been a problem they encountered or if there''s any, she would have said so. However, Hazie did not mention anything about stumbling on errors, meaning there''s none in their experiment except him.

    ''So is this¡­ exclusive to me?''

    His jaw tightened. It made sense, in a way. The ring pulled its data from the wearer¡¯s memories, summarizing their history to assess their level and other status. But Kaiser''s history was relatively broken. A chain of memories filled with impossible deaths¡ªmoments that should have been his end. And yet, every time, he got back up, living normally again before dying. Each death rewrote him, as though the story of his life couldn¡¯t decide whether it was finished, or not? Will an Immortal life be ever be?

    If his life were a book, it will be viewed as an error in comparison to others.

    ''No wonder it¡¯s glitching.'' The ring¡¯s system¡ªlogical and absolute¡ª probably had no framework for something like him. To the ring¡¯s judgment, he was both alive and not. How could it measure someone who had defied the end so many times?

    A twinge of concern flickered through him. ''Damn it¡­ What if I really break this thing?'' The thought wasn¡¯t entirely unfounded. After all, it wasn¡¯t his. It was just a borrowed tool, and Hazie didn¡¯t seem like the forgiving type when it came to losing important equipment.

    Before his worry could spiral further, the erratic screen began to change. The glitching slowed, the symbols and numbers no longer distorting as violently. Kaiser exhaled softly as the chaotic mess stabilized, the screen flickering once before finally settling into something¡­ readable.

    The red glow sharpened, and at last, clear white letters formed in neat, crisp lines.

    Kaiser stared, his chest tightening with anticipation he hadn¡¯t even realized he was holding. After all this time¡ªafter the confusion, the wondering and struggle, who knew a day like this will suddenly pop out of nowhere?

    Though, not entirely unexpected so he made sure to take it slow beforehand to savor every moment of his first time, which is the most special of all.

    He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Before opening it and began deliberately reading each letter.

    The first line appeared, simple and unsurprising.

    Name: Kaiser

    Basic. Straightforward. No complaints there¡ªuntil his gaze lingered a second longer, and a faint pop appeared beneath the word ¡°Name,¡± like a tooltip waiting to be read. Curiosity got the better of him. He focused on the term.

    A small window expanded, glowing faintly in that cursed red.

    Named - A word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to. Basic knowledge for idiotic morons who¡¯re reading this. Well, at least you knew what names are.

    Kaiser¡¯s lips twitched.

    ''...Are you kidding me?''

    His eye twitched, a vein pulsing faintly at his temple. "I swear to God, whoever made these rings¡­ If I ever meet them¡ªhim, her, or whatever the hell creates this¡ªI¡¯m going to give them a piece of my mind."

    Hearing him, Hazie''s suppressed laughter echoing across the campfire as she watched him cursed the damned creator of these rings that insulted its wearers.

    ¡°There¡¯s probably a long line for that,¡± she quipped.

    Kaiser shot her a glare but ultimately shrugged off the annoyance, deciding to move on. The next logical thing to check was his own name¡ª*Kaiser*. His gaze flickered over it, pausing briefly. Did he really want to see what snarky garbage the ring would spit out this time? If there''s any, that is. Considering the sharp-mouthed forger of this tabulator tool is basically a stranger to Kai to add description to his name... Unless the creator was too hellbent on bad-mounting their product users to go through the trouble of programming it to generate one according to ten wearer''s memory.

    ''There''s no harm in trying. Besides, It¡¯s just my name. How bad could it be?'' he told himself.

    He focused on it, and sure enough, another description unfurled like an uninvited guest.

    Kaiser - Name deserving of an Emperor, but this bearer was an utter disappointment. With luck as low as trash and ill character that will surely bring an empire to ruin. Oh, I beg of you, don¡¯t live up to your name. Besides, you can¡¯t even conquer a way to a woman¡¯s skirt, let alone, an empire. Not to mention the fact that you die a virgin more than one times... Now that''s just too pathetically unbelievable if an achievement.

    The moment he read the last word, Kaiser''s hands clenched into trembling fists, and his face darkened as if a storm cloud had passed over him.

    Seeing him struggle not to punch thin air with intentions to murder, Hazie outright cackled this time, nearly choking on her food as she clutched her stomach. Kaiser¡¯s glare shot toward her like daggers, but she only waved a hand in apology¡ªthough her smirk said she wasn¡¯t sorry at all.

    ¡°Thanks a lot for not warning me,¡± he growled lowly through gritted teeth.

    Hazie wiped a fake tear from her eye, grinning ear to ear. ¡°What? The descriptions? Sorry, I thought it would sing praises like it did for me.¡± She smirked, her voice lilting with feigned pity. ¡°You know, that ring hits harder on a girl than you ever could. No surprise you¡¯re still a virgin.¡±

    That''s two knives in a row. Kaiser could almost see them¡ªone from Hazie, the other from the cursed ring¡ªpiercing his pitiful pride in perfect sync. He briefly considered making the ring bounce of Hazie''s head.

    ''They¡¯re definitely teaming up on me.''

    ¡°Whatever,¡± he muttered, waving her off with a scowl. He pushed his irritation down, forcing himself to move on. His gaze shifted to the next entry, skipping the line:

    Status: Player

    And moving on to what he had been waiting for this whole time.

    Level.

    Kaiser ignored the word¡¯s tooltip, as well, knowing full well it would only mock him like the others had. He skipped past it and focused instead on the actual *number* beside it.

    For a moment, everything felt suspended¡ªhis heart, his breath, his thoughts¡ªas his eyes zeroed in on the truth.

    And then he saw it.

    Level 2: (Cipher ¡ª 3 points)

    Kaiser froze. His expression hardened, his breath catching in his throat. For a moment, he just stared, his mind refusing to process what was right in front of him.

    Hazie, sensing the shift in his demeanor, paused mid-bite. Her grin faded as she watched him carefully, feeling unease for Kai wasn''t in for a laugh this time... He''s expression are unsettlingly cold, to a chilling degree.

    ¡°Hey¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡± She asked worriedly.

    Kaiser didn¡¯t respond immediately. His expression darkened, shadows flickering across his face in the firelight. When he finally spoke, his voice was low.

    "What''s your level?"

    "Thirty eight¡ªCipher, why?"

    That''s undoubtedly higher than him...

    His grip tightened, finding it hard to make sense of the situation, he unconsciously spat.

    ¡°What kind of joke is this?¡±

    Hazie blinked, surprised by the suppressed emotion in his voice. She set her food aside, her amusement evaporating. ¡°What are you talking about? What does it say?¡±

    Kaiser didn¡¯t look at her. His gaze remained fixed on the glowing red screen as though he could burn a hole through it by sheer will alone. But he can''t, nor could he change it''s unsightly contents.

    Eventually, he sighed heavily, recollecting himself and respond.

    "...Nothing."

 Chapter 133: Mysterious Source

    Despite calming down.

    It still gnawed at him. Frustration coiled tight in his chest like a beast refusing to be tamed. He had waited so long for this moment¡ªhis chance to know where he truly stood, to see his efforts recognized. But what he got instead was an undeniable mockery of everything he had endured.

    Because, after all, Kaiser¡¯s kill record was anything but ordinary. It wasn¡¯t the sheer volume of kills that made him stand out, but the quality of the creatures he¡¯d slain. Monsters that would send most running for their lives. Foes that took cunning, strength, and endurance to defeat. And yet¡­

    Level 2? Cipher? ¡ª He doesn''t know what Cipher is exactly, but it sounded as low as two.

    The absurdity of it would have been laughable if it weren¡¯t so maddening. And above all, unfair!

    Hazie¡¯s level¡ª38, Cipher¡ªconfirmed the inaccuracy of his results. There was no need to test it. He knew without a doubt that he was stronger than her in almost every conceivable way. His senses were sharper; her movements seemed sluggish in comparison. He could bypass her reactions with ease, and outright severely injure her if he ever wishes.

    However, that doesn''t mean she''s that weak. In fact, Kaiser hesitated to deem himself fully above her.

    Despite her relative ¡°slowness¡± in his eyes, Hazie moved with an elegance and precision that demanded respect. There was no wasted energy in her actions¡ªno unnecessary flourishes. Every movement had purpose, as if she had honed herself to a razor¡¯s edge, aspiring to perfection in every way possible devoid of flaws, therefore, eliminating unnecessary things. It somehow reminded him of his mentor fluidness, but with a distinct difference.

    Furthermore, Kaiser wasn¡¯t fooled by her delicate appearance. Hazie was dangerous in her own right. She had undoubtedly been trained in various martial arts, weapons, and techniques. But what truly intrigued him wasn¡¯t just her combat skills hidden beneath that pretty face¡ªit was the thought of her other personas.

    This ¡°Level 38 Cipher¡± was only one part of her. The weakest persona, and merely a fraction of her full potential. And yet, it was formidable enough to give him pause.

    ''So what happens when the real Hazie comes out?''

    Kaiser couldn¡¯t help but wonder. If all her incarnations merged into one being, pooling their monstrous traits into a single vessel, how powerful would she become? Or perhaps she could maintain her separated forms, outnumbering him while coordinating with terrifying precision.

    Suddenly, the confidence he felt moments ago wavered. If he and Hazie ever clashed at their full strength, the outcome would be far from certain because their strength is likely equal, with not much of a gap which would be closed by strategy, wit, and endurance. And in that arena, Kaiser wasn¡¯t sure he could claim absolute victory.

    ''Better not make an enemy of her.''

    Still, that wasn¡¯t the issue now. The real problem lies with himself.

    His gaze flicked back to the glowing screen, the damning number taunting him.

    Level 2: (Cipher ¡ª 3 points)

    Not even a double digit.

    In any case, at least now, his theory was proven correct¡ªhis immortality came at a heavy price. Each time Kaiser died, he unknowingly leaked the accumulated Level he had worked so hard to earn through bloodshed. The realization hit him like a blow to the gut, a pang of regret swelling in his chest. All those reckless battles, all those moments he threw caution to the wind, had unknowingly wasted his efforts. The dire foes he¡¯d slain, the near-impossible victories he¡¯d achieved¡ªall of it chipped away, undone by his casual disregard for his own survival.

    Lately, he had viewed death as nothing more than an inconvenience, a fleeting experience that carried no real consequences for someone like him except agonizing pains. He had walked into danger with a cavalier attitude, embracing the pain and finality of death only to rise again moments later, none the worse for wear. Dying wasn¡¯t dreadful. It wasn¡¯t even new anymore.

    But now, he understood how wrong he had been.

    But who could blame him? Obliviousness was an enemy of everyone, a silent thief that robbed even the wisest of their advantage. Much like a ruler drafting foolish regulations without ever grasping the true problem, Kaiser couldn¡¯t have devised a solution to an issue he didn¡¯t even know existed.  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    It was almost laughable in its simplicity. He didn¡¯t know dying was ¡°wrong¡± because, for him, it never truly felt like an end. It was the ultimate understatement¡ªa man who cheated death so often that its weight no longer mattered to him.

    But now, the weight was there, pressing down on him with suffocating clarity. Every death had cost him, not just pain or effort, but also progress. For the first time, Kaiser felt the sting of those countless losses in a way he never had before.

    ''All this time...'' he thought bitterly, his jaw tightening. ''I¡¯ve been running on a treadmill, thinking I was moving forward.''

    And the realization left a bitter taste in his mouth.

    At least now he knew¡ª *dying was bad*, and his immortality was not something to abuse so recklessly. The discovery was disheartening, sure, but it wasn¡¯t the end of the world. In hindsight, it was an understandable price for such a power. He could still die as many times as he wanted and walk away alive, though at the cost of weakening himself slightly with each fall.

    However, now his more confused. If he''s real Level are two due to most of it leaking, then...

    Why

    Why did he still retain most of his strength despite being a mere Level 2?

    Before he could delve further into the thought, Hazie¡¯s voice broke through his haze. Responding to his absentminded reply.

    ¡°Nothing? Really? Judging by how pissed you are, it¡¯s lower than mine, isn¡¯t it? If I had to guess, your Level¡¯s somewhere between twenty and thirty, right?¡±

    ''No, far lower.''

    Kaiser didn¡¯t answer, though his silence was response enough. Hazie giggled, her amusement bubbling over.

    ¡°Hey, hey, Kai. Could you look at me again and casually say, ¡®Let¡¯s kill it,¡¯ like you did earlier?¡± She mocked, her tone dripping with exaggerated indifference as she laughed even harder. But as the humor ebbed, her voice shifted to something more sober.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± she said, her expression turning serious, ¡°just thought I¡¯d remind you¡ªit¡¯s not too late to back down. I¡¯m fine with dying here if it comes to that. This isn¡¯t my only life, you know. I¡¯ve got four others left.¡± She smirked, smugness creeping into her tone as she continued. ¡°So, a word of advice¡ªDon¡¯t measure yourself against me. You¡¯re better off keeping a safe distance from my league.¡±

    Unfortunately for her, she had no idea who she was talking to.

    Kai scratched the back of his head, hiding a grin. ''If only she knew...''

    Little did Hazie realize, Kaiser had already burned through the five lives she held so proudly, to the point he lost count. She''s better off bragging to mortals about her disposable lifes.

    Shaking his head, he changed the subject. ¡°Can you tell me more about these points?¡±

    Hazie went silent, then sighed, crossing her arms. ¡°There you go again, not listening. That¡¯ll be the end of you someday.¡± She gave him a pointed look but quickly relented. ¡°Well, I doubt you¡¯ll change your mind, so fine. About the points, huh? Alright, listen up.¡±

    She leaned back, her tone shifting into a blend of lecturer and conspirator.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t nailed down every detail about how points work, but based on our experiments and rough estimates, here¡¯s what we¡¯ve pieced together. Think of it this way: an infant is probably Level 0, right? No points, because an infant hasn¡¯t killed anything. Makes sense so far?¡±

    Kai nodded, his focus sharp.

    ¡°As the child grows and starts, say, squashing bugs, they¡¯d begin collecting points. Tiny increments, though¡ªsomething like 0.001 per bug, maybe. The bigger and more significant the kill, the more points you get. So, stepping up from bugs to something like a dog, then a wolf, or even a bear? Those would give much higher values. Still with me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kai said, his brows furrowing in thought.

    ¡°Good. Now, here¡¯s the important part¡ªan average adult human life? That¡¯s roughly one point.¡±

    She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing. ¡°So, if your points are, say, above thirty... You get what I mean.¡± Her voice trailed off, leaving the darker implications unspoken.

    Kaiser understood perfectly, though. The scale of death and bloodshed required to rise through the ranks suddenly felt much more tangible¡ªand far more haunting. For acquiring thirty points is relatively equal to killing thirty people.

    Hazie reached for her water, her tone lightening just a fraction as she added, ¡°By the way, check the description for Cipher. It''ll be enlightening.¡±

    Kai glanced back at the screen, her words turning over in his mind.

    That explanation had been helpful, expanding Kaiser¡¯s understanding of what points were and how they governed the system. The summary was clear: kill to ascend. The stronger the foe, the higher the reward. Points were nothing more than the measure of bloodshed¡ªa grim but simple equation.

    However, it didn¡¯t answer the lingering question gnawing at him.

    Why hasn¡¯t his strength significantly diminished, even after losing so many points?

    The truth was, the decrease had been so marginal it escaped his notice entirely. That''s why it took him so long to realize. Coupled with the fact that his power only seemed to grow stronger over time, creating the illusion of constant improvement. But now he realized it was just that¡ªan illusion.

    Despite his reckless deaths, his actual accumulated points had dropped to a dangerously low level, only partially restored by the black-rock barnacles he''d recently slain.

    ''This doesn¡¯t make sense,''

    If his strength wasn¡¯t entirely tied to his level, then what was fueling him?

    There had to be another source. Some exterior force beyond leveling. And Kaiser could only think of one possibility.

    The Sacred Bond he¡¯d formed with Zara.

    ''It has to be that,'' he reasoned, a chill of realization creeping over him.

    His theory found immediate validation when his eyes caught the line of text in his interface. Among the sparse information, Zara¡¯s name was listed, along with the name of his relic.

    Name: Kaiser

    Status: Player

    Level: 2 (Cipher ¡ª 3 points)

    Bond: [Zara]

    Relic: [Windslayer]

    If the interface was consistent, every term had an attached description. With a bit of focus, Kaiser could uncover details about the Sacred Bond, Zara herself, the skills she had bestowed upon him, and even Windslayer¡¯s traits¡ªall of which had been vague until now, will no longer be a mystery once he received glimpses of their descriptions.

    But first, he followed Hazie¡¯s suggestion. He focused on Cipher.

    Immediately, the term expanded into a series of glowing lines, providing intel on the Players¡¯ hierarchy within the Shattered Realms.

    But before he could dive into the details, though, a distant thud rumbled through the air, the sound deep and earth-shaking, like a boulder falling from the sky.

    The ground beneath them trembled slightly, enough to force Hazie to sense it as well. She sighed, her gaze shifting toward the horizon outside.

    ¡°It¡¯s here,¡± she muttered under her breath, the words more resigned than fearful.

    Kaiser frowned, still processing the information on his interface. ¡°What¡¯s here?¡±

    Hazie turned to him, her usual playful demeanor replaced by weary seriousness.

    "It took longer than I expected to catch up," Hazie remarked, her voice unusually calm as

    "Well, Kaiser, if you were planning to back out... now would be the time."

    She paused, tilting her head as though reconsidering.

    "Actually." Her smirk widened, though her tone carried a sharp edge of inevitability. "It¡¯s already too late for that."

    Kaiser narrowed his eyes, the glow of his interface flickering in his peripheral vision.

    Whatever was coming, they both knew there was no turning back.

 Chapter 134: Ranking System

    ¡°Is that your doing?¡± Kaiser asked, concerning the distant rumble that shook the ground moments earlier.

    Hazie smiled proudly in response, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. ¡°On my way here. It just so happens a giant boulder was on the brink of falling, so I took the liberty of... speeding up its fall. Call it a big surprise for the monster once it tracks my real blood trail in that spot. I didn''t really expect it to work, but it did. It might stun it for a bit. Maybe even injure it severely. Or if I''m so lucky, perhaps the trap would kill the thing.¡±

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t sound very confident about that last part.¡±

    She shrugged, standing up and dusting off her slim armor. ¡°I don''t have my hopes up, either. It''ll delay it at best. Speaking of which...¡± She turned to him with casual air. ¡°Do me a favor and turn around, will you?¡±

    Unmoving, he questioned. ¡°Why?¡±

    Hazie crossed her arms, a teasing grin spreading across her lips. ¡°Do you want to watch me clean up and change?¡±

    ¡°Uh, no. But¡ªthere¡¯s a freaking monster coming for you, Hazie. Is this really the time for that?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and quit questioning me. I¡¯m a woman, and I have my priorities.¡± She waved him off, unbothered. ¡°Besides, don¡¯t worry so much. We have time to spare.¡±

    Her confidence was unnerving, but Kaiser had no choice but to trust her. After all, she was the one who had set the trap, and she seemed sure of its effectiveness. With a resigned sigh, he turned away, still seated. Whatever Hazie was planning, it wasn¡¯t his concern at the moment. She knew what she was doing, Kai knew her that much.

    He shifted uncontrollably. Not that he was particularly interested in sneaking a peek¡ªHazie wasn¡¯t foolish enough to bare herself in the shivering cold, so there wasn¡¯t much to see anyway if he secretly looked. Besides, there were far more intriguing matters on his mind.

    If Hazie was so sure they had time, then he would make the most of it. Kaiser turned his attention back to his interface, eager to learn more about the ranking system.

    The first line read:

    Cipher (1¨C99 points) LV: 1¨C10

    - Ordinary people who hunt or kill small creatures for daily sustenance. Their lives remain mundane and unremarkable.

    ''So that''s what Cipher means.''

    Kaiser stared at the description. Cipher¡ªthe rank he was currently assigned, according to the system. It painted a picture of a peaceful, uneventful existence. Farmers, villagers, and others who killed animals not out of malice but for survival. These were people who lived their lives quietly, taking what they needed from the land to feed themselves and their families. Mundane folks, to say the least.

    Despite his earlier frustrations with the system, he had to admit: this part, at least, was written with surprising neutrality. There were no snide remarks or sharp words designed to ridicule the reader. It was just a simple, honest definition.

    ''Good to know the creator of this thing had some respect in some areas,'' Kaiser thought, nodding slightly as he moved on to the next rank.

    The second line made him pause, his eyes narrowing as he read it carefully:

    Slayer (100¨C999 points) LV: 11¨C99

    - The transition into true warriors. These individuals have proven their strength and skill, earning the title of Slayer by defeating dangerous foes, including monsters and hostile people.

    A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. ''Slayer, huh? Sounds good...''

    Putting all his strength into consideration, Kaiser is undoubtedly at the ranks of Slayer, rather than Cipher.

    He leaned back slightly, folding his arms as he considered the description. This rank also reminded him of the hunters from the village, the mercenaries for hire and the knights and soldiers who had taken up arms for king and country¡ªor simply for coins.

    Unlike the peaceful Ciphers, Slayers chose¡ªor were forced¡ªto embrace violence. They walked a blood-soaked path, wielding their strength against the monsters of the world and the people who sought to harm them. Because if no one will do it, who else?Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    It wasn¡¯t always a choice born of ambition. Some fought out of desperation, driven by circumstances beyond their control. Others fought for a dream¡ªfor glory, for vengeance, for freedom. Some even grip their weapons for wicked malice. Whatever their reasons, Slayers were true warriors that bore the burden of violence so that others wouldn¡¯t have to be harmed by the opposing side.

    Kaiser had walked that path himself. Partially for those he had learned to care about, but mostly for himself¡ªto prevent others from harming him in this broken world... He was just so tired of being weak.

    He stared at the glowing text, his mind drifting to the battles he¡¯d fought and the creatures he¡¯d slain. It wasn¡¯t a life he had chosen willingly, but it was the one he belonged to¡ªand the one he would forever be bound to, for death could not end his journey.

    ''The path to power is never easy...''

    More so because the rank of Slayer wasn¡¯t an end; it was merely the beginning of a warrior¡¯s ascension. Kaiser¡¯s gaze shifted down, settling on the next rank displayed before him.

    Beyond Slayer, requiring more than a daunting 999 points to transcend, roughly equivalent to slaying a thousand man was the rank of:

    Centra (1,000¨C9,999 points) LV: 100¨C499

    - A Slayer whose capabilities have grown exponentially. They are feared and respected, capable of taking down threats that would devastate entire communities.

    Kaiser furrowed his brow, unable to fully grasp the scope of such power. He tried to imagine someone who had surpassed the rank of Slayer and ascended to Centra, but his mind faltered. In all his encounters, even Zara¡ªwho was undoubtedly one of the strongest fighters he had known¡ªwas likely still within the Slayer rank.

    The thought made him uneasy. If someone like Zara was still a Slayer, then what would a Centra look like? Someone who could level an entire community with their strength, leaving nothing but ruin in their wake. The ground cracking under their boots, trees toppling against their punches.

    Perhaps Bakar had long surpassed the Slayers rank, but that creepy monstrosity was too eerie to measure his true rank.

    And beyond that...

    Kaiser¡¯s gaze moved further down, his curiosity growing heavier with each new rank.

    Prime (10,000¨C99,999 points) LV: 500¨C749

    - A rank of excellence and dominance, where Slayers become legends in their own right, often influencing the tides of wars or hunting infamous monstrosities.

    ''Slayers at this level, could probably destroy entire kingdoms or rule under an iron grip.''

    He exhaled sharply, trying to imagine such power. The thought of wielding that level of strength felt... impossible.

    But it didn¡¯t stop there.

    Mega (100,000¨C999,999 points) LV: 750¨C999

    - Slayers at this level are titans of the craft, capable of altering the course of history with their actions, their feats transcending mortal comprehension.

    The description literally stated that it''s beyond mortal comprehension.

    ''Just how powerful are Mega''s?''

    The words seemed to hum with weight, their implications staggering. Titans wasn¡¯t an exaggeration¡ªMega-ranked individuals could alter the balance of nations, topple empires, or carve mountains apart with their might.

    Kaiser clenched his fist, both fascinated and unnerved. ''Empires... maybe even entire continents...''

    His beginning to have trouble measuring the rankers strength.

    And then, finally, at the pinnacle of the rankings:

    Giga (1,000,000+ points) LV: 1000**

    - The ultimate apex of the Slayer ranks. These individuals have slain countless, unimaginable creatures, cementing themselves as myths.

    He stared at the description, his breath catching in his throat.

    Giga-ranked Slayers... weren¡¯t just powerful. They were beyond comprehension. Their strength was not bound by mortal limitations, nor by the constructs of the world. Such beings could likely destroy realms themselves, tearing through boundaries as if they were nothing but fragile paper.

    It was difficult to imagine such raw, uncontainable power.

    Of course, that''s just Kaiser''s vague speculation. And expectations were often far from reality, but Kai would rather settle on his expectations forever instead of ever meeting goliaths on the upper ranks.

    And yet, there was one more line.

    Other - ????

    Kaiser frowned, tilting his head slightly. The text offered no information, no hints as to what lay beyond the Giga rank. Only a string of question marks.

    ¡°What the hell is ¡®Other¡¯?¡± he muttered, leaning closer. It was the first time the interface had failed to provide a description except question marks, and that alone was unsettling.

    It implied something even beyond Giga¡ªa level of power that defied the very system that had defined everything else.

    Lost in thought, Kaiser sat there, staring at the mysterious rank, his mind a storm of possibilities. Eventually, he shook his head, exhaling a slow, measured breath.

    It made sense for such a designation to exist. Whatever lay beyond Giga was shrouded in utter uncertainty. Gods? Celestial beings? Forces beyond human comprehension? In any case, even the ring systematical data itself seemed to hold no answers. But then again, if these ranks were displayed, did that mean someone had actually reached such heights? Or was this knowledge the result of ancient Players unlocking a glimpse of the divine through their abilities?

    ''Forget about it,'' he thought. ''I¡¯ve got enough to deal with already.''

    Yet, as much as he tried to brush it off, the questions lingered, gnawing at him like an itch he couldn¡¯t scratch.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t think too much about it if I were you.¡± Hazie¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts, bringing him back to reality as if reading his mind. ¡°We¡¯re not even sure if we¡¯ll make it out of this alive.¡±

    Her words were punctuated by the metallic clang of some steels hitting the rocky ground.

    Kaiser shifted, momentarily startled. Unknowingly, he had almost forgotten about the monster after their tail. Turning around, his eyes landed on Hazie, who stood in her new battle-ready form.

    Her intricate steel armor, once a masterpiece of modern ingenuity and sleek mechanical design, had seen better days. Though it had served her well in the run. Although, in terms of design efficiency, a medieval blacksmith''s craft pale in comparison due to modern humans advancement. However, the lack of resources made her armor more fragile, repairs are also impossible in their circumstances, leaving the armor battered, dented, and broken in several places. What remained was a stripped-down version of the original¡ªfunctional but far from pristine.

    Hazie had removed the damage and what she deemed unnecessary parts, keeping only the essential plates to protect her vitals: a chest piece, shoulder guards, vambraces, knee plates, metal boots, and a reinforced waist guard. What was revealed beneath the armor was not smooth skin, but a black bodysuit, sleek and form-fitting, covering her from neck to toe. It clung to her like a second skin, likely designed to regulate her body temperature in the freezing conditions¡ªor perhaps to prevent the armor from chafing against her flesh.

    She had taken the time to clean herself up, her gorgeous face and visible injuries washed clean with warm water. The fresh look was striking. She now adorned a peculiar yet undeniably stylish ensemble: the remaining silver armor sections, the black bodysuit beneath, and a royal-blue leather coat draped over her shoulders, rimmed with white cotton. It was an odd mix of medieval practicality and modern flair, yet she pulled it off with ease.

    Kaiser studied her for a second, silently admitting how good she looked. Even in a dim world full of dread, injured and battered, Hazie carried herself like a model¡ªbecause, as he recalled, she''s also one back on Earth.

    Tying her silky pink hair into a high ponytail, Hazie glanced at him with a playful smile, her vibrant energy a stark contrast to the grim circumstances.

    ¡°All done. What are you waiting for?¡± she teased, planting her hands on her hips. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±

    Kaiser lingered, watching her with a mix of admiration and exasperation. Before stretching his stiff body, shaking off the weight of his earlier thoughts, and sighed deeply.

    ''This is why it¡¯s tough to be with a pretty girl¡­ they¡¯re too damn distracting.''

    Unfortunately, Hazie''s presence attracts more than men...

 Chapter 135: Biggining of the run

    Hazie began speaking as she stride towards the exit, her voice carrying the sharp, matter-of-fact tone of someone used to giving orders.

    "As I said, Kai. There¡¯s no turning back now. Whether you like it or not, our only option is cooperation¡ªunless, of course, you¡¯d prefer to die without accomplishing much. Which, honestly, is fine by me. I warned you, didn¡¯t¡ª"

    "Just get to the plan already," Kaiser cut in, his voice flat.

    Hazie paused, her lips tightening into a thin line as she regarded him. After a beat, she sighed. "There¡¯s not much we can do, actually. I¡¯ve used all my combined personas¡¯ blood to delay it as long as possible with fake trails. But that¡¯s gone now, so leading it on a false track isn¡¯t an option anymore. And, given our current levels and my injury, facing it head-on is an absolute no-go... Yet."

    Pushing aside the tent¡¯s fabric with a dramatic sweep, Hazie stepped outside, her boots crunching against the rocky ground. The world under the oceanic sky greeted them with a biting chill, the alien expanse above shimmering faintly with ethereal light and showering the black ground with dancing luminous lines, yet the mountains remained dim and eerie.

    She paused, lifting her head to gaze at the strange, endless water above. Then, casting a sidelong glance at Kaiser, she continued, "So, the plan is simple: we put as much distance between us and it as possible.

    The location where the boulder fell is far. We¡¯ve got about half an hour, maybe more... or less before it gets here. Either way, that¡¯s enough time to gather supplies. For now, we keep it behind us until I¡ª"

    Hazie¡¯s words were abruptly cut short as she took a confident stride forward, only for her right leg to buckle beneath her. She stumbled, falling flat on the hard ground.

    Kai blinked, the usual impassiveness on his face giving way to a flicker of amusement. The sight of Hazie¡ªwho just moments ago had been so commanding and sure of herself¡ªtripping over nothing was too much for him to handle.

    "Aww... That stings!" Hazie complained, rubbing her forehead, grimacing.

    She glanced up, her glare sharp enough to pierce stone, only to find Kaiser¡¯s mouth twitching with barely suppressed laughter.

    "Stop laughing," she snapped, her voice laced with embarrassment.

    That only made it worse, though. Seeing her sitting there, pouting like a child who had just been scolded, caused Kaiser to finally crack. A chuckle slipped out, quickly growing into a low rumble of laughter that he didn¡¯t even bother to hide.

    "I said *stop laughing!*" Hazie shouted, her face reddening, though it wasn¡¯t clear if it was from anger or humiliation.

    Kaiser held up a hand as if to defend himself, his laughter dying into a lingering grin. "Alright, alright," he said, the mirth still evident in his tone. He coughed, attempting to regain his composure. "So¡­ we¡¯re gathering supplies first, huh?"

    His eyes drifted to Hazie, who was still on the ground, glaring at him with all the ferocity of a kitten trying to roar a silent order. The sight was far from intimidating. If anything, it was... Adorable.

    They locked eyes for a long moment. Eventually, Kaiser sighed, letting his shoulders sag in resignation.

    "Fine... I¡¯ll gather."

    Hazie gave him a smug little smirk, clearly satisfied, even as she brushed herself off and climbed to her feet. Her leg visibly hurting because hours of respite cannot heal an injured foot.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Time suddenly felt like a precious commodity the moment the distant rumble echoed through the alien landscape. After all, It was a sound that carried an unspoken promise of destruction, announcing a mysterious monstrosity was closing in on them. The threat had already forced Hazie to forsake one of her personas for the group''s safety.

    Thankfully, Kaiser and Hazie had both managed to rest just enough to function. And the time she spent fixing her damaged suit for better efficiency, while Kaiser had stolen a few moments of waiting to study the ranking system through the interface provided by the mysterious ring were mere minute, at best. He would have liked to delve deeper into the descriptions of other terms *Bond*, *Zara*, and his relic, *Windslayer*. But there was no time. Kaiser had been forced to prioritize something far more immediate... Survival.

    As the only one fully mobile, the responsibility of scavenging for distant supplies had fallen squarely on him.

    It was frustrating, but Kaiser had to delay his curiosity and hold off from studying the ring¡¯s descriptions due to the pressing circumstances. For now, survival demanded pragmatism¡ªchoosing retreat over confrontation. Truthfully, he would have much preferred to stand his ground and deal with Hazie¡¯s pursuer once and for all. If not for the two critical factors holding him back.

    Firstly, Hazie¡¯s survival was non-negotiable. Despite Kaiser''s own immortality, he wasn¡¯t confident he could keep her alive in a direct fight against an unknown and likely formidable adversary. Hazie had only one life to gamble with, and Kaiser wasn¡¯t willing to risk being lost in this land without her guide.

    Secondly, his immortality was a secret he intended to guard fiercely. It wasn¡¯t just about avoiding awkward questions or Hazie¡¯s potential fear¡ªit was about the immense value that others might attach to such a power. After all, we''re talking about immortality here. Winning as an undying opponent one thing, but avoiding death entirely throughout the clash was another. Especially when facing an enemy whose strength and abilities were a complete mystery. Right now, surviving a battle wasn¡¯t just about victory¡ªit was about doing so discreetly, and with Hazie as a troublesome witness, a reckless approach wasn¡¯t an option.

    All of this forced him into a corner, compelling him to take the rational route: following Hazie¡¯s lead. Ironically, he knew her plan would inevitably lead to a confrontation with the creature in the end. Though Hazie had not explicitly stated it, Kaiser understood her resolve. She wasn¡¯t going back to the camp until the monster was either dead or incapacitated. If Kaiser wanted a sanctuary, he would have to play by her rules and help her achieve that goal.

    The condition was harsh for someone seeking refuge, but it made sense. Hazie wasn¡¯t the type to endanger the larger group for the sake of one stray survivor. As lovely as she may seem, she''s not a naive girl and Kaiser respected that.

    However, nothing changed the fact that Hazie won''t be out here if numerous players could handle the thing tracking her. Let alone, two lost players. It''s impossible, to say the least but Kai had to make it work... Without dying, somehow.

    Hazie wasn¡¯t na?ve or foolish, and her resourcefulness gave Kaiser some confidence. For now, the priority was buying time. Hazie¡¯s injured leg was too problematic, making combat a non-option until she recovered. Their best strategy was to gather supplies and prepare for what lay ahead while keeping the creature at bay.

    The first step was to gather whatever resources they could to ensure their survival.

    The abandoned camp offered little in the way of supplies, but humans were nothing if not resourceful. Kaiser was tasked with scavenging food outside while Hazie stayed behind to do her part.

    Once out of her sight, Kaiser broke into a brisk run as he made his way toward the carcass of a four-winged bat-like creature¡ªthough its grotesque, insect-like features made it resemble something out of a nightmare. Eating and unknown creatures flesh wasn¡¯t exactly safe, but for someone like Kaiser, the risk was minimal. As an immortal, he could afford to act as a human edibility tester.

    Using his blade, he carefully cut strips of meat from the creature. He packed the clean cuts into a makeshift bag fashioned from scraps of fabric.

    The entire process was quick and methodical. Kaiser worked with an urgency born of necessity, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger. Once he had enough, he made a swift retreat, his eyes scanning the horizon as he returned to the camp.

    When Kaiser returned, Hazie was already finished with her preparations. From the fabric of the tent, she had fashioned a simple bag, crude but functional, which housed a makeshift sleeping bag. Made of thin layers of material, stacked and secured with strips of fabric, formed a rough yet practical solution. Though it wouldn¡¯t offer much comfort or insulation, it was leagues better than lying on the cold, unforgiving rocks without any kind of cover from the chilling atmosphere.

    She worked with surprising efficiency, using one of her twin daggers to slice the fabric neatly. The weapon itself caught Kaiser''s attention¡ªa sleek and sharp blade, almost more a tool than a weapon, like a practical military dagger designed for combat utility. One edge was razor-sharp, while the other was jagged and saw-like, perfect for versatility in both survival and battle. The metal gleamed, resembling pure silver, though Kaiser suspected it was something far more durable and unique, much like her armor.

    As Hazie rolled up the sleeping bag and tucked them into her sack, she secured the bag¡¯s opening with a drawstring, knotting it with practice ease. Rising to her feet, she adjusted the twin blades that rested on her back. Unlike the dangling old-fashioned scabbards Kaiser was used to seeing, Hazie¡¯s weapons were housed in a sleek, fixed sheath integrated into her lower back armor. The design was seamless, as if the blades were an extension of the armor itself when sheathed¡ªan elegant fusion of form and function.

    Hazie glanced at Kaiser, brushing stray strands of pink hair from her face. ¡°Done?¡± she asked, her voice brisk but not unkind.

    Kaiser opened his mouth to reply, but before he could utter a word, a deep, resonant rumble shook the ground beneath them. This time, it wasn¡¯t just a distant echo¡ªit was louder, heavier, the vibrations carrying an unmistakable sense of menace.

    There was no need for Kaiser to ask if this was Hazie¡¯s doing; the answer was written plainly in her wary glance toward the source of the sound. Instead, he turned his gaze away from the direction of the tremor and shrugged.

    ¡°...Yup.¡±

    Hazie didn¡¯t wait for any further comment. With a nod, she hefted her makeshift sack over her shoulder and tightened the straps of her armor. Kaiser followed suit, his movements slower but deliberate, mentally steeling himself for what lay ahead.

    And with that, the race for survival had officially begun. The cold wind bit at their skin as they exited through the barrier of the abandoned camp, leaving the fire within the lone tent burning.

 Chapter 136: Just another Gamble

    The lone tent stood as the only remaining sign of life in the dim desolation, its weak flame flickering defiantly in the gloom through the walls¡ªa solitary beacon in the empty wasteland, destined to fade eventually for it had been truly left behind.

    It stood as a silent testament to the ones who had sheltered there¡ªa group of players and an odd pair of survivors¡ªa young man and a woman. Now, the camp was abandoned, left in eerie stillness within its obsidian enclosure, a ghost of their fleeting presence.

    The quiet shattered abruptly.

    A loud, rhythmic flapping echoed overhead, its unnatural sound reverberating through the air. Suddenly, something massive descended, slamming into the tent with a bone-crushing impact. The small flame inside was snuffed out instantly, the tent flattened beneath the weight of a monstrous paw.

    The creature stood in grotesque glory, a nightmare given skin and bones. It loomed four meters tall, its skeletal frame hunched over, with four unnervingly slim, jointed limbs that seemed built for both speed and precision. Its gaunt appearance suggested starvation, but the predator¡¯s form was unmistakably deadly. Two massive wings unfurled from its back, spanning wide like a shadow cast over the land. These wings, combined with its light frame, allowed it to hunt both in the skies and on the ground.

    Its ash-white skin stretched taut over bones that seemed ready to pierce through, giving it an otherworldly appearance. Its pointed head resembled a natural spear, crowned with jagged black horns, and its face¡ªif it could be called that¡ªwas an empty black skull with eye sockets that seemed to swallow all light. In summary, it''s pale, skeletal bird made of skins and bones adorned by a black, horned skull securing its head that seems to have grown naturally through evolutionary means.

    The predator paused, its lightless sockets locking onto a gap in the rocky barrier with a malicious intent. Its beak opened, revealing rows of needle-like teeth as it let out an earsplitting shriek. The sound was inhuman, a keening wail that could only belong to a monster forged in nightmares.

    ***

    Kaiser felt his heart lurch at the sound, a reflexive jolt of primal fear tightening his chest. Despite the distance they had already put between themselves and the camp, the cry felt far too close. He glanced over his shoulder as they ran, his sharp vision easily spotting the creature''s dark silhouette against the eerie, oceanic sky, ominously flying over the rocky terrain below. It glides above, circling like a vulture searching for prey, and it won''t take long before it notices them.

    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± Kaiser gasped amidst their run.

    Hazie, who''s gritting her teeth as she forced herself to run despite her injuries, grimaced through the constant pain sent by her lag. She bit back a groan and forced a smile.

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Uh, the devil...?¡± Kaiser offered grimly after some hesitation, glancing over his shoulder once more.

    ¡°It¡¯s an aerial animal, Kaiser. A bird. Aves. Unidentified flying creature. Take your pick,¡± she said tersely, her focus split between running and enduring the sharp stabs of pain in her leg.

    ¡°Yeah, thanks for that, I¡¯ll just call it a pterodactyl,¡± he shot back sarcastically, still running.

    She chuckled despite the pain she was enduring. ¡°It¡¯s Pterodactyl, Kai! Do you even listen in class?¡±

    ¡°I slacked off most of the time,¡± Kaiser admitted bluntly, his breath hitching. ¡°But I don¡¯t see how that¡¯s relevant when a f**ing pterodactyl is trying to get us!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Again, it¡¯s Pterodactyl!¡± Hazie snapped, her pain evident even as she pushed her injured leg to keep moving. ¡°And maybe stop talking and¡ªjust run! We¡¯re¡ª¡±

    Hazie¡¯s words cut off as her leg gave out entirely. She stumbled forward, crashing hard onto the hard obsidian ground. Her momentum sent her rolling across the uneven surface, dust and debris clinging to her battered form.

    ¡°Hazie!¡± Kaiser¡¯s voice was sharp with urgency as he rushed back to her. His feet skidded across the rocky ground, chest tight as he hauled her up. His heart sank further when he looked to the sky, catching sight of the predator¡¯s shadow closing in with unnerving precision.

    ¡°It¡¯s getting closer,¡± he muttered under his breath, his tone edged with frustration.

    Hazie leaned heavily against him for a moment, her face twisted in pain before she pushed herself upright. She shot him a glare, one more exasperated than angry. ¡°Why did you come back? You should have ho ahead without me.¡±

    Kaiser gave her a questioning look. Making her avert her gaze, her voice softening. ¡°S-Sorry, Kai, for being the slow one.¡± A bitter smile crept onto her lips as she looked at her injured leg. ¡°I overestimated this leg. I¡¯m at my limit. If we keep going together, I¡¯ll just slow you down.¡±

    Her hesitation was brief but palpable as she added, ¡°Change of plans. We¡¯ll split up. You go to the cave I told you about and wait for me there. I¡¯ll manage somehow. If I don¡¯t¡­¡± Her voice faltered, but she pushed through with forced conviction. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wish you the best.¡±

    Kaiser stared at her, his expression darkening.

    Their original plan was straightforward: run, but it wasn¡¯t as simple as it sounded due to factors affecting the circumstances stacked against them, each one chipping away at their chances of survival. Their pursuer was airborne, giving it a clear advantage, and they didn¡¯t have the luxury of foresight¡ªno some sort of diviner to predict the attack a day in advance, as the camp of organized Players had done.

    The attack had come without warning, leaving them scrambling to adapt with little time to prepare or chart a safe path. Their options were few and far between, forcing them to place their hopes on a cave Hazie had seen during her travels with other campers. It was the only potential shelter within reach that could save them from the predatory creature capable of flight they''re incapable of outrunning.

    But getting there was far from guaranteed. Reaching it was a gamble¡ªanother desperate wager in a world where nothing was certain, and every step felt like a roll of the dice. With each passing moment, the odds seemed to tilt further out of their favor, yet they had no choice but to bet everything on this uncertain path. Nothing new, really.

    Now, with Hazie¡¯s leg giving out, the odds of reaching it together had plummeted.

    Hazie¡¯s tone grew steadier, a strange calm washing over her as she continued, still forcing a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about me. I¡¯ve managed through a similar situation before. We¡¯ll meet up eventually.¡±

    Her words were meant to comfort, but Kaiser could see the grim resignation in her eyes. She wasn¡¯t just saying this for him¡ªshe was trying to convince herself, as well.

    His jew clinched, torn between his instincts and his better judgment. Kai was no gentleman¡ªthat much he knew. He would rather let Hazie fend for herself than risk exposing the truth about his strength. The reasons were as practical as they were personal. Hazie was tough, resourceful, and capable in her own right, but trust was another matter and his no fool to believe in someone he barely knew despite their friendliness in the short amount of time they spent together.

    What if she had sinister motives? What if this whole ordeal was a setup, a ploy to lure him into revealing his power so she¡ªor her unseen companions¡ªcould exploit it using sinister abilities? The possibility gnawed at him, feeding his paranoia. If she discovered what he could do, would she end up manipulating him? what questions would follow? Questions he wasn¡¯t ready to answer, secrets he wasn¡¯t willing to share. Above all, it would make things complicated between them because of the suspicion he would attract. After all, humans were instinctively wary of the strong.

    It was safer this way. Safer to keep his abilities hidden, to let her believe he was just another survivor scraping by.

    Still, practicality demanded compromise. He had taken all the luggage¡ªthe sleeping bag, the food supplies¡ªto lighten her burden, leaving her free to focus on running. But her injury had reached its limit, and her suggestion to split up hung heavily in the air. If he listened to her, she might survive on her own. Or she might not. And if he stayed... if he acted... it would mean risking things personal to him.

    Above them, the predator let out another blood-curdling shriek, the sound slicing through the tense air like a blade. Its pale form shifted from a lazy glide into a sharp dive. There''s no point questioning why, for its evident it had spotted them.

    Sighing, Kaiser glanced over his shoulder, his sharp eyes catching the skeletal silhouette descending with unnerving speed. There was no time left. He exhaled deeply, the weight of his decision settling over him.

    ¡°Haze,¡± he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. ¡°Climb on my back.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t work," she replied, panting through gritted teeth. ¡°We¡¯re both less likely to make it that way. Let¡¯s separate¡ª¡±

    If Kai can''t handle bearing all the luggage and her weight in a full sprint, fast enough to outrun a diving glider, it was indeed courting death.

    If...

    Before she could finish, however, Kai crouched and swept her off the ground in one fluid motion, hoisting her over his shoulder.

    ¡°Wha¡ªKai!¡± Hazie¡¯s voice rose in protest, but the words were snatched away as the world around her became a passing blurred.

    The ground became a streak of dark obsidians beneath their feet, and the air howled as it whipped past them. Hazie¡¯s pink hair flew wildly, tangling in the rushing wind, and her expression twisted from shock to something almost comical. For a moment, she forgot she was being carried by a young man; the speed at which they moved felt unreal, like she had been thrown onto a vehicle speeding through the jagged landscape... Not a human.

    And behind them was a diving terror descending from the sky.

 Chapter 136: Wrong Turn

    It took Hazie a few moments to process what was happening, her mind struggling to reconcile Kaiser''s sudden burst of agility with everything she knew about human limits being broken by him.

    ¡°H-how can you run so fast?!¡± she finally stammered, her voice rising over the rush of wind.

    Logically, it made no sense. He''s at her age¡ªeighteen¡ªand she was even slightly older by a few months. No teenager, no matter how athletic, should be able to pull off such a feat, especially not while carrying another person and their supplies.

    What puzzled her even more was Kaiser''s physique. He wasn¡¯t built like an athlete. His frame was lean but average, devoid of the chiseled muscles and polished appearance that the university''s top athletes flaunted. Those guys¡ªarrogant and attention-seeking¡ªloved to show off their sculpted forms, often exaggerating their workouts to impress her with sweaty muscles whenever she''s around. Though, she found them more creepy and unsightly rather than attractive, but at least their abilities matched their physiques.

    Kaiser, on the other hand, was different. He didn¡¯t look like he had ever stepped foot in a gym. If anything, his unassuming build suggested he was just another ordinary guy¡ªcertainly not someone capable of outrunning the fastest sprinter on Earth while carrying extra weight.

    ¡°I¡¯m in the track club!¡± Kaiser blurted out an obvious lie, instinctively spouting nonsense to avoid saying what he rather hid.

    "Track club? Really? I¡¯m a sprinting champion in the female division, team captain of the main track team, and an exceptional member of multiple sports clubs. I know every outstanding athlete in the university. You¡¯re not one of them!¡±

    Kaiser faltered, his lips twitching as he scrambled for a response. ¡°Uh¡­ I practice at home?¡± He groaned, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. ¡°You know what? Screw it. I¡¯ve killed some eyeless horses or maybe got accidentally married to a murderer that''s not even human. Through magic or sheer dumb luck, I¡¯m now fast as f*ck. Does that answer your question? Anyway, where¡¯s the damned cave?¡±

    A lie is more believable than the crude truth, honestly.

    Rolling her eyes at his antics, she brushed off the strangeness as the result of him being a higher level than most people she encountered and logic of Earth doesn''t apply her¡ªor perhaps the effect of some hidden ability. But even that explanation didn¡¯t fully add up.

    Kai already had his glass sword, which she assumed was his core power. Yet the speed and endurance he displayed now felt disconnected from that assumption. Could his ability extend beyond the blade? That said, is his sword even an ability?

    Pushing her curiosity aside, she strained her neck to glance over her shoulder and saw where the problem lays.

    The dim world beneath the ocean-like sky was bizarrely haunting, living up to the term *otherworldly* in many senses. The land was strewn with jagged formations resembling obsidian¡ªthough it wasn¡¯t quite the volcanic glass familiar on Earth. Instead, these structures bore an eerie resemblance, sharing its gleaming black sheen but rougher in texture, arranged in ways that defied natural logic. Massive black mountains loomed, yet their contours were neither entirely natural nor artificial, existing in a strange liminal state. It was impossible to tell whether they had been crafted by a twisted hand or shattered by some ancient calamity.

    Right now, Kai are sprinting across this surreal terrain, navigating an area that looked as though a great mountain had been broken into colossal fragments and scattered like marbles. The ground alternated unpredictably between smooth and jagged, forcing Kai to adjust his every step with precision. It was no small feat, especially given the weight he carried and the staggering speed at which he moved. His uncanny ability to maintain his balance without stumbling lent an almost predatory grace to his movements, like a wolf navigating treacherous ground, making Hazie doubt his humanity even more. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    However, despite his extraordinary capabilities. He was still human¡ªor so Hazie thought. If he truly were a flawless being, he wouldn¡¯t be struggling in navigating this nightmarish landscape. The uneven terrain demanded his full attention; the tiniest misstep could send them sprawling and seal their fate.

    Kai¡¯s focus was entirely on the path ahead as he fought to avoid making a fatal mistake. The simple act of looking back¡ªsomething as trivial as checking the distance between them and the predator¡ªwas a luxury he couldn¡¯t afford. One glance over his shoulder could very well doom them both.

    ¡°We¡¯re close,¡± Kaiser said, his voice cutting through the wind. Ahead of them loomed several dark openings, each one a potential refuge, but his not sure.

    ¡°Which one?¡± he asked urgently. ¡°Or should I just pick at random?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Hazie snapped. ¡°Pick the wrong one, we¡¯ll end up trapped and starved to death. Just follow my directions!¡±

    ''Good thing I asked, I don''t want to be stuck in a cage with that tiradactel waiting outside.''

    To her relief, Kaiser listened without protest. He adjusted his pace, his breathing heavy but controlled as he prepared to follow her lead.

    ¡°Left,¡± Hazie instructed, her voice sharp and precise.

    Kaiser turned sharply, ignoring a shallow crack in the bounder that deceptively appeared deep earlier as he moved forward.

    ¡°Now right at the split! We''re almost there!¡±

    He complied, his movements quick but deliberate as he navigated the uneven terrain. There was no hesitation in his steps, no stumble or misstep, even as the landscape grew more treacherous.

    The directions seemed to flow smoothly thanks to her accurate guide, the path growing clearer with each turn¡ªuntil Hazie¡¯s voice suddenly rose in alarm.

    "Stop! Kaiser, STOP!!!"

    Hazie¡¯s shout was abrupt and seemingly irrational. A monstrous glider was bearing down on them, and even with Kai''s strength and speed, he was not confident in completely

    outrunning it. Stopping now felt suicidal. However, Hazie surely doesn''t wanna die either because they share the same goal of surviving.

    Trusting her words, Kaiser planted his feet into the ground, skidding to an unsteady halt. The force of his momentum nearly sent him toppling forward, and he tightened his grip on Hazie to steady them both with a bit of struggle.

    Before he could even demand an explanation, a gust of freezing wind roared past, ruffling his hair and chilling his skin. Then, in a flash, razor-sharp talons attached to pale, skeletal limbs sliced through the air where they would have been had he taken one more step. The monstrous glider¡¯s dive lasted only a fraction of a second, the aerial terror soaring upward in frustration after its failed strike.

    Kaiser¡¯s breath hitched. If Hazie had not warned him, if he had hesitated to stop even for a split second, those claws would have impaled them both, sending them flying with it as food ready to be dropped from extreme height, or worse.

    The thought sent shivers down his spine.

    He cursed under his breath, his sharp gaze darting between the uneven path ahead and the sky made of luminous water above, where the glider was already circling for another attack. However, Kai can''t help but scan around them, a seed of dubiousness blooming in his heart, finding it odd that there were no signs of caves in the distance.

    "This just keeps getting better," he muttered, shaking off the lingering dread and suspicion, may his overthinking it?

    "Where now?"

    "That''s close." She let out a sigh of relief, glad to be alive after that and added. "Just keep moving!¡± Hazie said, her voice resolute and cheering. ¡°We¡¯re almost there. Trust me!¡±

    Though Kaiser had his doubts, he gave a small nod and adjusted his grip on her slender waist. She wasn¡¯t heavy, but every muscle in his body screamed at him from the constant strain of carrying her while maintaining his blistering pace. Kaiser would have activated his immortality to restore his strained muscles if not for the fact that it would drain what little points he had accomulated.

    Although, the amount was merely three points. It''s a pitiful amount that begs to be wasted but it''s the only thing separating his record from the level of an infant. Kia had some pride, too. Furthermore, this would be a good chance to train his endurance without cheating by dying, after all, death is bad for one''s body. Pushing through the fatigue, he took off again, every step calculated to avoid stumbling over the treacherous terrain.

    The glider¡¯s piercing shriek echoed behind them, fueling his adrenaline. He gritted his teeth and pressed forward, his movements fluid despite the obstacles ahead. The cave had to be closed. Hazie had said it was near.

    But as they sprinted through the jagged black landscape, Kai¡¯s focus shifted from the path to a nagging thought in the back of his mind.

    Something didn¡¯t feel right.

    His frown deepened as realization dawned on him, his sharp eyes narrowing. Then, a sudden grin creeped onto his face¡ªone laced with equal parts frustration and amusement¡ªhe called out, his voice ominously cutting through the whistling wind.

    ¡°Hey, Haze¡­ can you stop bullsh*tting?¡± he said, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone. ¡°We¡¯re nowhere near that cave, are we? It wasn¡¯t supposed to be this far!¡±

    Hazie didn¡¯t respond immediately, her silence only confirming his suspicion.

    ¡°Thought so,¡± Kaiser growled, his grin turning into a grimace.

    They''re not running... Because she''s intending to kill it.

    Without him knowing.

 Chapter 138: Reckless and the reckless

    ''This is exactly why I hate revealing too much to this girl.''

    Everyone knew Hazie¡ªthe pink-haired prodigy currently slung over his shoulder. She wasn¡¯t just famous in their university; she was practically a legend. Hazie had it all: an intellect that could shame seasoned scholars, skills that made her unmatched in every field, and the kind of wealth most could only dream of. Born into a prestigious family, she was the epitome of perfection. Her record was flawless, literally. Graduating with an unbroken streak of success, excelling in every single aspect without so much as a smudge on her achievements, deeming her a once in a lifetime genius for only she had achieved perfection throughout the university''s history.

    She was everything Kaiser wasn¡¯t.

    Where she embodied brilliance, discipline, and untouchable prestige, Kaiser was a self-proclaimed delinquent¡ªa "waste of potential," as society often labeled him. Their worlds were galaxies apart and there are many reasons why, with his extreme lack of ambition being the main reason dragging him down the ground.

    Of course, her status outshines others for an obvious reason. In the world, there are two types of people, the poor and the rich. The wealthy stood at the top for they are different, lifting them above the hierarchy, but the ranking simply doesn''t end there for it stretch higher and higher, until the few and most outstanding individual remains. People that hold countless wealth, produce the brightest ideas and shape the future, even potentially deciding the fate of all humanity itself for the better or worse.

    Kaiser had encountered his fair share of experience despite his youth to know better, for the life he had lived let him see the cruelness of humanity without protection of luxury almost everyone has, allowing him to knew the difference between those that stand above and people like him that stand below, sweating for pennies while they gaze at tall buildings, holding millions and life of utmost luxury.

    They''re there simply because they are superior.

    And the girl slung over his shoulder on their frenzied run from an aerial predator was the most talented person Kai had ever known. In fact, if she has not been summoned in the Shattered Realms, he won''t be surprised if she becomes a president or multi billionaire.

    She''s a person Kai didn''t want to get involved with, if possible.

    He knew better than to be fooled by her dazzling exterior. Behind Hazie¡¯s charming mask was a calculating mind that made him wary. Admiring her from afar was one thing¡ªgetting involved with her was a mistake he would have tried to avoid. That trait was one of her charms¡ªdeadliness wrapped in beautiful packaging. However, Kai would rather not play with fire. Hazie wasn¡¯t like Ariella and Cia. Those two were harmless, easy to trust thanks to their reliance on him, even capable of bringing out a softer side of his misunderstood coldness. Hazie, on the other hand, was terrifying. Even as a fragmented version of her original self, she was more dangerous than any woman he could have encountered in this dim wasteland.

    Her current persona might have been more expressive, emotionally open and easygoing. But she''s no way a fool of a lady.

    It hadn¡¯t even been an hour since he had revealed his inhuman swiftness, and Hazie was already manipulating him, twisting the situation to her goal instead of their agreed objective. It wasn¡¯t until now, that Kaiser realized she had been playing him, guiding him toward a reckless course of action that endangered them both.

    And yet, as much as it frustrated him to have been outmaneuvered, most of his irritation was aimed at himself. He should have seen through her earlier.

    Still, there was a grudging respect simmering beneath the annoyance.

    "Well played..." Kaiser said, his words nearly lost to the wind whipping past them as he ran. Hazie, hanging over his shoulder like a sack of flour, likely caught them.

    "But you do realize I can drop you whenever I feel like it."

    Hazie¡¯s lips curled into a sly smile, her pink eyes locked on the predator relentlessly pursuing them. She was clearly uncomfortable, her position far from dignified, yet she didn¡¯t falter. Even while being jostled around, she maintained her focus, scanning the sky for their foe while searching her memory to guide him in a path to kill that thing. Somehow.

    "Are you mad?" she asked, her hair whipping around her face.  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "Shut up."

    "You are, aren¡¯t you? Hah! At least now you know how I feel¡ªdragging myself around with a fractured leg while you have the strength to carry me this whole time. Do you have any idea how agonizing that was? No man has ever treated me so *roughly* before! Unbelievable!"

    "Oh, please," Kaiser shot back,. "You really think I¡¯d spill all my secrets to a girl I¡¯ve only known for a few hours? Trust doesn¡¯t work like that, princess."

    True, it would be beyond reckless to trust someone just because they had a charming smile.

    There was a pause. Then, her voice softened.

    "That''s¡­ understandable," Hazie conceded, her tone unusually subdued. Perhaps she''s not used to being lectured by a mundane student who''s leagues lower than him.

    But the reprieve was short-lived.

    "U-turn!" she barked suddenly, her urgency snapping him back to the present.

    Kaiser reacted on instinct, pivoting sharply as his shoe scraped against the rugged ground. His muscles screamed in protest, and he nearly lost his footing, barely managing to stabilize himself. The sudden maneuver strained his already fatigued legs, but there was no room for hesitation.

    A gust of frigid wind blasted against his back, carrying with it the ominous sound of wings slicing through the air.

    The predator was closing in.

    Kaiser gritted his teeth as the pale glider swooped low, its talons raking through the air mere inches from his head. He could feel the creature¡¯s oppressive presence bearing down on them, its shrill screech echoing in his ears.

    Once again, they dodge another dive from the predatory glider.

    But he wasn¡¯t relieved. Not even close.

    ''If that thing caught us, we''re done for.''

    Not completely, but if Hazie were to die, Kai would have to go through the trouble of searching blindly for the group in this vast wastelands or scale the northern cliff without gears. Either way would consume months worth of time, making his return take a whole year of struggle or more. But with her by his side, that delay would be significantly decrease. So their failures here weren''t so different from dooming him, lost in these dark mountains for years, alone.

    However, though they managed to keep the pale monstrosity off their trail for the moment thanks to her, Kaiser couldn¡¯t shake the unease clawing at him. Following Hazie¡¯s directions felt like running blindfolded through a minefield, trusting that the voice guiding him wouldn¡¯t lead him to his doom. He hated it¡ªhated how her calm, calculating tone twisted around him, forcing him to comply even when every fiber of his being resisted. Despite his reluctance to be controlled, Kai was unable to resist. Because questioning her was a luxury he couldn¡¯t afford. Not when he couldn¡¯t spare even a second to glance behind him. His focus was locked on the rugged terrain ahead, every step a struggle to stay upright and avoid tripping over the uneven ground. Hazie, perched precariously on his shoulder, was his only source of clarity in this chaos. Her sharp observations and quick commands were the sole things keeping them ahead of their relentless pursuer.

    "Leave the arguing for later," Hazie snapped, her voice cutting through the roar of the wind. "Just focus on following my commands. I know I¡¯m being harsh, but we¡¯ll have to kill it eventually. So bear with me, Kaiser."

    Her words hit a nerve, but Kaiser didn¡¯t respond immediately.

    "Bear with you?" he finally muttered, his tone laced with irritation. "You¡¯re not exactly giving me much of a choice, are you?"

    "Choice?" Hazie scoffed. "We¡¯re being chased by a flying death machine, Kaiser. Forgive me if I don¡¯t have time to hold your hand and ask nicely. Or would you prefer I stay quiet and let us both die?"

    Kaiser clenched his jaw but said nothing, pushing forward with long, determined strides.

    Hazie sighed, the edge in her voice softening. "Look, I know you don¡¯t like being told what to do. Trust me, I¡¯d rather not be in this position either. But right now, I¡¯m the only one who can see what¡¯s happening behind us. I¡¯m not trying to control you¡ªI¡¯m trying to keep us alive. Can we at least agree on that?"

    "Alive?" Kaiser muttered, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Stop sugarcoating it. If survival was really your goal, we¡¯d already be holed up in that damned cave."

    Hazie¡¯s grip tightened slightly on his shoulder. "I''ve made it clear from the start that we won''t be returning unless that thing is dead or immobilized. And you''ll help me do just that."

    He didn¡¯t respond anymore, for this isn''t the situation to argue. And truthfully, he couldn¡¯t muster the anger a normal person might feel in this situation. Partially due to his habit of suppressing emotions and mostly because his life wasn¡¯t at risk. It''s like gambling a huge sum but possesses an infinite amount of money to gamble. Death was a fleeting inconvenience to him, something he had faced multiple times before and would face again. Hazie, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t so fortunate. This version of her had only one life, and she was gambling it recklessly, putting herself in harm¡¯s way with a confidence that bordered on madness.

    Still, she had a point. Kaiser didn¡¯t want to simply escape, either; he wanted to take down the predator. Leaving such a dangerous creature alive would be a mistake¡ªone that could come back to haunt them.

    But his body was nearing its limits. His muscles screamed with every movement, his breath came in harsh, ragged gasps, and exhaustion weighed on him like chains. Activating his Immortality was an option¡ªit always was¡ªbut his reluctant price. However, the circumstances are gradually forcing him to comply.

    ''Damn it, those three points are the only thing I have.''

    Losing points wasn''t the nicest feeling and would likely hinder his growth in the long run. However, an option that would spare himself from using immortality doesn''t exist... Or does it?

    A reckless grin spread across his face as a daring idea sparked in his mind. Without warning, Kaiser disobeyed Hazie¡¯s commands, pivoting sharply and skidding to a halt just before a towering boulder. His boots scraped against the rocks, sending loose gravel tumbling as he came to an abrupt stop.

    Hazie¡¯s voice shot up in alarm. "What are you doing?!"

    He didn¡¯t answer immediately, his sharp gaze scanning the area as the pieces of his plan fell into place.

    "Kaiser!" she shouted, her tone growing more frantic. "This isn¡¯t the time to stop! Are you trying to get us killed?"

    "Shut up and hold on," he snapped, his tone sharp and commanding. Without hesitation, he set her down, forcing her to stand on her own two feet.

    Hazie stumbled slightly, clearly caught off guard. "You¡¯re seriously¡ª"

    "Just trust me," Kaiser interrupted, his voice low but firm. He grabbed her shoulders, spinning her around to face the sky. "Look."

    Her protests died in her throat as she followed his gaze. Above them, the pale glider circled menacingly, its wings slicing through the air as its shadow rippled across the ground. A piercing screech echoed through the canyon as the beast tucked its wings, preparing for another dive.

    Hazie¡¯s eyes widened, and for the first time, uncertainty flickered in her voice. "Are you insane?"

    Kaiser smirked, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. "You¡¯re not the first person to tell me that."

    "You can¡¯t be serious¡ª"

    "You said we¡¯d have to kill it eventually," he cut her off, his tone cold and steady. "Well, ¡®eventually¡¯ just became now... Get ready."

    With that, Kai holds her in place by the shoulder as the pterodactyl dive towards them.

 Chapter 139: Crashed

    Hazie struggles against Kaiser¡¯s iron grip, not too rough but strong enough to hold he in place, her voice rising in indignation and frustration. "Again, Kaiser, what are you doing?!"

    His hold only tightened, ensuring she stayed obedient in her place so he could drag her away when the moment demanded it. However, to his own dark amusement, he found her flustered reaction far more entertaining than it should have been. He replied with an annoying nonchalance.

    "Proceeding with your plan. This is how it¡¯s supposed to play out in that big brain of yours eventually, right? I¡¯m just speeding things up."

    It wasn¡¯t hard to guess how two mere humans could hope to bring down an aerial predator of such caliber¡ªits elusive flight and formidable power could only be countered by using its own strength against it. This much had been proven earlier through an experiment carried out under Hazie¡¯s guidance¡ªone that Kai had not even realized he was part of until it was already done.

    Kai despised being manipulated, tricked into doing something without his consent. And while Hazie¡¯s actions had stoked his frustration, she wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled with him either, harboring her own bitterness over what he had done. Still, Kai wasn¡¯t the type to let things go so easily. Forgiving her deception outright felt too risky¡ªwhat if she tried something like that again?

    Determined to make her face the consequences of her manipulation, he allowed his grudge to fester, even in the face of their dire situation. It wasn¡¯t rational¡ªgrudges rarely are¡ªbut emotions have a way of overriding reason. Besides, he wouldn''t do this if he did not have faith in his approach. His resolve was unshakable, even if Hazie didn¡¯t agree.

    She snapped her head to glare at him, her pink hair framing her wide, incredulous eyes. "It is, but in a safer way than this!"

    Kai rolled his eyes, his smirk as infuriating as ever. "Safer? Coming from the ¡®genius¡¯ who dragged us into this mess without even asking me first. And now you¡¯re lecturing me about safety?"

    Hazie clenched her fists, her voice trembling with urgency. "That¡¯s not fair, and you know it! This is *different*! Staying here is suicide, Kai! If we don¡¯t move, we¡¯re going to die!"

    "Fine by me," he replied with a careless shrug, as if they weren¡¯t moments away from being flattened by a prehistoric predator.

    She gaped at him, her voice faltering for a moment before she found her footing again. "What? Are you insane? Wait, wait, wait, *wait*! This feels... off. Shouldn¡¯t you be the one inclined to play it safe? I''m fine dying here, Kai. But this is your only life! So for once, just listen to me. Let¡¯s move while we still can!"

    Above them, the predator let out a deafening screech, its enormous wings slicing through the air as it dove toward them. Hazie¡¯s breath hitched, her wide eyes darting upward to the shadow that threatened to engulfed them.

    Kai tilted his head, his dark eyes glittering with amusement. "What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared."

    Hazie straightened, her lips tightening into a defiant line. "Of course I¡¯m not scared!" she snapped, though her voice betrayed the tiniest quiver.

    "Then why are you shaking?" he teased, his tone light and aggravatingly calm.

    "I¡ªI am not shaking!" she shot back.

    Kai¡¯s smirk deepened. "Really? Because from where I¡¯m standing, it looks like your knees are about to give out."

    Her face went crimson, her words stumbling over each other. "I¡ªI¡¯m fine! You¡¯re imagining things! Why are you even retraining me with you? Anyway?"

    Kai chuckled, leaning closer with maddening confidence. "Sure you are. Totally not panicking while a tiradactel is about to squish us into paste... Don¡¯t worry, though. I¡¯ve got this. Just trust me. You know¡ªlike you made me trust you."  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    Being forced to place your life in the hands of someone you barely consider a friend¡ªreluctantly, with no other choice¡ªwas far from a pleasant feeling. Kai knew that frustration all too well; Hazie had made him experience it not long ago. And now, under his firm grip, she was probably feeling that same maddening helplessness.

    He grinned, his voice dropping to a taunting drawl. "How¡¯s the taste of your own medicine?"

    Hazie opened her mouth to argue, but the creature¡¯s piercing screech silenced her. The glider was seconds away, its talons extended, its gaze locked on them like a predator certain of its unmoving prey.

    Suddenly, Kai¡¯s demeanor shifted in an instant. The playful glint in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, unyielding focus. His voice dropped, steady and commanding. "Brace yourself."

    "What are you¡ª" Hazie¡¯s question cut off as Kai surged into motion. Summoning every ounce of strength from his weary body, he exploded into action. With a swift, almost feral burst of energy, he yanked Hazie into his arms and spun away. The world became a dizzying blur as he pivoted sharply, pulling them clear just as the glider¡¯s talons slashed through empty air where they had stood moments before.

    But the creature¡¯s dive proved its undoing. Its deadly momentum carried it forward, straight into the jagged wall of obsidian stones behind them. As Kai and Hazie rolled aside, a deafening explosion of sound erupted behind them¡ªa mix of shattering rock, a bone-rattling *crack*, and the creature¡¯s horrifying screech as it collided headlong with the unyielding barrier of stones.

    Shards of crystal-like obsidian flew in all directions, glittering in the faint light like a deadly storm. Acting purely on instinct, Kai rolled again with Hazie clutched tightly in his grasp, narrowly avoiding the barrage of razor-edged fragments. Twisting his body, he shielded her, his back absorbing the brunt of the debris pelting the ground around them.

    Though Kai wasn¡¯t one to consider himself a good person¡ªespecially after all he¡¯d done to her¡ªhe wasn¡¯t heartless either. Letting Hazie¡¯s already battered body endure further injuries was not something he could allow. He didn¡¯t claim to understand women deeply, but one thing he knew for certain: they hated scars. That much had stuck with him. Besides, any additional harm would make her even less useful in their dire situation.

    For a moment, chaos reigned. The air was thick with dust, and the sound of crumbling stone echoed like distant thunder. Then, abruptly, there was silence.

    Kai remained still, his body coiled with tension as he kept Hazie securely beneath him. She felt his chest rising and falling against hers, his breath heavy but steady. For a brief, awkward moment, the only sounds were their shared breathing and the pounding of their hearts. Their eyes met, close enough to see every detail of each other¡¯s faces.

    It might have been a romantic scene in another time, another place¡ªbut here, with death lingering in the air, there was no space for such thoughts. The moment passed quickly, practically overriding any sense of awkwardness.

    Kai shifted first, his movements slow and deliberate. Easing his weight off Hazie, he rose cautiously, his gaze sharp and alert as it swept over their surroundings. His every muscle remained taut, ready to react at the first sign of danger.

    As the dark haze of the impact settled down, he saw the monstrous glider lay slumped on the ground, rubles spread around its pale, sinewy body. A stark contrast to the dark stone. Its wide wings hung limply at its sides, and its neck was twisted at an unnatural angle.

    For a moment, neither of them moved. The beast was still, eerily so.

    "Is it...?" Hazie whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Kai¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "I don¡¯t know," he murmured. His tone was measured, but there was an edge of uncertainty.

    The pale monstrosity was a vicious and relentless adversary, its elusive flight making it hard to slay because they can''t engage in their advantageous grounded combat. It could swoop down, snatch its prey, and drop them from deadly heights with terrifying ease. However, this time, it had made a critical error.

    Whether due to its dulled vision, feral beastial judgment, or sheer overconfidence, the creature failed to anticipate the terrain behind its prey. The natural wall of jagged obsidian stones loomed directly in its flight path, a barrier it could neither maneuver around nor recover from. Its deadly dive, fueled by its own immense momentum, turned into its downfall. The collision was devastating¡ªa monstrous crash as flesh, bone, and sinew met the unyielding surface of the rocks. The impact shattered the stillness of the air, the glider¡¯s own strength and speed carrying it headlong into its doom.

    The creature¡¯s pale, sinewy body lay motionless. At first glance, it seemed lifeless, but the tension in the air was suffocating, each second thick with uncertainty. Every nerve in their bodies screamed for them to remain still, to stay silent, as though the faintest sound might shatter the fragile stillness and awaken the predator.

    However, the two options presented make them feel conflicted, neither without its risks. They could seize the moment, attempting to finish off the vulnerable beast and gamble their lives on the hope that it truly was incapacitated. Or, they could flee, taking the safer route to ensure their survival, but leaving the monstrous threat behind them in the hopes it is dead.

    It was a grim choice, made all the more difficult by their original goal. Killing it hadn¡¯t been the plan; immobilizing it had been enough. But seeing the creature there, battered and seemingly broken, made leaving feel like a gamble of its own, for they could end this now.

    Kai shifted slightly, his body tense as he kept Hazie close by his side. His dark gaze remained locked on the predator, unwavering, every muscle in his frame coiled tightly, ready to spring into action at the first sign of danger.

    The silence stretched unbearably, a maddening void filled only by the sound of their shallow breaths and the faint crackle of settling debris. They waited, watching for the slightest movement, the smallest hint that might help them decide. If it was weak enough, they could finish it. If not¡­ they''ll die trying.

    Then, it stirred.

    A faint twitch of its taloned foot, almost imperceptible, followed by a shudder that rippled through its body. The silence shattered as a low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within its chest¡ªa sound that vibrated in their bones, primal and foreboding.

    Kaiser and Hazie took a step back.

    The creature¡¯s head shifted, lifting ever so slightly as its wings twitched weakly against the ground. Blood seeped from the jagged wounds across its pale hide, pooling beneath it, but its movements, though slow, were deliberate.

    It wasn¡¯t dead.

    The realization sent a chill through both of them. And now, there was no time left to debate. Fight or flee¡ªthe decision had to be made.

 Chapter 140: End of the Run

    The skinny, pale creature began to rise, its elongated limbs trembling as it pushed itself up from the wreckage it had created. Rubble rolled away with grating sounds, scattering around its base as it found its footing. Its massive wings strained against the weight of debris pinning them down, delaying its movements for a few moments longer. However, its pointy head had already lifted high, swaying slightly as if disoriented.

    Kai and Hazie didn¡¯t move. Both stood rooted in place, their hesitation palpable. Hazie, for normal reasoning¡ª, wariness and self-preservation. Kai¡¯s, however, was more complex; while he could risk taking the creature head-on, revealing his immortality to her wasn¡¯t a gamble he was willing to take lightly.

    And then, there was the creature itself. Something about it unnerved him. Needless to say, Hazie was an exceptional leader, one who commanded an army of Players equipped with powers that defied logic towards an unbelievable journey to the sky. Taking down a beast like this should have been within their capabilities. Yet, they had not. They even gone out of their way to avoid it, as if even attempting to fight it was a mistake.

    Even now, it was clear they had underestimated this airborne terror. The creature¡¯s toughened head, adorned with an external black skull, was not just for show, apparently. The skull had served as a natural helmet, protecting it during the crash and sparing it from grievous injuries that could have been fatal enough to boost their confidence in prevailing. Kai¡¯s jaw tightened as he watched it rise, realizing just how much tougher this thing was than they had anticipated.

    ¡°That¡¯s one heck of a hard head,¡± Kai muttered, his voice low but edged with tension. He glanced at Hazie. ¡°What now, genius?¡±

    She met his gaze, her expression tight, as well. She hesitated, weighing their options, before shaking her head decisively. ¡°If I was as strong as you, maybe. But the odds aren¡¯t in our favor. And Julia divined this thing¡ªshe said it¡¯s exceptionally deadly for reasons we don''t specifically know yet... Let¡¯s leave it at that. We¡¯ve done enough, for now.¡±

    Her steps wavered as she moved closer to him, and Kai frowned instinctively. He wasn¡¯t the type to get close to people¡ªespecially not girls. Something about proximity always sets him on edge. And Hazie was a special case. He wasn¡¯t just wary of her; he would rather actively avoid her when possible after experiencing what she''s capable of doing behind him.

    But now, she was standing close enough for him to notice something that annoyed him even more: apparently, she was slightly taller than him. Of course, it made sense. While he had spent his days scavenging scraps to survive, Hazie had grown up feasting on luxuries he could only dream of.

    She tilted her head at him, her voice soft but insistent as she asked nicely "Can you carry me like how you would to a princess?"

    Kai blinked, staring at her as if she had just asked him to juggle fire. His restraint kept him from rolling his eyes. Then, the creature behind them suddenly groaned once more, its monstrous wings twitching free from the rubble, signaling its recovery.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he said flatly.

    Then, without warning, Kai bent slightly and hoisted Hazie over his shoulder like a sack of grain.

    ¡°Hey¡ªwhat the¡ª!¡± Hazie¡¯s indignant yelp rang out as her world tilted upside down.

    Her expression morphed into one of comical frustration, her brows furrowed and lips pressed tight as if trying to will herself to calm down. ¡°This is *not* what I meant!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, your phrasing could use some work,¡± Kai retorted, already moving.  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Needless to say, Kai was never destined to be the charming prince rescuing a princess from her tower nor a brave knight. He was more like the rogue bandit sneaking into the palace to kidnap the princess for ransom. So, how did she expect someone like him to carry a princess? More so when his other hand are occupied by their luggage to fulfill her request. As Hazie dangled awkwardly over his shoulder, her arms flailing and her face set in a hilariously exasperated pout, she couldn¡¯t look less like a damsel in distress and more like someone plotting revenge.

    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Hazie accused, her voice muffled by her awkward position over Kai¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Not as much as you think,¡± Kai quipped, though the grin tugging at his lips suggested otherwise.

    Behind them, the guttural shriek of the creature deepened, echoing with menace. The crunch of rubble and the scrape of talons against stone signaled its complete escape from the wreckage. Tension spiked like a wire pulled taut, every nerve in Kai¡¯s body screaming for speed. Without sparing a second glance, his muscles coiled like springs as he surged forward, trying to steady his footing despite the uneven terrain, at the same time, gain speed.

    However, all jokes aside, they were in far more danger than they had anticipated. The black-skulled creature, having folded its bruised wings, revealed yet another terrifying trait¡ªit was just as deadly on the ground. Although, not as terrifying when it''s up the sky, but still agile enough to overwhelm a normal person and pressure Kaiser.

    With its elongated limbs propelling it forward, the monstrous predator, a twisted amalgamation of prehistoric horror and something otherworldly, proved unnervingly agile. Each pounding step brought it closer, its clawed feet tearing through stone floor with alarming speed.

    Hazie¡¯s voice rose, her usually calm tone cracking under the tension. ¡°Why is it so fast on land, too?¡±

    ¡°Because the universe hates us, obviously!¡± Kai retorted, his breath coming in sharp gasps as he ducked under a low-hanging rock formation. His grip on Hazie was firm, ensuring she wouldn¡¯t slip from his grasp.

    But even the rocky terrain didn¡¯t hinder the beast. With a powerful leap, it spread its battered wings for balance and vaulted over the narrow obstacle, landing with a ground-shaking thud just behind them. The gap between predator and prey was closing far too quickly.

    Hazie tightened her grip on Kai¡¯s uniform, her voice tinged with both panic and frustration. ¡°It¡¯s gaining on us! Hurry up, Kai!¡±

    ¡°I am hurrying!¡± he snapped in a ragged breath.

    Aside from the pterodactyl monstrous ground mobility, another factor weighing him down is exhaustion. Tiredness clawed at him with every step. His muscles screamed in protest, the ache in his lungs growing sharper with each ragged breath. He could feel the fiery sting of cuts left by earlier debris, relatively

    relieved by the chilling atmosphere, the fatigue in his legs threatening to sap his momentum.

    Of course, with a single mental command, he could activate his immortality. His spent muscles would instantly mend, and his stamina would return in full force. But Kaiser was unwilling to pay that price. Reluctant to lose the already pitiful amount of points he has left, deeming his dwindling reserve wasn¡¯t worth sacrificing for something he could manage through sheer grit¡ªfor now.

    More importantly, he refused to let Hazie see him tap into his other abilities. If she discovered his an unexhaustable man, there was no telling what kind of schemes she might concoct to exploit it for her own gains. Showing weariness also showed to her he''s still human... Not a monster. Besides, a small, stubborn part of him relished testing his limits the old-fashioned way, reliving the sensation of human exhaustion¡ªstruggling, no matter how painful it was.

    Still, every step was a battle. He pushed through the burning in his legs and the pounding in his chest, his focus narrowing to the path ahead. Survival instinct, adrenaline and determination was the only thing keeping him going. Yet, deep down, he knew that if push came to shove, he could always make the choice to "cheat" and outrun the damned thing, surely, that monster stamina was lesser than him.

    The rhythmic thud of the creature¡¯s heavy steps grew louder, closer. Each impact shook the ground beneath their feet, and the beast¡¯s guttural roars grew sharper, more agitated, as it closed the distance.

    Without needing to asked, she gave direction towards the cave... For real, this time. After a series of guidance amidst the frenzied chase, they eventually arrived at the final point.

    ¡°Left! Over there!¡± Hazie suddenly yelled, pointing toward a narrow cave entrance partially obscured by jagged rocks.

    Kai didn¡¯t question her. He veered sharply, his boots skidding slightly on loose gravel before regaining traction. The cave loomed ahead, their only hope of escape.

    The creature let out an ear-splitting screech as it struggled to turn, before its shadow enveloped them as it lunged forward once more, claws raking at the air just shy of Kai¡¯s back. He gritted his teeth and pushed harder, his strides fueled by desperation.

    ''Faster, faster, faster!''

    Then, with a final burst of energy, they reached the cave. Kai practically threw himself inside, with him pulling Hazie into a protective embrace midair, their momentum sending them rolling across the rough floor before tumbling to a stop, their body aching but otherwise intact. That rough move also saved them from being captured.

    The cave suddenly shook because the predator wasn¡¯t far behind. Its lengthy, sinewy neck snaked through the narrow cave entrance, its beady eyes locking onto them with predatory intent. Its deadly beak snapped mere inches from their feet, the echo of its impact ringing through the confined space.

    Kai and Hazie scrambled to his feet, his chest heaving as he glared at the creature.

    The beast thrashed on the cave entrance, its body too wide to fit through. Its talons scraped uselessly against the stone, but its sheer force sent tremors through the walls. Dust and small rocks rained down from above, the confined space amplifying every sound to a deafening degree.

    However, all sounds were dulled in Kaiser''s vision because he''s seeing the beast in a new perspective.

    This close, the ring was able to analyze and grade their pursuer.

 Chapter 141: Level one-hundred forty-one

    [Level 141]

    The number hovered over the predator¡¯s black skull like a grim banner, the tabulator ring once again proving its value.

    ''It has this function, too?'' he thought, watching the display flicker slightly as the predator¡¯s thrashing caused ripples of motion in the faint glow.

    To be at a level over fifty marked this beast as a Centra-class predator, a tier beyond the Slayer-level creatures Kaiser had faced before. In his rough estimations, Slayer-class beasts were likely those he encountered during the fiery woods campaign in the defensive war. Back then, eyeless warhorses had been terrifying enough to instill dread among even the most desperate defenders. But a Centra? That was an entirely different league¡ªa rarity he had only encountered twice in his time wandering the Shattered Realms.

    The first had been a dinosaur-like, colossal behemoth, towering and relentless, undeniably far stronger than the airborne nightmare before him. However, even this current predator couldn¡¯t be underestimated. Its raw ferocity and adaptability whether in the sky or land were unlike anything he had faced before. For even an entire group of Players armed with their diverse abilities had ultimately abandoned their fight against this predator.

    In any case, the ring¡¯s ability to analyze and assess the creature''s strength amazed him once more. Whether it relied on his own memories or drew from some database beyond his understanding, the creators of this artifact were undeniably geniuses. To craft a tool so attuned to survival in this broken world was nothing short of brilliance.

    Still, none of that mattered now. Both he and Hazie wanted nothing more than to get as far away from this winged abomination as possible.

    Groaning slightly, Kaiser forced his aching body upright. Every muscle screamed for rest, his legs trembling from exhaustion, but at the same time, felt a flicker of pride knowing he pushed through, relied on sheer will alone instead of his immortality. The soreness was a reminder of what he had endured and overcome.

    He extended a hand to Hazie, helping her up as she swayed slightly, equally spent. They stumbled deeper into the cave. The predator¡¯s enraged screeches reverberating behind them like a promise of vengeance. Its long, sinewy neck twisted and strained, its beady eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. The deadly beak snapped against the cave entrance, sending echoing sounds that sent chills through their bones.

    For now, though, the narrow opening keeps it at bay.

    Both of them collapsed against the cool stone walls further inside the cave, their chests heaving as they tried to catch their breath. Kaiser leaned back, tilting his head against the jagged rock, his gaze locked on the creature. It thrashed and clawed, its talons scraping against the stone, but it couldn¡¯t force its massive body through the narrow passage.

    It was both dreadful and oddly relieving to watch the abomination thrash and strain, its futile attempts to reach them a grim testament to its overwhelming hunger. The narrow entrance mocked its might, trapping its sinewy neck and rendering its powerful body useless. It was so close to its prey, its deadly beak snapping just inches from the cave floor, yet it couldn¡¯t close the gap to take the bite it so desperately craved.

    Kaiser leaned back against the jagged cave wall, his chest still heaving from the mad sprint, and allowed a grin to creep across his face.

    ''Jokes on you, creepy birdy, I don''t taste good. The first creature that tested me got its stomach ripped open and the second burned.''

    He glanced at Hazie, who sat slumped beside him. Despite the grime and exhaustion, there was something about her that seemed untouched, unyielding¡ªlike she refused to let the chaos of this world dull her charm. The thought struck him unexpectedly, and he found himself wondering: was she the real target here? Between the two of them, she did seem like the more... Tasty choice.

    As if sensing his gaze, Hazie''s eyes turned in his direction, though they failed to find his. The darkness was oppressive, rendering her vision useless, while Kaiser¡¯s sharper senses allowed him to discern the faint outlines of their surroundings. The world they''re in was already dim due to the sea that shrouds the sky, and only got darker within the cave where almost no light is present. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Kai?¡± she called out softly, her voice tinged with unease.

    The only source of light came from the cave''s entrance, where the predator''s grotesque form thrashed and snarled, it struggles a haunting reminder of how close they¡¯d come to death. Feeling lost and partially disoriented in the pitch black, Hazie instinctively reached out.

    Her hand brushed against something firm, and Kaiser¡¯s low, amused voice broke the silence. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put my hands there if I were you.¡±

    She froze. ¡°Wha¡ªwhat did I¡­ Wait, is that your¡ª¡±

    A sudden chuckle from him cut through her flustered stammering. ¡°Relax, It¡¯s the sleeping bag. Why, did you think it was something else?¡±

    The silence that followed was palpable, save for the distant screeches of their trapped pursuer. Eventually, Hazie let out a long, exasperated sigh, her initial embarrassment giving way to resignation. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable,¡± she muttered, shaking her head in the darkness.

    After a moment, a soft chuckle escaped her lips as well, surprising even herself. ¡°Of all the great men that could accompany me out there, why does it have to be you?¡±

    ¡°Blame your own bad luck,¡± Kai quipped, looking away for he would rather gaze at the dreadful skull than her after hearing that.

    ''I''m not too bad of a company, right? I mean, a literal goddess would be crying because I''m not by her side.''

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call it that. Honestly, I¡¯d rather deal with a delinquent like you over some self-righteous, holier-than-thou gentleman who¡¯d collapse after carrying me for ten steps.¡±

    Kai raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his gaze. ¡°Oh? Is that a compliment I hear?¡±

    ¡°Hardly,¡± Hazie said flatly. ¡°I¡¯m just stating facts, nothing but the pure truth without lies¡ªunlike *you,* who¡¯d rather watch me struggle because you¡¯ve got trust issues. If you¡¯d been honest from the start, we could¡¯ve come up with a better strategy and maybe even taken that thing down.¡±

    Kai scoffed, his tone hardening. ¡°Oh, right, my bad. Sorry you didn¡¯t get everything handed to you on a silver platter, *princess.*¡±

    Hazie crossed her arms, her frustration barely restrained. ¡°This isn¡¯t about what I want, Kai. It¡¯s about trust¡ªsomething you clearly have none of.¡±

    His grin vanished, his voice cutting like a blade. ¡°And who the f*ck are you to lecture me about trust? I hid things to protect myself. And guess what? The moment you found out, as expected, you dragged me into playing your risky games.¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Hazie admitted without hesitation. Her voice was steady, professional, even disarming. ¡°But let¡¯s get one thing straight¡ªone way or another, this was always about survival of the masses over the two of us. It was our ultimate goal, Kaiser ¡ª to kill that thing. Because I¡¯m not about to lead that monster back to the camp with you.¡±

    Of course, he understood that the group''s value overweights his. Hazie won''t prioritize his both of them over the majority and would rather die here than come back with the airborne terror at their tail.

    Kai ran a hand down his face, sighing heavily. ¡°I know... Screw it. Call me a liar if you want, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that we both pulled our fair share of crap. We lied, hid things, and made things harder than they had to be. And for what? Dumb, unnecessary headaches.¡±

    Hazie¡¯s expression softened slightly, but her tone remained resolute. ¡°I¡¯m not saying we haven¡¯t both messed up. But... Apparently, this isn¡¯t working, Kai. If we keep pulling in opposite directions, we¡¯re not going to make it out of this alive¡ªor worse, someone else will pay the price for our mistakes. We don¡¯t have to like each other, but we do need to believe in each other enough to survive.¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed, skepticism written across his face. ¡°And you just expect me to flip a switch and trust you? After everything?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hazie replied, her voice calm but firm. "Genuine trust takes time, and I¡¯m not asking for blind faith. But you can start by giving me something to work with¡ªno more half-truths, no more secrets that could get us killed and overcomplicate things . I¡¯ll do the same for you. If we¡¯re going to survive, we need to be a team, whether we like it or not.¡±

    Kai snorted, his tone dry. "Sounds more like a business deal to me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a start,¡± Hazie countered with a returning smile. ¡°And maybe, if we¡¯re lucky, it¡¯ll turn into something better. But for now, it¡¯s what we¡¯ve got. You don¡¯t have to like me, and I don¡¯t have to like you, but we *do* have to survive. Together.¡±

    Kai studied her for a long moment, his jaw tightening as if weighing her words. Finally, he gave a grudging nod. ¡°Fine. But let me make one thing clear¡ªpull that kind of crap on me again, Hazie, I won¡¯t forget it.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Hazie replied with a faint smile, extending a hand toward him, in the blinding darkness. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a truce.¡±

    Kai hesitated, his gaze shifting between her hand and her friendly expression. Then, with a resigned sigh, he clasped her hand in a firm shake. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll see how long this lasts.¡±

    ¡°For both our sakes, let¡¯s make it work,¡± Hazie said, her tone softening before adding, ¡°Let¡¯s be friends. Officially this time.¡±

    Kai raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Friends, huh? That¡¯s a bold move. You sure you want to be friends with someone like me?¡±

    His only two friends were... Not the best person to be around with, to say the least. Kaiser is afraid Hazie might become just like them.

    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± Hazie replied, surprising him with her straightforwardness. She shrugged lightly. ¡°I actually think you¡¯re an interesting person. Besides, if we¡¯re going to keep working together, I¡¯d rather not feel a stranger to you. So how about we introduce ourselves properly this time¡ªno lies, no half-truths? You already know plenty about me, as much as anyone does, there''s not much to say about me. So... you first.¡±

    ¡°Why me?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m curious,¡± Hazie said, her tone firm but not unkind. ¡°And between us, you¡¯ve got plenty to explain, Kai. I''d like to know who you are, really?¡±

    His lips faltered, his face turning unreadable as he leaned back against the cave wall, crossing his arms. He let out a quiet sigh, as if debating how much to share.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said at last, ¡°But don¡¯t expect a happy story.¡±

    Hazie tilted her head. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±

    Kai let his eyes drift upward, as he began. ¡°Once upon a time, a brat was unluckily born and It all started¡­¡±

 Chapter 142: No lies

    No matter how much he hated to admit it, Hazie had a point. So did he. They had both played their parts in the mistrust and missteps that led to their current predicament. They hid, withheld truths, and made choices driven by self-interest rather than cooperation. And in doing so, they found exactly what they deserved: pain, tension, and the kind of headaches that could only arise from a bond stretched too thin to bear its own weight. Their already fragile relationship had been dented and warped, leaving it even more tenuous and undefined.

    If they were ordinary people, without the burdens of immortality or the fragmented brilliance of exalted genius, perhaps things would have been simpler. They could have worked through their differences in a straightforward way, free of the complications born from their extraordinary lives. But they weren¡¯t, and both of them knew that if they kept going as they were, distrust and dissonance would lead them to ruin.

    Reluctantly, Kai accepted his share of the blame. It wasn¡¯t an easy concession, but he saw no other way forward. Hazie, to her credit, had done the same. Her willingness to meet him halfway made it clear that she, too, understood the stakes.

    Together, they formed what could only be described as an artificial bond¡ªfragile but functional. It wasn¡¯t built on genuine trust, not entirely, but rather on the shared recognition that they needed each other to survive. In the broken world they inhabited, it was enough to form a truce, a mutual agreement to try and bridge the gap between them.

    Kai knew, deep down, that continuing their relationship in its current unstable state would be a disaster. If they were to endure the trials ahead, they needed to understand each other better, to peel back the layers of mistrust and uncover something real¡ªno matter how uncomfortable it might be.

    And so, with reluctance etched into his every move, Kai agreed to Hazie¡¯s proposal. After all, what better way to know each other than by telling their stories? No lies, no half-truths, no holding back. It was a daunting prospect, one that left a sour taste in his mouth, but he couldn¡¯t deny its odd necessity.

    Sitting against the cold, jagged wall of the cavern, with the distant screeches of the trapped predator echoing in the background, Kai hesitated for a long while before beginning his tale. His voice was indifferent, his tone somber, lacking the humor he often used to mask the weight of his words.

    "I was... really young when it happened. Too young to understand it, really. One moment everything was normal, and the next... they were just gone."

    He paused, the words hanging heavily in the air before continuing. "No one wanted to explain it to me. Maybe they thought I wouldn¡¯t get it, or maybe they just didn¡¯t care enough¡ªnot like I¡¯d remember. Either way, I ended up... on my own. And, well, let¡¯s just say people don¡¯t line up to take in kids like me."

    ¡°There was no one else,¡± he continued. ¡°No grandparents, no aunts or uncles, no cousins. Just me. Social workers tried to help at first¡ªput me in foster homes, but... not everyone wants a kid who doesn¡¯t smile or talk much. I wasn¡¯t what they were looking for, and they weren¡¯t what I needed either.¡±

    He paused, the corner of his mouth twitching into a bitter smile. ¡°It didn¡¯t take long for me to figure out how the system worked. The younger kids, the ones who cried and clung to anyone who showed them a scrap of kindness, got picked first. Families wanted something like them. Not a quiet, gloomy kid with no friends and too many questions. I figured I had to change if I wanted to be picked. Guess what? The little old me gave them the middle finger and ran." He let out a small laugh, but his smile quickly faded.  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Hazie stayed silent, listening. She didn¡¯t press him, didn¡¯t interrupt, and for some reason, that made it easier for Kai to keep going.

    His tone turned colder. ¡°I stopped hoping for something that was never gonna happen. I thought, why bother? Why set myself up for more disappointment? So, I decided to take care of myself. I told myself I didn¡¯t need anyone, didn¡¯t want anyone. But... you know what? That¡¯s just something you say to convince yourself you¡¯re okay when you¡¯re really not."

    He told her about the earliest memory he could recall¡ªthe day he lost his parents. He described the confusion, the helplessness, and the dawning realization that he was truly alone. He recounted his time in foster care, the endless cycle of disappointment as families passed him over for brighter, more cheerful children. He spoke of his decision to stop hoping for a new family, to stop clinging to a dream that only brought him pain.

    As the words spilled out, it felt as though they were coming of their own volition, slipping past the usual barriers he kept so carefully in place.

    He spoke of regrets¡ªof the arrogance of his younger self, the failures that followed, the wandering, and the suffocating sense of being utterly lost. He didn¡¯t try to dress it up or make it sound noble. It was just the truth, raw and unfiltered. And eventually, somehow, despite it all, he arrived at the point where he managed to work things out and find his way to an academy. A place that gave him some sense of structure, a purpose he hadn¡¯t realized he craved. It was far from perfect, but it worked. For a while.

    Until suddenly, he was here. In the Shattered Realms, a world as fractured and chaotic as he was, where countless dreams had been broken¡ªincluding Hazie¡¯s, Cia¡¯s, and every unwilling Transmigrator¡¯s¡ªexcept for Kaiser, who had no dreams to speak of.

    By the time he stopped, the cavern felt heavier, as if the air itself carried the weight of his words. He leaned back against the jagged wall, exhaling deeply. Speaking had been both draining and strangely relieving, like setting down a burden he had carried for far too long.

    Then it hit him. A flicker of unease crossed his face, and his expression hardened slightly. He realized he had said more than he meant to, shared more of himself with Hazie than he ever intended to share with anyone.

    Had she tricked him again? What if this was another one of her manipulative games, another way to extract information from him? Suspicion bubbled up inside, his defenses threatening to reassert themselves.

    But quickly, he shook his head, silencing the thoughts. He remembered Garba¡¯s teachings, words that had been drilled into him during countless grueling training sessions: *Clarity in swordsmanship begins with clarity of mind.*

    ''Stop overthinking. Stop being so paranoid,'' he thought, forcing himself to unclench his jaw and ease his shoulders.

    Sighing, Kai draw in a slow breath to steady himself. Perhaps the truth was simpler than he wanted to admit¡ªhe had been bottling things up for years. Maybe even longer. And maybe, just maybe, a part of him had secretly wanted to let it all out to someone, to release the weight even if only for a fleeting moment of relief.

    ¡°There... That¡¯s the gist of my background on Earth. Now you know.¡±

    He turned to look at Hazie, expecting some kind of sarcastic remark or pointed critique. What he didn¡¯t expect was the look on her face.

    Her usually sharp, unyielding gaze had softened, and a single tear glided down her cheek. Her expression was a strange mix of sorrow and reverence, as though she had just witnessed a tragic play unfold before her.

    Kai frowned, shifting uncomfortably. ¡°Uh... why are you crying?¡±

    Hazie sniffed, quickly wiping at her face with the back of her hand. Her glare was back in an instant, sharp and defensive. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I cry? And why aren¡¯t *you* crying, of all people?¡±

    Kai tilted his head, his expression caught between confusion and irritation. ¡°Why would I cry? It¡¯s not like crying ever fixed anything, it ne¡ªurgh.¡± He paused, then forced a change in the subject, unwilling to linger in this strange, vulnerable moment. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s not get too dramatic. Since I¡¯m done with my past on Earth, let¡¯s move on to what happens after that.¡±

    However, Hazie abruptly offered in a sincere tone, ¡°Do you need a hug?¡±

    Kai¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°No, thanks. Keep your hug to yourself, woman.¡±

    ''Oh sh*t, why did I say that?!''

    Driven by impulse, his automatic rejection surprised even him. He partially regretted it¡ªhe could have gotten a *free* hug from Hazie! But what¡¯s done was done.

    Her expression froze in disbelief, taking her a few seconds to recover. As soon as she did, Hazie asked, her smile twitching, ¡°Can I slap you, then?¡±

    ¡°No can do.¡±

    She rolled her eyes, muttering, ¡°I almost forgot you¡¯re... you. Give me back my sympathy.¡±

    Kai shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t do refunds. Sorry.¡±

    Hazie groaned but couldn¡¯t hide the small, amusedly reluctant smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

    With that, he resumed, his gaze shifting toward the dark cavern lightless ceiling. ¡°In any case, life¡¯s tough, I guess. But thanks to that, I made it through this messed up Realm to this day..." He hesitated for a moment before beginning spouting bullsh*ts.

    "I''m also a graduating student with high honor and a bunch of achievements to claim when it happens..."

 Chapter 143: Yes lies

    Kaiser, treacherous as he was, couldn''t resist weaving a web of lies for the tales that followed. Don¡¯t get him wrong¡ªhe wasn¡¯t doing it out of malice or distrust. In truth, a small part of him was genuinely warmed by Hazie¡¯s sincere effort to lend an ear, to genuinely listen and try to understand him. Her reactions to his story¡ªthe way she seemed to drink in every word like an audience marveling at a somber theatrical masterpiece¡ªwas warmly pleasing. Most people would have shrugged off his past, treating it like background noise rather than something worthy of acknowledgment. Yet here was Hazie, listening with an almost reverent silence, trying to understand him more than he himself does.

    It was¡­ nice. Too nice.

    And that was exactly the problem. Nice things were dangerous. They had a way of making you drop your guard. Kaiser wasn¡¯t about to let that happen. No matter how much he appreciated her interest, there were some truths better left unsaid.

    Because, really¡ªhow could he explain it all? That in truth, he had met the gods themselves, only to find their grandeur laced with agendas as flawed as any mortals? That he had been cursed with immortality and forced to serve as a guardian to one such deity, dying countless agonizing deaths only to resurrect in pain each time? Or that he had trained under the tutelage of a descendant swordmaster whose techniques were both beautiful and brutally effective?

    What would Hazie say if he admitted to participating in more than one war¡ªwars that pitted him against bloodthirsty bandits and otherworldly horrors alike? Or confessed that he once hunted an ancient Player and paid for his arrogance by being knocked senseless in return to this damned Realm?

    Would she even believe him if he told her about crossing the terrifying Southern Boundary, a barrier shrouded in mystery and eeriness, only to plummet from a great height afterward? No, probably not. The truth, as absurd as it was, sounded far more like a made-up fantasy than the carefully fabricated lie he had prepared. Besides, what used could that information be for their future venture? If anything, it would make things more complicated.

    So, with the same ease he wielded his blade, Kaiser fed Hazie the story he had concocted back at the deserted camp, knowing this moment would come sooner or later. He kept his tone steady and casual, blending just enough truth with fiction to make it all the more convincing.

    ¡°All of a sudden, I ended up here,¡± he began, his voice tinged with feigned melancholy. ¡°Middle of nowhere, nothing but rocks and weird undersea crap as far as the eye could see. No one else around. Thought maybe I¡¯d find someone if I wandered long enough, but yeah, that didn¡¯t happen. Just a whole lot of sh*t instead.¡±

    Kaiser¡¯s fabricated story unfolded with a practiced ease, a tale carefully woven from threads of truth and imagination. He claimed to have been transported to this desolate, undersea realm instead of Greenland, arriving alone and disoriented in a wasteland of jagged rocks and eerie silence. According to him, his early days were spent wandering in a futile search for other survivors, only to encounter nothing but looming threats at every turn.

    Eventually, he told Hazie, he accepted the grim reality of his new existence. Desperation gave way to pragmatism as he began prioritizing survival over futile hopes. For days, he scavenged for food, learning to hunt the large, barnacle-like creatures that clung to the rocky surfaces. They were a miserable source of sustenance¡ªrubbery and foul-tasting when eaten raw¡ªbut they kept him alive.

    It wasn¡¯t long before he noticed something strange: an odd phenomenon that seemed to defy explanation. The more he killed, the stronger he became. His strength, speed, and endurance increased at an unnatural pace, as though the act of killing itself imbued him with power. Realizing this, he began to hunt with newfound determination, eventually stumbling upon a cave teeming with the barnacles. He wasted no time slaughtering every one of them, his desperation for survival transforming into a calculated pursuit of strength.

    In his story, this was how he rose to his current level. It was luck, he claimed¡ªpure chance that he had found an abundant source of easy prey and had no one else to share it with. Without competition, he monopolized the haul, rapidly advancing his strength. Of course, he lied about the extent of his progress, stating he had already surpassed the Slayer rank and reached the lower tiers of Centra. While in truth, he''s merely a level 2, Cipher.

    To tie his story together, Kaiser included an explanation for his apparent resilience: his Player¡¯s Gift, described it as an all-encompassing enhancement ability that allowed him to boost specific aspects of himself at will¡ªhis agility, his strength, even his ability to regenerate from injuries. Emphasizing this last point, revealing his capacity for rapid healing as a justification for why Hazie shouldn¡¯t endanger herself on his behalf. After all, It would be troublesome if she got hurt instead of him¡ªhe could recover whenever he needed to, but she couldn¡¯t. Losing Hazie, his only guide in this treacherous and complex environment, would pose a risk far greater than he was willing to take. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    When all his bullsh*ts were laid bare, justifying the seemingly impossible abilities he had displayed during their earlier run, Kai felt an odd mixture of relief and amusement. A small, smug satisfaction crept into his thoughts as he considered how skillfully he had navigated the conversation. By framing his powers in a way that didn¡¯t require divulging his deepest secrets, he had managed to steer Hazie¡¯s understanding exactly where he wanted it to go. With this newfound clarity, she now had a better grasp of his capabilities, paving the way for smoother cooperation in their future endeavors instead of getting into each other''s nerves in dire situations.

    With Hazie now fully aware of what he could do¡ªat least, what he allowed her to know¡ªthere would be less room for misunderstanding. A mutual awareness of their strengths would foster a more effective partnership. In his mind, they complemented each other decently: Hazie was the strategist, sharp and calculating, while he was the blade¡ªunrelenting and efficient in execution. Together, they could maximize their chances of survival.

    However, as he observed Hazie from the corner of his eye, it became apparent that she was struggling to process everything he had told her.

    ''Should I also tell her I have super senses, too?''

    At the moment, Hazie seemed unaware of how much her face betrayed her thoughts. Perhaps she assumed the darkness of the cave concealed her expression, but Kai could distinguish it clearly enough. Her features were twisted into a mix of disbelief and composure, a curious blend of doubt and forced acceptance. It was as if her mind were waging a silent war, torn between what she knew about what humanity is about a week''s ago back on Earth, and the increasingly monstrous displays, breaking her former comprehension of what is human, anymore... Kai may look like one, but could he still be considered human?

    ''Yeah... I''ll let her digest it first,'' he thought, deciding against pushing her any further for the time being. After all, Hazie hasn''t fully adjusted to this bizarre reality yet. Her brain might shut down if she knew Kaiser can''t die, literally.

    While his fabricated tales had satisfied most of Hazie¡¯s suspicions regarding his abilities, they also sparked new questions¡ªones he had not anticipated. One, in particular, revolved around his weapon, Windslayer. Hazie had initially assumed the glass-like blade was his Player¡¯s gift, an assumption Kai had been happy to let linger until now. Unfortunately, he could tell she was starting to connect the dots, and there was no skirting around this subject anymore.

    Resigned to addressing the matter, Kai cleared his throat. ¡°By the way,¡± he began casually, as if to downplay the significance of what he was about to reveal, ¡°I also want to tell you about Windslayer. My sword... it¡¯s a Relic.¡±

    Hazie¡¯s frown deepened immediately. ¡°There¡¯s more? Wait... Relic?¡±

    The sheer confusion on her face was almost comical. Her expression grew even more perplexed, her brows furrowing in frustration as she grappled with yet another layer of mystery. It was clear to Kai that she had no idea what a Relic was, which wasn¡¯t surprising.

    From what he understood, the status rings provided only the most basic information programmed by the inventor¡ªthings like ranking and level. They didn¡¯t include details about the Player''s Gift, Relics or Bonds unless the wearer already possessed one. It wasn¡¯t as though the rings came with a comprehensive user manual; the knowledge had to be earned, stumbled upon, or learned from others. Perhaps the wearer only needs to acquire a Relic or Binded creature for the ring to reveal the following information?

    In any case, that''s for later to find out what Zara and Windslayer truly are.

    Kai sighed internally, realizing he couldn¡¯t dodge this explanation. Other Players would find out eventually, might as well be the first to say.

    ¡°Alright, listen carefully,¡± Trying to sound as neutral as possible, Kai tried hard to explain as Hazie¡¯s expression grew more expectant. ¡°Relics are... well, they¡¯re unique items with powers themselves. They¡¯re really rare, though. And bound to whoever discovers them. Windslayer isn¡¯t just a sword¡ªit¡¯s a Relic I found.¡±

    "And how do you know all that?"

    He shrugged. "The description in the Ring told me."

    Hazie tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing as she processed his words. ¡°So... these Relics¡ªwhat, they just fall into people¡¯s laps? How come my ring didn¡¯t tell me about them?¡±

    Kai resisted the urge to roll his eyes. ¡°The rings only tell you what you already have. If you don¡¯t own a Relic, the system probably doesn¡¯t bother explaining them. It¡¯s not exactly user-friendly, but that¡¯s how it works, apparently.¡±

    Doubt crossed her gaze. ¡°And you just... happened to find one? Convenient.¡±

    Kai smirked slightly, leaning back against the rough cave wall. ¡°Call it luck if you want. Or fate. Doesn¡¯t really matter. What matters is that I have it, and it works.¡±

    Hazie didn¡¯t look entirely convinced, but she didn¡¯t press further, at least not yet. Instead, she crossed her arms, her expression pensive. It was clear she was mulling over everything he had told her¡ªhis supposed journey, his abilities, and now this new revelation about Relics.

    For now, Kai allowed the silence to stretch between them, letting her wrestle with the information on her own. He figured it was better this way; the more time she spent mulling over his explanations, the less likely she was to start poking holes in his carefully constructed narrative. The distant sound of their monstrous pursuer¡¯s wrathful bellows echoed through the cave, growing louder as the beast relentlessly clawed and slammed against the narrow entrance.

    It was starting to get on his nerves.

    The quiet between them broke abruptly when Hazie, still deep in thought, suddenly asked, ¡°Your Relic¡ªwhat does it do?¡±

    Kai paused, the question hanging in the air as he considered his response. He could still hear the creature outside, its guttural snarls and pounding attempts growing increasingly desperate. The sound grated on his ears.

    It was getting annoying.

    He sighed, running a hand through his hair, and then rose to his feet with a fluid, almost lazy motion.

    ¡°It¡¯s better if I show you.¡±