《Grandmaster Of All Job Class》


 Chapter 1 - Flashback

    In the world of Almaria, there was and that dwelled demons and humans alike. Even though they were both residents of this continent, they both differ in their looks and attitude.

    The demons who were very good looking with pale skin doesn''t need to worry about beauty and handsomeness.

    Contrary to humans who were only capped to a hundred years of age and died after that.

    There were only a few humans who managed to reach beyond that and the demons have far greater longevitypared to them.

    Reaching a thousand years before dying. The Almarian continent was full of them and so the humans were always below the hierarchy.

    From what we imagine, the demons were more possessive and dominant between the two lifeforms. Quarelling with the humans that soon became a spark of disasters..

    Now, let''s proceed to the life of a boy who started to dream. Dreaming of what the other boys never dreamed of.

    It was to be the Grandmaster of all job ss of this world. Never been seen from before and that was what the boy dreamt of.

    He was just a young kid who was named Joan, a boy that was a dreamer, passionate, and of course good looking. Sharp eyes, blue hair, curved face, and tanned skin.

    Time passed by and the Academy of Almaria now open for the entrance exam. Kids from allnds at the age of twelve didn''t think twice about joining and so he joined too.

    He passed the entrance exam with flying colors and so he joined the academy.

    While he was cultivating, he managed to unlock the secret of gaining all the elements and so it leads him to unlock all the job ss in this world.

    It was a bluff for others but there was a kid who wants to master all the job ss in this world. He strived to master them all and unlocked his capabilities then he reached the Rank of Master in all Job ss. Specifically, the Holy Knight, Chaos Knight, Fighter, Rogue, Ranger, Pdin, Mage, Ronin, Lycan, Druid, and Necromancer.

    Having also the Builder, cksmith, Enchanter, Craftsman, and, Alchemist as a production job ss on his arsenal.

    It was then he came to reach the ripe age for making a family. He was finding for someone but failed at the age of fifty. He was hopelessly romantic and has low charisma.

    So sad for an old man to fail at the most crucial time for making a family. And so, he met the eleven students on his journey and nurtured them like his own sons. It was none other than Frank who became a Holy Knight Priest, Baggus the Arch-Mage, Saber the Legendary Lycan, Splinter the Master Assassin, Branmoor the Druid Priest, Maldor the Ranger Captain, Deathbane the Necromancer Lord, Snap the Master Fighter, Arthras the Royal Saint Pdin, Mistiban the Chaos Dread Knight, andst, Shinpatsu the Grandmaster Ronin.

    It was a great journey for the team and they soon became heroes in their prime. Soon enough, the two races waged war and there became a battle amid the continent. Between the border of the two nations that soon made it into the graves of the two rivalling races.

    The demon army was a terrifying force for the humans and so the heroes helped to eliminate the threat. The enemies marched and rumbled the ground. Flooding the vicinity far from their sights and darkened thends with their sheer numbers. A mix of monsters in their ranks and demons led them. Like ants parading to approach them.

    While the heroes were battling in the war grounds, appeared the great darkness even though it was day time. Upon the skies, there stood a figure brimming with a reddish aura floating in the sky.

    [Turn undead]

    It struck spells and curses upon the human army, like a ck fog crawling and spreading from afar. The army was in disarray and coughing to the smoke but their coughs became soon in pain.

    Writhing and screaming while turning around in the ground. Their screams all became growling and they all turned undead.

    Changing their skins to rotting flesh and emitted ck miasma. Fighting towards the remaining humans in the battlegrounds.

    The Heroes soon stood up and faced them all. It was all loud as a booming sound was all over the ce.

    The casters cast their spells towards the enemies and they soon all eradicated. The Demon Lord came and targeted the heroes one by one.

    Defeating them like a one-sided beating. Binding them with a spell that will kill them if they move.

    They were all in danger and came Joan to their rescue. He repelled the demon army and soon dispelled the binding spell on them.

    "Let me handle this. I will defeat him as your master. Just help the others! Rest assured, I won''t get beaten." Joan said to them then facing the enemy.

    Joan teleported then kicked him in the chin upwards. The two of them went to the skies as he used [Telekinessis] to the enemy. Pushing him up in the sky with the use of his skill''s willpower. He managed to separate him from the heroes and he used the greatest binding spell he has.

    [Evil purging prison]

    The Demon Lord used his aura and a terrible shockwave was emited, easily breaking free from his binds. The two of them battled. Laughing hysterically as he threw spells left and right. Spells were exchanged from the two of them and the skies roared of their own making.

    The battle below was still escting and was not stopping. No one was surrendering any moments and also the two above. Making the heroes to fight on the front lines, they managed to make the casualties to the minimum. Heals and buffs were scattered in the human armies with the help of Frank. Other heroes were all summoning their summons and others were just brawling with the enemies. Casters sprayed spells to the enemies. All were spreading chaos to the enemy lines as they all went on with their killing spree.

    Night came and the battle still rages on. The sky was turning red, turning yellow, blue or white as the booming sound was emitted.

    Joan was still not exhausted and also was the Demon Lord. Both not wanting to lose to the opponent they currently face.

    Joan switched from a job ss to another. Using spells and skills of different job sses until the morning.

    Three days and three nights passed and they were still fighting for the war they have to end. The Demon Lord was exhausted and so was Joan. Sweat was trickling their faces and their body was weary on the process of fighting.

    "Impressive! Now hero of all mortals, what is your name? At least I will know before your death!" He asked in a grin.

    "Shut up!" Joan rebutted.

    He used all his remaining mana to cast a sealing spell and so the Demon Lord also used his trump card spell.

    Joan was expressing a troubled expression as it was hisst-ditch effort to seal a weakened Demon Lord.

    Joan was bloody in his head and chest. Even his golden armour was broken to pieces and one of his shoulder pad was missing when they fought.

    On the contrary, the Demon Lord was still untouched but only his clothes were burnt.

    He smiled wryly as he cast [Soul eater] on Joan.

    "I will give you a gift that willst. Long enough till your death!" He shouted.

    Using his own life for the spell to activate and will hinder him to cast [Rebirth] on himself.

    Purple lights emitted and neon red cursing from the body of the Demon Lord and left him, so was his life, then went to Joan.

    "Be cursed as you will not ascend to Legend and Mythic! Forever! Hahaha!" The Demon lord shouted.

    The Demon Lord used his trump card to make him unable to be youth again nor ascend. Laughing hysterically until hisst breath.

    As the curse activated, he felt that his soul became unpure and tainted. He can only sigh as he was weakened when he was cursed.

    When the Demon Lord has perished, the demon army retreated and they all stopped the war. The multitudes of the demon army that can''t be counted by mere estimation stopped.

    With no leader, they were forced to get back and get stronger. As many as the sand of the sea, multitudes of enemies rumbled the ground. Their morale were crushed and so they fall back.

    The Heroes screamed as they saw their master who was falling from the sky. Making him be rescued with their Mage.

    Baggus used his levitating spell to reach him and he put him on the ground. He was panting and he was weary, barely able to lift his hands.

    On the ground, they all surrounded him and healed him. But still, he was not yet recovering. Laying down on the dirt, he passed out after he said, "It is finished."

    The skies darkened and the rain made its showers at them. The downpour was heavy. Making both the heroes and Joan bathe with its cold embrace.

 Chapter 2 - A Grandmaster

    Being sessful in defeating his hardest battle on the Demon Lord which was on thest defence of Humankind.

    Creating peace after he made the forces of evil retreat. With them retreating, the demons suffered great casualties and were gathering their forces again.

    After many years, he guided new Heroes to defend the kingdom but he was a hermit and didn''t create a family to inherit his legacy.

    Having been told, Joan devoted his life to train new generations toe. His hairs went white and so his wisdom also was at its peak.

    Earning the title of the Sage of the Kingdom. Learning all the job sses he has to know and kept watch in his tower with his spell to keep the dark forces at bay.

    Joan was exhausting himself to maintain the spell day and night without rest. A grand spell only he was capable of and other Mages can only maintain it in minutes..

    After many years has passed, he was a hundred years old and was on hisst days. Joan was on his bed and his strength was fading as he mustered his remaining effort. Barely able to lift his hands on the process.

    A King-size bed with red curtains felt lonely and dull as he was solitary in his room. Making him count the stars at night and the birds flying by at day.

    Golden picture frames of his image and the images of the Heroes he nurtured till that day were what ornamented the walls of his tower.

    Adding to his pain was the regrets he was thinking over and over while his heart was crushed by his self-pity and tears welling up from his eyes.

    The souls of the ones whom he failed to rescue were haunting him day and night. Not wanting him to sleep as nightmares assaulted him in his peaceful sleep.

    It was caused by the effects of [Soul eater] that was getting worst as his days were getting on the ends of its existence.

    He felt that his day of departing this world was at hand so he made preparations for it while he was still breathing.

    As hisst wish, he requested the heroes to see them in hisst moments. Commanding his butler, he went on his way to find them.

    It was when the eve of the war that he felt ill. He waited for them toe after a day and they were still noting.

    Thinking of his shorings on them and the ones whom he can''t save, Joan can feel his heart crumpled as his eyes oozed out tears that he can''t control.

    While Joan couldn''t help but have many regrets in his life while thinking of it. Time passed by and his soul felt wearier as the hours of waiting for them exhausted his patience and strength.

    Awaiting until he was wearier and wearier until he can''t stand up in the meantime. Locked up on this tower, Joan can hear and see the war raging by his [irvoyance].

    He saw that they won the war and the Heroes went to him as fast as they could.

    In the past, he met those boys on his travel as a Sage and nurtured them until they be heroes.

    Their Mage cast [Teleportation] on themselves and went to the door of the tower just outside his room.

    Immediately, the old man saw the door open up and the heroes arrived. From the door, his eyes saw the faces of his eleven students and he began to be emotional.

    "I am sorry master for we arete. We are at war with the Demon army and we won! Now master, please get well soon," Said the Holy Knight who kissed his hands.

    "Child, no one is exempted to death. Even I will notst for a thousand years. Our body is designed to get old and be fragile. You know that," Joan said to him with an old voice.

    "I know...I know," said the Holy Knight.

    "Young Frank, please guide your team on the rest of the way. I can''t be with you for long. As you travel in this life, you will find it difficult to struggle with it. But, don''t forget that you have your friends with you," said Joan.

    "But we could cast [Rebirth] to you right?" said their Mage Baggus.

    "Even though I will cast [Rebirth] to me, I will still perish as a powerful curse was put on my soul that the Demon Lord put on me. It will be triggered when I will cast it and will kill me immediately. I can feel that the curse has slow effects but it was eating away my soul. I can only cast [Soul transmigration] to my self and I will be sent to another world. This way, my soul will be purified and will continue on the cycle of life. This is thest time we will meet and atst, I can say goodbye to you all," Joan said to them.

    The other Heroes were starting to cry and they can''t help themselves to be at ease.

    "Before saying goodbye. I will give myst message to you all. Mistiban, you are the bravest in yourpany. I hope you be the greatest support on your team. Do not be timid when you are needed the most. You are the most reckless after all, haha. Make sure to keep your temper at all times," Joan said to him.

    "Yes master, I will not be hot-headed and make sure this temper will protect the weak. Anger is my power! Haha," Mistiban scratched his head.

    "Shin, you are the kindest in your team. I hope you will not be timid in battle with your inferiorityplex. Haha, despite it all. You are still one of the fastest. Make use of your Ronin blood and be the best version of yourself," Joan said in a low voice.

    "Yes master, I will make sure that I will not be timid. I will surely not disappoint you," Shin said then bowed.

    "Arthras, you are a tough guy. Not because of your Pdin job but of your personality. You rarely showed weakness and shed a tear. Despite it, I saw you hiding when you cry. It is a sign that you are strong. I am grateful to have you as my student," Joan said to him then coughed.

    "Yes master, I am feeling the same. I will treasure all of our adventures in my heart and I am d we met you as our master," Arthras said to him.

    "Snap, you are the jolliest among others. You rarely showed how strong you are but I know that you didn''t like to unleash every strength you have on each enemy. You tend to pity your enemies despite the fact that they will hurt you. When you give your all, the enemies will pop like a balloon if you do so. Haha," Joanughed low.

    "I will do my best master from this day forth. I hope you too master," Snap said then bowed.

    "Hahaha, I will my dear Snap. You give me a challenge and I will keep it in mind," Joan said then winked at him. They allughed bitterly.

    "Baggus, I know you are the greatest Mage in this kingdom and you protected yourrades well. I am happy that you grew into a great man. I am proud of you. Well, you still need to eat more rice to reach my level. Haha, I hope you are happy together with yourrades. They treated you like brothers so you treat them like one too," Joan coughed twice.

    "I am treating them like one master, it''s just they are sometimes cold to me," Baggus said while shedding a tear.

    "You all will be having more trials, so be kind to each other. I hope you all treat yourselves like brothers," Joan said to them.

    "Deathbane, you are the timidest in the team. Despite it, you are still voicing out your feelings. Despite being shy, you are slowly shedding your shell and is getting along with yourrades. It is nice to know you have grown and conquered your fears," Joan said to him.

    "I am grateful too of your guidance master. I am what I am because of you," Deathbane said to him then bowed.

    "Splinter, you show weak in battle but you showed that you are something not to be trifled with. Making your enemies mistake you for being weak. That is a nice strategy though but always be careful. You are the scout of the team. The same with Maldor, you are one of the ranged job sses of the team. Make sure you are also responsible for the team''s welfare," Joan said to the two of them.

    "We will not disappoint you, master!" Maldor said loud and clear.

    "Yeah! Disappointment will be the least we will do!" Said Splinter.

    "Hahaha good! Now Saber and Branmoor, you two tend to fight with your strength, not with your head. Both quarrelling who was the best among you two. I say you have the strengths that made you unique from each other. Be stronger than before, all of you should surpass me as I am cursed. I know all of you can do it," Joan then coughed a bit.

    "We will try master but it is hard for us. Maybe if you are not cursed, then it will not be hard for you," Saber said to him.

    "Haha, that is reassuring. And now Frank, being the leader you should always be the strongest physically, emotionally, and, mentally. The team will be passed on to you and is now in your hands. Please take care of them for me," Joan then breathed deep.

    "I will master, I will. Please make sure not to forget us when you leave," Joan said to him while holding his hands.

    "We will miss you, master! Take care on your journey," said Shin.

    "Hah! I am a tough guy! Who do you think I am! Cough cough!" said Joan whoter on went coughing.

    They loosened up a bit and they foundfort with his words.

    "Upon ourst request, can we have the honour to cast [Soul transmigration] ourselves?" asked Frank.

    "Sure! Help me with my sending off. I can at least see you all and be at peace." Joan said in a calm voice.

    The eleven of them circled him and cast the spell. The bright light was emitted into the room and Joan stopped breathing.

    He was smiling with tears in his eyes. After that, the heroes wept and announced that he was gone. The city wept for three days and three nights and at his funeral, the heroes led him to his grave.

    The Kingdom''s watcher and Sage were now gone and the spell that protects them from the dark forces has vanished.

    It was then, the Heroes stood by his grave until it was noon, and the rain came pouring on them. A very saddening moment for the heroes and as well as the kingdom''s citizens.

    Many attended the funeral of their very own pir. The King also wept as he was his close friend and mentor. He was also his master when he was young.

    The Kingdom wept but the Demons were celebrating, attacking the kingdom on the same day.

    It was then, the heroes went back to defend the realm but this time, there was no one in his tower to watch the Kingdom from above.

    Even though they were saddened, they continued to fight for humanity. Battling anything that harms their realm.

 Chapter 3 - God Of Angels

    Joan''s soul drifted into nothingness after he left his body. He saw a light so small as a ball and he was approaching the light from afar.

    His soul entered the light and a secondter, he was in a ce that was so bright.

    Entering the ce that was giving off bright light and saw a gate made of gold and precious stonesid off on its pirs from both sides and clouds were moving from all directions.

    He saw his body having white robes and was youthful again. Different from the wrinkled hands and feet in his past life.

    Not mentioning his voice that became young and pitchy. He imagined that his soul was technically or originally a young boy that didn''t grow old. Such a free-willed old man has such a soul.

    Piercing blinding light was what he can see and saw a bright figure from afar, sitting on a throne..

    Many Angels were surrounding the figure and were not pping their wings to fly nor float from afar. Angels in golden armors were lifting their two-handed swords burning in eternal mes while holding them just beside their faces.

    Holding it upwards facing clouds up above them. Eyes were glowing with golden radiant glow and fierceness within.

    The figure lifted his hands and soon the Angels held down their swords down. The figure was unbearably bright and Joan''s eyes were pierced with its radiance.

    Closing his eyes didn''t even help for it to lessen the burning sensation of the light. In the great brightness, he can only cover his eyes with his hands but the light was still piercing in lower intensity this time.

    "Greetings mortal! I am very pleased to see you here! My friend. Or should I say, Joan Emsworth? As you can see, I am the God of Angels that rule this realm. As your soul transmigrate, I chose you for this mission that only you can do. You will enter the world that I created. The Demon God was sending his demons to my world and they are making my people bing a blood sacrifice. For darkness is spreading to thends. Many are ughtered and killed. You will go and save this world as I have chosen you toplete the task. I will send someone to help you and may he guide you on your journey. As you transmigrate, you will assimte with a boy who passed away and his knowledge and experiences will be passed on to you. Now go and be strong, for the evil is at hand," The loud voice said to him.

    He can only agree with him as he knows what were the consequences of using the [Soul transmigration] skill.

    "It has been years since I have seen you. I didn''t know how long it is but I am d to see you again. My friend," Joan said to him.

    "Don''t fear, I will always be with you until the ends of the world. See you again, my long lost friend. I will open a portal just below your feet and you will be on your way. Any questions?" The God of Angels asked him, waiting for his inquiry to rise and take the initiative to ask.

    Upon looking at him, Joan was in deep thought. Holding his chin with his pointing finger then sighed. He faced him then smiled as he remembered their past experiences together.

    "Aha! You will make me face a terrible environment this time around? What about the world I will live in? Is it going to be challenging to live there?" Joan asked while pointing his finger towards him.

    Still, the figure was so bright and domineering. Joan can only say it while his eyes closed.

    "Ahem, you will certainly be going through such challenging ordeals as I have seen the World was enveloped with darkness. Only the Almarian Continent was left of the human territory. You see, they are nning of eradicating the human race,"

    "You have such great taste for picking me up yourself huh? You know I am very tired as an old man but here I am very young again. I didn''t know that I have such a cute soul. Like stout and short," Joan can only smirk on the process as his white robes were bigger than him. Making him have to drag the excess cloth to walk.

    "Hahaha, your body is old but your soul is young. You need to be mature in your soul. You will still growter on. Of course, so don''t worry about it." The God then coughed loudly.

    Joan then sat on the floor and looked at his surroundings for thest time.

    "You see my friend, are you perhaps lonely here in this throne of yours?" Joan asked in curiosity.

    The God Of Angels nearly coughed of what he heard. In that same moment, the Angels'' eyes shed with a grimace and darted towards him.

    shing their swords towards his neck in a split second. Joan was then surrounded with swords all over his neck. Making him gulp some saliva on the process.

    "Disrespectful!" Shouted one of the Angel who was holding a sword near his throat.

    "Hahaha! You have a good question there. You should not be too carefree of what you ask me nor your actions to me. Or my Angels themselves will kill you on the spot. Remember that you are not on your past self who can shake the heavens but a wandering soul. But formalities aside, I would like to answer your question. I created the Angels and the Heavens because I wanted to have something to serve me. A ce for me to enjoy and dwell in. But then, I thought of creating beings of my likeness. A being that has emotions like me and has its own will, unique from each other. And so I created Humans and the Demon God the Demons. All was at peace but the world I made has forgotten about me. I sent my prophets but they didn''t listen. It was until then, the Demon Godunched their attack towards the world I created and many were ughtered. It was you who will be going to save it. Can you do the task?" The God Of Angels asked him.

    Joan was very feeling nostalgic when ites to meeting this God in his past life. It was him who thought him to be humble as he was defeated by this God, but it was a close match as he made this God acknowledge his strength. Now, he was asked if he can save his world from dying. All he could do was shake his head.

    "As a reward forpleting the task. I will grant one of your prayers. You can ask anything in prayer. Now, are we good? You will feel extremely frightened when you will be sent to my world so good luck on that," The God Of Angels said then opened the portal on his feet.

    "Why frightened?" Joan asked.

    "You will see...." He said and then he made a portal below his feet.

 Chapter 4 - Transmigration

    He was then sucked like a vacuum and he saw that he was falling from the sky.

    "Ahhhhh!!! I am falling!" Joan screamed.

    He can see the clouds and the greenery of the world that was sorge and saw the continent he was falling into.

    He saw the kingdom from afar and also the viges. He can also see the demon continent up above the said Kingdom.

    He was getting nearer and nearer to the ground and saw a vige below him. He dived some more and saw the lifeless body from above.

    The feeling of falling from the sky was so realistic for him and then he entered the body of the kid.

    Opening his eyes, he felt excruciating pain in his shoulders.. He then remembered the memories of the past body that he resided in.

    His name was Joan, to his surprise he has the same name as him. And their family was the Emsworth family, aplete identical name and family name.

    As he was scanning for clues, memories resurfaced and he was chased by a monster called a man-eating tiger.

    He was hunting wild boar for food and then he was a surprise-attacked on his back. Biting his shoulders and almost his shoulder was ripped apart.

    Luckily, he jumped to the cliff and dived into the river. He was then carried away somewhere near the vige.

    "Maybe he died of loss of blood. I should see if I can make it out alive here first." Joan said.

    He healed himself with his Priestly skill [Heal]. But to his dismay, he only stopped the bleeding.

    Upon realizing it, he became back to square one. The moment he used the skill, his mana well has been exhausted immediately. Adding to his problem.

    "Wait? I became trash and can''t evenpletely heal my wound? I should train faster this time around. And my wound only stopped bleeding. At least I have a cloth to make a bandage," Joan said then removed his shirt. Cleaning the blood on the river and removed the blood in the water.

    He ripped his shirt and embedded it to his shoulders, making a first aid on his self. He saw a bow and arrows that was probably his hunting weapons littered beside him.

    The bow was still usable and there were plenty of arrows left on the quiver.

    "These weapons are too much for the enemy. No, it was the other way around. From what I have seen, the monster that killed many vigers is very aggressive. Not a makeshift arrow can kill it easily. The parents of this body''s owner are farmers and their son is hunting for food. It is very hard to live as they are poor and the lord of their vige is a scum that didn''t even give them any share. Thest harvest is a failure and they have to double their pay for them." Joan cursed inside.

    It was not a surprise for him to be forced to hunt for food. And his parents were worried as he was young and there were monsters outside the vige. He still ventured and brought meat in their house and due to his parent''s poverty.

    They can only thank their son for his efforts. He was a brave child that was very caring to his parents until his life ends.

    So from that day forth, he will be Joan Emsworth. Taking up his name was an honor to an old man like him.

    A brave child that didn''t mind the danger he will go through just to feed his parents. It almost made Joan cry of meeting a valiant child that was ready to die anytime every time he goes hunting. It moved his heart and was captivated by his story.

    "I will surely take care of your parents, Joan. Leave them to me." He said in a sad voice.

    He took up the bow and arrow and saw on his back the man-eating tiger. A creature of orange and ck stripes was seen crouching, ready to pounce at him anytime. Growling with blood still painted on its mouth. It was probably his blood that was being smelled and pinpointed his direction.

    "So you followed me here? I guess you will regret it when you let me out alive." Joan said then knocked the arrow on the bow.

    "Did I say this weapon can''t kill you? Of course, I forgot that it was me this time around." Joan said to him while smirking.

    He draws the bow and aimed it at its eye. Without wasting time, the tiger dashed towards him with its paws caving into the ground.

    Dirt was hurled on its path and Joan fired the arrow. Immediately drawing another arrow in a split-second without moving on his ground.

    The tiger was struck in both eyes and it mmed to the dirt on his back. Evading its attack in hair''s breadth.

    The monster growled and thrashed around. Without mercy to the enemy, he rained his arrow on it.

    In one second, seven arrows were propelled towards it. Using up all his arrows on the process. It was struck on its neck, shoulders, and, its face but it was still alive.

    He then grabbed the arrows and pulled them off. Holding two arrows in both his hands. He was wed by the monster but he evaded.

    Now that its eyes were pierced, it growled to the pain and shed in the direction of Joan''s noise. Evading his strikes, he rotated in the air andnded on its neck. Stabbing its spine from the neck towards its tail.

    Making the enemy paralyzed. The enemy was trashing all around as he was stabbing it to death. He was bathed with its blood and the monster let out itsst growl.

    Extinguishing its life and mmed his head to the ground.

    Joan panted while he was on the top of its lifeless body and felt that his wound bleeds again.

    "Ngk!" Joan then stopped the bleeding as his wound was opened again.

    He cast [Heal] again and his bleeding stopped. Barely able to heal it with just his mana. Soon after that, he saw that the body of the monster began fading and golden light was absorbed by his body.

    It soon all went into his body and the arrows were only what remained in the ground.

    "Woohoo! I killed it! I avenged you, Joan! I can sleep well with it being killed." He said then mmed his butt on the ground.

    He was very tired as he was not used to this kind of body. Barely able to move but it was still impressive as he knows the past Joan was training himself to hunt for food.

    Not cking in his training. He was determined to live and to survive their predicament.

    After it all, he felt that he was stronger this time. His body was lighter and he can move faster.

    "Wait, the monster that I absorbed. That made me stronger?" Joan said in his surprise.

    He smiled then smirked and he can''t help but be pleased by what he discovered. Soon after that, he went to find a young boar to hunt.

    He easily found one who was solitary having a bath in the river. They tend to bath as they don''t have sweat nds to cool themselves.

    As Joan sneaked towards it, he was careful not to alert it. Firing an arrow to its spinal cord behind its neck made it lost its life instantly after a second.

    He tied the young boar on his back and went to their vige.

 Chapter 5 - Farming Village

    He traversed the forest floor and the leaves crackle as he steps on them. Carrying the boar on his back and his ripped clothes was used to be a bandage, wrapped on his shoulders.

    He saw some small houses that distanced from each other from afar. It was a farming vige that has many wheat fields from what his eyes can see.

    Yellow wheat was dancing by the wind and it was ripe for harvest. With small hills that has a dirt road made for the vigers to walk to, he made his way towards their house.

    As he paved the path, he remembered Joan''s memories of where their home was. As he scanned it, his memories resurfaced and he remembered many things like he was Joan himself.

    He was walking past some small wooden homes that have wooden fences and the vigers were waving at him. He waved back as he remembered them in Joan''s memories..

    Walking home while the wind was brushing his hair and skin, he smelled its freshness and he felt that it was a nice day.

    While his clothes were tattered, he attracted some attention from the vigers. Some were worried at him as they saw him as a rugged kid.

    Walking for several minutes, he saw young kids like him who had wooden swords.

    He recognised them as the bullies of Joan''s past life. Their leader was named Kendrick. He was a notorious kid that bullies especially the weak kids and most kids in the vige were hisckeys.

    They tend to bully him because he was very weak and was a trash who only knew how to fire an arrow. Coward enough to use the said weapon on them.

    As he was approaching them, he was immediately recognized by their leader. Smiling wryly as they tend to know he was carrying a boar that was enough to feed them.

    "Hey, Joan! You got some good stuff in your back! I don''t mind to spare beating you up if you will leave that boar here. You don''t wanna get swollen face, right? Thest time that I punch you was very nostalgic. You are holding tight your hunted deer even though we smash your face. So this time around, you will hand it over to me or you might get crippled this time around. You know, breaking your leg or hand. It''s your honor to choose between the two. So what''s your choice?" He said then chuckled looking at hisckeys.

    All of them were having a good build. Contrary to Joan''s famished thin structure. He can saw his ribcage on his tattered clothes.

    They were also one of the reasons that he was unhealthy as he was battered every time he went home and they mostly stole his hunted prize in the forest.

    He can only pity him for his predicament. It was a thing that made the old man almost break his heart. He didn''t experience it but memories of his host were resurfacing.

    In many days, they suffered starvation and it made the poor child learn to hunt. He gained experience as many years has passed but his physique didn''t improve.

    There were also times where they were raided and looted of their belongings. Joan can only sigh at his host''s past. He also pitied the other kids of his age.

    ''Sigh.... these kids need discipline,'' He thought and so he offered.

    "I refused to give this boar. But I can teach you to hunt," Joan said to him tapping the boar on his back.

    "Nah, did you hear what I just said? You will give me the boar or if not, we will cripple you. It was an easy question, right? But you refused, so this will be in a hard way," He cracked his knuckles andunched his attack.

    He dashed and clenched his fist. As he came closer, Joan ducked while he rotated. Disappearing on his sight as he went on his back. Tapping his head while he measured his height. He saw him having a big and broad body.

    Being taller than him by feet and he was only on his shoulders.

    Kendrick jolted as Joan disappeared in a split second. After he felt that someone touched his head from the back, he turned around while Joan ducked so fast that Kendrick''s eyes only saw his after image. After seeing that he disappeared, he turned around and jolted as he saw him on his back. Joan poked his cheeks so he became irritated and tried to punch Joan in the face.

    Joan removed his belongings and he ducked at his punch. Being able to move while he has his belongings on his back a while ago. He sweep-kicked him and he stumbled on the ground.

    "What the? I will surely cripple you this time and make you can''t move in your bed for the rest of your life!" Kendrick bellowed.

    Joan only yawned as he felt sleepy on his performance.

    "You can do better right? Come on, show me what you can do," Joan said to him.

    He immediately stands up and grabbed the practice sword of one of hisckeys. Swinging the wooden sword left and right.

    "We will see who will cry after this. I will make you crawl to the ground as you will go to your house!" He bellowed.

    "Oh, you wanna spank me with that?" Joan can only smile with his weapon.

    Joan walks slowly towards him and Kendrick shed his sword vertically. Joan clipped the sword like a scissor with his hands and it made the wooden sword shattered by his force.

    Kendrick can only look at his sword in awe and was shocked. He throws his sword and furiously attacks him with his hands this time around.

    Joan retaliated and moved his two hands to clip his punch.

    Locking his arm with his left arm and his right arm went to his face. It all happened in split second. Although itnded, Joan didn''t stop there.

    Three left and right punch was released on his face and Kendrick can only step back on his blows. Another punch was made by Kendrick but Joan side-stepped while grabbing his hands.

    Landing another hit on his face and another hit on the stomach.

    Only for him to feel pain but not very damaging for the kid to handle. He didn''t stop there but rained anotherbo of hits on him and he can only take the hit like he was expecting it.

    It was a one-sided beating and his enemy began to cry. Hisckeys can only fear to intervene as they saw the enemy was stronger than him.

    "All men attack!" Shouted Kendrick while tears falling on his face.

    They all surrounded him and they all attacked. Joan was evading and was just kicking their feet, making them lose their bnce. Dropping on the ground.

    "Anyone who stands up will be punched furiously on the face. Now is it my turn to answer questions? As for my question, Do you want to learn hunting? As the idiom says, give a fish to a starving man can save him from hunger in a moment. Teach him how to fish will make him feed himself for a lifetime. So are you in? Or I will beat you all again?" Joan said to them.

    They only nodded in agreement. Kendrick stands up and he clenched his fist.

    "I will never forget this! I will tell this to my father! He will batter your father ck and blue and he will also not let you get away with this! He is the captain of the guards here and you will not live happily anymore!" Kendrick bellowed.

    Joan who was calm andposed inhaled a deep breath. Slowly but surely, he closed his eyes and a great aura was emitted from him. Colored red aura was seeping out of him and killing intent was released. Making all the habitants to feel its pressure. Even breathing was painful for the others and their soul was agonising in the process.

    Joan then smiled at them and clenched his fist. Eyes closed, but what they saw was not a kid anymore but a roaring lion prepared to devour them. They were like strip naked in front of him like their soul was seen and their tears were mixed with their nose''s mucus.

    "So? Are you interested in hunting? I will teach you?" Joan asked politely.

    He asked politely, but for them, it was not polite in the slightest. They all nodded in him.

    "Forget about hunting only, I want to serve you as our leader and learn how you fight!" said Kendrick in his swollen face.

    "As my pride won''t let me but the strong rules the weak. It is a matter of fact in this world and I acknowledge that I am weaker than you. If you want to teach us how to hunt, then why will we refuse?" Kendrick said.

    "Okay meet me tomorrow and I will guide you all. I will go home, for now, see you tomorrow!" Joan said then grabbed his boar, waving goodbye at them. Killing intent vanished.

    "Thank you master!" they all chorused.

    He went home and was walking confidently.

    Arriving at their home where his mother was waiting for him. Hanging their clothes to the wire and saw him having tattered clothes.

 Chapter 6 - Sweet Home

    Joan greeted his mother who was very happy to see him. Running towards him and hugged him tightly with her wide arms.

    "Oh, my son! You are back! Thank God you are alive! Are you hurt? Why do you have a bandage? Don''t tell me you are attacked by a monster?" She asked him.

    In Joan''s memories, she was Anna Emsworth. Wife of his father John Emsworth. His name wasbined with their names John and Anna.

    A witty name creation they have in their mind. Joan smiled as he felt his past body''s emotions swell. It was like in the past Joan himself has missed them.

    The old man felt his love for his mother and thus embraced her upon the request of the emotions of the past owner. It was like their soul wasbined in the process of his [Soul transmigration]..

    "I will take care of you, mom. I promised toe back alive right?" Joan said to him while he remembered that he promised to tell before his leave. The promise that the past Joan didn''t fulfil on his life.

    "Okay son, let me help you with dismantling that boar. I will cook you a delicious meal. What do you want for dinner? Grilled or soup?" Anna asked him while they entered their house.

    "Grilled," he replied.

    Upon entering the wooden door, he saw a candle on the table of their home. The dirty kitchen was just beside their dining table and to their right was their rooms.

    Joan then hanged the boar and they dismantle it. Using a sharp butcher knife, they removed its hairy pelt and chopped it into quarters.

    They soon grilled a quarter of the boar and dried the rest.

    His father arrived from their farm with his farm carriage pulled by their horse.

    He entered their home and was in a happy mood. Whistling and dancing while he entered the door.

    "Looks like we will be having a feast tonight! With the looks of the grains, we will pay the rest of our dept fromst year! And we still have something to spare! Hahaha!" John said to them.

    "Joan my boy! Hug your daddy!" He said then opened his arms wide.

    "Dad!" Joan shouted and hugged him.

    "We will be having grilled pork tonight!" Joan said to him.

    "Oh, good boy! I am so proud of you! Do you want a new bow? Perhaps a better one?" He said to him, patting his head.

    "No, my current one would suffice. At least save the money in the future," Joan said to him then smiled.

    "Good boy!" He chuckled.

    They grilled the pork with the remaining salt they have and served it on their wooden tes. Joan''s share was the ribs of the pork and he ate with pleased eyes as they saw him.

    It was very satisfying when he ate it with a hungry stomach. He drank water and they talked with each other.

    "Joan my son, do you want to go to school? They are recruiting this opening," John said to him.

    "Can you sustain that John? After all our struggle just to fill our stomach, you ask him to go to school?" said Anna worriedly.

    "I will find a way for that, it is my problem. Thanks for telling me. I didn''t know that they are offering one," Joan said to the two of them.

    "What I want to tell is they will have a schrship to those who performed well in the entrance exam. Especially to the poor. I know our son can be a Ranger with him using a bow while hunting. He can be all he wanted to be if he will grab that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said John.

    "Oh! Does this world have a Ranger job ss? What else?" Joan asked curiously.

    "From what I can remember, the Academy has Rogue, Ranger, Fighter, Ronin, Pdin, Holy Knight, Chaos Knight, and, Mage. There also have tribes that teach Lycan, Druid, and, Necromancer ss. If you happen to pass the entrance exam, they will let you choose your path. And in several cases, there are Job ss directors that will pick you themselves! You will be a great person someday son. We will not let you suffer like us and be a farmer for the rest of your life," John said to him while patting his shoulder.

    Joan was in his thoughts, staring in the nk space and then coughed. The world of Almaria has the same Job ss as this world. Enough for him to smile wryly andugh.

    "Hey son, are you okay?" John said to him, shaking him up.

    "Oh, I''m okay. I only remembered something to doter on," Joan said to them.

    Anna felt worried about his actions. She then calmed down when she realized that everything was okay. They continued eating and they were happy at that time. He was thinking that in the past Joan has such a kind family and a cosy home to be at.

    They were happily talking about his hunt and he told them that he hunted a man-eating tiger. They were shocked and John dropped his bone that he was holding.

    "What? Are you lying, Joan? You should never lie in front of me!" John said to him.

    ''Ops, is that a bad joke for them?''

    "Nah, nevermind. We should resume our talks. How is your farming dad?" Joan said to him to change the mood.

    "Well, we will harvest plentiful this time and pay our debt. We will harvest tomorrow morning," John said then took a bite of the meat.

    "I will teach the other kids to hunt tomorrow morning. They will be good boys as I knew they have the same predicament as us. They even called me master," Joan said to them.

    "Wow! So the bullies shed new leaves now? You''re great son! May they be like you! We''re always proud of you and support you," Anna said to him then caressed his back.

    Joan can only sigh as he was believed this time around. He continued biting the meat and continued their talks.

    The night grew deeper and Joan went to his bed after cleaning the table and washing the wooden tes.

    His father and mother went to their rooms and he carried the candle to his own. Putting the candle on the table at bedside, he climbed his bed. He went to his lotus position and experimented if the cultivation was still applicable to this world.

    He sensed the mana in the environment and absorbed it. To his surprise, he was cultivating without problems. Making him smile wryly and giggled on the process.

    ''This changes everything. I can cultivate without any difficulty and can be stronger. I need to break through as soon as possible or all the job ss that I learned will go to waste. If I can ess them sooner, the better.'' He said to himself.

    He was cultivating all night and managed to break through to the First Stage�CEarth Realm. He exhaled a great amount of air and was smiling. Thinking of things for his future and ns to make.

 Chapter 7 - Basic Elements

    Joan, as the Grandmaster of all the heroes, knows how to unlock the basic elements. As he saw it detrimental for a job ss like the Mage who doesn''t even have any elemental affinity.

    It will be impossible to cast a fire spell without the fire element. Not all of the persons in his past life has such elements as him because he unlocked all the elements of Almaria.

    This leads to him being a master of all the Job ss of their world.

    As heprehends the elements, he had no affinity for any affinity either. This past Joan didn''t have any element in his affinity thus it made the old man struggle to use [Heal] spell on his wound.

    Even though it was not normal for him to do it. It still happened because heprehended it in his past life.

    In his darkroom, he was in a lotus position and focused to his limits.. He has to be in a trance to achieve it first.

    Condensing first the elements from his surroundings, with little and little specs of it. Slowly, he gathered it. With a time that he didn''t know.

    All he could feel was perspiring on the process of condensing the elements. Knowing how hard it was to gather them all up.

    Thinking of it, he first imagined the elements in his surroundings. He could create a speck of the essence of the elements and thus he began collecting it.

    He collected first the basic elements like Fire element, Lighting element, Wind element, Earth element, andst, Water element. Their essence was so small and he has to cultivate them to make it his own.

    Now that he has it, it has to be extracted as it will vanish to thin air when left behind. Time was at hand so he started immediately to make use of the specs of elements.

    First was the Fire element, imagining its form and structure, as well as its very image and form. He manages to create such light on his fingertips.

    He smiled as it was very hard to create one. He mastered it like it was his own and the first element he cultivated became like being born with him.

    It was as easy to create fire in his fingertips as breathing.

    The fire element has such forms too. Joan created sparks and they exploded every time he uses them. He also made a small me that was like a match and extinguished it afterwards.

    Next was heat as his fingertips be ember and were emitting heat. The air in the surroundings went hot so he stopped there.

    ''Oh, a sess! This leads to another step, and if the Fire element is a sess, then the other elements will be too!''

    He went to the next element which was the Lightning element. He cultivated the tiny essence he collected and made a spark on his fingertips.

    Yellow sparks were emitted from his fingertips and he managed to stabilize it.

    He felt that the element was raging in his body and it was able to make his hairs stand up.

    Even more so, he finds it entertaining as it made a tingling sensation on his head. Making his blue hairs spiky like a pineapple crown.

    It was hard at first but he managed to make it his own. It was not easy at first but with patience, it became one with him.

    It crackles in his arms and was looking at it with awe. Yellow sparks were made and the musquitoes in his surroundings was grounded by its sparks.

    They became conductors and the smell of burnt blood was all over the ce. Making his nose itch by its strong assaulting smell.

    Maybe it was their blood that was fried by his electric conductivity.

    He was never bothered by it and moved on to the next element. Having two elements was very impressive by itself, how much more was a multi-elemental person.

    It will be a problem if someone knew of his elements when he can''t still barely defend himself.

    The next element on his mind was the Wind element. With him having the essence, started his cultivation. Just like the Fire element, it was very easy to handle but hard to cultivate.

    Making it your own was the hard part but when you unlocked it, you will certainly enjoy it as it was easy to wield.

    Starting from making the essence bigger and denser and then incorporate it within himself.

    Slowly encircling it to his mana well just around his abdomen. In just a minute, the Wind element essence incorporated within the mana well.

    Making Joan almost leap in joy.

    He cultivated it for a minute. He managed to make it his own and he gathered the element on his palm and he made a ball of wind. Seeing it with his own eyes, he can only smile at the process.

    It was very satisfying for him but he was still not halfway there. Many elements were still waiting for him.

    He went to the next element which was the Earth element. He cultivated the essence that he collected and started to make it his own.

    Repeating the same process with the wind element, he incorporated it in his mana well that he managed to absorb it.

    It was very tough for him because he doesn''t have the element being born in his body. He can only wipe his sweat as it was not easy to make it his own.

    He managed to make it his own and he was happy about it. He made a ball of rock on his palm and then put it beside him.

    Making also the earth to be mud and to his other hand was sand. He managed to know its form in his past life as heprehended the elements to their peak.

    The Next element was the Water element. He cultivated the essence and was struggling at first. But still, it was not impossible to handle it.

    He managed to stabilise it and made it his own by absorbing the essence in his mana well. Creating a ball of water on his palm made him smile in the process.

    Also making it steam and ice on his different hands while staring at both of them.

    ''Now that I have the basic elements, I am one step closer to my goal. I should proceed to the unique elements,'' Joan whispered in his mind.

    ''I need to master all job ss to be prepared for all enemies. Knowing the God that made me transmigrate here is also bad news. He also said that I will find it more difficult to survive here this time as the enemies are stronger. I gotta be prepared at all cost,'' he smiled bitterly as he proceeds to the Unique elements.

 Chapter 8 - Unique Elements

    The elements that were very rare to see from his past world was harnessed in his past life. On a hundred of thousands of people in the Almarian continent, there were only ten thousands of them.

    These unique elements were the Spirit element, Poison element, Shadow element, Holy element, andst, Nature element. They were unique in his past world and thus were more umon.

    There were at least small numbers of people that wield such elements and Joan was one of them.

    From his memories, these elements were wielded with unique job sses. An example was the Necromancer that uses shadow element to his skills and the Rogue that also uses the same.

    Such elements were deeply needed to use the element-rted skills for the skill to be usable.

    Such job sses sometimes were not having the required element that caused the skills sub-par or sometimes unusable inbat. .

    But what happened to use the [Heal] spell in the past battle on the man-eating tiger was because of the deep understanding andprehension of Joan.

    It made a miracle to use it due to the past Joan''s potential to the Holy element itself.

    Proceeding to the Unique elements, he readied himself for the cultivation. Starting to be in a lotus position first then focused on himself.

    He first cultivated the Spirit element. With the Spirit essence he has, he cultivated it within himself. Imagining its feeling when he used it in the past.

    He then managed toprehend the element and it was very tricky to handle it. It was fighting back his movement to his mana well that made it like it was alive and struggling.

    He sessfully absorbed it to his mana well with minutes of fighting. It was a tough battle that almost consumed all his focus and willpower to make it his own.

    All was very hard at first but all havee to fruition. All his efforts were not wasted by the time he can harness the element.

    With a pure and colorless burning fire on his palm, he can see that the Spirit element was in his grasp.

    Next was the Shadow element. The element that was so rare when ites to the Rogue job sses.

    Being able to harness this element makes the Rogue leap its prowess by another realm.

    This element was so special for him because it made him survive many battles by escaping.

    Its only problem was the holy element can cancel it sometimes if the caster was greater than him in terms of power.

    From what he remembered, this element was unlocked second only to the Holy element.

    He had a hard time unlocking the element due to the opposite element of Holy that repels it.

    Without wasting time, he cultivated the Shadow element. Not wanting for the hard-earned essence to gone to waste.

    He circted the element inside his body around his mana well and Joan can feel its tingling sensation inside his abdomen.

    It was a sess on his part as he felt that his mana well absorbed it sessfully.

    After making it his own, he summoned the element to his palm as he opened it.

    He cultivated and made the essencerger until it became a proper element.

    Making a ball of ck fire on his hands made his heart utterly joyful. Making it like a prize for doing all his efforts.

    The next element was the Holy element. This element was what they say the weakest.

    But due to him unlocking his potential, he managed to be stronger than his peers.

    He prepared to have greater willpower as the opposing elements will battle like a cat and dog that didn''t like each other.

    He cultivated the element and he can feel that the Shadow element was interfering with his cultivation.

    Making it harder for him to cultivate. With more efforts and a calm mind to stabilise the two raging elements, he was sweating profusely and was struggling.

    The two elements were eating each other and so, Joan cultivated both elements while making his mana well absorb it at the same time.

    By doing so, he made both elements to be supplied with mana to grow and not to die out. And at the same time to make the Holy element his own.

    He made small progress towards absorbing it. Slowly but surely, he was absorbing the element.

    He was on the verge of surrendering while multi-tasking, but he managed to pull it off in thest seconds.

    Making him fail if he surrendered a secondte.

    Even though it was hard, he managed to stabilise the elements. He went to the kitchen afterwards to calm himself, drinking water hastily.

    "This sure is hard to take but I managed to calm them both," said Joan while watching the bright Holy light on his palm.

    He entered the room again and went to cultivate another element.

    It was non-other than the Poison element. He started to absorb the element and he can feel himself bing weaker and weaker.

    It was because he was still not immune to the element and started to feel nauseated and wanted to vomit.

    He can feel the element being absorbed and so, he felt better and better as time passes by.

    Cultivating it by making his essence bing stronger and stronger until he can create a floating purple ball of poison.

    He was struggling at first but it was a sess on his part. The only problem was he was getting tired to seed in thest element.

    He rested for a while to regain strength and then proceeded to the next element. Thest one he has to know�Cthe Nature element.

    He has the Nature essence inside him so he cultivated it. Seeding by making the same procedure to absorb it.

    With more efforts from his sheer will, he managed to create a green ball that has many leaves. He made it encircling the ball as it floats around it like the moon rotating the Earth.

    The green light of the Nature element was made and he can only smile in glee as he made it his own.

    The element was now stable as he can see that he was not struggling to use it.

    He can only giggle as he awakened all the elements. He stopped using the Nature element as his father woke up from his slumber.

    "Hey, Joan! Are you still awake? What is that giggle of yours? Sleep now or I will spank you!" his father said to him.

    "Okay, Dad! I will sleep," said Joan.

    Thinking that he has all the elements, he can only giggle in his mind. It was only him to pull it off in the past and it was what he discovered himself. Mastering all the Elements was equals to mastering all the job ss.

 Chapter 9 - Retraining

    Joan went outside of their house and the sun has yet to rise. Just outside, their horse was neighing as he was approaching it. Not wanting him to approach any further.

    The moon was still shining and was helping to illuminate their backyard and the wheat field was dancing in the melody of the crickets.

    Stars glittering from the skies and the clouds moved lousily as it was carried by the wind.

    He went to their backyard and was still in his ripped clothes.

    He forgot to change it before sleeping. He removed his upper clothes and saw his bumpy chest that made you see his bony ribcage portruding inside his skin. It was having a bumpy ride if he touched it.

    "I have to eat well if I want my muscles to grow and grow taller.. Likewise, I will be like this before the Academy entrance exam,"

    He felt his chest again and it was bumpy indeed. He stared at his hands and he saw that it was colored purple.

    In his thoughts, it was when he clipped the wooden swords and destroyed them. Making his hands bing swollen.

    "I need to train myself more. It is a burden to Joan''s body to make advanced skills. I might destroy my body if I overexert it. I don''t know if I can defeat stronger enemies with this,"

    With him knowing all the skills of the job ss in this world, the only problem was mana consumption.

    He focused on cultivating his mana well while sitting on the ground. He focused himself to cultivate while doing other things.

    He warmed up first and stretched his body for the exercise. Making his body prepared for the training he will take. After several minutes of stretching, he warmed up his body and was prepared for the start.

    He touched the ground and pushed himself up. Pushing up while cultivating himself. Doing two things at a time, building up strength while cultivating his mana well.

    He was pushing up and while he was doing it, his strength was barely able to make it to one hundred.

    Joan''s body has such limits so he proceeded to the next exercise. Sitting up after his push-ups while cultivating.

    It was what he discovered in his past life but it consumes almost all of his focus. Making half of his brain to cultivate and half to exercise and do normal tasks.

    He finished exercising and went to practising his Fighter skills. He simted kicks and punches in the air and was beginning to perspire.

    Sadly, he didn''t have the money to buy weights which can further improve his speed and strength.

    He was attacking the air and his mana well was nearing the bottleneck. It only made him smile wryly while doing it.

    With the progress he will make, he will break through to the second stage of the earth realm. He simted axe kick and roundhouse kick as well as a hard fist and gentle fist.

    He managed to regain what it feels like and thus made him happy. It was the feeling that he wanted to regain the most in the past.

    The youthful body of a kid which he didn''t achieve as he was cursed in the past. If he will cast rebirth again, it will be a sess as he has no curse at the time.

    He felt that he was on the bottleneck of the second stage and so he focused himself.

    He sits in the lotus position and poured out all his focus to it. He managed to break through and exhaled a great amount of air.

    "I still can''t multi-task when I will break through. Maybe I will train my focus harder with this,"

    He made it to the second stage and it made him happy. He was smiling as he felt nostalgic for the feeling of breaking through.

    He was at the peak stage of the past and can execute any skill of any job ss.

    He went inside and drank water. Lighting up the candle and burned some charcoal.

    Heating the grilled meat while the surroundings were still dark. He twists and turned the meat left and right at the moment it was heated.

    After some observation, their home was like a home of a poor viger in medieval Europe.

    A home of viger struggling every day just fill their tummy. Webs were in the ceiling and the wooden roof was darkened after the smoke carbonized it.

    There were garlic and onions that was hanged on the ceiling in the dirty kitchen and the hanging meat was safe from rats. It was the main reason that they didn''t die of poisoning since then.

    Joan puts the grilled meat and prepared a vinegar for the meat to dip into. He sliced the meat after heating it then dipping it to the vinegar. Eating a chunk of meat while its vour ys inside his mouth.

    After eating the heated food with the vinegar, he went to their chicken house. Collecting their eggs for breakfast then fed them up with cracked corn.

    He boiled it with water and then let it cool down for a moment. He also fed the horse with dried hay and water.

    With the breakfast prepared, he went to sweep their backyard and made some makeshift arrows. Preparing to meet the young ones to train them. As for his n, he wanted to make a hunting party for the vige to have meat to feed them up.

    The other kids were still young and it was his responsibility to train them to feed themselves.

    As an old soul like him, he has trained far more than his memories can remember and he wants to share his knowledge with them. He was not nning for taking in some students yet as it will be giving away some precious treasure for them.

    At least knowing them first having a good valiant heart then teach them if they pass for the standard.

    One of them was the attitude of a good person.

    He finished preparing the arrows and his father woke up after he heard him sweeping the ground with their broomstick.

    He ate meat and went to fill his stomach with it. Drinking a cup of water and went outside where Joan was in their firing range.

    He heated a kettle of water then poured a spoon of coffee into his cup. Walking by the door side where Joan was seen outside in the firing range.

    His father observes him with his practice as a habit of his and saw that it was all bullseye. Firing another dozen of arrows but not making a miss.

    He almost coughed as he saw him do it. He then saw him ran sideways and fired it at the target.

    Another bullseye, but he didn''t stop there. He ran and rolled to the ground then fired. Not missing any arrow to the target.

    This time around, he coughed hard. It was a first that he saw him do it perfectly without a miss. It seemed like he became a master himself.

    He went inside and ended his coughing. Joan can only sigh as he noticed him. He went to grab the arrows from the target and then prepared to wash.

    He went to the well and washed in the cold water. The sun was rising and he can see the sky be clearer.

    He went inside with chilling breath and shivering feet. It was not so long ago that he felt so cold. He went inside and put on some clothes.

    Making him a proper viger, contrary to his past tattered shirt.

    He poured the hot water from the kettle into his cup and poured some coffee powder inside.

    Mixing it with his wooden spoon and drank it while it''s hot. They didn''t have the luxury to buy sugar and they treated it as a treasure.

    He drank it while watching the sun go up and put on his hunting robes and weapons.

    He tucked the bow on his shoulders and his quiver of arrows to his waist for speed firing.

    "I will go now, Dad! I will teach the other kids how to do it," Joan said then left.

    "Okay son, take care!" said his Dad while waving goodbye at him.

    His mother soon woke up after he left.

 Chapter 10 - Taking Peek

    While walking on the dirt road, the sun was taking a peek from the mountains to shine and Joan can slowly see its rise, up from the mountains.

    He missed the heroes he nurtured in the past and he can''t help but wanting to see them.

    He knows their imprint thus he can locate their location somewhere in the universe.

    But of course, this method was very difficult as it needs high willpower to sustain the method of this peeping.

    Not to peep at them with ill intentions but to see how was his students were doing right now.

    He focused first and the wind on his foot was sucked by his hands. Further creating a small ball-like-ss. It became bigger and bigger and so he consumed a great amount of mana.

    ''Not expecting much from a second-tier Earth stage mana well but it was enough..''

    "By prayer, your wishes will be answered by the God you knew. So I will contact him then!"

    He found it difficult to make an interdimensional gate to see his students in Almaria so one key for that was to contact the God who asked him to save this world.

    ''Ask anything in prayer and In prayer will your wishese true,'' he remembered what the God said to him.

    "Dear God, I am praying for your guidance and may your will be done. I am praying that this world will not be shrouded with darkness and may I see my students once more. Even it will be thest,"

    Soon after his prayer, the time stopped and he can hear a deep voice in the sky.

    He saw a pir of fire descend towards him just on his front. Just on the dirt road and blinding light was seen emerged on the fire.

    A figure so bright was on his throne, seen so big as a giant, sitting in front of him.

    "As your request, I will answer it. Your faith moved the heavens and because of your faith, even it is as small as a mustard seed. It can move the mountains. Now, call forth their names and your wish will be granted,"

    "Baggus, Frank, Shinpatsu, Maldor, Splinter, Snap, Deathbane, Saber, Branmoor, Mistiban, and Arthras," he said in his mouth out loud, audible enough for the God to hear.

    "Your prayer is sufficient for my heart to feel its sincerity. Your soul transmigrated but I found it in the darkness. I saw that your soul slumbered for almost a hundred years after you died. It was like a long sleep on your part. Now, your students have lived hundred yearster but don''t worry, they are still alive. But be prepared to see them. As seeing them is not for the faint-hearted. Steel yourself as you look at them. You will see what I meant and please don''t cry. You will only waste it on the process. Come forward my friend, I will open now the gate for your [irvoyance] to see them. You should be proud of what you will witness." The God of Angels lifted his hands and great light was seen.

    It then exploded as a portal was seen open. Joan was forcefully smiled wryly as a great pulse of shockwave hits his face. It was not something that Joan would do willingly but there was not something that he can do about it.

    Just after that, time seemed to move and the God disappeared. Birds flew in the sky and everything was moving.

    The grass swayed in the wind''s touch, the cows grazed by the distance and everything resumed back to normal.

    Joan can only feel excited to see it be reality to see them again.

    Excitedly, he prepared his mana well for the tiring process.

    He used his skill [irvoyance] and popped an image of the Almarian Kingdom. He saw many changes to the world he resided in and it only made his heart race like a galloping horse inside his heart.

    It only added to his dread as he saw that the Almarian continent was now covered with darkness. And the Almaria was only seen as a small part of its past vastness.

    The Demon Realm now surrounded the whole continent and it only made his heart sunk in dismay.

    He regretted that he left the heroes behind and he can only clench his fist. Thinking of his efforts in the past but it was not enough.

    His death only left the Kingdom unguarded by the threats that lurk in all directions.

    He died and history took ce on its path.

    Upon the history of what took ce in his absence, the World of Almaria�Ca world of Monsters, Demons and Humans.

    Was brought to the darkest age since he died.

    Ever since then, the world was divided into two; The Demonnds and the Humannds.

    Humans fought wars with each other and they ravaged each other''snds. Upon warring, their resources were depleted and wasted.

    Famine came and the soldiers were exhausted. While they were all suffering, the Demon lords came to rise and grown in power.

    Attacking all thends with all their forces. Many were in and thus retreated to Tirad pass.

    The Heroes sacrificed themselves to make a barrier, stopping the dark forces at bay on Tirad Pass. Now that they survived, they made a Kingdom and they were now called Almarians.

    Having a hundred years of peace, they became sessful in many ways. Their peace was sufficient for them to grow but it will not be for long.

    The [irvoyance] skill''s imagery was like sucked into the world and descended into the marketce.

    He first saw in the imagery of his skill, a boy that was strolling around in the streets. Finding something on the disyed wares of the merchants that were sometimes interesting on his part.

    He was wearing hismoner''s clothes of a white shirt and brown shorts. Having ck hair and sharp eyes. Fierce in his looks so was his race.

    "This kid is definitely a Lycan! Wait? Why am I looking at him?"

    "You just look at him and observe! You are impatient for an old man like you!" Sounded a voice in his head.

    Joan jolted as he was being watched by someone.

    "Is that you, friend? Or should I say God of Angels?"

    "Yes, now observe more as I will let you see what happened to them."

 Chapter 11 - Grandmasters Rebirth

    In the streets Of Almaria''s capital, there blossomed the businesses of the denizens. Whether selling goods like flowers, weapons, foods, armors, essories, clothes, and, formal wears.

    They were happy to sell with passion, striving for getting ie for their families. Stephen was enjoying his holiday vacation and was walking beside the stalls to shop for his new training shoes.

    He was choosing for brand new shoes as his current one was worn out due to his training. While looking for their wares, he jolted as he heard a female vendor of fruits shouted. "Thief!"

    The old man stumbled and the fruits were thrown to the floor.

    "Catch him!" She shouted angrily and they grabbed the man.

    The female vendor grabbed his hands and wanted to p him but Stephen stopped her hands. .

    "I will pay for him, he is my grandpa!" Stephen lied to cover up for the old man.

    "You better feed him or we will beat him up if he will steal again!" The woman shouted to Stephen.

    "I''m sorry I''m sorry, It will not happen again," Stephen said sorry to everyone and paid one silver. Giving fruits to the old man.

    "I''m sorry to cause you trouble but can the old man know your name?" Asked the old man.

    "I''m Stephen Burg," Stephen said cheerfully.

    Stephen walked with him and the old man expressed his gratitude to him unceasingly. In return, the old man offered his knowledge in ancient arts as well as his guidance, he has to pay food though for the cost of every learning.

    "Well isn''t it great! To be thought by an Almarian War survivor and a Grandmaster like me? You will be far stronger than your current status." He said to him while caressing his beard.

    Stephenughed at his remarks.

    "You''re joking right? You''re a War survivor? Like how old are you now?"

    The old manughed at his initial reaction.

    "A hundred and fifty, I forgot and I lost count but I know it''s not lower than that."

    "Wow really? How did you survive?" Stephen asked.

    "Well, it''s the secret of Holy Magic but it is not an information young ones like you can have easily because it''s an ancient magic that has been forgotten for a long time. By the way, let''s meet with my old team in the vacant lot near the junkyard. Can you imagine the old ones who are war veterans became a beggar asking for food to just eat? We''re old and we have no one to go to. If we ask for help we are driven away because no one knows who we are! Like they''re gonna help an old man who is on deaths bed, the one they don''t know," He said helplessly.

    "It''s okay Sir, I''m gonna help you in any way I can!" Stephen said vigorously.

    "Hohoho! It''s like this old man will happily receive your help!" He said while stroking his mane.

    "No problem!" Stephen replied.

    They walked to the dark alleys and walked pass the broken walls, there in the walls was an opening covered with a cloth.

    The old man opened it like a curtain wherein inside, there were ten old aged persons happily sitting in the campfire.

    "I''m here guys! Let''s have a feast!" The old man said to his teammates.

    "Hohoho! Well, Frank''s here!" said the other person with tattered clothes.

    ''Frank? So he has the same name as the hero Frank,'' Stephen said in his mind.

    "So guys this is the boy who saved me recently. He is Stephen Burg," Frank said to them.

    After he said his name, everyone pped their hands and said, "Congrats boy! We owe you our meal thus let''s have a cheer for Stephen!" Said the wrinkled man.

    "For Stephen!" Shouted the other one.

    "Cheers!" All shouted in unison while Frank holding a banana and the others were fruits they hold. They gave a toast to Stephen who was holding a mango.

    "HaHaHaHaha!" Stephen blurted outughing for he never experienced something so hrious like this before in his life.

    "We know now your name! Well, it''s our turn to introduce ourselves!" Frank said as they all looked to each other''s faces seemingly hiding something.

    "Well, we have no choice since we owe him! I''m Frank Williams, and I''m Snap, I''m Baggus, Saber here, call me Splinter, Branmoor, I''m Maldor, Deathbane, Arthras, and Mistiban, call me Shinpatsu senpai!"

    As Stephen hears it while they were introducing one by one, his body trembled. And after they finished, he copsed.

    He woke up a bit and it was afternoon already.

    The sun was about to set.

    "Hey am I dreaming?" Stephen asked.

    "You''re not!" Said with a familiar voice.

    "Oh it''s you Sir Frank!" Said Stephen, still half asleep.

    "Why did you copsed? Is there a problem with our names?" Asked Baggus.

    "You shouldn''t tell your names again, it''s dangerous for this fe''s heart." Said Frank.

    "No, it''s okay! I didn''t imagine that you''re the Fallen Heroes our kingdom has," Said Stephen to them.

    "Fallen Heroes? We are revered as heroes now?" Frank questioned him.

    "Fallen Heroes, means we are hailed as dead!" Shin said to him.

    "Um yes, but it would be unwise if you will shout that you''re the heroes. The guards will use you of being a fake and they will catch you, they will use you of being a crazy old beggar," Stephen exined to them.

    "Yeah, we tried it but we were imprisoned instead, so we switched to beg for food. We just recently arrived at the kingdom but it changed so much and the King who knows us has already perished," Said Frank.

    "Well, thatplicate things. I''m sorry to hear it Sir Frank, but I will surely help you. I know a friend who can help. It was our friend who owns our current headquarters, but we haven''t seen it yet so wait here for tomorrow and I will notify you." He suggested to Sir Frank.

    "Hahaha! Maybe you need to know [Teleport] first! So that you will be here instantly!" Baggus said to Stephen.

    "Wow really! How do I do it?" He asked excitedly.

    "First I''m gonna teach you the basics," Baggus said to him. Baggus and Stephen discussed spatial magic and Stephen sessfully made a teleportation rune. He was learning at an extremely fast rate that it shocked everyone.

    "Now go home and don''t forget to teleport here with your friends," Baggus said while he said goodbye to Stephen.

    Stephen hurriedly went home and he arrived at night.

    "Where have you been Stephen? Did you enjoyed too much that you forget the time?" Asked Isabe.

    "Mom it''s," Stephen whispered all that happened.

    "Oh! So you copsed after meeting them," Said his mother.

    "Well I believe you son but I don''t know if the heroes still exist because it''s been a hundred years now. But I want to meet them sooner If they''re real. Now son let''s eat, for now, your father is currently at Navasca Fortress and he is assigned to training the recruits. Your father is busy and can''te home this weekend," Said his mother.

    "It''s okay mom! I am still enjoying even without him I have friends!" He said to her.

    Isabe patted his head and said, "My son is a good boy now let''s eat".

    Stephen Changed his clothes and ate dinner with his mother. He made a teleportation rune outside their house and tried to teleport to Frank''s hideout, appearing to their faces.

    "Oh, so you''re sessful in making runes now! You''re a fast learner!" Baggus was surprised.

    "My mom wants to meet you guys, is it okay to disturb you for a minute?" Requested Stephen.

    "Of course! Let''s teleport mates and greet the mother of our savior," Said Frank to the heroes.

    They teleported to Stephen''s house and they met his mother Isabe.

    "Helloe into our house! Let''s talk inside," She said courteously.

    They came inside and Frank introduced himself as well as hispanions.

    "I''m Frank Williams and this is Snap, Baggus, Saber, he is Splinter, Branmoor, Maldor, Deathbane, Arthras, Mistiban, and Shinpatsu. If you noticed something, maybe it''s just a coincidence," said Frank humbly.

    Isabeughed and said, "Don''t be so humble sir Frank, I know you''re the real deal. Make yourselves at home, sit first at the bench and wait a minute for I''m gonna prepare a snack," she said to them.

    "No it''s okay, we were fine," Said Frank but suddenly.

    "Blurrrrp,"

    Frank''s stomach made a sound.

    Isabe giggled and went hurriedly to the kitchen.

    "We olds sure gets hungry easily huh," Said Frank.

    "Heheheheh," Shinpatsuughed.

    Isabe carried cookies and Stephen helped his mother carry the orange juice.

    They drank and were merrily talking to each other and Frank told his story when they met with Stephen.

    ording to Frank, they visited their rtives just recently but they were cast out for their nephews were already dead.

    While their rtive Granddaughters didn''t even recognize them. So they ended up with these current situations.

    Isabe said to them to stay in their house for the night while they were finding a ce to rest.

 Chapter 12 - Grandmasters Rebirth Part 2

    "Hey let''s take a bath first! I''m so smelly!" Saber protested to Frank.

    "Okay everyone let''s take a bath! Assemble at the well!" Frankmanded them.

    They hurriedly went outside and made a toon. Frank stood at the front while his hands were in his back, making a simple speech.

    "Our trials for the past years are not so simple but we seed in sealing the Tirad Pass, but as we returned home. One hundred years have already passed and all our rtives didn''t recognize us, even our sons and daughters have passed away. We may be forgotten but we will continue to protect the kingdom. Now that we are old, the seal will gradually weaken and it wille to pass that it will be breached. I have a proposition, We will revert to our younger selves with our memories intact by sacrificing our Peak stage universe realm Mana well and our body, as well as our power.

    We will be like thirteen years old with our body on our younger selves. So how about it?" Frank asked them..

    "So you will have to cast [Rebirth] to us?" Baggus questioned.

    "Well, do we have a choice?" Splinter added.

    "So now we will create a rune," said Frank.

    Baggus stomped his foot then the ground glowed with runes.

    "Done!" Baggus hastily said.

    "Okay next is to burn your Mana as I cast it to the runes," Said Baggus.

    They all encircled the rune and Frank cast [Rebirth]. Their body and the rune glow as they all shouted, their Mana well decreases and their body was gradually getting younger. It took an hour and they were sessful.

    "This is the most sacred spell a Holy Priest has," Stephen said while he holds his mother''s hands.

    "Huh huh huh" Frank panted and now was a young boy. They were all drenched in sweat that has mixed with impurities in their bodies.

    His clothes were now bigger than him and he was shorter than Stephen''s.

    "Noooo! I became short again! my Mana well is like a first stage earth realm now and my Mana regeneration is now of a beginner," said Frank in dismay.

    "Hey Frank, my Mana has decreased drastically, every single one of us is a one-man army and now look at us, we''re like a bunch of cry babies," said Shinpatsu.

    "We don''t have our power anymore so how are we gonna protect our kingdom?" Mistiban questioned him.

    "HaHaHaHaha! Didn''t you forget that we still have a century of experiences and memories! All we have to do is to train ourselves again!" Frank said to Mistiban.

    "I haven''t thought of it, you''re a genius! And about our clothes," Mistiban pondered.

    "Oh, I Have tons of clothes!" Stephen said.

    "Stephen lend them your clothes!" Isabemanded him.

    Stephen then took all his clothes from his big wardrobe and carried it outside.

    "Here mom!" He said while carrying the clothes he had and gave it to each one of them.

    They all washed at the well and they haven''t feel refreshed because they haven''t washed for months.

    Stephen and his mother prepared for their supper and the Grandmasters didn''t waste their time to cultivate their Mana well and practising their basic skills.

    "Hey, Frank let''s y outside for now," Saber suggested.

    "Huh? So you wanna challenge me at ying Dodge ball?" asked Frank.

    "Yep!" Saber replied.

    "Attention everyone! Let''s y dodge ball!" Frank announced.

    "Okay! Alright! We haven''t experienced fun for some time," Said Saber, itching to go outside.

    "Let''s all go out!" He added.

    They hurriedly went outside and yed. They disyed their experience in the field even they''re in their kid''s form.

    "Hit me, Saber!" Maldor challenged him.

    "Here dodge this!" He replied, throwing the ball at him.

    Stephen watched it for some time and he enjoyed watching it.

    "Hey, Stephene y with us!" Frank said to him.

    "Heheheheh! Okay, let''s go!" He replied to their request.

    Stephen then yed with them and he never felt so honoured to y with the heroes.

    "Okay let''s y!" He replied.

    They yed outside and he gave his best to evade the iing balls that were thrown at him. After they yed, Isabe called them to eat. Sitting on the seats with a table full of food.

    "Wow, this is like a feast! look at the grilled chicken, the beefsteak, chopped grilled pork, and pork soup mixed with tamarind," Maldor said in astonishment.

    "Hoooo! I''m drooling to the foods!" Stephen said to them.

    Stephen was looking at the foods his mother prepared and the other kids can''t wait to eat.

    They sat at the seats and they all made a prayer before the meal.

    "Now before we eat, I would like to talk for a bit. Would you like to be my adopted sons and go to school tomorrow?" Asked Isabe.

    Everyone was shocked and was speechless.

    "Well at your age you have to go to school!" She added.

    Frank was astonished by her proposal.

    "Well we don''t have a choice. We don''t have a home to sleep into anyway," Said Frank.

    "Yes, school!" Shinpatsu shouted with joy and they allughed. Shinpatsu, as well as Deathbane, didn''t experience this in their life so they were excited.

    "So that means we will call ourselves brothers!" Arthras eximed.

    "And Stephen is our younger brother!" Snap and Saber said in chorus.

    "So that means we''re together in this family?" Stephen asked.

    "So that means we''re gonna enrol at the academy using your family''s name!" Frank said to Stephen.

    "Uhm our family name is Burg," Stephen said to them.

    "Hmmm, Frank Burg, not a bad name! Hehe! I''m excited," said Frank.

    "Yes, we''re brothers! thank you, Mom," Stephen leapt in joy.

    "Before we eat, today is your rebirth day so that means today were all your birthdays too!" Isabe said to them with joy.

    "Yes, happy birthday!" everyone chorused then Baggus cast small fireworks and sparkling fountain and congratte everyone including himself.

    ''They have their memories of their olds but they are behaving like kids now. I think their minds became like kids too after their rebirth,'' Stephen said to himself.

    "Okay let''s eat!" Stephen said and they ate like never before. They didn''t eat these kinds of foods for decades.

    The merry mood continued until they finished their foods. They helped each other in washing the dishes and they went to sleep at Stephen''s room.

    Isabe gave them bed sheets, nkets, and pillows after they cleaned the floor. They slept earlier today because they felt tired for the day.

    Isabe was happy that her home now was full of joy and she notified her husband earlier by a crow who happened to reply with an "Okay" next morning.

    The next morning, after Stephen woke up, they were all up and they finished folding their nkets.

    He went downstairs and his mom was preparing for their breakfast, deep inside she was happy to serve them, a hint of dness was seen in her face.

    She was slicing vegetables and spices for the meantime and was smiling.

    Frank and his brothers helped her in preparing and the room was quite lively.

    "Stephen good morning!" Isabe said to him.

    "Morning mom! Everyone is quite busy, you need help?" Stephen asked.

    "Uhm we don''t, just look at us twelve, we don''t have any task for you. Just wash first and do your exercises," Isabe suggested.

    Stephen then went to the well and he takes off his upper clothes. He gets a bucket of water then he poured some to his back.

    He still can''t believe that he has now brothers helping his mother. He was excited to train with them after they finished cooking.

    He was contemting what will he train after he washed his body.

    He took the towel and went inside the house.

    "Okay everyone I will do the rest and you all go wash up," Isabe said to them.

    "Okay, mom!" Frank said to her and then Stephenughed.

    "Can I call you old brother now?" Stephen asked.

    "Yes of course! Right guys?" Frank said.

    "Yes, of course, we''re brothers now," Branmoor replied to him.

    "Everyone let''s go to the well! Attack!" They went gleefully.

    Stephen went upstairs and changed his clothes. He puts the weights on his arms and legs then he stretched himself for several minutes.

    He practised his fighting techniques and his sword skills. He lifted and swing the heavy hammer then thumping the anvil again.

    He rested and expanded his Mana well and improved his Conjuration. As he was resting, his brothers were outside jogging around the house improving their stamina first, which was currently led by Frank.

    They executed push-ups, sit-ups, and curl-ups, then they cultivated their Mana well. After their cultivation, they practised their basics and their hidden skills.

    They managed to went to the bottleneck of the first stage of Mana well in a short time.

    They rested and then Isabe called them for breakfast. They went inside and left their slippers outside.

    They sat at the chairs and waited for Isabe to sit. Isabe sits and then Frank talked to her.

    "Uhm Isabe we have a favor to ask you, can we all call you Mom if it happens we''re at school and when someone is watching. So that they will not doubt us," Frank asked her.

    "Yes of course, even at home! Is that all?" She said.

    "Well that settles it for now," Frank said as he sighed.

    "Let''s eat!" Isabe said and then they all ate and changed their clothes to Stephen''s uniforms. Stephen has many uniforms but Isabe will buy another set of clothes and uniforms for them.

    "We will go to school together so that you will be enrolled today with a parent," she said to them.

    They walked together towards school and Shinpatsu was singing, others were excited to arrive at their destination.

 Chapter 13 - Grandmasters Rebirth Part 3

    They arrived at school without problems. While they were at its gate, Shinpatsu was dumbstruck and was amazed as he saw its splendour.

    "Whoa, it''s so big!"

    "Of course it''s big!" Stephen replied.

    "Look at yourself, you''re smaller than before," Mistiban said to him.

    "Let''s enroll you all to be freshmen students to the office and Stephen you go to your ss," Isabe instructed him. Stephen waved at them and he went to his ss. He walks to the hallway and then found Patrick outside the room.

    "Hey, Patrick how are you?" He waved his hands and replied to him, "I''m fine!"

    "So what''s the news?" Patrick asked. .

    "Don''t be surprised but I have brothers now!" Said, Stephen.

    "Huh! when?" He asked.

    "Just yesterday bro!" Stephen replied.

    "Huh! How?" He asked.

    "Uhm I found them being beggars so I helped them. But don''t be surprised, they have the same names as the heroes," Stephen said to him.

    "Oh! So your mother has named them after the heroes when she adopted them?" Patrick concluded.

    "Yeah right! Hahahahaha," Stephen scratches his head as heughed low.

    "Okay let''s get inside! Our teacher''sing!" Stephen said to Patrick.

    Stephen walked inside and there he was waiting for Ste to arrive. He sat while waiting for her then he scanned his books about the introduction of Magic that his teacher gave.

    He was reading and then Ste surprised him.

    Stephen closed his books and then he looked at her.

    "Hey did you hear the news? We have new students in the section next to us, they were in section B, in Hanna''s room! They have names like the heroes! I thought they were the descendants of the heroes itself!" She said as she smiled at him.

    "Oh really? They''re at the next room?" Stephen said in astonishment.

    "Yeah! So how about we meet themter!" She requested.

    "Yeah, let''s meet themter," Stephen said with assurance. When Stephen and Ste were talking, their teacher arrived and started the ss.

    It was Sir Maldous who will teach them swordsmanship. They went outside for they will practice with swords then some sparring sessions with each other.

    Stephen fell in line as they were arranged by Sir Ernstine. They formed like a toon while holding swords.

    Sir Maldous was holding a ymore in his hands and was making instructions.

    "Hey buddy what do you think will sir make us do?" Asked someone beside him.

    "I don''t know what, but I think we will practice swings and trusts using these sticks," Stephen answered.

    "Oh really! So we will be practising the basics huh? By the way, I''m Gerson Baltros, an Earth element! Nice to meet you," He said while he offered his hands.

    "Well I''m Stephen, a Holy Elemental ss," replied Stephen.

    They shook hands and chatted about their backgrounds.

    Well, Gerson''s father was a businessman and his mother was an officer at the army.

    He was trained by his mother who casually insists him to train hard while she''s gone to work.

    Theyughed about how his mother and father met and how they ended up together.

    While they were talking, Sir Maldous gave them a cold re and scolded because they were not attentive.

    "I''m making instructions here and you''re not listening, as a punishment you do a thousand swings at the back!" He said to them.

    "Yes sir!" They replied.

    "Now for the rest, you copy my swings as I make an example of my moves," He said while he gave instructions to the students.

    They started their practise with a left to right swings then right to left apanied with trusts and vertical swings.

    Gerson and Stephen started their thousand swings, enjoying it instead because of apanion.

    "One hundred one,"

    "One hundred two,"

    They swung until they arrived at five hundred.

    "Hooah! I''m getting weary my friend but we''re still halfway there," He said to Stephen while he''s still swinging.

    Upon hearing him, Stephen cast [Minor heal] on him and he was amazed.

    "I didn''t know that Holy magic is this useful! My fatigue is gone! You''ve gained my respect friend!" He said then they continued until they finished a thousand.

    "Hey, Stephen and Gersone here," Sir Maldous called them upon to join them at their practice.

    Sir Maldous lead the swings and they followed his movements. They followed him for two hours and next was to do sparring by pairs, so they need to find their partner.

    "Hey let''s pair together Stephen," Gerson asked him.

    "Okay, sure!" He replied.

    They arranged themselves and Stephen found a good spot to do sparring with him at the side of the training ground.

    "Okay let me draw a circle and the one who steps outside will lose," said Gerson.

    He made a circle with a ten-meter radius while Stephen helped him too.

    After they finished, he stands facing Gerson then he swings his wooden sword left and right with his right hand. Getting ready for the spar with him.

    "Hey Gerson, don''t hold back fighting me okay!" Stephen said to him.

    "Okay don''t me me with the oue," He replied.

    He wields the sword and then he cast earth magic [Weight gain] on the sword, making it heavier and harder to the enemy who will receive but was light as a feather to the user.

    He trusted it to the ground and then said, "Come!".

    Stephen approached him hastily making the ground caved-in because of his sheer force and then he swings his sword at him.

    He evaded Stephen''s swing then he lifted his sword from the ground, trying to hit him. Stephen blocked it with his sword and he was blown away.

    ''Gerson is a [Heavy hitter]!'' Stephen eximed.

    His weapon was packed with a hundred kilograms of weight.

    Stephen attacked again but he was knocked back, he was still inside the line and he trusted his sword to the ground when he was thrown. Leaving an unearthed ground on his path.

    Gerson again trusted his sword to the ground.

    "Hehehe you''re strong friend, it''s my mistake for not being serious in this match," Stephen said to him while he removed his weights.

    ng!

    The weights made a sound that even Gerson heard from where he stands.

    "You''re using weights!?" Gerson was dumbstruck to Stephen.

    Stephen then sprinted to him and makes a vertical sh.

    Gerson responded with a horizontal sh, but Stephen made a feint and ducks, evading his strike and turned while hended a strike.

    Stephen was faster now and he cannd a strike to Gerson. He shed his sword with him several times but can only parry it in thest seconds.

    They shed several times and the ones who were around them stopped their fight and watched them.

    Stephen shed him with all his power but he suddenly felt extreme pain that made him stop his attack halfway through.

    This was because of the strain of the impact of the sword on Stephen''s body resulting in Gerson''s fatal strike, making him blown out the line.

    "Are you okay?" He asked while he offered his hand and then cleaned Stephen''s clothes full of dirt.

    "Woah, man! I didn''t think that you have a secret ability hiding in your sleeves!" Stephen said in shock.

    "Nah, it''s just the weight of the Sword," Gerson said to him.

    They gathered after their practice and sir Maldous made an announcement.

    "Everyone, remember these practices and seal it to your mind. It will help you defend yourself in the future! Now ss dismissed!" He ended his speech while hurrying to leave.

    They finished their ss and returned to their room. Stephen gained a new friend and eventually have a great experience that his acquaintance shared with him.

    He was walking to his ssroom and there, Ste was already waiting for him.

    "You''rete!" She said to him.

    "Didn''t I said that we will visit themter!" She said while pouting her mouth.

    "Okay, I''m here now so let''s go!" Said Stephen.

    Many students were walking in the hallway and were bringing their snacks with them after they bought it to the canteen. Outside the ssroom door, they were chatting nonchntly with their friends about their new ssmates. The Heroes were gathering in the back and were talking to other ssmates. Hanna was one of them who was observing, sitting on the desk of the chair and her legs to the other.

    "Hey Stephene and join us, this is Frank and the others are Maldor, Branmoor, Snap, Arthras, Baggus, Mistiban, Shinpatsu, Deathbane, Saber, and Splinter. They have the same name as the Heroes! And they have the same family name with you?" Hanna said to Stephen while wondering.

    "Ah it''s because...," Stephen whispered to her and she shouted. Stephen told her to shut her mouth and that it''s a secret. She nodded at him but Ste was furious.

    "Hey what''s the secret Huh? You''re telling her but not me? Hump!" She snubbed him and never said a word again.

    "Hey, Stephen let''s all go home together," Mistiban said to him.

    "Sure!" Ste replied to him.

    In the afternoon ss, they meditate to expand their mana until the end of time.

    Stephen broke through the third stage of mana well as well as Patrick, and Ste, well she''s in the bottleneck of the second stage.

    Stephen and Ste, as well as Patrick, went to the other room to where Hanna was and they gathered together.

    "Hey Patrick this is the new students of room B, they''re acquaintances of mine," Stephen introduced them.

    They were so popr on the first day of their ss and the school was starting to have rumours.

    "So they''re the rumored grandsons of the Heroes? And they are from Burg family!" Patrick said while offering his hands.

    "I''m Patrick, nice to meet you," He said while they shake hands.

    "Um, we will be going in separate ways this time, we''re going and I will have to send Hanna home," He said to them.

    Hanna and Patrick said goodbye to their new friends and the Heroes, as well as Stephen and Ste.

    "These kids have talents, I hope they will be someone big in the future," Deathbane said to them.

    "Patrick and Hanna walked outside the gates, so we''re going home together huh," Said Ste.

    They walk to their home and Ste was questioning them one by one, showing her curiosity about them.

    While they were talking, Baggus shared his experiences about today''s lessons and said that the magic he has been thought was ancient.

    The lessons were newly developed magic made for the convenience of the caster. He was excited to learn all these techniques for the first time in this life.

    Then suddenly, the sky went dark and there the clouds began to whirl from the direction of the North where the seal was located.

    "The seal has been destroyed," Said Frank and extreme sadness struck the Heroes'' hearts.

    The Heroes knew that the seal won''tst long after the passing of their friend who was maintaining the seal.

    She sacrificed herself for too long and she was the sole reason why the Heroes didn''te back for almost hundreds of years.

    She was Naphtalie Selfyed, a Grand seal caster of the wizard realm. She was taken care of the Heroes while she maintains the barrier.

    In herst moments, she sacrifices her remaining soul to make the barrierst longer, she said to Frank while lying on his feet, "Go to the Kingdom and warn the people, enjoy the rest of your lives and unite the people to arms when the timees,"

    This was thest words she said to the team and then her soul fused with the seal.

    She can''t partake in the [Rebirth] because her mana well has been already sacrificed for the seal. For them, the real hero was Naphtalie and because of her, the Kingdom has a peaceful time.

    The Heroes cried and Ste didn''t know why they''re crying. The mood was somewhat different from before when they were happily talking with each other.

    They arrived home somewhat sad and while Stephen opened the gate, Ste was shocked that they live in the same house.

    "Sorry because I didn''t tell you, but we''re the Burg Brothers," Stephen exined to her.

    Ste was shocked that they''re brothers. Not knowing all this time.

    "Surprise! You didn''t expect it did you?" Stephen said.

    "You cheater! I know now why you whispered it to Hanna," She said while punching him at his shoulders.

    "Hey, I''m sorry! I surprised you didn''t I?" Stephen said to her.

    "How did you became brothers?" She asked.

    Stephen then exined everything to her but didn''t tell her that they were the real Heroes.

    "Oh, so that exins it! You found them being beggars and you made them stay at your house, then your mother adopted them. So you have brothers now! Whoa, what a great story! It''s like the story of the good Samaritan,"

    "Ste it''s not like that, it''s just a win-win process, they help mom and mom help them," Stephen exined further.

    "Oh! Okay let''s meet again tomorrow, I have something to do, I need to go home first," Ste said as she waved to the heroes and the heroes said goodbye.

    At the entrance, their mother was standing and Frank said out loud.

    "Men line up!" He shouted and they lined up and blessed one by one. Stephen included and after that, they changed clothes.

    They helped clean the house, others were sweeping the floors while others were cleaning the backyard. After that, they prepared for dinner and practised again until night.

 Chapter 14 - Bad News

    Stephen woke up in the middle in the night and his new brothers were still asleep. The moonlight was emanating the room with a shadow of the window frame that touches his brother''s skin.

    They were fast asleep while Baggus and others were snoring out loudly. He pushed the door''s room and saw that there''s light downstairs.

    He walked and made a loud moan as he stretches his back while going down. He heard talking persons on the sofa so he can''t wait to see who it was.

    As he walked, he slowly saw the person his mother was talking to. And to his surprise, they were kissing each other. He saw the shadow and he realizes that it was his father.

    "Dad!" Stephen shouted and hugged his father. .

    "By the way, you can already make another brother for me!" He insisted to his parents.

    His father paled as he heard his child''s request.

    ''This child has that thinking? Is he thinking that by kissing, Isabe will get pregnant?'' Dous scratched his head inwardly then he replied to Stephen.

    "Well, if we can save a little money for your little sister or younger brother, then we have a go signal for it. Parenting takes a lot of preparation for the future of the children. Take that to your mind when the timees," Dous said as he caressed his child''s head.

    "Well, how''re your new brothers? Are they enjoying their school life? Well, I and your mother talked about it and I epted in her offer knowing that they''re the heroes.....any news from them?"

    Stephen smiled and he''s about to say something, when suddenly someone observing on the corner of the wall on the staircase, fell to the floor.

    He was pushed by his brothers, crowded themselves just to look and hear them.

    They all woke up from Stephen''s shout earlier and they walk out from the shadows. Frank talked first on behalf of the heroes.

    He stands up straight then he introduced his name to Dous, as well as the others. He caressed his head after he bowed down to him.

    Dous smiled and he said to Frank to put down the formalities.

    He weed the heroes with a warm wee speech. He stands up and said, "Heroes of Almaria, I sincerely apologize for the treatment of the Kingdom to our fallen heroes. On behalf of the kingdom and the remaining humanity alive, I sincerely thank you. The heroes are rumoured to be killed in action after the Tirad pass sealing mission, so the kingdom has announced that the heroes sacrificed their lives. I, as well as my family, will treat you fairly as a family and as our hero. Even the kingdom will forget you or will not acknowledge you as the true heroes, I know you will still fight for the kingdom. Thus, I congratte you oning back,"

    Frank as well as the others, was ignited again but Frank brought a piece of bad news to Dous.

    "I appreciate your sincerity to us but our mission is still not finished. Well, the seal is broken and we have to defend again our kingdom. We will not be of much use to you because as you can see, we came back to being beginners in our strength and powers. We will still help but we''re no different from your child''s league. Make haste sir Dous, for we don''t know when will theye. I can only think that they will be attacking our citizens outside the walls in just a few days," Frank said worriedly to Dous.

    Frank and his brothers all sat at the floor and they all felt down for the moment. Naphtalie''s sacrifice only gave them a few days to prepare and the kingdom was not yet informed.

    They pleaded Dous to inform his higher-ups to prepare for war because the hordes wereing. Stephen was shocked by the news and he never thought that they have this kind of situation.

    Dous said to them to inform the eagle corps to patrol the borders and went to the alliance. He was hoping that the alliance will respond to their warning.

    Without dys, Dous prepared to travel to the capital and kissed his beloved Isabe. While Stephen and his mom waved goodbye to Dous.

    It was still dawning when he left them. His adopted brothers all watched Dous and wished him luck upon his travels.

    "What do we do now?" Shinpatsu asked Frank.

    "We will wait for the news of his father as well as hoping that it is still not toote," Frank said to Shinpatsu.

    "So we will wait huh, how do we defend the kingdom?" Mistiban asked.

    "We have to be strong first before anything else and let''s wait for his return," Frank said while clenching his fist.

    "Let''s train first for the meantime," Said Stephen to them.

    Meanwhile, their mom prepared breakfast of oatmeal and milk as well as mixed with raisins and dried mango chips.

    While their mom was preparing food, they prepared to have a short spar with each other and honing theirbat skills.

    They paired each other and draw lots on who''s gonna spar first.

    Stephen will have a short match with Frank...of course, it''s Frank, he was his inspiration when ites to defending with shields.

    But shields were not only his specialty. He was a versatile weapon user of swords and blunts but the downfall was his difficulty in using knives.

    Well, knives were the most basic weapon used. Stephen begged Frank to have a short spar with him.

    They paired and chose each other to spar ording to the list: Mistiban�Cthe Dread Knight was matched to Shinpatsu�Cthe Ronin. Saber�CLycan was matched against Branmoor�CDruid. While Splinter�CAssassin was matched against Maldor�CRanger. Deathbane�CNecromancer was matched against Baggus�CMage. While Arthras�CPdin was matched against Snap�CFighter. And for thest, it was Frank�CHoly Knight and Stephen�CUnspecialized.

    Stephen will be against the legendary Holy Knight with Priestly skills. He was inspired as well as excited to learn new tricks from his new brother.

    Hopefully, he can increase the tier of his Holy skills by experiencing this fight. They matched with each other in pairs and readied themselves in the backyard. The first to match was.....

 Chapter 15 - Deathbane Vs. Baggus

    The first match was Deathbane and Baggus. They all made a circle in the backyard with a barrier made by Baggus, and Frank made a floating light at the center.

    "Whoa, you can do that?" Stephen felt astonished in his new encounter with Frank''s skills.

    "Course yes, it''s the least that I can do," Frank said to him smiling.

    "Well it''s time to let loose," Baggus said as he stretched his arm.

    "It''s time for me to let them know how much my experience is," Deathbane said a bit confident.

    They walked at the center and they both smiled and readied themselves.

    Deathbane was a Necromancer and Baggus was a Mage. Both were masters of their own craft..

    Baggus summoned fire in his hands called [Fireball] and [Mage armor] while Deathbane summoned his [Death scythe] and his [Necromancer robes].

    [Fireball] - basic attack of fire element in the form of ball of fire.

    [Mage armor] - used by Mages to negate attacks like physical and magical damages to a certain degree.

    [Necromancer robes] - used by Necromancers to increase Mana regen. and amplify the effects of Necromancer skills.

    [Death scythe] - the sole weapon of necromancers used to reap the lives of enemies as well as to defend himself.

    Frank will judge the fight, this time he was in between Baggus and Deathbane.

    "Ok now I will tell the rules, it is prohibited to injure your opponent and make permanent injury. It is also not allowed to cast huge spells inside the barrier,"

    "Now fight!" Frank said as he puts down his hands in between them, a sign of go signal.

    "Ha!" Baggus shouted as he throws five small fireballs to Deathbane, sprinting afterwards towards him.

    Deathbane summoned [Bone wall] to defend himself from Baggus'' attacks.

    [Bone wall] - was a summoned wall made of bones used primarily to defend.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    The bone walls were assaulted by fireballs that echoed throughout the vicinity. Deathbane was covered by smokeing from the walls and he escaped from the smoke, still holding his weapon of death.

    He managed to repel Baggus'' attacks but as he left the smokes, he was attacked again by iing fireballs.

    He defended using his weapon by swinging them to the iing spells and his weapon shed with Baggus'' attacks.

    ng! ng! Ping!

    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

    The former sounded from him defending and parrying with his weapon while thetter sounded from him evading his strikes.

    Baggus sprinted to him and attacks using his [Burning hands].

    [Burning hands] - used for close-quarterbat of Mages using their hands enveloped by fire and attacks drastically to their foes with agility.

    Deathbane was surprised by Baggus'' sudden change of tactics. Baggus suddenly appeared to Deathbane and strikes like a hurricane.

    Baggus attacks like a dancer, performing with fierceness and tempo while hitting Deathbane with his fiery hands.

    Deathbane in contrast attacked with his weapon gracefully, like a war saint who swings and turns his scythe around his body.

    Whether he was a summoner or not, he was disying great maneuver and mastery in both attacking and defending with his weapon.

    The same through for Baggus, he was agile enough to evade and attack close-quarterly even though he was a mage.

    And it was unlikely for a Mage to switch to close quarterbat when he was a ranged caster.

    This has resulted from their experiences in the past, being excited to let loose for a while because they have younger bodies this time.

    "Heh! Don''t tell me that your ''Child body'' is affecting your battle instincts Deathbane. You still can''t defeat me even though I''m giving you this handicap," Baggus teased Deathbane in the fight.

    "Well, who''s the one giving a handicap?" Deathbane said as he reminded him too that he was a summoner, not a Fighter.

    He summoned an [Skeleton] after he summoned [Grappling hands] to hold Baggus in where he stands.

    [Skeleton] - a basic necromancer summons that didn''t have weapons or armor, basically used by Deathbane for a piggyback ride and a training dummy.

    [Grappling hands] - summoning a pair of hands from the ground to grapple the enemy, basically to hold, but not called "Holding hands".

    He managed to get away from Baggus'' fury of attacks andmanded his summon to punch Baggus in the face.

    "Hey! Did you forget that I''m a Mage?" Baggus suddenly bloated up withughter. He was holding back for a while and casts [Fireball] simultaneously, throwing it to the skeleton.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    The skeleton was attacked indiscriminately by Baggus.

    While Deathbane slipped-in through the smoke from Baggus'' attacks on the skeleton. It was only for a diversion.

    Deathbane appears outside the smoke while sprinting and that shocked Baggus.

    Stephen who was watching was deeply amazed by their performance and he clenched his fist. He needs to be stronger to be able to chase their backs.

    He will have to eat many sacks of rice to be able to catch to their experiences. He observes for a while and he can''t help but be mesmerized on the bliss of moments he spends with the heroes.

    He sure can''tpare himself to the heroes with his current self, but with their help, he can achieve greater heights.

    He will have to steel his heart if he wants to apany the heroes and be determined enough to achieve greater results than his peers.

    Meanwhile, Baggus was still being held by the skeletal hands and Deathbane was approaching fast.

    He can use [Teleport] if it was from the past but his Mana well has been brought back recently to being an earth realm first stage, he only ascended recently so he can only attack the hands and pray that he can be released from it at the right time.

    [Teleport] - spatial magic used to relocate your position to another ce, can be in a form of runes or by relocating manually through pointing out your intended location with your mind.

    He attacks the hands that were holding his legs and it was eventually destroyed to cinders. It was sessful but in thest moments, Deathbane appeared instantly in front of him.

    Deathbane assaulted the distracted Baggus when he was still vulnerable.

    Baggus was caught by surprise when Deathbane appeared. He managed to react fast when his sparring partner strikes with his weapon.

    He made a [Force field] using his telekic abilities and repelled Deathbane''s scythe.

    [Force field] - used to stop outer physical force and magical attacks but allows your attacks to pass through.

    The tip of the scythe stopped at the outeryer of the barrier. This barrier canst from several strikes and you can attack from the inside.

    Without second thoughts, Baggus fires several fireballs to Deathbane in point-nk range, but it was expected by Deathbane.

    He parried the attacks of Baggus with his scythe while stepping back. He cast [ck Fog] to Baggus to render his sight useless.

    [ck Fog] - a shadow skill of necromancers to make a fog of dark gases to be unseen by the enemy. Only the caster and the minions can see the enemies within the area of the fog.

    Stephen and the others can''t see what''s going on inside the barrier that was covered by fog, but they can only hear the banging sounds of the [Force field] of Baggus.

    Bing! Bing! Bang! Bing!

    Baggus was still holding on to Deathbane''s attacks, he mustered his strength to defend while stepping further from his attacker.

    Even though his fireballs were useless when he can''t see his opponent, he still made a way to break from Deathbane''s [ck Fog].

    He created arge fireball that lights his surroundings and lifted it upwards. With the effect of his light, he can see five meters away from where he stands.

    Deathbane didn''t worry, even the tides have changed to his disadvantage, he was calm andposed. If Baggus will fire his fireballs, he will let go of his source of light.

    This was the time when he will have to move, but unfortunately, he can''t break Baggus'' defense.

    So he came up with a n to infiltrate his defences without breaking it.

    He summoned [Grappling Hands] to Baggus'' feet and distract him for a second and then with a hint of surprise, Baggus fires his [Fireball] to the hands that shackled him.

    [Grappling Hands] were summoned one after another until Deathbane runs out his mana well. They were fighting on equal grounds but they stopped the fight.

    "I surrender!" Both of them shouted with the same words at the same time.

    "Huh?" Stephen, as well as the others, have a question mark appeared from their heads.

    "I can''t destroy your barrier, I surrender," Deathbane said as his butt fell to the ground.

    "No, I surrender because I can''t get out from that skill pervert hands, It touches my skin like a rapist wanting to molest me. So I dislike the moment and surrendered," Baggus said whileughing.

    "Hahahahaha!" I didn''t know you don''t like to be touched by skeletons. Well thank you for naming that skill but it''s not ''perverted hands'' but ''grappling hands''. I didn''t know what you''re thinking but It''s a good name!" Said Deathbane.

    "Next time I learn [Teleport], be more serious with the match, I''m gonna be stronger when that happens," said Baggus in a condescending tone.

    "Well, next time will be a lot tougher for you I think, my minions will be a lot stronger and my skill will be a lot lethal than before," replied Deathbane.

    Both of themughed when they finished the match and shake hands like a bro.

    "Okay, this concludes this match! Both sides bow down your heads," concludes Frank with a loud voice.

    Every single one of them congrattes the two and was amazed by their performance including Stephen.

    "Wow, that''s awesome Deathbane, would you teach me sometime if you''re not busy? About the scythe control and mastery?" Asked Stephen with a cheerful voice.

    "Sure! Why not?" replied Deathbane.

    "Wow Deathbane, you''re improving! You can survive even without the help of your minions!" Said Snap to him.

    "Yeah!" Said Shinpatsu.

    "And you too Baggus!, I didn''t know that you''re improving your closebat [Burning Hands], with thebination of [Teleport], you can easily defeat him next time!" Said Shinpatsu.

    After a while, Frank breaks their conversations with an announcement that the next match will begin. They silenced themselves and listened to Frank''s next statements.

    "The next match is...."

 Chapter 16 - Arthras Vs. Snap

    "The next to spar are Arthras and Snap. Now both of you get inside the barrier," Said Frank while holding the ballots.

    The two of them entered without second thoughts and thus stretched a bit to warm up. Snap was a Fighter and Arthras was a Pdin. Even though they were now both kids.

    Their experience was not something to be underestimated. They will most likely be energetic since they were reborn.

    Arthras cracked his neck and knuckles. He immediately cast [Iron defence]. He was handed a wooden sword and used buff [Durable] on it. As well as on his clothes. .

    [Iron defence]�Ca buff skill making his body as hard as iron.

    [Durable]�Cincreasing the durability of the item that was cast upon.

    Snap was warming up and saw that he was serious on this spar. Even though it was only a spar, both of them were not intending to lose.

    Both of them hate it. It was also possible for them to give it their all.

    Snap cast his buff [Shattering strength] and [Speed].

    [Shattering strength]�Ca boost on the strength that made him uparable from his past original strength.

    [Speed]�Can increase in both attack speed and movement speed.

    With the buffs of Snap, he will likely to be very aggressive on his attacks. Arthras was also not that timid when ites to fighting.

    The two of them were sizing up and was staring at each other. Frank was in their midst and he announced the fight.

    "Okay, both of you should never make a fatal strike that may end up making your opponent disabled or much worst being killed. Remember that this is to make each other stronger and to practice with our new bodies. Knowing the two of you, it may be a very tough fight. But always remember that this is for fun and practice. Okay without further ado, this match starts now!" Frank shouted at them while moving his hands downwards.

    Arthras approached with speed even though he has no offensive buff, caving-in the dirt he stepped on. Snap was also not holding back.

    He dashed also with speed. He was unarmed with just his arms and legs to fight. Arthras was armed with a wooden sword but it was not enough to stop Snap.

    Snap used his speed to outmatch Arthras. He dashed faster than Arthras then he punched him to the face. Arthras was hit as he was faster then he was blown to the barrier.

    Bang!

    The barrier was hit and it was very loud that they covered their ears. Arthras was on the barrier wall but he stands up and then removed the dust on his clothes.

    "Damn Snap, you dirtied my clothes!" He shouted as he removed the dust.

    Snap was dumbstruck but he smiled as he remembered Arthras. He was called the buff master for a reason.

    "Alright, alright, that means I''m gonna enjoy beating you like a punching bag!" Snap said to him.

    "Hey, it''s not fair! You should hold back a little!" He shouted at him while his hands on his mouth.

    Arthras dashed to him and swings his sword vertically. Snap saw his attack and he parried his sword sideways with his bare hands.

    The sword ms the ground and then left the ground to be caving-in, dirt was scattered everywhere.

    Snap then hits him with his elbow then punched him with both hands at the same time. Arthras has mmed again on the barrier and he stands up again.

    "Hey! I can''t hold my barrier much longer if you were that aggressive!" Shouted Baggus at them.

    "We were just getting started!" Shouted Snap inside.

    Baggus reinforced his barrier with much moreyers to hold them inside, sweating profusely.

    Arthras was coughing on the dust and stands up again. He used his buff [Elemental damages] on his sword and then used [Physical and Elemental Shield].

    [Elemental Damages]�Cimbuing the weapon with Fire, Ice, Poison, and, Electric damages. While the Earth damage makes the weapon harder and heavier, the wind damage makes the sword to release wind as he swings it. The elemental damages were triggered at random chance.

    [Physical and Elemental Shield]�Chis skill that blocks the physical and elemental damages to a certain degree.

    Snap was looking at his opponent to be having a great leap in terms of power. The battle will be harder to win with just his buff.

    So he used what he has temporarily and cast the buff [Gentle and Hard fist] as well as [Axe kick and Roundhouse kick].

    [Gentle and Hard fist]�Cthe two of the most basic skills of the fist series. The Gentle fist that emits shockwave and the Hard fist that makes his attack to be explosive. Can bebined to the Kick series.

    [Axe kick and Roundhouse kick]�Cthe two most basic of the kick series. Axe kick was hitting the ground by a vertical m of the feet and the Roundhouse kick that kicks sideways to the enemy. Can bebined to the fist series.

    He dashed towards Arthras then jumped towards him. Making an axe kick above him.

    Arthras was expecting this so he used his sword to sh upwards against the approaching enemy.

    Their skills shed and Arthras'' sword activated the Fire damage. Exploding on the process.

    Bang!

    Snap rotated upwards and smoke was in his feet. Landing on the ground and feeling his burned feet.

    "Hey, that was not nice!" Snap blurted out.

    He felt that Arthras was doing it on purpose. His pajamas were burned on the process. He blows his feet then stands up again. This time, Snap turned serious.

    "I gotta let loose now. Here I go!" He shouted and dashed towards him. Leaving a crater at his feet.

    He saw Arthras approaching too so he turned more careful this time. Arthras swings his sword diagonally but Snap evaded sideways from his blow.

    He was very careful not to trigger the sword''s enchantment. Arthras smashed the ground and the Earth damage was triggered.

    His sword smashed the ground and it cracked as itnded. Making a great crater and dirt was all over the ce.

    Dust was all over the ce and they can''t see what was happening inside.

    Bang!

    A loud noise was emitted and someone crashed to the top barrier.

    Bang!

    A series of blows was shaking the ground from where they stood. Stephen felt the ground to shake with every blow that was made.

    Dust began to fade and they saw that Arthras was thrown towards the ceiling of the barrier and then when he wasnding on the ground, Snap initiated his gentle fist towards him.

    Making him thrown to the barrier wall. He stands up again without damage and saw Snap approaching.

    He swings his sword and a gust of wind was emitted from his sword. Making Snap thrown by the wind that assaulted him. He mmed to the other side of the barrier and gasped air.

    Bang!

    Arthras mmed his sword on the ground and an Electric spark was emitted towards Snap. Crawling like a predator towards its prey.

    Snap saw this so he moved faster than before. The Spark exploded on the barrier and it made the spectators at awe.

    Snap approached him much faster than before and executed abo of attacks. He dashed with all his force towards Arthras and Arthras jolted in his sudden move.

    It made him almost think that he teleported in front of him. He used [Hard fist] on his face then [Gentle fist] to his waist.

    Arthras was blown again and he thrust his sword on the ground to maintain bnce. While he was making his best efforts not to m again on the barrier wall, he was assaulted with Arthras'' [Roundhouse kick]. Rotating once then kicked him on the waist.

    Bang!

    He has mmed again on the wall then looked at where was Snap. In his surprise, he was up above him and he was executing [Axe kick].

    His sword was not in his hands but it was trusted on the ground from where he trusted it before.

    Making him lose his sword when he was kicked. He attempted to block his kick with his hands and then Snapnded the kick.

    Bang!

    It was all dusty all over and the spectators were excited to see who won. In just a second that passed, they saw the dust to clear and Arthras was below Snap.

    The ground caved-in as Arthras'' feet were dug to the ground. Snap''s feet were on his arms, still blocking his feet.

    Both of them moved away from each other and Frank stopped them.

    "Stop! Both of you!" Frank shouted at them.

    They both looked at him seemingly not yet contented with their spar from each other.

    "Huh? Why! We can still go on!" Snap shouted.

    Frank wasughing at him.

    "You see Snap, you can easily hit him but he will not be damaged at all! So both of you were a tie! You Snap won the aggressiveness and Arthras won the endurance. We all know, both of you won''t stop until tomorrow but still no one will surrender." Frank said then folded his hands towards his armpit.

    "Okay right, like I can defeat you though," Snap said to him.

    "I can''t seem to inflict damage like him so it was a stalemate. He can''t seem to do damage to me too." Arthras said then raised his hands.

    "I surrender!" Arthras said.

    "Huh? Me too!" Snap said thenughed.

    The spectators pped their hands to them.

    "Wow, both of you should say sorry to my barrier! You made me have a hard time maintaining it!" Shouted Baggus at them. Both of themughed and also the spectators.

    "Okay, that concludes it. The next ones will be....." Frank said while reading the ballot.

 Chapter 17 - Splinter Vs. Maldor

    "The next ones to spar are Splinter and Maldor!" Frank shouted.

    Both of them entered the mini arena. Baggus repaired the terrain as nothing happened before. Stephen felt surprised by the spectacle he saw.

    Moving inside the wall barrier, Frank was in their center and was preparing another speech.

    Splinter was a Rogue and Maldor was a Ranger. Making the two of them the best match.

    Splinter was stretching his feet, not wanting to sprain his legs in the process. Maldor was also stretching his legs and rotated his arms, counter-clockwise and clockwise.

    The two of them were now kids and they never felt so energetic from the past.. Having a youthful body made them excited to examine what they can do in their new form. Without further ado, Frank gave his announcement.

    "Okay, I know both of you were the energetic ones and wanted to test out your strength. Please mind the life of your opponent not to cause injury or kill them. Please use dull weapons and not sharp ones okay!" Frank shouted at them.

    The two of them were handed with wooden daggers by Frank then exited.

    "On my mark, start now!" Frank shouted the go signal.

    The two of them reverse gripped the daggers and crouched. Preparing to assault each other.

    The two dashed with speed better than the past two contestants. Their explosiveness was much more controlledpared to Snap and Arthras.

    Swish!

    They disappeared in front of Stephen''s eyes and can only hear their attacks reverberate. Splinter shed towards Mistiban''s chest.

    Mistiban saw his attack and repelled it. Mistiban locked his left arms and stabbed his waist. Splinter received the stab but blocked it with the t side of his weapon in thest moments.

    Making him thrown a bit by a few steps. Maldor prepared for another attack for him.

    Splinter was taken aback and let his guard down so he focused more on another attack.

    They were both silent and was not talking with each other, just talk with their des.

    Splinter used his skill [Conjure dagger] and throws it to Maldor.

    [Conjure dagger]�Chis skill of making daggers made of mana. Can be thrown or to be wielded as a weapon.

    He throws six of his conjured daggers and Maldor used his skill [Dual wielder]. Repelling all iing projectile with his daggers.

    [Dual wielder]�Chis skill only applicable to dual wield weapons to have higher attack speed and strength. Making his proficiency on the weapons to shoot up.

    Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak!

    The four of them were repelled and the two were dodged. Splinter was amazed by the manoeuvre of his body. He used his skill [Shadow cloak].

    [Shadow cloak]�Cmaking his body being covered with shadow. Having a small burst of movement speed and damage when attacking the enemy.

    He was covered with shadow and he dashed towards Maldor. Maldor was expecting his attack and used [Forest blessing].

    [Forest blessing]�Ca skill that makes the Ranger have a boost on all stats as long as he was in the forest or a forest was nearby.

    Splinter attacked with his dagger and he shed Maldor. Maldor was boosted so he blocked it with his weapon.

    All was going well but Splinter slides his dagger and made a strike at his waist. A clean hit was made on him.

    Maldor was unfazed even with his attack and retaliated. He turned around and he strikes him with his other weapon, making him surprised by hiseback. Splinter blocked his attack and used [After image].

    [After image]�Cmaking the Rogue turn invisible and leaving an image of a clone. Making the clone be smoke when attacked.

    Maldor attacked with greater strength and the clone was shed without mercy. It can''t defend properly with Maldor''s strength.

    Smoke was emitted from the clone. Making Maldor to be distracted. While Splinter was still invisible, he used the chance to attack.

    Splinter conjured daggers and throws it to him. Maldor who can''t see his opponent, can see the daggers thrown at him. Used his skill [Rapid sh].

    [Rapid sh]�Ca burst of attack speed by two folds in a matter of a second.

    Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak!

    He repelled and blocked all the attacks that were thrown at him. Splinter then used his chance to attack him before his invisibility fades.

    He dashed towards Maldor''s back without making a sound as fast as he could then used his skill [Reverse sh].

    [Reverse sh]�Ca skill that was making critical strike towards the enemy.

    Maldor was hit on the back but the dagger was wooden and dull so it only made a scrape on his skin.

    As he felt the attack of the dagger on his back, he used his skill [Rapid motion] to lessen the damage.

    [Rapid motion]�Ca skill of making his movement speed and agility to rise and elerate.

    He turned around and at the same time, he prepared to sh Splinter. Splinter who''s invisibility was fading, saw too his attack and blocked it with his dagger.

    Tak!

    Both of their daggers collided and they both stopped. The two of them who''s skills were still on cooldown, attacked each other with speed. Maldor shed him with his two daggers and Splinter was repelling them.

    Changing patterns of attacks and grips from the upward grip and reverse grip. They both shed with finesse and rapidly striking each other''s weapons.

    The both of them were masters when ites to daggers. Maldor also uses short swords as a dual wield. While Splinter only used daggers his entire life. Be it curve daggers or straight daggers, he mastered it all.

    Maldor flicked his dagger to disarm Splinter but Splinter let go of his dagger and then grabbing it when it falls.

    Splinter prepared to stab him but Maldor throws his dagger in point-nk range. Making Splinter to jolt and block his face.

    Maldor used the chance to grab his other arm and disarm his dagger. Splinter shed his other weapon but Maldor copes up with his speed and blocked it.

    Splinter throws too his other dagger at him but Maldor repelled it on time.

    Splinter summoned again the daggers and it appeared in-between his fingers. Throwing at him while they were so close to each other.

    Maldor, who was having only one weapon to repel the projectiles, made him step back a little when he was swatting them.

    While his [Rapid motion] was still active, he evades the projectiles from Splinter. Ending the throwing and his buff also.

    They both approached each other and resorted to punching each other''s faces. Punching and doing unarmedbat while without weapons.

    Splinter punched his face but Maldor evaded and locked his arms. He immediately punched him while holding his other arm, not wanting for it to let go.

    Splinter managed to repel his attack with his hands and kicked him on the waist. Making him let go of his grip.

    They exchanged blows and Splinter was conjuring daggers while they were punching and parrying blows.

    Splinter shed him but Maldor was disarming him. Making Splinter drop his conjured weapon. He conjured again and shed but Maldor disarmed him again.

    He gave up on the idea of conjuration and punched him instead. They were both panting while they were looking at each other.

    "This stamina was really like a beginner. I can''tst forever like this!" Said Splinter to his opponent.

    Maldor who was also exhausted was wiping off his sweat.

    "Yeah! Let''s end this! My breathing can''t keep up with my stamina consumption. I might copse soon." Maldor said to him.

    They both sat at the ground and ended their spar without winners.

    "Guys we need water!" Splinter shouted.

    Stephen then went to grab a pitcher of water and they both drank from it. They soon gulped a ss of water each and seated themselves at the well nearby. Perspiring and wiping their sweats with a towel.

 Chapter 18 - Mistiban Vs. Shinpatsu

    "Now that the two has rested, we should proceed with the next contestants. Mistiban and Shinpatsu! Come inside the barrier and grab your wooden swords. We will start shortly!" Frank said to them.

    The two immediately went inside the barrier with good lucks from them. They cheered for the two to have a good match.

    "Hey, Mistiban! Give him a good fight!" Shouted Snap on the well.

    "Shin! Beat him up okay!" Shouted Fang.

    "Hey, that will be a tough fight!" Shin replied to him.

    Both of them chuckled to their reactions. They swung their swords and stretched their stiff muscles..

    It was so long in ages since they fought properly together. They soon warmed up a bit and felt that they were prepared to fight anytime.

    Shin was a Ronin and Mistiban was a Chaos Knight. Frank then walked inside the barrier and called the two.

    "Okay, you both know the rules okay. We should fight and have camaraderie and sportsmanship. We should never cripple our opponents okay? Now get ready and fight well!" Frank said to both of them.

    "I know, I know. We should test each other''s strength after rebirth right? Then let''s get started!" Shin shouted being excited.

    "Alright!" Mistiban eximed.

    "Get ready and fight!" Frank said to them.

    The two of them immediately dashed towards each other. Mistiban shed diagonally and Shin parried it.

    Mistiban again shed and he parried it again. Shin attacked him with the hilt of his sword and it hits Mistiban on the waist.

    Coughing air on the process. Mistiban stepped back a bit while holding his abdomen. He focused again and grabbed his sword with both hands.

    Shin was notifying him toe at him. Mistiban smiled wryly, dashing towards him. He thought that Shin was ying with him.

    He dashed forwards and held tight his sword. Smashing it to Shin with all his force vertically.

    Tak!

    The swordnded and Shin lets it slide sideways. He can''t block it thoroughly because his strength was higher than him.

    Shin then shed aggressively,bined with a diagonal sh, vertical, and horizontal. Mistiban who has higher strength parried it with ease.

    Even though Shin was lower in terms of strength, he was faster in terms of speed. Mistiban was able to parry some of his attacks but Shin was making his attacks faster and faster.

    Making Mistiban step back while taking some blows.

    Mistiban was beaten left and right, making him at pinch. He thought of a n to make Shin think twice before he attacks him. He used his skill [Chaos aura].

    [Chaos aura]�Cenveloping his body and surrounding with chaos miasma. A hot ck smoke with embers flowing out of his body.

    With his skill, Shin stepped away from him. He felt his skin burning from the heat. He was also not nning to be burned alive. He used his skill [Conjure armor] to defend his self.

    [Conjure armor]�Chis skill of making an armor made of mana. It was looking like the armors of Ronins, a lone samurai or a samurai without a master. It was maintained by a constant supply of mana.

    He was covered with the armor and mana was flowing out of it. He dashed towards him without fear. Withstanding his chaos aura, he attacked with his wooden sword. He shed while using his skill [Draw sh].

    [Draw sh]�Chis skill of shing his enemy with his sword still on his sheath. Drawing it in a sh, dealing damage and then the bleeding effects were triggered when he brings his sword back on his sheath.

    He shed Mistiban and he was hit by the sword. He was thrown to the barrier wall. With the sword being wooden, the bleeding effects were nullified.

    Mistiban was coughing on the process as he was still emitting miasma. Shin approached him and he defended himself with his skill [Chaos breath].

    [Chaos breath]�Ca skill of inhaling the miasma and breathing it out towards the enemy.

    He breathes out and Shin was approaching him with tremendous speed. He dashed towards him but he was in the open, being a target of his skill.

    Mistiban used the skill and Shin attempted to evade. But his momentum was so great that he evaded a secondte.

    He was hit by the skill and his armor was burned. The ground itself was on embers when hit.

    Shin reinforced his armor with more mana and his mana repaired itself. Mistiban approached him and dashed towards his direction. He used his skill [Berserk] while darting towards Shin.

    [Berserk]�Ca skill that makes Mistiban have high regeneration and all his stats were doubled. Making his aggressive instincts to heighten and loses his defensive instincts on the process.

    He roared and dashed towards him. shing Shin furiously with greater speed and greater strength.

    Shin defended himself and his hands were aching with every blow he received. Reverberating with every blow that Mistiban throws at him.

    He was on pinch thus he used his skill [elerate].

    [elerate]�Chis skill of making all his movements to elerate with tremendous speed. From movement speed and attack speed. His elerate skill will be faster with more movements like dashing and attacking.

    He was exchanging blows with Mistiban and their speed was rising as time goes by. They were both blurry in the eyes caused by their speed.

    Mistiban jumped to Shin but he swatted him with his sword. Throwing Mistiban on the ceiling of the barrier.

    Shin then darted towards his direction but Mistiban darted on the wall. Making them chase each other inside like rays of lights, bouncing on the barrier.

    Shin used his skill [Multi sh] towards him and Mistiban used his skill [Revenge].

    [Multi sh]�CShin''s skill of making seven shes on the seven sides of the enemy. All executed at a tremendous speed.

    [Revenge]�CMistiban''s skill of making his stats rise with more damage he takes.

    The shesnded and it hits Mistiban furiously. Making him battered on the process. Even though it was very painful, he managed to stay on his feet.

    He dashed towards Shin and attacks with greater strength. They exchanged blows and were like battle maniacs. Stephen has never seen such energy and prowess in his life.

    Making his feet to tremble and a cold sweat to run down his spine.

    "No wonder they managed to held back the dark forces with just them," Stephen said to himself. Frank heard it and thus he replied to him.

    "You were only looking at the shallow surface, Stephen. Wait for them to be their past self and you will know," Frank said to him.

    "Oh right, Haha, I forgot they were on their weak side," Said Stephen while scratching his head.

    The two of them still exchanged blows and wasnding hits from each other. They were still energetic but their buffs were fading.

    Making them sit on the ground on the process. Shin''s armor has faded and Mistiban''s miasma has gone.

    "I am not expecting much from an earth stage mana. That was a good fight Shin, I surrender to this fight," Mistiban said to him.

    "Ah, not wanting to ept your surrender just yet. We should postpone this one and have a rematch when we are stronger, okay?" Shin said then lending his hands.

    Mistiban gave his hands and they both helped each other to walk. Frank healed the two of them and they both drank water.

    "That was a good fight! I hope you will teach me how you all do it!" Stephen asked energetically.

    "Sure why not? Right, Shin?" Mistiban asked him.

    "Yeah, sure! Hahaha," Said, Shin.

    Frank coughed and let out an announcement.

    "Okay! Now that we are settled, the next ones will spar shortly." Frank said while holding the paper of sparring lists.

 Chapter 19 - Saber Vs. Branmoor

    "The next ones to spar are Saber and Branmoor. I look forward to your fight and the two of youe here inside!" Frank said to them.

    Their otherrades were pping their hands on the process while the two of them entered the barrier.

    They bro fists with each other and punched each other''s shoulders, giggling on the process.

    "I will fight you fair and square," Said Branmoor.

    "Nah, no need to hold back. I am nning to give my all." Saber said to him while motioning of thumbs down. Branmoor can only smirk on the process.

    "Okay, you two better be fighting fair and square okay? I don''t want to see you impale each other.. Now get ready, and fight!" Frank gestured of hands down.

    The two of them were sizing each other. Not being hasty of an immediate battle. Saber was a Lycan and Branmoor was a Druid. Rivals in their blood, nature, and, personalities.

    Saber was starting to have an aura that was gushing out of his body. He used his skill [Beast aura].

    [Beast aura]�Chis Lycan skill of making him have a beastly instinct. He was on the white stage of the beast aura, making his senses and reaction speed to rise. Starting from white, green, yellow, blue, and, red.

    He crouched like a beast and dashed towards Branmoor. Branmoor who was standing there felt unfazed of his opponent. He used his skill [Spirit armor].

    [Spirit armor]�Can armor who was protecting the user. The armor can be charged by mana and can be stronger depends on the growth of the user. Can be usable when on human form or werebear form. The armor regenerates while infusing mana on it.

    Saber dashed like a beast. He was faster as he was on his fours and his ws were longer. He shed with his ws and Branmoor grabbed his wrist. Seemingly like it does not weight at all.

    Saber rotated and kicked him in the face and so he lets go of his grip. Still not damaged by his kick.

    "Hey Saber, is that all you got?" Branmoor shouted at him by a few meter distance.

    "Shut up! I am still not giving my all out!" He cursed.

    He used his summoning skill [Beast call] to call forth hispanions.

    [Beast call]�Csummoning forth the contracted spirit wolves and crows. Maintained by the mana of the user. The crows and spirit wolves regenerate by consuming the mana of the caster.

    He was surrounded by his summons and the wolves were all seven while the crows were also seven in numbers.

    "Attack!" Shouted Saber to his opponent.

    Branmoor saw this and didn''t want to lose also in summonings. He called forth his summons [Summon bear] and [Summon vines].

    [Summon bear]�Can agressive bear, also have intelligence like the spirit wolves and crows. They can also have spirit armor if intelligent enough.

    [Summon vines]�Ca vine that was alive, assisting on the caster. Can have spew poison, ice, and, fire damage. Also able to bite the enemy with its teeth.

    Their summons attacked each other. Crows were attacking the summoned vines and it was spewing poison.

    Despite its attacks, the crows were relentlessly pecking it. The wolves attacked the bear while surrounding it.

    Biting on its blind spot but they were swatted by its big paws. They were regenerating and attacked again.

    The bear then used its skill spirit armor on its self. Making its defence to shoot up.

    Branmoor dashed towards Saber, shouting his name and then transformed. [Shapeshift werebear].

    [Shapeshift werebear]�Ctransforming his self into a werebear. With the spirit armor on his body, the armor expanded and transformed itself to suit the shape of the werebear.

    "Saber!" Shouted Branmoor.

    "Branmoor!" Shouted too by Saber.

    He transformed too into a werewolf. [Shapeshift werewolf]

    [Shapeshift werewolf]�Chis skill of making himself into a werewolf form.

    They both darted towards each other and shed each other''s faces with their paws. Branmoor who has armor was only suffering in small damage.

    Even though Saber has no armor, he was fast enough to evade his slow strikes. Pouncing at him every time he has a chance.

    "Is that all you''ve got!?" Said Branmoor on his werebear form.

    "Roar! Shut your mouth will you?" Shouted Saber as he ps him on the face.

    They exchanged blows like wild beasts. Saber was hit on the face by Branmoor''s heavy paws and he was thrown afar by few steps.

    Rolling to the ground several times. Branmoor dashed at him but he jolted when Saber immediately stands up and used his skill [Fury].

    [Fury]�Cshing several times with ws as fast as he could. He has five shes on his limit.

    shing his face five times made Branmoor dizzy a bit. He retaliated with a sh with his paws but Saber stepped back a bit, evading his strike on the process.

    Branmoor was very furious so he used his skill [Hand m].

    [Hand m]�Cmming the ground with his heavy hands. Strength affects the damage and shockwave of the skill.

    He mmed the ground and his area of effect burst like a bomb. Making Saber to be thrown again by his attack.

    He rolled over several times and saw that Branmoor was approaching him. He darted again and shed with his ws towards him and Branmoor''s bear blocked his attack.

    Saber''s wolves attacked Branmoor on the process. Making the vines to attack the wolves with fire damage.

    The crows assisted with pecking the bear making Saber attack the vines. Killing them on the process.

    The crows were all eliminated as Branmoor swatted them all.

    Leaving the bear and the wolves who were fighting each other. With them being left, they fought again with a brawl.

    Saber called back his wolves and they all formed a line, facing Branmoor and his bear. They were sizing again each other and then dashed towards each other.

    "I will defeat you!" Saber shouted at him while dashing.

    "Never, even in your dream!" Branmoor shouted.

    They smacked each other''s faces and were battering each other''s bodies. They were brawling each other and their summons was extinguished after their time was up.

    The two were the only ones left fighting each other. Their mana gradually became empty and their transformations were up.

    Still punching each other''s faces. Frank stood up and stopped the fight.

    "Okay, okay, that''s enough. You should never fight to the death. You are taking this too seriously." Frank said as he healed their faces that was beginning to swell.

    The two of them inwardly cursed as they didn''t know who was stronger. They touched their faces and felt that they were healed.

    "Thanks, Frank! We were really happy to have you." Said Saber.

    "Yeah, we do!" said Branmoor.

    Frank patted their shoulders and said, "Wish me luck! I am next."

    He entered the barrier and called forth Stephen. Stephen was nervous as sweat runs down his cheeks, his feet trembled in excitement and he gulped a handful of saliva in his throat.

    "Hey, Stephen! He is the strongest in all of us! So Good luck!" Shouted Baggus.

    They all cheered towards thest two who will spar. Some were whistling and some were shouting. But for Stephen, it was like time stopped for a moment. He smiled wryly and felt his heart raced.

 Chapter 20 - Frank Vs. Stephen

    The two of them were inside the barrier wall. Looking at each other''s faces and scaling each other''s strength.

    Stephen was nervous the most between the two of them. Having seen the others fought was very intimidating.

    He was also told that Frank was the strongest in terms of power. It was only natural to be stronger than the rest because he was their leader.

    It only added to Stephen''s nervousness.

    With the two of them inside the barrier, Stephen chose the two-handed sword. Also reserved the two-handed hammer in his side.

    Being put on the ground, headfirst.. Frank grabbed the staff and thrust it into the ground then used the sword and shield.

    Thinking of using it first when he will battle. Frank stretched a bit to relieve his stiff muscles. Twisting his waist and doing a few swings of his wooden weapon.

    Stephen stretched too, not wanting to have setbacks on their spar. Starting from his legs up to his waist and shoulders, all through his neck.

    With some swings of his two-handed weapon, he warmed up his body.

    "I am ready," Said Stephen to Frank, finished warming up.

    "Good! Now we proceed with the fight. You know the rules right?" Frank said to him while getting warmed up.

    "Yeah! Let''s do this!" Stephen said excitedly.

    Both of them faced each other with their weapons of their choosing. Stephen crouched with his weapon on his arms, the tip facing the ground. He can''t get a hold of himself. Frank was tapping his wooden round shield with his wooden one-handed sword.

    "Ready, Go!" Frank shouted.

    The two of them immediately dashed forwards, towards each other. Leaving the ground with their footprint that was dug by their feet''s sheer force.

    Stephen swung his sword with all his might and Frank prepared to receive his blow with his shield.

    The sword struck the shield and it left Frank''s feet to subside in the ground.

    ''Such force from a child!'' He inwardly eximed.

    He slides it in thest moments and rotated. shing Stephen on the back. Stephen''s momentum continued and his sword hits the ground.

    It was able to shake the ground a bit by his force. Frank used his skill [Shield bash] and Stephen was thrown towards the edge of the wall.

    [Shield bash]�Ca burst of speed and strength to hit the opponent with the shield. A basic skill of a Protector Knight.

    He was flung but he stands up snappily. Able to regain his bnce in just a matter of split seconds. Stephen used his skill [Minor heal] and alleviated the pain.

    [Minor heal]�Cbasic heal of healing slight injuries and torn muscles. Able to heal fatigue and stamina.

    Frank also was slightly damaged on his arm. He used his skill [Heal] to himself.

    [Heal]�Cmore advanced version of Minor heal. Able to heal cuts and wounds.

    Stephen saw that they will be having a tough fight until anyone will go down first. It will be a battle of attrition for the two of them.

    Frank dashed and shed with his sword, turning around and used [Shield bash], followed by [Sword sh].

    [Sword sh]�Ca burst of speed and strength of shing the enemy with a sword. A basic skill of an Offensive Knight.

    Stephen saw the swording and blocked it with his sword. Still able to push him from afar even with his block.

    Frank dashed towards him and prepared another assault but Stephen was still standing up. Stephen thrusts his sword to the ground and used his skill [Beast call].

    From his shadow, emerge Helltooth and bit Frank''s shield. Frank was bbergasted as he saw him used the skill of the Lycan''s. Frank stepped back away from him.

    "You are a Lycan?" Frank nearly shouted.

    The others too were shocked by his skill. They were looking at Saber at the moment.

    "What? Why are you all looking at me? I am surprised too!" He said quite intrigued.

    "I am sorry but I can''t tell others about it. Let''s continue!" Said, Stephen.

    Stephen then attacked with his weapon. Helltooth was assisting with his attack this time. He dashed towards him and the two of them were dashing in zigzag.

    Completely in sync with each other. Stephen shed diagonally and Frank blocked it with his shield.

    Helltooth then attacked his other side but Frank shed Helltooth in a split second. Stephen managed to call back Helltooth at the right moment, making him disappear without taking a hit.

    And again, he summoned Helltooth in a split second that was already ready to attack his front. Frank jolted and blocked with his shield in thest moments.

    Frank shield-bashed Helltooth, making him thrown on the process. His sword shed Stephen and his weapon broke into splinters.

    Stephen throws his weapon then used his skill [Conjure daggers].

    [Conjure daggers]�Cthe skill of making daggers made of mana. Can be thrown or used as a weapon.

    Stephen summoned two on both hands and throws them in his direction to distract him.

    Frank can only shield his iing thrown projectiles and Stephen grabbed the two-handed hammer. His skill [Heavy lifting] activated because the hammer was heavy.

    [Heavy lifting]�Ca passive skill of helping you lift heavy weapons.

    His wooden two-handed sword was light for him so it didn''t activate the skill. Stephen grabbed the two-handed hammer that was as long as a staff with a heavy mallet on the top.

    He rotated and twirled the hammer on his front and back. Motioning Frank to attack him.

    Frank removed his weapon and shield then used the staff. They both dashed to each other without fear.

    Pouncing like a predator to its prey. They both treated each other like one. Stephen rotated the hammer and thrusts its head at Frank.

    Frank parried it with his staff and used his skill [Staff smash].

    [Staff smash]�Ca skill of using the staff with a burst of speed and power. A basic skill of Priests in their fighting skills.

    Stephen blocked his vertical smash but when the skillnded in him, his legs were forcefully bent by the force.

    Stephen rotated his hammer and swung it horizontally on Frank. The momentum was very great and itnded on Frank''s block.

    Making him thrown a bit by a few steps. They both attacked and Frank thrust his staff towards Stephen.

    Stephen was hit furiously and immediately healed himself. Frank then smashed his left and right that Stephen left with many openings.

    Hitting him on his waist and shoulders, he was also struck in the face that made him felt dizzy a bit.

    The blows were not stopping but Stephen was still attacking him with heavy blows. Even blocking and parrying, Stephen''s attack was very damaging. Making Frank heal in between his blocks.

    He used another staff smash and Stephen managed to block it properly this time.

    But due to him forcing himself, he absorbed the impact and made him forcefully let go of his grip on the hammer.

    "I surrender!" Shouted Stephen.

    Frank was surprised and saw that his hands were reddish. Full of small cuts and was bleeding.

    "I am sorry I can''t keep up my healing," Said Stephen.

    Frank immediately healed his wounds and tapped his shoulders.

    "You''ve done well! Let us congratte Stephen!" Frank shouted.

    The others were pping their hands and were pleased by his performance. Even though he lost, he never felt so happy before.

    It was a pleasure of meeting the heroes that he was so proud to be his brothers.

    The sun has risen and they were all looking at it as its first rays appeared. All of them,ter on, helped his mother to cook food and they took a warm bath after exercise.

 Chapter 21 - Saturday Break

    The sun rose and the daybreak has arrived. The first part of the day which was Saturday has arrived.

    After they finished helping Isabe and taking a warm bath, they all cultivate their mana well. All of them sat on the floor of Stephen''s room and meditated.

    Furthering themselves until they all broke through the second stage of the earth realm. Everyone was happy about it when they broke through.

    While they were all in his room, Stephen first practised his basics and was sweating all over.

    He pushed-ups to one hundred till he reached his daily limit. He used his skill [Minor heal] to regain his torn muscles in the process.

    After doing push-ups, he proceeded to sit-ups for one hundred to improve his leg strength.. This time around, he used to heal himself with his skill and rested a bit.

    He proceeded to his heavy lifting two-handed weapons, lifting them and swings them to the wooden dummy.

    He smashed the dummy harder than before until his swings were faster. He was using his heal while swinging his weapon to alleviate his weary hands.

    This time, he proceeded to rapid side steps. He will use weights this time around. Sidestepping while has weights on his hands and legs to further improve dodging speed and movement speed.

    He was doing side steps until one hundred, making himself weary on the process. After sidestepping, he proceeded to handle all kinds of weapons for each weapon mastery.

    First was the one-handed weapons that he single wield and then dual wields. Swinging faster and coordinated with both hands.

    Next was the two-handed weapons that he swings faster and faster. All kinds of two-handed weapons that was from the axe, hammer, and, swords.

    Next was the pole weapons that he majestically rotated in his arms. Swirling and rotating it with precise movements and control.

    Last was the daggers that he strikes with the dummy and practise throwing it.

    He also was dashing back and forth to improve his agility and movement speed, also this time he has weights on his body.

    Making kicks and punches while has weights until his attack speed rose. Dealing more strength and control over his movements.

    Even though he has weights, he was now moving like it was nothing.

    Next, he was cultivating his mana well. He meditated until he reached the bottleneck of the third stage. It was fast even though he was only doing it for minutes.

    Thest one was the improvement of his skills, his Lycan skills were trained; like his [Beast call], his [Beast aura], and, [Shapeshift werewolf].

    Also his [Weapon conjuration] and throwing capacity. From exercise, mana cultivation and skills improvement, he finished it all when they meditated.

    Stephen changed his clothes to his home clothes. Having shorts and a shirt to wear made him felt refreshed as the air touches his skin.

    They all ate at the table they have and was talking idly with random conversations. They were eating vegetable soup and rice as their breakfast.

    Stephen was focusing on eating and he drank a handful of water to push the food all the way down to his stomach.

    Alleviating the hotness of the soup in his mouth. Frank was hesitating but he speaks up for the group.

    "Hey Stephen, we will talk to you after eating breakfast. If you are interested in learning from us," Frank said then he waited for Stephen''s response.

    "Sure! I desired to learn from all of you from the first ce," Stephen then ate a chunk of cabbage.

    Frank all looked at the others then replied.

    "It is settled then, let us meet you outside after this," Frank said to him then resuming his eating.

    They finished eating without a problem. They all cleaned the table and washed the dishes. Having been full made them burp and sat on the couch like azy person. They waited until they digested their food then they went outside.

    Frank was in the center of them and Frank initiated his speech. The others were silent and they all stand behind him.

    "Stephen, do you want to learn all of our job sses?" Frank asked him with a serious tone.

    "Yeah! I badly want it!" Stephen said cheerfully.

    "Well, let me exin some things. Some job sses need elemental affinities for the skill to be effective. As for the Holy Knight, you need to have a Holy affinity for it to be usable. And for the Rogues, you need to have shadow affinity. Now, I know that you only have Holy affinity right?" Frank said. Stephen only nodded as a response.

    "Okay, but if you have all the elements inside you. You can pretty much wield any job ss. We will gather our elemental essence and inject it into your heart. You need to cultivate it first to make it your own and awaken them. Now, we will also give our job ss essence to your heart and cultivate it like the elements. We will give you both our elements and job ss at the same time so no worries. You will only feel pain in the process, but if you managed then you will be able to harness all of it," Frank said briefly.

    Stephen felt so excited, his heart raced like a horse running in a race. His sweat trickled and he hides his hands in trembling. He was smiling like a child that was receiving a new toy.

    Stephen then prepared himself to receive it. He stands up straight and others gathered their essence in their hands.

    There was a mix of colours in their hands and their hands glowed like pure light. They all put their hands in his heart and the lights entered it like it was sucked.

    Stephen then felt excruciating pain as it entered his chest.

    "Cultivate the elements and the job ss essence or you will be in grave danger!" Shouted Frank at him.

    Stephen heeded his instruction and Stephen immediately cultivated it. With so much pain, it was hard to focus on the process.

    He circted the essences on his body and was making progress. He was circting it and the pain eased a bit but it was taking too long.

    He gritted his teeth and steeled himself to ovee it. Making him perspire cold sweat. He felt that the pain was distributed all over his body thus making its intensity to lessen.

    Stephen then felt that the world was spinning around and his breathing to be hoarser. He seeded in his cultivation but he copsed afterwards.

    "Stephen! You did it! You can rest for a while for now," Said Frank to him.

    Stephen then closed his eyes and his senses faded. His mind drifted and loses self-awareness. Making him sleep in broad daylight. He was brought to his bed and he rested there for a while. Stephen then woke up and felt that his body was lighter. The others were all looking out at him.

    "Stephen has woken up! Bring him water," Isabemanded them.

    He was surrounded by his brothers in his old same room and he was brought with a ss of water. He drank it and put the ss of water on the table.

    "So how are feeling? Are you okay now?" Isabe asked him.

    "I''m okay now mom, just a bit dizzy," Stephen said to her.

    That''s good! Now let me prepare lunch for all of you, you must be hungry," Isabe said then left them.

    Frank was very pleased with his recovery. He talked to him for a bit.

    "Now that you have all our job ss and elements, you can now wield Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Nature, Holy, Shadow, and Spirit. As well as All of our job ss like Lycan, Druid, Holy Knight, Dread Knight, Necromancer, Ronin, Mage, Fighter, Pdin, Rogue, and, Ranger. This is called [Heroes'' blessing], you can change job ss by your new skill [ss change].

    [Heroes'' blessing]�Cgiving him all the job sses of the heroes. Making him capable of wielding all their job sses. All of the job sses were of a beginner so he has to train them.

    [ss change]�Cmaking him capable of switching between sses on his own. He can only use one at a time when he will use the skill.

    "Well, that''s all you need to know!" Frank said to him.

    They all smiled at him and they all went to eat lunch. Training more as they all have a goal to be stronger faster because the enemy wasing.

 Chapter 22 - Elemental Cultivation

    It was noon and the sun was at its peak. Stephen help chopped the vegetables as well as the others.

    His mom was slicing the spices and the others were starting fire in the dirty kitchen. Cooking vegetable soup was what they were doing and they were happily doing their task.

    His mother cooked the food and they will wait for it in the meantime. While they were waiting, Frank approached Stephen and gave him advice.

    "Stephen, now that you have all the elements. You need to cultivate it to make it stronger. Your fire element is only on the level of a flint spark and your lightning element is on an electric spark. The same for the others. You need to make your element stronger for it to be a proper element. Our injected elements will vanish if you will not cultivate them.. Now go upstairs and cultivate it. We will assist your mother in the meantime," He said then winked.

    Stephen then understands his situation. He has to cultivate urgently in the meantime.

    "Sure sure! Why didn''t you said so earlier! I gotta go!" Stephen said then hastily ran upstairs.

    He went running and stomped the stairs hastily. Making it sound on the process. He opened the door, mming it on the meantime.

    He jumped towards the bed and crossed his legs immediately. He breathed in and out first and started meditating.

    He visualized the first element he wanted to cultivate. Starting to imagine the Lightning element, he squeezed every ounce of his mana and managed to make an electric spark.

    His heart raced fast as he made a sessful attempt.

    Pishik!

    "Oh! I managed to make a spark! I gotta make itst and stronger," Stephen said to himself.

    He squeezed another round of mana and yellow sparks were emitting on his forefinger. His face perspired in the process as he managed to cultivate it.

    He struggled a bit but he gets the hang of it. Making his spark bing steady and consistent.

    He continued to make spark and it was getting stronger and stronger by the time. He managed to make the element his own this time.

    He realized that it was natural to create a spark now than before. Which takes a lot of mana to create one.

    Now that he has the element, he smirked at the process. He was jealous of Patrick that he has such an element and that was why he chose the Lightning element first.

    Right now was a time to celebrate for him but he didn''t stop there.

    What he cultivates next was the Ice element. Visualizing first the element, its image and form. He first saw that there were water droplets that were building up in the air.

    He squeezed again his mana and it made the water droplets be snow. He squeezed again some more and his hands were getting icy. Making a snowball on his palm.

    As time goes by, his mana requirement became lower and lower. Making it easier and easier to handle the element.

    He managed to make this element his own and it was now not burdensome to release the Ice element.

    Stephen thought that when you will cast a spell with not your element, it will be very burdensome to exert an ounce of it when not elementpatible.

    Thus making the Mages to specialise in their sole element. The mages'' element barrier was very limiting the mages in being stronger.

    Stephen was happy now that he has gained a new element.

    Next was the Poison element, he gasped air as he finds it difficult to make it. Visualizing its form, smell, its effects, and its image.

    He managed to make a single drop of poison that floats in the air. Even more so, he didn''t stop there. He squeezed for more mana and the liquid poison became a fume that was rising in the air.

    He was having a hard time as he was maintaining the process. He was perspiring hard and was having a mana shortage. He rested as his mana runs out.

    ''Damn! This poison element is very troublesome to manage. Maybe this is the hardest element for me to master while being the most untamed one for me. I would like to make it mine more that I encountered it. I shall replenish my mana first and resume,'' Stephen said to himself.

    He rested in his bed byying down and wiped his sweat in the meantime. After resting for a minute, he felt that his mana well has replenished.

    He sat again in the bed and then resumed his cultivation.

    The next element was Fire, it was the element that excites him the most. He couldn''t wait for more elements to possess.

    With what he has, it was still not outstanding and he needs more. He can''t wait to make a fire out of nothing.

    He started to imagine its form and imagery. The image of fire that was burning in his hands will make his enemies cower.

    He squeezed out his mana and simultaneously created floating embers in the air. He squeezed out more and flickering sparks were made, still not enough to treat it as a proper fire.

    With more effort than he was making, he progressed slowly and steadily. More mana was used on the process and he was hopeful of his progress.

    As time goes by, he was having steady control of the element. He improved and he made a fire that was as small as a match''s light in his fingertips.

    He squeezed for more and he made the fire brightly lit the room. A ball of fire as big as his fist was made and his efforts were rewarded.

    Floating embers were emitted from the fire as he watched the beautiful light in his palms. All his struggle has subsided after a while and it doesn''t seem too hard to emit the fire from that moment.

    "Nice! I can make fire with this from now on!" Stephen eximed.

    He went next to the next element which was the Wind element. He bolstered all his mana and imagine its form. Having felt the air but not yet seen it, he knows what to do to summon it. He used his mana to summon air in his hands. Making his efforts, he felt air to rotate the room. Feeling it slowly, he saw that it was gathering in his palm. With more efforts, he squeezed his mana and the air waspacting. Making a ball of air.

    "Damn, this is sorge in mana consumption. It was so hard to maintain," Stephen said to himself.

    He squeezed out more and was finally getting the hang of it. At hisst drop of mana, he managed to stabilise it. Making a calming wind that was touching his skin, soothing his perspired body. Cooling himself on the process.

    His mana has run out and he let go of the Wind element. Making thepacted air to burst.

    He gasped air the second time around andid down to the bed, perspiring due to mana depletion. Inhaling deep and exhaling immediately.

    "Woohoo! These ten elements are a hassle to master and cultivate. I need more time to master it all," Stephen said then gulped a handful of saliva.

    He rested a bit for a minute then counted all he mastered so far.

    "Lightning element, Ice element, Poison element, Fire element, and, Wind element. That are all the elements so far. I gotta hurry on harnessing all of it or the essence will fade away," Stephen said to himself.

    He rested for now and he heard banging sounds outside his window. His brothers were all practising their basic skills for the meantime while waiting for the food to cook.

    They formed two teams and will make a five versus five sh with each other. They have high-end skills but they can only harness their basics due to the mana well problem.

    It was important due to higher skills needs more mana consumption. They shed with each other and Frank was overseeing it all.

    Shouting at them while they made a mistake. Having been said, they were scolded left and right at the same time. Saber, Mistiban, Splinter, Arthras, and, Deathbane were against Branmoor, Snap, Baggus, Maldor, and, Shin.

    Stephen watched closely how they worked as a team and how they battled with therades. All was in chaos as Frank shouted to start.

    They all attacked each other and used skills that Stephen didn''t saw from before. As Stephen spected, maybe they were just using ten percent of their power in the duel.

    Knowing that they already know all the skills they have in the past, just the mana well handicap. The battle rages on and Stephen can''t help but be amazed by the spectacles he saw.

 Chapter 23 - Elemental Cultivation Part 2

    "Everyone! Let''s eat lunch!" Isabe shouted at his brothers.

    The fighting stopped immediately and they went running towards inside their house. They entered their house energetically and they sat in the chairs. Stephen also heard and saw it so he went downstairs. Stomping the stairs hastily as he moved down.

    "Stephen,e. Let''s eat!" said Isabe to him as he already prepared his seat.

    Stephen moved and sat at the seat his mother prepared. They all readied themselves in their chairs while the food and tes were prepared.

    The soup was put on the table and they all prayed. They all finished praying and then were excited to eat..

    "Let''s eat!" Stephen shouted.

    With it, it was a sign for them to start eating. They ate like they were very hungry because of their training. All were silently eating while they were on it.

    Stephen on the contrary hastily eats and then left the table.

    "I will hurry up guys, I need to cultivate my elements," he said while carrying his te to the sink.

    "Hey Stephen, run slowly or you will trip," said Isabe to him then spoon-fed her mouth.

    He went upstairs and closed his door. Stomping the wooden stairs in the process. Sitting on his bed and crossed his legs on top of it.

    He started meditating without further ado and imagined his next element. With the dirt that he imagines, he visualized the earth element on his hands.

    By using his mana, he was slowly making dirt on his hands. Floating sand was emitted on his palm and then it hardens, bing a rock.

    Hard to press if one will touch. Surprisingly, it was very easy for Stephen to harness this element. He managed to stabilise the element in just a whim.

    In his thoughts, he has a higher affinity for it and maybe different persons have different affinities with the elements.

    Everyone was unique in every way like an imprint to their very soul. With it, he put the floating rock and then it became mud on the floor.

    "Hmm, I also observed that each element has formed. The fire has embers, sparks, and me. The Ice or water element has Ice form, water form, and, mist. The same with the Earth element that has sand, mud, and rock. I don''t know about others but this certainly has other forms. I gotta check for more," Stephen said while looking at the earthen mud on the floor.

    With it, he was very happy to have another element on his arsenal. Inhaling a deep breath and exhaling slowly, calming his nerves on the process.

    He went to the next element and it was the Holy element. With it being his element already, he was having no problem making a pure white light on his palm.

    He was smiling while looking at its pureness. It doesn''t even have a mana consumption because it was already his element.

    Thinking of it, he went to the next element he will harness, the Shadow element. Stephen thought that it will be a tough fight due to him having the Holy element already.

    Even though it was hard, Stephen never doubted himself. He believes that he can master it on his own.

    He visualized the darkness and the shadow and exerted effort as he used his mana. With more effort, he has managed to create a small marble of darkness.

    A pure dark marble that was floating and was moving like a wavy fire on its tip. Stephen exerted more mana and it was visibly getting bigger, making its size twice from before. Even though it was hard, he was making a steady pace of control.

    He was not yet halfway there but his mana has almost dried up. rmed, he stopped it and rested for a while. Regenerating his mana well for a while.

    Thinking of it, his mana well was on the bottleneck of the third stage and will ascend to the fourth.

    It was only a matter of time to make it out of the third stage. So while waiting for his mana topletely replenish, he cultivated his mana well for the meantime.

    He cultivated for minutes and atst, he managed to break through the fourth stage. He breathes in and out and felt calmer than before.

    Making his mana regeneration and mana well to increase.

    As his mana well improved, he cultivated his Shadow element more and confidence was reignited as he knows he has far more superior mana well than before.

    He used his mana once more and he imagined the element again. He used more mana output this time around and made the marble-sized dark ball of condensed Shadow element.

    Making it bigger and bigger this time around. To his surprise, he was far more mana efficient this time due to his greater mana regeneration.

    With a steady making and condensing of the Shadow element, he was able to gradually get the hang of it.

    With more efforts, it will be more stable. He put more efforts to make it his own but the Holy element was rejecting it.

    Even though it was hard, Stephen made more efforts to make it his own. He felt pain in the past when they inserted their elemental essence because the elements were fighting each other and were not stable.

    Now that he was one step closer, he poured all his mana output and the ball drastically bing bigger and more stable.

    After he made it stable, Stephen copsed and gasped air as his veins were bulging out on his forehead.

    Making his Shadow element poof like a bubble. Almost his mana well has dried up entirely on the process.

    Stephenughed at the process of realizing that he has gained the said element. He summoned it again and the shadow element poofed out of his palm without mana required.

    He felt that his life will forever not be the same as before. Thinking of this favor from the heroes was so big and they even go as far as giving him the elements and their job sses.

    He will forever be indebted to them.

    He went on to the next element which was the Nature element. Having known the element, he visualized the ever strong trees, the grasses that were swayed by the gentle breeze, and the flowers that bloomed in the spring.

    He gathered his mana and made a flower to bloom on his hands. A tulip was made on his hands and roots were emerging on his palm, covering his own hands on the process.

    "Wow! Such vitalitying from the said element. This is such a great element indeed," Stephen said to himself, watching the flower to blossom. Exerting more mana, he made a bouquet on his hands. Stabilizing the element faster than he thought.

    The next element was a superior one, the Spirit element. He imagined it and made a ball of burning colorless cold fire on his palm.

    Albeit not so great, he still managed to create it so fast. He used more mana and the fire was burning more and more.

    Getting bigger and bigger as he applied more. After a while, he managed to stabilise it without efforts.

    Thinking that it was an element meant for him. After mastering it all, he summoned all the ten elements that he has mastered and cultivated them at the same time.

    Floating elements were on his back and were having different colors. After a while, he managed to sustain it all for a minute while crossed legs on the bed.

    He exhausted his mana once more and he felt that the elements were harmonious with each other. Now that he has them, he felt more confident than before.

    All of this was because he helped an old person in the street and ended up bing his masters. Bing his brothers at the same time.

    "This elements will be my stepping stone to rise above all. But I still need to hide that I am a wielder of the ten elements. I don''t want to have unwanted attention and it was what disturbes me the most," Stephen concluded with determination in his eyes.

 Chapter 24 - Beginner Job Class

    Now that he has the ten elements, he will be having many skills in his arsenal, He used the skill [ss change] to change to different job sses.

    With what he saw in their duels, Stephen tested their skills inside his room. First making a barrier and initiated skills inside it.

    The burst of skills were all muffled as he was inside the barrier of Baggus. All of them were executed perfectly without problems.

    He saw too, some new skills of different job sses on his brothers and it intrigued him.

    He went down on the stairs while having out of mana. Using all his mana to test all their skills on hand.

    He went to the kitchen and drank water in their pitcher. .

    While he was in the kitchen, he saw his brothers resumed their five versus five battle. Stephen watched them having a brawl by the door side.

    A booming sound was heard and they were all fighting in the dust, they were all energetic and fighting with high spirits.

    Stephen observed how they used their skills and now he knew when and what time they will use their skills.

    They were having techniques that were sharpened since they were young and Stephen didn''t let go of the chance for it to be wasted.

    Silently observing from afar, he watched until the end of their fight. Gaining experience from just watching them.

    After they all finished, Frank scolded each one of them as they were having many mistakes in their execution of skills.

    They sometimes forgot that they have such puny mana well and cast high-end skills.

    Others were thought to micromanaging their limited skills and mastering their low tier skills in the meantime.

    "Are you kidding me? Hold up your horses and mind that you have low tier skills right now! You need to get used first to your skills then we proceed to mana well cultivation. Okay, a round of physical exercise as a punishment for all of you before we proceed to the mana well cultivation. Go!" Frank shouted.

    They all jogged around, pushed-ups, sit-ups, and, curl-ups in the process. Exhausted, they went inside the house and drank water.

    Proceeding to mana well cultivation. All of them were meditating and one by one has managed to break through to the third stage.

    After it all, they all cheered each other.

    "Woohoo! I am third stage now!" shouted Mistiban. The others too were rejoicing. It was a feat too fast as for their current progresspared to Stephen.

    They all went down the room and as their mood was good, they all coached Stephen on his beginner job ss.

    Scolding him if he makes mistakes in executing the skills they thought. To their surprise, Stephen was very good at adapting and learning.

    Having seen them from afar made him learn easier. Even though he saw them all, it was still a different story when executing it.

    Thanks to his practice in his room earlier that time they were coaching him.

    Frank first taught him about his Holy Knight skills and all about his job ss. It was thebination of Priest, Offensive Knight, and, Protector Knight.

    He taught him the first three basic skills like [Sword sh], [Shield bash], [Staff smash], and, [Heal]. Making his Skill [Minor heal] be his after exercise substitute.

    Stephen was taught at the same time as the different weapons of the Holy Knight. Specifically the sword, shield, and, the staff.

    Deathbane was also excited to teach him, with the Skill [Necromancer robes], [Death scythe], [Skeleton], [Grappling hands], [ck fog] and, [Bone wall].

    Teaching what were their uses and how to use them. With the shadow element on his arsenal, he managed to cast skills that wereing from the Necromancer ss.

    Sparring with him for a while with the death scythe weapon they both have and Stephen gets the hang of it. It was simr to pole weapons but has a ded part to reap lives.

    shing with each other''s weapons that were making sparks when collided. They were all astonished at Stephen''s growth and he managed to be toe to toe with Death bane.

    He was impressed with Stephen and they all pped their hands.

    The next one to coach was Baggus. He taught him the skills he has like [Burning hands], [Fireball], [Mage armor], and, [Force field]. It was all basic and he doesn''t need to spar with him.

    He thought that Stephen was capable enough to spar with him. Having been said, he coached him on how to use it in all kinds of situations.

    Stephen knows how to make teleportation runes and can teleport without a problem, As he has been taught by him in the first ce.

    Next to teach him was, Arthras�Cthe Pdin. He specifically taught him [Durability], [Iron defense], [Elemental damages], andst, [Physical and Elemental shield].

    He patted his shoulders and smiled at him. He taught him that the Pdin was the master of buffs.

    Seeing how he withstand Snap''s attacks made him be excited a bit. It was a very tough job ss indeed.

    Also, he exined that this job ss was very tanky and strong. He then winked at him and left.

    Next to teach him was Snap, their Fighter.

    He first taught that Fighters were aggressive ones. A fighter doesn''t defend all the time and has to initiate the attacks.

    After then, he taught him his skills [Shattering strength], [Speed], [Gentle fist and Hard fist], andst, [Roundhouse kick and Axe kick].

    He even made a demo on how to use the skill and Stephen followed after him. Taking their time to practice their skills and Stephen was guided through and through.

    After he mastered it all, they rested for a while.

    His mother brought them a tray of baked cookies and a pitcher of orange juice.

    "Rest a bit, I have brought you all with a snack. Come dig in," Isabe said to them.

    Stephen brought their portable table outside and they have a snack.

    Resting while talking about how to improve themselves. It was three in the afternoon and the backyard was shaded with trees.

    They rested on its shade and the wind brushed their skin. Their hairs waved as they all were beingforted by the wind.

    They all were talking with each other and minutes passed with them talking.

    "Hey Frank, why are you the only one who''s not practising? You should hone your body too and get strong," asked Saber.

    "I will, when I see to it that you can all beat me," Frank said. They all chuckled at his remarks.

    "You better train now or you will be out leagued by us. You don''t want to be outssed right?" Baggus said to him.

    "Hehe! I will be the leader if I beat you Frank!" shouted Saber.

    The others were chuckling at him.

    "You still didn''t learn your lesson, do you?" said Frank at him.

    "Haha! You better train with us if you want to be stronger," Arthras said to him while smiling, eyes closed. Patting his shoulders.

    "Okay okay, I got it," Said Frank.

    "So let''s resume my training?" Stephen asked them.

    "Okay let''s go!" shouted Frank.

    "Hey Frank, How fast are you learning in your youth? I think Stephen is learning very fast, you think?" Baggus asked him.

    "Yeah, he was very fast on learning from us. I didn''t regret that I chose him to be our sessor," said Frank.

    Baggus tapped his shoulders and they went back on training him.

 Chapter 25 - Beginner Job Class Part 2

    They resumed the practice of Stephen. Even though it was hard to master it entirely, Stephen managed to at least pull off the skills he has to master.

    Now that they were the ones themselves that were teaching the job sses�Cthe heroes of Almaria, what could be the best masters in any way but themselves.

    With more hard work for Stephen, he will master it all in due time. The fact that he was learning them for the first time and get the gist of it was very impressive for the heroes themselves.

    The ones who will teach him were the remaining six heroes. They were waiting for their turn to share what they can for him to learn.

    Not an opportunity to let it pass by and waste it but a moment to treasure and get the most out of it. Learn from it with all you''ve got.

    Splinter offered to be the one to teach him first as he saw Stephen''s potential as an assassin.. He was very obliged to let him learn from him and it was because he saw his self on him.

    It was an opportunity to pass on their knowledge to him who saved them from being beggars.

    Starting with dagger handles, he taught Stephen to [Disarm] enemies. Also the other skills like [Conjure dagger], [Shadow cloak], [Reverse sh], and, [After image].

    After teaching him it all, it was all in Stephen''s hands to master it. Knowing that it was Stephen that they were talking about.

    Splinter then offered him to be taught with no one else but the one and only Maldor. The Ranger of the team.

    He grabbed two daggers and taught him dual wielding such weapons. Knowing Stephen, he was already familiar with it.

    He exined that Ranger was both dual wield users and a bow or crossbow user. He then taught him his skills [Dual wielder], [Rapid sh], [Rapid motion], andst was the [Forest blessing].

    With all of it on his arsenal, he will be a tough opponent to deal with in melee. It was only the melee skills of the Ranger.

    Not yet the ranged skills were taught but it will be a thing to learn in the future. He finished teaching him and the next ones to teach him will be the Ronin and Chaos Knight.

    First to approach him was Mistiban, their Chaos Knight. He approached him and handed him a wooden sword without making a sound.

    He then said to him with a loud voice that Chaos Knights has to be ruthless.

    They have Warrior arts, Chaos arts, Berserk arts, Dread arts, and, Dragonoid arts. He taught him his skills [Chaos aura], [Chaos breath], [Revenge], andst [Berserk].

    With it all added in his skills, he smiled like in a trance. He used the skills that he was taught and with Mistiban''s guidance, he was able to execute the skill properly.

    He managed to impress Mistiban with his unprecedented fast learning. He can only shake his head at how hard he master such skills in the past.

    Next was Shin, he introduced first his job ss as a swordsman that has no owner..

    Making them a ownerless swordsman. Now that he exined it, he showcased his swordsman skills one by one.

    From [Conjure armor] and [Draw sh] to [elerate] and [Multi sh]. He was the fastest in swordsmanshippared to the others and it made Stephen more eager to learn it from him.

    With learning one skill at a time, Stephen was able to execute it but not so fast in its speed. It was undesirable to Shin''s taste so he scolded him to be faster.

    More practice has to be made for him to achieve greater speed to be able to catch up with him.

    Thest two were the ones remaining to teach him. It was the Shapeshifters called Lycan and Druid.

    Saber volunteered to teach him first but he also knows that Stephen already knows some of the skills of the Lycans has.

    It was his [Shapeshift werewolf], [Beast call], and, [Beast aura]. The only skill hecks was [Fury]. So he taught him about it by transforming first to werewolves and used the skill.

    He also demonstrated the skill [Ravage dash], a skill of dashing and biting off the enemy. Making Stephen learn it.

    Now that they finished the demonstration, he also taught him how to make his [Beast aura] be a green stage. Making his stamina improve a lot.

    Last was he exined that the Beast aura has stages like first the white, green, yellow, blue, andst was red.

    He exined that the lowest was white which was making his senses heighten, his vision to see in the dark, his hearing and smell will detect far away enemies. Also making his reaction time to be faster.

    The next stage which was green that makes his stamina improve drastically. Next was yellow that results in toughening of the body, defence, and, resistances. The next stage was the blue which makes his strength and speed rose higher. Last was the red which results in the attacks to have life steal and mana steal resulting in longevity and greater life span.

    As his kindred, he was happy that such a person has possessing great abilities that came out from their tribe. It was a pleasure for him to be able to witness such potential.

    Moving on to the next one, it was Branmoor. Initially, he saw that Lycan skills were what fitted him.

    Teaching Druid skills to his rival shapeshifter, a Lycan, was not good to his taste. Even though it was not up to his liking, he was still indebted to Stephen so he chose to teach it to him.

    Starting from [Spirit armor] and [Summon vines] to [Summon Bear] and they went forth to [Shapeshift werebear] and after they transformed, [Hand m] was taught to him.

    With the Spirit and Nature element on his arsenal, it was like a smooth sailing ship in a calm sea.

    Anything from them was learned but more than that was a little bit too hasty when he will ask for more. He needs to master it first and when the right time hase, he will be having more skills to learn.

    "Wow, Stephen! You managed to learn them all in no time!" Frank said as he squeezed him in his armpits and rubbed his head.

    "Hey, I am getting drowsy a bit due to having low mana. It took the toll of learning them all in just half a day. My mana regeneration barely survived casting skills left and right. Hahaha," Stephen said to him while scratching his head.

    "We should go inside guys, it was getting dark. We need to prepare for food," Shin said to them.

    Isabe went to grab the hanged pork that Mark and Stephen have hunted before.

    It has its enzyme digested the meat and made its vour heighten. They chopped the meat and made it to dip in soy sauce and citrus juice with pepper powder mixed on it.

    It was sliced into thin pieces and skewered. They burned the charcoal and made a skewered pork for dinner.

    Isabe cooked rice and Stephen prepared the table beforehand. After they cooked the food, they ate with a smile on their faces. A lively family and a cosy home to live with.

 Chapter 26 - Time Scry

    Joan was getting curious about this boy''s life so he used his [irvoyance] once more apanied with [Time scry]. He discovered that this boy was peculiar and thus grabbed his curiosity.

    [Time scry]�Ca spell used to see the past doings for the person. Costs a lot of mana to maintain the spell.

    Joan saw in the imagery, a boy in his bedbed in his hair by his mother. Talking with each other while him getting to sleep.

    The room was dark and only a candle was in the the bedside. Flickering like a pulse while giving off light to the both of them.

    "The World of Almaria�Ca world of Monsters, Demons and Humans. Ever since then, the world was divided into two; The Demonnds and the Humannds. Humans fought wars with each other and they ravaged each other''snds.. Upon warring, their resources were depleted and wasted. Famine came and the soldiers were exhausted. While they were all suffering, the Demon lords came to rise and grown in power. Attacking all thends with all their forces. Many were in and thus retreated to Tirad pass. The Heroes sacrificed themselves to make a barrier, stopping the dark forces at bay. Now that they survived, they made a Kingdom and they were now called Almarians. Having a hundred years of peace, they became sessful in many ways. Their peace was sufficient for them to grow but it will not be for long."

    This was the story of Stephen''s mother always tell him during bedtime before he fell asleep. About the horror of the past that their grandfather''s failed to forget.

    The Mages, Lycans, Druids, Necromancers, Knights, Assassins, Rangers, Pdins, Ronins, and Fighters take refuge in Almaria kingdom, as well as themoners and the nobles.

    The Peacetime was nearing its end because there were cracks at the barrier and the Knights were assigned to patrol at the Kingdoms'' vicinity to eradicate the enemies.

    Meanwhile at Stephen''s house.

    "Good morning Stephen Burg!" His mom said to him when he woke up early in the morning.

    "You need to prepare for school!" His mom shouted while mming the pillow on his face.

    "Yes, Mom!" He replied as he hurriedly climbs down the stairs.

    He took a bath beside the well of their house. He felt the chill of the icy water that early morning.

    After he took a bath, he went inside and wiped himself with a towel then dressed in his clothes. He has a mini-training ground built by his father for him to train in the backyard.

    He stretches first followed by push-ups, sit-ups, jog, and weighted punches with weights on his arms.

    Then he executed one thousand random shes on the training dummy followed by sideways side jumps.

    With these pieces of training made by his father, he became a confident person.

    Not to mention his skills to adapt faster and learn faster among his generation since elementary.

    After his daily training, he healed himself with a skill taught by his father�CDous Burg.

    He healed himself as he cast [Minor Heal].

    [Minor Heal] - a skill used to heal minor injuries especially fatigue and torn muscles. Effective as an after-exercise remedy in all body aches.

    This was the only skill he learned taught by his father but made him this strong, for he knows that his body will always be repaired.

    Stephen changed his clothes as he climbed down to eat. His mother packed his lunch after he finished eating.

    "This is your backpack and lunch, go home early okay!" His mother said as she kissed him on his cheeks.

    "Yes, Mom!" Stephen replied.

    As he walks to school, he constantly hears gossips about the weakening of the barrier.

    ''The peacetime will notst forever. I should get stronger as time goes by.'' Stephen said in his mind.

    He walks to the school, meeting other students. Whether they were nobles, farmers'' son, or amoner, they were free to go to school because the kingdom was short of soldiers to defend.

    His grandfather was a retired Mage at the Mage Academy and his uncle Dante was a Protector Knight that wields a shield and his favorite weapon was mace or hammer.

    While his other uncle-An Burg was a Pdin of the Royal family that uses two-handed swords.

    His two uncles wanted him to train in heavy lifting.

    [Heavy lifting] - a passive skill that lets him lift and swing heavy weapons like hammer and maces including two-handed swords.

    He thought that his body will be torn apart lifting and swinging, but luckily he has the skill [Minor heal], his only skill so far that helped him be at ease.

    He has pieces of training from them since childhood and maybe can be a squire. But he was still not an official student of the academy.

    Stephen was a 13-year-old student that will go to high school and at that time he will have an aptitude test on which sses he''s capable of after graduation.

    After he graduates from high school, he will be given a chance to train on job sses in college depended on what he excelled at.

    There were many sses that he can pick. The Brawler sses like Chaos Knight, Fighter, and, Ronin. The Durable sses like Holy Knight and Pdin. Agile sses like Rogue and Ranger. Magical sses like Mage and Necromancer. Last were the Shapeshifter sses like Lycans and Druids.

    The basic skills were taught in high school and his job ss depended on what he will excel at in high school, which will be his job ss at college.

    Meanwhile, advanced skills were thought in college.

    Many survivor ns took refuge at the Almaria kingdom to escape the horde of dark forces.

    The kingdom was independent and has vastnd that was covered by walls. The dark forces seemed to affect thends which were why the Fallen kingdoms were abandoned and ns took refuge at Almaria kingdom.

    Here, they allied to destroy the darknds and reconquer the lost kingdoms.

    The Almaria kingdom was protected by the mountain ranges and the only way to enter was through the Tirad pass, which was sealed by the heroes one hundred years from the past.

    The Alliance of Mages, Holy Knights, Chaos Knights, Rangers, Rogues, and Ronins then formed an Academy but the Druids, Lycans, and the Necromancers were elusive and they teach only their skills to their young ones in secrecy.

    After they thought of them, they let them enter the Academy by winning theiring of age ceremony.

    As he passed by at the market, he observed that the sellers and customers were enjoying their talk with each other.

    Stephen was observing them, intrigued by their chatter when someone in the crowd shouted.

    "They''re here! They areing! It''s the Eagle corps"

    As Stephen hurriedly walked and made his pace faster, he saw a brigade of Knights apanied by mixed parties that sessfully recovered the Navasca Fort. Just outside the Tirad pass.

    They left some people in the Garrison and will be aided with assistance and food weekly.

    The people cheered to them as they waved their hands.

    He pushes himself to the crowd to see a better view because he''s so small.

    He waved his hands as he saw his father at the parade.

    His father did saw him too as well at the thick crowd and Stephen smiled with pride as he clenched his fist and put it on his chest making a salute-like posture.

    He nearly forgot that he was going to school so he turned back and went to school running.

 Chapter 27 - Training

    Joan scried Stephen for many and many hours. It was time to proceed to the job for this day.

    Even though looking at Stephen''s private life was a bit intrusive, he still wanted to find out why he was chosen to be the next inheritor of their legacy.

    "They finally found the one to inherit them. I could only be jealous of Stephen. He found my precious students and saved them. Not all of the children in these times are like him. I can only apud his kindness and it resulted in him being picked."

    Joan then ended the [irvoyance] and [Time Scry]. For him, it was like days that he watched Stephen but it was only a matter of hours.

    The wind that was encircling finally ceased to rotate in his surroundings.. The small ball of imagery burst but it was not damaging.

    Only the air popped like a balloon and it made his hands be swayed a bit. Making him smirk on the process.

    He scanned the surroundings and the sun has risen high. The mountains were staring back at him as he looked at its grandeur.

    Birds were passing by at their tops and cows were herded at the vicinity, horses too. Just a few kilometers from where he stands.

    Joan inhaled arge amount of air as he realized he needs to train the younglings of their vige. He wondered why he gets sidetracked a bit for hours and it only made him waste time for a bit.

    As he prepared for the training, he touched his bow and nned for them to create their own. Not wanting them to just rely on his bow to train and it will only make the othersze around.

    Walking for several minutes on the dirt road, he whistled while his two hands were in his nape.

    Several houses were passed by and some of them were run-down. Several ones were still smoking in their chimneys that were made of y. Walls were made of wood though and they have no money to buy bricks for it.

    The rest were wood especially the roofs. They have fences that were made of lumbers attached to each other and some birds were perching on the top.

    Staring at him while chirping then hopped three times. Many house birds were seen in the wooden fence and he was pecked by one of them.

    Immediately, he felt his blood boil and he can feel veins popping out of his head. Shooing them on the process as Joan was deeply annoyed by it.

    He walks for several minutes more and saw many hills that he passed through. He stared at the swaying wheat that was ripe enough to be harvested.

    He also saw that many farmers were starting to harvest the ripe wheat with sickle to cut the nt. Attired with a straw hat and long sleeves for protection from the heat of the sun.

    He can see his father up ahead that was also busy reaping the harvest. Not wanting to disturb him, he only stared at him in the distance.

    Just up ahead, he saw the prospect trainees for the day. Some of them already have a bow and some arrows with them.

    "Hey, Joan! Why are you sote?" Kendrick shouted in the distance. Waving his hands in his direction.

    Some of them were already in the mood to be trained and some were just sitting there in the wooden fence. Lazying around while kicking rocks.

    Joan approached them with more haste to calm their already exciting selves. Not wanting to be aughing stock and being a bad example for them.

    Being called tardy was not in his mind but it was for the best to not do it again. He went on his way and cracked his neck left and right.

    Flipping his hood and his robes to make them swayed by the wind. Soon, he arrived and unpacked his arrows and bow from his body that weighs several kilograms. The bow itself was heavy so he hurried to ce it to the ground and told them to gather around.

    They encircled themselves and some of them were holding bows. There were only three of them who has the required weapon.

    The ce was a vacant spot that has fences. A ce of their headquarters or lets say their turf. A dirt ground with some hay just all over the ce and a fire pit encircled with stones at the center of their turf.

    The others just coughed at him as he instructed them.

    "Okay for today, I will teach you all how to hunt, properly. And I hope you will all learn from me. So be attentive when I am giving instructions. You will not survive and hunt properly if you were not listening well. Now, for the time being, I will slowly teach you all the basics." Joan said to them.

    Kendrick raised his hands as he has questions for him.

    "Say, master, we will be having a training for this meantime but can you tell me what training to be exact?" Kendrick asked him. Not sure whether his question helped or not for the rest of the team.

    Joan was surprised as he was asked his vital question. Thinking that it will rify what they will do in the meantime.

    Joan then scanned his mind if he will be going to train them without mercy or just hunting. Whether they will pass his standards, then he will maybe teach them Ranger skills.

    Not wanting on raising a tiger to prey on him someday was what caused him hesitant of teaching them fully.

    Not all can do much like him but he will be observing them in the meantime.

    "Okay, I will tell you what I will teach. Let''s start with the bow. I wanted you to create your bows for hunting. I don''t want you to share bows every time you met a prey so it should be a one to one ratio," Joan said to them.

    Immediately, the ten of them all collected hardwoods that were curved by the heating process of the fire just in front of them. Being strewn by a curled cloth as a bowstring.

    Joan tested its durability and they were good enough. Even though they were just newbies in making it, they managed to create it for themselves with the help of Joan.

    They went on crafting arrows from sticks and feathers of chickens. Also putting the tip of the arrow with sharp metal. Well, not all have a metallic tip as it was very scarce to have such metal.

    They can only have wooden arrows in the meantime but they will only be useful for hunting and not killing monsters.

    Joan was impressed with their ability to catch up with his lessons and so, he taught them how to fire a bow.

    "That would be good bows but I also needed you to be excellent in firing it. Not that I expect much from the ones who didn''t wield it before but I will surely make sure to teach you well." Joan said then made an example for them to see.

    Knocking the arrow on the bow then drawing the bowstring while holding the arrow on it. Releasing it after a few seconds.

    It was a good example but they needed to figure it out themselves. So starting from Kendrick, then to Mark, then to Sebastian, to dden, to Ian, Eman, Ben, John, Robert andst, Alex.

    All have their time firing at the makeshift dummy that has a target on its face. Colored by a dye, encircled to be a target. Hay was all over its body as it was easy to make one with clothes stuffed inside it.

    All have their share of firing at it and was substituting every time they fired. Some of them were hasty for their turn and Joan can onlyugh at them. Ben and John were bickering who was better between them. Joan can only smile at the process when they all have fun.

    They were also fixing the dummy after a few shots at it. John was the one who wipes off the dust on its clothe and already named the dummy with the same name as his. Hugging it sometimes as he loved it to be fired at.

    Ben can only sigh at his predicament and wanted to tease him a bit.

    Later on, Joan then taught them how to survive in the forest. The do''s and don''ts in the forest as well as pathfinding and tracking. The monsters to avoid and the edible foods in the forest itself.

    They all finished the seminar of Joan and felt more knowledgeable than before.

 Chapter 28 - Hunting

    It was their daily routine of meeting on their turf to train and it was very lively in that part of the vige.

    Bickering kids were what covered the surrounding as they have a small contest on the best archer among them.

    These kids were making Joan think of the past heroes. Having a shred of innocence in them while still wet on their ears.

    Having been told, they were still learning and was having fun at that. Eman was on his turn and so he drew the bow with an arrow tucked on it. .

    Firing it to the dummy but missing the target. He was smacked by Kendrick behind his head after doing so.

    "You should be better than this Eman! I think you should loosen up and focus!" Kendrick said then tapped his shoulders.

    Eman did as he was told and then fired it to the dummy. Nearly taking a miss but barely able to hit the target. Making the arrow hang on the clothing of the dummy.

    "Dang it Eman! You should practice more!" Kendrick said to him.

    Kendrick substituted him for the time being and fired at the target. To Joan''s surprise, he was able to hit the mark at the center. Kendrick stared at Joan after making a sessful hit.

    Joan can only nod at him as he went on. Joan proceeded to the other groups who were tasked with making makeshift arrows. Made of wood and doesn''t have an arrowhead on its tip.

    He casually talks about the hunts of the past Joan and shared his experiences. Even telling them about the man-eating tiger that he killed.

    "Wow! So you killed a monster already? That is so like you master!" Ben said to him while holding an arrow.

    "I killed him when I fired seven arrows and two went to his eyes. Making its sight unusable. Grabbing the arrows then stabbed it to its neck down towards its spine!" Joan said to them like a storyteller.

    Also motioning like a renowned hero of some sort.

    All of them can only be looking at him in awe.

    Joan then assembled them and lets them practice on the hunt. Making them pair with each other to have a team of five. The other one was the support or lookout and the other one was the hunter. They can both switch sides if they want to depend on the situation they were in.

    The other one can be the pathfinder or tracker if he has the skills but they were all taught how to do it. Yet again, they have to learn in the actual real-life scenarios of their own experiences.

    He assembled the team and so he paired them.

    Kendrick was paired with Eman, Ben to dden, Ian to John, Sebastian to Mark and,st Robert and Alex.

    "You will cover each other''s backs when a monster will appear. Remember not to engage if it was stronger than you and you can call me if it was an emergency. Just fire this whistling arrow if you are in deep trouble," Joan said to them while giving arrows with a whistle on its tip.

    They soon tarried towards the forest of Begonia. Right next to their Begonia vige. Walking together with them, they altogether cheered each other.

    "I will hunt the best deer if I will found one!" Said Kendrick to them.

    "Nah, I don''t want venison but pork! Boar meat might suffice my stomach!" Alex said to them while caressing his tummy.

    They paved the hilly dirt road. Making them go up and down several times to reach their destination.

    Just up ahead, they saw trees outgrown for many centuries old and was enveloping the forest floor with its shade. The smell of the air inside was clean and the wind was howling every time it collides with the gigantic trunks of the trees.

    Tiny ferns and undergrowth were sticking on the bark of the trees as they stared and carefully look at it.

    They stared at the forest and the forest stared back at them. Joan breathed in and breathed out before leading them inside the forest.

    Alex gulped a handful of saliva before entering. Others were also nervous as they were entering the forest for the first time around. It was unnerving for them as they remembered that this forest has monsters in it.

    Even though it was unsettling, they regained back to their senses as they saw the back of their leader. It was a back of dependable person for them. In the past, they only saw Joan as having a timid attitude but brave. They didn''t imagine him to change drastically to the point of him being their new leader.

    It made Kendrick see him as a entire new person. Not fighting back was one reason in the past that made him bully him for many years but it changed just recently. He can only sigh at their predicament as he was helpless when they exchanged blows.

    It was very nostalgic for Kendrick when he was stomping his head in the past and made him wonder what happened to him just recently.

    It was very mind-blowing to him when he was battered instead.

    Just entering the forest, Joan immediately instructed them to split into five teams like what was their n. Not wanting for the two teams to bicker when they found prey and fight over for it.

    Knowing this, Joan divided them into groups. It will be a split effort so more prey will be hunted as they have a higher span of hunting ground.

    They split themselves as they went in different directions. Joan climbed a tree and perched at the top of it.

    Like a bird resting its weary wings, he was sitting there to take a good watch at them.

    He used his skill [irvoyance] and the air around him gathered in his palm. It rotated and produced imagery of the teams he was managing.

    Joan was silently observing them using [irvoyance] at the top of the tree just at the entrance of the forest. Silently watching and wille to their aid when needed.

    Looking at them, he saw that the teams were good at sneaking for their prey.

    Kendrick and Eman was a good matchup as they were covering their backs efficiently. Not wanting for a monster to let them attack their backs unprepared.

    Others were also having a good time and hunted a deer for themselves. As Kendrick wanted, he saw a boar that was eating dropped apples in the apple tree nearby.

    He shushed Eman to keep quiet as he was about to speak. Making him stay low while sneaking for the animal.

    Just a few momentster, Kendrick draws the bow with an arrow on it and fired it at the animal.

    It was struck in its head but it was still alive and dashed deeper in the forest.

    "Run Eman! We need to chase it!" Kendrick almost shouted at him.

    Chasing their prey as they saw it escaping. Eman saw its blood trails as Eman was more adept when ites to tracking and pathfinding. Contrary to Kendrick who was adept at firing an arrow.

    They chased it and Eman pinpointed the direction of the prey. It was trashing all over and was squealing as it was hurt.

    Kendrickunched his second arrow and he aimed it to his head again. It was hit again with a bullseye on the forehead and thus it ended up its pitiful life.

    Piercing its thick hide as itnded on its head. Making it squeak for thest time.

    "Yes! I did it! I killed one! Now Eman! Go and fetch it!" Said Kendrick to Eman.

    Eman instantly killed the boar with his knife and carried it towards the vige. Finding one was so good for them and rewarding. Cheering themselves as they saw each other at the entrance of the forest where Joan was waiting for them.

 Chapter 29 - Good Day

    The new hunters were rejoicing in their first hunt. They were all in good mood as they shared proudly their techniques of how to capture their prey. Kendrick was one of them.

    He proudly said that he didn''t miss his first shot to his target and so he smacked Eman on his back. Others too were smiling on their deer that was hanging limply on their backs.

    They assembled at the forest entrance and waited for the others to arrive. Ben and dden arrived with their hunted hares. Three were hanging on their backs. Both of them carried three on their shoulders.

    Ian and John arrived a little bitte with a deer. A male one to be exact and its horn were protruding. Ian giggled as he let them see his majestic prize on the hunt.. Pointing at it when he looked at Joan.

    Sebastian and Mark also hunted wild geese. Two were hanging on their shoulders as it was still alive.

    Honking at them when they were talking. Forcing itself to p its wings while being tied. Sebastian can only spank it on the head but still, it was not helping.

    Robert and Alex arrived too and they were carrying wild ducks. All of them felt proud of what they did at that moment and felt aplished despite they were still newbies.

    Joan was very happy for them. He was the happiest among all of them for sure. To celebrate for that moment, he cheered them and congratted each one of them.

    "You are all now full-fledged hunters! I am very proud of you. At least to say, I am very happy to see that you all grown to be much more than I expected. After all those training, you all incorporated my teachings and you have done well! Let''s go home and be happy! I am sure your parents were the proudest of what you have aplished!" Joan said to them and they went on towards the vige.

    They went back to the vige themselves with their belongings. With their hunt, it will be sure served as food for their tables. Joan and the others paved the path of the hilly dirt road towards their turf.

    They arrived and Joan dismissed them. They went home with a goodbye. He was excited to go home for the time being.

    Seeing from afar, where the harvesting farmers just finished their reaping, soon saw his father going home. The harvest was a sess and they were now delivering their reaped wheat to the milling windmill.

    Traversing the path towards their home, the gentle breeze was soothing his skin and was cooling his tired self. Even though he was just observing them for a while, it took his focus and willpower to observe the five teams for hours at the same time.

    Exhausting his mana well for that tiresome observation, he drank a handful of water from his water canteen. Wiping his sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand. Whistling till he arrived at their home sweet home.

    His mother was just outside their house, waiting for his return at their table and sat just outside the window of their small humble home.

    "Son! You came back! Are you tired? Let me cook you a porridge! Are you hungry?" She said with a smile while caressing his cheeks.

    Joan can only sigh at his mother''s mood. She was very happy to see her son return home again. As for their father, he arrived sooner as they finished harvesting the wheat on the west side of the farm. As for the east, they will harvest it tomorrow.

    Joan prepared the vegetables on their table to prepare for the porridge. With meat already boiled on the fire pit, they will only add the vegetables this time.

    Joan helped her until the food was thoroughly cooked. Talking while they waited for the food to simmer.

    "Mom, today, we hunted many animals with my friends. From boar, wild geese, wild ducks, hares, deers, we hunted them all! The other kids have a knack for hunting and I didn''t know they were good at it. They might be having food for their table now." Joan said to his mom.

    Anna was perplexed as she heard the news of her son. It was good news for her especially the kids who were good for nothing became hunters. Adding to her joy as they have now a hunting party in the vige to supply the meat in their homes.

    It was due to her son that they changed and it made her mother proud of him. Deeply proud of her legacy.

    "Wow! Son! I am really, deeply proud of what you''ve done for them. Making them stand for themselves and teaching them how to hunt. I will tell this to your father and he will be joyous of your news!" Anna said then pinched his cheeks.

    "About your enrollment on the academy. Make sure you prepare for it and enrol on this enrollment. I will save money just in case, okay? We don''t have much but promise me you will fulfil your dreams. Be a Ranger or anything that you want. Your father and I will always support you all the way. Okay? Now let''s eat as your father will arrive soon." Anna said then prepared the table.

    Starting from the wooden utensils arranged on the wooden table. Cups made of wood ced beside the tes and the hot pot ced on the table with a metal stand to perch on.

    The pot was still sizzling hot as they waited for their father to arrive. Soon after, the horse-drawn carriage arrived with his father whistling while sitting on the driver seat.

    Joan went outside and greeted his father with a wee. He saw his son thus he caressed his head. Having a good mood when he arrived at their home.

    "Wee home dear, let''s eat inside. We cooked you a porridge," Anna said notifying him toe in.

    "Ah, just in the right time. I am hungry and so let''s eat together. We will be having a good meal with us as I can see the end of our struggles," John said to the two of them.

    They entered the house and seated at their respective seats. Joan was hungry by the time he exhausted his mana and it was the right time to eat too. He can only giggle as he can''t wait for the time to start eating.

    "Okay let''s eat but let''s pray first," John said to them.

    They were silent and so they ate to fill their hungry stomachs. Joan can taste the pork''s meat as he ate a chunk of it. Some potatoes and carrots were served to his mouth and ate his fill.

    While they were eating, Anna talked about Joan''s new hunting party that he trained himself. John can only be in awe of his son''s aplishments. Now, he felt that his son bing a Ranger will not be too far fetched for him to achieve his dreams.

    John talked too about his story for that day. They harvested sessfully the wheat on the west side and will be on the east side tomorrow. They will have something left if they can pay the lord of their realm of thest year''s failure.

    It will be enough for them to have something to spare for Joan''s schooling this enrollment. Joan on the contrary was not expecting that much as he saw their predicament. He only suggested saving the money for themselves and he will find his way to enrol this school year.

    They were talking until they finished the porridge. Joan felt burdened as he saw his family''s predicament. He didn''t want his parents to have a problem with his schooling and so he nned to be a schr. Achieving it was also very hard as you will be contested with the other students. Also being picked by the Job ss Directors was one way but it was harder to reach it.

    But it will be nned out, he sure was a grandmaster in the past and if he can surprise the Directors, then it will be a one-way ticket to the schrship.

    Remembering also that he mastered it all in the past made him smirk in the process.

 Chapter 31 - Raiders

    Joan was on his high horse as he felt very agitated about what they''ve done. Landing on the ground, he stomped his feet that made the ground shook.

    Setting aside his own life for revenge was what made him do selfish things at that point. To the point of killing the enemies.

    If he will ask himself why he will kill those bandits, it was of pure hatred. These bandits will more or less ughter them one way or another. Just to make sure that they will not reach the vigers first, Joan confronted them head-on.

    Taking mercy on the enemies was pure foolishness for his part. If he will ask himself, he doesn''t need a merciful heart at this point. These bandits were just doing what they could to live and feed their families. But sadly, Joan was not in the mood to listen to such excuses. .

    He needs to do what he can and save the vigers of Begonia vige. Armed with his wooden sword, he paved the road towards the enemies, solitarily.

    Whether he will be alive or not, it will be a bloodbath before he will calm himself.

    Dashing while his sword was sheathed on the scabbard, he dashed with speed towards them. Hurling the dirt as he steps on the ground. Propelling himself with all his strength to dash towards them. He imagined that the enemies were not newbie also so letting his guard down will only make himself in grave danger.

    Dashing towards them, he was seen by the enemies approaching them.

    "Look! A kid! Hahaha! You will be dead soon! Come here!" Shouted one of the bandits who was carrying an axe in his hands.

    They charged at himughing and excited to butcher him to pieces. Licking their lips in pure excitement.

    Joan can only curse at their reactions, one thing that he hates was his beingughed upon and underestimated. Thinking it was long ago since he was pissed off like that.

    Imagining what job ss he will use, he chose the Pdin Job ss. It was what he needed for his weapon wooden sword.

    He cast his skill [Iron defence] and [Durability] to have a small buff on his self and his weapon. Not wanting his weapon to break as he carefully crafted it with patience.

    Well, not for that moment of course but as a practice weapon. He can only pray that his weapon will hold out for long.

    [Iron defence]�Ca buff skill making his body as hard as iron.

    [Durable]�Cincreasing the durability of the item that was cast upon.

    Upon theirughs, he clenched his teeth and tightened his grip on his sword. Heunched his self towards them and have a brawl with them.

    The enemies attacked him with their weapons. Three already surrounded him, all were wielding axes. Swinging at him with all their might. Joan evaded their attacks with all he got and their attacks were all hasty. Not wanting him to evade their strikes.

    "We three got this kid! Go to the vige and pige everything!" Shouted the one who made Joan upied.

    The three who upied him were distracted a bit and when they stared where Joan was. He disappeared without a trace. Joan propelled in the air and they saw him up above them.

    Hended on their backs and so Joan smashed the three of them in just a second in the nape. Not wanting them to have their way. They all went down to the ground mming their head in the dirt.

    The other Bandits were now getting away so Joan dashed towards them.

    "Kill everything that moves! Except for women! We will enjoy first before ending their lives! Hahaha!" Shouted their leader.

    Having a crown of a skull and a deer''s horn signified that he was their leader. They charged at the vige entrance which has a tower of solitary guard within it.

    "Bandits! They are approaching!" He screamed to alert the vigers which were panicking.

    Further sounding the rm bells with all his might. The vigers who were putting out the fire were split. Not knowing what to prioritise, they armed themselves with pitchforks and the others were carrying buckets of water.

    Joan dashed towards the enemies with all his might. Stepping harder each time he gets closer and closer. Some stones were hurled and dirt apanied with dust. It was thrown every time he steps.

    He cast his Pdin skill [Elemental damages] and [Physical and Elemental Shield] then jumped towards the fray.

    [Elemental Damages]�Cimbuing the weapon with Fire, Ice, Poison, and, Electric damages. While the Earth damage makes the weapon harder and heavier, the wind damage makes the sword release wind as he swings it. The elemental damages were triggered at random chance.

    [Physical and Elemental Shield]�Chis skill that blocks the physical and elemental damages to a certain degree.

    Bang!

    He smashed his wooden sword to the ground and dirt was all over the ce. The Elemental damage was triggered and it chosen the Earth element. Due to the effects of the Earth damage that caused the weapon to he heavier than normal, the bandits were in disarray and jolted in their surprise.

    They surrounded the ce where they were attacked. Wanting to show that they were not afraid of it.

    From the dust, emerged a boy who was carrying a wooden sword in his hands. Blue haired and fierce, it was what they can only utter in their minds.

    "A kid! The kid that we met recently!" Their leader can only shout in utter disbelief.

    Joan then didn''t waste their time looking at him and initiated his attack. Heunched forward in the nearest enemy and smashed their faces with his sword without mercy.

    Teeth were flung from their mouths as he battered them without reserve. He also rotated and kicked the enemy in his front with a roundhouse kick. Making him flung towards the others.

    "You! What are you!? How can a vige like this has a strong kid like you?" Shouted their leader.

    "It was just a coincidence, bad news for all of you," Joan spoke and then dashed towards them.

    Some of themunched their attack towards him. Throwing their axes at him. A throwing axe that can be very deadly when it sessfully hits you.

    He saw three axes were propelled towards him and he prepared his sword.

    Swatting them with his sword and sessfully redirected one to them. One was hit in the forehead and went limp afterwards.

    The others jolted and were infuriated by what he has done. They became more fierce and so they all flooded him. Wanting him to end his life in pure anger.

 Chapter 33 - Rain

    A man in robes was in the hills. Standing with his staff lifted in the sky as the rain poured.

    He called forth rain with his skill [Rain] to water the wheat fields. Putting out the fire with just his skill that has reached master level.

    This man was in his robes and white hair was seen even though he covered his head with a hood. Thinking of finding the one who was seen battled the bandits while solitary.

    He just barely saw the glimpse power of this young man as he can feel a great aura from him.

    "This kid is the one in the prophecy. I must fulfil my role as his guide and follow themand of the God of Angels. I am following that great aura for days and I hope he is the one that I am finding. Oh, what a young fellow to carry such burden.. He will face greater trials as he lives here in this world. I must anoint him before it was toote!" He said as he leaned on his staff.

    Descending on the hills with his failing strength due to being old and the rain still poured for several minutes.

    Putting off the fire in the field and giving water to the nts in the wheat fields.

    Joan thought that it was beyond salvage but saved almost half of the field. It was very disappointing on his part as he can''t cast huge spells at the moment. Only has the beginner job sses at the moment.

    Unlocking the Adept Job sses requires greater mana well as it has greater mana consumption. The next stage of Job ss was the Advanced then Master, Grandmaster, Legendary then Mythical.

    Ascending to Mythical was also unlocking the longevity that will make your lifespan extended. Of course, Joan didn''t reach it as he was cursed in the past which made him disappointed in his self.

    Last was Godhood but it was impossible as you need to have no beginning and no end. The Alpha and Omega.

    Joan was a man and he was in no way a God in any sense. But he can attain longevity this time around if he can reach Mythical ss.

    Joan was in the hills and he was enjoying the rain pouring on his skin. Blood seemed to trail as the water eroded from the bodies of his enemies.

    He stared at the bodies and felt that it was time to descend the hill he was onto. Stepping at the grass, he can hear the water stter as he stepped on it. Walking calmly as he descends the hill.

    The air in the hills seemed colder as he felt the temperature drop when the rain poured. Chilly breath was emitted from his mouth and he can''t help himself to stutter even though he was not saying anything.

    His mouth was grinding his teeth and was rubbing back and forth when he felt the cold.

    His clothes were tattered on the process and no cuts were seen from his skin. The very rough defence was what made the Pdin dominate when ites to toughness.

    For Joan, he can switch to Job sses anytime when he wanted to but the buffs were still active even though he will switch to another. Making his buffs stack with the other buffs from the other Job sses.

    He paved the path and the vige tower was empty. The other vigers saw him and they praised his victory.

    They seemed to watch him when he fought them and so many cheered him when they saw him.

    Paving the dirt road that soon became muddy due to the rain, he was soaked wet from head to toe. Not minding his wet self, he entered his house and his mother immediately attended to him.

    "Son! Your mother was very proud of you! I saw how you beat the bandits solitarily and you saved us! I will make you have a hot bath. It was the least that I can do for the hero of the vige. At least he will not catch a cold," She said then pinched him on the cheeks.

    "Thanks, mom! I will take a bath then," Joan said then took a bath.

    Changing his clothes into a brown shirt and pants.

    The rain still poured and his father arrived sooner than they thought. With his horse neighing outside, it was certainly him.

    "Joan! Where is Joan!?" He hastily said as he arrived. Entering the house with a shout.

    "He finished taking a bath dear." Said Anna.

    Joan then approached him, leaving his room. He was then hugged by his father and tears were seen in his eyes.

    "I am very proud of you son! You certainly are a big boy now. You save us vigers from the bandits and I saw it too! Hahaha," heughed hysterically, mixed emotion of happiness and concerns.

    He didn''t thought that his son was so strong that he can solitarily kill bandits at his age.

    "Dad, I can do that! But I am sorry for the wheat fields, I can''t put out the fire," Joan said sadly.

    "Oh, don''t worry about it. The rain did its part and so are you. Now let''s have a chicken for supper. The vige elder sincerely gave his thanks to you. He can''t repay you in anyways but he will surely repay you someday." John said to him.

    "Nah, don''t mention it. I am a viger too here so I am doing my part. Say dad, how about we make the chicken into a soup. The weather is cold so it will be good to sip something right?" Joan said to him.

    "Hahaha! You are right my boy! Let''s cook it!" John said then caressed his hair.

    They went to prepare the chicken for a soup and cooked it. Joan prepared the spices and then his mother boiled water.

    His father stir-fried the spices in the oil and added the chicken cuts. Adding water to the cuts when they were semi brown and boiled them with lemongrass.

    Waiting for an hour to cook the food and his father tasted it. Giving Joan a thumbs up then let it simmer.

    Serving the food on their table and they sat in their respective seats.

    "So son, the vige elder was indebted to you and he suggested to me that he will make a rmendation to the Academy. He knew the principal of the Academy as he was his brother. He can only make a letter to the Academy to have a schrship," John said then gave him his letter.

    A letter was given and was sealed by wax and pressed with the elder''s seal. Joan received it with dness as he can reach his goal a step higher.

    "Please say my thanks to the vige elder dad," Joan said to him.

    "No son, it was him to say that. It was the least he can do to the saviour of the vige. The one-man army kid who soloed the bandits? Haha, they even have that impression on you!" John said to him.

    "Pft! They were exaggerated! Now now, let''s eat or the food will go cold." Joan said to them.

    They ate the chicken soup and sipped the broth. Warming their stomach while the rain still poured.

    Thinking about it, Joan tasted the soup and it was savory. A time well spent while the temperature was cold outside. It was not bad to rest for a while after that kind of battle.

    While he was on it, he also thought that it was the first time that he killed a person here in this world. He also thought that it was not bad to receive favors to the ones who will help. Making him sigh as he felt that this day was sure tiring.

 Chapter 35 - Blood Sacrifice

    In the crypt of where the Lord of Affliction was sealed. Many guards wereying on the floor, bloody and some were headless. Heads disyed on the front door being hanged in a tree.

    A pool of blood was what painted the floor and some were sprayed on the walls of the crypt.

    In the depts of the crypt,y the ce where the Lord of Affliction was sealed.

    Many red-robed cultists were scouring the ce and many vigers were being dragged inside.

    They soon find out where the ce where they were finding and saw that the seal was in the deepest parts of the crypt.

    They saw that the sealing method of the past heroes was by the way of giving their lives to seal the Lord of Affliction. Turning themselves to stones while guarding eternally the crypt. .

    Even though they sacrificed their lives, the crypt was finally liberated by the cultist.

    Preparing for unsealing the seal, they started to make preparations to unseal the Lord of Affliction by sacrificing innocent lives.

    Torches were burning in the walls and the heroes'' statues were what was on the door. Guarding it with their bodies made of stones.

    They desecrated the statues by pouring blood on them and made them horrifying to look at. Chanting devil''snguage while pouring the blood of their victims.

    They will be unpetrified when they started unsealing the door but by pouring out the blood at them, they will not be awakened.

    In the dark foreboding night, stood a man in the altar with symbols made of blood.

    A star-shaped made of blood painted the floor and blood scattered on the floor of the dungeon.

    Red robed cultists stood at the back and held the viger''s captives. Tied in their arms and blindfolded with cloth on their eyes. Some were struggling and some were crying. Kids were also not spared in their bindings.

    There was a door sealed with runes but it was reced with the markings of the beast. A goat head was painted in the seal and a bowl of blood was in its foothold.

    They were chanting unutterable sounds that were thenguage of the devils. The head priest was on the sacrificial altar and was holding his sacrificial dagger.

    Markings of the devilnguage were in its de and were glowing in red.

    "Bring me the child, " He said in a low voice but pitchy. Lending his hand to his followers.

    He immediately heard a screaming from his parents. They were aggrieved after they heard him said those lines.

    "Don''t do that! Spare the child! Let me be sacrificed instead!" Shouted the father.

    "Please not my child! She was still five!" Her mother shouted with tears flowing in her eyes.

    The Cult priest shushed them and smiled. He approached them and lifted their heads by touching their chin.

    "That was your child? Don''t worry, no will be spared. So was you! Hahaha! So shut up and watch her in herst moments," The priest leader said to them then he went to the altar.

    He went to tie the child on the altar they made and they started their chant again.

    The parents bellowed with all they got but the leader was deaf to their scream.

    "Mama, I am scared!" She said pitifully.

    The leader then inhaled great amounts of air and was like in a trance. Seemingly closing his eyes and opened wide his arms while holding the ceremonial knife in his hands.

    "By the blood of the innocent, he will be revived! By the blood of the innocent, he will rise! By the blood of the innocent, he will be unsealed! Calling forth your name! Lord of Affliction! Dn!"

    The priest leader shouted and the seal pulsated. Stabbing the girl in the womb and her blood floated in the air. Went to the seal and corroded it with her blood.

    They all went louder in their chant and the others were screaming. Other cultists were crying and some were rolling in the ground. Some were having an epileptic stroke while on the floor. Shaking their bodies like being possessed.

    The seal weakened and was corroded with the blood. Making the door open. Stopping the flow of the air and all were bathed in his presence. They can''t breathe in the process and their bodies were shuddering.

    From there appeared the demon they were waiting for for so long. Skin was leathery and balck. The horns of a bull were in his head and his spine was protruding thorns. His head was of a dragon and his tail was of a snake.

    He exited the door and screamed like a tyrant.

    He was so tall that his head was on the ceiling of the crypt but he reverted into a form of a human.

    "Free atst! Hahaha!" He gasped air whileughing.

    All the cultist dropped their knees and hailed his name.

    "Dn! Dn! Dn! Dn!" They were chanting his name out loud and this pleased him.

    After kneeling, the vigers were all ughtered as an offering to him. Making their blood offered in a bowl.

    He dly drank their blood as he was so thirsty from his thousand years of slumber.

    Emptying the bowl of blood in just seconds.

    "I am going to spread first the evil seeds in thesends. And also to free my brothers from their captivity. I will all reward you as a gift for setting me free. All of you will be stronger as you will turn into demons at your own will. Now is the time to give you these powers as I see you all fit for the power I will bestow you. Now gather more followers and free my other brothers. I will not wait for long!" He shouted at them.

    Soon after, they were bathed with red miasmaing for Dn. They felt power cursing from their veins and others wereughing hysterically like the first time in their lives.

    "Now, I will make this ce a ce of evil. I summon you all! Come from Demon world and rise!" Dn shouted at them.

    Soon cracks were opened from the floor and the demons all crawled from the cracks. Cracking the floor towards the walls and they all crawled out from it. Making the crypt full of monsters and devils alike.

 Chapter 36 - Hunt

    Joan assembled the hunting party in the morning to hunt again. They were already on their turf which became their hunting cabin.

    Joan arrived but they were already prepared to hunt. Bows tucked in their shoulders and arrows already full in their quivers.

    As Joan saw them, he can''t help but be impressed.

    "Will you look at that! You are already prepared! Okay, now. We will hunt again and I will be with you hunting. This time, I will be hunting for our table also. But you are all capable enough with yourselves. I would like to congratte you once again on a sessful hunt in the past. You have your whistling arrow with you, right? Just notify me if you found a monster. I will be there immediately," Joan said to them..

    After making a briefing, they all moved towards the forest. With their parents harvesting the salvaged wheat, they also made efforts to bring food to their tables.

    They paired each other with their assigned partners and Joan was leading them.

    Also making some tips on how to hunt more efficiently. Some of his tips were just a review but they soon realised that they were already at the entrance of the forest.

    "Wow! We are here already. We sure talked that much and didn''t mind the time flew by." Said Ben who scratched his head.

    Joan can only smile at his reaction. He instructed them to be careful as he didn''t know what will happen to them. Just making sure that they will be safe going home was what made his priority first.

    "We will be careful out there master! I know you are worried but we will hunt carefully. We have your whistle here, you know?" Kendrick said to him.

    "Hah, I know I know. I will be monitoring also just in case. I will hunt too to have food. Well, you are all full-fledged hunters and I can never be not proud to have you as my students. Good luck there and be safe." Joan said to them.

    They went on with their ways to hunt. Separating themselves into different directions.

    Joan immediately used his skill [irvoyance] and hunted while monitoring them.

    Scanning his surroundings, he went to the north side of the forest. Moss covered the trees that were asrge as a house. Being centuries-old was their age and as old as his grandparents, or even older than them.

    The canopy of the forest was hiding the sun''s rays and he ventured where the forest was the thickest and oldest.

    With the help of his instincts of hunting, he immediately found tracks of a drove of pigs. They ate a chunk of fallen peach on the ground. Some were half eaten and others were only bits dropped from their mouths while eaten.

    Considering that the tracks were just fresh and clean without distortion, he can assume that they were just a couple hundreds of meters from his foothold.

    Thinking that they were loud as a group and can be heard when near, he closed his eyes and be silent.

    The forest was silent so he thought of equipping the job ss suited for his situation�CLycan.

    Having the acute senses of this job ss what made the Lycans the best hunters in their lives.

    They tend to be hunters in their human form using their skill [Beast aura] or even in their werewolf form. What he needed was the skill in their arsenal.

    So Joan thought that it will be a good thing to have. Sadly, his body was not a Lycan. Joan of the past didn''t have Lycan blood running through in his veins.

    So what made the old Joan mastered Lycan Job ss was himprehending the will of the werewolves. The fierce beast raging inside you, letting it rampage until you willprehend the [Beast aura].

    It started with just an aura at first but Joan knew that it was the important one. Lycan was a job ss and not an exclusive race. But not all have the affinity or the potential to it. It was just Joan has the potential ofprehending things. The Lycans has automatically the potential as it runs to their blood. All Lycans can transform and call forth beasts to their calling as natural as dragons breathing fire or humans breathing even asleep.

    While meditating, he imagined the beast and the form he has in the past. From the eyes to the hairs, paws and feet. Fangs and feeling of being a werewolf. All were vividly imagined as a nostalgic feeling struck him.

    "Deja vu,"

    He can now feel the [Beast aura] gush out from his body and maintaining it.

    He has the white [Beast aura] as a first stage. Making all his senses to be enhanced. His reaction time bes faster and he can see in the dark like it was the day.

    The lowest aura was white which was heightening the senses and his reaction time, then green which was able to increase his stamina, next was yellow which results in toughening of his body, then blue which was increasing his strength and speed, then thest was red which is responsible for regeneration and life steal, dying of bing old and resulting in longer life span and longevity.

    He felt that he can see in the dark, hear the slightest noise and smell the scent of his prey.

    He can also see that his nails were sharper like ws. His canines were longer by half an inch and his eyes were golden brown.

    He smelled the scent of the pigs and hear them located in the west.

    He jumped andnded on the trunk of the tree and jumped to another trunk.

    Having the agility and strength needed as he was hopping from tree to tree. Not able to hesitate as he was doing it in the past.

    Gripping the trunk with his ws and able to stick to the trunk with just his grip. Digging the trunk with the strength of his grip. Able to stay there as he smelled the air again. Finding their location and then jumped again.

    Seeing the drove to bathe in the dark river that has barely any light. No sunlight can prate the ce and it was due to the big trees from the riverside and on its wide branches on the top of the river.

    A log was eroded on the river and it blocked the flow of the water. It made the river flow to be slower and the water level has risen to the point that the swine were swimming freely to the river.

    "They can swim huh?" Joan can only smirk, showing his fang on the process.

 Chapter 37 - Hunt Part 2

    He saw the drove who were swimming in the river. Some were drinking and some were resting, cooling off in the river.

    Joan was in the tree trunk staring at them from the top. With their numbers, Joan expected them to be loud. Others were fighting for their mate and were squeaking as they were fighting.

    Their young were protected by their mothers as the males were surrounding them. As he scanned for them, he can easily eliminate the whole drove but it would be a waste of food. Not all can be carried by his small back.

    A rather disadvantage when he has a small body. Even so, he nned to kill arge enough swine for the three of them. His father, mother and, him. .

    He picked his target which was swimming in the river. He prepared his strength to propel in the air and jumped at them.

    Equipped his bow and hastily knocked his arrow on the bowstring. Squatting while in the air and draws the bowstring with all his might.

    Aiming at the target who was still paddling his feet on the water. Letting go of the bowstring, he fired the arrow to the head of the swine.

    Ending its life and its paddling instantly, he submerged into the water. Joan soon dived into the water, sshing a great wave of his own making.

    Swines squealed after they saw a man emerged from the water and dispersed immediately. Going farther from him to any directions they can go.

    In just seconds, he was left alone together with the hunted prize he has. Floating its lifeless body with an arrow sticking on its head.

    All became silent in just a few tik tak of the time. All their voices became echoes that seemed to be whispers until it was silent.

    Joan removed the arrow and cleaned it with the rushing water. He tied the swine to his back and felt that its weight was double of his own. Making him exert more effort just to walk.

    "Urg! This is heavy! Even with the white [Beast aura], I am struggling to walk!"

    He soon travelled back to his path and tracks. Resting while regaining his strength from all his travel.

    cing his burden on the ground, he stretched a bit to relieve his aching shoulders.

    Sitting on the outgrown century-old root of the tree, he grabbed his water canteen and drank a mouthful of water. Gasping after taking a sip of water.

    His [Beast aura] faded as he rested. Reverting his ws that became nails and his fangs to be back its original canine. Eyes became blue again and sense to its normal.

    Joan can also transform into a werewolf as long as he can initiate the [Beast aura] as a base and has the Beast will.

    Looking at his surroundings, he was still deep in the jungle. Not able to travel faster as he can only do that much with his burden.

    Echoes of the chirping birds covered the surroundings. The jungle seemed to reverberate with their voices and it made Joan enjoy the music in his ears.

    He leaned his back on the humongous trunk of the tree and put his hands to his nape.

    The gentle breeze of air seemed to touch his skin as his sweat was blown by the wind.

    Beside him was the swine that he killed and he can still felt its heat on its body as he touched it.

    After a minute, he can feel that his stamina was replenished. Thinking of resuming his travel back to the vige.

    Standing on the outgrown root, he cleaned his dusty robes that have recently dried. He was wet when he dived on the river just recently and was surprised that it dried up fast.

    He carried the boar again and when he ced it on his back, he felt that the birds stopped their singing. Crows flew by hastily as he heard them. Soon, he felt that the silence became very deafening.

    Echoes of silence made him felt that something was amiss. It was the first time he felt that in the past Joan''s life.

    Something strange happened that made the forest became so unusual. A bad feeling struck him as he wondered what was happening.

    He tarried some more and while carrying the burden he has, he felt his adrenaline to rush.

    Carrying the swine without getting tired. Making his way easier to travel.

    "Something is not right. I got to hurry to head home." Joan said then started to run.

    He dashed with his carried burden and saw that the forest seemed to change.

    The tree trunks which were brown or green due to the mould became ashen ck. Leaves fell from the trees and they were ck. He saw that there were dead animals on the forest floor and saw a small creature that was digging its face inside the deer.

    Its back was rotten and flesh was protruding on it with ripped skin. It has a body of a man but it was having longer legs and arms. ws were seen from its hands and it soon faced him.

    The mouth was having bigger lower jaws and razor teeth were sticking out of its mouth. Saw-like teeth were arranged on the lower jaw and its upper teeth were shorter.

    His eyes were brimming with redness and it has a bald head. The nose was missing or rotten with only the hole to appear.

    Joan saw that it was the first time to see something like that and it was in this forest.

    ''What could have happened that it was in here? A ghoul that was in this forest?''

    Joan immediately readied his bow with an arrow loaded on it.

    The creature saw him too and it shouted. Screaming while blood was spurted out of its mouth. Joan fired an arrow to its forehead but it only pierced its skull. Not able to kill it.

    He prepared its strike but Joan used his Mage job ss.

    He gripped his hands and the creature immediately was suspended in the air. It was none other than his skill [Telekinesis].

    [Telekinesis]�Ca mage skill that was able to move objects or even enemies. Either push, pull or hold. Can be used to attack when the mage was good enough.

    He gripped his hands and crushed its neck.

    The creature can heal itself as it has regeneration but it can be killed by decapitation.

    Joan crushed its neck and further crushing its skull. It was screaming with its life and regenerating itself but Joan didn''t stop there. He even crumpled its hands and legs until it was removed from its body.

    Regenerating its body but Joan crumpled it like a ball. Dropping its carcass on the ground.

    Joan passed out immediately after he used the skill. It was what he can only do to kill the Ghoul. [Telekinesis] uses more willpower due to him using the advanced skill. Further pushing himself to kill it. But as soon hey down on the forest floor, he heard whistling soundsing from all directions.

    It was the rm of Joan that has to be used just in case of emergency.

 Chapter 38 - Rescue

    Due to overexherting his willpower while using the [Telekinesis]. Joan was on the verge of copsing as he heard their whistle arrow flew in the sky. Even it was not the best time to sound and he was not in the best condition where it sounded, he still made a n to help them even with such a state.

    The whistle arrows were all fired in different directions and Joan was in a pitiful state. If not for the overexertion of his willpower, it would be a different story.

    It was just that the enemy can''t be killed on cuts and he has no dagger. Just a wooden bow and wooden arrows. In the past, Joan didn''t even have a proper hunting knife as a second weapon. So poor and so ill-equipped was his hunting life for many years.

    It was very devastating for the old Joan to be at. While thinking of the knife, it will be hard to decapitate the Ghoul as knives were not the best weapons for decapitation considering his current strength. .

    Knowing also that Ghouls has thick hides to be cut immediately. Maybe a katana of Ronins or swords on sword using job sses will do the thing.

    It was a hard battle for Joan and he resorted to the advanced skill of mages�C[Telekinesis].

    A skill that Joan used in the past so much even doing normal tasks like reading books, lifting his sword and fighting using controlled swords, or even daggers and shields.

    He can do it normally but he was sent back to his beginner job ss. It was two stages ahead of him but he was able to harness it by forcing his willpower.

    It was one of the skills of the Mages: Telekic magic, Spatial magic, Elemental magic and, Telepathic magic. These were the magic of the mages. A diverse ss that has many skills, literally having the most spells out of all.

    Joan felt that the world was spinning around. He was desperate, though he copsed on the ground.

    The thing that he did before passing out was equipping the Druid job ss. It was the ss that boasts of their Spirit rted skills.

    They were having a skill that can duplicate your spirit and soul and make a perfect copy of yourself. Specifically the skill [Spirit and Soul Duplication].

    [Spirit and Soul Duplication]�Ca skill of the Druids that can able to duplicate your current soul and spirit. It will duplicate your current self and once duplicated, it can''t be stronger even though the original will be stronger. The duplicate will disappear after the caster will die or the caster lets him disappear. Once the duplicate dies, the memories will transfer to the original and will feel the same pain with his duplicate. Making the original also suffer the same wound as the duplicate.

    This skill was very life-threatening for the original as it can transfer both memories and wounds to the original.

    It was what he needed at the moment and his desperation made him do it.

    He used the skill and all his mana gushed out of his body. Forming his duplicate''s soul and spirit as well its body with the use of mana. It has the same features as him, blue hair, sharp look, wearing the same clothes. All made of mana.

    "Please save them," Joan uttered as he stared at his duplicate. Making his hands reach him then the world turned pitch ck.

    "Don''t worry, I will fulfil it without fail." He said then left.

    "Today, I am Joan Emsworth. I will take on your name and do your request as you rest," He said then dashed to where the students were.

    He equipped the Rogue ss and used the skill [Shadow clone].

    [Shadow clone]�Ca skill of the Rogue that was primarily due to the use of shadow element. Having all the qualities of the summoner but locked to the Rogue job ss only. It has the option of choosing between quality or quantity. Meaning, choosing between the numbers in the sacrifice of the vitality of the clones. Or the other way around.

    Four clones appeared and were in their Rogue ss. They summoned a dagger in their hands by using their skill [Conjure dagger].

    They all kneeled on him and revered him as their summoner. All were having the quality of the soul of the duplicate.

    "All of you have to save them as fast as you could," Duplicate said to them then they left in a sh.

    The duplicate then went to save the others.

    With the time of the essence, he dashed while using [Teleport]. By the use of his [irvoyance] skill, he managed to pinpoint their locations. Using [Telepathy] to the other Shadow clones, he notified them of their locations. Making their fastest to be at their locations.

    [Teleport]�Ca mage skill that can transfer to the pinpointed location or by the ced teleportation runes.

    [Telepathy]�Ca mage skill of talking to the mind of the target. Can be used to control the target at its highest level or make illusions. Can also read what the person was thinking or reading memories. Can make the person be forced to sleep. Can also brainwash but it was forbidden.

    Joan teleported to Kendrick and Eman''s locations and saw that they were attacked by ghouls too.

    They were both wounded and were swatting its attacks with their bows. The ghoul was full of arrows and Kendrick was at pinch being cornered at the tree.

    Eman was holding his wound on the shoulders and so the duplicate used his [Telekinesis] to just suspend it on the air.

    They saw the ghoul stop and they also saw who saved them.

    "Master Joan! Save us! We are attacked by that monster!" Kendrick said to him while holding his bow in front of him.

    The duplicate then used his skill, to conjure a sword. What the duplicate has learned was he needs to right his original''s mistakes.

    [Conjure sword]�Ca skill of making a conjured sword made of mana. A skill of Knights when they have no sword as a weapon.

    Mana was gushing out of its de, it was like a weapon that was drawn from the ice. Making it look cold but it was warm to the touch.

    He grabbed the sword which was floating and then he approached the ghoul who was struggling to make itself be freed from his control.

    He held the sword with all his might then he shed the neck. Decapitating it on the process.

    Head rolled on the ground and the body was thrown to the tree by the duplicate.

    "Thank you, master! We are saved!" He said while holding his hands. Kissing it with all he got.

    Kendrick''s wound was still open and gushing blood but he still prioritized thanking his master. Even staining the duplicate''s hands with his blood.

    The duplicate knew this person as he was the soul of the original. Healing him with his spell [Heal]. Even Eman was healed and so they thanked their master.

    They were grabbed by him then they teleported to where Joan was sleeping. They felt confused as to see another Joan. Wracking their brains on what they''ve seen.

    After it, the duplicate spoke with them.

    "I am the duplicate of the Original''s Spirit and Soul. He copsed on the ground and so he summoned me. You have to hurry wake him up and protect his sleeping body while I will go. I will have to save your other friends and heal them. I can see in my irvoyance that they are wounded too and needs my healing. See ya!" He saluted on them then disappeared without a trace.

 Chapter 39 - Confusion

    The duplicate went on to rescue the others. It was very crucial on his part to rescue the students of his original. Bearing the copy of the soul of Joan, he can feel the same worry and fear of losing them.

    Not a single wasted moment was made so he teleported to their locations. He first arrived at Ben and dden. Having seen the two of them almost surrendering their lives but they were rescued by Joan''s Rogue [Shadow clone].

    Duelling the ghoul but it was in disadvantaged. Only making cuts on it and the ghoul seemed to regenerate. Having been able to fulfil its purpose to buy time made Joan''s duplicate to be d.

    Even more so, he will be punished if the students were dead. With the clones split into four. It made also their vitality, defence, and durability to be split into four..

    Now imagine a thousand of them. It will also split its health to a thousand. A very limitless skill to be exact. It has full of potential but Joan''s skill [Shadow clone] was very advanced for his current self. Also forcing himself to do it.

    But Joan''s duplication was able to pull it off due to him just being a duplicate. Not minding himself but the fulfilment of his purpose was his priority.

    Even though that skill was having limitless potential, it also has a great setback as you have to maintain the clones with your willpower.

    Joan as the original was on the verge of copsing with great willpower exhausted. At that moment, he duplicated himself as small willpower was still left on him.

    Even though it was hasty, Joan''s duplicate managed to regain willpower as he rested a bit. Saving it up for that moment where he made the [Shadow clones].

    With him being able to fulfil the first task of saving one team of his original''s team, he regained some of his willpower.

    He saw that the other students were looking at both of his Rogue''s [Shadow clone] and him.

    They were struck with great questions in their minds. Who was the one who saves them? And who was the one that arrived?

    Joan''s duplicate then moved towards them and healed Ben and dden with his skill [Heal].

    "Who are you? And Who is the real one from the both of you? Who is the real master?" Ben said while wracking his brain.

    Joan''s duplicate then smiled at the both of them.

    "There are neither from the both of us. We are just a clone and a duplicate. From what you see, that is the [Shadow clone] of my Rogue ss and I am the duplicate of your master. Let us stop this first. Let us hurry to your master''s side. He was sleeping and he passed out," The duplicate said then made teleportation runes below them.

    "Whoa! What is this!? Are you perhaps a Mage?" dden said hesitantly.

    He just smirked at his question and then replied with a nod.

    They soon teleported with the [Shadow clone]. Leaving the monster on the ground. Being full of wounds.

    Joan''s duplicate sent them to where their master was being taken care of by Kendrick and Eman.

    They soon were reunited and Joan''s duplicate soon teleported again.

    Ben and dden soon approached the two and they talked.

    "Hey, what is happening? There are no monsters in this forest but we encountered ghoul just a while back there." Ben said to Kendrick.

    "We met a ghoul too! If not for master''s duplicate, we are dead by now!" Kendrick said to the two of them.

    "Our master is a multi-ss! He was a mage then he became a Rogue then used [Heal]! Did he perhaps hides it all this time?" Eman said to the two of them, being dumbstruck.

    "Yeah, maybe. We will soon find out if we ask him. But first, we should wait for him to wake up." Kendrick said to them.

    The clone then flinched as a ghoul arrived. Dripping blood on its mouth.

    "Protect our master," Said Kendrick who blocked his sleeping master then the Rogue then went to the front.

    The other students picked up their bows while Ben and dden were weaponless.

    Kendrick and Eman stared at the both of them with piercing looks.

    Seemingly disgusted with their carelessness.

    "What? We didn''t know that we will live!? The bow was ourst concern!" Shouted Ben.

    Kendrick can only shake his head.

    "That''s why you two will die if you will not be rescued with our master''s duplicate. You should reflect on that. Now let''s set aside this, shall we? We have an enemy to attend to." Kendrick said then prepared his bow. Knocking the arrow on its side and draws the bowstring.

    Preparing to fire at the enemy in case the Shadow clone was overwhelmed. Even though they prepared for the worst, the Shadow clone isn''t something to be underestimated.

    He conjured a dagger by his skill [Conjure dagger]. Handling the daggers in-between his fingers and throws them to the enemy.

    Eight daggers wereunched towards the enemy andnded on its tough skin. One on the shoulder, one on the face, one on the eye and others on its chest. Some were in the arms and biceps.

    Screaming in pain, the monster grabbed the ones in its eyes. Some were grabbed and pulled while blood oozing out of its wounds.

    Even though it was painful, the monster healed its wound almost instantly.

    Not wasting its time, the Shadow clone jumped in the air with the use of his skill [After image]. Leaving his clone in the front of the enemy and he propelled up in the air.

    Sitting on the branch of the tree up above them.

    Using [Shadow cloak] while in the darkness. He was crouching like a tiger, ready to attack anytime.

    [Shadow cloak]�Cmaking his body being covered with shadow. Having a small burst of movement speed and damage when attacking the enemy.

    [After image]�Cmaking the Rogue turn invisible and leaving an image of a clone. Making the clone be smoke when attacked.

    The enemy attacked the clone by shing it with its ws. After its attack, it gushed out smoke and blinded his opponent. Having the chance, the clone didn''t waste its time and dived downwards.

    Conjuring dagger and used its skill [Reverse sh]. Aiming at the nape of the enemy while on its fours. shing it with his conjured dagger.

    [Reverse sh]�Ca skill that was making a critical strike towards the enemy by gripping the dagger in reverse and shing it with full force.

    The clone dived into the smoke while knowing its position and location. It hits its nape that was so tough but with the inertia and the gravity, that made the sh greater than its original effects.

    Beheading the enemy even with just a dagger. The smoke cleared out and the creature was headless. Blood gushed out of the neck of the creature and Kendrick fired his arrow to the creature. Hitting it on the chest.

    "Take that! Hahaha!" Kendrick bellowed while smiling worriedly. Sweat trickled the face and he was smiling.

    Immediately, the others arrived by teleportation. Ian and John, Sebastian and Mark, andst Robert and Alex. They arrived running towards the others who went hugging Kendrick and others.

    "Hey, guys! You are all alive! I am very happy to see you again!" Alex said while in tears.

    "Hey don''t cry! You will tarnish master''s dignity! We are the hunters of our vige. At least be brave and harden your hearts!" Kendrick reprimanded.

    Alex soon was hicking up. Wanting to stop his tears.

    Just they were talking, Joan opened his eyes.

    "Why are you all so loud, I am sleeping here. My dream was forcefully cut." Joan said while rubbing his head.

    "Gosh, My head hurts!" Joan said to them while twitching.

    "Master!" They all chorused.

 Chapter 40 - Smoke

    "Master! You are awake!" They said to him.

    Joan felt dumbstruck as he saw them alive. He can''t believe what he was seeing.

    "Wait? You are saved! I didn''t expect though! Hahaha," Joan said to them. Scratching his head on the process.

    They were staring at him with a dismayed look. The duplicate can only shake his head then smashed his head with his fist.

    "Stupid!" The duplicate shouted when he smacks him.

    A bump of swollen skin emerged from his head. .

    "You seriously think to underestimate me? You got the nerves! I made all that efforts! And you are just sleeping there. You old man! Ugh, just stop there. Anyways, Ipleted the task. I will disappear in yourmand," He said then kneeled.

    "Old man?" Asked Kendrick. Baffled.

    "Hahaha, you are so formal. I thought you are my soul?" Joan asked him.

    "Nah, after saving them that took almost all of my willpower. Do you know how hard for my brain to maintain four shadow clones?" He bellowed, scratching his head.

    "Oh, I see. You need to rest, you are lucky you didn''t have a breakdown!" Joan said to him.

    "See! My head hurts like hell I might go insane! Lucky enough, I didn''t ckout!" The duplicate was exining hard to him.

    They were looking at two Joan''s and they were confused who was who. Looking at him who has the same voice and the same clothes even made it worst. Not even thinking that they were both powerful.

    "Um master, we should get out of this ce as soon as possible. I think this ce is not safe anymore." Kendrick said to Joan.

    He smiled then faced the duplicate.

    "You may go now, I am happy that you seeded in your mission," Joan said then snapped his fingers.

    Soon after, the duplicate then turned into dust and went inside Joan. They saw him disappear like he was not there at all. His clothes were the same as him, being made into dust was a first for their sight.

    They didn''t expect to met someone being just a skill of another person. A skill that talks like a person, walks and acts like a person. Even though he was real, the skill was just a skill.

    Not something to be attached at and some kind like a bubble that disappeared as fast it was created.

    The other students were so dumbstruck as they saw him disappeared. They were staring in nk air and they were utterly silent. Jaws dropping wide and paralysed.

    They didn''t even say their thanks for his bravery to save them all without fail. Not something that can be executed perfectly but he made it.

    They closed their mouths and inhaled great amounts of air. Relieving their dismayed self and regret.

    "So he was gone now, well I didn''t even say my goodbye to him. Not even saying thanks," Kendrick said as he felt lonely.

    "Silly, you should say your thanks again next time. He didn''t die! Just sleeping inside me that is! Or maybe he is me? I don''t know? But let us hurry to make out alive here. And I am sorry to hide my skills from all of you. I will exinter on, let us go home now. With my pets as guards of course!" Joan said to them.

    "Pets? What pets?" Asked Ben, confused.

    Joan scratched his head and exined.

    "You see, I am not in the best condition. The pain in the head of my duplicate is transferred to me as he overexerted himself with his willpower. You can say that his pains and even wounds will be transferred to me after he will disappear. So let us meet my guards!" Joan said then used his Lycan job ss.

    "[Beast call]!" Joan shouted as he cast his skill.

    [Beast call]�Csummoning forth the contracted spirit wolves and crows. Maintained by the mana of the user. The crows and spirit wolves regenerate by consuming the mana of the caster.

    From where Joan stands, emerged from his shadow; wolves and crows. Standing in his front, were ten wolves. Big enough to be as tall as the kids.

    Crows were numbered ten. pping their wings rapidly as they were encircling Joan.

    "Canine! Your pack is very healthy! I can see you all have grown!" Joan said to them.

    The wolves were confused about why they were summoned. Looking at their surroundings first then all looked at their summoner.

    Staring nkly at his stature who was only a kid and managed to call forth ten of them at once in his first try with ten crows as a spare.

    Their leader of the pack stared at Joan as their new contracted summoner. Revered him as he managed to summon him as well as the others. He went to kneel to Joan and seemingly didn''t know Joan at all.

    A white-furred Wolf who was signifying his old age and was still in his prime.

    "I am Canine! The leader of the pack! I will serve you as well as my pack to follow your bidding!" Canine said to him.

    "It seems you didn''t recognise me?" Joan said in disgust.

    "Ugh? I didn''t know what you are talking about master?" Canine said it in confusion.

    "I will just summon my skeleton soldiers instead! Maybe they are better?" Joan said to them.

    "Necromancer? Wait? Those lines? Are you perhaps Master Joan? Congrattions on your Rebirth!" Canine seemed to wiggle his tail in excitement.

    Other wolves seemed to hop and cried in a howl.

    "Master! It''s been so long!" Canine leapt in his arms in great happiness.

    "Hehehe, So you remembered now, but it was soul transmigration this time. You are in a different world. The world of the God of Angels. Now let us hurry back to the vige, I am worried that this ce is tainted with evil," Joan said to him.

    Joan then rides Canine in the back by hopping and then ced his hunted prize on his back.

    "Ride the wolves! We will set our destination to the vige!" Joan said to them.

    The other kids were hesitating as it was their first time doing so. They didn''t even know that they can ride something too huge.

    The wolves then sat on the ground to let them ride. As they ride in them, they set their destination towards the vige.

    Running like a wind without trouble in the forest''s geography. Evading trees and outgrown roots, they were like fish in the water.

    Joan was greatly worried about the vige. The crows were flying just beside them.

    "Crows! Scout ahead the way and evade the enemies. Lead the way and guide us!" Joan shouted at them.

    They immediately followed his instructions. They evaded the enemy encounters and were travelling in their fastest. Not wanting to collide with ghouls on their way to the vige.

    Soon they saw the exit of the forest. Joan''s face immediately became pale.

    Smokes that came from their vige was seen.

    "Canine hurry!" Joan said to him. Heart racing in great distress.

 Chapter 41 - Lost Hope

    "Canine! Hurry!" Joan bellowed.

    "Yes, master!" Canine shouted loud clear.

    He can hear the panting of Canine while dashing towards the vige.

    Paving the path of the hilly road towards the center of the vige. Houses were burning in the vicinity and the smell of blood was smelled by Canine.

    "Master, I can smell blood faintly in the air. I think I can also smell evil creatures in the vige." Canine said to Joan.

    Joan can only grit his teeth, adding it up to his worry. He grabbed his bow and prepared the arrow on hand..

    "Prepare for anything that will happen! Evil creatures may attack us anytime." Joan instructed them.

    They all heeded his instructions and prepared their bows. Others who have left their bows, can only gulp saliva in the process.

    They soon saw the vige guard post that was burning. Walls made of wood was on embers. Gushing smoke towards the sky.

    "The vige is attacked! We should hurry!" Shouted Kendrick.

    The others felt worried as they knew their parents and siblings were in the vige. Not imagining something that will break their hearts, they were clinging in the hopes of them being alive.

    They entered the burning gate that was struck opened with Joan''s skill [Telekinesis]. Pushing it will all his willpower and sheer will.

    The gate then split open like it was weightless. The lock was destroyed on the process and the gate was blown. Landing on the ground with a bang.

    They started to enter the vige with the eleven of them. Wolves panting and crows were flying on their top.

    As they entered, they saw that the vige was utterly silent. With no one was seen, they immediately panicked. Hearts racing in distress as they went further.

    As soon as they were nearing the near houses. They saw smoke were rising at their tops. Crackling sounds were heard as the fire was eating away the wooden roofs from afar.

    Joan''s senses were screaming and he can feel distressed. He hoped that everything was not toote as he prayed for his parent''s safety.

    Approaching the houses, they soon stopped as they saw a small creature that was a meter in height. Having small wings and a spiked tail with horns on its forehead. The skin was bright red and has a trident on its hands.

    Joan felt dread as he saw a body lying on the ground that was yed by the creature. Holding the dead body''s hands like a toy. Making it a toy to fiddle with.

    Ben approached the dead body without minding his safety. Stepping slowly like he was hesitating as tears flowing into his eyes.

    Joan was rmed by his actions so he shouted at him.

    "Ben! That is an Imp! Leave that body alone, she''s dead!" Joan shouted while on Canine''s back.

    Ben turned around and stared at him with his teary eyes.

    "But she was my mother!" Ben said to him.

    Joan felt anguish as he heard him said it but as soon as Ben finished speaking, the Imp approached Ben on his back.

    "Canine! Go!" Joan screamed.

    Joan immediately fired his arrow at the imp as Canine went to protect him. The arrow struck the Imp and Canine bit it on the neck. Throwing it to the burning house.

    Soon, the door was opened and Imps went out of the door. Approaching them with shrieking cries.

    The others who have a bow immediately fired at them. Making the Imps shriek as they were struck.

    The wolves immediately dashed towards them and attacked.

    The Imps were ten in numbers and it took only one bite for them to be killed. Joan''s studentsforted Ben but they need to find their parents too.

    "We are so sorry Ben for your loss. We should bury your parents soon after we checked each of our parents. I hope they are alive." Kendrick said to him, holding his tears from falling.

    Joan also felt the need to check his parents, so was his students. Thinking that they need to know first the safety of their families.

    "Wolf pack! Escort my students to their parents. Crows! Make sure they will make it out alive as they return! I will need to check with my parents too if they are safe. Now move!"

    Joan then instructed the wolves to carry the students to their homes as an escort. With crows to scout in the skies and a wolf to defend in case of enemy attacks.

    They all split themselves and went to their residence. Joan too was worried about his parent''s safety. He made Canine dash with his fastest speed.

    Paving the hilly road, they met Imps in the way. Also, vigers were dead outside their homes. They were beyond salvage as the Imps were starting to eat their flesh. Some were holding an arm that was separated from the body as a snack.

    Some were dancing as they were holding the severed head. Joan felt disgusted so he fired an arrow and killed anything that he saw on the way.

    He was nearing their home and saw that their home was silent. No fire was seen but he saw a cross that was in their front yard.

    He didn''t know why it was there as they didn''t have a cross in their front yard. Hurrying as to what it was.

    Approaching their front yard, he saw bodies hanging on it. Bloodied and wounded and blood drips from their carcass. Trailing the blood towards the cross and to the ground.

    He paled as he saw it, making his innards scream in great distress. He puked and puked with all he got as he was crying.

    The bodies that were hanged upside down on the cross were none other than his parents. With Imps dancing on the fire that seemed to enjoy their time doing it.

    The resurgence of memories of the past Joan seemed to resurface. With them eating on the same table,ughing and nning his future entrance exam. His father looking at his practice and many more.

    It seemed like the past of Joan''s life resurfaced. He was changed with diapers, making a cake for his first birthday. All of Joan''s memories from his childhood was reemerging. Making his heart squeezed by the pain of the host itself.

    Hardly breathing and painful to swallow the truth, he absorbed all the pain and it became his power. Wrath seemed to overtook his mind and his senses screamed for killing.

    "Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! I am gonna kill you all!" Joan screamed with all he got.

    They made them a sacrifice for their ritual and it was his parents. A sense of great wrath was surging from Joan. Making his eyes glow in chilling blue icy color as he was getting a breakdown.

    The Necromancer job ss was equipped and he was covered with ck miasma. The [Necromacer robes] immediately appeared after he equipped his job ss. Making him look like having a ck robe-like aura in his body.

    "I summon thee [Angel of Death]!" Joan said as let go of the bow.

    Summoning his [Death Scythe] on the process as he summoned his trump card.

    A ray of light descended from the clouds and an Angel appeared with two wings. Hooded head and a Scythe on his right hand. His face was unseen as only darkness covered his face.

    He went to stand on Joan''s helpless estate and let out a great voice.

    "I am the Angel of Death. I only have one purpose and that is to kill,"

    Joan trembled in his wrath but spoke with a clear calm voice.

    "Kill any demons in this vige as fast as you could," Joan said to him.

    "I will fulfil your wish. Great Necromancer Lord! Joan! I call thee [Legion]!" The Angel said in a reverberating voice.

    The air seemed to vibrate as they used the skill. Making the Imps stop their dancing and stared at them.

    [Legion]�Ca skill only exclusive to the Arc Angels. Given by the God of Angels as an authority to them. Calling forth a thousand Angels for doing the purpose of their Arc Angel.

    [Angel of Death]�Can ultimate skill of the Necromancers. These Angels were the bringers of Death and the very representation of Death. Joan was recognised by his summoned Angels as he was the master in his past. It was only possible to summon him if the caster was feeling great wrath, despair, or anguish.

    Soon after, the Angels numbered to a thousand descended the ins. Killing every breathing demons in the area.

 Chapter 42 - Acceptance

    The wolves ran fast like the wind. They arrived immediately after several minutes. With them arriving at their houses, they saw a trunk of a tree ced in their front yards.

    Hanging bodies of their loved ones were what ornamented the tree. Unlike Joan''s parents, they were hanged with their head up but has a rope in their necks.

    Eyes were open as they struggled in theirst breaths. Ben saw his mother bloody, his father who was holding his sister beside him. Hanged too without mercy.

    The other students were also seeing the same fate as Ben. Tears dropped in their weary eyes. Hicking up while crying breathlessly. Their hearts can''t ept the truth right in their faces..

    The Imps dancing in the dead bodies and seemed to notice their presence. Wolves were agitated at their doings. Barking at them while growling.

    Crows went flying in the sky and were staring at what has happened in the ground.

    They all went into a mental breakdown and wanted to hug their parents'' lifeless bodies but the Imps will not let them do as they wish.

    Seemed angered, the wolves attacked the Imps with their fangs. Albeit outnumbered, they fought without worries as they will regenerate as long as Joan has mana.

    Crows attacked too with their talons and beak to peck their eyes and blind the enemies.

    All were killed immediately and the wolves soon helped the students to untie their loved ones. Crows untied the knots and the wolves bit the ropes.

    They all went weeping as they soon saw a pir of light that seemed to sh in the location of Joan''s household.

    Angels of death descended their vige and were scattered in all ces. Diving in the remaining evil spawns that the vige has.

    They were all having a robe and has a dark face with a scythe as their weapons. Wings as dark as a crimson night and was used as a weapon. Not even pping it to fly nor to glide.

    They all shed the Imps in the vige and they were helplessly decapitated with their weapons of death.

    They seemed not to care about what was happening in their surroundings as they tend to weep. Joan was one of them.

    They wept and grieved thatsted for hours. Even the wolves were talking to them just tofort them. Even though the wolves and crows were not greatforters, they still tried.

    Upon their tried efforts to make them shushed. It only made their pain go worst. Weeping again, even harder this time.

    Soon the bodies of the Imps disintegrated and glowed. It then went to their bodies like a power that made them even more powerful.

    They felt stronger and was perplexed. Soon they stopped crying and they made their graves for their loved ones. Giving them ast kiss on their cheeks.

    Joan was weeping but he didn''t lose hope. He hardened his heart and lifted his head, staring at the Angel of Death standing in front of him.

    Joan wiped his teary eyes with the back of his hands then stopped weeping.

    "I have ast request to you. Bring their souls to the God of Angels. At least guide them to the God that created them." Joan said to him.

    The Angel of Death understood his request and as it was important too to secure their eternal lives in the Heavenly Realm.

    "As you wish." He said and then collected the soul of his parents.

    He tapped the faces of his mother and father and transparent smoke gushed out of their mouths.

    Soon the Angels collected their souls as well as the student''s parents. Angels approached them and tapped their faces. They were perplexed by what was happening but they soon realised what was transpiring in their faces.

    The Angels soon vanished into the skies after they collected their souls. The Angel of Death soon prepared for their leave.

    "The Angel of Wisdom warned the Prophet Isaias for you to save this vige. I can see that you regretted it but it was nobody''s fault. The God of Angels was grieved that he was not believed by his chosen people, more so by his friend. You are treated as his friend but in reality, you are just a creation. Not even appreciating his humbleness to stoop so low as making himself as a human just like you. Anointed One, you are greater than this. You are the one who will save this world and He will always be with you. Always," The Angel said while fading in the sky. Leaving his voice to echo in Joan''s mind.

    The wind blew in the meadows and the wheat field that was trickled by blood was silent. Bodies littered the farm and many unfinished works were left as it was. Wheatfield left half of it unharvested and the mills were left unturned. Cows seemed to be left unattended and chickens left unfed.

    The vige was silent and only the crickets were echoing all the ces. In the nooks and crannies of the vige, all were being cried by the crickets.

    Shovel sounded as digging the ground was what sounded in the backyard of Joan.

    Silent weeping in between every dig of the shovel can be seen and his face felt bitterness and his heart was aching as he was sobbing.

    The same with the students, they were doing the same. Feeling the same and thinking the same.

    Just in the hills located at the peak of their vige, stood a dark-robed traveller. He saw the pir of light disappear in a moment''s passing. His eyes were covered with a hood but were showing his mouth.

    He grinned and his teeth were showing sharp teeth. Able to cut flesh just by looking at it. He raised his hands in the air and was chanting devil''snguage.

    Soon after, the weather seemed to change. The skies were darkened by its power and soon, monsters and devils were emerging from the ground. Cracks from the ground were seen and then crawling out from the cracks were monsters.

    ck miasma seemed to gush out of the cracks and mixed with echoes of torment were heard from it.

    The swept clean vige soon was spawning evil entities. Flooding the vige again with their numbers.

    Joan who has started to dig his parent''s graves stopped at the moment he sensed evil.

    Looking at the hills that he felt to be emitting a great evil aura, he nearly copsed in great exhaustion. Physically and mentally.

    It took almost every ounce of his mana to summon the Arch Angel but here he saw that it was still not finished.

    Everything was epted by his heart that his parents were gone but he also felt that everything was just starting.

    He stopped digging and throws his shovel on the pile of dirt he made. Leaving his dear parents on the ground.

    He can only be saddened by what was transpiring. Summons of evil entities seemed to appear left and right in their vige.

    "This is not good, this is not good. A Seed Of Evil will soon be nted in this vige and I am out of mana. This will make this ce spawn evil creatures nonstop and be covered with darkness. I am not yet on the level of a Legend or perhaps Mythic to dispel this curse." Joan said while staring at the skies. Inhaling great amounts of air on the process.

    "I have to save my students first and leave this ce at once!" Joan said while hastily running on foot.

    He can''t save his parents but he etched in his mind to save his students. They were the only ones left as someone he was attached to and will do his best to save them. Not wanting them to be endangered.

    "I have to move faster, faster than anything!"

    He equipped his Ronin job ss then used his skill [elerate]. Running faster and faster as he dashed.

    [elerate]�Chis skill of making all his movements elerate with tremendous speed. From movement speed and attack speed. His elerate skill will be faster with more movements like dashing and attacking.

 Chapter 43 - Accelerate

    Joan was on his fastest by using his skill [elerate]. The wind blew past him, the dirt being hurled by his every step. elerating at a very fast intensity.

    Even a small wasted movement was not being done in the slightest. Running like the wind, while being a fish in the water. Striding to the road of their vige.

    He saw from the sky, a darkened mass of clouds to envelop the whole surroundings. Making the sun disappear and the day became dusk. All were happening too fast and was not even the best time to happen. He didn''t even have the time to bury his parents on their graves properly and was struck with the notion to save first his students.

    It only made him in a very bad mood as he regretted that he didn''t warn the vige to relocate and leave immediately. Even so, it was already toote.. He didn''t even expect it to be so fast.

    Not being able to convince his father who didn''t believe in the God who created him. With rising feelings of regret, he didn''t want it to add to his mental breakdown. At least he can save his students this time.

    He was not yet getting farther away from their home, he can already see evil entities up ahead of the hilly dirt road. Crawling abomination that has no feet with only arms to crawl was fast approaching him.

    Even Undead was running towards him. A ck miasma of devil''s aura was emitting in their cuts.

    It can contaminate one''s soul with that miasma that it can turn them into one of them. Making their soul into undead. It was dangerous to be bitten by them as a tainted soul will not be able to go to the afterlife and turned ones will roam thends for eternity.

    Joan saw that a battle was inevitable. He was annoyed by the enemy''s presences and it will only waste his time. Not wanting his students to run into something like them was on his mind.

    In Joan''s mind, maybe they were just stalling time for him not to reach him. It was something that he needs to ovee. But also it will be a tough one, that kinds of enemies were also hard to deal with.

    Not even saying goodbye to his parents, he felt an ache struck his heart. More so, he thought he will never return to this vige. It was thest time he will see his parents. Never turning back, he shouted as he dashed. Preparing to fight or to just run away, he thought to be the quickest in executing any of the two. Killing them as fast as he could and running away when they were killed.

    He was empty-handed as he let go of his bow as well as his quiver of arrows. Only the letter from the vige elder was in his pocket. Not a single coin nor wealth to buy anything but only the letter.

    Joan''s memories resurfaced again of his father giving him the letter. It was the only treasure that he can give to him. He didn''t think that his father would do so far as to ask for the rmendation on the vige elder who was at the same time, a brother of the principal of the academy.

    He was also one of the vigers to die in the hands of the Imps. It would be devastating to let the principal hear that he was already dead.

    As he dashed, he equipped his Ronin Job ss.

    ''Equip Ronin Job ss!''

    Saying the job ss out loud was awkward to his taste.

    ''[Conjure armor], [Conjure katana]!''

    Two of his skills were immediately cast and it was sessfully summoned. His Samurai armor was colored red, emitting an aura made of mana. His sword was gushing out mana that was cold to the sight.

    ''[elerate]''

    The skill then took effect and he dashed faster and faster to a terrifying degree. Wielding his sword adjacent to his side abdomen, he wields the katana to his right and the scabbard to the left. He dashed like a pouncing cheetah. Headfirst and his feetst.

    All enemies were rushing in his direction but all were shed vehemently. Cutting their neck as well as their shoulders. Hands included and thighs. Undead and abominations alike.

    Rays of blood were sttered immediately after he passed through them. Limbs were thrown left and right as it was all scattered in his wake.

    Some blood of the undead was sttering in his armor and it was eating away the mana made armor of his. Making him forcefully regenerate the armor with his mana. Reinforcing it was the best thing to do as evil miasma was very dangerous. More than any poison you can think of. Only holy water can dispel the tainted soul.

    Joan killed anything on his travel but his armor was barely able to protect him. It was because he was running out of mana. Making him perspire and due to consuming stamina with his skill [elerate] and his mana well was not yet fully developed.

    It was overbearing on his part and only the shoulder pads of the armor were left. Joan stabbed the sword on the ground and gasped for air.

    Bodies of the enemies faded and soon enveloped his body. Making Joan strongerpared from the start of the battle.

    Looking at the far end of the monster swarm, he can only smirk at the process. Staring at his katana that can onlyst for another round of killing.

    Having chips on the sword made him reinforce the durability with his mana. The sword then repaired itself and it was good as new.

    The swarm of monsters from afar made him think of a n to use. His Lycan''s [Beast call] was in use and he was thinking of a summoner ss that has the same strength as the Lycan.

    His thought was the Druid or the Necromancer. Druid has summons like the vine and the bear but itcked the numberspared to the Necromancer.

    Thinking of it, the durability of the Druid''s summons were outstanding and very tough. Even though it has its strengths, it also has a weakness. Which were their numbers. But if you have [Spirit and Soul Duplication], you can have another version of yourself who could do the same skill as you.

    Two of you can do [Shapeshift werebear], [Summon vine] [Summon bear] and as well as [Spirit armor]. Totalling two of you, two bears, and two vines. A pretty niche job ss if you will imagine.

    Now if we proceed to the Necromancer, although not as many as the [Legion]. Which was not unlimited to use, it can only be used when you are triggered. Ultimately exhausting yourself as they will consume your feelings or emotions of Wrath, Despair, or Anguish.

    Necromancers were born as the bringers of death. So was the Angel of Death. Knowing him since his past life and was his Angel in his Necromancer state.

    Necromancers have many summons who were not limited to the skill [Skeleton]. Skeleton Knights, Archers, Wizards, Reapers, and Warriors. [Ghosts] who were immune to Physical damages but weak to Elemental damage and especially Holy damage. As well as [Angel of Death].

    Thinking of it, he picked the Necromancer for a reason. They were not very mana consumingpared to the Druid, it was the logical reason because of his state. Not having mana potions only made it worst.

    He didn''t have mana potions and it was due to being poor and it was pricey if he will think about it. Not having a single coin only made him nerfed.

    He can only smirk at their way of life and their circumstance. Barely able to eat while working under the sun.

 Chapter 44 - Necromancer

    Having chosen the Job ss he wanted, he immediately removed the summoned katana from his hands. Dispersing in the air as well as the armor on his shoulders.

    Another wave of enemies was iing and he was staring at the flooding enemies. Imps dyed in blood were just ahead of the road. Dancing while chanting their undistinguishable rant.

    The road was going upwards as he began to ascend the dirt road. As he thought that it was better to surprise them, he hesitated first and sneaked in the dark as he approaches them.

    They seemed to be loud with their talking and giggling as Joan approached them. Carrying nothing in his hands, he can only wry as he was not being seen.

    Little by little, step by step, he moved slowly but he identally stepped on the stick. Breaking it into two as well as making it sound..

    They all stared in his direction and he was awkwardly crouching, sneaking just a few meters away from them.

    Joan smiled at them then turned serious. He was embarrassed deep inside but he was also in a hurry. He wanted to end it silently but it was beyond help.

    "Rise!" He said while raising his hands.

    He used his skill [Skeleton] and the enemies were grabbed from the ground with [Grappling hands].

    From the ground rose Skeletons like 2 Skeleton Knights, 1 Wizard, 2 Archers, 2 Warriors, and 1 Reaper. All was emitting a cold blue aura from their eyes and breathing out cold steam that was color blue.

    Skeletal Knights carry armor and shields with swords. The Wizard has tattered robes with a book made of an ashen ck leather cover. Archers have bow and arrow and the Warriors has two-handed swords. Reaper has a two-handed scythe.

    All attacked the rooted enemies in the ground as they rose. The enemies seemed to panic as they were rooted and can''t run with hands made of bones were holding them. They struggled but it was all for nought.

    Screams were all over the ce. ughter was whates next. They tried to defend themselves but it was only a matter of time before they were all overwhelmed.

    Some enemies were cut in half. Making them into dead bodies in just seconds. All were in chaos. Some were struck in the head with arrows. Some were decapitated by swords and scythe alike.

    Their shrieking cries soon ended as the enemies were all ughtered. Joan walked past them as they were killed. Picking up the pace as he felt great mana was removed from him.

    He felt that the wolves were fighting and was damaged. It only made his heart race in the process. Dashing, he was protected by the [Skeletons].

    All were in their fastest to follow Joan''s pace. While Joan didn''t want them to be left behind he also was in the race of time.

    The skeletons made way for him with the enemies that were spawning nonstop in their vige. Despite the enemies were great in numbers, it was one hit and they were killed instantly.

    Approaching near the houses, Joan saw Ben Kendrick, Eman and others to be fighting off Imps. With the packplete and crows approaching him in the opposite direction.

    "Master! It was master!" Shouted Kendrick on the opposite side of the hill.

    Joan was so happy that his eyes felt teary. Drops of tears were flowing in his eyes. His skeletons were all having difficulty in chasing him.

    Imps were on the road and Joan can''t wait for his skeleton soldiers to finish them off. He can only smirk as he felt agitated.

    [Death scythe] was summoned and he dashed while holding it in his back. While in his fastest, he saw the Imps to be approaching.

    Rotating it left and right, he was able to decapitate them without inconvenience. Also, he swirled his weapon of death like he was making a performance in front of his students. Dancing like he was rotating it in his back and forth towards his front. Rotating it in his neck as he turned around and slicing an enemy as he shed in a wide arch.

    They were all killed majestically. Joan then approached them. Soon after, his students then shouted at him.

    "Your back master! There are skeleton monsters in your back!" Alex shouted, pointing at his back.

    Joan soon realised that his skeleton soldiers wereing in his back. He can only smile and close his eyes proudly. Putting his scythe on his shoulders and replied at them.

    "Oh! Meet my summons! Skeletons here are my students, and students my skeletons!" Joan said while letting them know each other.

    His students can only drop their jaws on the process. Not able to digest immediately what they heard and was still processing the information.

    "What!?" They all shouted.

    Joan chuckled. They were shaking their heads and pping their cheeks.

    "This is indeed reality," Kendrick said after he pped himself.

    "I am a Necromancer! I can summon skeletons in my bidding. And many more. Now we should leave this ce immediately, as the seed of evil was nted in this vige. It was by shedding the blood of the inhabitants of thend first then spawning the evil creatures by connecting the ne with the demon world," Joan exined.

    "Demon world? Where and what is that?" Kendrick asked him in curiosity.

    Joan can only close his eyes in their innocence. He gasped air and inhaled deeply.

    "Be prepared to hear this but the Demon world is under the ne. Right under where we are standing," Joan said to them.

    They soon realised that the world of the Angel God and the Demon God was only one. The other was on top while the other was below.

    It was very mind blogging at first but they soon get the gist of it. It was due to them seeing it with their own eyes. They soon felt dumbstruck as they didn''t know it in the first ce. The truth was very hard to swallow and they didn''t know it since birth.

    Thanks to Joan''s knowledge, they knew now. It was pretty toote though but still, they knew now. It was betterte than never.

    "And who is this Demon God? And Angel God?" Kendrick asked again the second time around.

    "The Angel God was the true God. Having no beginning and end. The Alpha and Omega. While the God of Demons was first originated as the entity called Sin. Consuming and corrupting the Arc Angel of Material ne and was getting stronger bymitting Sins. His sons were all the result of his sins when he shed his soul and spirit. Making his shed spirit as their bodies, they were immortal and unkible as they have their soul attached to their spiritual bodies. I knew this as the gift of knowledge was blessed unto me when I was anointed. It only started to be awakened recently when I saw my mother and father died." Joan said sadly.

    "Our parents were dead too, we are the only ones who are left in this vige," Alex said to him.

    "I am so sorry as I can''t save you beforehand. This is all my fault," Joan said while having an unstable voice.

    "No master! It is not. We are all in this together," Ben said to him while tapping his shoulders.

    "Yeah, we are," Joan said to them smiling bitterly.

    They all looked at him with determined looks different from their past selves. Carrying bows and arrows tucked on their shoulders. Having robes that have a hood that they covered their heads with. Sitting on the wolves who then howled.

    From the distance, a dark-robed traveller was staring at them. His eyes were covered with the hood and he was smiling. Showing his teeth on the process.

 Chapter 45 - Nuisance

    Staring at them in the next hill from afar, a dark-robed traveller stood in silence. Joan and the others were talking with each other as they were in the opposite direction.

    The wind blows as the skirts of his robes were being swayed from afar. Seeing that he has Necromancer skills evidently due to skeletons on his back. Feeling the deaths of his minions made his heart anguish. Staring at the perpetrator who killed them.

    Joan was talking with them and he ushered them to get out of the evil ce they were in. Clouds darkened the skies and wind blew on the wheat field.

    "Let''s get out of this ce immediately. The nearest vige is just a few miles from here. We should also seek help from the kingdom. Telling that the Lord of Affliction has risen.." Joan said to them.

    Kendrick was perplexed by another piece of information. Thinking that this Lord of Affliction was the cause of this ughter. He can only feel hatred burn inside him. Others too were feeling the same. Smirking at the notion of avenging their dead parents.

    "Let''s move now while there is still time," Joan said then summoned Canine.

    ''[Beast call]''

    From his shadow, emerged Canine with white fur. Grinning with its white teeth being shown.

    "Master! I will let you have the fastest ride like the wind!" He grinned at the idea itself.

    Judging from his perspective, Spirit wolves have skill themselves. Pretty niche like the summons of Druids.

    They can dash like the wind when they used [Spirit dash]. Summons able to use some skills when [Beast call] has a higher level.

    [Spirit dash]�Cmoving in a burst of speed. Making the wolves emit spiritual energy that glows. Making rays of light when running or dashing.

    Joan was perplexed that he has now gotten stronger, able to use skills in Adept Job sses he has. First was the Necromancer and now the Lycan. Others too will be upgraded with his experience as a grandmaster. Knowing the skill was not enough but using the skill will make it more attuned with his body. Which was the body of Joan whom he transmigrated.

    With more Job sses ascending to Adept, he can only wry at the process. Joan cancelled his skeletons summons then rides Canine. They used the skill and they radiated Spiritual energy from their bodies. Making them glow on the process.

    "Follow my lead! We will go to the next vige and make it out here alive! Now let''s move! Canine, lead the way!" Joanmanded him.

    Joan then leads the pack. Commanding his summons to follow his lead and dashing towards the next vige. With crows as an escort, they paved the dirt path. As they moved, rays of light were emitted from their trails. Leaving the blue hue light as they were dashing like the wind.

    More speed was applied this time and the students can only grab tightly in their necks. Partially choking some of them.

    They went down the hills and was at great speed. Joan held tight to Canine as he was having difficulty in his ride. He also felt drafty as he rides him.

    The blowing wind was in his face and he can barely open his eyes to the fierce wind. Making his eyes teary on the process.

    After making it out on the downhill, the uphill was next. They dashed without problems and it was not even worth mentioning.

    They were climbing as fast as they went downhill. Able to maintain the speed was apudable for Joan. He can only praise them silently in his mind. Tapping Canine on the neck.

    Soon after that, they saw houses at the top. Dested and monsters teeming in the road. Joan didn''t want to fight them as they were only wasting time. Not wanting to be overrun in the first ce so he decided to just evade them. Even so, Imps were scattered in the road and it will not hurt to kill some as they pass. Or so Joan thought of conjuring a sword with his skill [Conjure sword].

    Making a sword in his hands. Not enchanted by any enchantment but was as hard as steel.

    He saw an Imp defenceless and was staring at him like he was not even afraid to die. Joan can feel his excitement rise and he giggled as he saw it stare at him without thinking of running away.

    Joan was fast approaching and shed its head off. Killing it on the process. But as the head flew, its body exploded like a bomb.

    Making Joan thrown towards his ride.

    Other students attacked the Imps too and they all exploded. Making Joan and the others to roll on the ground several times before halting.

    The exploded bodies didn''t just explode. They also made smoke that was deafening and eye burning. Simr to the skill [Exploding corpse] of Necromancer that has Explosion damage and gas that burns the eyes. A tear gas to be exact.

    Joan crawled as he was calling their names, closing his eyes that hurt like hell. Soon after that, a man was walking in the smoke. Grabbed him and he felt that his mana left him. Making him grab his hands and break them like twisting a stick.

    Even though Joan crippled his hands, his mana well was empty. Or more like it was not regenerating at all. He felt that his mana well was sort like sealed.

    The man bellowed butughed immediately.

    "Who are you?" Joan asked while eyes closed.

    Itughed and his voice reverberated, left him as soon as he attacked him. Soon after, his students screamed. Joan stepped some more at the origin of the scream but he was stopped by a thorny wall. He pierced his chest and stomach as he didn''t know it was there.

    He opened his eyes and saw that the smoke was gone but he was holding a thorny bar of metal. He was inside a prison that has thorns all over the bars, pointing in his direction where he was in its center.

    Looking outside, he saw his students suspended in the air. Wolves were gone and some were deeply wounded. Extinguishing their bodies in the process. Crows were not seen anywhere.

    Joan saw a man that was the cause of all this. He was on his back and was raising his hands in the air. Chanting in thenguage he knew, the devil''snguage.

    "Please don''t hurt them! I will do what you want! Anything!" Joan screamed but he was unheard.

    The man or the enemy kneeled on the ground and put his hands on the dirt.

    "Please! I am begging you!" Joan screams while clenching the thorny metal bar obstructing him.

    Blood runs down on the metal and Joan started to break free from the bar. Forcing himself to pry open the thorny bars with his human strength.

    He has no mana left to help him use any skills and thus he felt despair for the first time in his life. Making him grit his teeth and struggle on the metal prison that captivated him.

    Slowly, he was making progress. Making the metal bar bent to his strength. Time was of the essence, he needs to save his students before all was lost.

    As he was making progress, the enemy too was also almost done. His students faced him and can''t utter a single word. Tears in their eyes and struggling while suspended in the air.

    "Don''t worry! I will save you all!" Joan shouted with every ounce of his breath.

    As soon as he shouted, spikes emerged from the ground and pierced their bodies.

    Joan saw their bodies hanged in the spikes and the robed man stands up. Turned around and faced him, smiling.

    Joan''s strength left his leg and mmed his butt on the floor. He was in a trance, seeing something he can''t believe with his own eyes.

    He screamed and summoned his strength again to open the metal bar. A creaking sound was heard and then he bent the cage open.

    Full of anger, he dashed towards the perpetrator who killed his students. Summoning all his strength with his sheer will, he dashed to the enemy without anything. No Job ss, no skills, not a weapon or anything.

    All his Job ss were sealed so was his skills. But there was one thing he has, and that were the Elements.

    All was lost and it was not so bad to be suicidal for once. Or so what he thought at the moment.

 Chapter 46 - Elements

    Joan as a master of all Elements threw away everything. Betting in the battle he didn''t know he could get out alive or not. All he wanted was to kill the bastard who killed his students.

    With just the Elements only his weapon, etched in his body. Summoning them like it was only breathing and can do as he wished with it. It was none other than the Element control that Joan practised when he was learning the basics.

    Not something that Joan wasme at but something that he hides. Hesitant to use them freely and only used them when he has run out of mana. Equivalent to thest-ditch effort orst option. Likewise, it will be devastating.

    Dashing to the enemy who was aware of his current situation, shocked as he broke free of the prison. Not something he sees every day and was impressed..

    "Hahaha, If you are only a master level of Job ss. Then you will not be affected by my skill [Mana drain] and [Mana degeneration]. Seems you are too weak in the first ce!" He shouted at him.

    Joan shouted at him, screaming with his anger fueling it. Approaching with eyes brimming with wrath. Veins popping out below the skin on his face.

    Immediately, he used the Wind Element in his hands. Gushing out and encircling his hands. Pointing both hands in his back while ducking.

    Soon after that, Joan boosted the wind element and it gushed out a turbulent wind just behind his back. Propelling his body forward with just the control of the Element.

    Travelling at great speed, he immediately reached the enemy. Even though Joan has reached him so fast, spikes from the ground emerged again as he approached.

    Spikes from his enemy emerged from his foothold, emerging from the ground until it goes to Joan. Joan jolted as his speed was at its highest. He manoeuvred with his hands, evading the spikes while mid-air.

    His enemy also didn''t want to be attacked by him with his speed. He dashed to escape butunching spikes that were rising to the ground was not stopping there.

    Instead, it became numerous with him escaping. Spikes assaulted left and right and Joan barely escaped the assault.

    All things were happening too fast that even Joan was still adjusting. Scrape wounds were made in his shoulders as a result of barely escaping the spikes. More so, Joan didn''t stop there. He steeled his will and manuevered in great control.

    He changed his hand position, facing one on the front left and one on his back right. Gushing air flows through his hands and he rotated. Emitting Fire element on his both hands while spinning around. A tornado of fire was made and burned the spikes of the enemy. Then it disappeared altogether with Joan.

    Not a trace of his presence was being seen as the enemy was looking up and down, left and right. Soon after that, Joan appeared in his back. He jolted while turning around, as fast as he could. Making spikes on his back.

    Joan then disappeared again and buried himself to the ground using his Earth Element maniption.

    He went down to the ground without breathing. Dirt was moving for him to dive like it was only in the water. Moving like a fish deep below the ground.

    As he sensed the enemy, he propelled upwards and saw that the enemy was just below him. Jumping to the enemy with the rocks behind his back and the dirt waspacted. Surrounding his body with an armour-like suit made of hardened rock and earth.

    Size erged and preparing to punch him. While mid-air, Joan fired the floating rocks towards him. One rock can cause rending of flesh.

    The enemy was just below him. Staring at him with no worries. He raised his hands then prepared to grab Joan even though he was far enough. From what Joan has seen, he was grinning at him and can trigger agitation deep inside.

    Joanunched the rocks on his back then it rained the enemy''s location, just where he was standing.

    Joan used Wind element to gust out the dust caused by the rock''s assault. To his surprise, he was covered with spikes that seemed to be arranged like a pyramid.

    Joan used the Earth element and raised his enemy''s foothold instantly like an explosion. The enemy was propelled upwards and Joan then detached his armour hands. Launching it to him as he detached it.

    Grabbing the enemy with his controlled Earthen armour hands. By it, they were both in the air as Joan controlled the armour to he levitated. The same as the grabbed enemy in front of him.

    "You did well with just your Elemental control. I apud your abilities despite handicapped. Now, why did I killed your friends? You want to ask?" The robed man smirked at him. One eye was narrowed as the other was big enough to make Joan say that he was intimidating him.

    "You will pay for what you''ve done. As for your answer, I want you to say it to me while puking blood. Crawling for forgiveness. Regret what you have done while begging for your life. But I knew who you are and I know that it was naive to make you do that. Lord of Affliction?" Joan said to him. Gripping his enemy tighter than before.

    "Hahahahaha, ugh that name was so refreshing to hear to my enemy. I will bring more sacrifice for my father! More seeds of evil to nt here in these ins. This is just the start! You will all know my name and kneel before me! I am...." He said but Joan snapped his neck with his grip.

    "Hah, too much talking. A waste of time. Oh! Sorry, I intend to torture you first! Don''t die yet!" Joan can only curse and bit his lips.

    Suddenly, the body went limp and an evil spirit left the body.

    Resembling a dragon faced devil with horns of a bull. Spikes were on its back and has a tail of a snake. Leaving the body then went inside Joan.

    Joan can feel his soul and spirit overtaking his mind. Joan felt that it will all be toote if his body will be overtaken. His eyes began to glow red and he panicked about what to do.

    "Hahaha! You insolent fool! You went to my trap! We sons of Demon God were immortal! And we will transfer our souls to the ones that killed us! You know now why we are sealed in eternity by the heroes? For us not to transfer! Hahaha!" He shouted on Joan''s mind.

    ''Think, think, think. If I will be consumed, I will be dead! Wait? Dead?" Joan was struck with a sudden thought.

    "Everything is toote! Just let your body be mine! Hahaha!" The Lord of Afflictionughed triumphantly.

    Joan smirked at his remarks.

    "Watch me!" Joan shouted.

    He created spears made of rocks, raising the rocks and formed into spear-like rocks aiming at himself.

    "If I die, you will not be able to transfer anymore right?" Joan smirked.

    "What? You will kill yourself? Crazy! Bastard! What do you think you''re doing?" He shouted in his mind.

    "Oh, so you are concerned now?" Joan said to him.

    Thinking of ending his life and meeting everyone he lost. Even though he wanted to still live andplete the mission of the God of Angels. He was under the possession of a Demon.

    Thinking not much for him to live, he stabbed himself left and right with the spears. Piercing through his body and blood sttered. Having a shback with his parents after a stab hasnded. Another shback of his students with another stab. shbacks were seen with every stab he suffered. Soon enough, he mmed his feet first then knee on the ground as he lost control of the armour he has.

    "We will meet atst, everyone," He said as he let out hisst breath.

    Losing his life while kneeling. The wind blew his cheeks and a single tear went down from his eyes.

    Soon after, the demon who possessed him left as he also felt the pain of the same suicide as Joan.

    "Curse you!" He screamed as he faded.

    Joan was solitary in the ground. From afar, walking a solitary man that has a beard white and ashen. Sprinkles of ck can still be seen and he was stroking it with his hands. A cane on his other hand and was wearing brown robes.

    It was none other than the Prophet Isaias. Isaias saw his dead body and he can only sigh in great discouragement.

    "What a fool," He said then poke Joan in his side, testing if he was still alive.

 Chapter 47 - Reprimanded

    Joan was staring into nothingness. Vast space and was dark. The same as the time when he died in his past life. His body and clothes were glowing in white. Not able toprehend the nothingness, he immediately realized.

    "Wait!? Did I die? Already?" Joan can only smirk at the process.

    Wearing the white robes outsized in his small body. Heughed again in his pitiful cute size. Realizing again that his soul was of a small boy.

    "Joan! Joan!" He heard the voice as he felt that he was being shaken.

    He opened his eyes and saw an old man wearing old brown robes and a moustached mouth..

    Twinkling his eyes, he felt that his body was in great pain. Seeing the spears still attached in his chest, back and abdomen. Joan can only scream at what he saw.

    "Oh!!!! It hurts like hell!" Joan grabbed the spear attached and tried to pull.

    But he felt greater pain as he tried to do so. Staring in front of him, he can see Isaias stroking his beard.

    "Oh, so you are alive now. I removed the curse of [Mana drain] and [Mana degeneration]. You might want to pull those things in your body by yourself and start healing." Isaias said to him.

    Joan can only grit his teeth, felt the painful skewered body but Isaias was only staring at him.

    Joan will go mad anytime soon but Isaias said that he has to pull the spears by himself. Not something that Joan will appreciate.

    "Are you mad? I can barely pull it off! And it was too painful!" Joan screams as his tears started to flow. Sobbing slightly.

    Trembling hands were starting to hold the spear and redied all his strength for pulling it off. Can''t even count how many were in his body. Sticking in him like he was a porcupine.

    "Huff huff....ready pull!" Joan scream as he pulled it off and then he used his skill to heal.

    If it was just made of wood, he can just make his body be in embers with the help of the Fire element.

    So sad that it was made of rocks which will only make it burn. He was starting to regret that he killed himself. Much more he lived again. He didn''t expect to be in this predicament in the first ce.

    "If you just listened to me to evacuate the vigers in the first ce. This wouldn''t have happened. I am deeply disappointed with you and the God of Angels that sent you. But still, God is merciful and raised you again. I will not help you as a punishment." Isaias said to him.

    Joan wailed some more as he heard him. He regretted that everyone died because of him. His parents, his students, his kind neighbours. All were killed because he didn''t listen to his warning.

    This even added to his pain. Emotionally tortured and physically. Making him have a mental breakdown.

    He gritted his teeth, anger was rising in his heart and a speck of revenge was created in his heart. He shouted in great despair and then swallowed every bitterness.

    "[Skeleton]" He uttered the skill with an unsteady voice.

    Immediately the skeletons were summoned. Surrounding him and Isaias.

    "Pull this off got damn it!" Joanmanded them with a shout.

    They hesitated first as it will kill him in loss of blood but definitely will follow hismand.

    Putting their bony hands on his spears then Joan gritted his teeth. They pulled it and blood sttered everywhere. Joan was covered with blood and he screamed in great pain as they pulled the spears. Immediately he used his skill [Full heal].

    [Full heal]�Ca skill of Priests for instant heal in full without blemish. Can''t regenerate severed limbs but can heal cuts and pierce damages.

    He healed himself then he copsed on the ground. Still awake but was panting. Hands opened wide on the ground with a bloody shirt.

    Isaias was impressed that he has summoning skills, even Priest skills. It was the first time for him to see the powers of the anointed one.

    "Impressive! That is what an anointed one should be! You did your best Joan to save them but in our mistakes, God will make something out of it to be a blessing. You have to believe me, more awaits you. You did your best and I am d to guide you. Your mission starts here, we will follow where the Lord of Affliction will go and stop him." Isaias said to him.

    Joan was silent and he only nodded at him. Thinking that it was his purpose here. He was thinking that if only he can go all out from before and called all summons before they were all attacked. Maybe it will not be the same. Fate doesn''t permit it in the first ce.

    "Can you raise them from the dead like what you did to me?" Joan asked in hopes of some miracle will happen.

    Isaias inhaled deeply, he pats his shoulders then removed his hands.

    "Miracle was a God-sent powers. If the God of Angels wills it, he can revive them. But he intends to make them rest in peace. Remember Joan, death is just the beginning of eternal life. And resting in his presence without pain, sufferings, sickness, sin. So be happy that they rested now, they are now in his bosom. It will be another time that you will see them but eventually, they will wait for you there," Isaias said to him.

    "That wasforting, thanks. But first, I will do one thing before leaving this ce. I will not let their bodiesy there and be eaten by worms. I need to burn their bodies first before leaving," Joan said to him.

    "Hmmm, you don''t want their bodies to be desecrated? Yes yes as you wish," Isaias said to him.

    Joan then went to the bodies of his students who were hanged in the spikes and closed their eyes. Joan prayed that their souls will be guided to the afterlife.

    Isaias wasforting him while patting his back. Joan was still devastated deep inside. Everything happened so fast that he can''t cope up with reality''s predicament.

    Soon after that, an Angel appeared and retrieved their souls. Joan can see their spirits in which Joan can barely see. Their faces were hazy and he can''t distinguish who was who. But he saw that they waved goodbye to him then disappeared.

    Joan then smiled, his tears have run out that he can''t even force his tears to drip. Making only his heart be at peace. He felt that his burden felt lighter than before. He can inhale deeply without pain in his heart.

    "Now that I have my Mana well full, I can let loose a bit now. Thanks, Isaias," Joan said to him while Isaias was in his back.

    Isaias then felt proud of him, a very resolute man in his age. He even thought he was acting older than his age. Not knowing if Joan was older than him in his past life.

    Immediately, Joan summoned all his summons.

    [Beast call]

    [Summon bear]

    [Summon vine]

    [Skeleton]

    [Spirit and Soul duplication]

    [Shadow clone]

    Multitudes of summons appeared. Isaias knew he was the chosen one but he didn''t expect that he was this strong in the first ce. He was shocked that he was a multi-ss.

    All were summoned in his presence and hemanded them with some simplemands.

    "Collect the bodies of all the vigers. Fetch me some dried woods and kill everything on the way."

 Chapter 48 - Rescue

    "Duplicate! You lead the summons in their mission. You are the strongest and is closest to my level." Joan said to him.

    "I am the same Joan as you. The same level and the same soul. Idiot!" The duplicate shouted at him.

    "Kay kay, fine. Justplete the mission first, nothing more. Now shoo!" Joan shouted as he let a gestured wave for him to leave.

    "Wait, I still didn''t let my summons out!" Joan shouted at him.

    Reminding him that he has the same skill as him. Preparing the mana required, he cast multiple skills at once.

    [Summon bear]

    [Summon vine]

    [Beast call]

    [Skeleton]

    [Shadow clone]

    Adding it to his already numerous summons in the process. With more numbers of summons, the duplicate smirked at him. Making Joan in awe, he almost forgot he has such skills.

    "Praise me original! I will continue to grow when you grow. But will base on your current strength. Fear me!" The duplicate then opened his arms wide. Smiling while he closed his eyes.

    Joan then throws his shoes at him. Hitting him in the face. Struck his head and then the duplicate felt his veins popped in his forehead.

    "Shoo! Go now! We need to do it as soon as possible," Joan said.

    The duplicate then felt more serious.

    "As you wish." He said then lead the troops. Marching towards the vast enemies.

    The vige was teeming with devils and monsters with more time has passed. Not a worthy ce to live anymore. Despite it, Joan still nned for their bodies to be cremated. It was hisst wish before leaving this ce.

    "Crows! Send this letters to the key persons!" Joan said to them as he writes some letters.

    With the duplicate''s lead, the summons were all seeing Joan. Like the original, he was also the same despite him being a duplicate. Bearing Joan''s will and power, what can they wish for more. It was something that they saw as a worthy leader aside from him.

    "All summons! Let loose and have a blood bath!" He said to them.

    They can only grin at the process. The duplicate harbours the same pain and suffering as the original. He was not happy with what was happening in his vige. Thinking that his parents were all killed in this ce.

    Marching forward, they steadily increased their pacing until they dashed. Led by Joan''s duplicate. Enemies'' spawning were seen by them. Not wasting any time, they assault them.

    Undead were crawling out from the ground and Imps were all seen from the distance.

    The [Summon bear] charged together with its pair. [Skeletons] were running nonstop. [Shadow clone] dashed and were the fastest, starting the ughter with their des and skills.

    Wolves dashed together with their mirror image. The duplicate''s [Beast call] themselves. Canine can only smirk at his duplicate.

    "Hey! You wanna have a contest of most kills?" Canine said to him.

    "Sure! I am better than you by the way," He replied.

    Upon his own duplicate''s remarks, he can only feel being roused. Making also amand on his pack.

    "All wolves! Hear me! Kill!" Hemanded.

    Immediately they used their skill [Spirit dash]. Glowing their bodies then dashed, leaving a trail of light upon their path.

    Skeletons don''t have a problem with their lives. Just to kill was their purpose but still, they also felt the feelings of their master. Saving the dead was a new feeling for them.

    He used to use the [Skeleton] skill as a mass ughtering summons. They also saw how pitiful their master was when he was stabbed left and right. Dying was also a first against his enemy.

    It also means that this world was a very dangerous one. The God of Angels warned him too about the danger but he didn''t know it was to this degree.

    The duplicate was also not in the mood. Charging to the horde of Undead was what he did first. Even the Rogues who were the first to dash was left behind in the dust with his speed.

    Equipping the Ronin job ss, he used his skill [elerate]. Dashing as speed rise, shing enemies with his [Conjured katana] on the way.

    Undead were all decapitated in his wake. Jumping to the horde with his Job ss Druid. Then used his skill [Shapeshift werebear]. Roaring with its big mouth and spewing saliva while in the air.

    Using his skill [Hand m] as hended. The ground shook and reverberated in the area where hended. Felt by the summons who were on the way.

    Rogues jumped at the fray, assisting him. [Reverse sh] were seen shing left and right. Killing enemies in his surroundings. Daggers were on their hands with the same faces as Joan. [Shadow cloak] was covering their bodies while crouching around Joan''s duplicate.

    Soon after, they dashed some more. Diving deeper towards the enemy lines. Others followed after them.

    On the top of the hill, the wind blowing as the trees swayed on their touch. A campfire in Joan''s front was illuminating in his face. Closing his eyes as he breathed deep.

    Joan was in his lotus position. Having been through many trials, he meditated with himself. Trees were rustling and Isaias was watching him.

    He was meditating to break through to the Fourth Stage Earth Realm. He thought that he has many job sses butcked the very foundation�Chis mana well. Meditating while the summons does what they needed to do.

    Isaias saw that his mana well was still weak and was still on the earth realm. Can''t convince himself how did he have so many summons in the first ce.

    "Joan, I know that you are the anointed one but how did you have so many skills and Job sses?" Isaias approached him as he was holding his cane, tapping the ground with each step he moved toward him.

    Joan was surprised as he didn''t know about his past. That he was a Grandmaster Of All Job ss and Elements.

    "Maybe he didn''t tell you beforehand and wanted to surprise you. I am an otherworldy chosen to save this world. A being that can do what he wanted. But still, I didn''t ascend to Legend or Mythical due to my curse. [Soul eater] was the name of the curse, you heard of it?" Joan said to him.

    "Oh, that exins it all. Your behaviour, your past, your power. But I heard that this [Soul eater] can kill a person slowly. Either you die losing your mind or you suicide because you can''t bear the effects." Isaias said to him while stroking his moustache.

    "Okay good, d you know it. Now if you''ll excuse me, I got to ascend." Joan said to him, shooing him away.

    Isaias then went to sit beside him, watching him over in case he will be disturbed or attacked.

    Calming himself, he focused on his cultivation. Breathing in and out while concentrating to have a breakthrough. It will be tedious to have a breakthrough in another realm. Making him weakened if disturbed.

    He started the task then cultivated his mana well. His Focus was all in full throttle and he struggled a bit. Isaias was silently observing and he was also impressed by his progress. Making him smile as he watched him.

    Joan then opened his eyes wide and took a deep exhale. Sweating as he was panting.

    "I broke through!" Joan eximed.

    "Good!" Isaias replied.

 Chapter 49 - Fire

    Roar!!!

    The Werebear form of Joan''s duplicate shouted with a trembling voice.

    "Crush them!" He said as he smashed his heavy hands, able to break the neck of the undead. Reverberating the air around him.

    Heads rolled as it was separated from its body with every smash. Dashing to the enemies and they were all struck by its massive body. Making a clear path for them to pass.

    Shadow clones were rushing and moved with finesse and agility. Evading strikes and stabbing the enemy''s backs. In other cases, some aimed to strike the head with their dagger.

    Running ahead from the others made them lead the way.. Joan''s duplicate then switched to his Werewolf form. [Shapeshift werewolf] Was cast then he turned to a werewolf.

    Smashing the undead with his paws. Others were grabbed and then he squeezed their heads till their heads popped. Blood and brain sttered on the process.

    "You are so soft!" He said as he growled.

    Dashing towards the fray, he used his skill [Fury]. shing them left and right in session for threebos of left and right sh. Making six shes in total.

    Enemies were in disarray as he shed them. Not wanting to experience what they saw on theirpany of spawns.

    Immediately, they cleared the enemies as the wolves and skeletons, together with the other summons arrived. Barely left enemies for them as the first to arrive was the Shadow clones and Joan.

    Dashing downhill, they saw no enemies towards the houses. As they arrived at the top, they saw enemies from the distance. Below them was a horde of abominations, crawling with their severed bodies that have sharp teeth, leathery skin, green in color that weremon residents of Demon world.

    The duplicate saw that the enemies were just below them. Equipping his Ranger Job ss, he first used the skill [Conjure Arrow quiver]. Not having a quiver of arrows in the first ce. [Conjure bow] he used his skill as he didn''t also have a bow. Emitting an aura of cold-looking bow, mana gushing out from it.

    [Conjure Arrow quiver]�Ca skill of making an arrow quiver made of mana. It will disappear after it runs out of mana source after a few minutes. Leaving only its damage to the enemy.

    [Conjure bow]�Ca skill of making a bow made of mana. Essentially, used when the Ranger has no bow on hand.

    He prepared to use his mana then used his skill [Snipe]. Looking at the enemies below.

    [Snipe]�Ca skill of making your vision to see from afar. Each hit will do critical if the arrow was not blocked by a shield or struck on the armor. Can also be used to see from afar while spying only and not to attack. Has a great boost on the range of the attack.

    He draws his bow and tucked an arrow on the bowstring. Using his skill, he can see enemies from afar. He grinned as he realized that this skill can be spammed as long as you have mana.

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    He used his skill as much as he can and the enemies were all killed. The downside was, he used up his mana. He breathed in and out to recover some mana.

    The original body of Joan became fourth stage Earth Realm in mana well but Duplicate was created when he was still in third realm. Knowing that he was still weak in reality.

    Seeing the enemies flee, he ran with his summons protecting him. Dashing in their middle while chaos was everywhere. Seeing the houses were near, they saw that the bodies were desecrated. Inside their houses, were bodies of vigers. Woman, man, children, all killed by spawns.

    The skeletons carried the bodies and went outside the houses. Putting them on the ground.

    They carried the bodies on the back of the bears, strapped with rope to hold them intact.

    House to house, every viger were carried. Some skeletons were also carrying the bodies. Wolves too were also helping. Arriving at their home, Joan''s duplicate saw his mother and father''s body. The duplicate caressed their hair and kissed them on the forehead.

    Carrying his parent''s bodies himself, he went to lead the summons to the hill where Joan was waiting.

    Ascending from the hill, the caravan of summons with the lead of Joan''s duplicate has arrived. Joan was seen sitting in front of the campfire, legs crossed while in a lotus position.

    Joan''s duplicate saw his aura was different. He felt that he was stronger than before. Brimming with mana gushing out from his skin.

    "Another stage?" The duplicate said out loud.

    Joan was silent and then opened his eyes. The fire flickered and burning wood crackled as he was sitting there.

    "Wrong, Two stages," Joan said proudly, making his duplicate to be ashamed.

    "Great! Summon me next time and I will be stronger!" He said to him making a wink and a thumbs up.

    "By the way, I rescued father and mother just as you wish. We should start cremating them as soon as possible. The seed of evil will get worse and will make their bodies into an Undead," The duplicate said seriously this time.

    "I know," Joan said then used his Nature element.

    Upon brought with a stick, he created dried sticks out of it andyered them to be a bed. Joan noticed that the duplicate just watched him do the hard work.

    "Hey, what are you staring at? Help me," Joan said to him.

    Joan was creating sticks together with the duplicate then the summons was helping arrange it. Wolves biting sticks when passing to the skeletons, bears were helping to put sticks on the top.

    Shadow clones were using their agility to move fast and deliver to the ones who were arranging their beds. Lined up like neatly arranged beds.

    Soon they put the bodies to their designated bed and then Joan was silently praying for their eternal rest. His parents too were included and he felt dismayed at his ipetence. Sobbing silently for thest time.

    The fire sparked on the wooden beds of the vigers. Joan was watching his parent''s faces being engulfed by the fire. Slowly crawling into the sticks and it then became enormous.

    The fire burned on the hills and Joan was silently watching the fire rise. Smokes were rising towards the skies and until the bodies were all burned.

    "Let''s go, Isaias. We need to leave from this ce." Joan said then about-faced. The fire was still burning on his back.

 Chapter 50 - Travel

    Joan about-faced and went to descend the hills. Summons have extinguished as well as the Duplicate. Isaias followed after him, tapping the cane he has on the ground while striding down the hills. Making the cane sound as it hits rocks apanied with their footsteps.

    Joan was wearing leather shoes but the prophet was only wearing satchels. A rather ill-equipped for such a great noble job such as his. Joan wondered as they will travel in such situations.

    He has no clothes to wear as they went to abandon the vige abruptly. Not even have a single copper coin in his pocket to feed himself. Only the letter was in his pocket that has value.

    Thinking of selling it to have money and to eat was also an idea in his mind. Though it was not worth it, he can only sigh on the process.. Even with his strength, he can only click his tongue on their poverty.

    Isaias then stopped his steps, making Joan look back at him. Thinking what was the reason he stopped.

    "Joan, don''t worry about the future. You have a God in you. At least be at ease, it is the least of our problems," Isaias said to him pointing his pouch and made it sound by shaking it.

    "Oh, so I can at least leech off to you? I can hunt though just in case," Joan said to him. Continuing his steps towards the exit of the burnt gate. A guard tower beside it.

    "Yeah, you can hunt in case," Isaias replied.

    "So what''s next? I have no one toe back here," Joan said felt worried.

    Isaias then replied after a second.

    "I have seen a vision, All the Demon lords will rise again. We should stop him unsealing his brothers," Isaias said to him.

    "Who? You mean he is still alive?" Joan asked as he felt great anger fuming inside him.

    "Yeah, Spirits can travel too and seek someone weak and possess them. So the best way is to seal them. But due to the rising cult that is attacking the seal site of the Demon lords, they are set free. We will head to the next vige first and be equipped. The next seal site of the Demon Lord is just near there so he will go there and possess anyone to be his physical body. That is what we will go for now." Isaias said to him. Stroking his beard again.

    ''Seemed mannerisms of his.'' Joan thought.

    "I can hear your thoughts," Isaias said.

    "That is unfair! What can I hide from you huh? So you know what I think all this time?" Joan asked him, biting his lips.

    Isaiasughed hesitantly, not sure if Joan was angry or disgusted.

    They continued walking for hours in the hilly path. The wind was blowing in their clothes. Speaking of Joan''s clothes, it has many holes and blood bathed it. Making him think about buying new clothes in the meantime.

    ''Maybe two pairs of clothes would suffice for the meantime.''

    Joan was walking when suddenly, he felt extreme pain in his head. Making his feet to left its remaining strength. His knee crashed to the road and he felt dizzy. Panting heavily while holding his head.

    Isaias saw him and worry struck his mind. He approached him then tapped his head.

    "You overexerted yourself too much. Your duplicate suffered what you felt right now. Think twice before doing it again or you will be endangering yourself." Isaias said then put his hands in his head. Silently praying for his recovery.

    Joan groaned at first but the pain eventually faded. It seemed that he was healed by the prayer of Isaias.

    "The mind isplex as your soul lived there. As you burdened your mind, your soul too will suffer the consequences. Etch this on your mind or your soul will suffer," Isaias said to him. Tapping his shoulders twice.

    With the pain gone, Joan stands up a bit. Feeling that he was refreshed. Just after he stands up, he started to take a single step. It was a forced step as he was still regaining strength. His stomach grumbled at the process.

    Thinking about it, he asked Isaias about another problem that has risen. Thinking about his bad luck in his life, he inquired.

    "Say, Isaias, is there a miracle that vanishes the hunger?" Joan said while holding his tummy.

    "You know that miracles are sacred and not for wishing a skewered meat handed to you by Angels that came from heaven. Or venison meat to fall to the ground from the sky. It needs the will of the God that you prayed for. No will of God, no miracle!" Isaias said to him.

    Joan smirked thenughed.

    "You know how to joke are you?" Joan said to him shaking his head.

    "You asked for my answer, did you? You should ask the right questions for the right answers," Isaias said to him.

    "Okay, we will hunt then! There must be hares in these grassy hills. All we should do was find some tracks that lead to their burry holes. Their homes to be exact," Joan said to him.

    Isaias sighed softly, thinking of his aching joints on the knees and the pain on his back made him hesitate a bit. Not wanting chase hares while being scolded by Joan. His mind sure was imagining things.

    Joan approached him then used his skill [Minor heal]. Joan recalled that it was what Stephen was using on his aching joints and muscles.

    ''He sure is a witty child'' Joan said in his mind.

    Isaias then felt that he was rejuvenated. It felt that he regained his youthly energy.

    "Whoa whoa whoa, I can feel my youthful energy cursing in my veins! What did you do?" Isaias said in shock, looking at his hands with awe. Staring to Joan next.

    "Nah, it is a skill of my Grand student Stephen. Amazing right?" Joan said to him. Smirking while making wide eyes.

    "Stephen? Who is that?" Isaias asked confused.

    "Nah, never mind. Let''s just hunt hares for now," Joan said then equipped his Ranger Job ss.

    [Conjure bow]

    [Conjure arrow quiver]

    He was reminded again about his students when he used the Ranger job ss. If he taught them the Ranger job ss and made them Rangers, will their fate change after what happened? It was disturbing for Joan but regrets will only hold you back.

    All happened in just a whim, not even making his heart cope up with their sudden deaths. But all their souls were in his arms.

    Something that made Joan felt assured and rxed. He faced the reality and that was to feed his stomach and Isaias also.

 Chapter 51 - Hares

    They were hunting in the grasnds. Isaias and Joan. Joan was leading the way and saw bite marks on the leaves of the grass. Thinking they were near, he saw holes on the grassy ground as he scanned it. He found their bury hole and Joan felt excitement rousing inside him.

    With their home was seen, Joan then scanned the surroundings for their exits. He saw ten holes in the area, signifying that it was a big home under the ground.

    He nned to block their exits and burn the entrance. Leaving a hole for Isaias to guard. Joan then used his element of fire to burn the hole.

    Making the hares inside panic and went to find their escape exits. Exits for either fleeing and escaping or more entrance for them to confuse their predator..

    Joan then can feel the rumbling of their feet by his Earth element and blocked other exits beforehand.

    Making them exit on where Isaias was guarding. Prepared to catch anything that went out from the hole.

    Just a few seconds, Joan felt that they were fast approaching the exits.

    "Isaias! They areing!" Joan shouted.

    Isaias was on edge, he didn''t know what to do as it was his first time hunting. He lifted his robe clothe on his shoulders upwards and crouched like a predator.

    "That''s it, Isaias! Go! You can do it!" Joan cheered some more to boost his confidence.

    Just as Joan finished speaking, rumblings on the exit were heard and felt.

    Isaias bit his lips and gulped saliva. Soon after, hares jumped towards his face. Others were on his stomach, making him cough air out of his lungs.

    "Go Isaias go! Chase the hares!" Joan screamed after the bury holes emerged many hares from different colours.

    Diverse colours such as brown, white, and ashen grey. Isaias jolted in such numbers emerged from the hole.

    Brown hopped on Isaias back while others kicked him in his face before leaving him.

    Isaias chased for them as Joan instructed. Seemingly enjoying his youthful energy.

    Isaias dived for one and sessfully grabbed it. While Joan backflipped in the air upwards then used [Snipe] consecutively. The firing was in all directions, left and right while in the air. All were hit within his range with different angles and without breaking a sweat.

    "Go, Isaias! We need to collect them! I am getting hungrier as time passes by. Do you know that rabbit meat tastes like chicken?" Joan said to him.

    Isaias then wiped his face full of sweat. Panting but still brimming with energy.

    "I tasted one in the past. But we don''t have salt to make its umami heighten. Do you have any safety measures or backup ns?" Isaias said.

    "Safety measures? Backup ns? I lost everything just a while ago! I didn''t even have packed clothes before I left home! How much more salt? Wait, I have a n. I marked my home with my [Teleportation] runes. I have ample mana to use the skill! You want me to go back?" Joan asked.

    Isaias almost leapt in glee. He hastily massaged Joan in the back and let Joan feel his dness.

    "You are awesome! I didn''t think you can do such a thing! Go forth, Joan! Make haste! There is something to feed!" Isaias said in his back while pointing the vige''s direction in Joan''s front.

    Joan chuckled at his energy. It seemed his body was invigorated by Stephen''s skill.

    "You know, you are funny sometimes. We should both teleport there, I needed extra hands to carry my luggage," Joan said, stomping his feet on the ground then a rune colored blue emerged from his foothold.

    Making the two of them disappear from where they stood. Appearing just outside their home. Just from before, it was messy. Blood was seen on the ground of the enemies and his parents alike.

    Joan can only feel more troubled to be in this ce as he didn''t want to remain for long here. At least to gather everything that he will need for his journey was in his mind.

    "Isaias, go to the kitchen and grab the cooking utensils. Also the spices and salt were in the dirty kitchen. I will also carry all the chickens with me and let the horse graze in the grass for it to live. How about wanting to ride it? Your call!" Joan said to him.

    "We can ride your horse with its carriage attached. This time around, enemies will also lurk in the vige, we should hurry. We could travel farther ces and faster if we have your horse." Isaias said.

    "Prisci, Prisci is her name," Joan said to him.

    Immediately, Joan went to harvest the eggs of the chicken and put the chickens in the cage. Putting it to the carriage of his father. Isaias went to grab the kitchen wares and the spices for their long journey. Wearing a smile on his face and was whistling. They almost forgot to prepare for it as it was very dangerous to dwell longer in this ce.

    And it was to save his students. Joan then went to grab some clothes and put them on his rucksack. Changing his tattered and bloodied clothes on the process while he can.

    He thought to take a bath but it will only endanger him if enemies will spawn in their house. Thinking about it, he went to grab their pot and filled it with water. Putting it on the carriage.

    Now that they were prepared for the worst, Joan made greater rune this time. As his past rune was only able to transport a person or two but this time, he has to teleport arger sized entity and object such as the horse and the carriage.

    Preparing to use all his mana, he teleported the whole carriage and horse with Isaias on board. Joan then prepared to teleport them and then they vanished.

    "It was a sess! Woohooo!" Joan said while leaping.

    The only problem was he was still in the vige. Solitary and didn''t teleport too in the grassy hills together with them.

    "Oh no! I am left behind!" Joan nearly panicked. Realizing that he was left behind.

    "Nah, I will just wait till my mana will replenish," Joan said in his self. He remembered that he can teleport again with sufficient mana.

    Meanwhile, Isaias was teleported to the grassy grounds where they hunted the hares. He leapt in joy as it was a sess and was shouting.

    "Woohoo! You did it, Joan! You did it!" Isaias said then the horse neighed. Chicken blurted out as they were perplexed by his noise. But he didn''t see Joan together with them.

    "Joan? Joan? Where are you? Joan?" Isaias looked for his left and right. Nearly panicking for a second.

 Chapter 52 - Jog

    Joan was left with no mana to spare. It has no problem if he will teleport himself but with his carriage, it will be a difficult task. Minding that he was already low on mana when he fought. Still in the process of regaining mana and stamina.

    In their home, silence struck him. No horse to neigh, no chicken, cockadodle-do, none at all. Only the wind that was brushing in the wheat field was heard. Stopping immediately after a few seconds. Silence overtook after the wind stopped.

    Joan was there on the fence with no one to talk to. Seeing some spawned Imps from afar that were dancing in their songs.

    Joan felt empty, but still, he moved on and continued his life..

    He walks back to where Isaias was but Imps were blocking the road towards him. Preparing his strength, he crouched like a cheetah.

    Immediately, Joan dashed into the fray. Hurling the dirt in his path. Imps were shocked as they sensed his presence a bitte. Preparing to defend themselves, they posed in their fighting stance. Prepared for an immediate fight that will breakthrough.

    Just as they were on edge, they soon approached him. Joan then jumped up high in the air while somersaulting. Rotating three times before hended. Feet first and crouching while hands on the ground.

    They turned around then they saw him running away.

    "Bye-bye! See you next time!" Joan shouted at them.

    They were confused as their faces were seen having disbelief. Scratching their leathery head in the process. Others were disappointed because there was no fighting that happened, expecting to have fun but their excitement turned to ashes. Even like a bubble that disappeared in split seconds.

    Joan jogged in the neighbourhood of spawns. Evading with finesse and just chilling. Undeads were slow for his perspective so he just avoids them. Imps were not able to hinder his movements too with just their speed. It will take another realm of effort for them to chase him.

    Jogging to avoid them, Joan didn''t waste time on cultivating his mana well. Making the most out of his rxing jog on the monster-and-devil-infested vige.

    Just as he was cultivating, he has gained enough mana to use his skill [elerate] of the Ronin Job ss or the skill of Fighter [Speed]. Thinking of choosing between the two, his stamina will not cope up with it.

    There were many things to consider when using the skills. And that was because he was hungry and didn''t have the energy to do such excessive task for his body to handle.

    He can feel a little light-headed and his feet were a little weary. Not able to get to where Isaias was where what clouded his mind and there was a chance that if he overexert himself, he will copse halfway.

    So jogging was the only way. Small evasive manoeuvres that consume a little stamina was what he prioritized. While on the way, he cultivated and breathed in and out in a controlled way. More efficient in circting air in the blood that can sustain air in the brain on what you were doing.

    Just after that, he was travelling and evading for some time. Making use of what his remaining stamina can handle in his jog.

    Seeing from afar, Joan saw in the hills that Isaias was driving the horse they have called Prisci. Waving at him with his image of as small as a dot but it can be seen that he was moving his hands up from left to right and forth.

    "Ey! Isaias! I am here!" Joan said while waving his hands too.

    Isaias was waving his hands and he was shouting back at him. Sadly, it was inaudible in his ears. Not hearing a single thing as he can only hear the wind brush through his ears.

    To his surprise, Isaias was able to drive a carriage. Something that was needed when you have a carriage and it was better to have two drivers at the same time. While Joan sleeps, the other one can drive and vice versa.

    Joan felt excited to reach Isaias soon but his excitement was as intense as his hunger. Something that he was carrying for some time. Just as he reached the top of the hills, he saw the carriage that was near. Running downhill, he was on his fastest. Reaching Isaias in no time.

    The grasses swayed as the wind blows as well as Joan''s new clothes. Beside the road was grassy hills. Far from the wheat fields in their vige.

    As Joan was now climbing uphill, he felt that the world spins. Even though he has started to ckout, he mmed his knees on the ground. Leaning on the ground not to smash his head on the process. Little by little, he closed his eyes which sees the iing carriage.

    Joan then was in the depths of his dreams. Looking at his self on his transmigrated self. He approached him but he felt that it was smiling wryly at him. His eyes were red and blood vessels were seen in his cornea. Seemingly seeing a different person. It approached him and grabbed his neck, restricting his breathing in the process.

    Just as Joan was about to lose his senses, he felt a rod has struck his head.

    "Joan! Wake up!" Isaias screamed as he was shaking him vehemently.

    Joan inhaled great amounts of air and was coughing greatly. A mix of deep breaths and coughs were seen and his face was in great disbelief.

    Looking left and right while being anxious. Seeing a bag of corn in his side as his pillow and a cage of chickens beside him. A bag of carrots was seen on his other side for Presci''s food.

    "We are inside the carriage. Don''t worry I am here. You passed out without eating, here I skewered the rabbit. Roasted it with pepper and salt. d that we went back to your house. You want to drink water?" Isaias said then helped him drink.

    Gulping like a famished person then grabbing the skewered meat. Biting it off with a mouthful. Munching it with great pleasure as he tastes its vour.

    "Thanks! I didn''t know what will happen to me if I am alone. It is nice to have apany once in a while," Joan said to him.

    "Not once in a while but we will be apany for good. We will have a long journey ahead and a perilous one. We should help each other," Isaias said to him.

    Joan then smiled and gulped another cup.

 Chapter 53 - Bonfire

    Joan walked outside the carriage a little bit dizzy. Caressing his head as he tried to relieve his headache.

    Just outside, he saw his horse Prisci that was in the grassy ins. Eating fresh grass in the hills from afar.

    Joan saw a bonfire just on the side of the carriage and a skewered rabbit was in the fire. Immediately, Isaias offered him to sit by the fire. Illuminating their faces with yellow radiance as they sat there.

    Joan sat with haste and foundfort for his butt to rest. Regaining strength as he looks by the fire. As he was staring at the hanged raw meat of a rabbit, he noticed that it was still not yet seasoned with spices.

    Immediately, Joan took the initiative to pour pepper and salt into it.. Rotating the meat while doing so.

    Isaias chuckled as he saw Joan doing his stuff. He stared at the fire and was then struck with a premonition.

    From the fire, he can see Joan consumed in darkness and he felt troubled after he saw it. Staring back to Joan who was rotating the meat with hungered eyes as he licked his lips. Isaias can only sigh on the process.

    By the time that Joan felt tired for minutes of rotating the roasted meat, he immediately grabbed his attention.

    "Joan, I felt bad tidings shortly. I know that you are doing your best but I pray that your best is enough. I may be old but I haven''t seen someone like you who can wield many job sses. But I am troubled about what the future holds. Despite our circumstances, you should be strong. Steel your mind and harden your heart. I will guide you till myst breath," Isaias said to him who was starting to eat the roasted meat.

    "What? I''m hungry," Joan said to him while biting the meat.

    Isaias can only sigh and shake his head. Smiling bitterly while looking down to the ground.

    "Okay, it seems that you are unaffected by how grave our situation is. I will keep quiet then," Isaias said to him then made his silence.

    "I know what you are talking about. I have a dream too about my image being corrupted by evil. Choking me up but as I was about to lose consciousness, you have woken me up!" Joan said to him. Not a trace of worry was seen in his voice, nor his eyes.

    "Oh, that is terrible. I think you also have a vision simr to mine," Isaias said to him.

    "Maybe? But then if ites, let theme! I will make them pay for what they have done!" Joan said being resolute as he spoke.

    "Hahaha! That''s the spirit boy! Now let''s eat!" Isaias said to him.

    Joan then hides his meat, thinking of Isaias wanting a bite too.

    "Hahaha, I will cook my stupid child!" He said then grabbed a hare from his back.

    He removed its pelt and cleansed the meat. Skewered it then sprinkled salt and pepper. Putting it on the top of the burning fire while biting his lips.

    "Say, Isaias, how old are you now?" Joan asked.

    "A thousand years? I forgot how old I am. I am there when the heroes sealed the Lord of Affliction in his cage. I am wondering why the heroes didn''t stop the Lord of Affliction as they are guarding his tomb. Waking up when it is unsealed. That is why I want to visit the tomb of the Lord of Affliction and find the cause as to why the heroes have not awakened yet," Isaias said to him, stroking again his mane.

    "Wow, you are a lot older than me! Is that the powers of a prophet?" Joan asked curiously.

    "I am not joking when I said ''child'' to you, as I am a thousand-year-old sage. I am waiting for your appearance for a thousand years now as it is written in the prophecy," Isaias said to him.

    Joan was perplexed as he didn''t hear about such prophecy from the God of Angels. He was wondering if he was not yet born when the prophecy was foretold.

    "What is the prophecy about?" Joan inquired for answers.

    "Hahaha, it is about a boy who will save the world from darkness. Restoring peace and uproot all seeds of evil nted around the continent. You can guess who is that?" Isaias said to him.

    "It is Joan!" Joan replied in glee.

    "Indeed, but he is killed by a monster while he is still weak so you are reced as the inheritor of his prophecy. Sadly, the God of Demons also received a prophecy. It is because the God of Demons knew about the prophecy too and killed him while he is still the weakest. Making the future a lot darker than originally is. Stopping the prophecy beforehand while he still can kill Joan," Isaias said to him.

    Joan was perplexed by what he heard. Joan was originally the prophecy kid but killed while he was still a bud. To his surprise, he was also dead by that time and so he was picked to be the next prophecy child. The God of Demons also did what he has done to Joan and attempted to kill him.

    But that was unfortunate for him that Joan was a past Grandmaster. Not someone to be trifled with even though a beginner. Lucky enough, the God of Demons underestimated him this time and survived.

    Still, he didn''t know if he will survive if the God of Demons will go all out for him to be killed. Wondering about it was something making his hairs to went up.

    Joan then erased negative thoughts and resumed his happy eating time.

    "Hmmm, taste like chicken!" Joan said then the two of themughed. Hesitant at first but soon was getting louder and louder.

    Tears of joy soon began to drop his eyes. Drinking a cup of water then coughed a bit.

    "Okay I will....uhug uhug.... call Prisci, uhug, to feed her," Joan said while coughing.

    Whistling in high pitch, she approached them with neighing. Joan grabbed carrots and she dly ate them like a dessert. Caressing her hair as she munched the carrot with a drooling mouth.

 Chapter 54 - Morning

    Joan looked up at the ceiling of the carriage which has many undressed hares. Salt rubbed on its surface to preserve it.

    On his side were the corn and chickens. Chickens were fed as he grabbed a handful of corn grits. Their feathers were mixed with varying colours ranging from brown, ashen grey, some were white. All were chuckling in theirnguage while eating their food.

    Joan then went to see the sun has risen from the east. The dark clouds were seen covering the direction of the vige. Making Joan gulped his saliva as he wondered how long will he lift the sewn seed of evil in that far direction.

    He needs to be strong as fast as he could so that he will be unstoppable and take his revenge. Making him bit his lips as in the meantime as he was still growing. Lucky enough that he survived..

    Staring at his surroundings, the bonfire was still burning its remaining embers on the ground. Beside it was Isaias, snoring loudly as he speaks while in his sleep. Snoring again after uttering random words.

    In Joan''s thought, he was dreaming soundly and was enjoying its entertainment. Being entertained by his dream inside his mind. Joan even wondered how the mind can generate different episodes of dreams for many years without getting the same and was random.

    One example of his dream was the same face that choked him to death. He even thought if there was a possibility that if he died in that dream, will it make him dead too in reality?

    Joan then grabbed dried sticks beside the bonfire for another round of cooking.

    Putting pepper to the remaining hares and cooked two for each one of them. Skewered in the stick for them to be rotated in the fire.

    Isaias noticed that he was already up so he wiped his drool on his mouth and blinked twice. Stretching his back and hands.

    "So you are awake! We should prepare for a long journey. But let''s eat first, of course," Joan said to him. Rotating the skewered rabbit.

    Isaias then substituted him with what he was doing. Making Joan sat beside him. Thinking about some work to do in the meantime, he went to grab carrots on the back of the carriage and approached Prisci. Grazing on the waving grass as the wind passed by.

    She noticed him and went to approach him with galloping. She was handed a carrot in her mouth and dly ate it. Something that Joan anticipated.

    Joan then went to Isaias and saw that he was cooking another rabbit meat. Finished with the first batch, he went on with thest one.

    Joan then sat facing the bonfire and cultivated. Not wasting time as it was his main problem, the mana. Being multi-ss has its strong points but many skills will be used for more power. Using more mana on the process.

    Inhaling and exhaling, he was cultivating in great speed. The sound of fire crackling and the rubbing stick being rotated was heard by him.

    He was now Sixth stage Mana-well Earth-Realm. Arriving at the bottleneck was just a whim. After arriving there, he struggled a bit. He was so fast to cultivate but on how fast he arrived, it was as hard to breakthrough. Making him struggle a bit. Focusing himself, he steeled himself to break the boundaries of the bottleneck. Making him sweat profusely.

    But fate wills it that he can do it. Breaking through in moments notice. Making him smile at the oue of his hard work.

    Just after that, Isaias dly offered him water from their pot and gave him his share of two. Joan then silently ate it without speaking any words. It was due to the fatigue of yesterday that has struck him. His mind''s willpower was also used when he cultivated.

    Making him weary of the process. With enough rest and food to replenish his energy, he will recover.

    Isaias was eating too with focus, but he stopped eating after he scanned his memories of his past. He went nk as he stared at him.

    "In my thousand years of age, many children of prophecy are in without being able to grow into a hero. The child of prophecy has the role of restoring the darkenednds and restore our world into its past glory. No monsters, no evil, and it is all stopped by the Demon God. And that is the time where the six Demon lords are sealed. How much more that one has awoken. The freed Demon lord ns to awaken his other five brothers. As we speak of him, I am sure he is on his way. We must hurry, with your she horse, we will be arriving sooner thanter. We will head south, to where the tomb of Lord of Corruption is located. I have a bad premonition but we should take a step forward to stop them. I wondered too about the heroes who sealed the Lord of Affliction. They must awaken by now but there is no news about them. I will visit my heroes to awaken them. But of course, after we stop the awakening of the Lord of Corruption, we will head there. The heroes can help greatly in this fight. By the seal of All Job sses, the Demon lords will be sealed into eternity. And that is if it was not unsealed by the blood of innocents," Isaias said to him.

    "Quite dreadful, I am impressed with their powers. How did they possess you when they are killed?" Joan asked being baffled.

    "That is the power of the Demon God. The power of Sin. Making you corrupted by it and possess you," Isaias said briefly.

    Joan was struck with awe. The Almarian Demon lords didn''t have such powers and it tested Joan''s confidence. Making him doubt if he will be able to fulfil the mission.

    Joan smiled bitterly. He caressed his chin from the top towards its bottom. Repeating it as he racked his mind.

    "So this is what the God of Angels mean when he said more difficult! Hahaha!" Joan said to himughing hysterically.

    "That''s good! I like challenges!" Joan said then bites again his meat. Thinking that he needs to be Grandmaster again. Or even more, if needed. Making him be excited to regain his former glory.

 Chapter 55 - Leaving

    Joan was inside the carriage sleeping in the bag of corn. Snoring loudly as he was resting. He felt tired so he rested a bit.

    Isaias was driving the carriage, sitting in the front. Rocking his body as they met some bumpy dirt road.

    The sky was clear and the weather was nice. Birds chirping while resting on the top of their carriage. Isaias drove to the next vige they will be heading to. Dewalt vige was the name of the vige that they will be heading.

    A hub of adventurers that were training themselves to hunt monsters. Others were for them to feed their family''s belly. .

    Just inside, Joan woke up after the wheel struck a huge stone. Bouncing himself by an inch while asleep.

    "Wha....what?" Joan can only bellow while still half asleep. Squinting his eyes and saw some hanged hare meat.

    Still adjusting his self to his sleepiness and stretched his aching back. Moaning as he covered his mouth.

    From the outside of the carriage, air entered the front and he felt the cold breeze of air assaulted his skin. Making him shiver on the process. Joan went outside and felt the cold seeing Isaias in the driver''s seat. He thought that Isaias was enduring the cold breeze of air all this time.

    Thinking of it, he used to fill the darkened teapot with water and used the fire element to heat below it.

    His hands gushed out fire that heated the water inside. Putting it into a cup and added coffee to the warm water. Walking outside and gave him one of his prepared coffee.

    Isaias then saw him and received the cup. Blowing then sips the content.

    "So you have woken up, we will be nearing the vige soon. After a thousand years, the road seemed to change greatly but the ces were still the same. This vige too has a long history while I am young," Isaias said to him then blowing the cup.

    Joan can only be ashamed to bring up his age. He barely made it to five hundred and this man beside him was a thousand years old.

    Prophets were mysterious beings as they tend to be having the power called miracles. Able to seal entities such as Demon lords with the help of heroes from all job ss.

    Moreover, they seemed not to die of old age. Having longevity that remains in their old self without dying.

    Joan was amazed by it, they didn''t have to be mythical to reach such power and it surprised Joan. In an envious way.

    He didn''t reach it in the past but this time around, he knew he will. Boosting his self-confidence and made him felt excited. Something that riles him was when he can be as old as Isaias in the future.

    The only thing that dreads him was if the Demon lords have the same curse as [Soul eater]. Just thinking about it, he can only smile bitterly. Well, it could be worse so he just smiled. Thinking how strong they were.

    "Joan, I think we have to stop first. I have to do a bathroom break," Isaias said to him.

    Seeing a forest just ahead, they stopped there. Isaias then went to let out anything he needs to let out.

    "Go Isaias, you can do it. Good luck!" Joan tapped him on his back.

    "I can do it even without your cheer, Joan child!" Isaias said to him.

    ''Joan child? Shaming!'' Joan smirked at what he heard.

    Isaias can onlyugh while walking away, doing something he needs to do. Joan then checked Prisci, feeding her with carrots to have energy. Some water also helped her deep breathing and panting to lower down.

    Chickens were still lively, some roosters were still crowing inside their cages. Hens were stillying eggs, far from being stressed in the travel. All was good except that Isaias was taking his time too long.

    Joan heated the water by his fire element on the kettle and put the eggs inside it. Boiling it with his fire.

    Joan felt worried as Isaias was taking so long. He used a [Shadow clone] to check him out and it left immediately.

    Just inside the forest, Isaias was letting out his something and pouring every strength to do so. Just as he was focusing himself, he can hear rustling sounds on the bushes and his heart raced as he feared what the unknown was.

    He hastily finished himself up while the rustling still goes on. Not wanting to be ambushed, he prepared to fight with his rod in his hands.

    A moment''s notice, jumped at him a goblin a size of a kid. Bony and plumped belly. The club was in his hands and opening its mouth with a long tongue hanging out of its mouth.

    In split seconds, a dagger flew and intercepted the goblin. Hitting on its forehead and still flung its lifeless and limp body to Isaias.

    With the enemy iing, Isaias'' self-defence triggered and smashing the body with his rod. Batting it like a baseball and it flung towards the tree. Blood sttered as it hits the tree and dropped dead.

    Isaias was panting as he felt his adrenaline rushed. Never felt so disturbed in his life where he has to finish abruptly hisfort-making in the forest.

    "Die die die die!" Shouted Isaias. Disgusted, angered, ashamed, all were felt by Isaias as he stomped its head again and again. The shadow clone then stopped him and ushered him to go back without uttering a word. Because shadow clones can''t talk.

    Isaias calmed down as he saw the shadow clone was patting his shoulders. Making him at ease.

    "Let''s go, this ce is not safe anymore. The evil entities are spawning with just the presence of the Lord of Affliction. This is a sign that he has arrived in this ce," Isaias said to the clone.

    Meeting up with Joan on the carriage, the clone then vanished as Joan snapped his fingers.

    "Are you hungry? I boiled eggs!" Joan said then handed him two.

    Isaias can only chuckle at his attitude. Making him lose his anger towards the goblin entirely. Receiving it and ate it with a tint of salt for vour. Eating while seating on the driver''s seat at the front.

    "You know what Joan?" Isaias asked hesitantly.

    "What?" Joan said snappily.

    "Nevermind, you want to be a prophet?" Isaias asked.

    "No," Joan replied.

    "Ah," Isaias then went in silence.

 Chapter 56 - Road

    They followed the road towards the vige of Dewalt. Apanied with Isaias, the road didn''t bore him in the very least.

    They paved the road that continues to the vige. With the same forest they travelled, they can only feel unsafe as the road was too silent. They also felt evil entities inside the forest of Dewalt. Minding that a goblin reaches this forest and it was at first in the history of this forest.

    Legends say that this forest was blessed as no monsters were present there and only hunting animals were what only inhabited the ce.

    Seeing a goblin there was a sign that the legend was not valid from this day forth.

    As they paved the path, Isaias let Joan be at ease and loosened up a bit due to him talking about random topics.

    To Joan''s surprise, Isaias was a great storyteller.. Telling him of his past travels in his solitary life while waiting for the prophecy child.

    "You what Joan? You are the only prophecy child that lived and defeated a Demon lord. In my past travels, they are either already dead before I can save them. Same as you, you didn''t heed to my warnings but luckily you are strong enough to survive," Isaias said to him. Whipping Prisci one time.

    "So why didn''t you let them revive again just like you did to me?" Joan ask him.

    "They have to rest as the next prophecy child will be born again. Unlike the past, you are thest prophecy child that will be sent. It means that you have to live or the age of prophecy child will cease to exist. You are thest prophecy child and no one will be sent after you. So you are thest hope," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah I see, I am just lucky enough to survive. I am strong enough to fend them off. If I just believed you in the first ce then everyone''s lives are saved. But regretting is not gonna help with what we are facing. But there is something that is bothering me. I am not sure why the God of Demons can also know about the prophecy child. What is the reason?" Joan asked.

    "Hmmm, you Joan is a curious fellow. And that curiousness is a good thing. Knowledge is power! So you see, when he became a God, he gained the power to predict the future. Making his creation also is something the least he can do and creating his world that is under the ins of the God of Angels'' world. You can say he will live forever too!" Isaias said to him.

    "Oh, that is bad news! Damn," Joan can only smirk on the process of digesting the information. Minding that he was not that strong to face a God yet.

    Thinking about it, he inhaled great amounts of air and wondered what to do.

    "Nah, let''s just take this step by step. Useless to rack my brains out with it," Joan said out loud.

    Leaves rustle as the wind blew them. Still, the forest was silent. Only the rustling was heard by them. Hearing it was not calming but depressing. Joan can only bite his lips on the process.

    "Isaias, can you feel what I feel?" Joan asked in distress.

    Isaias stroked his mane while leaving no answer. Still thinking about what to do.

    Just up ahead, they saw a fallen tree that was blocking the way. They soon took a stop by the front of the tree.

    "Wait stop, something''s amiss!" Joan said while raising his right hand but it was toote.

    Bang!

    Secondster, the foothold they have cracked and they fell to the ground. Joan felt immediate danger so he used earth element. Several inches from their earthen foothold were spikes. Sharpened with crude tools and the tip was not perfectly pointy.

    They were inside the pit with spikes and only the light was just up above them.

    Prisci was saved but she suffered greatly from the fall. Healing her in the process. She was neighing and was overly stressed with what happened. Chickens too were all in disarray. Loud and panicking, pping their wings inside the cage.

    Joan can onlyugh bitterly as he didn''t expect to be in such a terrible situation. Not expecting such underhanded technique to be used against him. To his surprise, it was the first time that he was outwitted by such a scheme.

    Joan saw pitch darkness. Feeling the surroundings with his hands but ignited a fire to light it. He then grabbed his wooden sword just at the back of the carriage. All were in a mess when he scanned inside.

    Isaias too was not in great condition. He almost breaks his neck when they fell. He fell headfirst so he almost ended his life. Such a thing happened to a prophet like him.

    Isaias groaned in pain and so he was healed by Joan. While he was recovering, Joan looked up. Hearing screech and squeals from above.

    ''Goblins'' Joan can only smirk.

    From above, Joan saw a goblin then followed by the others, lifting huge stones and others were holding pots. They threw boulders at their carriage and Joan felt panicking. It was because the boulders were not just as small as a ball but asrge as a person. It has the same size used in catapults to sieging high walls. Four boulders were dropped all at once and so he bit his lips.

    Joan used his Mage skill [Telekinesis] to avert them from immediate danger and the stones were stopped. But sadly, Joan''s willpower can''t maintain the boulder with such weight. It was too much for his skill''s level yet.

    The goblins didn''t stop there, they added more boulders for him to struggle into.

    Struggling to live, Isaias saw his pained expression. Isaias then asked him what to do.

    "What should I do Joan? What can I help?" He asked worriedly.

    Joan then racked his mind. He didn''t know what a prophet can do. Aside from the gift of miracles and sealing powers, he didn''t know what he should do at such a moment.

    As Joan was racking his brain, they screeched and their leader gavemands. Theirnguage can''t be read by a human.

    Pouring out the pots with oil in the boulders, they fired burning arrows in it. Setting it on fire.

    Joan can only bit his lips as he was put into the corner with such creatures. Goblins were weak physically but they have tactics, battle techniques, and, smart thinking surpassing most humans.

    Joan can only use teleport but just like before, he can teleport them outside and it has too long casting time. As he racked his brain, he was struck with an idea.

    He used his skill [Spirit and Soul duplication].

    The duplicate appeared and it was grinning as he appeared.

    "Duplicate! You know what to do!" Joan screamed with all he got.

    "Yes of course!" He replied.

 Chapter 57 - Sacrifice

    "Teleport them somewhere! Hurry! I can''t hold on any longer!" Joan screamed with all his might. His throat was about to explode as he shouted.

    Immediately, the duplicate hurried. Thinking that time was of the essence, he started casting his skill.

    Soon after, Isaias and the carriage was glowing. The duplicate included but not Joan. A split-secondte will make them covered with boulders so Joan maintained the [Telekinesis]. Joan can be included in the teleportation but he needs to repel the boulders. If he was included in teleportation, his skill will be interrupted. It will only be possible if he has higher skill. But for now, it was impossible.

    Higher teleportation skill will make you have faster casting speed, longer range, and can be used in battle, can''t be interrupted, and, instantaneous transport while doing or maintaining other skills..

    The goblins rained arrows on them and so Joan cast [Force field] to repel the arrows. Some goblins were also throwing rocks as big as their heads that were making the [Force field] crack.

    Goblins screeched as their attacks were stopped. Making angry faces on the fact that they can''t do anything. Some of them even cursed at them with humannguage.

    "Hurry!" Joan bellowed.

    "I know! Idiot!" He screamed in response.

    Having thought of the time being the essence, they focused on what they were doing. Joan was about to give up but he forced himself to do one thing, and that was to stop the boulders from falling.

    It took all of his focus and willpower to stop the heavy boulder but was holding on for them. For Isaias, for Prisci, and the chickens. The duplicate was included of course and so he hold on, making his telekinesis stronger than before.

    Just moments before he gave up, the duplicate sessfully made it.

    "Yes! See you on the surface!" The duplicate said as he saluted at him.

    "Joan! Don''t die on me!" Isaias shouted before they vanished.

    ''I can be resurrected by you, idiot!'' Joan can only scream in his mind.

    Joan now was solitary in the pit. The pit was ten meters below the ground with spare space for the spikes to be nted. Joan can only grin as he has an earth element as a foothold.

    Not wanting to experience the same spikes rted wounds. He etched it in his mind that it was thest.

    Just a moment of being in trance, he used his Mage skill [Ice breath].

    [Ice breath]�Cbreathing cold icy breath and can freeze even metals that can be broken down like ss if frozen.

    With his breath, he was able to put off the fire and made the boulders frozen. Thinking that it will be as fragile as ss, Joan then grabbed the opportunity to break them one by one.

    Equipping his Fighter Job ss, he used his buffs toplement hisck of strength and speed to shatter such thing.

    [Shattering strength]�Ca boost on the strength that made him uparable from his past original strength.

    [Speed]�Can increase in both attack speed and movement speed.

    [Gentle and Hard fist]�Cthe two of the most basic skills of the Fist series. The Gentle Fist emits shockwave and the Hard Fist that makes his attack explosive. Can bebined with the Kick series.

    [Axe kick and Roundhouse kick]�Cthe two most basic of the kick series. Axe kick was hitting the ground by a vertical m of the feet and the Roundhouse kick that kicks sideways to the enemy. Can bebined with the Fist series.

    His [Telekinesis] was on the verge of copsing and so he devised a n. Thinking that he needs to eliminate such obstacle before his mind will surrender on maintaining the [Telekinesis].

    By stopping his telekinesis, he dropped one boulder while others were maintained. Using his Fighter job ss, he used his skill [Hard fist] by smashing it with his punch that was able to make it to tidbits.

    But by doing so, his focus was averted and his [Telekinesis] was disturbed. They were going down but he Lifted them again with his [Telekinesis].

    Joan groaned as his mind was about to explode. It was on the verge of giving up ever since the teleportation. How much more on the time of the current events.

    He grinned as he holds on longer and let go of another boulder, smashing it again with [Hard fist]. Making the tidbits to hit him but he swatted some with his skill [Gentle fist].

    Making the rocks blown by the shock wave.

    Moreover, he was on his knees as he lifts thest two boulders. In split seconds, his mind snapped and he almost passed out.

    But still, he used [Teleportation] skill before he cked out.

    His force field was broken and he copsed on the earthen foothold. He attempted to use his skill [Teleportation] but he soon saw a thrown rock by the goblin and hit his head.

    He was buried in the rubble and the boulders smashed the earthen foothold. Boulders hit the spikes and Joan was not seen.

    Just as inside the dark pit, Joan was being piled with rocks. His head was bleeding and his breathing was hoarse. His chest was crushed with a boulder and was breathing with what''s left of his life.

    It was no use to heal himself as his wounds will still be damaged again as the boulder was on top of him.

    Grasping his hands, he used his Job ss Chaos Knight.

    [Chaos aura]�Cenveloping his body and surrounding with chaos miasma. A hot ck smoke with embers flowing out of his body.

    This made the boulders melt in great heat. Due to being frozen, it melted faster than normal. Making it in embers then into meltedva.

    [Chaos breath]�Ca skill of inhaling the miasma and breathing it out towards the enemy.

    He breathed to the boulders and it corroded like an acid. Making him bathed inva itself.

    [Berserk]�Ca skill that makes him have high regeneration and all his stats were doubled.

    He was able to regenerate his crushed organs and bones and stood up, lifting the rocks that were piling on him.

    [Revenge]�Ca skill of making his stats rise with more damage he takes.

    His damage was etched on his mind, making it fuel his damage and power to pour out on enemies. Returning the damage he received to the enemies that damaged him.

 Chapter 58 - Goblin

    Joan''s duplicate sessfully made it to the surface. Breathing deeply as he replenishes his mana. It was mana consuming for his part.

    Thinking about it, he scanned the surroundings. Staring at the goblins who were also shocked that he appeared in thin air.

    Joan''s duplicate saw their immediate danger. Making him prepare for worst-case scenarios. Looking at the enemies who were a couple of hundreds.

    Tools of killing were in their hands. Equipped with clubs, swords, and, daggers. Staring at him as he stared back. .

    Their leader screeched thenmanded them to attack. Joan felt alerted, due to him haven''t recovered his mana yet.

    To his surprise, he still has the wooden sword that Joan grabbed in the pit. Thinking of it, he didn''t know if he will thank him or not. With his weapon, he used the skill of Pdin [Durability]. Making his mana drained on the process.

    "Hey, Isaias! Help me here! Don''t you dare hide!" The duplicate screamed.

    Immediately, Isaias jumped from the driver''s seat. Jumping up high and was energetic enough to exert much effort. Dropping on the ground feet first and then caressed his hair upwards while standing.

    "Cool! Now let''s do this!" Joan''s duplicate screamed. Standing side by side, covering their backs and was prepared to go all out.

    The enemies attack full force while moving synchronously. It seemed they trained themselves to attack while covering each other''s back too.

    This only made Joan''s duplicate and Isaias feel slight worry. While the two of them were surrounded, they thought of doing the same too. Joan used his Mage''s skill [Telepath]. Talking to Isaias'' head andmunicate with each other.

    All the enemies attacked from all directions. Making the two of them backed into the corner. Surrounded and was at their weakest.

    The duplicate them screamed and attacked aggressively. Swatting the heavy club with his wooden stick then shed it with his wooden weapon on the neck.

    But as he did it, three of the enemies approached. One immediately blocked his attack while two attack him on both sides.

    ''They are moving synchronously. You have to be careful Joan! Do not underestimate goblins as they are the most skilled in synchronisation. Just buy time before Joan can help us. Seriously, he is taking it too long to get out there,'' Isaias spoke to him in his mind.

    ''Okay, I will buy time!'' The duplicate replied.

    The duplicate then prepared himself for their synced attacks. Two enemies were on the front so Duplicate then blocked two attacks. As he blocked them, two goblins appeared on his back. Isaias screamed in Duplicate''s mind to warn him of the enemy that was attacking his back. Making the Duplicate to block them in split second. Isaias then rotated his staff to repel Duplicate''s attackers.

    ''Nice assist!'' Duplicate screamed.

    The two of them started to be in sync. Making them block and repel in session.

    Duplicate then used his Fighter attack patterns without its buffs. Side-kicking one goblin to the stomach. Others immediately covered him and attacked while he was distracted.

    Making him rotate himself and made a Roundhouse back kick. They were thrown into the process. Isaias then rotated his staff as an arrow started to fly in their direction.

    "Arrows Joan duplicate! They are firing arrows!" Isaias screamed. Loud enough for him to be heard.

    With him hearing it, an arrow flew past his face. Slitting his cheek and blood dripped.

    He didn''t notice it as he rotated when he kicked one.

    Joan can only be disgusted by their cunning nature. Making him want to transform into a werewolf and rip them apart. But still, his mana was in the process of recovering. Making him bit his lips on their predicament.

    Goblins attacked and when they saw Duplicate attack their brethren, they fired arrows to cover theirrade. Making it more difficult to be in such a situation. It was like their tactics were wless.

    Duplicate swatted arrows that flew in his direction. Isaias too was having a hard time as he rotated his staff. Thanks to Joan''s [Minor heal], his back pains were cured and his youthly energy was brimming and was gushing out.

    Making him contribute greatly to their situation. If not for the mana problem of Joan, things will get easier for them to take.

    While things get awry, everyone was fighting for their lives. Prisci was approached by a goblin but she punched it with her hooves. Others were hesitating on approaching her and their target was the armed humans. They can kill the horse easily if the two humans will be killed. Making her a great meal and the chickens too.

    Thinking about it, they attacked again in the second round. Joan was fending them off but will notst until the enemies grew tired. The worst-case was he was being yed by these bastards. Tiring him off until he will get weakened.

    He inhaled air to calm his nerves. These kinds of synced-attack tactics made him on-edge. With more tactics to throw at them, Joan can only bit his tongue in the process.

    He devised a n to make use of the enemy''s tactics against them. He wondered if he needed to use the [Shadow clones] for such numbers. Moreover, he didn''t have the mana to use it. He can either make one but durable or many but fragile. But still, no mana so it''s no use.

    Moving on, he can only endure their batter while defending. Attacking them will make him have openings but what could go wrong if he tried to go all out.

    If he took a stab, Joan the original will suffer the same damage. Whereas, if the original will suffer damage, he will not get it.

    It means that he was disadvantaged with what was happening. Thinking of the original''s safety was his priority. Now that it turned to this, he can only smirk at the enemy''s faces.

    They were doing the same to him too. Minding that they were just preys for them to be eaten.

    "Isaias, what should we do? I didn''t have mana yet," Duplicate said worriedly.

    "Just a bit, I can feel Joan''s pulse rise," Isaias said.

    ''Pulse?'' He wondered.

    Until suddenly, A banging sound bursts apanied by a shockwave of air from the pit. Jumping in the air thennds on the goblins.

    "Joan!" Duplicate and Isaias shouted. Feeling relieved andforted just by his presence.

    "Kill! kill! kill! kill! kill! kill! kill! That is so painful! I am gonna kill who threw a rock on me!" Joan screamed.

    He was covered with [Chaos aura] and was burning the ground. Eyes glowing in embers and skin was burning orange with a reddish hue. Embers gushing out of his body and hair went up, spiky and coloured in dark red.

    "Pain! Pain! Pain! I will make you feel pain! Aaaarrrggggg!!!" His voice reverberated and struck fear to enemies and allies alike.

 Chapter 59 - Chaos

    Joan''s pain fueled his skill''s effects. Making him go berserk as a result. The Duplicate felt worried as he saw Joan sumb in great anger.

    He was kind-hearted but when he uses such skills as the Chaos Knight. Some of his attitude changes. One example was when he transformed into a werewolf in the past, his character changed to be rough and wild.

    Making him lose control was what triggers such scenarios. He has low control as a part of being a beginner job ss. Something that was sacrificed in exchange for power.

    But if he has higher control, he will be level minded and sober while using such skills. Making it a double-edged sword that will harm enemies and allies alike. .

    He started to grow scales on his right arm and was brimming with an aura that was harmful to enemies. Even the duplicate will be harmed too if he will approach him.

    One factor too was the damage he suffered when he was hit with a rock on his head and passed out. But before he passed out, he was able to use his Chaos Knight''s regeneration. Only awakening his other self in the process.

    The duplicate called Joan''s name but he was in his rampaging self. It will not be good news for them if he will rampage.

    "Joan! Can you hear me!? We are here for you! Don''t lose yourself!" Duplicate shouted at him with all he got.

    After hearing it, he turned to him and dashed. Goblins alerted and so the battle begins. Running towards the duplicate, he was blocked by the goblins.

    He was smashed in the head by one goblin with his club but Joan swings his hands, pushing him to his side who were thrown by his force. He was stabbed in the belly but he grabbed the dagger and it melted on the heat of his miasma.

    As he was stabbed, he grabbed the hands of the goblin whose skin were sizzling as it was burnt with his aura.

    Screeching and trashing around while its hands were tightly gripped by Joan. It soon died on the spot as its skin darkened. Making it smelled roasted meat in the surrounding.

    Joan then threw the dead smoking body of the goblin. Others shed his left and right but he grabbed the swords and clubs after they inflicted damage to him. Gripping their hands while their weapons melted. Smashing them to the ground made the dirt thrown all over. Buried by the sheer force then he stomped their faces with his feet. Ending their lives in the process.

    Even more so, they still charged at him without caring for their safety. Swatting them left and right while making a sound of bones cracking. Breaking their ribcage on the process and was thrown to the trees from afar.

    Joan didn''t stop there. He was rained by arrows and was struck in his chest and shoulders. Others were on his feet but he was just calmly walking towards the goblins.

    Making their arrows burnt and his wounds heal while his skill was still active.

    Other goblins attacked in all directions with their random weapons. Joan was surrounded and so it was the time when he used his skill [Chaos breath].

    Breathing to the goblins while he was rotating himself. Making a counter-clockwise rotation and burnt the goblins. Even though he used his skill, the goblins were more determined than he anticipated.

    They sessfully hit him with their weapons. Two stabbed him with their swords, piercing his side that went through towards his back. Two were using knives and stabbed him in the back. Club users smashed him in the head.

    Joan can only grit his teeth and grabbed the two club users. Gripping it and they were choked on the process. Struggling to let go of his grip.

    He tightened his grip then snapped their necks. The other goblins were burnt but were enduring it. They twisted their weapons that were stabbed in him and Joan''sposure snapped.

    The two on his back was grabbed and he mmed them on his front, hugging the four of them with his deathly hug.

    Screams went out of their mouth as they were all burnt to crisps. Making Isaias tremble as he has seen Joan''s ferocity. His hairs went up as he didn''t expect him to be like that. Different from the Joan he met in their past travels.

    He can only grit his teeth and hoped that he wille back to his past self. The goblin''s leader also felt the dread of such a creature. Making himmand his underlings to attack with all their forces. This time around, Joan initiated the attack. He dashed towards them then approached their leader on a whim. Lifting his feet they stomped him to the face.

    Crushing its face that went to the ground then making a crater on the process. The leader was stomped nonstop by Joan and didn''t stop there while the enemy was struggling.

    The enemy stabbed his feet with his knife but Joan didn''t stop. Only making him furious and stomping again.

    "Pain! Pain! Pain! Pain! I will make you feel pain!" Joan screamed with every stomping of feet.

    The other goblins were stupified but when their leader stopped moving. They attacked with theirst numbers. Who were all punched by Joan.

    Cracking their bones with every hit. They synced their attacks for a more chance of inflicting damage. Attacking as a distraction on the front while others were for attacking his blind spots.

    While doing so, Joan screamed. Making his miasma grew bigger and hotter. Making them regret halfway their attacks.

    They were burnt as they were all in mes. Joan then grabbed his head as it aches, unbearable for his mind to take and mmed his knees to the ground.

    "Joan! Hang in there!" The Duplicate dashed towards him.

    With him regaining enough mana, he equipped his Mage Job ss. Using his [Telepath] skill, he touched Joan in the forehead that made Joan sleep with his spell.

    His eyes went nk and his mouth was open. He went limp and passed out. He was slowly dropping his body but Isaias caught him.

    "I am here Joan, I am here. We will never leave you again. Sleep now my friend," Isaias shushed him to sleep.

    All were in chaos with dead bodies starting to disintegrate in their surroundings. Isaias can only sigh in relief as all went nicely without any deaths from them.

    All the disintegrated particles were glittering in yellow and all went to Joan who was sleeping.

    The Duplicate then covered the pit with his Earth element and kicked the tree towards the side of the road. Making the battlegrounds revert to their former geography.

    "Well, that will do. I will wait for him to wake up," The duplicate said to Isaias.

    Isaias can only chuckle at their situation. Awaiting for Joan to woke up.

 Chapter 60 - Arrival

    They resumed paving the road towards the vige. Joan was lying on the floor of the carriage. Head on the corn bag and shoes were removed. The duplicate was putting a wet cloth on his head. Making his head temperature to be reduced even with just a slight difference.

    Isaias was focused on the road but he can''t help but worry about Joan. Whipping Prisci on the process. The duplicate then walked towards the coachman who was Isaias. Sitting beside him then sighed deep..

    "Joan suffered brain damage. I need to use [Regeneration] on him, [Full heal] will not heal his brain, only healing all his wounds but not cut limbs. [Minor heal] is for ripped muscles on exercise and tired old back like yours. I am afraid that I need to get to the Sky realm before I can heal him. Which is impossible as I can''t get stronger and can''t cultivate like the original. If my mana regeneration can cope up though, I can heal him or mana potions which is costly," Duplicate said to him while worried.

    "I will purchase mana potions if we arrived at the vige. I hope we have enough money though," Isaias said to him.

    "I have been troubled all this time, the power of the Next Demon lord that Dun will unseal is called corruption. He can corrupt normal people, even the elites are not exempted from his powers. I hope that you will protect Joan by that time," Isaias said to him.

    "Of course, I will protect him with my life on the line. Not that I can''t but I also knew the dread of this enemy. He will be a great enemy if he has the power of corruption. Well, are we near the Tomb of the Lord of Corruption?" Duplicate asked.

    "Yes, and we are nearing the vige so it will be near too," Isaias said to him.

    "Oh, right. I guess we will be having potions then," Duplicate said to him.

    Soon after, Joan was caressing his head and it made the Duplicate jolt in surprise. Immediately, Joan screamed in excruciating pain in his head. Rolling to the side and back to his position. Making the Duplicate to make him sleep again by his [Telepath] skill.

    "Please Isaias, I need mana potions as soon as possible. His blood clot in his brain is spreading and the damage is severe. I can''t maintain the [Regeneration] spell with its mana consumption. My raw mana is not enough and thus I need a mana supply. As soon as possible Isaias, as soon as possible," Duplicate said to him.

    Isaias then felt worried. Not wanting to lose him was what clouded his mind. He remembered many children of prophecy have died into the hands of the dark forces and he will be next if he will die.

    Not wanting to lose him, he hurried to the vige. Fortunately, it was near and they soon started to see people wandering to and fro on the road.

    Dressed as vigers, they were all talking idly about their own lives and the problems they faced. Even though their faces were troubled. Joan''s life was in danger. The two of them were not in the mood to smile at them.

    They steeled their hearts and travelled faster than before. Having been seen by others, they wondered why they were so hasty of their travel.

    Isaias was seen whipping the horse and the vigers were concerned about the horse they saw. Running at full speed and was panting heavily.

    As they were nearing the vige, exiting the forest road towards Dewalt vige. They saw wooden walls that that were chiselled in their tip that looks like spikes. Torches were seen in the walls and tower guards were seen guarding the wall inside its tower made of wood.

    They entered the walls while looking up to the towering walls and gates, making the vige''s walls of Joan smallpared to them. Furthering themselves to enter, they all saw vigers who were all stered with fear in their faces.

    "The neighbour vige is attacked without survivors! We need you all to be in your homes at night! In case of an enemy attack, we guards will defend! Arm yourselves in case of someone breaking your doors!" The guards were all shouting, dressed in metal armors while they were making an announcement.

    "They are alerted now and all of the vigers are prepared. I wonder why and how they are alerted?" Isaias said to the duplicate.

    "It is because Joan''s crows can talk and have letters that are distributed throughout to the kingdom. Distributing them all when he saw that the vige is all eradicated. It all happened when he was solitary in the hills while we are gathering the dead. The first to receive such letters is the Academy principal of our kingdom. Saying that his brother is killed and the Lord of Affliction has risen. I don''t know if they believed it but I hope so," Duplicate said to him.

    "Oh, so that exins the letters he made that time. So all of the key persons are alerted now, good! Now we have to tend Joan''s life. He will onlyst for several hours if this will go on." Isaias said to him.

    Duplicate then tend to Joan''s condition, starting to use the skill [Regeneration] on him.

    "Go Isaias, please do find potions before my mana runs out." He said then started to cast his skill.

    Isaias then went to fetch one as he was told. He scanned the surroundings, looking for a store of potions. Thinking that this vige was a hub for adventurers, he then went to find one. Houses were all made of woods and all were closed. Just walking the road that was dead silent and people were avoiding him when he inquired.

    It only made Isaias to be agitated. Thinking that this world was deeply needed for hope and that was the prophecy child Joan. Saving him was more important than avoiding him just for them to feel safe.

    Isaias then hurried his pace, running while knocking on the door of houses just to inquire where was their potion store.

    He was getting desperate but he saw an adventurer that was walking towards a tavern. Looking at it, Isaias gained hope just by seeing it.

    Entering the gloomy tavern, songs of bards lonely and worried faces were seen. Isaias then approached thedy teller to ask for the mana potion he needs.

    "I am so sorry but the potion store is closed. You can ask the adventurers though if they have a spare." The teller said then resumed her wiping the mug.

    ''This is bad, I need to think of a n.''

    Isaias then went to stand on the table. Enough for him to be seen and heard by everyone.

    "Ahem! Ladies and gentlemen! I will be having an offer to all of you! If you knew anyone who is suffering from incurable sickness, you can ask me and I can cure it! I am a prophet sent by the God of Angels for him to testify of his goodness! Blind? Deaf? Disabled? Cripple? You can name it!" Isaias said to them.

    "Bah! Who cares who that is! You need to talk to the vigers outside not here where we are drinking wine to waste our lives. Unless you are with the crow who delivered messages to me?" The drunk man said to him.

    "Yes, I am! The crow visited you?" Isaias asked perplexed.

    "Yes, and I have a sister in that vige. I am pleased that she and her family are with the Creator now. Her body is not turned into undead and is cremated. I didn''t believe it at first until I heard that all of the vigers are killed. I am the vige head and I will send to you all who are sick. I hope you reignite the hope of the vigers by your words. They needed someone to have faith in these dark times." He said then went outside the tavern.

 Chapter 61 - Ignite

    The vige elder called the citizens and went to their vige za. Standing on the tform made of wood. Making Isaias visible to the other vigers.

    From what he has seen, many disabled persons were brought by their families. Looking at Isaias with their eyes, thinking if he can truly heal them.

    Blind was being guided where to sit and listen to the voice of the crowd.

    Little by little, the vigers were gathered round about the tform which was used for announcement and for executing criminals. Some red blood was still etched on the tform that made Isaias gulp a little bit of saliva.

    Sweat trickled from his pores on his forehead. Making it drop on the cheeks that waster on wiped by the back of his hands. .

    A little stage fright was building up but he extinguished it for the sake of giving a clear message to the people. Gulping saliva again, he calmed himself.

    The crowd seemed to be bustling and many more will arrive. Thinking that the numbers were enough for them to hear, he nned to start as the citizens were getting unrest.

    Some of them wanted to go back to their homes as they felt unsafe in the meantime, thinking that the enemies will attack anytime. Awaiting for all of them to arrive, Isaias started his speech.

    "Brothers and Sisters of the Dewalt vige! I testify to you all of the goodness of the God of Angels! I am very happy to say that if you have faith in him, all blind will see! All disabled will walk! All sick will be healed! Come, my children! All who want to be healed,e to me and the gracious God will heal you all!" Isaias announced.

    They were baffled by his announcement. If you are born blind, even the healing magic of Priests will not heal you. How much more a nobody like him.

    "Are you a Priest?" Asked one of the vigers. Ady in her thirties.

    "No," Isaias replied.

    "Then how do you think you can heal them? Not even a Priest that heals wounds will make him see!" Said thedy to him, enough for him and the other vigers to hear.

    "Do you know about miracles? A power changing anything, making anything and is limitless? It came from God himself and if he wills it, it can do anything!" Isaias exined.

    "Then heal the blind first to make us see!" Said thedy who was thinking that he can shame the old man in front of him.

    ''Let''s see if you can heal him. Huh! Miracles? What is he talking about?'' Thedy inwardly said.

    The blind was guided towards him and his blindfold was removed. Isaias then touched his eyes with a little breath on them.

    After doing so, he opened his eyes and twitched them several times. At first, it was blurry butter on, he smiled. Leaping in dness as he went to his sister. To Isaias'' surprise, it was thedy that doubted him at first.

    "Anna! Anna! Where are you?" The man shouted as he called his sister, not knowing what the face of his dear sister was.

    "I am here! I am here! I got you!" She hastily said as she walked towards him.

    She was in tears as she lost hope a second ago and her hope was rekindled after seeing his brother see atst.

    "He is blind since he is a kid and now he can see! Whoever you are! I thank you!" She said to Isaias.

    "I am just a messenger! Pray to the God of Angels and your sickness will heal! Have faith as his mercy will abound!" Isaias shouted at them.

    One by one, the sick was healed who was coughing blood. The one who has disabled on his feet and has a cane to walk has regained his feet. A man with a rotting face has been healed and others who have no fingers has gained all of his lost ones.

    Isaias felt happy that they believed and did have faith in their hearts.

    "A time of trouble wille and the God Of Angels wille to defeat the darkness! He will descend on the heavens clothed in white while having a white horse with wings to defeat the enemies. He will bring peace and caught us up in the air when he will arrive! Have faith and he will save us! Do not fear the death of our bodies! Fear the death of our soul and spirit! The hell with eternal fire will burn us in eternity if we will reject him! Repent and have faith! The God who created us will make a mansion in the heaven and all of you will receive eternal life!" Isaias said to them.

    After saying it all, Isaias felt that many of them believed. To his surprise, only a few were countable who didn''t believe. Making his heart at ease.

    The Lady who shamed him recently approached him and asked him.

    "I am indebted to you. But is there anything I can help you with?"

    Isaias then felt like not wanting to repay him.

    "The eternal life is a gift. It doesn''t need to be repaid, dear. You can rest assured that it will all be given to all who believed. But I am in need too, my friend is needed of attention. He needs a mana potion to heal him with [Regeneration]. I hope I can find one." Isaias said to her.

    "Why didn''t you said earlier? I am the potions and consumables seller of this vige! I will go fetch it to you!" She said to him.

    The people''s hearts were reignited by his words. Some of them felt alleviated by the fear of death. At least they will live eternally in the heaven that God created for them. Others didn''t fear death that lurks anywhere. They now have hope that if they die at this moment, they will be with their creator.

    Isaias then was given a box of mana potions by thedy. She was very happy while she gave the box of mana potions to him. Isaias then waved goodbye to them and they waved goodbye too to him. They went to their homes and was d.

    Isaias went to their carriage and he hastily walks towards him. Troubled that if he will be a secondte, Joan''s life will be extinguished. Knowing how dreadful his situation was.

    He then saw that the carriage was carefully guarded by the guards. Maybe they were instructed by the vige elder himself. As he was getting closer, he heard that Joan was groaning in pain. He entered the carriage and saw that the duplicate was sweating profusely.

    "What took you so long? He will die anytime soon! His strength is fading and the pain will go worse as time goes," Duplicate said to him.

    "I am so sorry, I needed to do this and that to have a box of potion. I hope it will be sufficient," Isaias said to him then handed him a box of potions.

    Duplicate''s face was reignited with happiness.

    "This is sufficient! How did you get this much?" Duplicate''s face was sweating but he was smiling this time.

    "Well, don''t ask about it. Start healing him now," Isaias said to him to make him focus on what to do first.

    The Duplicate then resumed his healing with [Regeneration] and it started to take effect. Making Joan''s crumpled face due to the pain seemed to ease a bit. Making the Duplicate gulp another potion as his mana was exhausted.

    This potion''s effects were being converted to mana by your stomach and your stomach will be emptied as you made it be mana. Not something to use when you are dehydrated with water in your body.

    Joan''s situation was getting better as the Duplicate was steadily using mana potions to heal him. Drinking potion and heal repeatedly.

    After an hour of treatment, Joan opened his eyes and saw Duplicate sitting on the side of the carriage. Asleep and was breathing low and deep.

    "Joan! You are awake now! Hahaha!" Isaias said then pped him in the face left and right whileughing.

 Chapter 62 - Stroll

    "Ow ow ow ow! Stop pping me!" Joan can only be bullied by Isaias. Making him wonder why he was pping him.

    "Do you know how much we took the trouble to just heal you? We were worried to the point that we want to cry. Look at duplicate! He suffered that much just to heal you. You should thank him for that," Isaias said to him, pping onest time.

    "Ahah, I am so sorry. I will apologise on hand so that it will appease what you felt. How long since I have slept?" Joan asked.

    "Four hours, it will be dusk in a matter of minutes. The sun will begin to set so let us eat, I am hungry," Isaias said to him.

    "Sure! I will let Duplicate rest for now or I will fell asleep if I will revert him.. I have to let him rest for now," Joan said to him.

    Exiting the carriage, the two of them went to travel the vige. This time around, the vigers were alert as they were warned by the vige elder. Locking their doors and armed with knives and pitchforks beside them as the guards havemanded them.

    Guards were equipped with torches on their hands and were on their duty to patrol within the vige. Joan hoped to help them with simple things but he was hungry and needs energy in the meantime.

    Just to make sure, he cast four [Shadow clone] to patrol in the darkness that emerged from his shadow. Hastily dashed without being seen by the guards. Only an afterimage was seen by them that made them wonder if they were seeing things.

    Joan then walks with confidence as he felt safer for the vige. To his surprise, it was the first time that he has stepped into this vige. Making him adjust yet to the environment.

    The vige houses were all made of woods. Erected side by side with their neighbours and some trees were seen outside their homes. Only hired adventurers to do mercenary jobs were with the guards and no civilians were roaming around.

    Only the two of them were heading towards the tavern and the guards even saluted to Isaias. Making Joan wonder what charm did he applied to them.

    Paving some more, they saw candle lights inside their homes. Others were huddled together with each other. Soon closed their windows for the night. The crickets started to sing their songs and melody for courting their opposite genders. Making the surrounding bathed with their songs.

    Making the vige lonely with just them sounding in the vicinity. The two then marched towards the tavern.

    Closed doors on the shops were seen and the cksmith shop was also silent. Closed for the time being. Other stalls who were selling their wares were slowly preparing to retire for the night.

    Adventurers were walking the streets and carrying various weapons of their liking. Making Joan cheerfully salute them. Other adventurers also approached the two and gave thanks to Isaias. Some were also thanking him with teary eyes. Holding tight to Isaias'' hands and then wiped his tears.

    "I am very thankful for your words. I have assurance now before I die," The adventurer said to him.

    The two groups then separated and went on their way. Opposite to their direction that was going to patrol. They also saw the sky turn red with a yellowish hue that painted the sky. Slowly getting dark.

    The guards then lit the torches on every corner of the vige and it made the vigers be at ease. There was hope that calmed their hearts when they saw the burning radiance of the torches. Adding up to their rekindled hope.

    Slowly walking, the two then talked with each other. Making Joan ask him about the attitude of the vigers and adventurerstely.

    "Isaias? What happened when I am asleep? I am bothered with their reactions to seeing you," Joan asked.

    "Oh, that? I just did what I am required to do. You see, a prophet has to give hope to the people. I am the messenger of the God who created this world. Thus I am required to tell his message. Luckily, there is a potion maker that are selling potions and helped me. Making her helped you passively. You know what, more people are believing now that the darkness has awakened. Compared before when peace reigns and the people forgot about their God. I must say this all works well to good even something bad happens," Isaias said to him.

    Joan was amazed by his words, making him question him a bit.

    "In my past life, I met this young boy in the temple of the God of Angels. He seemed knowledgeable of the kingdom of heaven and I too was impressed with his knowledge despite his young age. And to my surprise, he is the God of Angels that descended to the mortal world himself. We journeyed together for years and I apanied him. As to tell the story short, he died. He died because it is the way for us to be salvaged. His death is the only way for us to be redeemed. Paying the price as we went astray. And guess what? He has a father too like us. And he doesn''t have a mother like us. Existing since the beginning of time. Quite confusing right?" Joan said confidently.

    "Haha, seems you know him better than me! I will ask you about your travels soon. You are the person who walked with God himself!" Isaias said to him, patting his shoulders.

    There was a signboard that tells it was a tavern. Saying Dancing Duckling Tavern embedded on the very signboard. Carved on the wooden nk that was formed like a puddle of water with a duck inside it.

    Walking towards the tavern, the two heard the melody of the bard who was singing a lonely song. Chit chats were random and all were men. Not the ce for women to stay and was the most avoided ce for them.

    There were men drinking ale and wasted their lives in the meantime.

    Candles were lit on the tables and the corners of pirs of the building itself. The wooden roof and walls especially the round tables were all made of the same material.

    Several men were talking and some were asleep. Not expecting to wake up soon as they passed out drinking wine.

    Adventurers were all huddled at one table and were talking about their adventures. They Seemed jolly in their tone and voice.

    Isaias and Joan then went to march towards the desk and they were all stared at by all kinds of men in that ce. Something that made Joan ufortable while he walked the ce.

 Chapter 63 - Tavern

    Upon the center of their attention, Joan can only prepare to grip his wooden sword. Thinking that if anything happens, he was prepared to defend both of them.

    Mind tensed, heartbeat racing, gripping the wooden stick tighter and tighter. Their stares became focused and the time seemed to stop for a second. Throat went dry and hoarse, sweat went down his face and to the floor.

    As Joan was tensed, Isaias tapped his shoulders and they smiled at him.

    "Calm down, they are friendly," Isaias said.

    "Please tell me ahead beforehand okay?" Joan said then felt at ease.

    Isaias then leaned on the counter table then inquired to the teller. .

    "A hot soup for our tummy and a drink for two," Isaias said then poured the silver coins he had. Not much but it was enough.

    The coins spun a bit then Joan stopped it by taking a push on its top. nking the coin to the wooden counter.

    "Let''s eat while hearing rumours, so focus on the objectives," Isaias instructed.

    "Okay, I got it," Joan replied.

    Moving to the center of the tables, the two went to where they could properly hear any rumours to have a clue. Still, Joan thought of asking themselves but they will be snubbing him.

    As he has low charisma, it would be awkward if he will just crash into their conversations without respecting their privacy. But on higher charisma, he can pretty much converse with them without problems.

    Thinking of it not working, they started listening to the rumours.

    Starting on their backs, they can hear smallughs with conserved speech. They were talking about the current lockdowns of the vige and how their families can survive.

    Others were merchants that sell to the visitors of the vige. No visitors, no revenue. Except to the vigers themselves.

    Upon hearing some more, they started to turn serious.

    "The cults are recruiting in these past days, saying that they will award them with a huge sry. Hmph, these bastards will surely make something nasty," said the adventurer.

    Drinking an ale of wine then smashed it to the table.

    "I heard some vigers joined as they wanted power and money. We better be careful as they attacked the neighbour vige," The other male adventurer said that has long hair and dagger pouches on his chest.

    He then grabbed one of his knives and then stabbed it to the table.

    "I didn''t expect our otherrades will be lured by those bastards! I curse those sons of bitches for good!" The adventurer said to the others.

    Joan went to hear to the other guards located at the other side of the table. They were eating cheese stabbed by a knife then tucked it into their mouths. Drinking ale in session.

    "I heard that the King was recruiting an army for the threat. I also heard many heroes will rise from this predicament. I hope that the King will seed. They willunch their attacks to the dark side of these ins that was rooted with evil seeds. Uprooting it for kingdome. The revival of The Lord of Affliction is just the start of this turmoil. Much worse will soone my friends, much worse wille soon," Said one of the guards.

    Upon hearing it all, Joan and Isaias looked at each other. Thinking that they heard enough for the meantime. Waiting for several minutes, their ordered food arrived. Making the two smile in the process.

    The food was pork soup and a drink for two. Grape wine as they both saw the content of the drink.

    "So Isaias, what are our ns now. You heard all you need to hear," Joan said to him. Sipping on the soup then biting the pork.

    "Hmm, you can guess that I will take this one step at a time. We are stillcking when ites to preparations. The enemy is one step aheadpared to us. The difference is just we are ready to meet these problemspared to the past," Isaias said to him. Eyes still full of hope as it glitters in the light.

    Joan smiled at his speech. Making him have hope that was about to flicker in just moments if not for him.

    "Hmm, let''s enjoy first the drinks and the soup. They hit the jackpot in this one. Now, how about the past travels of yourpanion in the past? You seem hesitant to say it now," Isaias said to him. Hands clenching the spoon.

    "We travelled for many years in the past. There was a time when he was just a boy and resurrected a bird to live. Just by his breath, it has been called to going back to this life. Many things happened and he died. By being killed for the crimes he didn''t made. He says in hisst breath that the ones who killed him didn''t know what they are doing. I am willing to defend him but I am reprimanded. Saying it is the will of his father for him to die," Joan said sadly.

    Eating more meat, he slowly regained his lost energy. Sipping the warm soup that was cooked for them.

    Isaias then tapped his shoulders. As he can feel that Joan felt remorse and guilt. Being distracted from eating the food.

    "Joan, you did your best. I can feel that you are having some regrets but you aplished the mission of the father. As he needs to pay for our sins and so he died for us. Not something ordinary of a tale but it was what the father see as a perfect sacrifice. You''ve done well, and as for other problems. We are faced with a reality that we need to solve. And that are the cultists. I have sensed that they are growing in numbers recently. But still, we need to be wary of them," Isaias said to him.

    The adventurers were starting to have a heated conversation. Making one of their voices rise.

    "There are many monsters in the roads appearing thistely in this kingdom and many neighbour viges are attacked. We should be prepared for the worst." Said the adventurer in their back.

    "Looks like we are not the only ones who have that problem," Isaias said to Joan.

    "Yeah, we sure do," Joan replied. Eating more chunk of meat.

    Upon their backs, they listened again to the adventurers while sipping the drinks they ordered.

    "The roads are infested now and our merchant caravans are having more trouble recently. Recruiting more adventurers in the guild to make sure to have safe travel. Even more so, fate is still very unforgiving. Many are killed just this past weeks and I don''t know how much more in the future," the sad adventurer then chugged all the contents of his drink. mming it to the table.

    "We should be more prepared Joan, we didn''t know everything at first nce and it will only result in more bloodshed. Remember that we can''t save everybody in this predicament. Even with your powers Joan. You can do everything but not everything will flow by your ns. This world is a lot harder than you thoughtpared to your past world. You should be prepared," Isaias said in a grim voice.

    "Yeah I got it, should we order again? I like grilled pork or grilled chicken. You want too?" Joan asked him.

    Isaias coughed a bit then changed the mood.

    "Yeah, how about grilled pork and chicken. I still got plenty of coins." Isaias said as he went to the counter.

    Joan who was sitting then summoned his crow. On his hands was perching while standing upright.

    "Tengu, patrol in the surroundings of the vige. I can feel evil entities lurking in this vige," Joan said then Tengu flew towards the exit of the tavern.

 Chapter 64 - Patrol

    Just outside the vige, hovering a crow that viewed the night with its crimson dark eyes. Walls towering made of wood, chiselled on the tip for a more domineering look for the invaders.

    Upon the looks of the crow, guards were patrolling inside the walls. Having seen them not cking was very encouraging in his sight.

    Tengu was in the skies and watched from above. The sky was dark and no moon to shine in the vicinity.

    But still, Tengu''s vision was not sub-par on wolves. As he has [Beast aura] white as his skill. Making him see in the dark and his senses heightened. [Beast aura] can be also used by Lycan summons which the Druid summons can''t.

    Just hovering in the skies.. Joan can see what Tengu can also see due to his skill [Share vision and mind]

    [Share vision and mind]�Ca skill that makes the Lycan see the vision of the summon and talk to the mind of the summon in several kilometres. Making a great skill for spying enemies from afar. Temporary space was created in their mind to talk to each other if they wanted to talk.

    Just inside the tavern, Joan was eating his ordered food. The grilled chicken and pork was served hot and crispy while the smell permeates their noses. Just sitting there made their butts cosy andfy as they tend to rx a bit in this chaotic world.

    Joan can see what Tengu was seeing. A wolf''s vision was being enjoyed by Tengu and he can''t see much with just his eyes.

    From afar, they can see the specks of moving creatures from afar that was moving to the vige gate. As the two of them was getting curious about what was going on, Joan instructed him to flew closer towards them.

    Hovering in the air, the wind carried him towards their direction and thus making them see in a bird''s eye view. Just as Joan''s premonition, he saw monsters that were carrying siegedders and a gate crusher.

    They were a mix of humans, goblins and hobgoblins in their ranks.

    Making Joan drop his grilled chicken.

    ''Tengu, thanks for patrolling, warn the guards in the towers to make them prepare. As for the others, we should let them be warned,'' Joan said in his shared mind to Tengu.

    "Yes master, as you wish," He said in a matured voice.

    Hovering towards the guard tower, he shouted at them to prepare for an enemy attack. A hundred few enemies were seen in his eyes thus the guards were all alerted.

    nging the bell toll to warn the other guards and citizens to prepared for enemy attacks. Making the mood inside the tavern changed significantly.

    "Joan, let''s move now and continueter on eating. We have work to do," Isaias said then hurriedly pulled the tip of his shirt.

    "Okay okay, I am here, I will go," Joan said then took onest bite.

    Upon the rousing bell toll, the adventurers were also going to hurry up and grab their weapons. Leaving the tavern in a jiffy.

    The guards surprisingly were already in the wooden walls or towers. Making their snappiest to arrive there.

    The Guard Captain was instructing them to hurry up in the walls and started to fire arrows at the enemies.

    "Hurry reload and fire!" He shouted.

    The enemies returned fire too and it resulted in casualties on both sides. Joan was running towards the night but luckily, there were many torches beside the road, making it light the way ahead of them.

    Dashing towards the walls, Joan and Isaias soon were nearing where the enemies were.

    Joan was approaching the walls but he saw a veryrge silhouette of a man having a club in his right hand. But as he was getting nearer, he saw that it was green-skinned.

    "Hobgoblin! How?" Joan screamed. Isaias was perplexed by what he has seen.

    "How did they entered here?" Isaias said in great question.

    As the two of them saw the enemies, the two of them both looked back to where the back gate was. It already was flooding enemies in that direction. Making the two of them struck with anxiety.

    "Joan! We should check the back gate and see what happened," Isaias said to him.

    But as he was talking, the hobgoblin approached the two of them and mmed its huge club.

    Bang!

    Dirt sshed and they dashed sideways. Making the two of them rolled over.

    "Go, Joan! Kill him!" Isaias shouted.

    Joan then dashed towards the enemy then used his skill [Conjure sword]. With his Holy Knight''s job ss, he used his skill [sh].

    shing the club with his sword that made it cut into half. mming the other half to the ground.

    "I am in a hurry so I can''t y for now," Joan said then dashed towards the enemy using the skill [sh]. Making the sword glow in a golden yellowish light that was making after image as he moved the sword.

    Swirling the sword left and right then rotating in his front.

    shing the enemy left and right with his fastest. Making the enemy growl in pain and anger.

    Blood oozed out of its wounds but it didn''t stop there. Another sh of the enemy using his severed club was made, he swings it to him horizontally. Making Joan duck and rolled thrice then jumped towards him.

    shing his sword vertically, leaving a trace of golden light to him that soon was stopped.

    The enemy blocked with its club but it was sliced through. shing the enemy in half. Killing it on the process. Blood gushed then Joannded on the ground while on his knees.

    He stands up then flicked his sword. Making the blood drained. He then lets his conjured sword extinguish. Making it disintegrate like a firefly spreading into the air.

    Joan then walked towards Isaias and then grabbed his hands.

    "Let''s go," Joan said to him.

    "Let us hurry, or this ce will soon fall again in despair." Isaias then hurried towards the back gate.

    Moving towards it, they noticed that the ce was darker than any part of the town. Torches were arranged in the sides but it was put off. Making the two of them notice that it was very silent.

    Moving on with their travel, they soon saw that the gate was silent. No guards, no torches, no nothing.

    "Joan, something is not right with this ce. Light up the torches first if you may?" Isaias said to him.

    Joan then remembered his fire element affinity and so lighted every single one of them. And to his surprise, dead bodies were seen left and right with bite marks on their necks. Other guards were seen having arrows on their neck and they were having slits on their necks.

    Guards on the tower were all hanged in with a rope. Blood oozed on their wounds and their body was still hot. Others were decapitated and limbs were missing.

    Joan can only grip his hands as he didn''t know many happened while they were in the tavern. He can only bit his lips in the process.

    "They were killed just recently. I didn''t thought that they attacked in the front as a diversion!" Joan eximed.

 Chapter 65 - Backdoor

    In the fort of the back gate located in the south, stood guards who were standing upright. Just in the night where Joan and Isaias were in the tavern, happened something dread.

    The guards were seeing civilians dressed in hoods and robes, approaching their fort.

    "Halt! Stand where you are!" Shouted their leader of the guards.

    But still, several of them approached them.

    "I said halt!"

    It was then, they removed their cloaks and showed their faces that have veins popping out of their necks. Rooting towards their faces. Making their faces grotesque and teeth were all saw-like and others were jagged.

    "Cultists! Sound the rm!" Shouted the head guard but it was then, they were ambushed left and right..

    Daggers flying towards the guard who was about to rm the bells were immediately killed. Other guards draw their swords that sounded like grinding metal. Shields were lifted and all were prepared to sh.

    It was when the enemies appeared from the dark and assaulted them. Stabbing the guards in the chest while covering their mouths. Others were standing on the ground but stabbed other guards with spikes from the ground. Others were hanged in the spikes without mercy from their enemies.

    Blood spilt left and right and their leader slits their veins and their blood spilt. Making the ground bathed with their blood

    "Hang the others! Let them see our message to them. The Lord of Affliction will happily see this as an offering to him. Open the gates and let the monsterse! We will enjoy this feast for our wee party!" Their leader said to them.

    Fires were put out and the gates were opened by the cultists.

    "Let the carnage begin! Hahaha!" He shouted with wide arms. Laughing hysterically with reverberating voice.

    Soon after, the two came. Seeing the yed bodies that were either hanged or disyed grotesquely. By doing so, they will receive points to the Demon God and soon will be their character points. The more grotesque, the more point they will have.

    They were all killed defending the town. Making their sacrifices not be in vain.

    Joan was rmed at what was happening. The enemies were all gathered in the front gate but it was all a diversion. Something very critical at this state.

    "You should warn the guards in the front to send some backups to this side. This gruelling state in the back door has to be notified to the guards immediately. I don''t know how long I canst here without help," Joan said to Isaias.

    "As you wish, I didn''t expect for them to be this crafty. May you be safe and alive as soon as Ie back." Isaias said then left.

    Joan lighted up the torches again and observed from afar. Up in the wooded walls of the town, he was observing from afar for iing enemies. Soon after, the monsters specifically the goblins were marching towards the gate. Joan then was struck with the thought to either close the gate before they will arrive then fight them below ground or just block the gate with the summons.

    Well, either of the two was effective but as soon as he decided what to choose, he was assaulted in his back. A shadow emerged from the darkness and stabbed him in the back. Piercing his clothing without armor and blood gushed out of his mouth.

    Joan then rotated then back-kicked him. Making him thrown from afar towards the darkness.

    ''Damn, I didn''t know a Master Rogue was here. Having a [Shadow travel] has its perks of making a way of killing the target but when the target was not killed, then the problem arises.''

    [Shadow travel]�Ca Rogue skill that merges yourself into the shadow. Travelling at great speed in the night but only usable on the shadowy ces in the day.

    "Luckily I am alive, I got to heal first,"

    Joan then used his skill to heal himself with [Heal]. Wiping the blood on his mouth.

    The enemy then emerged from the shadow and attacked him on the back. On the other hand, Joan used his Ranger skill [Rapid motion].

    [Rapid motion]�Ca skill of making his movement speed and agility to rise and elerate.

    He evaded the stab and still has the luxury to grab the arms and mmed it to the ground.

    While they were fighting, the enemies were fast approaching. Joan was in a bind. He can''t have a slight opening to the enemy in which he needs to cast his summons. By doing so, he will expose himself to great danger as it will give the enemy an ample amount of time to kill him.

    Joan can only curse his situation, not something he has to think much but he possessed the weakness of the casters and summoners. Which was the casting time. Having also the strength of a one-man army and duelists but he needed the skill of the casters.

    While biting his lips, the enemy distanced himself and used his skill [Shadow clones].

    Making Joan in a bind, but as the enemy was busy making clones, he used his skill [Spirit and Soul Duplication].

    Just as he finished casting the skill, he was assaulted with the shadow clones of the enemy. Using the skill [Conjure dagger], he repelled their iing attacks.

    Tang! Tang! Ping!

    Sounded their daggers. Some were also throwing their daggers at him. Up in the walls, Joan rotated himself to repel their attacks. One shadow clone dashed towards him and Joan blocked his attack, just as he blocked it, another two were dashing to his sides. Ducking and prepared to stab him in his nks.

    Just as he was attacked, he jumped upwards and rotated. Somersaulting then Joan threw them with daggers. Two were hit in the chest and the other two sessfully repelled the daggers.

    Joan then conjured another two in his hands. Crouching like a pouncing cheetah. He dashed and then the remaining two shadow clones assaulted on the front.

    He used his skill [After image] then leapt in the air. The two stabbed the [After image] and smoked puffed all over their faces.

    Joan then stabbed the two of them in the back as hended on them. Making them killed immediately.

    It was after he killed them, the original thenunched his attack on the shadow. With the use of his skill [Shadow cloak], he gained a small burst of speed and was covered in shadow.

    [Shadow cloak]�Cmaking his body being covered with shadow. Having a small burst of movement speed and damage when attacking the enemy.

    Joan''s [After image] skill was still on cooldown so he tried to avoid the enemy''s assault. But as he tried to use all his strength on his legs to evade it, he was a secondte to respond so he just tried to grab the dagger instead.

    As he tried to grab it, he was stabbed in the abdomen. He felt the metal enter his innards. Making him dizzy as the blood left his stomach.

    ''Damn, I am toote to respond.''

    He was stabbed but he grabbed the arms of the Master Rogue. He gripped his arms and the enemy was trying to shake his hands off. But it was all for naught.

    Joan grinned and then his body is letting out the steam of white air. His fangs were getting longer and his nails were getting longer.

    "Hehehe, your hands are too soft!" Joan''s voice reverberated. Changing himself into a Werewolf.

    He crushed it like a piece of stick and the bones break as cookie crackers was being grind on his mouth. He bit him in the neck then threw him to the side. Howling into the moon whoter on shined with its rays to him.

 Chapter 66 - Diversion

    The front gate was very busy with enemies flooding about. Hammering the wooden gate with their gate crusher made of chiselled wood on the pointy tip.

    mming the door which was on the other side, has many guards stationed.

    "On positions! Do not falter or this will be the end! Hold out for long!" The captain of the guards shouted without fail.

    The bowmen were firing at the top of the walls and they were all firing nonstop. The goblins who were below didn''t let them be living targets so they all covered themselves with shields. Others have a wooden cart covers made to anti the arrows. Has wooden wheels to push it ordingly.

    Making way for them to arrive at the fort with covers but the bowmen started to shoot burning arrows. Making them lose their covers on the process. .

    Bang!

    The gate was holding out but not for long. With the continued hammering on the gate, it will not be for long before they will enter.

    Hobgoblins were pushing and pulling therge chiselled tree to the gate but they were continuously fired at by the archers.

    Covering them with shields from the top of their heads.

    As time passes by, Isaias arrived at their situation and called for help. All was not being heard as they all were focused on the enemies. Isaias can only sigh himself. He took the trouble to ran towards them and receiving no help in the process. He approached the Captain and pleaded for help.

    "Captain of the guards! There is an attack on the south gate! We should send help there too!"

    "We are out of hands here for help. But still, I will dispatch some of my men for you to guide with." The Guard Captain said.

    "Thank you for your support! I will leave as soon as possible!" Isaias said to him.

    Still, the battle rages on. The gate that was ever strong was pounded several times before it was ultimately crushed.

    The guards positioned in the front of the gate and positioned their shields on the front. Spearmen were on their backs. Ready to cover for them. Sweat trickled their faces and they gulped a handful of saliva.

    "Men! Brace for impact!" Shouted their Captian.

    Soon, rushing enemies came out of the gate and flooded them.

    "Stop them!" The Captain shouted again.

    Bang!

    The goblins crashed the defenders with a bang. Making the war rage on both sides. Goblins who were shorterpensated their height with tactics and cunning. As long as they were banded, they were strong.

    Now in that darkness, torches were lit up above their heads. Many torchbearers were in their ranks to make the guards see in the dark. With just a few of them, they didn''t lose hope of what wasing ahead of them.

    The fight ensued and killed each other. Hobgoblins in the ranks of the enemies were something harder to kill as it has higher heightpared to regr humans. Broader body and stronger muscles. Having big clubs on their hands dyed with blood.

    This was the weakness of the full ted armours. A brute force that can break bones and damage even the most protected armours. Full ted armours and chain mails alike.

    The Hobgoblins smashed the guards who were blocking with their shields. Able to break their blocks like they were nothing.

    The guards didn''t even stand there just to be killed immediately, they have killed far more goblins than the goblins made a number on them.

    They all defended their lives for a noble cause. Not something that was not expected but an ordinary one when ites to this world full of dangers.

    Isaias and as well as the other guards numbered in ten was walking towards the other side of the town. Arranged torches were in the way burning in their lights for making the path steadily illuminated.

    Weapons were drawn and shields were lifted at chest level. Prepared to sh with enemies anytime.

    Travelling in the silent road for a while, they saw goblins blocking their way. Others were already ransacking the doors of other viger''s homes.

    "Hey! What are you doing?" Isaias shouted and the goblins attacked them. They were all seven in numbers.

    They all went to sh with them and were all killed immediately. Just they were celebrating, they saw hobgoblins pulling the hairs of a girl and dragging it to them. Guards infuriated so they went to chase it.

    Other Hobs were blocking the way. Making them initiate a sh.

    Hobgoblins smashed their shields and it made them thrown a bit. With more of the goblins to appear, they were all surrounded. Isaias was rmed as it was not the first time he saw that Hobgoblins were inside the vige and it was already inside just a few minutes before.

    "Maybe they began infiltrating after I saw them before!" Isaias cursed.

    They all moved to defend themselves. Goblins have bows and so they fired at their formation. Isaias rotated his staff and it blocked some of the arrows. Other guards were all backing away for them not to be rained upon with arrows.

    The enemies all approached them. Having the tides of the battle was on their side, they all stepped forward andunched a full-blown attack.

    "Guards! Defend!" Isaias shouted and so they all crowded themselves.

    The enemies all attacked and they all defended themselves. Goblins who had daggers, stabbed but they all were shed with the guard''s swords. Which has a longer reach.

    Other goblins attacked and they all were one by one blocked and shed with their weapons. Renewed hope was seen so the guards went to the offensive this time.

    They attack the goblins with coordination surpassing the goblins themselves. The others shed but the others cover for their nks. Others were supporting them by blocking the other goblin''s attacks.

    They killed them all but they heard more shouts from the vicinity of their town.

    "No, please! Help!"

    "Don''t take her away!"

    "No! Please don''t!"

    Cries were what bathed the surrounding areas and it rmed the guards. Isaias can feel the hairs in his skin rise and he immediatelymanded the guards.

    "Save the vigers! We don''t have much time!" He shouted.

    They all went on their way to rescue as much as they can. Seeing the nearest to them, they all killed the goblins kidnapping the citizens. The other kids were dragged and were saved by the guards.

    Others were bloody as they were seen to fight back against the enemies. Abrasions and cuts were seen in their skins and it only made the guards to agitate more of what happened. Boiling anger was rising and it made them grit their teeth on the process.

 Chapter 67 - Defense

    The duplicate was summoned pretty abruptly and was almost cancelled by the enemy''s attack. Luckily, Joan made it on time and sessfully summoned him.

    Without doing any more unnecessary things, he knows what he needs to do and that was to defend the gate.

    Upon the current situation, he slipped from the fight of the original Joan and the Master Rogue. Then went to jump towards the entrance.

    To his surprise, enemies were just approaching in the meantime. The first toe in was just scouts to wreak havoc inside. While the main force was justing. With the wooden sword on his waist, he can''t help but be smiling on his weapon.

    To his point of view, it was a very deadly weapon with the right enchantments to it and the enchanter job ss would do the thing. .

    To his view, the physical weapons can be enchanted but the conjured ones were not able to be enchanted.

    Drawing the weapon, he used his skill of the Pdin [Durability]. Making his weapon as sturdy as one can be. As hard as a strong metal rivalling steels.

    There was still time and he still has ample mana, thanks to the original''s n of saving mana in the meantime. Using his summoning skills, he prepared to use all of his mana inside him.

    [Skeleton]

    Many skeletons appeared. One Skeletal Warrior, One Knight, One Reaper, One Wizard, One Rogue, and, One Ranger.

    [Beast call]

    Ten wolves appeared and ten Crows. Hovering in the air and wolves growling.

    [Shadow clone]

    Two Shadow clones appeared with the Rogue job ss as their job ss.

    [Summon bear]

    The Bear appeared with Spirit armour covering its body. Burning like fire but as cold as ice. Armour with engravings of Druidnguage on it.

    [Summon vines]

    Vines that spits fire, ice and, poison appeared. It has fangs ready to bite the enemies.

    All were called and his mana well was as empty as hell. Luckily, he will not pass out of mana''s drying up and will just feel empty inside. Stamina excluded, he still have energy left to dance on the enemy''s attacks.

    Looking just at the far end of the vicinity were seen marching minions who were goblins and Hobgoblins alike. Being said, they were all having their various mix of weapons ranging from wooden clubs to metallic weapons. Blunts and des alike with others having shields. With leather armours to protect them and to cover their bare green skins having tattoos from oil and charcoal.

    Looking at his direction with grimace and stares with the intent of biting him off with just their eyes looking at him.

    Eyes in glowing yellow and some were red. Licking their mouths as they can''t wait to eat flesh out of him. Seeing that they were all excited to rip him apart, Duplicate can only sigh.

    With the right time for them to dishearten their desires, Joan''s duplicate stood upright. Dignity and pride were on the line as he stared back at them.

    They marched towards his direction and they marched with a thudding sound that reverberated in the vicinity. Duplicate readied himself for the worst. Minions included as they were on the same side.

    Soon after that, the small goblins attacked.

    Dashing in their direction. Hobgoblins were steadily approaching them but were just walking.

    Rar! Rerar! Rurk!

    They snarled and grinned while dashing towards them. Saliva dripped and tongues sticking out from their mouths. All are on a high horse as they attacked the few obstacles blocking the vige. The ce where they can enjoy a feast on citizens for their mouths to be full.

    "Skeletons! Make a line in the front! Beast call troops! Kill anything that escaped the skeletons. Druid troops! Make a defence on the gate. Don''t let anyone pass!" Duplicate shouted.

    He then stood in the front lines, looking at the flooding enemies that wereing at them.

    "This defence will be awesome! All troops hold your positions! We will prevail!" Duplicate shouted.

    Having the Mage as a job ss, he stood there and rained spells.

    [Fireball]

    Seven fireballs appeared on his back and then he threw it to the enemies from afar.

    After that, the seven fireballsnded on the frontlines of the enemies. Killing immediately the seven of them.

    After that, the goblins who have bows and arrows fired at him. Using his [Telekinesis] to float in the air, he was rained with arrows but he used his skill [Force field] to temporarily block the arrows.

    Making his minions safe from the arrows while making himself the target.

    Arrows just stick to the force field then drops to the ground. Raining the minions with arrows beneath.

    As the enemies approached, only the Skeletal Ranger was seen firing. Others were just standing there together with the others.

    Hitting some before the enemies shed with them. To the Duplicate''s surprise, the skeletons were able to stop their charge. Making the enemies to be hampered by just their body''s weight. Making their faces to m in their bones.

    Others stared at them but the eyes of the skeletons were brimming with a cold re. Blue icy eyes stared at them then decapitated them. Rolling their heads on the ground.

    While looking at them, Joan''s duplicate was amazed. Still, it didn''t stop the enemies from their attacks. Goblins flooded at the skeleton soldiers but it was all blocked. Making them having a hard time as many enemies attacked them all at once.

    Soon after, goblins have escaped from their formation and the Lycan troops attacked them. With their [Spirit dash], their speed rose in a terrifying degree.

    Biting the enemies off in their necks and forcefully twisting them. Snapping their heads on the process.

    Other crows attacked the eyes of the goblins. Some wed their eyes, some pecked them. Making the enemies blind. Other crows were smashed with their weapons but they regenerated with their summoner''s mana.

    Others were able to distract them and the wolves took thest hit at them. The goblins that have shields were smashed by the wolves with their bodies. Making them be thrown to their weight and then they bit them while shaking their heads.

    The enemies still were able to pass some of them but the Bear used its skill [Hand m]. Smashing the ground with a terrible force, shaking the ground and the shockwave was enough to kill a group with a paste of flesh as the remains.

    The three vines spew poison, the other one was fire and another one was ice. Making the enemies suffer from the elements. Others were just choking on the ground due to poisoning, others were slowed and some were frozen. Others were burned to the ground. Making an effective defence to the enemies.

 Chapter 68 - Kidnap

    Inside the vige, echoes of vigers'' shouts defending their homes were heard. A father holding a pitchfork aimed at the banging door. Seemed to be destroyed while they knew someone was inside.

    "Son! Step away from the door. Hide in your room with your mommy!" The father shouted with all he got.

    "But dad! I can help you! I got a knife and can kill a thing or two!" Said the boy in his teens.

    "Obey me just this time.. We don''t know what is the enemy outside," The father shouted.

    Soon after, their neighbours were also screaming and they heard ransacking of doors. Screams were heard after that.

    "Protect your mommy! You should at least protect your little sister inside! Go!" The father pleaded this time. Knowing that all was at stake with what was happening outside.

    "Help! Aaaaaghhhhh!" Their screams were muffled after they were attacked. Soon after that, the shrieking of monsters was heard and it was mixed with children shouting. Adults shouted and then soon became silent.

    Just after that, a hand broke through to the door. The same with the wooden wall in the room inside where his family was hiding.

    "Father!" Shouted his son who soon was attacked by a small creature. As small as his waist but armed to the teeth. Green skinned impoverished and sharp teeth. Long nose and tongue with a long sharp ear.

    The father bellowed as he attacked the creature but he was soon stabbed on his back. The creature has broken through the door and has made its way on him. Making him fall to the floor.

    "Run!" He screamed as hisst breath after he was stabbed again in the back.

    "Josh!"

    "Daddy!"

    Shouted both the mother and his daughter. The enemy seemed nning not to attack them soon but he yed with the life of their father. All were seen by his family while it was shrieking yfully as he stabbed him on his back.

    The son grabbed the knife tightly as he pulled his mother and sister to the exit then he froze.

    Staring at the outside were all kinds of vigers being dragged outside. From kids to the mothers, all were dragged and carried by the Hobgoblins.

    Shouting and shaking them off but it was all for naught. Others were pounding the back of the Hobgoblins but they were just beingughed at by them.

    Soon after, a sweat went down from his head and he gulped a handful of saliva down his throat.

    "What now brother?" Asked his little sister.

    "All will be fine, as long as you are with me," he said then caressed her hair.

    "Mother, let us go to the barracks. I know there are soldiers there waiting. We should hurry." He said.

    Soon after, he was seen by a goblin who stabbed his father. He seemed to be bored after ying with his father''s life. Crawling from the dark, holding a rusty knife and its face was seen after the light of the moon shined its face. Licking the knife until it was free from blood.

    "Damn it, Go! I will give you time!" He shouted. The knife was held in his hands with shaky behaviour. All was at stake and his mother immediately went on their way.

    He gulped saliva again and calmed himself.

    He breathed in and out then attacked the creature. Screaming while dashing the enemy.

    She runs towards the night with torches just beside the road. Houses were all attacked by creatures that were all in green. Ransacking the doors on the way.

    "We will be safe, don''t worry child, we will arrive soon and your brother''s sacrifice will not be wasted." She shushed her while she was crying.

    While running, some goblins were in the way. Passing by while evading them. All were sessfully being escaped but her luck has run out. They met a group of goblins on the way and she was spotted.

    While she ran, she saw that the enemies were approaching her direction. Making her panic and stepped on a rock.

    Stumbling down and she mmed her body to the ground. Rolling twice and then coughed a bit.

    Groaning from the pain, she caressed her hair with her bruised arms. Still protected her child despite her situation.

    Upon looking from afar, she saw that goblins were shrieking. Others bellowed in glee as she was seen by them helplessly lying on the ground.

    Soon after that, she was surrounded by them and they were brandishing their weapons. Tongues sticking out and were dancing while they approached her.

    She felt that tears were welling up in her eyes and wiped them. But still, deep in her heart, she wished to survive this predicament. Together with her remaining child or so what she thought.

    Her family were all dead and so she bellowed. With all her might, she shouted.

    "Help! Help us please!" She bellowed.

    Just in the dark, nobody seemed to hear. As all of the other vigers were all facing the same circumstance. Making her lower down her voice and cried silently. Holding her child''s head.

    "Attack! Kill them all!" An old man shouted together with the guards and they soon came rushing like a killing machine.

    Reaping the lives of the enemies in just seconds.

    "Are you okay? I am Isaias, you are safe now. Go to the barracks, north from here and you will be safe there. We will rescue the others," He said then she left without looking back. All she was thinking was her child''s safety and forgot to say thank you to him.

    "Damn, if I knew there would be enemies infiltrating inside then we should have let the citizens stayed in the barracks. I will save whoever I can for now and reflect on thister on. Men! Move!" He said to them.

    Moving towards the center of the town, they met other citizens who survived. Letting them go to the barracks. Others were thankful and some were not.

    Moving towards the enemies, they saw that some goblins have w marks on their bodies. Others were headless and others started to disintegrate. Vigers were all crying for their dead and they were all in a sad state. Kids have no fathers to grow and others were all wiped out from their mother to their father.

    Making the guards remove their helmets.

    "Is this finished? Who killed them?" Asked one of the guards.

    "I know who," Isaias said to them.

    Minutes before all that happened, Joan was howling in the night. Looking at the vige in the night with his glowing golden yellow pupils. Sniffing the air then growled.

    "I smell goblins. Nasty, stinky goblins in the vige." His voice reverberated while he was growling. Heading towards the center of the vige.

 Chapter 69 - Werewolf

    Joan was sniffing the air with great interest. Thinking that the enemies have great numbers to yed with. Looking at the far houses by the distance, he can sense their presence.

    Some were huddled together, banded with their other kindred. As Joan was on his Werewolf form, he can''t help his instincts to well up.

    Without further ado, he jumped from the walls towards the ground. Smashing the dirt as he descended with a heavy body. His weight multiplied as he was in this form, making the ground reverberate as hended on the top.

    Just up ahead were houses that were not far from each other. A residence of houses hobbled together as he watched it from afar. Making it a wonderful ce to jump on one after the other. .

    Joan growled as he jumped at the top and dashed on the roofs. Making him running on the top of the houses. Dashing as air flowed on his hairs. Sniffing again the air then concluded that the monsters were not just far but numerous.

    Excitement was what he felt as he growled, saliva welling up from his mouth.

    "I aming, dear children! Let me y with you for a bit." Joan said while growling.

    Just not far from him were a za in the center of the vige. Torches were seen burning from afar as Joan looked into with his golden eyes. Smirking on the realization of having to y with them.

    Dashing in the roofs, he jumped in the air and saw from above that the Hobgoblins were surrounding the vigers. Kids were crying and mothers were weeping as they carried their child. Some goblins were poking on the other vigers using their clubs and weapons. Making the vigers shriek at their teasing.

    Joan observed from the top of the houses and estimated their rough numbers. Counting from the za were all ten Hobgoblins and twenty small goblins. Making their numbers being thirty.

    After making a rough estimate, he saw a child not far from where he was standing was fighting a goblin. Making him impressed by his actions.

    Making his mother and sister go away and he stood there to just buy time.

    "Hehehe, A peculiar fellow. Let''s see if he can survive." Joan growled in a low voice.

    The child seemed to swing his knife then he was evaded by the goblin. Making him a vulnerable fellow as he stumbled on the ground. Enemy on his back.

    "Geez, I expected too much. Let''s go save him," Joan said thennded on the ground. Not far from the za.

    He dashed and approached the goblin. The goblin, on the contrary, was preparing to stab him. Lifting his hands high while the dagger prepared to stab him.

    Just as the goblin''s dagger was starting to elerate, heading towards the kid''s back, Joan grabbed its hands and crumpled it like a tin can.

    Making the goblin shriek out loud and alerted the others. Joan can only smile at its pitiful life.

    "Soft as always! Hehehe," Joan growled.

    The kid on the contrary stared at him and saw a monster, not a hero. A wolfman was talking and so he screamed in great fear. Wetting himself on the process.

    Joan can only smirk in the process, hearing his shout while his pants were sprinkled with his juice.

    "Hahaha! Are you afraid? I can sense fear from you. We can be friends, right? Boo!" Joan shouted at him.

    Immediately, the boy scurried and hastily dashed towards his home. Running away while screaming helplessly.

    Joanughed in great glee, making him look at his back where he was surrounded by Hobgoblins. Carryingrge clubs made of wood and others were using morning star and metal two-handed hammers.

    "Oh? So you really want to y? Let''s y!" Joan said while brandishing his long ws. Able to make a spark by just flicking his ws as hard as a metal.

    Rarrrr!!! Ruarar!!! Roar!!!

    They screamed with all their lungs. Intimidating him with their greatest but was not able to take effect in the slightest.

    "Hehehe!" Joan can onlyugh in their remarks.

    Dashing towards them with all in his fours. Other Hobgoblins ran towards him. Swaying their weapons as they dashed. Small goblins were all in high spirits as they saw their leaders attack a lone enemy. Joining in the fight and all attacked synchronously. Others pairs were dashing like a swerving snakeing towards him. Making Joan filled with thrill and excitement.

    Running towards him with shrieks andughs. Joan on the contrary was annoyed and mixed with excitement like he wanted to pop their skulls out with just his squeeze.

    The goblins attacked and so Joan prepared to unleash his [Fury].

    [Fury]�Cshing several times with ws as fast as he could. He has five shes on his limit yet.

    shing five enemies, he sttered their blood on the process. Able to pierced through their hides and leather armors. Still, they attacked in great synchronisation. Five shes were made but goblins were able to hit Joan. Two hits on his back and Joan groaned.

    Still, Joan continued his onught. He evaded some strikes and blocked some clubs and hammers with his hands. Other goblins were grabbed in the neck and was mmed to the other goblins.

    Snapping their necks on the process then threw them to the other Hobgoblins.

    Hobgoblins then attacked with their numbers. Swinging their weapons but Joan dashed backwards, making their swings fully evaded.

    Joan then dashed to one of them and bit off its neck. Making the others to perplexed by what they saw. While he spits its flesh off, he growled at the remaining enemies.

    Dashing towards the others but the Hobs were covering each other''s weakness.

    Making Joan have a hard time.

    Just as they all were wary of his attacks, Joan dashed in the darkness and surprise attacked them in their nks.

    Other goblins were attacked first and they all were eliminated one by one. Dashing left and right, Joan was able to attack their blind spots. Making his attacks on them very effective.

    All goblins were one sh away and it made the Hobs remain. Just as he was running left and right, he consumed a great amount of stamina. Making him pant a bit.

    The Hobs looked at Joan as being weakened, they attacked full force at him. Three Hobs were what remained and then they swung their weapons at him. He was attacked so he grabbed the hammer of one of the attackers. One was swiped sideways by his other arm and it was flung afar from him. One was thrown with the hammer of the Hobgoblin in the face, making its skull produce a cracking sound.

    A lone Hobgoblin was left and weaponless. shing it left and right with his skill [Fury] and was bitten in the face.

    He killed them all without further ado and then he heard that guards were approaching his direction. Torches were seen to light the dark and were carried by them.

    Not wanting to bebelled as one of the enemies, he dashed away from them. He then heard their chatters be nearer and nearer so he hides away from them.

    Sniffing again in the air, he went to assault other goblins in the area. Dashing towards their direction for another hunt.

 Chapter 70 - Cultists

    Joan was hunting the goblins one by one. Roaming in the vige with his werewolf form. Dashing in the rooftops and pouncing from the top.

    Death from above was made and silenced the eerie goblins below. Jumping again on the roofs without a trace of presence.

    To the goblins, he was a death sentence for them. He can easily crush them like a jelly with just his brute strength. He was bad news and they were all hunted down.

    Just at the top of the tallest building, Joan was sitting on the peak of the roof. Just a nted roof with tiles on the top. Making him see a great vantage point of bird''s eye view. .

    Just as expected, Joan smelled some hooded persons creeping with the smell of the Lord of Affliction. It itched his nose and made him wanted to puke at the smell. They were called the "Child of the Lord of Affliction".

    A follower who received the blessing as well as the power of the Lord himself. Making them drink his blood and sessfully be a child of his own.

    These persons were bad news for him and it was not something to joke with. They possess their Lord''s powers but not their immortality and undying spirit. Although a weaker version of their lord themselves, they still were nasty to deal with.

    Considering their numbers were plenty. Making Joan think that they were the clones of the Lord of Affliction.

    Just as he observed, they were dragging the captive vigers towards the gate. Checking them all up before tying them up. Goblins were present and they were all beingmanded by the cult leader. Others were stationed as guards and were caressing their weapons.

    Just as Joan predicted, they were all underlings of these cultists. Making a diversion for them to kidnap vigers. As Joan thought of it, there was a seal site of the Lord of Corruption nearby this vige.

    Just as Joan thought, he felt that it was sooner than he knows.

    "This all makes sense now, considering there is a seal site nearby. They will be offered to the seal as a sacrifice. Making the seal weaken and letting the enemy let loose. I should have known earlier." Joan smirked. Then he gulped a handful of saliva.

    Without making rush decisions, he carefully nned his next move. If he outrightly attacked them, the vigers will be taken hostage then all things will get awry.

    Something a coward and all viins do in their lives. With just the goblins only, this will be easier as they tend to be dumb. But all were in a bind as there were cultists involved with hostages.

    Joan can only sigh, if he could just attack the enemies without hostages then all will be easier.

    "How about I secure the hostages first then attack the perpetrators? Hmm, nice n!" Joan smiled.

    Jumping high up from the top, he dived to the ground with his hands first. The cultists and goblins perplexed by all the ruckus.

    [Beast call]

    The wolves appeared and the crows hovering in the air. The wolves then growled with teeth and canines being shown. Crows cawed while pping their wings.

    They all surrounded the hostages and all attacked the goblin guards of the vigers. Bodies littered the ground as soon as the dust extinguished by the wind.

    "Protect the vigers! I will solo them all!" Joan shouted.

    "As you wish master!" Shouted Canine.

    "Oh? What do we have here? A Lycan in thisnds? Just what are you doing here stranger?" Their supposed leader initiated the conversation.

    "I am just a wandering hermit. Just a passerby. I didn''t think some child of Demon lords has just passed when I visited! What a coincidence is it that you arrived here in the middle of the night with vigers tied in the hands. Can you further exin to me what is going on? I am confused!" Joan said then grinned.

    The Cult leader bit his lips. Face grumbling with anger.

    "You dare! Kill him!" He shouted then pointed his fingers to Joan.

    Joan can onlyugh at their faces. They seemed agitated a bit by his remarks. Just as Joan expected, the Lord of Affliction has two powers. And that was first; the power to suck your mana out and seal your mana well just by their touch. Second, Spikes of death�Cable to stab you from emerging spikes from the ground.

    As he battled him in the past, he was forced to such a pitiful state as his mana well was sealed. Only able to use the elements, but thanks to it, he suffered minimally but all his students were killed.

    Joan can only sigh in his past''s helplessness. Making him pour out his anger towards the enemies.

    Just after the enemies attack with their leaders'' go signal, he also charged at them. Spikes rose on his front, and so he dashed sideways. Evading it in hair''s breadth.

    Continuing his dash, he was getting nearer to the enemies. Making the spikes rose faster from the ground but also making their uracy to be improved.

    "Somebody stop him! He should be the first to be offered to our master!" The leader shouted to his followers.

    "Catch me if you can!" Joan growled.

    Just after that, Joan attacked one of the enemies. The nearest from where he stood but it didn''t flinch a bit. Joan stabbed his heart with his hands but he just smiled on the process.

    "Now seal him!" Their leader shouted.

    Joan then can''t move his hands from the body of the enemy. Spikes appeared from the body of the enemy and it stabbed Joan''s arms. Locking it with spikes.

    "Cowards!" Joan shouted.

    Making him surrounded by the enemies and his feet were spiked by their makings. Making Joan groan to the pain but he can''t move his feet.

    Another set of spikes stab the cultist as well as him to all his body.

    Making him in a very dire situation. Joan growled and fangs were shown. The enemy leader approached him and pped his hands. Hoods removed and finally shown his veiny face and pale skin.

    "Well well well, what do we have here? Isn''t this the one who mocked us earlier? I am impressed with your courage! You know what? We are stronger than beforepared to us being ordinary persons. We are loved and blessed with powers from the master of all Affliction. You will regret stopping us and being on our way." He said then snapped his fingers.

    "Well, do you want to join us? I will spare your life if you join. You are going to be one of the strongest after you drink his blood and live with him for uncountable years! You will not age! It was a great honour without being a mythical stage. A shortcut to immortality! Hahaha!" He swayed his arms wide andughed hysterically.

    Joan joined hisughter and his voice were of a growling husky. Making the ce awkward for the both of them.

    "As you can see, I already have ns to be mythical and whoever offers me to be a demon will insult me in the process. Don''t you dare insult my dream or you will pay the price," Joan growled then snapped the spikes.

    "These spikes are easy to make but yours are brittle. The original owner sure has higher toughnesspared to you all." Joan said then dashed towards him.

    "Seal him!" The cult leader shouted. Being perplexed by him being easily shaking off their spikes.

 Chapter 71 - Cultist Part 2

    Joan''s murderous instinct was welling up. After being trapped for several seconds, he was greatly pissed. His eyes were brimming with carnage. All were up against him which made him go all out.

    Enemies on the front, back, and, sides. With spikes began to rise on the ground, he swatted them all. Smashing them like it were all something like brittle ss. Spikes flew in all directions. Some were stabbed on the perpetrators.

    Just as he was getting busy, he saw that he was surrounded all in different directions.

    "Seal him!" The cult leader shouted. .

    Bright red neon lights appeared on the ground and it has runes engraved on it. A star rotating on his foothold was seen.

    Joan broke some spikes and threw it all to the ones surrounding him but they were immediately reced by others. All of them were prepared to die just to make their job done.

    Joan growled then he dashed towards the leader. It was in a split second that he realized that he was in dire straits.

    A barrier made of reddish hue was erected and he was inside it. It was so fast but he was sealed on the spot. wing the barrier but it was all for nought.

    Making only his ws bounce back on him. Seemed impossible to destroy it from the inside.

    "Master!" Canine shouted. They started to feel worried but Joan shouted back.

    "Bring the captives to a safe ce! I will go after you!" Joan shouted.

    "Yes, master! Be careful!" They immediately left soon after their conversation.

    While all were in the favour of the enemies, Joan was grinning inside the barrier. Staring at the enemies outside.

    Soon after, the leaderughed at him. Pointing his hands at him while covering his eyes. Facing the sky while his shoulders vibrated with every chuckle.

    "Hahaha! You are dumb! You made your pets leave you here when they were your ticket out from this barrier! I thought you are wise!" He said then shakes his head.

    "You will surely use the hostage to have underhanded ckmail. Surely you jest when youughed right?" Joan said to him. A low growl was made after his speech.

    "Haha, you are a smart one! Well, let us begin the mana extraction!" He shouted.

    Soon after, the enemies began to use their skills. It was then, Joan felt that his mana was being sucked.

    ''So they can still suck it without touching me? Nice.'' Joan then smirked.

    Joan then shouted and shrieked aloud. He was seen that he was in pain by all the enemies.

    "Yes yes! That''s it! Louder! More! More!" The leader shouted at him and seemed to enjoy his predicament.

    "This barrier will suck out your mana and your transformation will be extinguished. You will be weakened when your mana is sucked! This barrier is perfect! It is infallible!" He shouted andughed.

    Joan was screaming and then the leaderughed more.

    "Aaaaaaaaa! hahahahahah! Is this the one you called pain? I will show you what pain is!" Joan shouted. They were bbergasted with his remarks.

    [Menacing growl]

    He shouted loud and the air vibrated. Their ears were pierced and fear was instigated to the ones who heard. Their feet weakened and mmed their butts on the ground. Some of them pissed on the spot.

    [Menacing growl]�Ca debuff skill used to affect the low in willpower. Causing extreme traumatizing effects to the victim. Skill can be strengthened by willpower which causing more dread to the victim. Can also make the enemies deaf for a short period.

    They were all in disarray, making Joan felt glee. Laughing at them, still, they reformed their formation and resumed their extraction.

    "I can do this all day!" Joan screamed.

    [Menacing Growl]

    They went down again for some time and were disheartened. They have mixed emotions at that time. Some of them were traumatized and lost their willpower. They didn''t persevere the second time around and ran hysterically while tears in their eyes sprinkled the ground.

    It was then, they were all ughtered one by one.

    "Kill anyone who will escape!" The captain of the guards shouted at his men.

    Isaias then came with his guards. All were armed to the teeth and started to kill them one by one.

    Joan''s barrier was being touched by Isaias and he was trying to dispel it.

    [Dispel]

    He used the skill while chantless and immediately cancelled the barrier. Making Joan smile in glee.

    "As expected my friend, now let us finish what they started," Joan said to him. Isaias just nodded and then they faced the leader. The enemy was just smiling at them then heughed.

    "Hahahaha! You underestimated us big time!" He said then spikes emerged from the ground. Piercing the guards without even expecting it. Being unprepared, Joan soon realised that the enemy still has such an area of effect skill.

    "No!!!" Isaias can''t help but scream. Clenching his fist in despair. It was the power of the Demon Lord that they sealed in the past. Something that woke him up and remembered the power he saw in the past.

    "Child of Affliction? So they are the ones behind this?" Isaias then felt dread.

    Seeing the skewered guards, he went to the guards to save them but their hearts were pierced, his soul broken. Immediately, the debuff skill of Joan soon faded and the cultists were now able to hear their leader shouting.

    Immediately, spikes from the ground emerged and assaulted Joan. Joan on the other hand didn''t want to be sealed again so he dashed towards the enemies. Killing anyone who wants to be in a sealing position again.

    With just the sh of his ws, he was able to rip them apart and severed their limbs. Flying to the others and was caught by some of them.

    Making them scream but soon after, they gritted their teeth.

    "All devotees of our Demon lord! Do it now!" He shouted.

    They all looked at each other and then smiled.

    [Lesser demon transformation]

    They all changed into a horned beast that has the body of a goatman and the wings of a bat. Has a humanoid goat form with the face of a goat. They allughed like a goat''s bleating and neighing. Eyes were bulging red and were glowing in the dark.

    [Lesser demon transformation]�Cshapeshifting into a lesser demon. Borrowing the power of the demon race. Making the person''s stats shoot up greatly. Weak on Holy element and resistant in Basic elements.

    They all now have greater prowess so theyughed and flew in the sky. They were all flying while encircling Joan on the ground. The leader was in great glee. Looking at him while smirking, belittling Joan with just his gaze.

    Joan was staring at them, just wanting to breathe the air. Their smells were of a demon and their human selves were inside it. Having a lingering smell of humans still in them. Just as he was about to rampage and kill them all, his pets came. Panting in their travel and hurrying up to join him.

    "What are you doing here? Did you secured the hostages?" Joan was perplexed.

    "We escorted them to the barracks master! All that''s left is to finish them!" Canine said to him.

    "Good, now everyone! Prepare forbat!" Joan said to them.

    Behind him stood Canine and his nine wolves. All were growling and ready to fight.

    "Tengu! You assist the wolves! Don''t be caught by their attacks!" Joan instructed.

    "Yes, master!" He said.

    In the area of the spikes, Isaias collected their soul and then they all went to the afterlife. After praying for their deceased souls, Isaias then went towards the Cultist leader.

    "You know what? You know how to enrage me, do you? You recognised this face?" Isaias said to him.

    The cult leader then felt a cold air caressed his skin. Saliva gulped and sweat trickled his face.

    "You? Wait? A prophet? Isaias? No! This can''t be! Is it already a thousand years and you still live? Curse you! You undying maggot! You will pay for what you''ve done to me!" He shouted.

    "Oho! Are you perhaps stronger now? Let''s see then!" Isaias said as he caressed his moustache.

 Chapter 72 - Cultist Part 3

    Joan was staring at the sky, looking at the hovering enemies. Encircling them at their top. Just as he saw the enemies, he started walking forward. Breathing deeply as he let out his beast aura. It was an aura none other than white.

    The basic aura that makes you have a sight in the dark, as well as a keener sense of smell and hearing. Even more acute reaction speed for him to have.

    A gushing aura was emitted from his body.. All were being seen by the enemies and allies alike. As he stepped forward, his pets were also following him. Calmly moving as he moved on. Step by step without hurrying at their pace.

    Wolves were growling with their white teeth being shown to the enemies. Five on the left of Joan and five on his right. Crows were flying on his top and were cawing. pping their wings tirelessly.

    "Everyone, let us put up a good fight. No one will die as long as I''m here. Understood?" Joan instructed.

    "This brings back memories master!" Canine said to him.

    "Yeah!" Tengu seconded.

    "Ah, it was a long time since we''ve done this. Time to crack some bones and rend some flesh!" He said and then growled.

    Joan then cracked his neck and then was on his fours.

    The enemies haven''t seen a Lycan so confident as him in their lives. Maybe he was the first of the kind. Being calm while seeing their transformation first-hand and face to face.

    It made them wonder where their confidence came from. As soon as enemies saw them being ready, they attacked and dived at them.

    "I missed these kinds of fights!" Joan said to them.

    Soon after, the enemies assaulted Joan. The first one to arrive was swatted to the side by smacking its face with the back of his hand and the one next was grabbed by the neck.

    Making the horrendous beast be choked. Joan then grabbed the waist then ripped it from the upper body. Making the beast shriek in pain.

    Wolves then jumped at them. Colliding with the enemies of the air. Others bit them on the neck and they soon twisted their bodies. Shaking the enemies while being on jaw-locked.

    Crows pecked their eyes and it made them a great blunder. Other''s eyeballs were ripped from their sockets. Making the small feathered flock horrendous to their sense. It was the first too in their lives that they were all urately pecked in their eyes without even expecting it to happen.

    Wolves jumped into the air and bit their wings as they were disabled with their sights. Making them fall to the ground and then breathed while in pain.

    Their sufferings were seen, so the wolves snapped their necks like a twisted twig. They all were slowly hunted down one by one and it was the least they imagined. They thought that they will be the ones to hunt them down but all the tables were turned against them.

    A feeling of confusion and distress mixed with dread was in their minds. They thought that they have superior passive skills as they have elemental resistance but they forgot one thing. They were susceptible to physical damage, which made them bit their lips.

    Soon after, their numbers dwindled. It was something they can''t do about a thing. Making the others think twice before attacking. Soon after, they assaulted theirst efforts. They wed the wolves and the wolves were shed.

    Making them whimper but they regenerated quickly. Making Joan use his mana to regenerate them. Upon discovering that their enemies regenerated, they were soon all taken aback. It was a very rare skill to regenerate the flesh of the pets but the enemy on their front was doing it.

    They pondered what kind of Lycan was their enemy. It was soon they realized that their numbers can only be counted by numbers.

    Upon gaining their newfound power, they thought that it will turn the tides in their favour. But it was not enough to shake off the enemy. Making them attack like they were war-shocked. Diving at him while screaming.

    They assaulted Joan which was waiting for them but the crows dived at them and blocked their sights. They soon were perplexed and their vision of Joan was hindered by them.

    Just as they all panicked and swatted them off, Joan jumped at them one by one and bit their wings off. Making them be flightless beast. Turning them into a normal goatman.

    Soon after, Joan shed their necks with his ws and it snapped like a twig. Enough to separate the head from the neck.

    It was spraying their blood in the air with every wed head. Making them panic a bit. One by one was killed and they allughed. Wolves and crows alike. Soon after they saw a lone lesser demon flying in the air. Smirking with its bulging red eyes and its hands inside its armpits.

    "You have done well, it was so long since I disguised in this form but here I am looking at my enemy with such crude form. Shall I praise you? You are pretty strong for a Lycan!" He said to him then bowed down. Being polite even with its grotesque face.

    Joan can only raise his eyebrows. Thinking that all enemies were all killed. Showing disrespect to the polite demon was something he wouldn''t do at the current mood or moment.

    "You are very very kind dear sir? Can you do that in your human form next time? It would be more pleasing in the sight! And more persuasive!" Joan said to him then winked. He showed his teeth then tooth-picking his teeth with his ws. It seemed that something was stuck inside.

    "Hahahah! You are funny, Okay! But if you defeat my higher form." He said then he emitted a dark violet aura.

    "You can rest assured that you will not be dismayed, my dear." Joan brandished his ws. Making sparks as he did.

    Soon after, the enemy began to transform. The dark purple aura was absorbed by the said being and enveloped its body entirely. The aura was rotating and encircling his body. Growling like a dragon that woke up from its slumber. A new being appeared after his sessful transformation.

    [Greater demon transformation]

    He transformed into a dragon-like face with two horns in its head. Bulging body while broad shoulders. It was standing upright and wings of a bat on its back. The Canine on its lower jaw wasrger than its top. All were protruding outside its scaly mouth. The skin on its back was scaly and its limbs were leathery. A humanoid dragon. Making its form majesticpared from before.

    [Greater demon transformation]�Ca higher form of devil. They were masters of lesser demons in their realm. Resistant to all elements and de damage. Strong against piercing damage and weak against blunt damages.

    Joan then was impressed, he was looking at it with a newfound respect and newfound respect has only one meaning. A better beating to the enemy, better than before.

    Joan can only smile in the process. His enemy has more majestic form than he has. Making him have a little bit of annoyance at their forms. Some of them look strong and grotesque but weak to beatings. Making Joan to lost happiness when they surrendered to his tortures in the past.

    He then was having high respect for this creature as it can talk in the lesser demon form. They were the ones who hide their powers and pretend to be weak.

 Chapter 73 - Cultist Part 4

    Isaias was holding his staff beside him. Looking at the enemy that has a thousand years of hatred on him. Making him just smirk at their unsolved problems with each other.

    "Isaias!" He shouted at him. Emerging spikes went up from the ground and assaulted him. Isaias on the contrary was just closing his eyes.

    Spikes assaulted him but he just swings his staff. Turning the spikes into pink butterflies.

    "Ha! You like butterflies?" Isaias shouted.

    "That puny tricks! I am stronger now after a thousand years! A thousand years have passed and I will finally have my revenge!" He bellowed. He then threw spikes into Isaias then Isaias rotated his staff, turning it into butterflies.. Soon after, a spike emerged from the ground and stabbed his feet. Making Isaias bit his lips in pain.

    "Hahaha! Did you fell for that? Here, some more!" The enemy leader erected more on all his sides. Making Isaias evade hair''s breadth. Tapping them and then they turned into water.

    Isaias then closed his eyes then opened it, power left him. A seal emerged from the ground that was coloured yellow.

    [Anti demon barrier]

    He shouted the skill out loud with all his might.

    Making the leader trapped inside.

    [Anti demon barrier]�Ca barrier debuff skill used to weaken the enemy demon inside. But all magic powers are still active. The barrier was unbreakable with the use of demon magic.

    The demon inside despite in human form made a loud shrieking sound. His skin was burning and his demonic aura was sucked by the barrier.

    Despite Isaias'' barrier, he felt that he was weakened by the spike on his feet.

    The enemy was stabbing the barrier with his spikes but all disintegrated as soon it touched the barrier wall.

    "Curse you! Ahhhhhh!!!" He shrieked some more then he used hisst-ditch effort to make him free again. He summoned spikes on the outside of the barrier and it emerged a spike. Appeared on the ground on Isaias'' back where he was not looking. Heading to Isaias'' back but his feet were all stuck on the spike.

    Also, moving a bit will make him lose concentration and will cancel the barrier. All was set and it was unavoidable. He was stabbed on his back and it pierced through his chest.

    Blood was puked and then his chest became bloody red. His robes were drenched with blood and he closed his right eye to the pain. Still, he tapped his staff in the spike and it disappeared. Also the spike on his feet.

    "Release meeeeeee!!!!!" The enemy bellowed in pain and so it emerged more spikes. Making Isaias dispel them. Still, with all his efforts, he was stabbed on his blind spots. Making him let go of his staff. With just his touch, the spikes disappeared. Leaving only the blood and wound on his body.

    Still, he managed to maintain it with all his wounds. Making Isaias in a very dire situation. Still, he stands up again and more spikes appeared. Isaias closed his eyes and a great pulse burst from him. Making the surrounding area of where the burst went seemed to be affected with magic.

    It felt like the time slowed down a bit. Isaias Just picked up the staff and swatting the spikes that emerged.

    [Restore past self]

    His wounds disappeared and also his blood was all gone.

    [Restore past self]�Ca skill to reset your past predicament or body. Time-rted magic done to the body only and not the entire surrounding area or to go back to time.

    Stepping forward to the barrier and then he was assaulted with more spikes.

    [Disentigrating aura]

    Even though he was assaulted with more spikes, he just closed his eyes and stepped forwards while the staff on his back.

    The spikes were disintegrating when it approached him. An invisible force was keeping the spikes to reach him.

    [Disintegrating aura]�Cmaking all demon rted magic disintegrate. More willpower will cause the range to expand and to be stronger.

    Isaias approached the barrier to get a closer look. He was just looking at the enemy who was on the other side of the barrier.

    "Seems like you depend too much on your Demon lord. You didn''t grow even a thousand years have passed," Isaias said to him.

    "You are stronger indeed but let us see when you don''t have mana. Your distance is enough," He said then prepared to suck his mana.

    Making Isaias to be caught off guard. In the past, it was impossible to suck his mana without being touched and especially, when he was inside the barrier. It was in split second but a huge amount of mana was sucked from Isaias. It was then, the barrier weakened and all his active skills were all gone.

    Isaias was then approached in nk space by his enemy after the barrier faded. Choking him with his hands still burning from the barrier.

    "Urgh, you did a number on me. These burns will heal for another hundred years, you know that?" He said while gritting his teeth. Half of his face was burned. His pale skin became purplish-pink and was smoking.

    [Disentrigrating touch]

    Isaias then touched his hands and it disintegrated. Making another scream to be heard from him.

    [Disintegrating touch]�Cakin to disintegrating aura but it can only be triggered by touching the body of a demon creature. The difference only was it was a passive skill that doesn''t use mana. A given blessing to all prophets.

    "Ahhhh!!! My hands!" He let go of his grip as soon as his hands were turning into dust.

    The enemy leader then gritted his teeth then forced his demonic energy to well out.

    [Demonic heal]

    His skill enveloped his wounds and healed them. Making him back to his past unwounded self.

    [Demonic heal]�Ca skill to heal the demon race but has a reverse effect on humans.

    "You did grow. You are different from your past''s weak self. Maybe something in my mind whispers that I regretted sparing your life," Isaias said to him.

    "Huh? Cough.... Ahem. It was a terrible decision Isaias, and that will lead you to your doom! A little tip as an acquaintance from thousand years before. Do you know how many were being sacrificed now? The screams of their souls to be sacrificed for the seal to unlock the Lord of Corruption? They are majestic! Especially the children! Ahahaha!" He bellowed while hands opened wide. Staring at the sky whileughing.

    "You should hurry Isaias before it was all toote! But what about the vigers here? Will you choose the vigers here? Or stop the hostages to be sacrificed in the unsealing of The Great Demon Lord? Well, you arete by a step. Whether you stop the unsealing now, you will not make it in time! So enjoy the rest of your time here. Bye-bye! You can at least save them." He said then prepared to escape.

    "Wait!!!!" Isaias screamed. Anger welling up inside him.

 Chapter 74 - Cultist Part 5

    Just as Joan was seeing the enemy, it will be a hassle at his current Job ss. Even though he has such prowess and fierceness in his form. It would be a challenging task for him to defeat the enemy.

    Looking up high, he can only click his tongue at the flying creature up above. Staring at him below while it was grinning its teeth. An expression that mocks the one he stares at. It was just ufortable to Joan as the enemy will have a greater advantage up in the air.

    And its resistances were something not to be joked at. Its eyes glowed in red and Joan can only growl while showing his teeth.

    "Be careful! He will be a tough enemy to deal with," Joan said while he growled.

    "Hahahahaha! Do you think you can defeat me with your numbers? Your pets can be rent with just the sheer strength of mine.. If you can cope up with your regeneration then you can be a decent opponent to y with." He said then smirked.

    Joan then grabbed the body of the goblin on the ground then threw it up in his direction. Just as he threw it up high, the enemy swatted the body. Making it stter into a meat paste.

    Just as blood sprayed, he then saw that Joan disappeared. Making him look at his pets and questioned himself where did he go.

    Joan then appeared in his back and grabbed his wings. Making him lose altitude and then they went both crashing to the ground.

    Joan and the Greater Demon was on the ground and the dust was all over. The two were immediately seen as contesting their strength after the greater demon pped its wings. Making the dust be blown by the wind.

    "Master! Let us help!" Canine shouted at him. Making his pets slightly panic.

    "No! This fight is mine! Just rest for now. You all did great." Joan said then his pets was absorbed by his shadow. Making them rest in his shadow.

    Just as he absorbed his pets, his enemyughed at him. Making him grin. While holding the enemy''s arm, they started to push each other. Wanting to throw their opponent to the side.

    Joan was gripping his enemy''s hands and so was his enemy. They both were enduring their grip from each other and the greater demon then pped his wings. Starting to take flight but Joan swings him to the side. His enemy felt lighter as it was up in the air.

    Smashing him to the walls of the building just in his side.

    Bang!

    The walls exploded and the rubbles flew in all directions. Making the dust scatter all over. Joan then dashed to where the enemy was and to his surprise, it flew towards his direction too.

    The two opposing forces shed and a loud bang was heard. Joan wed his face but the enemy grabbed his neck.

    The two of them was on par with strength but Joan''s ws were ineffective. But still, with his brute strength, he managed to shake the enemy. Making the enemy be dizzy a bit.

    "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! That was all of it? Entertain me more!" The greater demon shouted while his hands on Joan''s neck.

    Joan then grabbed his hands and forcefully broke his finger. Making the enemy scream.

    It was then, he bellowed at Joan in anger. He throws Joan to the side.

    Making Joan roll to the ground several times. Joan coughed a bit but as he was breathing, the enemy flew and grabbed him on his shoulders. Not making him time to breathe.

    He was pushed by the enemy till they crashed into one of the houses. Banging the walls after walls and after walls. Destroying three houses on their path.

    Making him fly up in the sky and then Joan clenched his fist. The greater demons were both resistant to piercing and de damage so blunt was his only option.

    "If this doesn''t hurt then good luck!" Joan shouted.

    He punched him in the face while he was gripping its wings. Doing it three times and then the enemy was having difficulty with its flight. Still, Joan didn''t stop but punched him again.

    The enemy pushed him away and wanted to let go of him but Joan grabbed him in his arms and punched him to the face. Making his lower canine snap.

    Still, his enemy didn''t want to go down that easily. He joined his both hands and hammered Joan down in the chest. Making him be thrown to one of the two-storey buildings downwards.

    The roof was pierced with his body and he crashed to the first floor. Joan coughed blood and then stands up. Making Joan stare at him up in the air on the hole of the roof.

    Diving towards him, Joan ran to the walls and exited the building. Dashing to the open space then stopped and prepared to face him.

    "You will not escape me!" The Greater Demon shouted at him.

    "Come here!" Joan shouted back.

    Joan then saw a metallic post that has directions and a sign hanged. A pole that was taller than him and was thicker than his arms. Ripping it off and then gripped it with his right hand.

    Just as the enemy was approaching him whileughing. He grabbed the pole tight and made his stance. Just as the enemy was overflowing with his confidence, he prepared to stop his flight. He batted him in the face, making his enemy''s opposing inertia sh with his makeshift weapon.

    Bang!

    The enemy flew away. Spiralling while its flight was unsteady. Making it crash on the ground and roll over many times.

    Joan then dashed and jumped at him. Smashing its face with the pole he has.

    Bang!

    Another loud sound was emitted. His pole was bent and so he threw it away. His enemy was on the caved-in ground and wasughing at him. Chuckling while he was bloody in his head.

    Joan was greatly pissed and so he grabbed him on the neck.

    "Hahaha, so what''s your n now? You will choke me to death? Do it! Not that you can kill me easily though! Hahaha!" He shouted at him.

    He grabbed Joan in his arms and then spitted him on the face with his blood.

    Joan growled then used his skill [Menacing growl] on his face. Making it shriek a bit but it then turned into aughter.

    "You know how to scare a cat with that growl of yours. Hahaha! Don''t do it to me, it tickles!" The Greater Demon then grabbed his hands then he emitted a great aura.

    His hands grew bigger and bigger and his size eventually becamerger than Joan''s. Making Joan lifted by his arms and was like the size of a cat and dog. It was only that Joan was the cat and his enemy was the dog. Making Joan struggle a bit as he was holding the enemy''s arms.

    "Hehehe, you are fun to y with Lycan! And with that, I will wait to see the day you get stronger. It would be a waste to immediately kill you here. Well, let me tell you that I have no time for fun now and has to leave immediately. I have more important matters to deal with." He said then threw Joan to the walls of a building.

    Bang!

    He stretched his wings up high then pped it. Making him create a gust of wind in his wake.

    Meanwhile, Isaias was angered by his enemy''s remarks. And the enemy leader just disappeared into thin air. Making Joan and Isaias inwardly curse to their predicaments.

    Joan then went outside the building he crashed and then mmed his body on the ground. Isaias then went running towards him and then he shakes Joan who was lying. Breathing heavily while in pain.

 Chapter 75 - Failed

    Joan was slowly getting up from his rest. Making him revert to his human form. Hairy skin and elongated arms and legs went back to his normal human self. Coughing a bit as he pushed himsellf up. Isaias was just beside him and was pondering what to do. Just as they were defeated or did just inly survived the battle without being killed. Even though they managed to be alive, letting the enemy free out of their grasp was a little bit disappointing on their part.

    Not something that they want to happen but fate didn''t permit it. He can only click his tongue in utter disappointment. Joan then was panting as he slowly stands up. Wiping off the dust on his clothes. His eyes closed then heughed.

    "Hahaha! That was a good fight! I should have used the Druid job ss instead of my Lycan.. The enemy will be battered left and right if I used my Werebear form. Despite it being mismatched, Werewolf form made it have a hard time," Joan said then cracked his waist.

    "Haha, that was reassuring. But still, the enemy is not something to be trifled with. We should expect harder battles in the future," Isaias said then he tapped his staff on the ground.

    The two then felt rmed after they realised that the battle was still raging on the front gate. Smokes of fire were seen rising in the said direction with fire lighting up the sky.

    Isaias then said to check the battle that raged on. While Joan went to see the back gate and Isaias was heading to the front gate located to the north. Soon after, Isaias saw that the battle has ended.

    He saw bodies of guards who were all killed that littered the ground. Goblins were eating them and others were ying with their beheaded heads as they''ve seen it as a prize.

    His sweat trickled his face, a feeling of unbelief struck his heart and his knees mmed the ground.

    "No, all is lost. They are defeated?" Isaias said while being shocked. Uncertainty clouded his mind. He then remembered to check out the barracks for survivors.

    Goblins then flooded the vige and then all of them went rampaging. A girl and a woman then arrived at the barracks. Towering walls were made of bricks and a wooden gate that was embroidered with metallic knots.

    They were chased with the other goblins and saw that the gate was closed. Guards were on the top of the post and were looking at the two who have arrived.

    "Open up the gate! Please! Help us!" The woman shouted with all she got.

    "Open the gate!" Shouted the guard who was their leader.

    Soon after, the gate was opened and they entered. Many more civilians arrived and so the guards assisted them. Goblins were arriving and so the guards made a defence. Others were firing arrows at them. Hitting goblins on their heads and others were immediately killed.

    They entered the barracks and many civilians were bloody and wounded. The mother and child soon entered the ce with many weapons arranged on the weapon wracks. Walls were all decorated with weapons and they were all in random pairs. The walls were made of bricks and were lighted with glowing torches flickering while giving off a radiance.

    The two then exited the room and saw the training grounds that have many training dummies and immobile targets.

    The training grounds became the temporary relocation site of the civilians that has many people situated. Their faces were the spitting image of worried persons. stered with a tint of tears in their eyes.

    The girl and the woman then sat on the ground and they were handed water to drink. The guards then reassured them that all will be okay.

    Just outside the barracks, came goblins and hobgoblins ready to attack them. Making the remaining guards worry. Still, their leader bolstered their courage and saying not to lose hope.

    "Sir! We are surrounded! The enemies are numbered a couple of hundreds. We are only a few," The worried guard said to him.

    "We will hold on. As long as the gate is not destroyed then we are safe." He replied to him.

    They were talking with each other and soon after, they heard a banging sounding from the gate. Civilians then jolted a bit to what they have heard.

    "They areing! Barricade the gate! Move!" Their leader shouted.

    They all prepared for the worst. It still was not toote but they were prepared to die this time around. Thinking that they will soon meet their Creator was what they thought. Even though they were now sitting ducks waiting to be killed, they still hoped to survive and continue living. It was not bad to hope that they will still live.

    After it all, the guards hastily went to block the entrance. Blocking the one and only entrance to their location with anything they have. Cabs were ced at the gate and the guards then mmed their bodies to stop their entry.

    They all wanted to panic but a brave man grabbed a sword on the weapon wrack.

    "If we will die then let us die fighting!" The guards then soon were perplexed by his speech.

    "All men! Take up arms and protect our families! We will all die sooner orter anyway!" He shouted.

    "Yeah! Let us fight!" Another one also made his speech.

    Soon after, they all grabbed their weapons and then it became rousing to the others. Even women took up daggers with them and all men prepared to face the enemies.

    With more smashing of the gate, it soon broke. Even though it was sturdy, no wood was hard enough to be unbreakable. A small hole was made and a lone goblin emerged on it.

    "Kill them one by one!" The guards immediately attacked the enemy.

    It was then, the gate was broken. Making the enemies flooded the ce with their great numbers. Hobgoblins led the charge and soon after them the goblins. Shrieking noise bathed the room and it was mixed with the shouts of guards and civilians.

    shing metal resonates the ce as they battered each other with their said weapons. Killing each other without reserve. Making a number on each side.

    Just outside the south gate where Duplicate was defending, he was stomping the head of a dead goblin while panting. Kicking some of their carcasses and the other summons were just looking at him, waiting for his nextmand.

    The battle has ended without any casualties on Duplicate''s side. Making him victorious in the said battle.

    Making the bodies littered the ground. Blood bathed the dirt and crows were pecking the enemies. Wolves were checking for surviving enemies that were just ying dead. Bear was smashing enemies to paste and then left them if they have no reactions.

    The goblins were disintegrating and were glowing in yellow embers. Seemed contented with the essence of the goblins entering his body that will make the Original grow stronger.

    "Master! We finished eliminating the enemies, we are waiting for your nextmand." Canine said to him.

    Duplicate inhaled deeply while eyes closed then opened it. Cracking his neck then breathed out.

    "We are done here. Let us move to the north gate now," He instructed.

    "Yes, master!" Canine said to him.

    They soon paraded the pathway, moving towards their next location. Parading and were killing enemies that will block their path.

    While they were marching, Joan''s four [Shadow clones] that he released beforehand were just looking at the parading summons at the top of the buildings. [Shadow cloak] were being worn and were silently observing from afar.

    The wind blew their ears and was breezy on the tops of the buildings. They saw that the north gate has been liberated and so they made their next ns. Soon after, they dived towards the ground. Landing as silent as cat paws on the ground.

    [Conjure chained daggers]

    They used their conjuration skill and conjured a dagger that was attached to chains. Aiming to kill enemies with their said weapons.

    [Conjure chained daggers]�Ca conjuration skill that was used by the Rogues. A dagger that has chains to have a longer attack range. Can be used to throw or sh mid-ranged on the enemies. Can bind enemies with the chains.

    Diving towards the flooding enemies that was located to the north gate, eliminating them one by one in the dark.

 Chapter 76 - Shadow Clones

    Diving to the ground headfirst but then rotated andnded with their feet, the shadow clones prepared to assault the enemies located at the north gate. Jumping to the roofs and agility was well utilized. Making the four shadows run on the roofs while looking at the enemies.

    Jumping again to another roof and with chains in their hands. Hasty as it seems, they were all in the race of time. Making them eliminate the enemies with just the four of them.

    Just as they ran to the roofs, they also used the chains to stab the walls and propelled into the air. After it, they let go of the chains and summoned again for their next use.

    Just as they leapt in the air, they saw the flooding enemies that started to burn the houses. The four shadow clones were all gathered and then stared at each other. With just their thoughts, they immediately know what to do and understood what the other one will think at that moment. .

    Nodding at each other, they dived towards the enemies. Leaping in the air, they all prepared to assault the enemies.

    [Conjure daggers]

    Conjuring daggers in-between their fingers then rained it to the enemies.

    Whoosh!

    Whoosh!

    Whoosh!

    Whoosh!

    Whoosh!

    The enemies were all stabbed with their daggers. Hobgoblins and goblins alike. Making them in disarray and soon made them panic about where to go.

    The four thennded and prepared their weapons. Whipping the chained daggers in the air and shed the enemies with their fastest and most efficient.

    The hobgoblins who were big and broad were all shed vehemently as they have crude protections. Only leather armour was in their chest but their limbs were all unprotected.

    Goblins then attacked them as they have seen their enemies were surrounded on all sides.

    It was then, their shes with their crude swords were all effortlessly evaded. Even with their best efforts to injure the four shadows, it was only a flick of their chained weapons to injure them.

    Ites to worst as the Hobgoblins were all being rained with their shes. Other shadows were also throwing daggers even with their point-nk range. Making it a more troublesome endeavour to kill them.

    It was an all-out brawl that happened and the goblins were all retreating.

    [Reverse sh]

    [Reverse sh]

    [Reverse sh]

    [Reverse sh]

    Left and right reverse shes were executed. Ending their lives in an instant. It struck fear to the enemies as they were all powerless when ites to their speed. The other shadows then started to chase the ones who were all starting to retreat for their lives. Making them show their backs.

    With just a flick of their knives, they were struck in their heads. Others were on their backs and napes. Crashing their lifeless bodies to the ground as they all wanted to escape.

    Hobgoblins then smashed their weapons into the shadows. Making them rotate up in the air and throw some daggers. The Hobgoblin then blocked some of them with hisrge club but some were stabbed in his thighs.

    It was then, the shadow''s stamina was wasted. Their movements were all stamina consuming to make their agility to the peak but it only made them pant a bit. Still not uttering a word but the four just only stared at each other. Nodding as they all concluded the next n.

    The four then attacked the mysterious Hobgoblin. Four of them dashed while in zigzag but they were all synchronised. One jumped at it while whipping his chained dagger to its face. But the enemy already knew about his attack and so it blocked with its club.

    The other two whipped their chains and then entangled their feet. Making the two of the clones hold it tight. The other one used its skill shadow cloak to have a burst of speed. Appearing to its back and stabbed it.

    It was then, it blocked his stab with its club. Making the clone let go of its weapon as it was stuck in the wooden club. The two who chained the Hobgoblin on its feet then pulled the chains.

    It was then when they pulled the chains on its feet, it won''t budge. Making the two to be pulled instead as the enemy pulled the chains by kicking the air opposite from their direction. Making the other two forcefully let go of it.

    They panted as they felt that the enemy they were facing were not ordinary. It was even beyond that to bepared to the other ones. It was then, they realised that this enemy they were facing was a Hobgoblin champion. A cut above the rest whenpared to its peers.

    It snarled at the four shadows and its fangs were shown. Making the four look at each other''s faces.

    It was then, the four was grinning. Thinking of another n to eliminate the enemy. The four of them then surrounded the Hobgoblin champion. With its club being perched on its shoulders, it growled at them.

    Shouting at their ownnguage and made the four have question marks on their heads. Just when it finished shouting, they concluded that it was maybe intimidating them.

    Making them think twice before attacking him again. Something that they expected from their enemy.

    Holding their daggers in a reverse grip, they conjured daggers on their other hand and throw them to the enemy. With daggers assaulting in four different directions, it was impossible to be unscathed especially when the enemy has only a club to block them.

    It was then, the Hobgoblin champion has blocked some but he was sessfully stabbed with daggers on his back. They soon shed the enemy left and right with their whipping chained daggers and the enemy was shed vehemently. Pity was not something they would do at the moment.

    Its cuts were uncountable as the four didn''t let it have spare time to take a breather. Cuts on its limbs, joints, back, and even chest. Slowly bleeding and the enemy was weakened by it. Panting as it struggles with the remaining embers of its life. Still, it roared and smashed them with its club. Dust was all over the ce and it soon cleared out.

    Into its surprise, while the dust was all over, the four dashed towards him. He felt stabs in four different directions. Four of them were all stabbing him with their daggers.

    Two on its back located on its shoulders and two on its chest. Making the enemy puke blood then swatted them off. Making the four roll on the ground over many times.

    In just a whim, the enemy then stands up but the other goblins who were just looking at their fight then assisted him. Lending their shoulders and carried him to be healed.

    Soon after, the four then stands up. Looking at the retreating enemies and was panting. It was then Isaias arrived while being sweaty and panting. Hastily running towards them as he called for their attention.

    "Help the barracks! The barracks are attacked!" He shouted at them.

    They all stared again with each other and then went on their way. Hastily running towards the barracks as they saw that it was teeming with goblins. Time was of the essence, leaving Isaias behind as they felt that he was slow.

 Chapter 77 - Late

    Running hastily as the wind blew them. Rushing towards their faces and was just passing by. Upon the request of Isaias, they heeded immediately.

    The four then passed by several houses and soon saw their destination. Looking at the towering building, walls made of bricks and was teeming with goblins. It was none other than the barracks. The ce they have to rescue.

    Monster roars and shrieks bathed the surroundings. Also has many screams of civilians mixed within. Making the area have a deathly ambience.

    Looking at each other, the four then signalled to attack. Dashing towards the gate.. Equipped with their daggers and chains as they prepared to attack.

    While approaching the building, just outside of their destination, they saw bodies scattered all over the ce. Goblins were struck with arrows in their heads and the others were shed in their chests. Others were killed while eyes opened wide. Tongues sticking out and blood drooling from their mouths.

    Paving the path of dead bodies, they also saw lifeless guards. The same fate has fallen with them as they fought the enemies. Protecting the civilians with their own life.

    Just as they entered the gate, the other two shadow clones immediately used their skill shadow cloak. Dashing inside the room with their fastest. While they were running, screams were heard by them.

    Soon after, they saw the battle that rages. nging metals were what resonated from the distance. Making them hurry up with their pacing.

    Inside the room, the battle rages on. The guards were in the front lines and the armed men were protecting the women and children. Standing by the door-side which were the door that leads to the helpless kids and mothers.

    Just as they were all on edge, the enemies flooded the entrance. Making them grit their teeth and prepared for the worst.

    "Guards! Stand strong and prepared for battle!" Their leader shouted at them.

    The guards who were only fifteen in numbers all replied with a shout. Shields on their front and weapons on their sides. Prepared to smash the enemies with their hand-held weaponry.

    "Stand your ground!"

    "Arrggg!!!"

    The goblins rushed and smashed their shields. Making them flinch a bit. With a little bit of courage, they stood still and retaliated. shing them with their weapons and the enemies to them. Exchange of blows was made and the goblins were slowly reduced. Still, some of them made their way towards their defences and reached the armed civilians.

    "Do not let them pass!!!" Shouted their leader at them. Brandishing his sword on the shield.

    Making them defend the door as they were wounded in the process. Goblins were not merciful as they seemed but they stopped their charge. shing one civilian armed men and then wounded his shoulders. Making him step back a bit to cover his bleeding shoulders.

    Others covered for him and then blocked their blows. Just enough for the others to take a breather.

    "Cover! Let the wounded step back!" Shouted their leader.

    After they retreated, the others covered them.

    "Do not let them go in! Stand your ground!" He shouted again, bolstering the others who were starting to lose hope.

    "Argg!!!" The guards and the other men shouted.

    After several minutes, panting guards were what heard inside. Other armed men were also heavily wounded. Still, they blocked the entrance towards the others. While being heavily wounded, others made theirst stand.

    The enemies started to grin at them. Making them pant while they started to panic. Their numbers were dwindling and the enemies were just slowly culling their numbers.

    "Damn, their numbers are not stopping. How long do we have to endure this?" Questioned one of the armed men.

    "Just look at the enemies, they are smiling." Replied the other one.

    It then made their sweat trickled on their faces. They can only grin in the process.

    "Let themugh as this will be their graves!" Replied the other one.

    "Men! Give them a hard time! Let them feel fear!" Their leader shouted.

    It was then, the enemies started their charge. Shouting at them and lifted their weapons as they do so. It was then, the guards tapped their shields and stomped their feet. Chanting with a rousing song while having a marching beat.

    They all defended with their lives and then all was on the line. Enemies banged their shields and they skewered them with their swords. Blood splurted out of enemies and then a blood bath was made.

    Several minutester, the fighting still ensued. Making the guards and men exhaust their strength. Making them fail at thest moments.

    Just as the four arrived, they saw chaos. Goblins were all making the guards and survivors having a hard time. There was blood sttered in all directions on walls and floor alike.

    One civilian that was a man, has a sword but the enemy goblin just flicked its wooden club. Making him lose bnce and then mmed his butt on the floor.

    Upon showing his weakness, the goblin thenunched its attack and prepared to smash its club. Other guards were just doing fine and managed to kill some goblins while the civilians were all in danger. Making the shadow clones immediately rush to their aid.

    Conjuring their daggers, they stabbed the enemies from their backs while being distracted to their prey civilian. While they stuck their tongues out, they prepared to smash the man in the head.

    Just as they would do it, the four arrived and stabbed their backs. Making them puke blood and their eyes rolled upwards. Smashing their bodies to the floor.

    The four saw four men standing on the door. Other members of the guards and armed men were lying on the floor. Making the fight end but the guards were not happy at all.

    It was then, the four shadow clones realized that they were toote. Making them bit their lower lips in the process. A sense of regret clouded their minds at the moment.

    The others were crying as they saw their fallenrades. Making them shout their names out loud while tears were falling. Lifting their dead bodies as well as their leader who was lying also on the floor. Bloody on his head and the others were having great damage on their armours. Cracks were seen and some of their armour parts were chipped.

    Others were blocking the door with theirst life. Holding their wounds with their hands and was lifeless. Only four of them remained and it only saddened them. Making the four bellow while uttering their names.

    It was then Isaias arrived at their location. Seeing all the dead bodies that littered the floor with goblins, made him d a bit. But after seeing all the human bodies littered the next room, a sense of dread struck him. Seeing all the crying men that were mourning their deadrades made him bit his lips in the process.

    Just as Isaias was about to lose hope, he saw the door open up. Emerging were kids and the women. They were all who survived and were safe, alive and kicking. Making Isaias smile while they were all saved by their sacrifice.

    "All was not in vain, all was not in vain," Isaias muttered.

 Chapter 78 - Reprise

    "Shadow clones! Eliminate the enemies'' remaining forces. You must redeem yourselves!" Isaias said to them.

    Upon hearing his request, they all moved and disappeared on a whim. Isaias thenforted the remaining citizens and the ones who have lost their loved ones. Praying that their souls will be eternally in their Creator''s arms.

    Just outside the barracks, the four shadow clones then moved and scattered. Eliminating enemies while on the way.

    Dashing like the wind, swiftly decapitating the goblins with their daggers. It seemed to cut their necks swiftly as they felt stronger. Even Joan''s body was still thin, they felt that they absorbed enough monster essence to feel that they got stronger. It was different and far surpassing their past strength. While they were on their killing spree, they also saved some citizens who were attacked..

    Launching their chained daggers towards the enemies and it was enough to cut deeply. Making the enemies shriek while in pain. Still, it was not enough to decapitate. They all imagined that it will be possible to do it in the near future. It will only be a matter of time that they will reach that kind of level.

    While being scattered all over, Joan was running towards the back gate. Breathing fast enough to cope up with the air consumption of his brain, he dashed towards the back gate. Lights were beside the road and were flickering.

    It was just a few moments that he saw the other summons. Making him conclude that it was a sess on Duplicate''s side. Just as Joan saw them, he greeted them all.

    There were Skeletons, bears and vines, wolves and crows that were by his side. Two shadow clones were guarding him and he was just leaning his arms behind his back. The duplicate was just casually walking and he was unscathed. Not even breaking a sweat and was whistling.

    "What is your report?" Joan asked the Duplicate.

    "The back gate enemies were all killed. We are moving towards the front," Duplicate said to him.

    "Good, eliminate the enemies that are scattered abroad. I will find Isaias in the meantime." Joan said to him.

    Just after their conversation, there came shouts that were heard from the front gate. Making Duplicate to be perplexed.

    "Well, I got to go!" He said to Joan then left.

    Joan then immediately ran towards the barracks. Hasty as it seems but he was in the race of time. Making him to use his all just to arrive immediately on Isaias'' side.

    Just as he was running, he passed by houses by the road. It was silent but as he leaned his ears some more, he can hear wails of children and mothers. Some houses were on fire and others were burned throughout. Flickering lights of fire were seen and the fire that crackles were heard by his ears. Eating away the wood as it scattered throughout the vicinity.

    Joan then saw that the building he was going to was liberated. Isaias was just outside and was stroking his mane while contemting. Looking at the bodies covered with cloths on their faces and was arranged on the ground.

    "Isaias! What happened here?" Joan asked in worry.

    "Ah, Joan. You see, the guards defended the civilians until theirst breath. Only four of them were the survivors and the others perished. Their bodies will be cremated in the fire soon," Isaias said then went on his way.

    "I am sorry, I can''t save everybody even though I am the Child of Hope," Joan said to him.

    Isaias was then silent for a moment then coughed.

    "No one is ming anybody, Joan. All things happen even with or without us. We can''t me also ourselves as there are things we can''t stop even with our powers. But still, you''ve done your best. And that Joan is what''s important. Keep it in your mind and heart that you have saved far enough. Look at those kids that survived. Maybe they are saved because of you? You didn''t know but small things happened. And it resulted in saved lives. Now, we should move on. Many enemies still await us." Isaias said to him.

    The Duplicate then saw that the front gate was teeming with enemies. Still have many numbers despite them killing many of their brethren. They have encamped just outside the walls and many enemies were still there.

    They have killed the ones on the inside of the vige and soon was heading outside the walls. Making the enemies blow their horns to rm theirrades.

    Torrrrrrooooooootttttttt!!!

    Shrieking shouts and bellows emanated from the background. Some goblins were alerted and some were struck with panic. Some roused their brethren to take up arms while shouting in theirnguage.

    Kara!!! Kuruk!!! Shra!!!

    Other hobgoblins were smashing the back of their goblin army to scold them. Others were now prepared and so, they all stared at the entrance of the gate. Surrounded the gate with their numbers, they all were looking forward to what enemy will arise and emerge to battle them.

    Soon after, their voices lowered down and saw that there was a lone figure that appeared. Moving out of the gate while being solitary. Making them whimper in confusion, others were shrieking in excitement. Wanting them to rip apart the cocky bastard that wants to challenge them solitarily.

    Just as they want tough at him. Duplicate was silently walking towards them. He immediately summoned a crow that perched on his shoulders and then smiled at them.

    Upon staring at him, they were allughing. Mocks were heard in theirnguage and then, he soon grinned.

    "Rise!" Duplicate shouted at them.

    [Skeleton]

    After using his skill, emerged skeleton soldiers from his feet.

    [Beast call]

    The wolves and crows appeared and were all prepared tobat.

    [Summon bear] [Summon vine]

    The two then appeared at them and the bear roared. Vines shrieked and snarled.

    [Shadow clones]

    Two shadow clones appeared and they conjured their weapons.

    "Attack!" Duplicate shouted with all he got.

    Immediately, chaos was made and all enemies attacked full force. With the fighting ensued, they all fight for their lives. The bear then used its skill [Charge] and charged to the fray. The enemies were all thrown after charging at them.

    [Charge]�Ca skill that uses weight to assault the enemies. Strength and weight can increase the damage dealt with to the enemies.

    With the enemies thrown all over, they soon get up but they felt that their ribs were broken. Others were justying down and were writhing in pain. Hobgoblins attacked as the lead of their charge but skeleton soldiers duelled them. Specifically the Skeletal Knights and Warriors. Making them sh their weapons in the process and was doing fine even with their bony bodies. Two Skeletal archers then fired arrows at them and did a number on the enemies. Skeletal Mages fired fireballs at them and the enemies burned.

    Vines were spitting poison and sometimes ice. While the others were spitting fire at the enemies. Wolves were all in a high horse, killing enemies at a terrifyingly fast speed. Crows were assisting the wolves with their enemies.

    Shadow clones were also not left behind in the contest. They were all throwing daggers left and right while shing chained daggers to the enemies. All were in chaos and enemies were all killed in just minutes.

    Making them roar in victory as the dead bodies were now disintegrating and were turning into monster essence. Glowing with yellow radiance and were all disappearing one by one.

 Chapter 79 - Aftermath

    Isaias was hurrying up with his walk towards the exit of the back gate. Panting while he was striding the path of dirt road. Joan who was following him was also coping up with the pace.

    While they were on the way, many vigers were slowly getting out of their homes and some of them were crying. Making the two worry a bit.

    "Joan, these people were just hopeless when ites to these kinds of schemes. They tend to be weak when plundered. We can''t wait for them to be all wasted before we stop this kind of attack on our realms. You know that we are in these perilous times when the Demon lords rise. Making thends in turmoil once again," Isaias said to him.

    Joan can only have a heartache while digesting the information in his mind. Thinking that he has a great burden on his shoulders to carry..

    "You are thest Child of hope Joan. Let me carry half of your burden as we travel this perilous path," Isaias said to him.

    "Thank you Isaias, it was far better with you here," Joan said to him. Scratching his head on the process.

    "It was my pleasure, Joan. I am a prophet and that is my role. I must lead you all the way," He said to him.

    He felt that it was better to have apanion. Even with his past life that was being a solo, he also felt that it was better to have apanion this time. Thinking about it, he also felt that it was not lonely to be having a guide. Even though it was a change, he thought that it was better this way.

    Upon walking, the mood changed. Weeping kids without their moms were seen. Others were clinging to their dead mothers that were lying on the ground. Joan felt disturbed about what he was seeing. Isaias then approached the child and thenforted her. It was a girl in her four that has a teddy bear in her right hand. Weeping while pulling the skirt of her mother.

    Isaias then prayed for her soul to rest in peace. He then talked to the girl and told her that she will be in the Creator''s hands.

    Thinking that the child will still miss her mom, Isaiasforted her in trying to make her be at ease. She then hicked and sobbed while trying her best to calm herself. Still, it was difficult for her to stop her crying. Making her cry again.

    Isaias then shushed her then carried her to the nearest adventurers. While many were still like her that lost her parents, they helped her just in case. While they were on it, Joan gave her a goodbye.

    Everyone in the vige was all devastated. Even though they managed to survive, it will be different from now on. Even the greatest trials struck them, many heroes emerged from the masses. A merchant offered to help and give potions to the wounded. Others were giving what they could help from what they have. Adventurers who were Priests were helping to heal the others. While others were helping the townsfolk to relocate inside the barracks.

    Others cooked food for their tummies to have in the night while they were relocating inside the temporary relocation site.

    Joan felt contented with what he has seen. It was so refreshing for him to see such valiant persons in action. Seeing them inspired him, it was like a burning passion was once again reignited deep inside. Hope was in his eyes and was brimming with radiance.

    "Let us tarry to the enemy''s den Joan. I can feel that his revival is near," Isaias said to him.

    "Sure, let us hurry then," Joan replied to him.

    Joan then hurried walking, He slowly felt that he was absorbing monster essence as he was tarrying the way. Thinking that Duplicate was doing something while he was walking.

    ''Maybe Duplicate was absorbing huge amounts of essences by now. I can only thank him,''

    Isaias then stopped walking, he felt a chill run down his spine. Sweat trickled his face and his throat runs dry.

    "Joan, I feel bad tidings. The seal is greatly weakened by now and we arete by a step. It will only be a matter of time before it will be unsealed. Joan, we must hurry!" Isaias said to him.

    The two then tarried the way, arriving at the exit of the vige. Located at the west side of the vige where the road leads to the Tomb of Corruption. The exit was having two wooden pirs on both sides. Torches were on the poles and were flickering. Unsteady in giving off their radiance.

    While they stared at the way, it was dark. Echoes of wailing monsters were heard as they approached the exit. The breeze of air was echoing in the trees and was touching the leaves.

    The path was narrow with weeds beside the road were seen by their naked eye. Owl''s howl echoed the forest and it made Joan have a chill down his spine. Not that he was afraid but was something even the bravest will have something to feel when he was into the situation.

    Seeing the path that was dark as a crimson night, Isaias then made a floating light. Illuminating the path with his light. Staring at each other while seeing the lights float, Joan''s eyes were bright and were seen to reflect the light source.

    Walking while in a hurry, Joan and Isaias walked a small pathway. Only one person was able to stride the narrow pathway. Making the two walk closely to each other.

    Isaias hinted at him not to get too far so Joan did his best not to. Moss covered the trees beside the road and the way was long abandoned. Greenery was what greeted them and many trees were rotten beside the road. Eyes from the dark were slowly blinking at them and were following the two. Making them gulp saliva to calm themselves. The fear of the unknown was what struck them. They stared at the darkness and the darkness stares back at them.

    "Joan, do not walk too far from me. The way towards the Tomb of Corruption was narrow and forgotten. We should arrive soon with a small walk," Isaias said to him.

 Chapter 80 - Jungle

    Kikrrrrrrik! Kikrrrrrrrik! Kikrrrrrrrrik!

    It was several minutes since the two sojourners were walking. Sounds of crickets bathed the surroundings as they paved the path. Swatting the vines that were blocking the way beside the road, they felt so slowed by its presence.

    Crickets became louder and louder as the night grows deeper. Their sweat was getting cold as the temperature was low while inside the deep jungle. Mosquitoes were buzzing left and right that made their travel more unsettling. Making their ears to be heated in the process.

    While they travelled, the floating lights followed after them. Making the two have better sight on the way. While striding the path, moss was all over the ce. Vegetation and flora were in their thickest and it made the path to be old and unused. .

    Still, Isaias led the way while swatting the vegetation aside. Making a new way for the two of them. Into their surprise, the ce was teeming with snakes.

    "Snakes Isaias! We are surrounded by snakes!" Joan perplexed. It was the first in his life to be in such situations.

    "Shush, Joan! You are being loud!" Isaias said while motioning to keep quiet.

    Snakes crawled and hanged on tree branches, it hissed at them and others were prepared to bit them. Making Isaias batter all of them and stomped their heads. Rattlesnakes then started to sound and bathed again the surroundings, making the two have their hairs stand up.

    "Be careful not to step on rattlesnakes. You don''t want to get bitten do you?" Isaias said to Joan.

    "I don''t wanna. Better not to be careless this time. They seemed to be numerous in these parts, why?" Joan asked.

    "They were on their breeding season. Maybe these parts were their breeding grounds. Look at the snake skins here, they were pretty numerous," Isaias said while pointing at their skins littered the ground.

    Joan can only scratch his head, walking closer to him. Not wanting to identally step at the living creatures in the surroundings.

    It was then, the two saw a rattlesnake shaking its tail but it was not moving from its original position. Choosing the right decision, the two left him as he was and just walked away.

    While the road was still distinguishable, they paved the way onwards. They moved with more care this time. As the two was on their way, they have seen eyes were blinking in yellow. It was then a bellow was heard and they all shouted.

    Forest monkeys all surrounded them and were swinging on the trees'' branches. Wailing while they saw intruders in their homes.

    If the two observed, they were a couple of hundreds. Making it nasty to have a brawl with them. Still, they were animals and not monsters. Making them not enemies of Joan and Isaias.

    They were shrieking at them and Joan can only think to just scare them off. Touching Isaias on his shoulders then whispered at him.

    "Can I scare them off? They seemed harmless to me," Joan asked Isaias.

    "No Joan, they would not be intimidated in the slightest but will attack you instead. Better be friends with them. I remember giving bananas to them in the past hundreds of years ago," Isaias whispered in low voice.

    "Do we have one?" Joan asked.

    "Yes we do, this one!" Isaias said then showed him a hand of banana behind his back.

    "You sure are resourceful! Now, how do we befriend them?" Joan asked.

    "You give it to them," Isaias then gave him the bananas.

    Joan received it then slowly approached them. Thinking that they will be friends with them, he slowly gave them the banana and tried his best to show harmless. His hands perspiring, shaky a bit and his throat run dry. Sweat trickled his face and he breathed slowly. Giving a hand then they all jumped at him. Making Joan jolt and jump back. All of them were fighting for it and were in chaos.

    "Now Joan! Run!" Isaias shouted.

    Without a hint of thinking twice, he dashed ahead. Leaving the rowdy bunch of monkeys. Their shouts became echoes as they get farther away from their location. Soon after, they made it safe and was panting. Joan can only shake his head in the process.

    "I thought that we will befriend them. It suddenly became an escape mission," Joan said to him. Hands were on his knees, breathing deep.

    "Haha, we sure did. But they will be friendly the next time we met them. They would ask again though," Isaias said to him.

    "Yeah yeah, we should move on. Let us continue the journey." Joan said to him. Inhaled deep then stretched his back.

    The two then went on with their journey. Trailing the path that leads to a fallen tree trunk that blocks the way. So big that it was a size of a one storey building.

    Just as they were nning to climb it, they saw tracks. All were on Isaias'' foothold and they were numerous with it having mixed foot sizes. While seeing it, Joan volunteered to climb the tree first. Not that Isaias can''t but was something Joan can do better. Upon climbing the tree with just a jump, he saw by the distance of torch lights from afar. Even more so, tracks were seen on the other side of the tree. More numerouspared to Isaias'' side.

    "Hey Isaias, I see torches from afar. It was like a pyramid with torches lighted on its bottom. Is this the tomb of corruption?" Joan asked. Eyes straight towards the direction of the road.

    "Yes, that would be it. We arrived sooner thanter. But torches means that they were already there," Isaias said to him.

    "Help me climb up Joan, let me see it with my own eyes," Isaias requested.

    "Sure!" Joan then used his skill [Telekinesis] and lifted Isaias. Perching him on therge trunk of the tree.

    Just as he stands there, he saw the tomb of corruption with his eyes. The tomb was emerging from the forest with stars glitter in the night sky. Lights were seen flickering from afar and can see some persons holding torches while patrolling in the entrance.

    "It has been a thousand years since we sealed the Lord of Corruption. Erecting the tomb with him sealed inside it. Hundreds of years to construct the pyramid with traps but here we are, it was liberated that easily. Maybe they disabled the protection and the barriers." Isaias said to Joan.

    "Well, let us storm it then?" Joan suggested.

    "Nice idea, sneaking inside will only dy us," Isaias said to him.

 Chapter 81 - Unsealing

    From the ce where the seal was glowing in red, stood a man in robes who was solely focused on breaking the seal. The seal was pulsating in red and was slowly weakening with every pulse. The man then grinned as he felt that someone was approaching.

    On his back appeared a Greater Devil and another man who was heavily wounded. A scar was on his face while the other one has its lower canine broke. The two immediately kneeled as soon as they arrived at the ce.

    "We greet thee, Lord of Affliction of your brother''s revival soon." Said the greater devil.

    He then turned around towards them and uncovered his hood. Smiling with his teeth as sharp as a spike. While he was in a great mood, he never forgot to let the two rise from their kneeling. .

    "You are both sessful in bringing me sacrifice and thus I reward you both. Now, we will begin the sacrificial ceremony!" He shouted then lifted his hands.

    They brought the captives and ced them one by one on the altar. A metallic tform with devil imagery inscribed in it. Two devils were on both sides and has a basin to collect blood. By dripping their blood to the altar, they killed them all in the process without a spare. Desecrating the heroes statues with their blood and then also the seal. Making the seal of the heroes weaken.

    With the Lord of Affliction himself to do the task of unsealing his brother, it will be far more effective and efficient. He was the perfect person for the task and he was by far the strongest enemy they have to face.

    While all cultists present were watching, they were bathing in the miasma of the Demon Lord. Making them feel stronger and stronger as time goes by. The cultist leader then absorbed a huge amount of power from him and also the greater demon that was drastically changing while they were promised to be rewarded.

    Power surging from their veins soon made them be an entity, a higher realm than before. The cultist leader became a Demon Noble, making him grin at the moment. His clothes changed and were having a greater mana realm from before. His scar healed in the process.

    The Greater Demon then turned into a Demon General, making him have a greater physical form. A body of a bipedal Dragon that has the horns of a bull. Wings were leathery but tough to damage. Resistances were all present and have higher vitalitypared to before.

    The Demon General then roared at them, making them cower at his presence. The cultists then were reignited by their leader''s newfound strength. Respect for their leader as well as confidence was what they felt at the moment. Their enemies shall fear them and it will just be the start.

    Dun! Dun! Dun!

    Chanting of the cultists were what echoed the seal site. Making them have high morale at the moment. Rousing their spirits and bolstered their confidence. Enough for them to consider themselves as unstoppable.

    While everything was getting heated, Joan and Isaias were just looking outside the entrance. Hiding in the bushes as they have seen only a few guards standing by the entry. Robes in dark red and others were armed with weapons. If they will count them, they were only countable by your fingers.

    While the others have torches on their hands, Joan was watching at them and was hinting at Isaias to distract them.

    "Isaias, you seemed to be harmless at a nce so you will distract them," Joan said to him.

    "I thought we will storm the ce?" Isaias said to him.

    Joan then sighed. Thinking that they will immediately be alerted by their ruckus. Joan thought that maybe if they were fast enough while not letting any guards escape and report their attack, then it will be the fastest while a surprise attack at the same time.

    Joan then grinned, still, he grabbed Isaias and pushed him from where they were hiding. Making Isaias stumble while regaining bnce from his push. Rustling the bush on the process.

    "Wha.....what?" Isaias blurted out as he was surprised by Joan''s push.

    "Hey! Who are you? What are you doing here?" Shouted the alerted guard. Approaching him on the process.

    "Oh! I am but a bard! You want me to y you a song while telling you a tale of a mighty Demon Lord?" Isaias said then showed them his ukelele.

    The two guards then looked at each other. Thinking of what could they make him do.

    Immediately, Joan jumped in the air. Conjuring bow and arrow quiver while backflipping, he fired at the ten guards and they were all hit in the forehead. Crashing their dead bodies to the ground at the moment the arrow struck.

    Joan thennded on the ground and made his weapon disappear. Inhaling deeply and then exhaled. He immediately thought that his uracy was not getting rusty with his new body.

    "Hey? What is that for?" Isaias immediately wanted to throw him his ukelele.

    "Haha, let''s go!" Joan said then put his arms on his shoulders.

    Entering the tomb, the two then ran. Torches were hanged on the walls, havingplex forms and structures. Walls were having blood but the ornaments were still seen. Having paintings of Dun and the heroes sealing him was what was seen in the pictures.

    Picture by picture, they saw the paintings having a sequence of events where Joan can see. Looking at it while they were in a hurry. Isaias then told him that it was the story of theirst mission. Thest painting was seen as the heroes surrounded the demon lord and Isaias was the one who made the seal. Petrifying the heroes as they made the eternal prison. Only Isaias was left for a thousand years and was waiting for the prophecy child.

    With Isaias leading the way as he memorized the tomb''syout, they went dashing towards the inside where the hallway was just a few meters wide, they ran without reserve. Not wanting to waste time, the two charged.

    Seeing cultist guards while on the way, Joan Shapeshifts into a Werebear and swatted them with the back of his hands and they were thrown to the wall. A sttering sound was made after their bodies mmed the wall.

    Charging some more, other guards were pped and they went crashing to the walls. Making their shout when hit to cut short. Others were grabbed on the head and were mmed to the floor headfirst. Wanting to scream when grabbed but ended when their heads were buried in the floor.

    Isaias felt very happy with every enemy efficiently killed and was cheering kill after kill. He was on a high horse too and while running, he moved away to create space for Joan to smash the enemy.

    "Good Joan! That was impressive! More approaching!" Isaias said to him while running.

    It was then, many enemies appeared and were blocking the way. Joan growled and then used his Druid skill [Charge]. Crashing to the enemies who were the bystanders, they can only shriek while being thrown. Others attempted to evade but it was for nought.

    After dashing, they made it to one spacious room. As Isaias has said, it was the room before the seal site. Just as they were panting, other Lesser Devils appeared. Making Joan clenched his fist. While he was clenching his fist, he identally grabbed the floor and he was able to crush it like uprooted pebbles. Making him grin in the process.

    It was then he tried to grab the floor and then his fingers dug the flooring. Clenching his fist, he threw the pebbles to the lesser devils.

    They were left unprotected as they saw it as too fast for their eyes to see. Making them cover their faces with their arms. Still, they were pierced by it. They were sprayed left and right and they all mmed their bodies to the floor. Holes were in their bodies and they shrieked as their lives ended. It only made Isaias gulp saliva.

    "That''s good Joan! The seal site was just on the other side of this door. He said then tapped the door. Inscribed with many markings, it then glowed after Isaias touched it.

    Opening it, Joan reverted to his human form and inhaled great amounts of air. Preparing for the worst as enemies awaits them. The two entered as soon as the door was opened. Soon after, they saw the enemies. Making also the enemies stare at them with their grand entrance.

 Chapter 82 - Buying Time

    Standing in front of them was Joan and Isaias. Looking at them while the door was opening slowly. In front of them, stood a child in his twelve and an old man. Thinking that these two will be their visitors for the time being.

    The Demon Noble who was looking at them immediately recognized his enemy. The Demon general who was looking at his enemy before was grinning. Thinking that he was stronger from before wanted him to test his newfound power to the enemy that arrived. Joan was surprised too that his enemy became stronger. A higher realm of an entity was in front of him and it will be more troublesome to kill him this time around. Isaias too was surprised, he didn''t think that his ancient enemy will be a Demon noble. It was because his master was sealed and he can''t rise from his realm as Dun was sealed.

    In the seal site, the Demon general and the Demon noble grinned. .

    "Master, let us take care of these two. We will surely bring their heads this time around," The Demon noble said to his master.

    "Bring their heads to me as a prize. I will reward you with more power if youpleted the task," Dun said.

    "Yes master, we will not fail you!" The two said in chorus.

    Looking back to their enemies, they extended their wings from their backs. Demon noble stretched his wings hidden from his back. The Demon general pped and a great gust of wind was made. Demon noble was calmer and pped gracefully with his bat wings.

    Descending at the front of the two, the Demon generalnded with a bang. Demon noble was quieter than hispanion.

    "Well well well, what do we have here? Are these the enemies we trashed?" The Demon noble said to them.

    "Ready for round two? You should have payback right?" The Demon general said to Joan while marching towards him. Feet were stomping the ground and were enough to make it rumble.

    Joan was by the gate side and then he was seen as leaning his back on the corner of the door. Isaias was also leaning too as it was cool to be seen with a great pose.

    "Seemed like you wanted to be beaten again. Well, let us introduce ourselves first, shall we? We want to exchange names first before we exchange blows. I am Joan and this is Isaias here. Your names?" Joan asked.

    The two then chuckled at his friendly remarks. They seemed to understand and so they let their names out of their mouths.

    "I am a Demon general! Balmuth!" The Demon general said in a boastful tone.

    "I am a Demon noble, Gerard. Nice to meet you too!" He said while bowing.

    "Those are nice names but we are in a race of time here so please step aside," Joan said to the two.

    Looking at each other, they soonughed.

    "That one wouldn''t do. We are also buying time here for our lord''s resurrection. So let us do this in a hard way." Balmuth said to Joan.

    "Hard enough like my fist," Joan said to him.

    After their short conversation, they charged to each other. The Demon general stomps his feet and a loud banging sound was made. Making the ground shake with every step. Demon noble was just nonchntly walking towards Isaias. Isaias then used his skill [Disentigrating aura]. Just with him walking, Isaias dashed towards him.

    The two then shed with each other. Isaias twirled his staff then stomped it to the ground. Using his skill [Anti demon barrier]. Just as he used the skill. There appeared a barrier that was coloured yellow. The enemy closed his eyes but he was silent. Isaias then trickled his face with sweat. His enemy''s regeneration was so great that his skin was just damaged and was repaired instantly. Making him bite his lips.

    ''He became stronger indeed.'' He inwardly thought.

    Just as he was having troubles, the enemy then shed the barrier like it was a piece of paper. The barrier sounded like a ripped paper in half. Gerard was approaching Isaias but he was just smiling. His wounds were just repairing even his skill was active.

    ''This will be a tough fight.'' Isaias inwardly thought.

    "Hey hey hey, is this what you can only do? Your skills seemed weak to me now. I wonder what I will do to you? Maybe hand over your head to me and I will be rewarded generously," Gerard said to him.

    "How is that even possible. I can''t cut my head and hand it to you afterwards. Well maybe over my dead body!" Isaias said his remarks.

    "Hahaha! You got me, now let''s get serious. Are you not?" He asked Isaias.

    Joan was also smirking. Confident too like his enemy. Just as he was approaching, he was stomping his feet. Shaking the very floor of the tomb. He was smirking at Joan as he felt that his power has shot up and was iparable from before.

    Joan too was reflecting that this enemy was stronger than before and it has gotten stronger. He stretched his wings and prepared to attack Joan. Making Joan wary of his next move. Will it be an all-out brawl or just a fight for him to buy time. It was what clouded his thoughts. Making Joan think that it was both.

    "Thank you for mentioning your name to me. Now I can rest assured to kill you afterwards. I don''t want to kill you without knowing your name," Joan said to him while grinning.

    "Hahaha, you surely jest. You barely cope up in our past battle and you have that confidence? Do not underestimate me nor overestimate yourself. You will die early like that," Balmuth said to Joan.

    "Hmmm, I wonder too who''s underestimating who. Well, I didn''t live long for nought," Joan said to him.

    "You live long? Are you delirious? You seemed twelve years old to me!" He said to Joan nearlyughing.

    "Ah never mind, I should stretch first," Joan said while stretching.

    It was then, the seal''s pulse became stronger and stronger. Making both Isaias and Joan rmed on the process. Sweat trickled their faces and they both gulped saliva.

    ''I should finish this quickly, we are wasting time here. Time is at hand.'' Joan said inwardly.

 Chapter 83 - Buying Time Part 2

    The two was at the race of time. Finding enemies who were buying time for the sessful unsealing of the Demon Lord of Corruption. Seeing the two enemies of the past became stronger than before made them think to be serious.

    It was not something to face half-hearted. Now that their enemies were mocking them, they will have to surprise them. Joan was semi agitated by his enemy''s behaviour. Upon the enemy''s current prowess, it will be a tough fight.

    The Demon Generalunched its attack with its giant body. Roaring at Joan as it approached. Joan too was not too timid when ites to his enemy. Having the Werewolf form battle him was a great mismatch on his part. Thinking about it, he used his Druid Job ss. .

    [Summon bear]

    He used the summoning of Druids and then observed. The bear used its skill [Spirit armor] and then used its skill [Charge] towards the enemy.

    The enemy on the contrary was just standing there, arms open wide while crouching. Waiting for the bear to m at his gigantic body. Prepared to receive the momentum of its enemy.

    The bear dashed at full speed, hurling and digging the tomb''s flooring with every step. Roaring at the enemy and the enemy roared back. Armor was glowing with runes from the Druidnguage and then their body collided.

    Bang!

    The bear was caught by his arms and was lifted. The bear roared at Balmuth and then bit his hands. Roaring at him too after it bit him and soon threw it to the tomb''s walls.

    Bang!

    Joan then realised that his enemy was stronger than his bear. Being a Demon General has its perks and has arger body made it have a prowess greater than that of his summoned bear.

    That being the case, Joan recalled his summon who wenting at him. Patting its head and smiled.

    "You''ve done well, rest for now. I will handle things my way." Joan said to him.

    It soon growled and glowed, it was then sucked by Joan like it entered his body.

    "Now for the time being, if my memories will not fail me. I know the answer at how to defeat the enemy." Joan said to himself.

    As the bear served as a tester of his enemy. Whether his theory was right or not. Joan then dashed towards the enemy. Running at full speed while approaching the enemy in his front.

    "Hahaha! Do you want to have suicide? Come here!" He shouted at him.

    He summoned mes on his back and there appeared floating fireballs.

    [Homing fireballs]

    Launching his attack at him and as hemanded to fire in Joan''s direction.

    [Homing fireballs]�Ca skill of making a floating fireball but has homing capabilities that follow the enemy''s direction. Has exploding effects after it hit the target.

    As he fired the fireballs, it was directed towards Joan''s direction. Making himugh as Joan was fired with multiple homing projectiles. Joan stared at it and still didn''t stop his momentum. Running towards him at full speed.

    ''I have to evade it without tiring myself so much. The Demon Lord was still here and it will not be a good thing be exhausted after this.''

    While he was running, he saw iing enemy attacks and so he doubled his speed. Dashing in greater pacing as he saw the homing missiles were getting near. Up in the air, missiles uncountable by mere estimation were what floated the tomb. As he saw the projectiles, he dashed sideways to evade the enemy attacks. Banging the floor and damaging the floor upon its wake. Pebbles were hurled as the floor was damaged by its explosive prowess. Luckily, the missiles exploded after hitting the floor. Making Joan smile in the process.

    Thinning the floating fireball as he was assaulted by them. While Joan was celebrating, the enemy summoned another round of fireballs. Making his celebration put to a halt. The enemyughed again with his predicament. Thinking that he will be having a great time enjoying his enemy''s situation as he was ying with his life.

    "Dance some more! Hahaha!" Balmuth shouted.

    The enemy fired again the [Homing fireball]. Joan then saw another round of evading and so he hurried to his enemy''s direction. Up in the air were fireballs lit and he saw multiple missiles heading his way. Making Joan sigh and stare at how majestic it was.

    "Wow, spectacr!" He said in a trance.

    The fireballs rained afterwards in his direction. And so he dashed to meet them head-on. Joan saw one fireball that was heading his way, so he dashed left in an instant. The fireballnded just a few centimetres in his side and exploded. Just as he smiled for evading one, the other one was iing. Making him halt hisugh.

    Five were on his way and so he dashed left and right to confuse the homing missiles. The missiles thennded just in his side. Still, it exploded and it made Joan be flung a bit by its shockwave.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    All happened in an instant, all were smoky as the explosion made all the surroundings into a mess. Smoky on the process. Just as he finished evading the five. Other missiles wereing. He emerged from the ruins of the floor and continued his way towards him.

    "Hahahaha! Dance, dance, dance! Feel free to dance as long as you like!" He shouted.

    His enemy wasughing hysterically as he saw his enemy be rained at with it. After he saw that Joan survived, he immediately went all out and rained him with all the remaining fireballs. Just as he was standing there where he stood, he saw the fireball to be moving in random directions. Others were moving towards his side, others were on the walls, the floor and, the ceiling. Making Balmuth wonder what happened.

    "What just happened? It''s impossible!" He blurted out.

    Little that he know that Joan was a Grandmaster of elemental control. And that was a secret even Balmuth didn''t knew of. Only the Lord of Affliction saw it first hand.

    Just as they exploded in all directions, Joan emerged from the chaos and jumped into the air. As he saw him up in the mid-air, Balmuth immediately used his skill [Fire breath]. Breathing fire in Joan''s direction while Joan was heading his way.

    [Fire breath]�Ca skill of breathing fire to the enemy. The fire was able to make the metal melt upon its heat.

    Joan was up in the air and saw that his enemy was getting serious this time; and so was him. He used his elemental control to split the fire into half but it was so difficult to maintain. The fire breath was split into two as Joan pierced it with his elemental control. It was like a force that was hindering his attack to prate Joan''s presence.

    Joan dived some more and he used all his willpower to make the fire to be swayed beside him. Still, its heat was enough to burn his clothes in the process. He was still near the heat source that made the tip of his clothes helplessly burned.

    Joan shouted with all he got to divert the fire and all was at stake. If he failed to do it, he will be burned alive.

    "Haaaaaaaa!!!" Joan shouted with all he got. Prating his fire breath with his elemental control.

 Chapter 84 - Buying Time Part 3

    Isaias was getting serious as his enemy was much more sinister than before. It would take his all if he wanted to defeat his enemy. Just as he was about to advance, he felt that his enemy was grinning. Aura was seeping out of his skin with a dark purplish glow. Evaporating in the air as he was smiling at him.

    Just as the two moved towards each other, Isaias then dashed towards him. Twirling his staff and then ced it on his back while dashing headfirst. Even with his frail body, he dashed like in his youth. Speed was of a Grandmaster like him.

    Soon, he was assaulted with spikes emerging from the ground. Rotating his staff, he managed to break the spikes like it was nothing. With his skill still active, he was able to disintegrate the spikes. .

    Looking at the transpiring situation that his spikes were all ineffective, Gerard dashed towards him. He used his mana to create a ball of energy and threw it towards Isaias.

    [Void missile]

    The missile wasunched and Isaias evaded it by moving sideways. Without a homing capability, it wasunched only in a straight path. Still, it grew bigger and bigger and it sucked anything that it touches. Making the floor left to be caved-in with its damage.

    [Void missile]�Ca ball of energy that wasunched in a straight path. Sucking anything when it expanded and disappears right after.

    Isaias then dashed without reserve. Thinking that time was of the essence. While making his way to the enemy, he wasunched with more missiles. He was evading the missiles in hair''s breathe and he stepped back when it was expanding. Making some parts of his robe disappear as it was sucked.

    To his surprise, the missiles were expanding right where he stands. As he expected, the missiles'' expansion were all controlled by his enemy. Making his grin on the process.

    "Hahaha! Enjoying it? I can do this all day!" He shouted.

    As he was dashing, he used his great manoeuvre and was hopping sideways. Dashing left and right like a fish in the water. Missiles were all expanding and sucking left and right as he dashed. He was able to be left unscathed but his stamina was left barely able to cope up. Still, it was impressive for him while having that kind of body.

    Enduring the strain to his aching joints, he used his skill [Restore past self]. Making him have stamina again as nothing happened at all. The distance was cut short and he was getting nearer and nearer to his enemy who was just standing right where he fired the missiles.

    It was like he was waiting for him up until now. He dashed towards him and held tight his staff. Enemy smiled and went to approach him head-on. Dashing head first, they shed with their weapons.

    The enemy has its ws extended and Isaias has his staff. Both nging as the two weapons met.

    "Your weapon is unusually hard! How did it happen to be on par with my ws?" Gerard asked.

    "Hahaha, my staff is indestructible. I am the only one who can destroy it if I will it," Isaias said to him.

    "Well, that exins it." He said then used his skill [Void missile] in point-nk range. Making Isaias step back in great haste.

    Isaias then used his skill [Unending prison] and his enemy was surrounded by a white barrier.

    [Unending prison]�Ca prison that has a multiyered barrier. The barrier regenerates even it took damage from the enemy inside. Theyers were a hundred and can only be dispelled when the hundredth barrier was destroyed.

    He was trapped inside the barrier and he was surprised that he was not damaged at all. Thinking that he will not suffer, he grinned at Isaias.

    "Hey, what are you thinking with me being contained inside? You think that I can''t get out from here?" Gerard said to him.

    "Try it if you can first before you get cocky. You will never know it if you will just stand there and leisurely have fun. You can try if you can get out with your skills. And I think the regeneration of the barrier is fast enough for your skills," Isaias said to him.

    "Let us get started then. I can easily rip one barrier at a time." He said just as he started to pierce the barrier with his ws.

    While he was inside, he touched the barrier and started to rip it. But as he started to touch it. It repelled his touch, making him grit his teeth on the process.

    "What? What is this? I can''t rip it?" He shouted.

    Isaias can only sigh as he saw his enemy be having a hard time. With him maintaining the barrier, he has confidence that this barrier can hold out long enough for years. Still, he was in the race of time. Making him have n B. But with his skills in his arsenal, he can only seal the enemy.

    And that was the purpose of Prophets. Sealing the enemy Demon Lords with the help of the heroes of different job sses.

    They were not the ones in the front lines and that was the job of the heroes. They were all in the tomb and they were the living pirs of the seal. Making them sleep eternally with the seal they were guarding.

    While the enemy was panicking, he used his void missiles without reserve. Throwing it to the seal left and right and the seal were damaged by it. Even with his skill, he was only able to damage it by a quarter and the barrier repaired itself.

    "This pesky barriers of yours really wanted me here huh? It really gets into my nerves." He said to him.

    With more time that passed, Isaias can only have his sweat trickle his cheeks. His enemy then used his trump card to make the barrier destroyed once and for all. Gathering his [Void missile] into a greater mass and intensity, he lifted it above his head. Making itrger andrger as time passed by. Isaias can only watch from the outside as his enemy was struggling inside. Making him watch in awe but deep inside, he was smiling.

    The enemy shouted with all he got as he gathered all his mana for the skill. Making a huge ball of the ck void above his head. He threw it to the barrier and so Isaias watched it while smiling.

    As the ball struck the barrier, Isaias made the barrier shrink. Making the ballpressed with his enemy on the inside. As the ball expanded, Isaias made the barrier smaller and smaller while the ball was getting bigger and bigger. The ball then sucked everything and the Demon noble screamed as he was disintegrated inside.

    Only ashes were left when Isaias extinguished the barrier. Looking at his enemy disappearance made him sigh and inhaled deep.

    "I have met more Demon Nobles in the past, Gerard. Much stronger than you." Isaias said in his self.

    Looking at the enemy of Joan, Isaias saw that he was battling his enemy. Joan pierced his enemy''s [Fire breath] and was struggling to be able to split it. Just as everything was getting awry, Joan used his skill [Shapeshift werebear]. Using also his skill [Spirit armor] while in the air. Glowing runes of druidnguage emitted from the armor and was in bright white.

    Preparing to use his skill [Hand m] while hands above his head and roared at him, he used his skill [Gigantism].

    [Gigantism]�Ca skill of Werebear form that makes his body be of a giant. Strength and Vitality shoot up as long as the skill was active.

    Bang!

    Using his skill Hand m on the enemy, the Demon General''s head was hit and its head was buried on the tomb''s floor on the process. Dust flew all over the ce and Joan thennded on the floor and roared at his enemy.

    Roar!!!

 Chapter 85 - Buying Time Part 4

    Roar!!!

    Joan shouted at him. The floor cracked as he mmed his hands at the head. He saw that the enemy was not moving but he still didn''t stop there. mming again the head with another round.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Five smashes and the enemy was furiously beaten to the ground. Joan roared again at him and grabbed its horns. Lifting his head and saw that it was all in ck and blue. He dropped the head then turned around. Moving towards Isaias as he saw that the enemy didn''t have a n to stand up again.

    Just as he was moving towards him, he felt that his enemy twitched. He pushed himself up with his weary hands and felt dizzy..

    "Ah, never felt that for many years. You sure know what tickles me." Balmuth said to him while cracking his neck.

    Joan then looked back and saw that his enemy was breathing. Stretches his back that was producing cracking sounds as he twisted his waist. Joan then was taken aback. He didn''t know that his enemy survived his attack.

    "It was so long since someone survived that. I will surely enjoy this. Please entertain me with your fighting back. I hope we will be both pleased," Joan said to him.

    Without further ado, Joan used his skill [Charge] and dashed towards his enemy. This time around, his enemy dashed towards him and didn''t wait for him to just stand there.

    Roar!!!

    They both shouted at each other and the tomb was reverberating with their voices. Enough to shake the floor and the pebbles were hopping as the floor vibrate. The Demon General prepared his ws and so was Joan. He was in his Werebear form and prepared his ws.

    The very floor shakes as they both stomped their feet. Running towards each other. They were crushing the floor with their weight and dashed with all might. All the cultist were all watching the two and was at awe.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    "Balmuth! I will crush you!" Joan growled.

    "If you can in your dreams!" Balmuth shouted.

    Joan used his skill [Charge] and his speed rose. With greater speed and momentum, he prepared to crashed towards his enemy.

    [Fire breath]

    Balmuth used his skill and Joan still dashed. With his armor still equipped, he was left undamaged. Still, the burning sensation was felt. With Joan agitated with his breath, he shielded his face then smacked his jaw with his gigantic paws. Making his lower jaw nearly snap as he smacked it.

    With his [Charge] still active, he collided with Balmuth and they were thrown toward the tomb''s walls. The two sunken inside the walls and silence struck the cultists.

    A rumbling sound was emitted and then Balmuth punched him in the face. Making Joan thrown from the inside. Exiting the hole with a bang and Joan gripped the floor to ease the momentum. He grinned with what he felt, feeling the pain in his face. Still, the enemy was very energetic.

    The enemy then exited the hole on the wall then he dashed towards him. Using his [Fireball missiles], he made fireballs on his back andunched towards him.

    Joan was once again dumbstruck with the numbers of his enemy''s fireball. In his mind, he has mana-well far greater than him. If he has mana-well on par with him or greater, then it will be a great battle.

    Babababababang!!!

    Joan was assaulted with [Fireball missiles]. Making him run while burning as the fire was still lingering in his armor. But still, he was unscathed and his armor was regenerating. The fireballs were exploding as it touches his armor but have burning damage per second. He can only supply the armor with more mana so that he will not burn.

    "Balmuth!" Joan roared.

    "Come here!" Balmuth shouted.

    Joan then dashed and approached him in an instant then used his skill [Hand m].

    Bang!!!

    Balmuth grabbed his hands and his feet sunk to the floor. The floor cracked and it made Balmuth grit his teeth. His back intensely strained as he received the force head-on. His force was enough to make Balmuth have a pained expression.

    Joan then stepped back as Balmuth used his [Fire breath] and [Fireball missiles] at the same time. Making Joan evade it in point-nk range. Dashing sideways, he was able to evade some but some were able to damage his armor.

    Joan then was breathed with fire and so he blocked it with his arms. Making his armor on his arms burn and was in embers. Still was bearable to Joan but he was deeply agitated. Approaching him with a [Charge] then used his skill [Maul].

    [Maul]�Ca skill of hitting the enemy with heavier hands and was able to break bones. Can break armors and snap metal pipes. Can be buffed with Gigantism skill.

    He smashed him with his paws on the face and Balmuth''s breathing of fire was put to a halt. His neck snapped on the process. Balmuth then stepped back several times and shakes his head. He felt dizzy in the process and mmed his butt on the process.

    "So you still wanna continue? I can still go on without problems," Joan said to him.

    Roar!!!

    Balmuth then used his skill [Demonic heal] and it was being maintained this time. It was like a dark aura that was seeping out of his skin. Healing him in the process but damages his enemy when touched.

    This time around, his enemy was now agitated. Making Joan gulp saliva. In the past, he met Demon Generals like him and that was when he was on the master level of job sses. Thinking that he knew all their skills but have earth stage mana realm was very detrimental. Just able to exert such bare minimum skills with his current self. It was very problematic on his side and so he was not happy about it. Still thinking of getting a taste of his past strength was what he thought of the moment. Those skills that he yearned for the most right now.

    Joan then went all out. With what the enemy has right now, he will have a difficult time damaging him as he was regenerating. Making his battle harder than before. It also has a damaging effect on Joan''s side. Making the tides toss against him.

    Time was at hand and so Isaias stomped his staff. Approaching Joan then used his skill [Anti demon barrier].

    "Joan! Let me help!" Isaias shouted.

    "Sure! Let''s hurry!" Joan announced.

    The barrier was established then the demon inside was tormented. Making him weaken as his skin was burned. Still, his regeneration was coping up but it can''t mitigate the pain he felt at the moment. It would be torturous on his side but he can''t get out. Now that Isaias was stuck to holding the barrier, Joan made his move.

    He reverted to his human form and used his Mage job ss at the moment. Using his mana as a catalyst, he prepared his rain of spells towards the enemy.

    [Thunderstruck]

    He was struck with a thousand volts of lightning that came from above. Coming from a small thunder cloud that appeared from nowhere.

    The skill was very mana consuming so Joan''s mana well was very well expended. Making him rest for a few seconds not reaching a minute. His enemy roared as he was toasted. His skin was burning and smoking in the process.

    [Sun re]

    Another skill was made, a spell so hot that the barrier was barely holding back. The bright light was made, as bright as the sun and he was roaring in pain. He was resistant to all elements but it doesn''t mean he was immune to it. Further experiencing it was very damaging to him. His bones were protruding from his flesh and were sizzling in the heat. Still, his skill [Demonic heal] was active and he was able to heal immediately.

    Thinking of this, Joan then used another skill.

    [Deep freeze]

    He was frozen in the process, making him be a statue of ice. Joan then broke him and he was shattered into pieces with his skill [Telekinesis].

    "That would do the trick, Balmuth! Thank you Isaias for holding him off. Now, only one thing has to be made and that is to stop his unsealing. We have to hurry!" Joan shouted.

 Chapter 86 - Buying Time Part 5

    Duplicate arrived at the entrance of the Tomb. Having located the imprint of Joan original made him make haste on travelling. Having used his telekinesis, he was able to float up in the air while travelling unhindered.

    Forest was just below him and he would save up his mind''s willpower if he strode below its canopy. But there''s no helping it as he was in the race of time. Making him travel in the shortest amount of time.

    Sadly, he didn''t leave Joan original some teleportation rune on his body and so it would save a lot of hassle to just teleport beside him.

    Entering the tomb, he saw bodies were scattered all over the ce. Paintings from ancient times were what orchestrated the ce but he has no time for leisure to sight-seeing them. While in a hurry, he heard a banging sound was being made.

    Threading carefully, he used his Rogue''s job ss and activated his passive skill [Sneak].. It would be activated once he would use the skill and its mastery can be further improved with more usage of the skill. Further moving inside without a trace of sound made him confident without being detected.

    [Sneak]�Ca passive skill of Rogues to travel silently while undetectable. While crouching and stepping silently, the noise was also decreased as the skill was getting stronger. Can be used first to be undetected and the other skills can be used afterwards. Shadow clones can use the skill [Sneak] too like the other skills of the original.

    Just as he entered the spacious room, he saw lesser devils were scattered all over the ce. The floor was dug and was destroyed. Caved-in with cracks here and there. Geography was in a mess and all was in chaos. Making him think that Joan original was in a hurry to resort to such schemes.

    Several steps from the room stood a door and rumbling sounds were heard. Making him take a peek and saw numerous cultists in the process. Joan as well as Isaias was inside. Making a fuss just to stop the enemy brother''s unsealing.

    Roaring silhouettes were seen by Duplicate battling each other in the process. Watching from the sidelines, he saw that Joan original was battling some kind of Demon general on the process. Something nostalgic when he remembered their past battles in the past.

    Just as he observed, he carefully sneaked inside as he saw that the Demon Lord was unsealing the seal while he was left undisturbed. Making Joan duplicate grin in annoyance. Just as he was sneaking, he can feel the rumblings of the battles of the two gigantic beings.

    While using the Rogue job ss to sneak and was using [After image] and [Shadow cloak] in session, he carefully threads into the shadows of the corner of the tomb walls. Breathing carefully not to alert anyone on the process, he was able to take a peek at the ritual that was currently transpiring in front of him.

    Eager to halt what was happening, he nned to stop them himself. Just as he was thinking of his ns, it would be a difficult task to be executed.

    Just looking at the pulsating seal made him gulp dry his saliva. Just as he was looking at it, he can feel the race of time that he was left with.

    ''Seriously? What is the original''s doing right now?'' He asked himself.

    He immediately saw that the seal was weakening with every pulse that was made. Ushering himself to hurry up and do what he needed to do. Upon seeing the altar, he slowly moved towards the one who was unsealing the one who was inside. He bolted with all his strength and dashed towards the one on the culprit.

    Equipping his daggers, he used his skill [After image] while having the [Shadow cloak] still active on him. Wanting to use his skill [Reverse sh] on the person. Gritting his teeth, he prepared for the worst. He was left unguarded while he was on the seal and so, he grabbed the opportunity to attack him.

    It was so disturbing to see that he was looking vulnerable in that manner. Disturbing yet tempting, maybe traps were all over but nothing could go wrong if he will avoid them. If he will kill him, it would make him be his body''s host and usurp his soul. So making only enough damage for him to be distracted and stop the unsealing would suffice and was enough task for him to do. For such a duplicate as him.

    His servants were all below and were in a trance as they were bathing in his presence. Making them shout his name while doing his unsealing on the process.

    Joan duplicate bolted towards him and prepared to [Reverse sh] him. It was then, he saw that while closing his eyes, he was grinning. It was then he immediately stared in his direction, making him jolt and back out halfway. Spikes emerged from his footing and assaulted Joan duplicate mid-air. It was not toote when he rotated and evaded them while mid-air.

    He tapped the spikes with his hands and pushed himself away from him. Making him escape in hair''s breathe and then rotated towards the tform.

    Immediately, cultists saw him after his [After image] has disappeared. Making him revealed to the enemies while being covered with shadows.

    "Tsk!" Joan duplicate can only smirk in disgust.

    "Protect our Lord! Apprehend him!" Shouted one of the cultists.

    Immediately, cultists dashed towards him and prepared to assault him. Others transformed into lesser devils while others were throwing void missiles. Joan duplicate then was alerted. His cover was blown while the enemy was still left unscathed. Adding up to his frustrations of having a failure. It was very disappointing on his part as he has had little to no failures in the past. Making him grit his teeth and wanted to get serious.

    Filling with rage, he inhaled deep. It wouldn''t help if he will just rampage without purpose. Besides, his enemy was stuck from where he stands and it would be a lot pleasurable if he will just stand there.

    While Joan duplicate was smiling, his servants were also not just there to let their boss just die there like a sitting duck. They erected a protective barrier to protect him from his enemy.

    Joan duplicate then foresaw it, at least they havemon sense and not just left their master to be killed that easily. The enemies immediately dashed towards him with great fierceness. Lesser devils were having wide mouths opened up like they were prepared to bit him off.

    Joan assessed the situation calmly while his rage subsided. He was nning to use a brawler ss that can kill enemies swiftly. There were three of them, specifically: the Fighter which boasts of its explosive firepower and bursting energy, Chaos Knight that has chaotic abilities capable of eliminating hundreds of enemies, or the Ronin that has swift capabilities apanied by a sharpened mind.

    They were the brawler type of job ss and has the most potential in these kinds of situations. Seeing things transpired into the worst, Joan duplicate can only grin. If he chose one job ss, they would rather suffice. But thinking about it, it would be best to use the Ronin. It''s the swiftness that he wants right now and not destruction. Thetter two can be as good as it was but he needs to eliminate the enemies in an instant.

    While he equipped the Ronin job ss, enemies approached in terribly fast pacing. Making Joan duplicate to conjure his katana in a hurry.

    [Conjure katana]

    [Conjure armor]

    Two skills were immediately made and his body was covered with armor. A red armor with metallic tes was what appeared. His armor glistened with a cold aura that was like smoking ice, chilled into negative degrees and was freshly brought out.

    Katana was still on his sheath and he was gripping the handle of the sword, eyes closed while crouching. His enemies approached without reserve and they were flooding in all directions. Joan duplicate inhaled deeply and then breathed out. Enemies were in all directions and their shouts vibrated inside his ears. Halting his breathing, he focused on everything he has and then opened his eyes.

    [Draw sh]

 Chapter 87 - Buying Time Part 6

    [Draw sh]

    It was an instant skill that happened in split second. Streaks of light were emitted and passed through the enemies'' bodies. Making them touch their bodies in a halt while perceiving what just happened. Joan shed multiple enemies in an instant and he didn''t take a blink while doing so.

    Still, he didn''t just stop there. He continued his shes to more enemies and his sword just passed through them. Thinking that his skill was still active, he used its best features to eliminate the enemies. Albeit his damage waste.

    He danced while flicking his sword left and right without wasting a movement. No excessive strength was made and was just right. Making him prioritise speed than power. While shing ten enemies in an instant, his sh continued forth until it was twenty then went to forty and so on..

    All enemies were dumbfounded as they were shed but no damage was made on their skin. Not a stinging pain was felt but they all grinned in the process after realizing that they were alive.

    Still, it was all expected by Joan duplicate. Making him silently close his eyes and breathed deep. Steamy air went out of his mouth after exerting his greatest speeds without the help of [eleration]. For him, it was his limit even without his skill.

    ''Still, not enough, I should make original have greater training in the future. It was barely enough.''

    "Hey! What is that? Is your de broken? It didn''t damage us in the very least!" Shouted one of the lesser devils.

    Joan who was just silently observing them opened his eyes and saw that he has cut down numerous enemies already. Making him have a scowling stare while grinning.

    "Oh really? Let''s see!" Eyes staring at them like a beast.

    Upon seeing that his approaching enemies were all shed, he slowly unsheathed his sword. Making the sword produce a clicking sound after sheathing it. Immediately, the enemy''s blood sttered and bleeding effects were triggered.

    All were in chaos after him sheathing the sword. Blood sprayed all over the ce and was making the cur down enemies wail as their blood left them.

    Upon looking at his enemies being in torment, life was about to end. He then used the opportunity to disrupt his enemy. Making him dash towards the Demon Lord who was still dealing with the seal.

    More enemies were arriving and all were in chaos. Joan duplicate then shed the barrier which made the Demon smirk. Making Joan duplicate to bit his lips.

    Bang! bang! bing!

    All his shes were not prating the barrier.

    "Hahaha! You think you can easily break my barrier! I reinforced them with my aura!" The Demon Lord shouted at him.

    It was a rather unsatisfying truth for Joan duplicate. Making his predicaments gone worst in a huge turn. Not wanting for his efforts to gone to waste. He was left with no choice and it only made him use his skill [elerate].

    Still, enemies arrived at the ce. Throwing him with void missiles so he went to block the void missiles first with his katana. It soon was all thrown and propelled forcefully by his side. Making chips on his sword in the process.

    Upon realizing that his enemies will have greater prowess in distanced fights, he covered their gaps in an instant. Dashing towards them while [elerate] was still active. While stamina was expended on the process of exerting speed, he still didn''t waste excessive energy and was conserving every bit of it.

    With enemies were close enough, he prepared to use his skill [Multi sh]. A sh that was terrifyingly fast for naked eyes to follow.

    Gathering strength for the skill, he inhaled deeply and then turned serious. A grin was on his mouth and ducked like a crouching tiger, ready to pounce anytime.

    [Multi sh]

    His great speed of [elerate] was once again boosted by the active skill [Multi sh]. It seemed like in a sh, enemy torsos, heads, and, limbs were separated. Making the blood shot out from their wounds while standing in great shock.

    It was so fast that their reactions were many secondste.

    Still, Joan went on his ughter. With the skill [Multi sh] ended, he inhaled deep. Stamina was greatly expended while he used the burst of skill he made. Albeit effective on duels, it was also a great area of effect skill to use on weak mobs just for the reaping.

    Thinking of it, his [elerate] was still active. He stared at the remaining cultist and dashed towards them. While he was on it, he also thought that it was almost impossible to break the barrier. With this in thought, he will have to use the very footing of his enemy to distract him, even for just a little bit.

    Joan then thought that if he used earth control, he will have to forcefully uproot the Demon Lord from where he stands. But at the present moment, he was assaulted with spikes from the Child of afflictions who were also not getting back down.

    Joan controlled the floor and it made the Demon Lord flung upwards. Breaking the barrier instead of the process. Still, he was pretty determined to do the task he was doing. A pretty nasty thorn in the neck if he would imagine.

    Standing up again, he resumed what he was doing. Making Joan duplicate to click his tongue on the process. Joan duplicate then was pounced left and right with some despicable spikes from the ground. Making him be left with rising agitation on what he was experiencing. These stinky cultists added to his agitation. Making him avert his gaze on the Demon Lord and focus entirely on them.

    [Paralyzing zone]

    Joan duplicate used his advanced skill on the enemies and they were paralysed in the process. Having used an advanced skill while having an earth stage mana well extinguished his mana on the process. It was a very burdensome skill as he has low mana capacity currently. A sphere was made after Joan duplicate stomped the ground with his right foot and it expanded into ten meters in circumference. It made the enemies within the sphere stop their movements. Even spikes all came to halt in the process.

    [Paralyzing zone]�Ca skill of Ronins used to stop the movements of enemies. By stomping the feet will the skill be activated on the process. The skill was limited to three seconds in duration and will be longer if it will be stronger.

    Just as he used the skill, he immediately used his skill [Multi sh]. With a great burst of speed, he was able to decapitate every single one of them. Heads flew here and there and it made the other enemies m their butts in the process.

    After doing so, the three seconds ended without a trace. It was like it ended too fast after all the enemies were in a dazed and were in a stupor. Joan immediately ran towards them with great speed and they all soon emerged their spikes vehemently.

    Joan duplicate evaded and shed them while defending himself from spikes they threw.

    Thinning their numbers to a terrifyingly fast degree. Others were brave enough to face him head-on but others were escaping his hacking. It was still not something he would do half-heartedly as he was bathed with blood. Enemies were enemies, that was what he thought at the moment. They didn''t deserve empathy in the least and they deserved to be killed.

    It was what he does in his past life and so he was just reminiscing some of his memories. A deja vu was what he was experiencing at the moment.

    While killing off the enemies, Dun was smirking in the process. He felt that he was getting near on his unsealing. Little time was what he needed at the moment.

    Soon after, Joan duplicate felt that the seal was extremely weakened. He finished killing the enemy cultists but he almost forgot about the unsealing of the enemy.

    He used his earth control to flung his target but soon after, the seal glowed and burst in front of him.

    Joan duplicate still did the earth control but it was toote.

    Soon after, Isaias, Joan, and Joan duplicate''s faces became stered with worry. Making them bit their lips in the process.

    "Hahaha! I am freed!" Shouted the silhouette with a gigantic body. A body of a dragon-like creature emerged and has scales on its back. Leathery wings expanded and stretched while roaring inughter. Nails were long enough to be seen from afar and it pried open the door on the seal. The gigantic body was what emerged from the seal and it let out a rumbling voice for all to be heard.

    "Hail upon my name! I am Lord of Corruption! Margoz!"

 Chapter 88 - Fighter

    "I am free atst!" Roared Margoz on the process. Laughing while his voice roared inside the tomb.

    Joan''splexion became worst. He felt the strength on his legs left him. Still, it was not enough for him to m his butt on the floor. Isaias was dumbstruck while processing the current situation and gulped a handful of saliva. Also Joan duplicate felt remorseful on his self.

    "No! Damn it!" He almost shouted. Wanting to drop his sword but extinguished the thought of surrendering.

    He can''t even stop his enemy''s unsealing and it was such a simple task for him.

    Even though everyone was in an awry situation, they still didn''t lose hope for the time being.. Joan duplicate held his sword tighter than before.

    "No! We couldn''t stop it! At least let us not let them escape from here! Joan, you must stop the Lord of Corruption and I will stop the Lord of Affliction," Isaias said to him.

    Seeing the two, the two Lords of Demons chuckled.

    "Hahaha! You will not stop us! We will unseal our brothers and we will reign this in!" Shouted the Lord of Corruption.

    Joan duplicate then was seen by the original and then arrived on his back. The two then made a high five to each other then smiled.

    "d you came, I think we should both do our best," Joan original said to him.

    "Yeah, your best is my best. Your skills are my skills. You and I are one. We should be together in this," Duplicate replied.

    "So what will you use?" Joan asked.

    "Anything!" Joan duplicate replied.

    Soon after, they both saw that the Lord of Affliction reverted into his human form. He was in tattered robes and then raised his voice.

    "Rise my minions! We will bath this tomb with your numbers! Rise! Rise!" The Lord of Corruption shouted.

    Immediately, cracks from the ground appeared and climbed up the creatures from the Demon world. All sprang up and was in their high horse. Demon brutes with huge bodies appeared from the crack and many Demon Imps appeared. Lesser devils went up from the crack and flew up in the air. Making the tomb filled with their numbers.

    Joan and Joan duplicate only smirked at their numbers. They all were just an essential source for them. These essences will make them stronger when harvested from the enemies. Aw or rule that the God of Angels has made when killing demonic minions and the Demon God to the Angels. It was called sin essence on their part when they killed humans or angels alike. More sin essence will they get when they will make cruel acts or just to bathe with their lord''s miasma. They all had sin essence seeping out from their skins. Making them a living source of sin essence on the process.

    Upon the rushing enemiesing out of the rift, they immediately readied for all-outbat. The two equipped their Fighter Job ss in the meantime. Thinking an all-out brawl wille after them. Isaias then made a barrier to protect himself and used his [Disentigrating aura] to make himself protected from enemy attacks. Thinking of stopping the Lord of Affliction when the enemy minions were all killed.

    "Let us sync our attacks, Joan!" Duplicate shouted.

    "Yeah! Let us do this!" He shouted.

    "Thinking of this, it was so long since we made a tandem," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, it was so long! Let''s go!" Duplicate shouted.

    The two was surrounded and got their backs covered. Isaias was assaulted but the barrier was stopping their assault. While his [Disentigrating aura] was still active, enemies just vanished while they approached. Lesser devils threw void missiles but his barrier was maintained by his mana. Only making him smirk upon their vain efforts.

    Joan and Duplicate then went to sync their attacks. Demon brutes approached them and so they went to attack them.

    [Shattering strength]

    [Speed]

    Two buff skills were made by the two and so they went to the enemy front lines with confidence. Something they would be happy to deal with as they have such skills. The two Demon Lords then were observing them. Something they want to enjoy before leaving the ce. They thought to see their potential enemies first hand with their own eyes and scale him based on what they saw.

    [Axe kick]

    Joan used his skill on the enemies and they were all hit with the shockwave. They were blown and the Demon brute was squashed by his downforce. The force was enough to break his arms that he used to block. He tried but he failed. Making him into a broken and disabled enemy.

    Joan duplicate then used his skill [Roundhouse kick] by rotating once then aimed his foot towards the face of the Demon brute. Making his neck snap on the process. Immediately, they were fired with different missiles from the Lesser devils. With [Void missiles] and [Homing fireball] at their disposal, they allunched their attacks towards the two.

    Just as they all fired at them, Joan and Duplicate used their skills.

    [Gentle fist]

    Able to produce shockwaves while having protection on the palm. A palm strike that deals internal damage while can push enemies.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bing!

    They used the skill and the projectiles were all thrown towards their sides. The Homing fireball exploded and the void missiles expanded and sucked the flooring. Making their footing into a mess.

    Joan and duplicate then rotated and kicked the Demon imps that approached them. Making them thrown to the walls on the process. Immediately after kicking, they both went back to their positions while covering each other.

    "Everyone! Attack!" Shouted the Demon Lord of Corruption at his minions.

    It was then, the two was flooded with enemies in all directions.

    Joan and Duplicate then were bound into a tough spot. Making the two of them smirk.

    "Let''s do it!" Joan said to him.

    "That one?" He replied.

    "Yes!" Joan shouted with bright eyes.

    "Ah, that one, sure!" He immediately gets what he meant.

    Immediately, the two smiled. Using their skill that wasbined with the two of them, they soon prepared for its execution.

    [Gentle fist]

    The two used the skill but it was directed to each other''s palm. Colliding it with each other''s hands and the two felt its power charging. Its power was welling up and the two gritted their teeth. When the shockwave was about to be emitted, the two directed it towards the enemies.

    Bang! Boom!

    A shockwave so great was made and it went to the enemy lines in their front. It propelled like a sted canon of a shockwave and then wasunched to the enemies. All were obliterated with their attack and dust were all over the ce.

 Chapter 89 - Fighter Part 2

    Bang! Boom!

    Everything was obliterated in a straight path and all enemies in that path were lying on the floor. Starting to disintegrate and white lights were emitted from their bodies. Making the other enemies in utter shock.

    Joan and Duplicate then smirked. Thinking that they will be stopped by mere numbers without being backed with the strength will only make their side suffer. It was then the two made a high five.

    "Let''s have a contest on who has the most kills!" Duplicate shouted.

    "Yes, sure! Let''s go." Joan replied.

    The two Demon lord was perplexed by their reactions.. Thinking that these two were just having leisure and were just ying around. Even with their presence that was enough to shake the very kingdom itself of their very revival. It could only make them have an impression of the unseriousness of their predicament. Their lives will be in despair soon as they have thought.

    "Everyone! Eliminate the two! Bring me their head! The severed ones will have greater rewards from me!" Shouted Margoz. Lifting his hands with amand.

    The enemies wailed in great joy after hearing what their master has offered. Thinking a Lesser devil can evolve into a Greater demon on a whim if they got the prize. Other Demons were also joyous as they will be an Elite form of their race. Or even a Champion if the requirements were met.

    Joan and Duplicate then were shocked. They can only smirk upon their remarks.

    "They sure are serious this time. Maybe we should too," Joan said to Duplicate.

    "Yeah, we should." He replied.

    Thinking that this time around, it will be harder to deal with. Their enemies were serious about killing them and they were just half serious about it. Even more so, they should be matching their dreadness so that their enemies will have a morefortable feeling of killing them.

    With their yful mood gone, the two then let out their killing intent. Just enough killing intent for their enemies to have. A small taste of their hidden killing intent up until now. A small portion of it was seeping out and the enemies went stuttering, not able to stay unshaken with what they felt. Fear rose from their hearts as they felt its pressure. It was like a reaper of death was staring at them and was not making them breathe at all.

    Even breathing was painful and their courage to pounce at him has vanished. It was all in a few moments but it disappeared as nothing happened. The two didn''t have a trace of killing intent and were just whistling. Theplete opposite of what they disyed before. The enemies soon went coughing and breathing hoarsely.

    "Oh, sorry. We let it out again, identally." Joan said to them.

    It was then, the two darted together. Enemies too went on their way to greet them. Enemies attacked them but Joan and Duplicate evaded their strikes. Using their skill [Hard fist] on their faces made them thrown on the process. Looking at the amassing enemies. They were attacked nonstop in all directions. They could only greet them with one [Hard fist] after another.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    The enemies were thrown one by one and the ground shakes with every blow. With enough strength, they were flung towards the walls and others were stuck in the ceiling. Others were smashed to the ground as the two used Axe kick upon them. Making them buried instead.

    [Shattering strength] and [Speed] were still active and so, they rushed towards the enemies. Rotating once then kicked. Joan used the [Fist series] and Duplicate was using his [Kick series]. Both have disyed mastery of both skill series. It only shows that they both have mastered it in the past. Making the two Demon Lords impressed with their performance.

    "Hahaha! Show me more! I haven''t seen such prowess for a long time! I felt that this bring back memories!" Margoz shouted.

    "Brother, that kid was extraordinary. Be careful of him, he is unpredictable," The Lord of Affliction said to him.

    "Hahaha! Did something happened to you and that boy?" He asked.

    "Well, I managed to possess him but when I was nearing on usurping his body. He suicides himself with earthen spears. Stabbing himself until he died. Damn it! I felt that pain and I was shocked that he was alive and kicking! I felt it, he died before I left his body," He said.

    "Hahaha! What a shame brother. I haven''t seen you in such a pitiful state for so long. But you see that person over there? He seemed to be familiar. He has the aura of a prophet," Margoz said to him.

    "Ah, so that exins it why! And that boy surely is important to him. Maybe he is a Child of Prophecy," Dun said.

    "A child of prophecy? The one destined to uproot the seeds of evil? Only the Child of prophecy can do that. Not even Mythical humans can do it but only him. Sadly, he is still a sprout. Reaching Legend will make him have the power to uproot the seeds imnted in the ins. All our efforts will be for nought if he bes stronger! We must trim the sprout all at once!" Margoz shouted at his brother.

    It was then, the two smirked at their enemy. Looking at Joan with a more serious face. It felt like they wanted to devour him whole with their stares. Just as they look at him, they still observed him. Waiting for the right opportunity for them to strike Joan by surprise. Tiring him first before they will make their move.

    Meanwhile, Joan wasbining the [Hard fist] with the [Gentle fist] at great attack speed. Enemy Demon Imp approached him and hended a [Gentle fist] on its face. A Demon brute approached wanting to punch him but he made a hard fist on its abdomen.

    Bang!

    Itnded and it was thrown to the wall beside the two Demon Lords. Making the two be filled with excitement instead. They can''t stop their excitement to well deep inside their hearts. Still, they held back and just smirked. The time for their move has still not yete.

    Joan duplicate was also in his high horse. Rotating whilending left and right kicks with [Roundhouse kick] mixed on the process.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    They all were thinking twice before they approached the two. Not wanting to end up with their other beaten-to-pulprades on the process.

    It was then, the twounched their attacks towards the two Demon Lords. Counting in their minds about the number of their in enemies. Joan did count them up until now and so they went on towards the two who were just waiting for them.

    It was then, the two Demon Lords noticed their approach. Smirking their faces after knowing their next ns will be made sooner thanter. Just as they approached, the summoned minions all hindered their advancement. They all blocked their path towards their master.

    "Nice! More please!" Joan shouted at them.

    "Hahaha! Come to us! We will y a bit!" The Lord of Affliction shouted at the two. Heughed while a grin was in the mouth of the Lord of Corruption.

    Isaias was solitary and dispelled his barrier. He then made his move as he was left alone by the enemies who were just dying when they approached. Thinking about it, a premonition came to him and he felt worried. A sense of dread struck him and his sweat trickled his face. Gulping saliva with his dry throat on the process.

 Chapter 90 - Corruption

    The two dashed together towards the enemy fray. Feeling that the enemies were just vtile upon their attacks, they didn''t stop there andunched full force. Stepping the floor and propelled forwards, stones and dirt were hurled majestically. All were executed without a sense of misstep on their part.

    Just as they attacked, the enemies responded with a quick dash towards them. Meeting them all out with their greater numbers. Even they were all greater in quantity, it doesn''t bother at all towards the two Fighters. They were already excited about the brawl that they will meet.

    Joan and Duplicate then coordinated their attacks. Joan did the kick to the imp and it was flung afterwards. The other Lesser demon who went to Joan was kicked by Duplicate on the face. Spiralling forth while letting out a sound of a shrieking beaten puppy. .

    Joan rotated and kicked the Demon brute. Flung him towards Duplicate while he received him with a Gentle fist.

    Bang! Creek!

    A snapping sound was made and it was flung towards the others. The two was attacked in all directions and the enemies were all smashed with Gentle fist left and right. Making the two in a bind. Just as they were surrounded by them, they went to execute a Gentle fist that was using both of their hands at the same time. With their backs on each other, a Gentle fist on the left and a Gentle fist on the right was made. Making a force that was enough to create arge shockwave that made the advancing enemies to be scattered.

    Bang! Baboom!

    All the enemies thatunched towards them then piled themselves up towards the two. They were piled up and soon after, they made another shockwave that made the enemies thrown from the sheer force.

    Boom!

    The two then emerged from the bodies and were panting, they didn''t have the strength and stamina yet for the overbearing skill they have. These skills were for the greater physique that has been honed into great perfection. Contrary to Joan who has just practised his current physical body in just days.

    Moreover, he still has room to grow. It was something that he etched in his mind. But fate was so bitter that he has to be thrown into this mess without him to prepare first or to get stronger before he will have to face such enemies. He was left with no choice albeit him being half-baked with his body.

    All the time and opportunities to grow were something that he yearned for as he started to think that he needs to get stronger first. He was not able to do it in the past as he was cursed but he has the opportunity now. All he needs to do was have a vacation. Or maybe when he will go to school, he will solely focus on the things he needed to achieve. Such one was his mana realm.

    Looking at the enemies flooding, the two thenunched their attacks. Left and right, the two kicked and punched the enemies. All were thrown in a mess with their bones creaking and snapping. Making a satisfying sound for the two who were doing their best.

    Enemies were ughtered one after another. Just as the enemies were thinned down, the two Demon Lords then smirked. Looking at their prey to be pounced at. They were thinking of ending things fast and getting over with it.

    Joan and Duplicate then vehemently smashed the enemies with their hand to handbat. Without weapons in use in their hands and legs. Banging sounds were what resonated inside the tomb and it made the spectators amazed. Isaias was included while the two Demon Lords can''t help but wonder why he has other sses. First was the Druid, then Ronin, and then Fighter ss. It only made them thought that he was a versatile job ss. An average in all job sses but has all their skills. Albeit weak, but it was contrary to the enemy that they were facing. He was brutally strong in any sense. With just his disy of his mastery of skills, it was outstanding. How much more if he will grow some more in the future. How much stronger will he be if given the chance.

    And so the two stepped down from the tform. pping their hands on the process and was smirking. Stepping down on the stairs one by one and was shaking his head.

    "Well, well, well, we have energetic ones here. Right? Child of Prophecy?" Dun said to him.

    Isaias then went to Joan and Duplicate''s side. Hastily running towards them and was panting on the process. Staff then was stomped on the floor in front of him

    "Joan, don''t mind him. I will stop Dun and you two stop Margoz. I will make him upied as long as I can. We don''t have the heroes to seal them so this will be hard to solve with just ourselves," Isaias said to the two of them.

    "We are not gonna seal them as it was impossible? Well, let us at least beat them up first!" Duplicate shouted.

    "Haha, that''s the spirit my boy! I can hold Dun off but not for long. We should be giving them a hard time right? Shall we?" Isaias said to him.

    "Wait? We need all the job ss heroes to seal them right? How about me who has all of it?" Joan said to the two.

    "Nice idea Joan! We can seal them off but I am worried that you will be petrified too along with the seal. We can''t do that to the Child of prophecy right? You still have many tasks to do and that was to uproot all the seeds of evil." Isaias exined.

    Joan can only smirk at the process. But still, he didn''t lose all hope. If he can only do it but it was not granted as per their current situation. It was a very good idea to seal them off once and for all as he has enough job ss. But all their hope will be lost as he will be petrified. Something that pained Joan''s heart upon swallowing the hard truth.

    It was then, he gritted his teeth. Thinking of a n to put an end to this dilemma. Thinking about it, he was racking his mind for a solution.

    "Is sealing them the only way to stop them?" Joan asked Isaias.

    "Yes, apparently we don''t have a win as he was unsealed. The heroes were still petrified currently and we can''t afford to let you be sacrificed in the process. We should be unsealing the heroes first before anything else," Isaias exined.

    "But they wouldn''t let us do that, will they?" Joan said then stared at the two.

    "Bravo! You guessed it correctly. We can''t afford to be sealed again, can we? Let us just walk away from here on and get over with our lives. We still have to free our other brothers." Margoz said to them.

    As pitiful as it seems, it was a stalemate. They have to do it still even the two Demon Lords will not let them.

    "Joan now!" Isaias said then Joan went to attack the two Demon Lords. Isaias then dashed towards the petrified hero statues located at the gate of the seal. Thinking of unsealing them first before they will meet head-on with full force towards their enemy.

    "Hey, hey, hey! Where will you go?" Said Dun to him, smirking while hands crossed.

    Isaias can only bit his lower lips in the process. Clenching his staff tighter, he prepared to assault his enemy on his front. Isaias roared as he approached Dun. Twirling his staff left and right and then used all the skills that he knew.

    [Disintegrating aura]

    [Anti demon barrier]

    [Unending prison]

 Chapter 91 - Corruption Part 2

    Joan faced the Demon Lord of Corruption. Together with duplicate who was just waiting for his signal to beat him up to a pulp. As his name implies, he was the Lord of Corruption. It was something that they wanted to look forward to. His power was still a mystery for them and so they were wary about it. Fearing the unknown clouded their minds.

    As long as they will be careful enough, they will be left unscathed if fate permits it. Such carelessness was not needed for such situations. Or so they thought.

    Upon their front, they saw a robed man with decaying teeth. Smiling at them with a pale face. Troubled to see more as he was carrying a decayed face. stered with distorted facial expressions, the two Joans can only smirk hesitantly.. Disgust can be felt deep inside their hearts.

    "Let''s do it, Joan! Let''s beat him up!" Duplicate shouted.

    "Yeah!" Joan replied.

    "Come here, children! Let us dance! Hahaha!" Margoz shouted at them.

    Joan and duplicate then dashed with all they''ve got. Evading the obstacles on the way where the dead bodies of their enemies were scattered. Seemingly disintegrating on the process and were absorbed by Joan''s body. Making him collect essences while dashing forth towards the robed man in their front.

    The Demon Lord then went to sh with them head-on. Joan let out a straight punch towards Margoz but he blocked it with his hand. Landing a punch on Joan''s chest at the same time.

    Feeling the pain, Joan stepped back a bit with a few steps. Duplicate then went to cover him up. Rotating then made a back kick towards Margoz''s face. Itnded but he was able to deflect it. Making his kick not very damaging. Making the two, bite down their lower lips in the process.

    They haven''t thought that this enemy they faced was able to fight them off even with their Fighter Job ss. Something that surprised them was he cannd blows on them as well. Even with the two of them as a past Grandmaster, it was very shocking on their part. Not able to digest immediately the truth and it hit them hard.

    Still, the two didn''t stop there. They continued their assault and used their Fighter skills.

    [Gentle fist]

    Joan used his skill head-on and it was blocked by Margoz.

    Bang!

    It made a shockwave and it sounded like an exploded bomb has sted. Joan then grabbed his arms and Duplicate used his skill [Axe kick] towards Margoz. Upon seeing Duplicate use the said skill, Margoz went to evade his strike. Still, Joan held him off and so he was left with defending his self with his other hand.

    Bang!

    He blocked the strike with his hand and his feet were left sunken to the floor. Arms were almost gonna break to the impact.

    ''Ngk! Such force from a kid!'' Margoz shouted in his mind.

    As Joan was holding him tightly, he grabbed Joan and then with the strength he reserved, he threw Joan towards Duplicate.

    Bang!

    The two collided with each other and were flung towards the wall. The two felt the collision and they felt the air inside their lungs left them.

    "Uhuk!" Joan exhaled.

    Joan and duplicate rotated on their flight andnded on the wall with their feet. Able to disperse the momentum of their flight towards their feet.

    With them able tond stably, theynded on the floor with finesse. Stretching their backs that went cracking and so they inhaled air. It was very straining to their bodies and so they loosened up a bit.

    "He is a capable one," Joan said to Duplicate.

    "Yeah, he sure is." Duplicate replied.

    The two of them then dashed again towards him. Rotating then made a [Roundhouse kick]. While Joan made a flying kick towards him.

    They were both blocked with his hands then he pushed them away. Raw power was enough to propel them away. The two was flung to their opposite sides and was rolling to the ground. While rolling, the two pushed themselves up with a flip thennded on the floor. Biting their lower lips, they gritted their teeth afterwards.

    Dashing once again, they were hurling the dust. Shouting while they approached them.

    Haaaa!!!

    Theyunched themselves towards him and attacked with greater force. Faster speed with heavier punches and kicks. They kicked him and he was moved with every hit. Making a loud body sound with every hit, he was blocking but felt the pain.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    All were made and hit him on the process. A punch on the face was blocked by his hands but the force was enough to make way towards his face. He made efforts to deflect it but it brushed his skin. Another gentle fist was made in his abdomen but he stopped it with his raw strength. He was then kicked on his back by Duplicate and he was flung towards Joan. Making a hard fist towards his face made a banging sound that reverberated in the surrounding area.

    Uhuk!

    He gasped air with every blow. It seemed that his two enemies were just ying with him a few moments ago and they were now serious. Thinking about it, his power was Corruption. A very dreadful power that was feared by his enemies. It was a great insult on his part with what his enemy was doing. It reminded him that he was feared as The Lord of Corruption. He smirked then his eyes went red. Roaring on the process that made Joan and Duplicate step back a little.

    Making the two think that something was happening. They felt rmed by what was happening with their enemy. While they saw that their enemy was gathering power, they felt disturbed by what was transpiring in their faces. Red miasma was gushing out on his skin and he was floating.

    His miasma was being sucked by the cultist bodies and then they opened their eyes. Albeit being their underlings, their eyes felt like monstrosity was seeping out of them. Devoid of human emotions and were all grinning. Eyes were bloodshot and teeth became fangs and sharp.

    They roared like animals and surrounded both Joan and Duplicate. It was then, Margozughed at the two.

    "Now that my power has gone back. I will make sure to let you taste it first hand! Hahaha!" He grinned and then shouted at his minions to attack them.

    While the cultists were revived, they all have wounds in them and some were cut in half. Still, with their limbs cut by Joan duplicate using his Ronin job ss, they attacked while being devoid of pain. They were hit left and right but they were all moving like mindless monsters. Making the two smash them with greater force and power but they were obliterated in the process.

    Still, they moved towards them mindlessly and were punched and kicked left and right. Making them into disabled monsters with their bodies smashed into pulp. With more beatings, they were all made into limped and helpless humans.

    While the two was rejoicing, making high five left and right, it was soon they saw a shadow pounced at Joan. Duplicate saw him and was rmed but he was a stepte on this enemy. Joan was grabbed by the neck and Duplicate was swatted sidewards.

    Bang!

    He was flung to the wall and was sunk inside it. Only making him exhale deeply with the great force. But what troubled him was Joan was suspended in the air while being choked by this enemy. As he stared some more, it was none other than Margoz�CThe Lord of Corruption.

    "Feel the power of Corruption to sink in through your veins! Hahaha!" He shouted at him.

    Joan then saw red miasma creep out his hands and was entering him. Struggling, he felt that his strength faded in the process. Slowly, the miasma then entered inside his neck and was creeping towards his mind. Making him lose his senses in the process. Everything went dark, and so his eyes radiated in red.

 Chapter 92 - Corruption Part 3

    Joan was corrupted by the Corruption of Margoz. He was slightly screaming at the pain that entered his body. It was tormenting on his side as his very soul was being turned. He gritted his teeth while it was slowly entering his soul. He can feel that his mind was hearing whispers of the said Demon Lord.

    Slowly creeping out towards his consciousness and he can feel its power burst inside him. He can feel rising anger was clouding his mind. Animosity and wrath mixed were all directed towards all the enemies of his new master. Specifically making Joan duplicate and Isaias be his new enemies. He gritted his teeth to the pain and heard whispers inside his mind. Sanity struck him and he was whispered inside his mind to kill the two enemies of his master. They must be killed to lose all the pain he was feeling.

    Joan''s mind was chaotic, making him also forgot about the past experiences they have with Isaias and Duplicate.. He felt that they were his enemies now and he so he stared at the two with a piercing re.

    He felt that it would be a better world if the two enemies will be eradicated from his sight. Making him grip his fist and grit his teeth.

    "Hahaha!" Margozughed vehemently. Thinking that his enemy was made into his underling or ally. It was then, he lowered Joan and then he faced Joan duplicate. The two stared deep inside their eyes and was smiling while he was doing so.

    Isaias then saw Joan''s soul being twisted. Deep inside was an empty shell that was only following its monstrous instincts, corrupted deeply and follows his newfound master�CThe Demon Lord who Corrupted him. Eyes brimming with reddish aura when he stared at him that made Isaias scream in the process.

    "No! Joan!" Isaias shouted with all he got. Holding tight his staff while still confining Dun.

    Duplicate felt rmed by what was transpiring right on his face. Mind confused while shaking his head. His vision was blurry and hazy as his head smashed on the wall. Making it eventually have a hole with his bare body that collided with it. Just as he summoned his strength to rose from it, he grabbed the broken cement and pushed some of the debris. Emerging from it as he struggled to push them away. With what was happening, he stared to where Joan was and a grave danger was felt by him.

    As the duplicate, he also felt what was Joan''s current situation was. And that made him struck with dread. He can only lose strength in his legs and felt weak deep inside.

    Looking at Joan who was corrupted, red eyes were what radiated and burning cracks from his neck was seen by Joan duplicate. Rooting throughout his body and stems towards his shoulders and legs. Making him seen as a new form of being.

    "Hahaha! Enjoy yourpany!" Margoz shouted at Joan duplicate.

    "No," Joan duplicate said in a weak voice.

    "Yes! Behold your rival! Your other half! The original and your master! Joan tainted! Hahaha!" Margoz shouted at Joan duplicate.

    It was then, Isaias felt weak deep inside. His premonition became true and he hasn''t stopped it from happening. From the inside of the barrier, Dun was chuckling.

    "Hahaha! You lose Isaias, you will never win again from us! We will unseal our brothers and you will not stop us from doing so," Dun said to him.

    Isaias can only bit his lower lips. It was true that they can''t stop them now but it won''t be the same next time.

    "Haha, you sure know how to talk. Let us see if your hunch is true." Isaias replied.

    Immediately, Margoz and Dun made their move. Margoz then approached Isaias and Duplicate then went towards Joan. Margoz then pierced Isaias'' barriers and then used his Corruption to spread throughout the barrier itself.

    Without the Seal of all Job sses, it was easy for Margoz to corrupt the barrier. Spreading towards the barrier then it became brittle as ss.

    Crack! Crack! Crack!

    Isaias'' barriers for confining Dun was easily crushed by Margoz. Freeing him on the process.

    The two Demon Lords then chuckled. Isaias felt hopeless in front it these two Demon Lords. He can only grip his staff and wished not to be attacked by these two.

    It was then, they made a teleportation circle and Isaias then inwardly cursed. He was powerlesspared to the two Demon Lords. Fighting them was not his forte and he needs the help of heroes to subjugate them.

    "We will leave you both here as we still have things to do. See youter!" Dun said to the two.

    "Ah, and help your Child of Hope. He will forever be tainted if you will not purify him as soon as possible." Margoz said to him.

    They immediately made a rune on their foothold and glowed. A teleportation rune was made and they began to chant. As fast as they made the teleportation, it was as fast when they left. Making Joan duplicate and Isaias left with dismayed looks. Looking at Joan, Joan duplicate was brimming with great anger. Looking at him while grinning, teeth were shown and drool was dripping at the side of his mouth. Thinking about it, Joan duplicate immediately was attacked by him.

    "Joan! Snap out of it!" Duplicate shouted at him. While doing so, he was pped in the face by Duplicate. Trying to wake him up with his bare hands.

    It was then, Isaias shouted at him.

    "He is tainted! We must hold him off at once! Only by purifying his soul will he regain his past self!" Isaias shouted. Running by his side.

    "I will have to do the holding him off task. You do the purifying one. Stay put until then and jump in when it was the right time," Joan duplicate said to him.

    "Of course!" He replied.

    Judging by what was happening, they were wary of Joan''s prowess. It would be a great task to subdue him with what they thought. But it would not be entirely impossible. Just as they thought it was, they were attacked by Joan. Dashing towards them while hurling the dust.

    "Joan!" Duplicate shouted at him but he was deaf to his call.

    "Equip Ronin Job ss!" Joan shouted at them.

    "Oh geez," Joan duplicate can only sigh.

    The two heard it and were utterly dumbstruck. It was then, Joan duplicate was struck with dread. He didn''t think that it would be this devastating. It would be a headache to pacify him.

 Chapter 93 - Corruption Part 4

    "Equip Ronin Job ss!" Joan shouted at them.

    "Oh geez," Joan said as he felt troubled.

    It was a great battle to confront this person as they were both equal. There was also a possibility that Joan original was stronger by few leaps of power due to him being corrupted. However, he was not in his sharpest mind currently and was battling them in pure rage.

    Thinking that his skill-wielding capability will be lowered if it was the case but it was only Joan duplicate''s hunch and it wille to lightter on if it was true. The former was his wish though, that he was not in his best mind to face him.

    "Equip Ronin Job ss," Joan duplicate said calmly.

    [Conjure katana]

    Both of them shouted at the same time.. Holding their swords with their greatest grip. Gritting their teeth too for a battle they will face head-on.

    Now that the two equipped their job sses, they dashed together confronting each other. Joan shouted in pure rage while Joan duplicate narrowed his eyes. Focused his mind to the limits and sharpened his re at Joan. With his enemy''s eyes were glowing in red, his was cold andposed. Inhaling cold air then slowly releasing from his mouth.

    Joan dashed and he hurled the dust. Joan duplicate approached him and prepared to draw his sword. Joan too prepared to sh him. In a sh, the two used their skills [Draw sh]. Streaks of lights appeared after their swords sh. Sparks were made in a sh and they sheathed their swords.

    The two of them made a shallow wound on their shoulders. A single sh was made and the two of them bled on the process.

    It was due to their hastiness that they forgot to use their armour. The two of them thought that it would be okay to reserve the armour just in case. But their enemies were both their equals. Making them turn serious. Joan duplicate bit his lips as he felt that what he wished was not the reality after all. Joan bears the sharpness of his sane and sober mind. It was just fueled by anger and it made him stronger than before. With an intent to kill the two of them. Even Isaias will not be spared in his wrath. Wanting Joan duplicate to end him quickly.

    As the two of them realized how serious their enemies were, they used their skills [Conjure armour]. Both at the same time were smiling at each other.

    "Well, well, I thought that I will be facing a dumb Joan. But here we are facing a tough one. Prepare yourself original! I will defeat you!" Joan duplicate then shouted with all he got and dashed towards him.

    His de was on his side held with both his hands and Joan original was holding his katana in his front. Vertical on his stand and was held tight. Ready to sh anytime with him. Looking at his enemy, he didn''t respond to any of his remarks. Only smirked at him as he didn''t recognise him in the first ce. Making Joan question him in his mind about what he was talking about.

    Joan duplicate dashed towards him and in an instant, Joan dashed towards him. In moment''s notice, their swords shed. Sparks flung left and right as their swords shed. Joan and duplicate didn''t waste any of their strength for unnecessary movements. Strength and speed were disyed with their prowess.

    Joan shed with a double diagonal sh, making Joan duplicate to block left and right with his sword. Joan duplicate then ducked and made a rising diagonal sh. Joan ducked too as fast as he could. In an instant, Joan''s helmet was shed but it just brushed past it. A spark flew by and Joan grinned. Joan duplicate''s sh failed and so he was delighted by it. Making him grin in the process.

    Just as he saw that his sh failed, he immediately retreated by making a step back. He made his attempt to evade Joan''s next possible attack to him. Even more so, Joan didn''t waste the precious chance for dealing a number with him. Just as he moved his feet, he was pierced with Joan''s reddish eyes. A re ready to kill anytime without hesitation. A grin was on the side of his mouth. Making Joan grit his teeth.

    [Multi sh]

    Joan used the skill towards Joan duplicate. Joan duplicate can only smile wryly on his demeanour.

    [Multi sh]

    Joan duplicate also used the skill. Making them sh with each other''s swords.

    ng! ng! Ping!

    All happened in a sh. Isaias can only see their after image, their movements were very fast to his eyes to see. Due to the skill''s burst of speed, their shing swords were only what Isaias can see.

    [Hilt trust]

    Joan dashed towards Joan duplicate then used the skill. Hitting him with the hilt of the sword while being unsheathed. Joan duplicate saw the skill and recognized it. He immediately stepped back but Joan was faster as he used the skill firsthand.

    [Hilt trust]�Ca skill of Ronin that involves the katana to be in the sheath. Drawing the sword and hitting the enemy on the sr plexus with the hilt of the sword. Making the enemy stunned for several seconds that depends on the damage of the skill. Greater damage means a longer duration of the stun. There will be a small dash upon using the skill for a higher hit rate chance of the skill.

    Upon his trust, Joan duplicate was shocked and perplexed. It was a skill of master rank Ronins. Thus making him jerk a bit. But still, he stopped his movements and stand straight. Waited for the hilt to hit him but this time around, he smiled.

    Joan trusted his hilt towards him and then Joan was hit in his stomach. Joan duplicate''s air inside his lungs left him. Still, he smiled afterwards, making Joan wonder why. To his surprise, Joan duplicate blocked his sword''s hilt with his sword handle. A small mishap on the sword handle angle will make him stagger to the pain in the sr plexus. This skill was very devastating to the enemy. It can cause extreme pain that will make you hinder breathing.

    Just as Joan saw that he was outsmarted, he immediately retreated, Joan duplicate smirked as he realized that this Joan in his front knew the skill but not the original''s battle instinct.

    It would be a very hard battle to win if Joan''s battle instinct was there with him. Luckily, he has those characteristics as he was a perfect clone. Thinking about it, Joan duplicate smirked.

    [elerate]

    Joan duplicate used the skill to further increase his movement speed and attack speed. He dashed towards Joan and while his sword was still on his sheath, he draws it and used the skill [Draw sh]. With the help of [elerate], his [Draw sh] was faster than normal.

    But Joan was not also just standing there to be shed. He also used the skill [elerate] and then used his skill [Multi sh]. With its cooldown has been reset, he used the skill without problems. With two skills shed, it will be a hard battle to be fought.

    Joan duplicate shed Joan with his draw sh while Joan used multi sh on him and shed him several times. The draw sh made a sessful hit on Joan as it has the fastest burst of speedpared to multi sh.

    Swish!

    Joan duplicate then tried to block all his multi sh. With iting his way, he blocked one sh with his sword. It was so fast that he managed to block a sh aimed at his neck.

    ''Damn, this fe sure wanted me dead.'' He muttered in his mind.

    Another sh was made but Joan duplicate''s [Multi sh] was avable for the taking.

    [Multi sh]

    Both of them shed and flickered on the process.

    Prrriiiinngggg!!!

    Their swords sparked on the process that sent a chill on Isaias'' spine. Thinking that these two were not something of the ordinary.

    Ping! Ping! ng! Ping! Ping!

 Chapter 94 - Corruption Part 5

    Joan was perplexed by Joan duplicate''s clever tactics. It was very shocking to his part that he was able to execute such a thing. Making him use his head far greater than his imagination. Something he didn''t expect in the slightest.

    Countering also one of the multi sh''s shes with just a normal eye observation was very heart-aching on Joan''s part. It was hard to swallow as he felt he was stronger than his current enemy. Or so he thought that it would be a one-sided beating. Facing such an enemy made him think harder about how to kill such one.

    Just as he thought that his current job ss will be a stalemate, he switched to another job ss. Such job ss was something he wanted to test, whether it would be enough for his current enemy to be defeated or worst, making the tides against him. It will be a test he was not sure if he can win or not. Well, it would not be confirmed if he will not test it in the first ce..

    His armour vanished into thin air and so also was his katana. He crouched like a tiger with fingers on the floor.

    "Equip Rogue job ss!" Joan uttered out loud. Making Joan duplicate to drop his jaw. Once again, he bit his lower lips in annoyance.

    ''The heck with this guy, he will test all job ss to defeat me?'' Joan groaned.

    Still, it would be a great experience for him to face. Trying another job ss to duel with this guy that he considered a headache.

    Without dys, he also equipped the Rogue job ss. Just like Joan who also used the same.

    Joan screamed with his wrath and dashed towards him. It was slower than Ronin''s elerate but was more silent and has such finesse without booming sound.

    Whoosh!

    Joan duplicate also matched his speed and it made Joan shocked by his agility. Also, the same movements as his like he was using the same job ss. To his surprise, he was moving in calm and was silent as a cat''s paws. Contrary to his loud mouth who shouts in pure anger.

    Joan and Joan duplicate conjured daggers from both of their hands. Gripping it their greatest as they dashed forwards.

    Whoosh! ping!

    Their daggers shed, reverse gripped and then threw it towards each other after they passed each other. Joan evaded while Joan duplicate blocked it with his other dagger. Summoning another one on his hands while Joan conjured chained dagger.

    While Joan''s anger fueling him, he attacked with a more aggressive confrontation. Shouting while he attacks. It made Joan duplicate to he annoyed by his demeanour.

    "A Rogue has to be calm but you are a bit hot-headed," Joan duplicate said to him.

    "Kill! Kill! Kill!" Joan shouted.

    "Oh, so you can talk! I felt worried," Joan duplicate said to him.

    Whipping the chained dagger towards Joan duplicate who soon used his after image. Leaving a clone on the process and was soon shed vehemently by Joan. A mix of horizontal, diagonal, and, vertical shes were what poured at Joan duplicate''s clone. Smoke puffed out of his body that made Joan inwardly cursed.

    Joan duplicate became invisible for a moment and used his skill to reverse sh on Joan. As he was invisible, he used the opportunity to attack him. Dashing without noise so that Joan won''t detect him as these tactics needed to be silent. Being invisible while having a noisy movement was useless against Joan. Even Joan duplicate was aware of that truth and he knows him far better than anybody in this world. Such thing was normal as he was the duplicate of his soul.

    While he was dashing, he aimed to attack his back. Using his most silent sneak as he gets closer and closer at his back. Making him use his sneak on the process but it was faster than before. Due to him mastering it in his past life, he was able to sneak while it was as fast as a jog. Not too fast as it will alert him if he stumbled in an ident but not too slow too for a quick attack. Not wanting to be revealed before his invisibility will fade or all his efforts will be lost.

    Just as he approached him on his back. Joan immediately whipped his chained dagger on his back. It was aimed in his direction and it made him jerk a bit. Joan duplicate inwardly thought how did he know his position. Making him impressed a bit.

    Joan duplicate saw the de head towards his direction and so he twisted his body sideways. Joan''s whipping prowess was so great that Joan duplicate was left a secondte. Making him avert in a split millisecond.

    Luckily, he has an agile ss that was able to exert flexibility to the limits. Making him almost break his muscle with a sudden burst of movement. His body or his original''s body was not yet that ready for such movements. Even more so, it was impressive on his part as he was able to do it with such a frail body. Making the past Joan''s training to put into use.

    Joan then sensed his presence as he flipped sideways, making him sh in predicting his direction. Also making him grin at the moment. He whipped the chained dagger towards Joan duplicate''s direction and saw slowly that his invisibility was fading; slowly but surely.

    Joan duplicate can only throw him his dagger and it shed with the chained dagger that was heading for him. Saving his life at the moment as it was very damaging to be shed even at once. It was also high in rangepared to users of dagger-only Rogues. At such a moment, he also doesn''t have protection. Not a leather armour at the time being. However, it made his movements faster as he doesn''t have armour to carry.

    At the moment, as Joan duplicate was flipping sideways, he conjured daggers and threw them from his both hands. Left and right hands were simultaneously throwing at him. Right after Joan saw that his chained dagger has collided with the thrown dagger of Joan duplicate, he withdraws his chains and then whips his chains left and right to block the iing projectiles.

    Right after Joan duplicate threw all of his daggers, he used his skill shadow cloak and retreated a bit.

    [Shadow clone]

    Joan used his skill and then multiple shadow clones emerged from his feet''s shadows.

    "One, two, ten, twenty! I hope your willpower will hold them all out for long!" Joan duplicate said in surprise, also in amazement. Looking at the enemy numbers that he will face. All were having shadow cloak covered them and was bearing the face same as the original. All were having cracks on their faces.

    Immediately, they all conjured daggers and others were chained daggers. Making Joan duplicate to smirk.

    "You know what? That is a mistake," Joan duplicate exined.

    They all dashed towards him and others threw their daggers. Making Joan duplicate to block the chained daggers with his daggers on his hands.

    ng! ng! Ping!

    He confronted the shadows and dashed towards them. The chained dagger users whipped their weapons and it made Joan duplicate to block the chained daggers left and right. Others were rotating then shed their chains towards him. Evading them in a hair''s breadth then conjured daggers on his hands. Throwing them towards the enemies in point-nk range.

    "Another weakness of chained dagger users was their lesser ability to defending, especially when they threw their chains halfway towards the enemy while a projectile was alreadying their way." Joan duplicate exined.

    Upon throwing enemies with his daggers, they immediately vanished like shadows that dispersed. Coming back to Joan''s shadow at once. Making Joan struck with great pain in the head.

    Joan duplicate then approached him while eliminating the others on the way. Adding up to Joan''s pain in the head.

    "Another weakness of a Rogue is when his shadow clones will die. It could result in extreme pain in the head. It takes great willpower to maintain them and takes a strong mind to receive their shadows when they die. A double-edged sword to be in simple terms," Joan duplicate said to him.

    "Right Joan?" He added.

    Joan then grasped his head then screamed a lot.

    "Isaias now!" Joan duplicate screamed.

    Immediate as he was, Isaias dashed and then grabbed his forehead.

    [Cleanse and purify]

    Isaias screamed the skill and immediately, Joan pounced at him. Joan duplicate locked his shoulders from his back and wanted to transform into a Werewolf. Joan duplicate then used his telepathy to calm Joan and so the struggle began.

    [Cleanse and purify]�Ca spell of prophets to miraculously cleanse the very being of the soul. Removing all demonic entities that tainted the soul and restores his sane mind.

 Chapter 95 - Purification

    Joan was roaring while he was being held by Joan duplicate on his back. Using telepathy to calm him down, proves to be effective while he used the skill. As he was being calmed down, the cleanse and purification skill was taking effect.

    Slowly, the burning cracks from his body were evaporating in the air. Making the cracks lesser and eventually disappeared. Joan''s eyes that were brimming in bloodshot became their normal self. Reverting it to his dark brown pupils and his mind became clear as a sky. All his confusion disintegrated in several seconds after they used their skills.

    Immediately, Joan blinked his eyes and stared at Isaias and turned around to Joan duplicate. He seemed to be confused with what was happening.

    "What are you doing? What happened? Oh! I was being choked by that Demon lord! And then what happened next?" Joan asked the two..

    "Joan!" Screamed the two. Immediately smacking Joan with Joan duplicate''s hands behind his back.

    "What the heck dude! Don''t get caught with the corruption again! Do you know how hard it is to revert you to your sane mind?" Joan duplicate blurted out.

    Joan stared at Isaias and Isaias nodded at him. Making Joan agree with Joan duplicate as Isaias nodded. Joan can only sigh in the process.

    "At least we get out of it alive, right guys?" Joan said hesitantly.

    Joan duplicate crossed arms and was silent. Isaias was looking at his side while stroking his beard. They were silent for a moment and Joan was panicking.

    "Let us just move on. We are nearly killed after all," Isaias said to Joan.

    "Killed? Nearly killed? Who?" Joan felt confused.

    "Nah, never mind it. We should n our next move. The Demon lords will unseal their brothers and we are always a step behind." Joan duplicate exined.

    "I should at least do something before we will leave this ce," Isaias said to the both of them, still stroking his beard.

    "And what was that?" Joan asked.

    "To unseal the heroes," Isaias said, then smiled.

    "You can?" Joan asked perplexed.

    "I know that they can be unpetrified but you can do it? You only said to me that you didn''t know why the other heroes didn''t wake up after Dun was unsealed. Do you know the cause?" Joan added.

    "Yeah, my dear Joan. They are desecrated," Isaias pointed his staff towards their direction.

    "You see, they were covered with the blood of innocents. You see those dead bodies there? They are sacrificed for unsealing the Demon Lord of Corruption," Isaias said while pointing their bodies.

    "Damn it!" Joan can only inwardly curse himself for his ipetence. He could have saved them if they were a little early to arrive here.

    "You can''t save everybody, Joan. Etch that in your mind. No matter how strong you are, on the other side of the world, there is someone who was killed. This is not something new either. I have seen many Child of Hope getting killed for many generations. I can''t even save one even with my premonition. I was alwayste and they died even when I can meet them beforehand," Isaias exined.

    "Come, Joan, I will show you how to unpetrify them," Isaias said to him.

    Walking towards the statues of heroes, Joan saw the different job sses they have. Joan knew their job sses in one look as he knew them all. Adding up their weapons and armours they were using was recognizable with his naked eyes.

    "This one is a Holy Knight, this one is a Ranger, and so forth. They look pretty strong to me." Joan said as he recognised their looks. Especially their ranks that was felt by Joan. Even they were stones, he can feel their rank''s aura. Making him conclude that the person inside was alive up until now.

    "You see, their ranks were all Legends. It takes Legends to perform this seal and you Joan is mistaken that you can seal them with your current rank. Maybe you can! If a miracle will happen. Hahaha!" Isaias said to him.

    "Mark these words, I will be Mythical someday! You better believe that!" Joan said to him. Isaias then blurted outughing.

    "Hahaha! You will need to reach Legend before your age falls to one hundred. Or else, you will die before ascending to Mythical," Isaias said to him.

    "Yeah, yeah, I know the form for that and I will ascend this time. No one will hinder me from reaching that," Joan exined.

    "Okay, okay, you said it to me. You are powerful enough to do it and I believe you can reach it someday. But the world sure is vast. Some have already made it to Mythical ss by now. For thousands of years, I know some prominent families of Job sses in the academy already have some of them. You know, the family heads of each job ss are one example. Others are simply hiding and are cultivating. You know Joan, the Mythical sses can''t bepared to each other. Others are far stronger than some so be careful in the future." Isaias said to Joan.

    Joan only nodded as a response and then stared at the statues. Isaias then began his prayers and the statues glowed. Blood was evaporating in the air and cracks were slowly trailing their bodies. The light was emanating from the cracks and then they exploded. Showing their original form from before they sealed the Demon Lord of Corruption.

    They breathed in and out and were perplexed with what was happening. Others started to panic as they knew that they will wake up in their slumber if the Demon Lord was set free.

    "The Demon lord! We have to stop him!" Shouted the full ted Holy Knight while carrying a two-handed sword.

    Immediately, they draw their weapons and prepared forbat. Aiming at Joan duplicate, Isaias, and, Joan. Still confused about what was happening.

    "Ahem! You dare point your weapons to a Prophet! And that child there is the Last Child of Hope!" Isaias shouted at them loud and clear.

    "Isaias? Prophet Isaias?" He eximed.

    "Correct my child," Isaias answered.

    The Holy Knight immediately recognized the person who was speaking. Immediately, he kneeled and the others also joined him.

    "I am so sorry, Prophet Isaias! It was just like yesterday was the day we sealed the Demon Lords. So forgive our temper, we are still on edge up until now," He exined.

    "Stand up heroes, the Demon Lord of Affliction and Corruption was let loose. They are on their way towards their other brothers to set them free. Once again, humanity needs you. Stop them from unleashing their brothers. We three will ask for help from the Order of Prophets and awaken the other heroes who are sleeping in the Affliction tomb. Make haste heroes, humanity is counting on you all." Isaias said to them.

    "We will obey, we will track down the two Demon Lords and stop their brother''s revival." The Holy Knight said then they all disappeared from their sights. Massive teleportation was made but it was an instant onepared to Joan''s slow teleportation. Joan can only bit his lips in jealousy.

    To his mind, their leader was the Holy Knight. Who was talking on behalf of the team and was the one replying to Isaias. They were all Legends but they were surprisingly submissive to Isaias which was a Prophet. Making Joan wonder how much power does a Prophet has. He can only question his mind about his role which was the Last Child Of Hope and how important his role was. It made him reserve his questions for the time being.

    "Joan, let us go to the Order Of Prophets. We will leave immediately." Isaias said to him.

    "Right now?" Joan asked.

    "Yes!" Isaias shouted this time around.

    "Okay, let us teleport then!" Joan said to him.

    Onest look at the ended battle. He then saw the bodies disintegrating and was absorbed by his body. Making him smirk in the process.

    [Teleportation]

    Their foothold glowed and then they disappeared without a trace.

 Chapter 96 - Breather

    Joan immediately opened his eyes and the sun was starting to rise. With few squints of his eyes, he saw a worn-out vige full of dead bodies. Goblins and dead guards littered the ground. Some vigers were helping to collect goblin''s bodies to burn and dead guards to make their families mourn at them.

    They arrived at the vige without problems. But the environment''s mood was very brooding as mothers and children were still crying until that moment. Making Joan inwardly sigh and so he breathes out air lousily. Putting his hands on his waist.

    Isaias then prayed with his hands joined together. Uttering prayers for the dead bodies'' souls to went to the afterlife safely. It was what he can only do for them. Joan duplicate then asked to rest for a while inside him. Joan also felt that he was tired enough for that battle..

    "Ah, Joan. I will have to rest for now. Just call me again if problems arise." Joan duplicate said to him while scratching his head.

    "Ah okay, rest for a while." He said then extinguished him. He disappeared as lights then went inside Joan. Immediately, Joan felt that he became stronger. It felt that his stats greatly increased. To what extent, he doesn''t know. But he knew his strength, dexterity, vitality, and, the focus came to rise right after Joan duplicate entered his body. His face expressed someone who heard some good news.

    "So he can also absorb essences but he can''t be strong with it. Only by entering my body and being summoned back will he be stronger. But collecting essences? He can also do that?" Joan eximed. He did not know it beforehand as he was a new one to this world. To the one who made such Law or System, he was deeply happy about it. He can only thank him deep inside.

    He felt that he was so hungry and his stomach made a sound. Joan stared at Isaias with a bitter look. Isaias can onlyugh at him.

    "Hahaha! We need to eat three times a day, we are human after all!" He said to him.

    It was then, they ate in the tavern which was cleaned like it didn''t experience war after all. They entered and ordered a whole grilled chicken. Making Joan almost shout after seeing it served to their tables. They were eating without minding anyone and was that hungry to ignore anyone.

    It also seemed that no one recognised their heroic deeds. No one saw Joan transformed into Werewolf nor recognised him in that form. Nor his shadow clones were recognised as him. His battle with his Holy Knight job ss against the Hobgoblin. Also, his defence on the backdoor of the vige with his minions nor the attack on the enemy camp on the front. All were not recorded in history.

    But only Isaias knew of some of it. Especially his valiant deeds of trying to stop the resurrection of the Demon Lord of Corruption. Even though it was a failure, he still tried. Not asking Isaias anything at the moment as he was very hungry. With all those battles, his energy was exhausted to the lowest. Also, it was a great thing to eat enough and regain energy. Without energy, his stats would be affected. It was like a negative status per se.

    And so they ate to the brim, ordering also some juice drinks to the counter and drank hastily. They paid in the counter then went to their carriage.

    Prisci was waiting for them and Joan caressed her hair. She neighed and then gasped air. Signifying that she was invigorated by his presence. He came back after all after a night. He fed her with carrots and made her drank water. Also, the chickens were happy to see him again or so he thought. Maybe they were just excited to eat as they were hungry. Immediately, Joan fed them.

    Preparing to leave, Isaias then pats Isaias on his shoulders. Making him jolt in the process.

    "Isaias, I am sleepy, I need to sleep so maybe you can drive. I am counting on you." He said then thumbs up at him.

    Isaias can only sigh. They were in a hurry and so he needs them to go there immediately. But still, he was as tired as Joan. Or maybe Joan was more tired after it all. He just needs to rest afterwards, after all this ends.

    And so he agreed, he replied with a thumbs up too and Joan slept immediately on the back. Thinking that he needs it the most for now. He immediately sat at the driver''s seat and whipped Prisci. Not too hard this time but only enough for her to start walking.

    They started travelling towards the capital that was few days long of travel. They were in a hurry but they need also pit-stops for Prisci to rest and them too. They took turns on the way and made bonfires beside the roads. Eating the remaining dried hares they preserved beforehand and continued forth towards the capital.

    It was then Joan was sleeping and he was woken up by Isaias. He squinted his eyes and then went outside. Lifting the curtains, he saw Isaias on the seat and also the gates of the capital. Walls stretched forth towards the side of the gates and as wide as eyes can see.

    "Joan! We are at the gates of the capital! I will handle the inspection and we will be on our way. Well, a Prophet has benefits per se." He exined.

    It was then Joan saw the great walls. It became taller and taller with them being nearer and nearer from it. They saw that the guards were busy with the inspections. Metallic gates were on their sides with metal screws embedded in them. The road was on bricks to Joan''s surprise and so he was amazed. It was the first time that he saw the capital. Not that he was ignorant of it but it was his first time after making it to this world. It was also the first of the past Joan. He didn''t make it to the capital until his death.

    "Wow, the capital! This is my first time seeing it!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! See! It was majestic right!" Isaias said to him.

    It was soon their turn to be inspected but after the guard saw Isaias, he then blurted out.

    "Prophet Isaias! I didn''t know you at first nce! Please enter immediately," He said to him.

    Joan was impressed by their standing in the capital. Even guards were very amodating to them. Isaias then winked at him.

    "See? Told you about our benefits, so are you interested now in bing one?" Isaias said to him.

    "No thank you," Joan immediately replied.

    "Hahaha!" Isaiasughed loud.

 Chapter 97 - Capital

    Joan can''t help but sit beside Isaias. As his curiosity was left unquenched with how vast the Capital was. Just as what his eyes observed from his seat, he can''t help but be mesmerised by the number of people he can see. It was the greatest number that he has seen so far after transmigrating.

    Many buildings were made of bricks and there were also made of wood that they passed by. To his surprise, he can see armed men but they didn''t seem to be guards. He asked Isaias about them but he just reacted with augh.

    "Hahaha! That Joan are adventurers! You haven''t met one in the past?" Isaias asked.

    "Adventurers? Here too? Nope, I haven''t met one ever since. But there are in my past life, I didn''t think that there are also some in here," Joan said to him.

    "You want to register as an adventurer?" Isaias said to him..

    "Nah, maybe after your business on the Order of Prophets. We are in a hurry right now. If I be an adventurer, I would be stuck up at the bottom as I will prioritise my mana cultivation and stat cultivation. Also, the mastery of my skills that needs polishing. I can''t travel the whole day wasting time on a meagre quest. At least, hunting monsters give essences though and you get rewarded with money. Still, maybe I will register. It has benefits and is not bad to try registering at least. My goal was to know my stats at the very least." Joan exined.

    "Being an adventurer will give you a free pass on gates and the inspections will be much more fluid. It doesn''t expire and was permanent." Isaias said to him.

    "Well, maybe I will register then. But priorities first, we have to stop the Demon Lords. No dillydallying now while doing adventurer quests, can we?" Joan exined.

    "Yeah, yeah, I know," Isaias said to him.

    They tarried on the way and arrived at the headquarters. To Joan''s surprise, it was situated inside the school itself.

    "Wow! This is the academy? The gate is so big!" Joan eximed.

    "Wee to the Academy Joan! It is called The Glory Academy. The Academy of All Job ss," Isaias said to him.

    Upon the guards saw the two, they immediately opened the gate. They were on the back gate of the school and they entered the metallic gate. Their carriage entered the school premises and many students were inside it. The school was vast with many buildings for the rooms being situated. The students there were his seniors if he ns to be a student in this school. Something he etched in his mind at the moment.

    They exited the carriage after parking it just outside the guardhouse. A guard went on their way and he greeted them.

    "Greetings Prophet Isaias! I am d that you came! And who is that kid beside you? Is he a future student?" The guard asked.

    Joan can only smile while scratching his head.

    "Ah yes, he will attend the academy in the next school year. We will head to headquarters now. Please take care of Prisci for me," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah yes Prophet Isaias, um who?" He asked.

    "Prisci, the horse," Isaias exined.

    "Ah, sorry for my rudeness! I will take good care of her!" He said to them.

    "Good! Now, Joan, we head to the headquarters. Stay close to me," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah yes," Joan said to him. Following him like a tail.

    They went to pass by many students on their way and they were bowing and greeting Isaias. Even though Isaias was greeted left and right, they were staring at Joan with a disdainful look.

    "Tsk, leecher." Said one of them.

    Joan can only smile while he wanted to spank such a rude kid. Others were also saying opportunist and others were a gold digger, some were talking on his back that he was a social climber.

    "Seriously? Is a Prophet a big deal for them?" Joan can only say it out loud in utter annoyance.

    "Ah, hahaha. Don''t mind them. They were just being jealous of you being close to a prophet. And also your identity as a child of prophecy is not a joke. You are the bringer of light to this world, the one tasked to uproot the evil seeds nted to the in. Do you think we prophets hold a candle to you? Also, don''t tell anybody. You will never know who is your enemy in this school. Many were hiding their identities as cultists while being in this academy," Isaias said to him while Joan was following his back.

    "Ah sure, will keep it on my mind," Joan said to him.

    It was then they saw the headquarters that the Order of Prophets situated. It was rather a tall building. A three-storey building but in a shape of a cylinder. They saw guards were in full ted heavy armours. They looked like they were Pdins. Armed with shields and swords in their waist while having huge mallets on their hands.

    "Prophet Isaias! Prophet Isaias ising! Open the gate!" They shouted. Hastily opening the gate for them to enter.

    Joan tailed him too and gets closer to Isaias but he was blocked by one of the Pdins.

    "I''m sorry kid, only Prophets are allowed to enter." He said to him.

    "He is with me. My adopted child," Isaias exined while he winked at them.

    They were left with utter shock.

    "You have a child now, Prophet Isaias? Damn kid, you are a lucky one!" The guard said to Joan.

    "Prophets are higher in positionspared to the heroes that sealed the Demon Lords. So you are considered a son of higher than heroes. You should be proud kid, I will let them know that you are his adopted child." He said.

    ''So that exins why Prophets are bigshots here. I am a hero myself in my past and trained many kids that became heroes. Seriously? I have to leech to this guy here to have a higher standing?'' Joan asked himself.

 Chapter 98 - The Order

    They entered the passage towards where the meeting will be held. The walls were painted in ck and the mood was gloomy. Torches were what lighted up the ce and so they travelled with ease. Not worrying about tripping at all.

    Upon Joan''s first impression, they could have budgeted greater lightings on the entrance. It felt spooky on his part. Such Order of Prophets was very secretive when ites to their meeting. Even more so, it was situated in a populous ce like a school. But then again, it could be one of the most guarded ces in the kingdom as it housed the headquarters of such Order. He couldn''t imagine that it would be low guarded, thinking about the slyness of their current enemies will only lead to death.

    Tik! Tak! Tik! Tak!

    Isaias'' staff sounded and echoed in the hallway. Making their travel to such a location, unseemingly lively.. They could hear their breaths while walking. Joan on the contrary was hearing his heart thumping. He was excited while being nervous a bit. He couldn''t imagine what faces will he see nor their behaviour will be in him.

    What could be their reactions to him when they knew that he was thest Child of Hope. Or could he even spill the beans towards them? Joan can only gulp his saliva on the process. They were walking for some time and so they appear to exit the hallway.

    Upon Joan''s surprise, he saw an elevated seat from afar that has few tables. He can also saw some more elevated seats behind the said seat on the front. In his mind, it was like a trial hall for judging somebody. Joan hoped not to be put in such a predicament and so he just didn''t mind the ce.

    Upon arriving on the trial hall, they turned left and there was a ck door that Isaias touched. It glowed and to Joan''s surprise, it opened.

    "Come with me, hurry," Isaias ushered him.

    They entered the door and the door closed behind their backs. In that room, there were lights up ahead and it was dim. Making them see difficulty at first but immediately saw a round table that has persons seating on their perspective chairs.

    The light was up above them but its radius was only on the round table. Making their faces not to be revealed yet.

    "Come, Joan, follow me," He said to Joan who soon followed him after.

    "Who is that kid? How does a kid manage to enter here? Call the guards immediately! Our secrecy is at stake! Jail him and... Oh! Isaias? Care to exin?" Said the voice in the dark.

    "I should have told you beforehand. I am sorry but that Child there that you wanted to jail is the Child of Hope," Isaias said then pointed his staff at him.

    "The child of hope? One came out alive from the wrath of the Demon God? We should protect him at all costs! He is the only one who can uproot the seeds of evil. The only one! We haven''t uprooted the seeds of evil for a thousand years, we tried but failed! Now with the prophecy child alive, the forces of evil are on the move too!" Said another old voiceing from one of the seats.

    "We should celebrate Isaias! Atst, your journey to find the Child of Hope is a sess. But our celebration has to be put to a halt. The Demon Lords areing! They will be unleashing their brothers and soon will spread more seeds of evil! We should stop them!" Another old voice said.

    Isaias coughed a bit and called their attention.

    "Ahem, everyone, do not panic. We haven''t officially started the meeting yet," He said to them. Immediately, they all fell silent for a moment.

    Isaias then seated at his chair and when Joan counted them, they were all six in numbers. Making an equal ratio to six Demon Lords. He can also assume that they were the ones responsible for the peace that this world has attained by sealing the Demon Lords. Just as he was looking at them, he felt out of ce. They were all high ranking officials after all.

    "So let us start the meeting, I will lead this meeting and I hope you will all cooperate. The Demon Lords are on the way to unseal their brothers. As we are talking here, they are now on their way. ording to the info of the Angel of Wisdom, they have a way to make the heroes slumber even though the Demon Lords has been unsealed. We should prioritize waking them up first. We can''t fight the Demon Lords with just our powers. We need them after all," The supposed Leader said to them.

    Isaias raised his right hand then coughed.

    "We have awakened the heroes of the corruption tomb. And they are on their way to track down the Demon Lords. Though we should also awaken the Affliction heroes, they still slumbered up until now. I suggest that we attack them full force when we awakened the heroes first," Isaias said to them.

    Just as Joan was looking at them, he was just silent for a moment. He didn''t feel the need to speak any moment. While he was looking at the surroundings, he used his Lycan''s [Beast aura] white. His eyes became of a wolf and saw everything in the dark. Even the darkness was not his problem anymore.

    He saw the faces of each one of them. He observed some more and etched their faces. To his surprise, they were all old persons that have white to ashen hairs. Simr to Isaias'' aura that has mane to stroke at.

    "I will travel to the Affliction tomb to awaken the affliction tomb''s heroes. But I am worried that no one will stop the Demon Lords from their awakening. We have to assemble the Holy Knight Order and the Order of Pdins. Maybe the King will also help us if we can convince him." Isaias said to them.

    "We will go to the King to request aide. But we shouldn''t expect much from him. He was unpredictable and an odd one. He tried to abolish the Order of Prophets once thinking that we are not needed anymore. But we averted it as we heard that the Child of Prophecy hase. We agreed and promised that we will expand his realms if we uproot the seeds of evil." Said the other prophet.

    "That kind of King is greedy. Thinking of expanding his realm first before the danger of our extinction. We are doomed if the Demon Lords are unleashed. But he is mobilizing some of his force in the darknds but only ending in his forces getting ughtered. That was maybe he was hesitant, but now, we have the Child of Hope. He can make his Kingdom expand by reiming what once was ours," Said one of the Prophets.

    "So that concludes our meeting. We will execute our n as soon as possible." Said the other one.

    "So our Child of Hope will be safe at all times. We must protect him as he has an important role. He was thest Child of Hope, after all, he must not engage in anybat and has to be hidden here in headquarters." Said the other Prophet.

    Joan was dumbstruck, his face was like a crumpled paper that has sipped several lemon slices.

    "Um, excuse my rudeness but Joan here is a beginner of all job ss. He can perform sometimes adept ones or master skills. It was a matter of Mana realm ipatibility and bodily limits. But I assure you he is on the rank of Master now, if not for his mana realm problem." Isaias said to them.

    "Pfft! A what of all job ss? Are you joking Isaias? Have you lost your mind? Even in our thousand years of life, we haven''t seen one. And a person couldn''t have two job sses. How much more all? Our bodies have imprints of one Job ss and once you have the imprint, other job sses are rejected by your body." He said to Isaias.

    Joan then patted Isaias'' shoulders and stared at him with serious eyes. Shaking his head in disapproval of his action.

    "Don''t tell them something about that again okay? Especially when ites to my secret," Joan whispered to his ears.

    "I am sorry Joan, my pride won''t let me make them belittle your greatness. But as you have said, I will let it slide. We should go to adventurer guild after this and apany me to the tomb of affliction okay?" Isaias said to him. Patting his back.

 Chapter 99 - Students

    "Let us go, Isaias, we should leave immediately. Time is at hand," Joan said to him. Patting his shoulders.

    "Yeah, let us tarry now. Your adventurer registration awaits," Isaias said to him.

    "Okay, here we go," Joan said.

    While umting mana for his spell, he saw that other prophets were not minding them. Perfect timing for them not to see his spell.

    [Teleportation]

    They disappeared immediately without a trace. Just as the other prophets noticed, they were gone..

    "Hey, where did Isaias go?" Asked the other prophet.

    "They didn''t open the door, right? Did you noticed that it opened?" Another prophet said while confused.

    "No, we should all hear it open if they did." The other one said.

    Just as Joan and Isaias left the ce, they appeared right in front of the headquarters. Isaias was surprised and was impressed with Joan''s capabilities.

    "As expected of Joan, impressive as always," Isaias said to him.

    "Haha, you should be. It was the least I can do. You should tter me more! Hahaha!" Joan said and they both chuckled.

    They soon tarried towards where Prisci was. Thinking that she might get lonely waiting for them. Isaias leads the way and Joan was not disturbed at all with students greeting. He felt that he was like that when he was in his old age in the past. As he was teaching students in past in the academy, he was greeted too by many students. He felt such joy when reminiscing the past and he can rte well with Isaias'' life.

    Not until he was talked again in his back once again which was very contrary to what he experienced before. He can only grit his teeth at their harsh words thrown at him. They said it in a low voice but enough for Joan to hear them. He still hasn''t enrolled yet and he has a bad reputation already. Thinking that he will be facing such a challenge in the future when he will enrol in the academy. His fate was nailed and he will be a target of other student''s jealousy. Being a prophet''spany sure has bad sides after all. It wouldn''t be a problem if he was another prophet or a guard but he was a kid of their close age. A potential student or a bing a school mate with such leecher was very agitating on their part.

    Just as he was walking, he saw a two-storey building full of students. Staring at him with unsatisfied looks and others were gritting their lips. Others were biting their lower lips in their jealousy.

    While he was walking, he stared at them and felt ufortable. But as he was walking some more, he saw a guy who was carrying red tomatoes in his hands. Throwing in his direction on the process. Joan didn''t expect that they harbour bad feelings that deep and it led them to do such acts.

    "Joan!" Isaias shouted. Running towards him.

    Stter!

    The tomato was blocked by Isaias and it hit him on the back.

    "Are you okay Joan?" Isaias asked him.

    "You don''t have to do that for me. I can evade them," Joan said. Isaias then chuckled.

    When Joan stared back at the students, their re which was bearing jealousy became filled with wrath. Thinking that their prophet was tainted with what was meant for him. Their anger became uncontroble and they blurted out.

    "Why do you think you are qualified to be Isaias'' adopted? You filthy trash! The tomato was meant for you! Look what you''ve done! You tainted our precious prophet!" Someone shouted at the second floor of the building.

    He was the type of person that was a ss president. Or a ss representative. He jumped from the second floor andnded on the ground below. Walking towards Joan, girls and boys cheered for him.

    "My voice speaks for the entire students and I am challenging you to the position of adoption! If I win, " He shouted.

    "Hey Isaias, this is your fault for dering that I am your adopted. You should reflect three days for that." Joan said to him eyes narrowed. Pointing his finger at him.

    "Hahaha, I am sorry Joan. I can''t take that back can I?" He smiled at him.

    "Anyone who wants to throw a tomato at Joan! You should throw at me first!" He said while his hands opened wide.

    Joan ignored him and pulled Isaias on his hands. Other students were confused, they thought that Isaias was ckmailed and was forced to ept him as his son. Much more, they thought that they can rece his position as an adopted by challenging him into a duel.

    "Let''s go, Isaias, we can''t do dramas here," Joan said while pulling him.

    The one who was challenging him then blurted out.

    "Hey! I am talking to you! Don''t you dare turn away you lecherous maniptive coward!" He shouted.

    Joan was taken aback, he was challenged by a student who proims to know him deeply at all. Joan smiled at him, he said that he was carrying the voice of the students in the school.

    "Can I ask a question?" Joan asked smiling while eyes narrowed.

    "What evidence do you have when you use me? I hate liars the most and story makers. Isaias, shall I punish this child for his insolence?" Joan said to him.

    "Stay back brat! Prophet Isaias, don''t listen to him. I know he just ckmailed you and you are only was forced to do his will." He said while blocking Isaias from Joan. It seemed to Joan that he protects Isaias from him.

    Joan then felt disgusted, soon many more students protected Isaias and they said that they will protect him at all cost. Joan was dumbfounded, Isaias too. They felt this confusion was getting out of hand. Joan''s face can only get crumpled as it tasted like a lemon slice. Joan then chuckled.

    "Hahaha! Whoa! I am cornered! Therefore I give up and set Isaias free from my mind control! Then, I will lift my position of being his adopted and resign! Happy now?" Joan''s eyes narrowed and the student''s faces felt ecstatic.

    "Yey! Whohoo!" They eximed.

    The student who challenged him was happiest the most as tears flowed from his eyes. Joan then left immediately after they rejoiced.

    Walking to Prisci and fed her, caressing her hair while giving carrots. Immediately after a few minutes, Isaias arrived.

    "Hahaha, you are a performer. You can act splendidly and even fooled them," Isaias said to him.

    "Nah, it was forced. Like damn, they thought it was a big deal. I want to puke when I said those words," Joan said to him.

    "Hahaha, let''s go to the adventurer''s guild. Maybe you will lighten up your mood there," Isaias said to him.

    "Yeah, maybe I will," Joan said.

 Chapter 100 - Adventurer Test

    They arrived at the designated ce without problems. Located on the west side of the capital, they passed by the market and it was lively as it was expected. Joan didn''t have a single penny to purchase anything at the moment so he has to at least be an adventurer in the very least to support himself in the future.

    He thought that leeching off to Isaias some more will only make the student''s usationse true. He hated the thought of him being used that much. So much that he wanted to puke while he was seating in the driver''s seat.

    He wanted to at least support himself while waiting for the Academy entrance exam that wasing. He will be prioritizing still his growth though if he will be asked by Isaias. He has to grow stronger and has to at least defend himself after their main mission right now.

    They arrived at a majestically build headquarters. Brick walls were what was seen by their naked eyes. It was like a fortress if Joan was about to say anything.. A castle that has guards on its walls. No one will be fool enough to infiltrate it or attack such a stronghold.

    They parked their carriage outside and the guards immediately noticed Joan''spany.

    "Prophet Isaias! Let him in!" The guard said to him.

    They approached them and Joan was not disturbed in the slightest. They already knew him as hispany and so they tarried further without problems. Moving on, they approached the hall of the adventurer guild. g on the kingdom was what was orchestrated on the front on both sides of the gate. A bustling hall was what greeted them and Isaias was being the centre of attention.

    It was then Joan can only smirk and scratch the back of his head.

    "Oho! Is this the renowned Prophet for sealing the Demon Lord of Affliction?" Said the adventurer on his heavy armour. Helm was on his armpits and his other hand on his sword on the waist.

    "You wanted to be an adventurer now? Hahaha!" He added then blurted outughing.

    Joan was just silent on the side was just whistling. He was getting some attention as he was with Isaias.

    "Ah no, I am here as I apany Joan here to take his adventurer test," Isaias said to him.

    "Oh, this kid? He is fresh as a budling. You sure he is the one who will take the test?" He asked again.

    "Ah, yeah I am very sure. You may want to reconsider belittling him. He is a nasty enemy when enraged," Isaias said to him while whispering thest lines.

    The guy was perplexed at his remarks. His eyes opened wide.

    "Hey, what did you said to him?" Joan pouted and narrowed his eyes.

    "Nah, it is not important. But on the other hand, let us get you registered now shall we?" Isaias said while his hands were on his back. Pushing him towards the registration desk.

    The onlookers were astounded by Isaias'' behaviour with Joan. It made them curious as to who and what was this person who will register.

    "Don''t mind me, return to your businesses. I am nothing but a ghost," Isaias said to the ones looking at them.

    It was then, the adventurers gulped their saliva. Returning them from their businesses. Waking them up from a trance or dream.

    It was then, Joan was in front of the registration desk. Looking at a clerk in uniform. Eyes with eyesses and a small hat on her head apanied with her green uniform.

    "I am graced with a Prophet''s presence. What can I do for you?" She asked.

    "Ah, I want you to register Joan here. He wants to be an adventurer," Isaias said to her. Arms on Joan''s back.

    "Ah I see, but you see mister Joan. We operate at the Dark Lands far away from this peaceful kingdom. We tend to cull some monsters on thends tainted with seeds of evil and in return, we award the adventurers to the measure of their contribution. By that, we givepensation to the efforts of the adventurers while the adventurers are absorbing essences while killing monsters and devils alike. So are your resolve firm before registering?" She asked.

    "Yes, that is even good news to me," Joan said to her.

    "Why is that?" She asked.

    "Because I nned to do that pretty much sooner orter. Bing or not bing an adventurer, that is," Joan exined.

    "Ah, haha, okay let us test you first. Then we hand you a badge of adventurer. That badge will help you, it was like the honour or title of being a government official. Although being the lowest, it still has its value like military police. You can arrest criminals pretty much like that. You have police powers!" She briefly exined.

    Joan was then handed a form and then he filled it up. The name, age, address, and all, except one. And that was the Job ss. It troubled Joan as he has different job sses.

    "Hey Isaias, what should I pick? About the Job sses that have to be written here," Joan said to him.

    "Oh, yeah about that. Your job ss will surely affect some of your fate''s direction. If you put Rogue, then you will be assigned on Rogue missions on the Dark Lands. But you can put it to hold if you are not sure. Maybe put Jobless, you will have unnecessary attention if they will know you are a job ssed kid on your age. Maybe you should hide it as you didn''t graduate from the Academy yet." Isaias said to him.

    "Ah, I see, okay." Joan then submitted the form with two hands.

    She scanned the papers and then saw the filled up form. Saying "Jobless" on the Job ss description.

    "Hmmm, okay. I will submit it then. And I forgot to say. Your badge will get an update as you raise your rank. As for you, you will first get an iron badge. Get merits to have a higher rank, and such was steel, then copper, bronze and, so forth." She said.

    It was then, they went to the next building for testing their stats. Isaias led the way and Joan followed him.

    "Are you excited?" Isaias asked him.

    "Yeah, pretty much," Joan said to him.

    They arrived at the next room which was vast. The walls were sturdy-looking as Joan patted it. The top of the building was also made of a wall. It has walls on each side and a few applicants were being tested. A man in training armour was testing students of theirbat capabilities and another man was on the testing of stats. They were the only two test assistants who were inside the confined room. It was built for such tests after all.

    From his right side, he can see a battle raging on. Joan thought he will also experience such a test. And also on his left was the testing area for the stats. An applicant was being tested as he approached him. Joan felt excited for a moment, it was such a bliss for him to experience it. He didn''t have time for bing an adventurer in his past life. Making it his first-time experience in his current life.

    Joan observed some more as his curiosity has pleaded for its thirst to be quenched. Walking nearer and nearer to the stat testing area that was currently being held. He saw that the person on the front has his stats being measured just by walking into the pir of light. The person just walked out from it and his stats were now numbered.

    "Strength�C12, Dexterity�C9, Vitality�C16, Focus�C7. Mana realm�Cearth realm, second stage." The proctor said to the applicant.

    He then was leaping with joy after hearing such stats. The applicant who was a man in his thirties was in tears.

    "After all my training, it hase to fruition atst!" He said while his hands gripping. Tears were welling out of his eyes.

    "Ah, Isaias. I don''t know the meaning of such numbers. Can you estimate such numbers? How strong was his stats?" Joan felt confused. It was new to him. Stats were not measured in his past life. Just a mere estimation after duelling and experiencing it first hand.

    "Ah, such numbers were already strong. But it was iparable to yours," Isaias said in a low voice, just for the two of them to hear.

    "Ah, I see. I will have to lower my stats then." Joan said to him.

    "How?" Isaias asked as his curiosity arise.

    "By a technique called stat maniption. There is a technique once as ancient as the ancient founders of the almarian world. It was a lost art that I have recovered in my past travels. It was hidden in the ancient buried library. But my point is, it was a technique of putting limiters on your body but increasing your potential or growth. Making yourself weak to be strong," Joan said to him.

    "Wow, such a great technique was hidden?" Isaias said to him.

    "The main problem was you will be very weak. Making you a live target especially when your enemies will know that you have undergone one. Many died due to bing weak in the past. It was the best way to be strong but it became forbidden after many deaths have been recorded. It was once the cause of many deaths of Legends, Grandmasters, and, even Mythics," Joan briefly exined.

    "Ah, that is a very dangerous technique indeed. Thinking Mythics are even killed after undergoing such a technique. So are you still going to use it?" Isaias asked.

    "Of course yes. I have my means and ways too," Joan said to him. Winking his right eye.

    "Well, how much is reduced to your strength?" Isaias asked.

    "Three fourth," Joan said being sad.

    "Three fourth? No wonder Mythics died! Is that even worth it?" Isaias blurted out.

    "That is why we have to use it while we are still weak," He said then winked again.

    "But it was no use if you can''t be strong at all times. Like for example, you get attacked by a weaker foe but you repelled it. Then, the time you use the technique, you will be weaker than him and gets killed," Isaias said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied.

    "But knowing you, you know your thing." Isaias then tapped his shoulders twice.

    "Yeah," Joan smiled.

    Joan then approached the testing area. A metallic pir with a red orb floating was seen. It was also the object that measures in the pir of light located just in its front.

    "Are you the next applicant?" He asked.

    "Yes sir!" Joan said pretty livelily. He was pretty much excited though in taking the test. The man was in a suit, contrary to thebat test assistant who was in a training suit.

    "Good! Now go to the light and we will assess your stats," The man said to him.

    Immediately, Joan entered the light. Isaias was just watching at Joan. Observing him from afar.

    "I hope your choice was correct Joan. I will observe your growth until then," Isaias said to him. The proctor was astounded by his words.

    It was then, Joan used his ancient skill.

    [Stat maniption]

    Joan''s stats became lower and lower. All the essences inside his body became nourishment to his potential. Speeding up his growth for the future. All the essences that he collected were absorbed by his mana well. It became rapidly increasing as the time he used his skill. Making him feel weaker and weaker soon after the time he used the skill. All his stats became one-fourth of his original state but once he absorbed more essences in the future, he will have a greater rise on his stats. A double-edged sword that will make him weaker temporarily but making his growth increasingly fast permanently.

    Joan felt his body became weary and wearier as time goes by. It felt like he battled for days without stop as his body felt weak. He was just standing but he wanted to m his butt on the floor. It felt like his knee''s strength was barely able to sustain his effort to stand.

    Steam was evaporating from his body and he breathed hoarsely. But it felt like impurities were slowly getting out of his body. Making him felt lighter and lighter than before. Joan then breathed out steam.

    "Ho! That was refreshing, see! Told you it worked!" Joan shouted at Isaias.

    The proctor dropped open his jaws. He was in a trance after the numbers showed up in the measuring pir. He squinted his eyes more and so Joan turned around to see it himself. Joan too was surprised, he didn''t know if the number he was seeing was a big deal or not. It was confusing, but he knew it was something. As the proctor''s reaction was telling it himself.

    "Okay, now the results! Strength�C22, Dexterity�C25, Vitality�C24, Focus�C26. Mana realm�CEarth realm Seventh stage!" The proctor said to them.

    Joan was dismayed by the numbers. It made him look a tad stronger than the other one who passed.

    "This is amazing! This is record-breaking! Howe you are so strong even with your age!" The proctor said to Joan.

    Isaias thenughed while stroking his long beard. Imagining its original number if not for his skill [Stat maniption]. Imagining its number, Isaiasughed andughed louder than before.

    "Huhahaha! Huhahaha! Uhug! Uhug!" He only stopped after choking a bit.

    Soon after, Joan went to Isaias. Smiling while both hands were on his nape.

    "I am great ain''t I?" Joan said to him.

    "Though you are just a tad stronger than that man." He said while pointing towards the person he meant.

    It was then, Joan felt ashamed. It would be a harder battle to face the Demon Lords. It will be harder, by a lot. Luckily, they will be waking up the heroes first before they will attack the final bosses. It was a good strategy to collect essence first before fighting them head-on.

    But then, the proctor calcted the possible rank he can give to Joan.

    "It would be steel rank or higher. Anyways, you have to at least finish first thebat test. I know you can beat the crap out of him." He said then winked at him.

    It was then, Joan smiled in glee. He proceeded to the next test which was thebat test. Which was located just beside their testing area.

    Just up ahead, there was a man that has wooden weapons ced on the wooden wrack. He was holding his sword and was fighting another man that has tested in the stat test before him. He has a staff on his hands that he twirled left and right.

    "This better be good," Joan observed him some more. Looking at his movements.

    "Show me the prowess of a Holy Knight''s Priest! Show me what you''ve got!" The proctor said to him. Intimidating him to test his all-outbat instinct.

    "Haaaa!!!" He shouted some more and approached him with his staff.

    Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak!

    He smashed with all his might and every blow was either blocked or deflected. Something that Joan expected. He was a Priest nheless. Every move and execution of attacks was like one.

    [Staff smash] [Staff smash]

    Two skills were made after another. Making Joan thought that Job ss skills were allowed in thebat test. Now that he listed jobless on his data means that he can''t show any skill on the test, can he? Though that means he can still execute basic attacks on his proctor. Though using all weapons will make him dumb-looking. It was unconventional and was in no way possible.

    If he didn''t list any job sses, he will have to act like one. Using skills will also blow out their covers, made his staying in low-key wasted its purpose.

    Just as Joan pondered, he thought of without choosing anything or just pick one. It will be a headache if he will have to think of a weapon to choose from. As of now, his mastery of all weapons was unrivalled even in his past life. So nonchntly choosing one will maybe go well without problems.

 Chapter 101 - Adventurer Test Part 2

    Just as he was thinking, the battle rages on. Joan saw that the proctor was forcing every bit of data out of him. Making him being tested from every angle. How he attacks, how fast his feet were, how good his defence, how far his stamina can go, how good he was at using his skills. It was all tested and was calcted.

    Some were great in duels but worst in team fights. Others were brave when many but a coward when alone. The proctors were psychologists and they can see through each applicant''s potential.

    Just as all were happening, the applicant was panting and was on his feet. He was using his staff to give support in the process of regaining his stamina.

    "Is that all? Well, you can''t be reaching bronze or copper badges with that. Next!" He said to him..

    The man then felt sad, his expectation of his potential was crushed by reality. He can only bite his lips in the process of swallowing the hard truth. He left the testing area after throwing his staff on the wrack.

    Joan then felt excited as he stepped forward. There was no other one than him and so he felt that it was his time. He can''t hide his smile as he stepped up.

    "You are new right? That man there wanted to have a promotion on his rank. Or say, he wanted to raise his rank by one. He failed three times now. So, are you going to be like him or not?" He asked.

    "I am Joan! I am jobless! Nice to meet you!" Joan said gleefully. It was maybe his excitement was getting ahead of him.

    "Jobless? Well, jobless adventurers will be tasked to be cannon fodders. You know them right? They''re just pawns in a chess piece," The Proctor said to him.

    "There''s chess here?" Joan blurted out.

    "Yes?" The proctor asked.

    "Well, pawns be queens! Or bishop! Or rook!" Joan shouted.

    "You know how to y them?" He asked interestingly.

    "Yes!" Joan said with bulging eyes.

    "Well you see, I am a good cannon fodder! You will be impressed! Like the pawn in the chess piece," Joan said to him.

    "Haha, sure! You know your thing, well let''s proceed to the test," He said, holding his wooden sword.

    Upon Joan''s surprise, he was broader than his first time seeing him. Now that he was looking at him in a closer look, he felt that his stats will be over the top. Maybe more than him even his original statsbined.

    Joan was hesitant to pick any weapon, but he has to match his opponent''s weapon ss. Like for example, a sword for a sword that was fair for him and also to his opponents. Well, swords were the ssy thing to wield ever since his past world. They can cut through especially with lower types of armours or protections but can be useless against full ted armours. Now, these types of armour''s weaknesses were blunts that can crush bones due to their weight even with full ted armours that were equipped.

    He grabbed the wooden sword in the weapon wrack and he smiled. The weight distribution was fine and it can hurt you if were smashed with just your bare body. Swinging it left and right and tested its grip. To his surprise, it was crafted splendidly. It looked like more of a ymore than a katana or rapier. Every weapon has its unique touch to it and has its variety. Making it diverse in its looks, weights, and, handling style.

    Now Joan grabbed the sword and it was two-handed. Surprisingly, he felt that the sword was heavier than usual. Not that he expects that he will be stronger but it felt off for a moment. It looks like he struggled with just lifting it.

    "ymore? Are you sure? With your body, then you should pick a lighter weapon for faster attack speed," He suggested.

    Even more so, Joan knew that in the first ce. But he likes to y a bit, knowing that his potential or growth has be more rapid, he couldn''t help but test his limits. By doing so, he can reach the momentum where his growth will be triggered.

    He grabbed the two-handed sword then faced him. Not even asking his name, he just stepped forward and get readied for thebat.

    "Okay! Now let us begin the test!" He said while holding his sword tightly.

    "Yeah!" Joan replied.

    Joan dashed forwards with just his bare strength can afford. Running with speed uparable from before. However, it was slower just like what Joan expected. Running with full speed, he smashed his sword at his. Creating a sound the moment their swords shed.

    "Good! That''s it! Show me more! What can you do with such puny strength?" He said to Joan.

    Joan then dashed on his side while sliding his sword at him. Rotating on the process to create momentum and shed.

    ''He bravely assaulted my nk? How bold!'' He inwardly thought.

    He stepped back sideways and evaded Joan''s strike. It was an estimated shift of direction and was as close as hairs breathe. Joan can only smirk at him. Immediately, Joan shed two and was immediately repelled. Although not so impressive as his past strength, he was able to do fast shes.

    Joan was a little bit adjusting to his current strength. Lower stats hugely affected his overall performance and it was expressed on his face.

    He was gasping as stamina was slowly chipped off. He still felt lightheaded a bit due to him just recently used the skill. Making him p his face with both hands. Mitigating his lightheadedness but still, his stamina was barely keeping up. All thanks to the ancient skill he got from his past world.

    Still, his stats were slowly growing. Something no one but only him and Isaias knew off. Upon his grip on the sword, a grin was leaking on his cheeks. He can''t hide the barely contained excitement inside his heart. While Joan was panting, he dashed forward to his enemy. More resolute than before and was happier. His burden was lifted and he knew that starting again to being weak will be much more enjoyable at this moment.

    The bliss of the feelings he felt made him ran and pushed himself to go all out. Nothing has to be hidden from now on. His adventurer badge was at stake. Joan shouted with all he got as he approached him.

 Chapter 102 - Stat Cultivation

    Haaaa!!!

    Joan dashed with all his might. This time was a little bit faster. Pushing himself to the limit will only hasten his growth. Knowing this, he used his strength more than before. Keeping his speed rose higher and higher, his dexterous movements were pushed to the limits.

    His vitals were expanding, making his vitality rose. The focus was on its limits and was expanding his mind''s capacity. He was undergoing monstrous growth while pushing his all. It was called none other than [Stat cultivation]. A skill that Joan created when he was training the heroes since their young selves and other students on the academy.

    [Stat cultivation]�Ca passive skill of Joan that will be active once one''s limits were pushed to the brim. Further increasing his stats when he was doing exercises or when getting all out.. The skill was on its highest level as Joanprehended it in the past. Etching the very skill upon his soul.

    Joan was getting nearer and nearer towards the proctor. Seriousness was on his face and his eyes were like a fierce tiger. The proctor saw it and was amazed by it. He didn''t imagine this person will be cannon fodder himself. More so, he has the making of a great adventurer. Making him have a job ss was on his mind and he can''t help but be ashamed that he has no job ss currently. If he had one, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

    Joan smashed his sword at him. Left and right then dashed towards his blind spot. Attacking his back but it was blocked. Doing the same process in the next ten shes, almost imitating the [Multi sh] without using the skill. Given the circumstances, the proctor was almost dumbfounded. Whether Joan lied about writing jobless or not, Joan did imitate it. But still, the proctor didn''t felt mana from it. Nor mana was used in the process. He felt that still, he executed was not a skill. It was still very impressive on his part as it was purely physical prowess and physical manoeuvre of his hands and feet.

    ''This kid sure is something. His battle instinct was way ahead of his age. But his body is barely keeping up with his talent. I am sure he will be a great adventurer someday,'' The proctor said in his mind.

    The proctor then felt that it was time. Time for making him test his limits. Whether he was still hiding his potential or it was his current bodily limits. He grinned and then, his blocks became deflects, then counters.

    Joan shed and dashed but they were disheartening on his part. They were rathercking the speed that was needed for better performance.

    He shed but he just made his sh slide then kicked him on the stomach. Joan stopped his kick midway by his right hand. Imitating a gentle fist andnded on his sole. Making Joan pushed away and mitigated the kick not tond on his stomach. Also making him thrown from him on the process.

    He was propelled apart from him and his hands ached in the process. He was able to tolerate the damage and his vitality was luckily enough to endure it. Making him almost worry as his kick was able to break bones if his stats were slightly lower. Joan was flung and then he trusted his sword on the tile floor. He gasped air after the strong push was made and he stared at his front.

    His enemy was not there and so he felt that he was so fast to disappear on his sight. He was able to feel amiss and felt a small gush of air right on his back. Ducking on time when a sword passed right above him.

    "Whoo! That was close!" Joan eximed.

    Just after he said those words. The proctor was on his way to shing him vertically with his weapon. Making Joan block it then let it slide in thest moments.

    Bang!

    His swordnded on the floor and it made Joan have an opportunity. It was short but it was enough. Joan then gripped his sword with two hands and shed it towards the proctor. The proctor then was hit on the face and he staggered a bit.

    "Nice, you''ve made one for me. Do you know why the guild master assigned me to thebat test? Because I am a Holy Knight, and we have a skill like [Heal]." He said then used the skill.

    "Nice, let''s continue the test. Please," Joan said to him. Making him chuckle.

    "Okay, sure. I still haven''t seen your limits, let''s see where can you get and till when you willst," He said to Joan.

    He then held his sword on his front and dashed. Joan dashed with more force towards him. Meeting him head-on. Just as Joan approached him, he disappeared right in his sight. Making Joan jolt on the process. A sh was made and he appeared right on his side. Joan was perplexed as he shifted his gaze upon him. Turning on his side, right where his enemy was located.

    A swing was already on his way and he was barely able to twist himself. With more effort made, he was able to evade in thest moments. Still, he was scraped on his cheeks. A rising diagonal sh made him do all his efforts to just avert it.

    With him evaded it, the proctor disappeared again on his sight and shed while being on his back. Joan was amused, he grinned at the excitement he felt. He never felt so weak before his enemy once in a while. Making his adrenaline rush while being pressured.

    ''This feels nostalgic!'' Joan said while his eyes opened wide. A killing intent was seeping out of his body. Luckily, he stopped it before the proctor felt it.

    The proctor smiled as he felt that his enemy will be hit while on his back. His fate was set on the stone. He let out a shout while using all his strength to make a vertical sh on him. Just as he shed, Joan disappeared right into his eyes. He felt it unnatural to sh it in thin air. He almost thought that his eyes were doing tricks on him.

    "It has been so long that I am pushed on my limits. I am impressed and felt joy that this feeling was felt again," Someone said on his back. He jolted and to his surprise, Joan was there standing while hugging his sword on his chest. Eyes closed.

    "How?" He asked dumbfoundedly.

    "Though I regret that I am within my limits right now. I can''t move on further as my body is trembling. Sorry but the fun ends now," Joan said to him then sat on the ground. He opened his right eye while the other one was closed.

    "Oh, haha. Howe you''ve be faster and faster? I also felt that your shes be heavier and stronger every time our swords shed," He asked.

    "Well, maybe it was just your imagination. So did I pass?" Joan asked. Sniffing his right pointing finger.

    "Ah yes, of course. And one question, how did you evade myst sh?" He asked.

    "Now that is a hard one. Well you see, maybe I cope up with your speed? I just pushed myself even though it was overbearing to my body. I will surely have a sprain and muscle cramps. Or even torn muscles by now if you ask me," Joan said.

    "Hahaha! You know why proctors are Holy Knights right? We heal the injuries of our applicants!" He said to him.

    "Then why didn''t you heal the one before me?" Joan asked.

    "Well, he walked away with just a few intimidations. Hey! He can still walk without problems so let us just let keep it that way," He said to him.

    Joan after that groaned to the pain. He then felt that his body was taking the toll of pushing himself to his limits. Even executing stats way above him made his muscles torn apart. He can only bit his lips while holding his aching body parts. Just as he wanted to copse, the proctor then was rmed and then used his spell on him.

    [Heal]

    It was then, his aching muscles felt lighter. He was amazed by its effectiveness as he felt that his pain was relieved. Though he can do it himself, he still didn''t want to give in because he signed that he was jobless. Not until he will get to the Academy. With him recovered, he stands up and patted hard his clothes. It was full of dust after battling on the tiles. It has full of dust after many applicants battled there.

    "So what''s my rank?" Joan asked without reserve.

    "That''s still going to be assessed, but you are way beyond passing grade for me. And your stats are going to be evaluated together with yourbat test. So you have to wait for a bit. After experiencing a battle with you, I am sure you have stats that are beyond fifty right? And you need a hundred in both strength and dexterity to evade myst sh. Even focus has to be above that to execute them well without fail," He asked Joan.

    "Ugh, ahaha. Well, you see. You will be surprised if I told you it was lower than that. You can confirm it yourself though," Joan said while scratching his head.

    "What? But how? I will check it for errors. For now, other applicants are waiting. Please wait in the lobby for a while, kay?" He said to him.

    [Minor heal]

    The proctor said while he used the skill. Making his tired and torn muscles repaired while his stamina refreshed. Making him alive and kicking again.

    "Just as I thought, that exins why he can go all out all day," Joan said while looking at him went to greet the other applicant.

    Isaias then arrived and wasughing at him. Stroking again his beard.

    "Hahaha! I can''t believe you made it to fifty in all of your stats. You regained half of your past strength in just a spar," Isaias said to him.

    "Oh, geez. I almost forgot about you. You are watching all this time?" Joan asked.

    "Of course, of course. Why not? I am observing your battles and I am impressed with that skill ''Stat maniption''. Your growth is verily monstrous and impressive," Isaias said to him.

    "Well, let us discuss that thing somewhere no one will hear us. I am drenched in sweat, gotta change before we wait for the result," Joan said to him.

    "Hahaha, yeah. Let us get you to change and freshen up until we wait for the result." Isaias said to him.

 Chapter 103 - Result

    Perspiring still, he left thebat testing area to change clothes. They entered the hall and many were staring at them. Walking past by some of the adventurers who were curious at the one who Isaias was with. Joan can only shake his head in the process. They haven''t thought how troublesome being apany of a prophet.

    Still, Joan walked confidently. He was not intimidated by their stares in the slightest. They thought that he was the luckiest person alive. He can only grin at them not knowing what happened to him in these past days. All he could do was cover his eyes and shakes his head on the process.

    "Is that who Isaias apanied to have the adventurer test? Wow, I envy him. I am sure he is just a pussy cat hiding behind a lion. Howe Isaias fancied him? That made me wonder why a ragged-dressed country bumpkin was being bathed with his grace.." Someone said on his back.

    "Maybe he was just trash," They chuckled.

    Joan turned around then stared at him. It was a young adventurer who doesn''t know him at all. Someone who doesn''t know his ce.

    "Who are you calling trash?" Joan whispered at him while holding his neck. Ready to snap it or maybe twist it anytime he will make unpleasant reactions towards him.

    "Hiieeeekkkk!!!" He almost peed on his pants after Joan disappeared and appeared right on his back.

    "Hahaha! That is just a joke, but be careful next time you make fun of me," Joan said then lets go of his hold on his neck.

    Just as he let go, the one he holds then grabbed his sword and draws it to him.

    "Oh, hohoho! Be careful young one, you don''t want to anger this fe. He is a frightening enemy if I must say," Isaias said to the adventurer.

    "I am so sorry, Prophet Isaias. We ask your forgiveness." He said then bowed.

    Joan then turned around and went to the door.

    "See? He is asking your forgiveness, Isaias. Not to me whom he offended instead." Joan said to him.

    "This bastard! Who are you to begin with? Who are you to be asked with my forgiveness? Bottom feeders have to act like bottom feeders. You social climber!" He shouted.

    The other adventurers who were watching on the sidelines nodded in agreement. Joan was left with a nk stare. He can only sigh after their remarks.

    "Just let it be Isaias, I am too tired to argue with that guy," Joan said to him.

    Isaias was then angered by their remarks.

    "As I have said and I will say it again, you don''t want to be enemies with that guy. Even I can say that you will be left trembling if you make that guy your enemy. I have seen it with my own eyes so reflect on that!" Isaias shouted. Then he stomped his staff on the floor.

    The hall was silent and all the adventurers heard it. They respected Isaias so they all listened but it was not the same with Joan. Even when Isaias said it to them himself.

    Joan arrived at the carriage and then changed clothes. It was a viger''s clothes of white shirt and brown shorts. He buttoned the cor on his neck and then went on his way.

    Isaias then approached him while his staff was being stabbed in the ground.

    "I am so sorry Joan, I can''t let them imagine your greatness. I can''t give you a proper attire worthy of being a hero. At least your looks look intimidating," Isaias said to him.

    "I can have the fanciest armour with my conjuration skill so it is okay. Still, I wanted to at least have a peaceful life. It was partly your fault though, your presence is enough to break my silence," Joan said then chuckled a little.

    "Haha, I am sorry for that. Let us wait for your result then," Isaias said to him.

    "Yeah let us go," Joan then went to grab his hunter robes. Making him look adventurer-like.

    "Cool," Isaias said to him.

    Joan led the way this time. Walking while his hoods were on so he has a lower presence this time. Isaias was left on the door as Joan walks faster than him. This time, he arrived at the registration desk without Isaias. Also without a stare was seen nor disturbed from before.

    This means that Isaias was the source of his problems. Making him stare at him as he approaches. As Joan saw him approach, he motioned to stop from where he stands. Without uttering a word as he pantomimes the said action.

    Isaias stopped and then went to sit at the nearest bench. The one whom he sits beside greeted him with a loud voice.

    "It is an honour to sit beside you, great sir!" Bowing then sit stiffly next to him.

    Joan then smirked at him. Looking back to the registration desk, he asked for his results to be verified.

    "Joan Emsworth? Your results are being calcted right now and you see, we have a problem. The result on thebat test didn''t match the stat test. We are currently evaluating it right now. You should be waiting there on one of our benches." She said to him.

    Joan then went to sit at the bench adjacent to the bench where Isaias was. It was a silent life for Joan. No one bothered him and on his back, Isaias was being greeted left and right by boys and girls alike. Man or woman adventurers were flocking at him.

    Joan then concluded that he was a famous one. Pretty disadvantageous on Joan''s lifestyle or silent life.

    He also has that same position as him but was gifted life of peace after transmigrating. He can only be jealous of himself as he didn''t experience it sooner. Not that he wanted to die immediately though but his position was a little bit of a hassle. He was called the Child Of Hope in this world. A bringer of light to the darkness.

 Chapter 104 - Result Part 2

    Later in the afternoon, Joan was sitting on the bench. He was snoring on the bench with his arms crossed, the head was staring down while asleep. Isaias was on his back, busily telling stories of his current and past adventures. Telling of thepanion he met and battled the Demon Lords with him.

    Of course, his name was anonymous and was not told to anyone or Joan will be devastated. It will be a great deal to erase what he has said if his name was leaked. It will be irrevocable on his part. It would not do justice on Joan''s side if he will be exposed to them.

    Just as Joan was sleeping, the people who heard his story was cheering and the ce became lively. Hearing that the two Demon Lords has to retreat from his sidekick and him at thest moments. But then, his sidekick was corrupted and they have to cleanse him from the corruption.

    The listeners gasped and then Isaias cleansed him.. Making their cheers burst once again. Meanwhile, Joan was sleeping sweet and sound on the bench. Snoring out loud as he has a little time to rest. He was mentally tired this time and he rested for the time being as he waits for the result. All were focused on Isaias but Joan was in his dreams. Such a good day for Joan to have been given the chance to sleep.

    It was then, he was called abruptly and was shaken by the girl on the registration desk. Joan was still half asleep and jolted. Almost conjuring a sword on the process as he shouted.

    "Demon Lords!" Joan jolted. He almost conjured a sword and was holding thin air, it was like he held an imaginary sword.

    Looking left and right while head unmoved. He observed that everyone was looking at him. He coughed then covered his head. He then approached the girl and talked to her.

    "What is the problem?" Joan asked.

    "Um, the proctors wants to see you," She said to him.

    "Okay," Joan said while scratching his head.

    He was escorted to the room inside. Further located inside the registration desk. He entered and saw a room nicely arranged. Many files were located in the library and also on the desk on the one at the centre of the room. Two sofas were adjacent to each other and were just in front of the desk.

    He was then assaulted with the res of the two proctors. One man was sitting on the desk of his front and has a guild master inscribed on one of the rectangr ss ced on the table. They were all dressed in a suit and the said guild master was wearing a monocle.

    "I am the guild master and I am here to assess whether you will be an adventurer or not," He said while his hands were ced on the table, holding each other.

    Joan can only gulp his saliva. He only wanted to have a low-key adventurer life but overexerting himself made his stats rise to the fifties. Also making his stats to a hundred if forced to push his limits. It made his purpose to whittle down to the drain. Making him bit his lower lips in the process.

    "Let me ask you, did you cheat?" He asked Joan.

    Joan faced a crisis. Whether he will be an adventurer or not, all depends on his answer. Joan was perspiring, he didn''t know what to reply. Still, he wracked his mind to what he needs to answer. Thinking of a n, he answered.

    "No sir," Joan said.

    Bang!

    The guild master mmed his hands on the desk.

    "Insolence! Howe you have twenty plus stats on stat test while thebat proctor verified that you have stats on the fifties?" He said to him.

    "I assure you that what I have felt was not something a twenty-plus stats! I can bet my credibility on that!" Thebat proctor said to the guild master.

    "So are you saying that my stat measuring device is not telling the truth? Huh?" The stat proctor asked him.

    Bang!

    Another m on the desk was made by the guild master. The two jolted on the process.

    Joan then smiled at them.

    "I didn''t cheat, it was a matter of stat fluctuation. You can recheck my stats if you want?" Joan said to them.

    "What?" The two proctors asked.

    "Stat fluctuation? Let me check myself," He said confidently as he can see stats on his eyesses. The guild master then used his monocle device. He saw that his stats were all way above fifty.

    "Ah, I see now. The stats are way over fifty. Maybe we should go check the device for errors," The guild master announced.

    "Ah, so that exins why. Did you cheat the device? Am I right?" The stat proctor asked.

    "No sir, maybe it is just a fluke on the device''s part. I don''t know sir, I am new to this," Joan said to them.

    "Do you mean that I don''t tell you the truth?" Thebat proctor asked him.

    "Shut up both of you! I will dere now his rank," The guild master said.

    "Your rank is," The guild master paused then Joan''s heart raced.

    "Steel rank badge," The guild master said.

    Joan smiled at his announcement. He never felt so happy for such a trifling thing. But it was considered as something he has to celebrate right now in this life. Something that he will cherish.

    "Here is your badge, you are an official adventurer now. Congrats!" The guild master said then opened a box made of wood and Joan saw the metallic badge shining right on his face. Enough to make him drool upon its design.

    Joan then grabbed the badge and ced it on his robes. It has a pin to lock on the cloth he has.

    "Now that you are an official adventurer. You will be assignedter on in the darknds of this continent. We will cull the numbers of the monsters and demons alike. That''s all and you may leave," The guild master said to him.

    Joan was smiling in glee, he exited the room after thanking the proctors and the guild master. Bowing at them before he left.

    He went to the exit of the hall and sat at the driver''s seat of the carriage. Waiting for Isaias to arrive. Meanwhile, the proctors were still talking after he left.

    "Will you believe that he has a stat of twenties before we start thebat test and arrived at fifties after we finished it? It seemed he became stronger and stronger with more struggle he made. I almost felt that he will defeat me and pass over my stats if I dragged it on. But he stopped as he felt that his muscles were torn apart. Making me heal him in the process." Thebat proctor said to the two.

    "What? So he was getting stronger and stronger?" Shouted the guild master.

    "So I was right all along. We should have given him a silver badge if that is the case," The stat proctor said to the two.

    "This is getting interesting. Who is that Joan exactly?" The guild master asked the two.

    "Well, he is from the vige that was attacked by the hell spawns. The only survivor apparently," Said the stat proctor.

    "What? Interesting, be sure to gather more info about that kid. He was apanied by Isaias too," The guild master said.

    "That exins it, maybe Isaias found the kid and took care of him," Thebat proctor said to him.

 Chapter 105 - Rest

    Isaias exited the door of the adventurer guild. Having the storytelling took time and a toll on his energy. Joan was in the driver''s seat and was just whistling for a while. Isaias arrived and he pats Joan on the shoulders.

    "We should eat first. It has been a while and we haven''t eaten yet," Isaias said to Joan.

    Joan then followed after him. They arrived at the street of food and was a busyne. Manynterns were hanged on the street and the stalls were brightly lit by them.

    The mood was very festive as the sun has set. Variety of foods were seen, from seafood, meat, or other foods that were never seen by Joan before. Joan''s curiosity has risen and wanted to stare at these delicacies.. He held tight for now and will eat all of them if he earned them from his adventurer life.

    Joan''s happiness was then cut short. The two was being stared at by other people as Isaias was popr. Also, Joan felt annoyed by it, he couldn''t have a time of peace when he was apanying Isaias. Even though Joan disliked it, he saw a child approach Isaias and gave him a flower. Her parents then grabbed her and Isaias dly patted her head. Making Joan feel a warmth inside.

    The lights were all made ofnterns and Isaias together with Joan, entered a humble stall of food.

    "Isaias, your poprity gets into my nerves. It was sometimes beneficial but it does more harm to me. You should change your face or something, can you do it?" Joan asked.

    "Hahaha, I can''t Joan. Let me buy the food for you in return. I want to pay at least for all the troubles that I made for you," Isaias said to him.

    "Tsk, okay okay. Let me chose what to eat then." Joan can only click his tongue.

    They ordered grilled chicken legs and a chicken broth. Eating while being silent for a while. Time sure flies by and they finished eating. They went back to the carriage and fed Prisci with water and carrots. She ate it happily and was neighing.

    It was dusk at that time and the sky was getting red. The surroundings were getting darker and darker after the sun has set. Making Joan and Isaias find an inn first before it gets dark. Being the capital, it has many inns located inside it. Every street has those and it was a convenient one for the visitors of the capital.

    They arrived at one of the inns and checked in there. An inn made of hardwood but it was cosy inside. The temperature changed from the cold outside to warm after stepping inside. Many candles were ced from here and there and it gave a sight to see. Magnificent into Joan''s eyes. Seeing its simplicity but was calming to Joan. Such a shallowed happiness such as him.

    Climbing the stairs of the inn made of wood, they went to their room and rested on the bed. Joan immediately washed on the bath and wore his sleeping clothes. Isaias washed too and Joan didn''t waste his time and cultivated his mana well.

    Absorbing mana towards his mana core, he was sitting crossed legs on the bed. Isaias was surprised at him being diligent in his cultivation. Isaias didn''t disturb him and just slept early this time. He was excited to sleep as he was tired from the whole day of activity.

    Joan was cultivating for hours and absorbing mana for the surrounding area. He was perspiring due to hours of cultivating. Making impurities inside hime out from his pores. He managed to break through to the eighth stage earth realm.

    After breaking through he saw that Isaias was sleeping. Still, he was not contented on his current stage. Walking on the eating ce of the inn, he saw that the innkeeper was still awake. Asking for a cup of water, Joan was handed a wooden cup filled with it.

    Other people were still awake and drinking, they were drunkards who were still talking about their adventures and Joan can hear their loud voices and giggles. Other drunkards were sleeping on the floor with still their cups being held.

    Joan then went upstairs and entered his room. Joan resumed his cultivation for a further breakthrough. He resumed cultivating until morning.

    Isaias woke up as he was struck by the sunlighting from the window. All he could do was cover his eyes with his hands and groan in the process. As he scanned his surroundings, he saw Joan sitting on crossed legs. Mana was seeping out of his skin and he was absorbing at a greater speed than before.

    He squinted his eyes as he can''t believe what his eyes were seeing. Isaias felt that Joan was emanating a different aura from before.

    "Sky stage? How?" Isaias uttered in great disbelief, all he could do was stare at Joan''s imagery. It felt like all the mana in the surrounding area was sucked dry by this being. Almost all the mana has been absorbed in a hundred-meter radius. It was also possible that it was more than that and has sucked a kilometre radius.

    Joan was just silent and Isaias wanted to smack him on the head.

    "Answer, you idiot!" Isaias shouted.

    Joan then woke up from a deep slumber and peeped at Isaias with his left eye. Right still closed and then he smiled.

    "What? Oh, how I managed it? Well you see, when you cultivated on the peek bottomless realm, you will get used to how hard it is as you will have no limits. Only expanding and expanding your mana well. The more your mana well is expanded, the harder it is to cultivate. So such a trifling earth realm is just an antpared to a giant. You can alsopare it to a proverb of a frog in the well," Joan exined.

    "Ah I see, so you can absorb greater speed if you trained yourself in the limitless realm," Isaias said to him, stroking his beard.

    "Yes, I can also absorb in greater speed but my mana core will explode as it will be overburdened or overloaded. It has to be at the exact speed so as not to hasten it. This is by far my speed limit so I have to prepare for another round of cultivation," Joan said to him.

    "Let''s go, we have to travel to the Tomb of Affliction. But first, we have to eat," Isaias said to Joan, packing his bag.

    "Okay, let''s go!" Joan replied.

 Chapter 106 - Journey

    It was time that the two has to travel towards the Tomb of Affliction. The Tomb where all it began, the tomb of the Demon Lord Dun. As they prepared for their journey, Joan was inside the carriage and Isaias was the one who was driving. Having eaten, they also bought food for their travel.

    Joan requested Isaias to buy a steel container with threeyers. Joan requested a portable grill for their travel. It excites Joan to the deepest of his bones. Also, Joan requested an icebox so Isaias bought one for him. They ced meat inside and Joan iced all of them. Such convenience for someone like a grandmaster of all elements.

    They refilled their stocks and also their water. Ingredients and spices, as well as the feeds for their animals. Especially Prisci''s carrots because she loved them.. The chickens were alright with just corn grits so Joan also bought one sack for them.

    Now that they were ready, they travelled towards the tomb. Located at the edge of the human kingdom. It was far from the capital and it was a weakness that the kingdom has. It was exploited by the cultist and Demon Lord worshipers that soon became the root of all this mess. The backup and reinforcements were a tadte after their attack. It was soon liberated or so what Joan imagined. But it was obvious that they were ughtered and none were spared.

    "Joan, what are you doing inside?" Isaias asked while he was driving.

    "Nothing, just cooking. Do you want to eat? I have grilled pork here," Joan said while inside.

    "Ah, we can eat while travelling eh? You''re brilliant as always." Isaias said to him.

    Joan then went outside and have a te of grilled pork.

    "I have rubbed it with salt and pepper. Want some? I cooled it off," Joan said then handed him the te.

    "Thanks!" Isaias said to him. Grabbing a slice.

    "We are travelling towards the edge of the Human Kingdom. It will have greater numbers of monsters and demons. Though there were walls that separate the darknds. I am sure he nted a seed of evil in that ce. Let us awaken them, I am sure the heroes are waiting for another time to breathe fresh air," Isaias said to him.

    "So we are going to uproot the seed of evil there?" Joan asked curiously.

    "Haha, Joan you are still too weak for that. Focus on your growth first. Maybe when you reached Legend," Isaias said to him. Taking a bite of the meat.

    Joan then chuckled, he went inside and finished cooking for their lunch. Sitting inside and crossed legs, he inhaled deep and start absorbing mana from the surroundings. No time has to be wasted in the time being. He has only a little time left before he will battle the Demon Lords once again and he used his [Stat maniption] halfway.

    Joan can only click his tongue as it was premature and he was left with meagre stats before they will sh once again. All he could do was regain his strength at once and that was by killing enemies in the uing battle. All he could wish was it has to be enough or else he was doomed.

    Joan absorbed mana and it was felt by Isaias. Isaias was then amazed by his determination. He didn''t waste time and cultivated instead. Upon reaching the Sky realm, he has greater mana well, faster mana regeneration, and, smaller mana consumption. Also unlocking his skills on the Advanced and if he will stretch his self, he can execute some Master tier skills.

    But it was harder to progress with greater heights that he will rise. He can only smile in the process while doing his cultivation.

    Joan needs to get stronger as fast as he could so sacrificing his stats were also the right decision for that. But he barely has stats for battling thest battle. He focused himself on his cultivation and the mana in his surrounding was sucked dry. But with it, he was able to reach the second stage of the Sky realm. His breakthrough took his all and he was breathing deeply.

    Drinking water, he grabbed some food and gave some to Isaias. Joan then saw outside that they were in the mountains. Seeing the vast mountain ranges that have sprinkles of white on their tops and clouds carried by the winds that collided with them. The winds carried a cold breeze that sent shivers on their spines. Joan then heated water and brewed coffee. Giving a cup to Isaias that he soon drank. Luckily, the road was not bumpy or else his cup will be spilt on the process.

    Prisci was pulling their carriage but she soon put it to a stop. Breathing hoarsely, Joan felt worried as the climate was chilly. Joan then let her rest and fed her with warm water and carrots. He also added protein-rich beans and peas to her diet as she was exerting more strength in their travels.

    They rested beside the road and it was chilly in that parts. Joan created a small fire pit and they warmed themselves on the fire. Eating the grilled pork, Joan also cooked some soup from chicken legs that they bought ahead and was stored inside the icebox. Joan finished cooking it and added spices for vouring. Salt was just right and so they drank its hot soup. It was soon getting dark and so the two decided to camp there by the night.

    "Joan, let us camp here right now and sign out for the night. If we will push some more, I am afraid that we will be attacked by monsters on the road. The next region will teem with monsters so it is not safe to camp there," Isaias exined.

    "So it is safe here? I hope we can at least sleep without problems," Joan asked.

    "No," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah," Joan replied while being dumbfounded.

    "You know about the story of the Lost Candlesticks?" He asked Joan.

    "Ah, the story of four-armed monsters bathed with blood and kills anyone who didn''t light up candles on their homes? The candles were like the charm used against bad tidings. But one day, the candlemakers died or disappeared and no one was able to produce candles anymore. All the candles run out and then the monsters arrived. It was pretty horrific, yes?" Joan said to him.

    "It is real," Isaias said to him.

 Chapter 107 - Candles

    "It was once a story that scares children. But it was more than that. It was more. Thousand years before, as far as I can remember. As you can see, I am just a young man at that time and the continent was not what it used to be now. The Human kingdom flourished. Everything was at peace. But it all began to crumble after the catastrophe of four-armed monsters roamed the viges. They were attacking viges and killed anyone whom they met. Leaving the wanderers to tremble with a whole vige was ughtered. Heads were hanged in the trees and all the vigers were headless," Isaias said.

    Joan felt disturbed by what he heard. He didn''t imagine that what he was told as tales were all real. It was a story that the past Joan has heard from his parents.. He knew that it has a meaning and it then became folklore.

    "But it was then, a vige that was making candles was attacked. Monsters entered their home and a boy who has a candlestick trusted it to the monster. To his surprise, the monster retreated and never came back. It was then, he talked to all of the citizens and it was spreading like a wildfire. It happened to the other vigers too and so they spread it. Even the King believed it and made a decree to mass-produce these candles. It was then, all the candle makers were hired by the King and made candles for him. But it was then, the King became greedy and told that they can only buy candles on him and will make profits out of it." Isaias said to Joan.

    Joan who was listening was silent and crossed his hands. Warming himself to the cold breeze.

    "It was then, the ordinary citizens have run out of candles and they all can''t buy as it was overpriced. Making them make a protest. Still, the King hardened his heart and continued to purge them. Viges were attacked left and right and even the forces of the King were not enough to contain the enemies of the dark. After it all happened, a prophet came to the King and scolded him. He said that he prayed for the candles to repel the darkness and not to be hoarded by someone. The King was infuriated and he was jailed. The prophet then wept and then it all happened," Isaias stopped for a moment.

    "Happened what?" Joan asked.

    "The candlemakers disappeared and the prophet also vanished from his jail. It was then, the King was haunted in his dreams and he envisioned that Humanity will get ughtered in the future. So he released all the candles on the citizens. Fighting the four-armed monsters with his remaining forces," Isaias said to Joan.

    "Wow, so prophets sure have big roles huh?" Joan said to him.

    "That''s not the point," Isaias said to Joan.

    "What I mean is that they still exist," Isaias added.

    "You mean the four-armed monsters?" Joan asked.

    "Yes, not long after that. They hunted the monsters with the candles they have and the enemies were taller than an average person. Still, they felt that enemies tend to get weak when exposed to the light. Making them retreat and hide in these very mountains themselves. Their hideout was unknown but I am sure, getting further from here is dangerous. We will pass through a valley that was famous for its ambush attacks. I knew they were multiplying themselves up until now. Ready to attack again in the future," Isaias said to him.

    "Oh geez, are they powerful?" Joan asked.

    "They don''t have powers as we have. But their raw strength and numbers will pierce through solid gates. Break down walls of homes. Crumple full ted armours with their brute strength. I have witnessed it and the chill that I felt down to my spine etched on my very soul. They are the personification of horrors. Merciless and unforgiving, no one was able to havemunicated with them and no one tried," Isaias said to him with eyes reflecting the fire in his front.

    "I have seen horrors in my past life too. I guess we have amon thing too. What is your age when it all happened?" Joan asked.

    "It was when I am just a budding teen. You see, I am the boy who discovered the power of those candle lights. All my siblings are killed and my parents are all ughtered. Just a speck of whisper was heard by my ears and it told me about the candle. So I grabbed it and trusted it at them. They shrieked like a wailing swine after being bathed with its light. All were in the past, it is no use to bring that up again but humanity has learned its lesson. These lonely eyes are the result of it," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah yes, those irreparable lonely eyes of yours. By the way, how many years has it been when the kingdom was fighting those monsters?" Joan asked wondering.

    "It took years but we repelled it with the help of candles. They were driven to the edge of the kingdom but they hide in these mountains so the human armies can''t exterminate them entirely. Plus these winds are enough to blow our candles out," Isaias said while pointing to the blowing air.

    "By the way, Joan did you bring candles with you?" Isaias asked.

    "Nope, why?" Joan asked curiously.

    "They are here," Isaias said to him.

    "What? Howe they are here?" Joan asked in his surprise.

    "Well, they can feel that we have no candles right?" Isaias said to him.

    "Ah," Joan can only smack his forehead in the process. He shakes his head while thinking about what to do.

    While they were talking, shadows were dashing left and right from where they were standing. Prisci was alerted and she neighed on the process. Also, the chickens were panicking inside. Making Joan bit his lower lips. If the legends were true, he will be doomed. Still, he has faced countless enemies in the past. Making him test again how far his stats will grow if he used his [Stat cultivation]. While pushing himself to his limits, he knew that he will be stronger.

    Joan prepared for the worst, also Isaias grabbed his staff and readied himself for an uing battle. Joan''s sweat was starting to trickle his face even the climate was cold. He gulped his saliva on the process.

 Chapter 108 - Candles Part 2

    "Joan we are surrounded," Isaias said to him.

    "I know, should I go all out?" Joan asked.

    "If your all is enough," Isaias replied to him.

    Joan then nodded. He felt that these enemies were worthy of being called foes. Something strong enough to deal with. But Joan felt that their numbers were still not yet measured. Making him have a slight panic while imagining what the unknown was.

    Joan then immediately used his Mage job ss and used his skill [Sr re]. Aimed at the sky, he released the spell. .

    Boom!

    At the explosion of his skill, many red creatures that flooded the hills were seen by Joan. They were vast and their numbers were hundreds. Joan didn''t know their exact numbers but he knew they were three hundred strong warriors. Armed with numerous variety of weapons on their hands. They have four hands as Isaias has spoken and it will be a tad hard to eradicate them.

    Joan knew that it will be a hard battle so he summoned all his summons on his arsenal. Not thinking twice about going all out as these enemies were once the ones that closely eradicated the human kingdom. Their numbers were also another thing, he can duel one or two with his current stats but forget about hundreds. Also not just hundreds but three hundred strong. The survival rate was on the lowest as Joan has thought about it.

    [Summon bear]

    A bear appeared with Spirit armour covering its body. Roaring after it was summoned

    [Summon vine]

    Vines spewing poison, ice, and, fire elements were summoned. Ready to attack anytime soon.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared with different sses. Are were ready to kill for their master.

    [Shadow clones]

    Four shadow clones appeared and they were armed and ready. Crouching while daggers on their hands.

    [Spirit and soul duplicate]

    Joan duplicate appeared and he was ready for an all-out war.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves and crows appeared, seemingly excited to bit off enemies and peck their eyes.

    Joan duplicate was one of them and he can''t help but be happy when he was summoned. But his happiness then faded, he felt weak for a reason.

    "You used it?" Joan''s duplicate asked.

    "Yes," Joan replied.

    "Ah, you cheeky brat! Did you use it prematurely? You know that we will face the Demon Lords now right?" He said while pinching his cheeks.

    "Ah, that is why this is a great opportunity to get stronger. Look at the numbers of the enemies, it will be a feast," Joan said to him. Pointing at them.

    "Okay, let''s get stronger!" Joan duplicate shouted.

    It was then, the enemies rushed towards them. Their numbers made rumblings to the ground and Joan inhaled great amounts of air.

    "Hold your positions! Attack all enemies!" Joan shouted.

    Isaias was surrounded by several Skeletons. He was also bothered about why there were so many of them, gathered here in one ce. To his surprise, they were also armed to the teeth. It didn''t have to be a mere coincidence that they were here just to attack them. It was then, Isaias concluded.

    "They are here to attack the Kingdom!" Isaias shouted.

    "After a thousand years, they will rise again and wreak havoc on all parts of ournds. With the rise of the Demon Lords, they thought that it was once again time for their rise!" Isaias said to Joan.

    The two was then felt excited. Or so they thought at the moment.

    "Let us die without regrets! Till death do us part!" Joan shouted.

    Isaias and Joan''s duplicate stared at him.

    "Well, we will part when I die here, right?" Joan said to the two.

    It was then, Joan duplicate also unleashed his minions. Bearing the strength of their original, it will be a battle to look into. Joan then felt that it was time to unleash his all. Having made it into Sky realm the second stage, he will have more spells he can use.

    "The time hase, Joan duplicate. You should handle the front lines and I will do the support," Joanmanded.

    "Understood," Joan duplicate replied.

    It was then, Joan used his job ss Mage. Levitating on the sky and he saw the multitudes of enemies thereof. Joan duplicate then used his Holy Knight job ss. It was the job ss that was his favourite. Being the job ss that was best used against monsters and demons alike.

    [Conjure holy armour]

    He was covered in a shining golden armour that radiates a holy aura. Joan duplicate was then covered with armour from head to toe.

    [Conjure holy armour]�Can armour that has healing properties. Made of the holy element that was harmful to the monsters and demons. The defence will be boosted with the holy element affinity. Maintained by mana and repairs with mana.

    [Conjure holy sword]

    A sword was seen on Joan duplicate''s hands. It was shining with a golden glow.

    [Conjure holy sword]�Ca sword made for killing monsters and demons. Deals more damage to such enemies and it works only to such creatures. It can be imbued with a more holy element for greater effects.

    [Conjure holy shield]

    A shield was made on his arms. Making a glow that shines in the dark. It was in a form of a kite shield and it has runes that ornamented it.

    [Conjure holy shield]�Ca shield that was made of the holy element. Boosting the defence of the user as long as he uses the shield. Can raise its defensive stats with more holy element will be injected to it.

    [Judgement zone]

    Joan duplicate was surrounded by golden light. He glows like a spotlight in the dark. Its effects have a ten-meter radius.

    [Judgement zone]�Call creatures of darkness will be repelled from the light. The more the enemies will approach, the more they will be repelled and the more damage they will suffer. It has Holy burning damage that was harmful to demons and monsters and it increases the more the enemies gets closer.

    Joan then saw Joan duplicate march towards the enemy lines. Without a hint of hesitation on his face, he marched together with his minions. Joan''s troops were guarding Isaias and he was up in the sky to support and deal damage as long as he can.

 Chapter 109 - Candles Part 3

    Joan duplicate''s Minions marched towards the fray. Shining in his armour that glows in the darkness, he felt confident as he approached. The four-armed monsters first marched then slowly dashed towards them. Making Joan bit his lips. Without further ado, he summoned his mana for a great spell he will unleash.

    [Sun re]

    Bang!

    With the fiery fire and scorching heat that was thrown towards them, Joan can only smirk as he knew that Joan didn''t hold himself back. It was then his turn to attack the enemies..

    While they were marching forward, the enemies marched forwards towards them while burning. Dashing while scorching in heat, they all arise from the crater that Joan has dealt. With more and more enemies has emerged from the fire, Joan duplicate can only be amazed at their resilience. They thought that it needs more damage to deal than normal. Making them adjust prematurely.

    Joan duplicate was in the front and he held his sword and shield. Shining in the dark and has buffs in his body. With the [Judgement zone] being used, it will be a tad harder to be approached with the enemies. The enemies dashed towards him, still burning and their four arms were all using swords or axes.

    The first one to arrive jumped up above him and shed his two hands. Landing on his shield, he was thrown on the process.

    Bang!

    He thought that it will be a fair fight but Joan duplicate realized that their stats were all above one hundred. It was something he didn''t sign up for and so he bit his lower lips.

    He thought that the [Judgement zone] was able to repel them but his estimation failed him. They were all able to solo veteran adventurers but Joan has weakened recently. Making him a childpared to the monsters who were veteran warriors. They were the ones who brought the kingdom to near extinction after all. Or so Joan thought.

    Three more arrived and Joan duplicate dashed towards them. The Skeletons dashed towards the enemies alongside the four shadow clones. The shadow clones used their skills and threw daggers. Skeletons duelled some of them and were smashed vehemently.

    The Beast call troops were all in chaos as they were shed without mercy. Albeit regenerating, they were not able to give a good hit on the enemies. Wolves bite at them but swords and axes met their fangs. Although they bit them, they were all thrown in the process as the momentum was greatly improved by their enemy''s strength.

    "Master! They are too strong!" Fang shouted.

    "Argh! Ergk!" Shouted the other wolves who wailed as they were struck with their weapons.

    Bear was battered with two-handed weapons like hammers and maces. They were able to hold it with just one hand. Although Bear has Spirit armour, it still made him groan with every hit.

    [Hand smash]

    Bang!

    Bear used the skill but they blocked it with their weapons. The two hands blocked it but the other two struck him at the abdomen. Making the Bear step back on the process. Vines were spewing ice at them to help the bear to attack them. Making the ones hit slowed on their approach. Although they were slowed on the process, not all were hit as they blocked it with their weapons or just inly evaded them.

    "Master! We should regroup! We can''t deal with all of them!" Shouted Tengu who were flying on their top.

    Meanwhile, Joan was up in the air. Panting and gathering mana with the spell he needs to unleash.

    [Thunderstruck]

    Thousand of volts came from the sky then pierced the fray of multitudes of enemies. Left and right bolts of lightning came to strike from above.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Joan panted with the mana requirements of the spell. Luckily, he has reached the Sky realm. Or else he will be left panting with just one Thunderstruck that was made. It will be his limit currently and so he was d that he reached Sky realm atst.

    But still, he has to eliminate enemies with just one hit. Looking at the enemies who with his skill [Share vision and mind] on Tengu''s view, they were toasted and were sizzling but they were still alive and kicking.

    They breathed hot steamy air that was the result of his spell, but they only grinned and were angered by the process. Making Joan duplicate to have a harder time repelling them.

    [Deep freeze]

    Joan used his skill andunched it toward Joan duplicate''s front. Making the struck enemies froze a moment. Making Joan shout on the process.

    "All troops! Now!" Joan duplicate shouted.

    [Group bless]

    The troops then were all bathed with golden light. Making them be amazed by their body''s radiating selves. The skin was glowing in a golden hue and their resolve was reformed at the moment.

    [Group bless]�Can area of effect bless that gives a boost to all stats. Small regeneration to both health and mana. Expires immediately if the caster dies and expires in a minute. Can be prolonged in the future if the caster has a greater mastery of the skill.

    They felt the power surging from their bodies and they attacked the frozen enemies before the skill of Joan will expire.

    Dashing forth, they all attacked with greater vigour and determination.

    Raaa!!!

    Roar!!!

    Shreee!!!

    Wooo!!!

    Caw!!!

    They all shouted and the enemies were all smashed to bits. They exploded like ss after they were hit. Making them gain confidence in the process. They all killed them without problems and all were going as nned. But the frozen enemies soon came to move but were still slowed.

    Other enemies, hundred in numbers assaulted them and their gained confidence came to dissipate. It was like their morale plummeted down as soon as the enemies jumped above them. Bearing anger that was caused by the deaths of their brethren, they assaulted with no mercy.

    Upon seeing enemies attacked full force, Joan immediately panicked. He will have to hold fast and stood firm.

    "Everyone, brace for impact!" Joan duplicate shouted.

 Chapter 110 - Candles Part 4

    Enemies jumped at them. It was too many to count on a whim and their numbers were not something to be trifled with. Enemies were shouting while they were up in the air. Their voices chorused and turned into a monstrous wail after they attacked. Sending chill towards them as they were surrounded.

    Joan duplicate readied his troops and himself for an uing battle. Making him hold his shield tighter at chest level and his sword on his front just beside his shield. Gritting his teeth before anything happens, he was struck with the enemy mace that assaulted him. Three enemies immediately smashed and shed him but he withheld it with his meer strength. Even though he has stopped their attacks. He has sunk his feet on the ground and his arm has almost broken upon their strike.

    Another one kicked his shield and he was thrown. The other summons were attacked too and they were beaten in a one-sided beating.. The Bear was struck with their four arms and numerous enemies attacked simultaneously. Shadow clones attacked the backs of the enemies and tried to use reverse sh but were the first ones to disappear.

    They were smashed by the enemies'' club and they were flung afar from the enemies. Their durability was split into four and hitting them with strength more than one hundred will surely make them perish. Making the shadow clones return to Joan duplicate''s shadow.

    Bear then wailed and has returned to Joan duplicate''s body. The Beast call troops were just defending and can''t find an opening. The enemy''s four arms were always ready to defend themselves and there were not much of an opening to exploit. Their backs were also covered by their otherrades.

    Skeletons were one by one falling and they were outmatched by the enemies'' four arms. While the skeletons attack, the enemies defended with one hand and the other two will follow for a counter or hit them.

    Still, Joan duplicate didn''t lose hope. He struggled some more. The summons disappeared and was defeated so fast that he wanted to use [Group heal] on them. Making him bit his lips on the process as it was toote.

    [Group heal]�Ca skill to heal all allies instantly and also yourself. A support spell used by advanced Priests to heal numerous individuals in an instant. Mastery of the skill will affect its healing effects and the affinity of the element.

    [Shield bash]

    He used the skill to bash some enemies and they were one by one flung from him.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Using the skill simultaneously to make the enemies have space from him. It was then, his group bless has expired. They felt weaker than before and it added to their stalemate. Feeling that they will have to strive harder this time as the skill has expired.

    [Shield bash] [sh]

    He bashed one and it was sent flying towards theirrades. A sh was then made to one enemy and the enemy wailed. Joan duplicate didn''t lose hope despite their current situation. Still, his shield was bashed left and right by numerous enemies. Making him groan at the impact.

    Ngk!

    Joan duplicate shielded some attacks and some were blocked by his sword. Multiple enemies were attacking him at the same time. While he was defending, it was still a hard battle. Other blunt clubs were hit on his back and it made Joan kneel on the ground with his one knee. Another two-handed club was swung on him and he blocked it with his shield.

    Bing!

    His shield has shattered on the impact and he was flung on the process. Shards of the shield were sent together with him. The minions then went to defend him.

    "Master!" The summons shouted at him.

    They all jolted as their master has fallen. Making them have a slight panic that they felt. Ten enemies then went to attack him in all directions. All the remaining summons were the three skeletons and beast call troops. Vines have perished after their tank bear has perished. Making only a few survivors were left defending their master.

    It was then, the ten enemies shed with them.

    Joan duplicate then felt the world was spinning. He was hit in the forehead while shielding the club. The impact was so great that his arms almost snapped. While he was regenerating, he still felt the pain in his arms. With little rity on his mind left, he mustered to use his skill [Group heal]. Making him groan and force himself to stand up.

    With the chaos all around him, he saw that his summons was defending him with theirst efforts. With his skill [Group heal] still on cooldown, he was biting his lower lips in bitterness.

    Joan then tried with all his efforts to stand up and when he looked up, he saw a hand was offered to him. It was none other than Joan. Joan duplicate then smiled at him.

    Joan then was attacked on his back with a club of one enemy. Making Joan duplicate to use his Mage skill force field.

    Bing!

    Joan then used his Chaos Knight skill chaos breathe. Incinerating the enemy on his front. Four enemies then shed their four weapons at the two. Making Both of them use their Ronin job ss.

    [Conjure katana]

    [elerate]

    [Multi sh]

    Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!

    They repelled their shes and barely get out unscathed. Making the two grin at the moment.

    [Draw sh] [Draw sh]

    The two used the skill at the same time.

    Enemies then jumped at them and they were above them. Joan and Joan''s duplicate grinned. Using their Mage job ss, they used their skill telekinesis.

    The enemies were held up in the air and then the two smashed them against each other. Making them collide with theirrades. Still, without mercy, they threw them down towards the ground. Crashing themselves to the great impact that the two has caused.

    It was then multiple enemies came after. The two then used their Fighter job ss and dashed to the enemies head-on. Albeit short on stats, their skills will make up for them.

    [Shattering strength]

    [Speed]

    They attack the enemies with their skills in their arsenal.

    [Gentle fist]

    [Hard fist]

    [Gentle fist]

    [Hard fist]

    [Roundhouse kick]

    [Axe kick]

    [Roundhose kick]

    [Axe kick]

    They used the skill to cover themselves up. Not to offence but to defend each other. Covering each other''s backs and blind spots.

    "Let''s do it!" Joan duplicate suggested.

    "Sure!" Joan shouted.

    Just as Joan felt that they can do more damage to enemies, He grabbed Joan duplicate and flung him up in the air.

    [Shapeshift werebear]

    [Gigantism]

    [Hand m]

    Bang!

    The very ground shakes upon the impact. Making the enemies shudder a bit. They all jumped at Duplicate and so he reverted to human. Using his Rogue job ss, he used his skill to conjure daggers.

    [Conjure daggers]

    He summoned more and more daggers and Joan used his Mage job ss.

    [Telekinesis]

    The daggers all propelled at the enemies at the same time. Making them suspend in the air as Joan still controlled the daggers. Making them flung towards the ground.

    Still, the enemies were hundreds. And they were exhausted after giving their all. Joan felt rmed after seeing the total number of enemies. He was then approached by Joan duplicate.

    "Let us be strong. We should retreat from here, as sad as it was. We don''t have hopes to win this fight," Joan said to him.

    "But I can still fight! We can still fight!" Joan duplicate shouted.

    "Not this one, see those couple of hundreds of enemies not moving from their positions? They only sent a hundred of their force but we struggled this much. How much more if all of their forces will attack us. We are only two Joan duplicate, we fought enough," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah," Joan duplicate said bitterly. Biting his lips on the process.

    "I will hold them off, teleport Isaias and the carriage far from here. I will rejoin your side after you teleported," Joan said to him.

    "But promise me that you will live. I will be void and vain without the original. Also, Prisci and the chickens will get sad," Duplicate said to him.

    "Okay, now go!" Joan shouted.

    Immediately, he retreated towards Isaias''s side. Making Joan and his summons was left. All his summons has been extinguished and he resummoned them.

    [Summon bear]

    [Summon vine]

    [Shadow clones]

    [Beast call]

    [Skeleton]

    All summons has regained their stamina and health. Making them roar their battle cry.

    "All summons! Buy as much time as you can!" Joan shouted at them.

 Chapter 111 - Retreating

    Joan duplicate ran fast towards Isaias. He was seen guarding the carriage. A barrier was put up to repel enemies just in case. Just as Joan duplicate arrived, he immediately entered the barrier. He saw Isaias by the campfire, sitting and was confident that his barrier would hold without him being disturbed.

    Just as Joan duplicate saw him, he noticed his presence. A booming sound was heard from afar so Joan duplicate hurried. Upon seeing Joan duplicate, Isaias was struck with worry. .

    "Where is Joan?" He asked.

    "Isaias, let me teleport you somewhere safe. Joan will not hold them off for long!" Joan duplicate said to him.

    "I asked you where is Joan?" He repeated.

    "There, stalling time for us to escape," Joan duplicate said to him as he pointed his direction.

    "Ah, so brave of him. We should not waste time, I will wait for his return. We should get away first," Isaias said to him.

    It was then, Joan duplicate started his teleportation. A purple rune was made and they were glowing. They started to fade then they disappeared. Relocating themselves to somewhere safe, a few kilometres from their original spot. Just as Joan knew their safe teleportation, he grinned at the process.

    "Crows! Now!" Joan shouted at them and they immediately knew what needs to be done. With Joan getting stronger, they became strong too.

    [Multiply and disperse]

    The ten crows multiplied into hundreds. Making them distract the enemies and they pecked their eyes on the process. Making the enemies have a hard time.

    [Multiply and disperse]�Ca skill that multiplies the crow into ten more and they can peck enemies. An effective skill for disturbing enemies. The clones were hittable and will transmit the pain towards the original. The skill will only get cancelled or the clones will disappear if the original was hit.

    It was a great skill for disrupting and disturbing enemies but as the clones were hit, the crows were pained too in the process. The enemies were swatting them left and right. Being annoyed by their presence and they were not able to get away from their grasp. It was then Tengu cawed and the other crows heard the signal.

    [Illusion]

    The crows used the skill and they were sunken into the illusion spell. The enemies felt that they were sent to another dimension with only crows all around. Making them flooded with their numbers. They were attacked left and right without rest.

    [Illusion]�Ca skill only applicable when the enemies were surrounded by the flock of their numbers. Will send their minds into another world and will get attacked there without rest. They can only cancel the skill with them hitting the original. Or if the skill will be cancelled by the original himself or Joan.

    Upon making the enemies in chaos, Joan knew it was time. He extinguished his summons and used his telekinesis to levitate in the air.

    Upon his summons''s disappearance, the enemies were confused. Joan then used the dark of the night to hide from where he was. He flew at a fast speed and has risen as high as the clouds. Finding Joan duplicate and Isaias''s soul imprint, he changed trajectory and swiftly flew like a magic missile. Piercing the very wind that was in his path.

    As he flew, many enemies were seen by his beast aura''s vision. Seeing that many enemies flooded the mountain. Just as he saw enemies, he also saw lights that wereing from afar. Looking from afar, farther from the forest that he was atop.

    Seeing that they have tents and they were huddled together from each other. He saw that they were having the kingdom''s g being strewn all over the ces made Joan thought that they were the kingdom''s forces. There were others too that disyed on their tents and were being blown by the wind.

    Just a minute has passed, he located the direction of the imprints of the two. He saw a densely covered forest andnded somewhere in an open space. Joan then saw the carriage not far from him and was in the middle of a forest. Isaias was holding antern and Joan duplicate made a floating light that was making an orbit around him.

    Joan duplicate was on the tree, sitting on one of its branches. The trees around them were towering. Leaves rustle as the wind blew them. Crickets reverberated their songs and it bathed the surroundings with its melody.

    Isaias was on the carriage, sitting on the driver''s seat. He then went to approach Joan and exited the front seat.

    "A brilliant decision Joan, we almost get killed by the enemies. Close call," Isaias said to Joan. Joan then wiped his sweat while taking a deep breath.

    "That thing? What are they called?" Joan asked Isaias.

    "Hmmm, now you are curious eh? They are none other called Nightmares. They are attacking always at night and so they are called nightmares," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah I see, so they are the bringers of death in the past right?" Joan asked.

    "Yes, they are. They are also called death bringers in the past. They are once legends up until now and the legend became true as they are now awake," Isaias said to him.

    "I think that their recent activities are rted to the waking up of Demon Lords. Maybe the Demon Lord of Corruption has reignited them once again, rousing them to attack the kingdom once again," Joan said to the two.

    "Prediction this, prediction that. It is just a prediction, we don''t have evidence but Demon Lords are connected to monsters and demons alike. Still, they are predictions, we can''t trust our gut feeling that far but needs evidence," Joan duplicate said to him.

    "Yeah, I know. But they are terrifying existences. I can''t imagine viges being attacked by them and was left unscathed. Both of us can''t even think of surviving three hundred of their numbers!" Joan almost shouted.

    "Still, at least we survived. We don''t know what will happen if that battle dragged on. That sent chill on my spine," Duplicate said to the two of them.

    Joan sighed, after his transmigration. He didn''t have such enemies until he met those nightmares. Still, he managed to kill a few.

    "So, you don''t feel anything?" Joan duplicate asked.

    "Feel what? I feel tired if you want an answer," Joan said to Joan duplicate.

    "Dude, the essences! I can also feel that it was very thick and was seeping out of your skin," Duplicate said to him.

    "Oh, hohoho! Nightmares tend to give arge amount of essence! They were strong enough to be called the death bringers themselves! And imagine killing two or three of them? You will get their stats!" Isaias blurted out.

    "What? So I survived due to it? I also felt that I can duel some of them after absorbing a few! So that exins it. Also, with the help of my skill [Stat cultivation], I managed to get stronger and stronger. Bing on par with them in due time," Joan said to them. Isaias and Joan duplicate almost smirked at him.

    "That''s my boy!" Isaias shouted.

    Immediately, Joan sat at the driver''s seat and being on crossed legs. While his essence was seeping out, he absorbed it all. Due to his [Stat maniption] skill, the effects of essences were greater than normal. The essences that he collected were being absorbed and went inside his mana core. His stats rose from the fifties to sixties, it was not stopping until it reached seventies.

    Further and further, his stats made it into the nies and then reaching into hundreds. Time passed by and he reached till the hundred fifties. Gasping air on the process and he felt the power surging from his very veins.

    "So how''s it?" Joan duplicate asked.

    "I collected essences equal to one hundred points of stats," Joan said to him.

    "And that was just killing a few?" Joan duplicate asked.

    "Yes," Joan replied.

    Joan duplicate was shocked. He felt that he needs to kill all of the Nightmares in the future. Isaias smiled as he expected it to happen.

 Chapter 112 - Perished

    Joan and Joan''s duplicate went deeper into the forest then collected dried branches. Dried leaves for making up the fire were ced after piling up the dried stems. Upon making a fire element just as small as a match, Joan then lighted up the small sticks and it soon went to smoke.

    After setting up some campfire. Isaias then grabbed his ukelele and sang like a bard. Joan then grabbed his grill and ced some embers inside. Grilling some chicken legs after putting salt and spices like pepper and chilli powder. Joan duplicate and Isaias was cooking the food and Joan was inside the carriage. Legs crossed and were in the lotus position.

    He was cultivating his mana well while waiting for the food to be cooked. He felt tired but his growth has to be his priority. After challenging the Nightmares, his stats have risen but it was only a few points. Still, he needs to push himself to the limits to make his stats rise..

    Just as Joan was cultivating, the two was talking outside. Grilling the food that they need to eat. They felt hungry after all the troubles they have made through. Joan has to eat as he was tired enough after battling those monsters. He has to eat meat too so his muscles will grow and he will turn into a muscr man. Not wanting to be seen as a famished ragged boy that looks like he belonged to the countryside that was said to him by his other fellow adventurers.

    Joan then ascended to the third stage after numerous minutes that it took. It was then, they finished grilling the food. The food''s aroma permeated the surroundings and then Joan felt hungry. More than before he started cultivating.

    He exited the carriage and the voice of crickets assaulted his ears. It became louder as he swiped the curtains of the carriage. Joan then sat at the campfire beside the two to warm himself up. Wanting to eat together with them.

    "So Joan, you made it to the third stage now?" Isaias asked.

    "Yeah, it is still not enough though. You may want more realms if you wanted to unlock the Master and Grandmaster skills. In reality, I am still in Advance and I still can''t handle the burden of Master skills. Burden aside, my stats stillcked. Still, I managed to pull off some Grandmaster skills but they are just triggered in pure luck. Some will destroy your body if you forced yourself to initiate the skill," Joan exined to them.

    "Ah I see, so you have to continue your cultivation?" Isaias asked.

    "Yeah, I guess I have no choice do I?" Joan said to him.

    "Joan, I absorbed essence too but I can''t cultivate like you. So I need to vanish this instant," Joan duplicate said to Joan.

    "Nah, let''s eat first. We have to celebrate after surviving the nightmares. To victory!" Joan shouted.

    "Yeah, at least we have survived that. Do you know they were neutral monsters? But they were discovered that they give huge essences. There came mass ughter, killed for their essences. Humans did that to them. But what can we do about the past? It was then, the Demon Lords and gave them power. They grew another pair of arms and their strengths shoot up. They are named Nightmares by the Demon Lords and they were instructed to attack only at night. They bathed with blood and so their skin became red up until now," Isaias said to the two. Stroking his mane again.

    "Ah, so they have a story too? Creepy," Joan duplicate said in his surprise.

    "You see, they will vanish in the night after attacking the viges like they didn''t exist at all. Only the survivors testified of their existence," Isaias said.

    "So they didn''t leave tracks?" Joan asked.

    "They do, it was just their presence disappeared in just seconds after their attacks and it was utter silence after that," Isaias replied.

    "Ah I see, let''s eat! I am hungry," Joan said.

    "Yeah, let''s eat," Isaias said to the two.

    Joan and Joan''s duplicate ate without a sound. They felt so hungry after the battle.

    "By the way, I have seen some of the kingdom''s forces up above here," Joan said. The two paused their eating and stared at him.

    "What?" Joan duplicate blurted out.

    "Kingdom''s forces, you''re deaf?" Joan said.

    Meanwhile, a little earlier than before, there was a scout that was watching the great numbers of enemies from where he was sitting. He was on the top of the tree and was watching the battle that rages on. Cloaked in robes and his armour was made of leather. A bow and a quiver of arrows were on his back.

    With his skill [Snipe], he can see the multitudes of enemies that were attacking. From what he can see who was their enemy, it was none other than summons of mixed job sses. From Lycan''s beast call, Druid''s and, Necromancer''s summons. There are also four Rouges that were mixed in the fray.

    He observed some more and saw that there was a Mage up above the sky that unleashes spells and a Holy Knight that was battling multiple enemies.

    "Adventurers? Howe they can battle toe to toe with the Nightmares? I must report this to themander," The Ranger said to himself.

    Dashing towards their camp, he ran like wind inside the forest. Like a snake on the grass or a fish on the sea. Manoeuvre on the obstacles on the way was evaded and he also jumped from tree to tree if the poption of the trees were dense. He exited the forest and immediately entered themander''s tent. He reported to themander what he has seen.

    "Commander, I have seen Nightmares ahead the forest. Battling the adventurers while they are on the road. I spected that the Nightmares will head to our camp or the kingdom if not for them. Their march has stopped and they are battling up until now," The Ranger said to him.

    "Ah, adventurers. They are probably dead by now. We should prepare to fight them head-on. Thanks to them, we will have time to prepare. Captain! Assemble the army! We will stop the Nightmares if we need to! And bring candles!" The Commander said to his men.

    It was then, they marched towards the road. They stomped their feet and moved synchronously. Their movement rumbles the ground and then shakes them in the process.

    The scouts then saw that the adventurers have disappeared. They reported that the adventurers probably perished while they battled them. It was then, the Nightmares appeared in all directions. They were surrounded and so they attacked them. Candles were out and they ced them inside thentern. Battling the enemies until morning.

    Meanwhile, Joan absorbed Joan Duplicate''s essence. Cultivating it and his stats has risen. Also after absorbing it, his stats came to arrive at two hundred and fifty. He cultivated his mana well until morning and has ascended several times. He didn''t sleep at all and he was spent.

 Chapter 113 - Army

    Joan was still in his lotus position, eyes closed and Isaias woke him up. His eyes were sunken and his eyelids were ck. Making Isaias have an impression that he was awake all night. His looks aside, he was having a different aura in his look. Just as Isaias was about to ask him, Joan replied to him.

    "Seventh Stage Sky Realm," Joan said to him.

    "Ah," Isaias replied and he thought he just misheard it..

    "Say again?" Isaias asked.

    "Seventh stage," Joan said then squeezed his eyes. Trying to stand up but his legs were weary. He failed to stand up but mmed his butt on the floor. That night was very exhausting but he was awake throughout the night to cultivate. Isaias helped him and then gave him a cup of water.

    "Wow Joan, you struggled that much for a whole night? You need to rest, I will cook," Joan said thenid down on the sack of corn.

    Isaias then cooked him with vegetable soup. A porridge to the exact. It was healthy for the body and so Joan ate it while hot. It was then he slept and his consciousness faded. He was in the depths of his sleep. It was then, Isaias drove Prisci to exit the forest. They did not meet any enemy encounters on the way and so Joan slept without getting woken up halfway.

    Meanwhile, the armymander was at his strategic table, contemting the mysterious adventurers.

    "I am greatly confused why they didn''t found any dead bodies on the battlefield. Neither any of their scent that came from adventurers. The bodies are only from the Nightmares that has disintegrated after their essence has been absorbed? I can sense fifty nightmares were killed on the battlefield after looking at the ce they battled. And they are only a few?" Themander asked.

    "Yes,mander! They are only numbered a few but I have seen them with my own eyes. They fought the Nightmares and they managed to repel them. It made me curious why they are heading that waymander. It was maybe just an ident that they fought them. Their primary goal was maybe to go to a ce way beyond that," The scout said.

    "The Tomb?" Themander replied in his curiosity.

    "Yes," The scout added.

    "Why are they going to go there?" Themander asked.

    "I can only conclude that they survived the battle. If not, then it is such a waste," The scout said.

    "If they survived, I should meet them personally." Themander said to him. About-facing him and stared at the window.

    "Send a search party to find them. You lead the mission. If they survived, then you know where they are headed. You need to know their names as they are potential recruits," Themander said to him.

    "Yesmander," The scout said to him.

    It was then the scouts concluded that the adventurers survived the attack. There''s no body of a human but just weapons of enemies that have fallen. They also found their campsite for that night and saw that the campfire was still hot. Bones littered the ground and sticks were just piled beside the campfire. The scouts went back to theirmander and reported what they saw.

    "So your report?" Themander asked.

    "Commander, there is a possibility that the adventurers survived. But I have only seen three different tracks from three different persons. I haven''t seen a mound of buried dead so I specte that no one died from them. I can conclude that it was them," The scout said.

    Themander felt joyous that his scouts said that they were alive. He needs to meet these so-called adventurers that they met in the battleground. Thanks to them, they stalled enough time for them to prepare and attacked full force.

    Another question in his mind was how did they battle the Nightmares without even a casualty. If they managed to carry the deceased away from the battle, then it would be a lot harder to pull off. Imagining how fast the enemies were and carrying another luggage will be a hindrance to the team''s escape n. Another thing that he thought was there was a Holy Knight together with them so it was possible to survive that long. If he was a master or grandmaster, then the possibility to survive was higher.

    But the enemy numbers were in three hundred. Survival will be as slim as it was. Thinking that they would have to deal with great numbers with just a few of them.

    It was then, Isaias was driving the carriage and was striding downhill. They passed by the campfire that they installed and has seen the aftermath of their battles. Caved in grounds were seen left and right. Weapons were discarded left and right and were left. Isaias stared farther and saw the aftermath of a great battle that happened.

    It was probably the battleground of the Human army and thest Nightmares that they battled. Traces ofmps being broken were what littered the ground. Some shards of sses were littering the ground. Isaias can only imagine that the battle was hard-fought.

    They paved the path towards the Tomb and they were in a wilderness. Only bones of dead animals and vultures were hovering above them. The wind was dry and the road has cracked due to El Ni?o. The season was on its driest and it seems the rain has long left the ce. Making the environment die out slowly.

    The distance from the Tomb was getting closer and closer. Making Isaias saw the Tomb erected from afar. It was then, they paced up towards the Tomb. They entered a dead forest and the leaves of the trees were falling from their branches. It was not autumn but the forest was behaving unnaturally. It seemed that the forest was tainted. Making Isaias thought that a seed of evil was erected from the ce. The clouds were dark and shes of lightning were seen inside it.

    Travelling some more, they were epassing curve roads and was like a snake''s paved path. More trees were seen drier than the ones on the forest entrance. The branches were darker and some were whithered and can be a potential forest fire if an ember was nonchntly thrown on the leaves.

    Prisci was walking but she was also disturbed by what they were paving on. She was getting unrest. Neighing on the process while breathing heavily. Isaias felt that they were getting closer, seeing the Tomb nearer from before.

 Chapter 114 - Tomb

    They were nearing the designated ce for them to arrive. The wind blows hard and the leaves were carried by their breeze. Joan felt that the temperature dropped so he woke up abruptly. Squinting his eyes, he was able to see the dested forest they were in after swiping the curtain outside. Isaias was just sitting outside and he saw that Joan woke up.

    "Oh, you''ve woken up! You see, we are in the forest of the Tomb of Affliction. Enemies will soon be on the way," Isaias said to him.

    Joan then groaned and stretched his back.

    "I wanna have a coffee," Joan said to Isaias.

    "Bah, you will sober up after seeing the enemies. I can already sense them from here," Isaias said to him..

    "Stop here, we will walk as we move further," Joan said to him.

    It was then, Isaias halted Prisci. Joan then went down to the driver''s seat.

    Isaias then parked Prisci beside the road. Not wanting to block the way towards the Tomb. Joan then washed his face with water. Its coldness intensified after the chilly breeze blew his skin. After washing up, he stretched his body. Not wanting to rip his muscles apart by sudden excessive movement.

    Joan then saw the demon imps were dancing outside the tomb. Joan remembered those disgusting creatures. Making him want to kill them grotesquely. Lesser Demons were hovering above the Tomb and it became a hotspot of monsters and devils alike. Monsters like chimaeras guarded the door on the entrance. They were growling while they were ying with each other. Joan can only bit his lips in his utter annoyance.

    Isaias was following Joan and Joan was a little bit hasty to fight them already.

    "Well well well, won''t you wee us to your turf?" Joan asked the demon imps. They turned around and someone shouted at Joan with a curse. Albeit it was in theirnguage, Joan can still recognise it upon its tone. Joan''s annoyance was on the brim and his eyes went bulging. He went dashing towards them subconsciously.

    [Conjure two-handed hammer]

    Joan then conjured a two-handed hammer and equipped his Pdin Job ss. He used his buff skill after he used the job ss.

    [Durable]

    [Heavy hitter]

    He swings the hammer and the enemy demon imps were struck in the body. With left and right swings that were fast enough not to be countered. Others went to attack him and he swings his hammer towards them. Hitting them one by one and they were flung afar off.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    The swing was producing air current as if the wind has distorted itself. The sound of enemies being hit reverberated and it attracted more enemies. The wind whooshed like it was ripped. Enemies smashed towards the tomb''s wall itself and they passed out immediately.

    [Heavy hitter]�Ca Pdin buff skill that makes the weapon weight as heavy as a ton. Making the weight of the weapon as light as a feather to the handler but weighing a ton to the enemy. Has strong knockback and knock up effects if executed perfectly.

    It was then, Chimaeras dashed towards him. Joan then was bitten in his shoulders and to the chimaera''s surprise, he was as hard as a rock.

    [Iron defence]

    [Physical and elemental shield]

    Joan grinned and turned around. Smashing the chimaera on the head with his hammer.

    Bang!

    The ground has caved in and the other chimaera''s shed Joan with their w. Joan sidestepped to evade their shes and then he dashed towards them.

    [Shoulder charge]

    Hammer swing

    [Shoulder charge]

    Hammer swing

    [Shoulder charge]

    Hammer swing

    He bashed the enemy with his shoulder and they were thrown. When he used the skill, the enemies were flung but Joan didn''t waste the quick moments to swing them with his hammer. Hitting them with abo of shoulder charge and hammer swing. Strength was enough to make them flung upwards. Making them shake their head after having a slight stun.

    [Shoulder charge]�Ca skill that uses the strength to charge at the enemy by using the shoulders to hit the enemies. Can be spammed but continued using the skill needs high vitality to endure the pain. Can have a chance to stun enemies when hit on the head. Consumes stamina while doing the skill.

    The enemies then dived towards him. Roaring while they approached him. Joan on the contrary was just standing there and stared at them. Ready to be attacked anytime. It was then, they approached faster and faster as they saw him being ready to be pounced with their ws and fangs.

    [Petrified iron statue]

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    They thought that they will taste flesh but their expectation was contrary to what they experienced. They struck not a living flesh but a post nted deep on the ground and they smashed their faces right at him. The petrified Joan statue became bloody with them hitting him and so was the faces of the enemies.

    [Petrified iron statue]�Ca skill of making yourself a statue. Used to avert critical attacks or damages. You be as hard as iron and absorbs damage while the skill was active. Lasts only three seconds and the casting speed was immediate.

    The enemies regretted their attacks halfway. But their momentum was so great that they failed to evade their dive. The ones who tried to bite him regretted it the most. Their teeth have left their mouth after what happened.

    Joan then reverted to his unpetrified self. Blood was all in his body and clothes. He forgot to conjure an armour just to repel blood. It was then the enemies saw that he was human again. Infuriated, attacking in their great anger as they felt helpless in a few moments. They attacked and Joan smashed them with his hammer with left and right swings.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    They were all hit on the face. Others were hit on the jaw and they immediately were knocked out. Joan breathed out, cleaning his face that has blood with his clothes.

    It was then, lesser demons that were hovering in the sky assaulted him. In just moments notice, Joan used his Ranger Job ss.

    [Conjure bow]

    [Conjure arrow quiver]

    He stared at the sky and then used his skill for multiple enemies.

    [Rapid fire]

    He fired arrows at the iing enemies and they were hit in the forehead. Shutting down their flights after the arrows hit their heads. Lesser demons were resistant to elemental damages but not physical damages. Making them a great target for Joan''s projectiles.

    [Rapid fire]�Ca skill of Rangers to fire arrows simultaneously one after another. Precision can affect the skill''s critical rate and cannd criticals if the precision is high enough. High dexterity was needed for precision and focus was needed for fast reaction speed, criticals were expected if both stats were high enough. Can make the skillst longer with stamina and endurance. Will use all the arrows on the quiver while using the skill.

    One by one, they spiralled down and struck the ground. Making Joan smirk at their view when they hit the ground. Momentster, their bodies glowed, disintegrating and their essences were absorbed by Joan.

    Isaias was just looking at Joan, he felt that the future will be brighter with Joan added in the present time. He didn''t know how strong will he get but he knew he will uproot the seeds of evil in the future.

    But Joan was still weak before he will have the power to uproot them. And one seed of evil was currently inside the tomb. Making Isaias breathe deep and sighed afterwards.

 Chapter 115 - Tomb Part 2

    After finishing off the enemies on the outside of the tomb, they went to proceed inside. Even though the air''s moisture was humid, they still felt that the ce was radiating hot air current. The ce was damp and the walls were mouldy. Making Joan feel he didn''t want to touch the walls. Also, Isaias saw the great painting of them sealing the Demon Lord of affliction.

    "Joan, see that? We almost died back in time. We can''t kill the Demon lord or it will possess us. But we have to seal him no matter what. The heroes were wounded after battling multitudes of enemies. Their potions have run out and we are surrounded. As ast-ditch effort, we sealed the demon lord. We seeded in sealing him but the heroes turned to stones. I am left alone and was surrounded by all the enemies. I thought that it was the end of me.. I erected a barrier and held out for days. But the kingdom''s forces arrived after so long that I was going to copse anytime soon," Isaias exined to Joan.

    "That was a hard-fought battle," Joan said to Isaias.

    "Yes, of course, little Joan! Hard fought indeed," Isaias said to him.

    Upon walking forwards, it was getting darker and darker. Isaias just stomped his staff and the lights of the tomb ignited. Making them see all the surroundings. Pirs as big as houses were seen supporting the ceiling and they were made of marble. They went deeper and were approaching the tomb halls. A spacious part of the tomb and were the ce before the seal site. Upon their approach, Isaias opened the door with just his touch.

    Chugug!

    The door slowly opened and they were assaulted by the smell of decay. Heads of guards were piled on one of the tforms and they hear the ear-piercing wails of creatures inside. They were approached by fast running wailers. A demon spawn that wails before attacking. Runs on their fours and has longer arms than their legs. Thin arms and legs and have long ws. Face were having bulging snake eyes and ears were unrecognisable. Mouths were having sharp long teeth and they don''t have lips to hide their teeth.

    They approached while running so fast. Upon Joan''s estimation, their dexterity was in the one hundred to one hundred fifty. They expressed angry faces with mouths opened wide. Joan met some of them in his past life but not so numerous in one ce. They have high dexterity but their strengths were only in their twenties to fifties. As what their thin structure can offer, they were limited in their strength. Contrary to that, they have high vitality reaching two hundred but has low focus.

    [Conjure ymore]

    Joan conjured a sword. Specifically, a ymore. Primarily used by Two-handed users Holy knights. Now, the Holy knight was originally three job sses. They were the Offensive knight, Protector knight, and Priest. The imprint to the soul of this job ss was thenbined by the God of Angels and was handed to the founding fathers of different job sses. It was what Joan has learned from his past life. And so he knew the very imprint of job sses.

    The past world of Joan which was Almeria was having different job ss imprints in each person. One can learn all the jobs but were still limited as one soul has limited slots of imprint. One can harness some skills of other job sses but two job sses were the limit. Stephen was one example of two job sses. One was Priest and another one was Lycan. He can conjure weapons like daggers of Rogue but can not and will not be able to use the skills of Rogues. Only one person or soul has one or two imprints but that was just the limit.

    Now, the skill [Heroes'' blessing] has a way to bypass suchw and put your copy of imprint to a soul but it was a one time ticket. Limited to only one person. And that was Stephen. The skill [Heroes'' blessing] was the result of Joan''s research of soul imprints. This imprint was discovered by Joan in the past and he was able to separate the different imprints from one another. It was like it was hidden from each other by a barrier to the soul. Making the soul ept different job sses. Tricking some of his teachers to put their job sses to him, he was able to get it all.

    Now, upon equipping the Holy knight job ss. He prepared to attack, with the Offensive knight''s skill [Heavy lifting], his swings will be more threatening.

    [Heavy lifting] - a passive skill that lets him lift and swing heavy weapons like hammers and maces including two-handed swords. His swings will be faster and more damaging. Skill can be trained by using Heavy weapons and gives Strength stat by training the skill.

    Joan then saw enemiese at him at a speed that rivals his current dexterity stat. Albeit, they were short by a fifty. Still, they were fast enough. Though having the stat of two hundred and fifty in dexterity will make a Rogue a frightening existence. Especially the Ronin that relies on dexterity and focus.

    Joan dashed towards them and has no armour that covered him. He thought that armour will only diminish his current speed. But with enough strength and stamina to cover it up, it would be doable.

    Just as he dashed, enemies were fast enough to cover their distance in just seconds. shing the enemies with his two-handed sword, the enemies met his weapon with their ws. Sending sparks as they shed with each other. It was then, Joan felt his heart pumping. He wanted some action and forbid to use skills just yet. He wanted to practice his martial arts first before the skill mastery. It was his n for the current events.

    Three were on the front while others epassed him. Attacking his back and blindside. Joan saw their tactics and grinned. Thinking that his enemy was using their head for a moment. Three shed on his front with their ws, making Joan evade in hair''s breathe. His priority was on his back who was already attacking. Making Joan block their attacks with the t side of the sword.

    Joan then gripped his sword and shed in an arc. shing three enemies on the waist, making his sh cleave on the three enemies. He then turned around and shed the two enemies with two diagonal shes. Making an ''X'' upon them and two were dismembered immediately. Others stepped back a bit but Joan crouched. Sword ready to sh them while on his waist, both hands gripped it with all his strength.

    Bang!

    Dirt was hurled and he propelled towards the remaining enemies who were fleeing. Thinking that they didn''t sign up for their deaths yet. Joan propelled to one enemy and shed one enemy into two. Propelling again one after another, separating the enemy''s bodies in half. Sword was bathed with blood. Even the enemy has two hundred vitality, two hundred and fifty Strength was enough to cleave three at once.

    [Heavy lifting] was used and he was slowly gaining strength on his stats. Albeit slow, it was still enough to drool over. A skill that produces stats was something to be jealous of. Still, it was amon training of Offensive knights and was exclusive to the said job ss. Making the Offensive knight be frightening existences in the past.

    Enemies were ughtered one by one. It was not even enough for Joan to break a sweat. Making their essences to be absorbed by Joan and he can only wipe his nose with his finger. A mannerism of his when he wants to express dissatisfaction or when he felt something was not challenging.

 Chapter 116 - Tomb Part 3

    Located inside the Tomb where Joan and Isaias delve deeper, the two were happy that they eliminated the enemies in the hall. Furthermore, Joan rested a bit. Still hearing some noise from the other side of the door. Even more so, they still hesitated a bit to move further.

    "Nice Joan! You sessfully defeated them. Well, I hope we will have smooth sailing from here forth. Or so I thought," Isaias said to Joan.

    "Ah, I guess more enemies are behind this door. You can sense them right?" Joan said while facing the huge stone door.

    "Beyond that is the seal site. Where the Demon Lord of Affliction once sealed. We should proceed and hurry up, the heroes are waiting for us," Isaias said to him..

    "Yeah," Joan replied.

    They both touched the door and Isaias closed his eyes. Joan can hear some wailings inside the door, his sense tells him that there were enemies farther from the door. Way beyond them was where the enemies were located.

    Still, Isaias opened it. Making the door glowed in runes and the door started to move.

    Chugg!

    The dust was shaken and it fell from the surface of the stone door. Just as the two waited for it to open. Once again, they were assaulted with the strong odour of decay and they covered their noses. After covering their noses, they were also assaulted with the noise from the inside.

    They were astounded and perplexed by what their eyes has seen. Brimming embers from the cracks of the floor and it rooted towards the walls. Entities that have armours in ck were seen and ck miasma was seeping out of their skin. They went staring at the two after the door opened. Making them grit their teeth. Agro was directed to the two even though they still haven''t made them agitated or assaulted.

    "Joan, prepare forbat. I will sneak into the chaos and unseal the heroes myself." Isaias said to him.

    "Sure, go now," Joan replied.

    Upon his request, he prepared for buying time for the unsealing of heroes. While he was steadily absorbing essences, he was also using stat cultivation. With the stat maniption used for elerating one''s growth, he was growing terrifyingly fast. His skills multiply his stat''s growth, not just adding stats on the process.

    While he was contemting what job ss to use, he was also thinking that it was not yet needed to use them currently. He will have to make use of his growth first by pushing himself to the limits and not just one-hitting enemies with his skills. Upon his estimation, he will have greater reaping of stats with just his sword ymore on his hands and not end up the enemies so abrupt.

    Looking on his front, enemies were starting to march forward. Their numbers were not exceeding fifty and so Joan was confident that he will have to get serious about their fighting prowess as a whole. Joan was holding his two-handed ymore adjacent to his face and inhaled deep. His legs were bent and his thighs were as low as his waist. Breathing out slowly then dashed towards them. Hurling the dust upon his wake.

    Upon his front, enemies called Demon pawns were seen advancing. They were the soldiers of the demon realm and were exuding dark miasma on their bodies. They have a humanoid form and have horns peeping out of their helm. Basicbatants of the demon realm that were rivalling the human soldiers in their prowess.

    Joan dashed towards the enemies. They were bearing a sword and a shield on their other hand. Also wearing dark steel tes of full armour. Making them a lot harder than normal steel. Also making Joan grin at the moment. It would be a hassle to face with.

    Joan was on the offensive, seeing that enemies were approaching slowly while on the marching pace. He confronted them with his sole strength withoutrades or his summons. He dashed and enemies jolted in surprise with how fast he closed the gap with them. Grinning as he faced them with his sword.

    Bang! Bang! Bing! Bang!

    Joan swiftly shed their shields and the shields were holding out despite his two hundred and fifty strength. They were flung to the sheer strength of Joan and were groaning with every smash he made. Joan smirked and thought that his enemies will have to boost his stat cultivation whilst ying with them.

    It was then, the Demon pawns surrounded him. He was seen as a cornered rat with all the enemies in all directions. Joan watched them left and right, all surrounded him and he can only have a smile hidden on his face. All were getting good and he can''t hide his pleasure in being cornered. This was what he needs the most. The feeling of being cornered where he can push his limits.

    ng! ng! Ping!

    The enemies started to offensively attack him. Making him grin at the moment. shes wereunched at him and they were blocked or repelled. Also, they synchronised their attacks one after another. Making Joan in a bind.

    But still, Joan was also deflecting their shes effortlessly. Their strength was way lower than him in few leaps. Just as he was deflecting, he was able to make his attackers stagger with his deflects. With a force enough to make their grips on their swords waver, they became hesitant to attack in few moments. As expected from a two-handed sword that was heavy enough to wield for them but light for Joan.

    Joan then gripped his sword harder than before. Not just to y this time but with the intent to kill. He felt that his stats were rising with the battle that was currently transpiring.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    He smashed their shields harder than before and it was enough to make their ranks and encirclement break. They were shouting while Joan''s shesnded. Rising diagonal shes were enough to knock up the enemies. Vertical ones were enough to hammer them down and they were crushed to the sheer force. Breaking the bones of their arms on the process. Strength was enough to knock back them with his horizontal shes. Joan then smirked andter onughed as he shed them pitifully. Breaking their formation with brute force and others fled or made a great distance between him.

    "Hahahaha!!!" Joan let out a sinisterugh.

 Chapter 117 - Tomb Part 4

    Joan was dealing with the Demon pawns that were present inside the tomb. Meanwhile, Isaias was sneaking past some enemies and made use of the chaos that Joan instigated he went to the statues of heroes and saw them being petrified. He started to unseal them as soon as he arrived.

    Joan then was smashing the enemies with his sword. His sword collided with their shields and it went sparking with every blow. Joan soon saw that the enemies were damaged with his brute strength. His blows were as heavy as a two-handed mallet. Making them suffer blunt damages instead. Their innards were either crushed or ruptured in the process.

    They soon puked blood and then disintegrated. Leaving their armours in the ground. Joan absorbed the essences and was d to see them went inside his body. White lights entered his skin and it seeped inside him..

    Upon his happy mood, he was then assaulted on his front with a swing. He evaded in hairs breathe and saw that the weapon used was a morning star. Upon realizing it, he saw a tall figure d with full ted armour. ck steel was what its armour was made of and Joan can tell that he was not an ordinary pawn. Instead, Joan thought that it was a Demon knight. A terrifying existence that was as strong as a knight of the humans.

    As he observed, it was exuding a dark miasma that was burning the air itself. Upon contact with the miasma, you will be corroded and it can only be healed by holy magic. Despite Joan''s confidence, he was also wary of their prowess. They have stats above two hundred. Making Joan grin at how strong their essence was.

    The enemy didn''t want Joan to have a breather. Joan was attacked with a left and right swing and then he was bashed with a shield. Joan evaded them all with a strength to spare. Even more so, the enemy was also gauging his strength. Making the enemy step back a little after Joan flickered his hands, prepared to sh anytime when he wanted so.

    Even the stats of Joan was higher. Joan disyed lower stats upon the enemy''s observation. This time around, the enemy used more strength and speed tond a hit towards Joan. Joan on the contrary was just controlling his prowess. The enemy made a vertical swing and Joan ducked while moving towards him.

    Bang!

    With the enemy''s tall height, he was able to be left unscathed. Contrary to the ground which was left caved in upon the enemy''s swing. Joan then trusted his hilt towards the enemy''s abdomen and it produced a nging sound. Blunt damage was made and the enemy stepped back with a few steps. Still, Joan''s clothes were corroded and he ripped the edges off to remove the corrosive aura.

    The enemy then coughed and then was maddened by Joan''s attack. He dashed towards him with more strength. Furious about what Joan did, he swings his morning star towards him. Joan blocked but it was a heavy weapon naturally, making him block with more strength.

    Even he was getting overpowered, Joan was sometimes countering with his weapon. Due to his weapon was lighter, he can exhibit more speed than his enemy. Joan was making swings after he deflected and it hits his armour. Leaving sparks but was not enough to deal fleshly damage. His joints were protected by chainmail and his limbs were protected with dark steel armour. Also, his other hand was carrying a shield. Making it a hard-fought battle.

    Joan on the contrary was wearing only a robe and clothes. No armour was present and was just armed with a two-handed ymore.

    Joan felt that his enemy was confident of his skills. Apetent enemy from Joan''s perspective. Making him salute the enemy. Even more so, they were still enemies and no one will surrender just yet. No one will leave their enemies alive sooner orter with their duel.

    His enemy dashed towards him, his armour was not affecting his movements in the slightest. He swings and blocks in session after encountering Joan''s tactics. Using a sword for the current enemy was not a bright idea. But still, it has enough blunt damage for the current enemy. The enemy was getting harder and harder to kill. Making Joan bit his lips at the moment.

    Still, his stats were rising slowly but surely. Making him also have greater growth at the moment. The enemy was surprised that he can cope up with him. It felt like Joan was getting stronger and stronger with every hit. Joan then felt that he has to end the enemy. He used his bodily limits and tried to do what he did to the adventurer test from before. Gathering strength in his muscles, his feet exploded like a bomb and he swings his sword in just a blink of an eye.

    Swosh!

    Soon after, the enemy''s helmet flew together with its head. The helm smashed the ground and blood followed. Making Joan flicked his sword and the blood was thrown to the ground. Joan then smashed his butt on the ground. Panting as he felt some of his muscles rupture.

    [Minor heal]

    He used the skill and healed his torn muscles in the process. Making also his depleted stamina and fatigue vanish. Just as he was looking at the enemy, he was bathed with its essence. Making his body glimmer with lights that came from the enemy.

    Joan then felt that it was a worth it fight. For the enemy that has given him essence, he bowed a little in it as a way of expressing his thanks on him. Not that it can respond though but it was all thanks to him, Joan absorbed enough essence. In his estimation, it was huge.

    Essence wise, his stat cultivation also pushed him towards the brim of three hundred on his stats. How much more of the essences he collected. It made Joan excited about how far will he go and was looking forward to it.

    As Joan was rejoicing, he felt that the crack on the floor was getting unrest. An entity greater than before wasing from it.

 Chapter 118 - Tomb Part 5

    "Demon Captain! I am sure of it. This sure will be interesting." Joan said as he already knew what his enemy will be.

    This enemy was extraordinary, although it was weaker than Demon general, itsbat prowess was greater on Demon general. On the contrary, the Demon general relies too much on magic and the Demon captains werebat junkies. They look like ordinary knights but were more powerful overall. They look like a knight but its armour was more sinister. Having spikes on their shoulder pads and have spikes on their helm. The Demon captain that appeared has a il on his other hand and a round shield that has thorns. d in dark steel, making it a frightening foe to behold.

    Joan stared at it with utter joy. It has stats that havended on three hundred on its lowest and its highest were unknown. Making Joan grin in utter delight but then turned serious.. Their essence was one thing but they were a nasty foe to deal with. As Joan estimated, it will be a battle to look forwards to. Something he needs to be serious at.

    Joan then inhaled air and then breathed out. Making him rxed a bit. Also getting rxed was temporary, next will be an all-out battle. The enemy then released greater miasma on his surrounding area. Making him a huge blunder than before. The miasma was so thick that he was like a chimney of a house. Breathing out smoke greater than before.

    Joan then grinned, a greater challenge will also give him more stats on the process. The enemy then shouted as he dashed towards him. While shouting, his cry was like a growling tiger. Making Joan taken aback by the noise.

    Joan held his sword tighter than before. His enemy has a weapon that was not used for blocking but solely for attacking. Making Joan grin at his disadvantage. Still, the enemy has a shield and it will be used in ce of blocking.

    Joan then assaulted him. Enveloping himself with mana mixed with holy elements, the corrosion was then mitigated slightly not to corrode his skin. It was then, he shed to the enemy.

    Bang! Bing!

    His first attack was blocked while thest one was deflected by the shield. The enemy then assaulted him by dashing in his direction. Thorns were ready to hug Joan anytime he will be absent-minded and so Joan stepped back a little. Making him jolt at the moment his shield was getting nearer and nearer. Joan then bit his lower lips and then trusts his sword towards the shield. Making him distance himself while his feet rubbed the dirt.

    Joan grinned at the moment he was left staring at the enemy. It was then, he was assaulted with a spiked il in split seconds. Joan ducked in a moments notice then smashed the enemy with his sword on the waist. Luckily, Joan was shorter than the enemy. Making him make use of his height in the current situation.

    It was then, the enemy blocked him with his shield that he immediately put nearer on his waist.

    Bang!

    The enemy was then flung in a few steps. Making him think that the enemy he faced has the same stats as him. It was then, the enemy halted his miasmabustion after seeing that Joan was left unscathed with his miasma. Making also Joan grin after he was seen through.

    "You have nasty tricks eh? Mind me to go all out?" Joan said to him.

    The enemy just breathed out but didn''t reply to his remarks. Making him smile a bit. To Joan, maybe the enemy will not reply if he deemed him unworthy of him to know his name. Just as Joan breathed in, he prepared his strength in his muscles.

    Bang!

    Joan dashed and mmed his sword vertically in his shield. The shield was lifted after he blocked Joan''s blow.

    Bang!

    The enemy''s feet has sunken in the process. The enemy gasped air as his strength and endurance barely held back Joan''s attack. Still was not enough for his arm to break. Also, making Joan suspended mid-air and was open for attacks. The enemy shed his il at his face and Joan blocked with the t side of his sword.

    Bing!

    It was a heavy blow that made Joan propelled away from him. To Joan, the three hundred strength stats were able to create knockbacks or smash boulders into bits. The three hundred dexterity was also able to create afterimages of yourself due to the speed that barely made the eyes follow. Three hundred in vitality was also able to withstand heavy blows and has stamina that canst for hours of fighting. Three hundred focus will also make your senses sharper and magical attributes will be boosted. Also able to make your reaction speed to see flickers of enemy attacks and movements.

    It was then, Joan used more speed and strength. shing left and right whilst dodging some blows from the enemy. Blocks were solid enough but countering several of them. Also, the enemy was using his thorny shield to bash Joan. Making him evade or block with his all. Not also to just leisurely and nonchntly manoeuvre his attacks but with his all.

    Also, the enemy was confused about why he was battling a kid. It was verily shaking his pride whilebating a kid. All his training in the demon world was just to kill a kid in his front was hard to ept. But as he battled with the kid, he was astounded why this kid was able to weather off his life-threatening attacks. Blow by blow, the enemy was enjoying their duel. Making him gain respect as he was able to match his speed and strength.

    Just as the two was battling, their duel was interrupted by a bright light that bathed the surroundings. Making Joan saw the figures to light while slowly moving from afar. Joan then saw that Isaiasughed hysterically. Making Joan thought that the heroes were once again breathing.

 Chapter 119 - Tomb Part 6

    The bright light was domineering and Joan can''t help but cover his eyes. It was the heroes that moved, feeling their freedom while gasping air and grasping their hands. Others were feeling their faces that seemed to have no changes at all.

    The heroes were d that they once again felt that air. Making them smile at each other as they saw each other. Just as they were feeling the enjoyment, they immediately sensed the presence of the enemy that Joan faced. Seeing and recognizing Prophet Isaias at the moment they saw a man in their front. It was then, they realized that they have to do their task again. Their joyous mood was once again stopped and they turned serious.

    All of them dashed towards the Demon captain. Staring at them while ready to fight anytime. Just as they were looking at him, they thought that it has to be done fast and efficient. They all attacked simultaneously using skills and spells at the enemy.. Just at that moment, the enemy saw that he was disadvantaged and thought to return to the crack.

    The heroes chased him and bound him on the floor. Making him curse at them. Large spells wereunched at him and the ce exploded one after another. Making Joan just watch at the sidelines while they finish the enemy. Soon after, more demons came out of the crack and the heroes battled them.

    Joan then watched how they fought the enemies, making him smile as they were indeed legends. It was then, he went to Isaias'' side. Feeling that he was unneeded currently.

    "Hey Isaias, it was a nice group of heroes. They are strong," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, they are," Joan said to him.

    It was then Joan sat at a lotus position, eyes closed and then started to absorb the monster essences on the surroundings. The heroes were killing them left and right but there was a way for the person to absorb essences with a great radius on the surrounding area. Making it great reaping for Joan. The area became dry as mana and essences were absorbed. Just Joan and Isaias knew what was happening. The heroes didn''t know what he was doing at all.

    Minutester on, the demon parade came to a halt. Making the heroes stop with their attack. They approached Isaias after killing them all. Kneeling in him as they reported that it was finished. Isaias then let them stand up.

    "You have done a great service. But it doesn''t end here, the Demon Lord of Affliction has once again risen. You have to stop him from unsealing his brothers. I hope you will be sessful. Now go forth, make haste," Isaias said to them.

    "As you wish, Prophet Isaias," They chorused out loud. They flickered and disappeared from their sights. Dashing towards the exit of the tomb and the two was left alone.

    Joan then finished absorbing all the essences in the air. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, hot steamy air was breathed out. Isaias was once again impressed. Few hundred demons were ughtered but only Joan benefited from the heroes'' efforts. Making himugh and pats his back. Making Joan question him what was he doing. It was then, Isaias turned serious.

    "Let''s go, Joan, we are finished here," Isaias said to him.

    "Yes, let''s go," Joan then stands up. Walking to exit the tomb together with Isaias.

    "Say, Isaias. How can I uproot the seeds of evil? Even now, I still don''t know how to use my power as the Child of Hope," Joan asked.

    "Ah, about that. You have to be strong enough first. Reaching Legend is one key and then you will know it yourself. You will harness it like breathing air," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah I see, then I will discover itter on. I feel that I am still far behind the heroes. Maybe I should hurry up and reach Grandmaster as soon as possible," Joan said to Isaias.

    "Ah yeah, you should," Isaias replied.

    It was then they paved the path they passed by. Exiting the Tomb of Affliction and met Prisci on the way. Entering the carriage, the two didn''t waste time.

    "We will head to the next nearest tomb from here. I know where the other possible tomb the Demon Lords has gone to," He told Joan. Whipping Prisci as they resumed their travel.

    "Okay, I will still absorb the collected essences to my mana well. I have to get stronger sooner and faster," Joan said to him.

    "Sure, take your time," He said to Joan.

    Joan then went inside the carriage. Sitting again in a lotus position and started his absorption. Time passed by and he was not disturbed by Isaias. They passed the mountain ranges and travelled on the snowy parts of the kingdom. Making their travels a tad taxing on both them and Prisci. Joan then finished absorbing the essences and he was asked by Isaias.

    "I am now in the four hundred, the exact points are something I don''t know but I am sure that I have reached there. Maybe in the four hundred and fifty? I don''t know," Joan said to him.

    "Ah I see, you are fast-growing. Impressive!" Isaias said to him.

    "You want soup? I will cook," Joan asked.

    "Yeah, let''s have soup." He replied.

    They rested by the road and it was still snowing. Isaias made a campfire for Prisci and Joan then went to boil water from the jar. Pouring the sliced meat into the pot after the water has boiled. After using his fire element to bolster up the fire, it boiled faster and the meat soften up. Pouring the spices and salt, vegetables were also mixed.

    Joan then called Isaias and they ate. The soup warmed their stomachs and bones were what was left. By the ration they have, they can stillst a few days as the meat was frozen. Vegetables were one thing but it was also chilled. They rested in the night and the two slept inside the carriage. Sleeping outside was intolerable for the two. Luckily, Prisci has a bonfire beside her and it warmed her through the night. Joan put a pot of embers beside them to warm their bodies as they sleep. Making their sleep morefortable.

    Whilst they were sleeping, shadow clones were guarding the surroundings. Patrolling throughout the night till dawn.

 Chapter 120 - Battle

    Inside the tomb where the two Demon lords were unsealing their brother, the Lord of Corruption was desecrating the heroes'' statues. Looking for a way to stop them from awakening.

    The Demon Lord of Affliction was busily opening the seal. With him on the task of unsealing his brother, he was able to do it faster. Even without the help of his followers, he was fast enough. He was able to reach halfway on unsealing his brother. Non-other than the Lord of Chaos. Pulsating red was transpiring currently as the seal was weakening. Making them get closer to their goal.

    The Demon Lord of Corruption used the blood of the guards they have killed. Bathing the heroes'' statues with their blood while chanting in theirnguage. Soon after, they felt that entities were fast approaching their location. .

    "Brother, we havepany," Said the Demon Lord of Corruption.

    "Yeah, I know," He said to his brother.

    It was then, nging metals were heard from the exit of the tomb. Appearing Prophets and Holy Knights alike. Also, Pdins were mixed from the fray and were seen ready and armed.

    "Stop what you''re doing! Demon Lords!" Shouted one Prophet.

    "Ah you see, we can''t do that. We are busy here," Replied Demon Lord of Affliction.

    "Don''t be mean brother, we met them atst for thousand years and we will just ignore them? Luckily I finished desecrating the heroes, I will keep thempany for a while," Lord of Corruption said to him.

    It was then, he approached the humans and unleashed his aura.

    "Hehehe, would I suffice for you all? I will keep you entertained!" He shouted at them.

    "Stop them!" It was then, theyunched their attack. The Holy Knights attacked together with the Pdins. Buffs were used and Healing spells were also ready.

    The Demon Lord of Corruption then unleashed his Corruption aura and bathed the surrounding area with his spell. It was then, some of the Holy Knights and Pdins identally absorbed the aura. Making them coughed on the process. The Prophets then dispelled their corruption in mere seconds.

    "Be careful of the corruption aura, you will get turned into his underling if you will get tainted with it." Shouted the prophet tasked with sealing the Lord of Corruption.

    It was then, more and more miasma was seen and the soldiers retreated a bit. The Prophets then erected a barrier and they entered inside it. Even with the Prophets maintained the barrier, it was still being corroded. Making the Prophets in a bind.

    It was then, the Holy Knights then weremanded to release their Holy element by covering their bodies with it.

    "All of you should be safe with it! Attack!" Shouted the Prophets.

    The Holy Knights attacked with them being bathed with Holy Element. Making them roar with renewed strength. Pdins stood by and waited for the chance to attack.

    The Holy Knights attacked and their sights were blocked with the miasma. Making them see lesser than normal. Also, all of a sudden, wailings of demons were heard.

    Lesser demons spawned from the miasma and assaulted the barrier. Also, the Holy Knights were attacked too.

    Luckily, they have Holy Element that keeps the miasma away. But it was not enough to repel the Lesser Demons. Battling with them as they dived through in their formation. The Holy Knights then were shouting left and right. Making theirrades to felt a chill run down their spines. They saw that theirrades were one by one grabbed by the Demon Lord of Corruption and was turned into his underling. The holy element was of no use on his Corruption. Also, the others were one by one grabbed by the Lesser demons and they were dropped from above. Sttering them into a corpse and was then turned into their underlings after absorbing miasma.

    "Pdins! Attack! Support the Holy Knights!" Shouted one of the Prophets.

    It was then, they attacked and they repelled some of the Lesser demons. Smashing them with their two-handed hammers and were flung away from them. All was getting okay and the other Holy Knights sessfully retreated. Others were beyond salvaged and were battling the other Pdins.

    The retreated Holy Knights then were cleansed by the Prophets. Making their assault to put to stop.

    The Pdins too were backing away from the miasma. They were coughing and they felt that they were absorbing it slowly. Making them cleansed with the Prophets.

    "They will be sessful in unsealing their brother if this goes on," Said one of the Prophets.

    "The Lord of Corruption is one nasty enemy. He can turn normal soldiers into his underlings. If the Holy element is strong enough, it can repel the miasma. But seeing things here, Holy knights have a low affinity for the Holy element. They are easily tainted. Pdins too can survive the miasma with their buffs but the miasma of the Demon Lord of Corruption is too potent. Only Master and up can repel the miasma and can battle the Demon Lord of Corruption. If only the heroes are here, then we are not experiencing this," Said the leader of the Prophets.

    It was then, the Pdins retreated to the barrier. The enemies assaulted what stood between them and their target. Making small cracks on the barrier itself and the Prophets were put into a bind. It was the only ce that they can wander and the tomb was covered throughout with the Demon Lord of Corruption.

    It was then, the Prophets felt that the unsealing of the Demon Lord of Corruption was getting finished. Making them slightly panic about what they have to do about it. They were trapped inside the barrier and the miasma was getting thicker and thicker. Making also the barrier to suffer from corruption.

    It was then, slowly but surely, the Demon Lord of Chaos has been unleashed. Making the Demon Lord of Corruptionugh vigorously.

    "My brother! Lord of Chaos!" He shouted at him.

    From there emerged a being that has huge wings. A face of a bat but has scales on his back.

    Shreekkk!!!

    It shouted at them with its loud cry. Making them shudder at the loud voice.

    "No," The Prophet leader said in utter disbelief.

    It was then, they almost felt that it will be hopeless from this day forth. Three Demon Lords were unleashed and no heroes were present. All they could do was stare at it in their naked eyes. Unable to do anything at the moment.

    "Don''t lose hope!" Somebody shouted at their back. They all stared at the source of the voice and saw a Holy element that was bright enough for the miasma to flee from it.

    "The heroes!" Shouted the Prophet leader. It was then their hope was reignited. Bringing again confidence that they can win it this time around with them.

    "Also don''t forget about us!" Teleportation was seen from the distance and a group of heroes were seen emerged from it.

    "All heroes attack!" They shouted and they approached the Demon Lords that were waiting for them.

 Chapter 121 - Battle Part 2

    The heroes attacked the Demon Lords. The Mage struck him with his lightning spell that sted off the area. The Demon Lord of Chaos flew towards the heroes. Also, his other brothers transformed into their Demon forms. The Demon Lord of Corruption turned into a Dragonoid beast that has wings on his back. Also the Lord of Corruption into a huge beast. Making the heroes and other humans smallpared to their size.

    Roar!!!

    The three of them roared and the tomb rumbled due to their loud voices. The Prophets then reinvigorated the soldiers to stand firm as the heroes were present. Making them reignited once more. The heroes attacked the Demon Lords with their numbers and banging sounds echoed the vicinity. Also, the Holy Knights and Pdins joined into the fray and attacked the enemies. .

    The corrupted Holy Knights were one by one battled by the ones who were not turned. Echoes of their shouts were heard as they duelled their formerrades. Making it a hard battle for them mentally.

    "Fight them! They will be d if we ended their sufferings!" Shouted one of the Prophets.

    It was then they realized that the turnedrades were either already dead or just a lump of empty flesh. The other ones were cleansed by the prophets or were now on their side, fighting alongside them.

    Roar!!!

    The Demon Lords then attacked the heroes. The Demon Lord of Corruption breathed dark fire mixed with his corruption miasma. Making the very floor burn into embers while being tainted with darkness. The Heroes evaded their breath and they attacked them with their weapons and skills. The Legendary Ronin shed him with his katana. The Holy Knight attacked with his Holy spells, making the ce to st with his spells.

    The two Mages sted spells left and right towards the Demon Lords. The Necromancersnded curses towards them and Summoned their underlings. Druid heroes also summoned and transformed. Also, Lycan heroes didn''t want to lose the others. Pdin heroes smashed their two-handed weapons towards the Demon Lords. Rogues and Rangers slowly chipped off the enemy''s health by dealing damage and attacking with ranged nonstop. The Fighters attacked with their prowess to the enemies. Demon lords or minions alike.

    The Lord of Affliction made spikes to shoot out from the ground and it was blocked by the shield of the Holy Knight. The other heroes evaded while the Pdin just stand there and the spikes just shattered on his armour. The Lord of Chaos shouted with his skill and Demon Captains were summoned from the floor. Making it a harder battle for them. Also, Demon Knights appeared right after them.

    "Attack!" The heroes shouted with all their might. The other soldiers also followed.

    They attacked the enemies at once. The Demon Lord of Chaos spawned more summonspared to his other brothers, making him a frightening existence when ites to summonings. The Demon captains attacked and shed with the Holy Knights and Pdins. It was all chaotic and the ce will be loud due to banging sounds of metals mixed with their voices. All of the sides were brimming with energy and didn''t want to get down easily.

    Bang!

    Some of the Demon Knights were flung by the Pdin''s attacks. Other Holy Knights were overpowered by Demon Captains. The enemies attacked but they were getting more numerous as time goes by. They were getting out of the crack and it seemed to be no stopping. Making them into dire straits if it goes on like this.

    The heroes then assisted some of the Holy Knights and Pdins. But the three Demon Lords were not also nning to let them have their way. They attacked the other soldiers and some were in in the process. The heroes fought them and the Chaos Knight heroes breathed out fire at them. Using their Warrior skills and Dread skills at them. Also, Dragonoid arts were used. The battle thensted for hours and the human soldiers were exhausted. Perspiring for an all-out brawl without rest. Drinking theirst potions and has run out of their stocks.

    "We should seal them now!" Shouted one of the prophets.

    "They are weakened! The time has to be now! We should seal them once again!" Also shouted by one prophet.

    "But our heroes are only in two teams. We should unseal the heroes of this tomb first!" Said the other one.

    "But who will do it?" Asked their leader.

    "Me!" Said someone who arrived. They all turned around and saw Isaias with the kid they met in their headquarters.

    "Isaias! Good thing you are here! But how will you do it?" He asked.

    "Ah, Joan here will cover me, just in case," Isaias said then he walked and passed them by.

    Joan and Isaias then walked towards the sealed heroes. Making way as the chaos was all over the ce. Upon walking, they were met with Demon captains that guarded the heroes'' statues. Three of them were present and so Joan didn''t waste his time. It was then, he dashed towards them and conjured a greatsword on his right hand.

    Dashing forth towards them and duelled three at once. The enemies were of a Demon captain rank and they didn''t have shields this time. Only swords and maces. One of them was dual-wielding two swords while the other one was using only a mace. Another one was holding only a one-handed sword on his left.

    Joan didn''t conserve his strength and let loose at the start.

    "Ha!" Joan shouted as he shed the enemy with his greatsword. A vertical sh was made and the sword was heavy. The enemy blocked it with his sword but the force was greater than his current strength. Making him hit the enemy on the face. The other two responded fast and covered him but the Demon captain was bleeding on the face.

    The other two captains dashed towards him and he blocked one blow from the one-handed sword user. The mace user''s strike was evaded but Joan then kicked him on the waist. Making him flung sideways. The one-handed sword user then shed Joan furiously but Joan blocked it with more than enough strength that his blocks became deflects. Making the enemy''s hands shake as he attacked some more.

    Joan then was attacked on his back that the enemy took the chance when he was on his back. Just as Joan saw him, he used his skill telekinesis and threw him towards the other one who was still regaining his strength. The other one who was bleeding then attacked him on the side and Joan kicked him on the abdomen.

    Bang!

    The enemy gasped air and then after Joan kicked him, he made a shoulder charge at him. Making the enemy flung on the process. They tried to stand up but Joan used his shadow clones skill. In just a whim, without hesitation, they slit their necks and Joan sheathed his greatsword on his back.

    It was then, Joan saw that Isaias was getting finished with his task.

    "Isaias, you''re still not finished?" Joan said to him while he was cracking his neck.

    "Just give me a sec," Isaias replied.

    Joan then saw that their unsealing was getting nearer and nearer. It was then, the Demon Lords felt that the heroes were now slowly getting unsealed. Making them slightly panic.

    "No! Stop them!" The Demon Lord of Chaos shouted.

 Chapter 122 - Battle Part 3

    "Stop them!" Shouted the Demon Lord of Chaos. It was then, they realised that their bane will be soon unsealed. Upon the faces of the Demon Lords, etched with worries stered into their faces. Grudge was felt in the deepest of their hearts as they soon enough realized that their fates will soon be doomed. All will be lost if they will not stop the heroes.

    Judging from what was happening, the heroes were close to being unsealed. Despite their struggles, they felt that the heroes will soon breathe again. The time was racing and the Demon Lords struggled to shake off the heroes.

    Bang! Boom!

    Upon their struggles, they shook them off, temporarily. They soon stared in Isaias'' direction and sted him off with their breaths. The Demon Lord of Affliction breathed fire, the Demon Lord of Chaos breathed poison, The Demon Lord of Corruption breathed dark fire. .

    Bang! Boom!

    The chaos was insured and the target area was burned. It was then when the smoke from their breathes has vanished, Joan was seen to set up a force field. Barely holding up from all their attacks.

    Ngk!

    Also, Joan was almost obliterated if his force field was breached and the two of them will be dust when it happens. Thus, making Joan m his butt on the ground in the process. It was then, the heroes'' stony figures started to move and breathed. Their bodies shined as they came out of a bright gate. Making them bathed into grandeur.

    Also, they soon realised what was happening. Making them seen the three Demon Lords'' wake was what they had seen transpiring into their faces.

    "Heroes! We need you once again! They have been set free and we need you to seal them again!" Isaias said while his voice was loud enough.

    Joan was then assaulted with another round of breath from them. Making him smirk while holding out from their attacks. The enemies then were attacked by the other heroes. Making the ce plunged into chaos.

    "We must seal them once again! All heroes! This is ourst chance!" The leader of the prophets shouted at them.

    It was then, the heroes were all notified. Hearing his call, they all surrounded them.

    "Seal them at once!" The heroes shouted. Surrounding them all over the ce and the prophets then made a chant. Glowing runes were made and the prophets sessfully set up a barrier. Enveloping the Demon lords into its radius. A white transparent light was seen to be raised and it covered them.

    Upon seeing that the heroes has sessfully set up a barrier, the Demon Lords wailed.

    "We will not let this happen! We will spread our seeds of evil towards all thends! No one will stop us!" The Demon Lord of Affliction shouted.

    They soon struggled and fought the barrier that caged them. The three of them smashed the barriers and summoned more creatures.

    "All minions! Stop them!" The Demon Lords shouted.

    The ce was chaotic as the barriers were being pounded. The minions appeared from the cracks and flooded the vicinity. They assaulted the heroes and so the barrier that they set up was disturbed.

    "We must not let them disrupt the sealing of our heroes!" Shouted the Holy Knight Captain.

    They soon roared to defend the heroes who were busily setting up the barrier. Joan was then alerted. More and more heroes were disturbed and only the Holy Knights and Pdins were avable. Making them upied with the process. Joan then grinned at the moment he needed to let loose.

    "It is time to let loose!" Joan shouted.

    [Shadow clone]

    [Skeleton]

    [Beast call]

    [Summon bear]

    [Summon vine]

    [Spirit and soul duplication]

    Joan then was seen attacking some minions of Demon Lords. The summons then went to help in the fray and assisted into the Holy Knights.

    It was then, the sealing was getting closer and closer. Making the Demon Lords to breathed with their powers inside their barriers.

    Roar!!!

    "We will rise again! Remember this!" They shouted while rampaging inside.

    Urgh!

    The Heroes then were holding tight after their rampage. Making them reinforce their seal.

    "By the seal of all job sses will they contained. By the Seal of prophets will they slumber and petrified!" The leader of the Prophets shouted.

    "All of you must hold on! We will make it through!" The prophets shouted.

    Roar!!!

    It was then, the cracks rumbled. The sound reverberated throughout the ce. The Heroes and all the Kingdom''s soldiers came looking at it.

    "Rise! My generals!" The Demon Lords shouted at them. It was then, Demon Generals appeared and they flew upwards. Making the ground shake after theynded.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    They smashed the ground while crouching then stood up and saw that their masters were being imprisoned. Making them grin on the process while seeing them. Three of them were like bipedal lizards that has leathery wings and have fangs sticking out of their mouths. Tongues were as long as a snake and scales were of a dragon.

    Roar!!!

    "Oh, so you were giving our masters a hard time eh? Mind if we y with you a bit?" Said the other one to them. Making them feel a chill run down their spine.

    They smashed the barriers and it was shaken. Making the ground rumble with every hit.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    The heroes were preupied with the barrier but it has gone to the worst. They can kill the generals but it was not the same for the other Holy Knights. Pdins were also not able to hold them off.

    "Stop them! We must stop the Demon generals!" The soldiers shouted to them.

    "Hahaha! Stop us, weaklings!" They shouted at the soldiers.

    Upon their struggle, They attacked the Demon Generals. Making them swept by their hands with just a swing. Others were thrown to the floor while others were thrown to the walls. They breathed with fire, the other one was ice, and another one was lightning. Making the soldiers evade their strikes while their formation was destroyed in the process. Breathing out their fiery breaths, they immediately turned the tides of the battle.

    Joan saw that the enemies were making a number on them and so, he made haste to defend them. He dashed towards the Demon Generals and let out a spell.

    [Thunderbolt]

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    He threw three lightning spells at the three of them, making them smirk at his attack. Their scales and horns that were hit were either cut off from their head or was sted away. Smashing the ground as itnded to where they were sent

    It was then, the three stared in his direction.

    "Ahhhh! What is that attack? That stings! Even with our magic resistance, I still felt it!" One of the Demon General shouted.

    Joan then was pierced with their res. Their eyes were bloodshot and they attacked him.

    "You will not get away without getting hurt!" The Demon General shouted.

 Chapter 123 - Battle Part 4

    Roar!!!

    The three Demon Generals dashed towards Joan. Making him get the aggro from the three generals. Another one flew towards him, beating his wings and the air current fluctuated. Ripping the very air and the air made a pping sound that was enough to be heard by everyone. Making the heroes cover their faces to the dirt and dust produced.

    They saw a lone figure flying in the air that was brimming with aura. Seeping out of his skin, mana and murderous aura. Eyes were sharpened and grinning at him with a wry smile. Arching the edge of his mouth. Joan then used his big spells untowards them.

    [Sr re]

    Bang!!!.

    A great explosion was sent towards them. Blinding light radiated with heat that was felt by everyone. While looking at it, the enemies couldn''t leave unscathed with his skill. While practically draining his mana, it was also effective. As the enemies wailed after his skill wasunched. Allies were astounded by the majestic skill he has.

    "Is that the Mage''s skill Sr re? Who is a master Mage in our ranks!?" Shouted the leader of the prophets.

    Upon their confusion as to who sted the enemy, they all stare left and right at who might be the person behind it.

    "Aaaaaahhhhhhh! You will suffer greater pain than death itself!" One of the generals shouted. Rumbling the ground with their sheer voice powerful enough to shake it.

    They emerged from the great fire and pped their wings.

    Whoom!

    The air was blown away and the fire dispersed at their wings. Even generals were not immune to magic attacks but were just resistant to them. Leaving unscathed was a norm but Joan''s skill has magic piercing imbued to it. Making it utterly shocking to their part.

    Joan thenughed at them. Making their very existence insulted with hisugh. It was a great mock at them to beughed at by a human like him. It was then, the enemies were infuriated by his demeanour. Making them haste whilst approaching him in just their utter annoyance.

    While Joan was flying with his telekinesis skill, he was chased by the three huge enemies. Joan flew past by some Holy Knights and the wind blew them. Also making them cover their faces after the three Demon generals followed after him.

    Joan was flying and then he turned around towards the enemies. He thought that it would add spice if he will send them some spells for them to dance at. Preparing the spell and mana, he let out some on their way.

    [Fireball]

    Joan summoned fireballs just in his back. Making him surrounded by floating balls of fire. Still was following him as Joan flew while being chased. Speed was so fast that the enemy will be having a hard time chasing him. He flew to the pirs and then manoeuvred to pass them in a swerving manner. Doing left and right turns to confuse them.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    While doing so, the other Demon generals scratched the very solid pirs after Joan evaded their ws. Leaving a scratch at the marble pirs.

    "You! Come here! Don''t you dare escape! We will tear you to pieces!" Shouted one Demon general.

    [Homing fireball]

    The enemies also used their spells that has homing that they summoned. Making them throw it towards Joan. Three of them made their homing fireballs andunched their attack towards Joan.

    Phsiw! Pshiw! Boom! Boom! Boom! Bang!

    They rained Joan with their spells and he evaded them with a great manoeuvre.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Boom! Boom!

    Exploding his surroundings as he was attacked by the missiles. The missiles exploded as it hits the floor and Joan erected a force field to make sure that he will be left intact after the skill hits him.

    Bing! Bing! Bing!

    The missiles hit the force field and Joan barely made it to sustain their attacks.

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Thunderbolt]

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Joan struck them with his spell and they were left smoking afterwards.

    "Raaaaa!!!" They shouted at him and he was assaulted by them. Breathing at Joan with their breaths while flying. Fire breath, Poison breath, and Lighting breath. All were heading at Joan. Joan too didn''t just wait for their attacks to strike him. He also breathed at them with his spell.

    [Wind cutter]

    He used the skill and a concentrated wind was let out of his mouth. Colliding to the other breaths of the enemies.

    Bang!

    [Wind cutter]�Ca wind elemental spell that was breathed out of the mouth. The first was to inhale air then let it out. The wind was concentrated that it can cut like a razor.

    Joan then flew to escape them but they chased him without rest. Not wanting him to have a breather while their anger was still getting in their heads. Another round of breath was made and then Joan was followed by their attacks.

    Boom!

    Joan then used another skill at his disposal. Breathing inside some air, he hold it then breathed out.

    [Water cannon]

    He breathed out high pressured water and it struck the enemies while evading their strikes.

    [Water cannon]�Ca skill of water element that propels water in great pressure from the mouth. Able to pierce rocks if the pressure was high enough. Can knock back enemies due to the high pressure.

    They were struck with water and they were flung towards the walls. Banging the walls that were enough to make the tomb shake. Joan then used his skill to electrify the enemies.

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Water cannon]

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Water cannon]

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Water cannon]

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Water cannon]

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Water cannon]

    [Thunderbolt]

    [Water cannon]

    [Thunderbolt]

    They were struck relentlessly without stop after Joan flung them with his water cannon. The enemies went to attack again but they were struck again with the water cannon and then the thunderbolt followed right after it. Exhausting the enemies with their blood vessels toasted and burned. Also, their veins popped after more and more lightning element attacks were sent after them.

    The enemy was then left coughing blood at him. Joannded on the floor and then approached them walking. Stones were kicked on the process as it was getting on the way.

    "No! Forgive us, Masters! We failed you all!" Said the Demon general. Lying on the floor of the tomb, coughing blood and were wheezing.

    "You should say yourst words," Joan said to them. Their eyes were cold as he stared at them while they were lying on the floor.

    "Screw you and your race! Hahaha!" The Demon General shouted at him theyughed.

    "Same," Joan said to him in a low voice.

    [Earthen spears]

    Spikes made from earth was made and floated up in the air. The tip was pointed at the enemies while rotating.

    [Ice spikes]

    Ice spikes were made and they floated at them. Ready to strike them and was aimed at their faces.

    [Earthen spears]�Cearth element skill that was chiselled on the tip and was rotating. Have a piercing capability as it rotates but was slower slightly to the ice spikes.

    [Ice spikes]�Can ice element that was hardened like iron. Can beunched to the enemies at high speed. Faster than the earthen spears.

    "Pierce them," Joan said then the enemies were bathed with the said missiles. Ending their lives in the process.

    Joan then saw that the sealing of the Demon lords was almost done. The Demon lords still writhed and thrashed inside but it was all for nought. Joan then saw the Demon generals disintegrate and the lights went inside him.

    "Faithful in life, as they are in death. They are zealous in that way but it is a faith that was zealous to do evil. If humans were only that zealous too. I hope things will get better from this day forth." Joan said as he was staring at the heroes sealing the Demon Lords. The bright light was made after he stared at them.

    It was then, they shouted. Signifying that it was finished.

    "Whohoo!!! We sealed them atst!!!" Shouted the prophets.

    Soldiers were also jumping in utter joy. Some were weeping while hugging theirrades in battle. The heroes were once again petrified and the Demon Lords with them. Bathing the surroundings with just their shouts that were not stopping sooner.

    Isaias approached Joan and he was stroking his mane.

    "We are sessful atst! Hahaha, you battled three generals at once! Now that was a feat!" Isaias said to him.

    "Haha, you baffle me. It was nothing," Joan said to him.

    It was then, the prophets approached the two. All five of them went their way towards them.

    "Oh, so you defeated the three generals! What can I say, so you are the Child of hope? I never met such a strong one from before!" He said to him.

    "Ah, that was just something on the bounds of expectations," Joan said to him.

    "Don''t bother the child. Ask me if you want answers," Isaias said to them.

    "You misunderstood Isaias, I am here to thank the Child of Hope. No more, no less. I have seen him fight and my doubts of him being a versatile one were lifted," Said the prophet leader.

    "You should not spread it though, my benefactor doesn''t want to harbour other''s jealousy," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah, I see. Well, we rmend you to join the Academy. You will be a schr of the prophets if you want. Your future is bright child and we are here to support you. How about we will celebrate to anoint you as a child of hope properly in the Order of Prophets. We will wait for you there, well that''s all. We are on our way," The leader said to him.

    "Thank you very much for the opportunity," Joan said to them then bowed.

    Isaias then patted his shoulders andughed.

 Chapter 124 - Epilogue

    "Joan, you are so humble. You are uparable in your past life right?" Isaias said to him.

    "Ah, yes," Joan said to him putting a thumbs up.

    "Let''s go, we don''t have anything to do here," Isaias said to him.

    It was then, just as they were about to prepare to leave, there was a Ranger that approached them. d in leather armour and robes to cover his body. A man in a hood and has a scar on his face. He was in his thirties and was still brimming with energy.

    "Excuse me, gentlemen. How rude of me to disturb you but I am a scout sent by General Tullius the Third. My name is not important as I was just a measly scout.. If I am not mistaken, are you one of the adventurers who survived the nightmares?" He asked while bowing. Head bent down then look up at them.

    Isaias was about to speak but Joan gestured at him to speak for himself.

    "Are you perhaps from the kingdom''s army?" Joan asked. Letting him stand straight.

    "Ah yes, my eyes will not fool me. You are the adventurer who I saw and several others. Wait, where are yourrades? Did they perished?" He asked confused.

    "Ah, I don''t know what to say but maybe you are just mistaken. My onlypany is that old man there. We are travelling for some time and we are only two all this time," Joan said to him.

    "What? You don''t have morerades? Ah, maybe I was just mistaken, sorry for the disturbance. I will be on my way," He said then clicked his tongue.

    Joan then smiled at Isaias. Isaias justughed then smacked his back. They went on towards the exit of the tomb.

    "Excuse me, Prophet Isaias," A soldier said to him while saluting.

    "What is it?" Isaias replied.

    "May we do the honour to escort you home to the Kingdom? We are preparing to leave this instant," The soldier said.

    "Ah yes, sure!" Isaias replied.

    "Ready Prisci Joan, we will leave together with them," Isaias said to him.

    Joan then left to the carriage and absorbed the remaining essence in the air before he left. Just to make sure there was no essence wasted.

    Just as he finished, they marched with escorts of the remaining soldiers. Bodies were carried on the back of the carriages to be sent to their families. Isaias sat at the driver''s seat of Prisci''s carriage. Sitting beside him was none other than Joan. They met no enemies on the road and were on their way towards the kingdom.

    Marching on for days, they travelled the roads towards the capital. Arriving at their destination without struggles and the way was clear. Citizens cheered at their presence and the road was full of people. They arrived at the gates and many waited for their arrival.

    Hail the Heroes!!!

    Hail the Prophets!!!

    God Bless Humanity!!!

    The citizens hailed them and threw flowers on the roads. Also, the prophets were cheered on, especially Isaias who has many supporters. They waved at him and he waved back. The parade was so long and they made their way towards the prophet headquarters located at the heart of the school.

    Arriving at the ce, the prophets dismissed the army and they went inside the headquarters. Joan too was with the prophets and then he was met with a feast.

    He was greeted with food of all kinds. It felt like they prepared the food beforehand. Upon the celebration of their sess. He was also going to be anointed at the same time. Making Joan feel uneasy by the formalities it has. Remembering also that he was anointed by Isaias quickly and directly. No formalities and just kneeling impromptu.

    Thinking that this time around was more formal than before, he prepared himself. It was then he will be anointed by them and so he kneeled in one knee and bowed down his head.

    "Now Joan! We the Prophets will anoint you as the Child of Hope! The Hero of Humanity! The bane of all evil!" Said the Prophet leader. Anointing him with oil and the room was covered with gushing air. They all felt the wind and then it was absorbed by Joan. Making them all in utter confusion. It was the first time that a child of hope was sessfully anointed.

    "s! It is finished! We should celebrate!" Isaias said to them.

    They resumed eating and then lifted their cups for Joan.

    "To the Child of Hope!" They cheered and toasted a cup for his name.

    Just as they were eating at that same time. Cults were recruiting all over the kingdom. The viges were all visited by them and even the school was not exempted from their influence. Spreading their believers like a wildfire. They inherited their Demon lord''s powers after they became their Child. Rumours of the cults already infiltrated the kingdom was heard. Whispers of enemies in the shadows were working more active as they have failed their master''s revival.

    The news of sessfully sealing the Demon lords was spread and the kingdom rejoiced. Making the King happy about it. After dispatching his Order of Pdins, he was ecstatic with their mission''s sess. Even more so, the King was looking forward to expanding into the depths of the darknds on the north. Supporting the adventurers in their missions with a steady supply. He was looking forward to their mission there.

    It was then on, days went by and the Academy entrance exam was getting near. Joan stayed inside the inn for a while and did a few days of vacation. Eating in the food district at the night and meditated by the day. Reaching his mana well in the space realm�Cthe first stage in due time. Joan sessfully absorbed the remaining essences and his stats came to five hundred. Making him reach Master officially. Just while sitting in the lotus position, he stretched his back while the rays of the sun enveloped him.

    [Spirit and soul duplication]

    It was then, Joan summoned Duplicate and talked to him. Duplicate who was summoned was deeply delighted as he was on the rank of Master now. Making him almost leap in utter delight.

    "So what''s the news? You summoned me for a purpose right?" Duplicate asked.

    "Yeah, I will go to Academy but you are tasked to be an adventurer. I will use stat maniption before the entrance exam but you are not needed to do it. I will train in the Academy while you stay in Master rank and collect essences for me. You will be reporting to me and use teleportation if needed. Disguise for a while, while being an adventurer," Joan said to him.

    "Okay! Is that all? Well, this sure will be an adventure! I am looking forward to the Dark Lands. What mysteries await there?" Duplicate asked.

    "It is for you to see with your eyes," Joan replied.

    "Ah, yes of course! Naturally! Hahaha!" Duplicate sneered.

    End Of Volume 1

 Chapter 125 - School

    Located at the Inn where Joan settled, where busily peoplee and go at the moment. Joan was dressed in amoner''s clothes. Bright coloured polo shirt in red and pants made from cotton dyed in green. It has pockets on both sides thus handy. He was not enveloped with robes this time as they will go to school.

    That''s right, the time hase for Joan to venture into the world of studies. As normal as it was for a kid like him his age to went to school. Joan Duplicate then smacked him on the shoulders as a goodbye.

    "So you will go now?" Joan asked him.

    "Yeah," Joan Duplicate winked.

    "I will visit you once in a while if I can.. Will be an adventurer as youmanded," Joan duplicate said to him.

    "Be always careful, I will use Stat maniption in myself to blend into the students. I won''t let you get back to being an Advanced or even worst Adept for the time being when I am weak. So be a Master till I can catch up to you," Joan said to him.

    "As you wish, I will always be careful. And I won''t assimte with you till you won''t be a Master again, so that''s a wise thing to do. I will be away so don''t chew more than you can chew. I know you will stir up trouble inside the academy if you will harbor other''s jealousy," Joan Duplicate said to him.

    "Yes, will keep it in mind. So long," Joan said then turned around. His heart aching on the process.

    They went their separate ways and Joan was seen by Isaias who arrived just a few moments ago.

    "Joan, are you ready?" Isaias asked him. Still holding the staff till the current moments.

    "Oh, Isaias. Yeah, I am ready. Let''s go," Joan said then led the way.

    Walking on the streets, they saw many kids his age travel. It was the moment they have been waiting for. The excitement was seen in their faces.

    "Bye mom, I will go to school now!" Said the kid.

    "Be careful son. Be a good kid to your teacher," His mother said whilst patting his head.

    Moving on to the others, they were seen having backpacks. Joan too bought one for himself and some notebooks as we speak. He also bought pens for writing. A typical student as we saw him. Moments of walking, they met the other students and they saw that Isaias'' face was familiar. They realized that it was the Prophet Isaias in the flesh and so they greeted him.

    Still, it was bugging in their minds who was with him that Isaias was closely following him and not the opposite. In their thoughts, maybe it was his close rtive or even his grandson if they will imagine it.

    Arriving at the school, Joan was then flooded with students. It was not him who was being disturbed though as he was swiped out of the way. Making him flung in the sides.

    "Prophet Isaias, prophet Isaias. We greet thee foring to the school. May we escort you while we can?"

    "We are graced with your presence! May we of help while you are here?"

    "How did you all defeat the Demon lords, Prophet Isaias? Can you tell us?"

    So on and so forth. Their inquiries continued that the old man was perspiring while being surrounded. Felt that it will be soon nasty to keep close to Isaias. Knowing that the news of the victory of humanity against the Demon Lords was still fresh and just a few days ago. Having met the prophet of heroes to tell the story was something that the students were looking forward to.

    Joan was observing Isaias but then saw that there was amotion just a few meters from him. Students were shouting and others were flocking towards them. Elderlies that were having staffs dressed in robes were heading his way.

    "The five Prophets! The Prophets are here! Where are they going? Prophet Elisha! Prophet Elijah! Prophet Jeremiah! Prophet Ezekiel! Prophet Amos!"

    ''Oh, so that''s their names? I didn''t know,'' Joan smirked.

    They were walking towards him and as they were getting nearer, Joan can only whistle, hands on the back of his head.

    "Hello Joan, we are sorry if we can''t properly wee you but we are here to escort you to the principal. We would like to introduce you to him," Their leader said to him.

    "Whoa? Who is this person who has known the Prophets? And they went on their way just to wee him to the school? Did he bribed the Prophets?"

    Joan heard it from one of the students. Other students bit their lower lips in utter disgust. It will be a harder life to be at starting that time. He seeded in harbouring their jealousy and was badmouthed on his back. Their voices were low but enough for him to hear.

    "Such a leecher,"

    "Boot licker,"

    "Parasite,"

    Joan whistled then ignored them. He walked together with them as he was escorted.

    "Hey! Wait for me!" Isaias shouted at them.

    "Hey Isaias, you''re too slow!" Joan said to him.

    "Ah forgive me," Isaias said and the students were perplexed by what they heard. They can only curse Joan deep in their hearts.

    "Jeremiah, you seemed thinner now. Did you lose weight?" Isaias asked.

    "No, I did some pasting for a week," Jeremiah said to him.

    "Amos, you are buffer now. You exercised?" Ezekiel asked.

    "Hahaha, that''s a secret," Amos replied.

    "Joan, you seem to be silent. Talk more," Prophet Elijah told him.

    "Ah you see, I can speak but their stares are deeply unsettling," Joan said then pointed towards the students.

    "You can eithersh them or befriend them. Either way, they are still a student of our school. A potentialrade in case of a war. A shield brother in war is indispensable and all we can hope was to know you well enough. Insecurities will fade in due time, believe me. I know what I''m saying," Prophet Elisha said to him then wink.

    "Ah, that is reassuring," Joan said.

    They walked towards the Principal''s office and soon opened the door towards his room. They entered and closed the door right after.

 Chapter 126 - Principal

    "Please do sit gentlemen," Said the principal. Dressed in a suit and tie was hanging on his neck. sses were apparent on his face. Blocking his deep blue eyes and ocean green.

    Joan observed the surroundings first then saw the simplicity in it. Just a table and sofas were seen. A small mini table was surrounded by the sofas and two chairs were standing on the front of the principal''s table. Adjacent to the table was a picture of the king hanging on the wall just at the back of the principal.

    A mini forest was seen on the ss ced on top of the table of the principal. Small bonsais were seen inside and some mosses were being humidified by fog. A rune was present and was seen blowing humidified air that felt like a cold aura. It was overflowing from the lid and was eye-catching. As the principal saw Joan staring at it, he felt like he was new to it..

    "Beautiful isn''t it?" He said.

    "Yes," Joan said to him.

    "Haha, right? Well, you are a new face. Care to exin why a new kid is here in the office? Is he a student? I am not the disciplinarian of the school right?" He said.

    Joan closed his eyes and smiled at his remarks. Thinking that everything was misunderstood.

    "Ah, ahem. Let me exin dear principal. He is Joan Emsworth, the only survivor of your elder brother''s vige," Isaias said the most important details. Straight to the point.

    "What?" He said then mmed his hands on the table.

    "So you are his vige member? I am stillmenting so I am not in the mood to listen to silly talks. Keep it short, I don''t have all the time. I can''t even make a proper burial for him as I was busy. I received a letter and thought it was a joke. But then it was reported that the vige was decimated," He said to them.

    "Joan was the one who sent the letters," Isaias said.

    "Ah, yes it makes sense now. Thank you, you have done a service. So what do you need? Money?" He said while his left brow went up.

    "I am the one that will give you something. Not you giving something to me," Joan said to him.

    "Oh? You are challenging me? What could be it that you are so proud of it?" He asked him.

    "Your brother''sst message to you. Hisst. You don''t want it? I might rip it to your face if you want," Joan said to him and then brought out a paper with a seal of wax. Joan was about to rip it but the principal shouted at him and jumped from his seat and grabbed his hands.

    "No! Stop! Okay, okay I will read," He blurted out. The principal was about to cry about his actions.

    "Okay, it is yours," Joan said nonchntly. Getting away his hands from the letter.

    The Prophets were surprised at what was happening. For a proud principal to act so pitiful. The principal then was seen having drops of tears while still hesitant to open it.

    "Oh brother, oh brother. What have they done to you? Tell me he didn''t turn into undead. Tell me!" He shouted at Joan.

    "He was sent to heaven as I havemanded my Angel of Death. He is resting in peace now," Joan said.

    "Ah, okay. I will read the letter. Will you wait for me outside?" He said to them.

    It was then, they all went outside. Closing the door then they waited outside.

    "Dear brother, I hope you are okay. While I write this letter, I am being disturbed by your nephew''s sons and daughters saying that they want to also join the Academy. Little Tracey here wants to be a Mage and shoot spells in the future. Yeah, they are still too young, I know. But anyway, I am happy that we survived the fire on our harvest and we are raided by bandits on the same day. You will be shocked by what I will say but a kid saved us from the bandits. Killing them for us. I care for the child''s future and will ask you to please support him. He is Joan Emsworth dear brother. I hope you grant his dreams for me. I would dly pay his allowances and tuition fee. So make him a schr, I am willing to apply for a loan if you want. Just take care of the child. And by the way, he has changed the delinquents here into wood hunters. My grandson was also his student whom he trained to hunt and he gives food to our table now to pass time. Maybe that''s all, promise me brother. By the way, your grandsons and I will visit one day. They missed you so much�CSincerely yours, your brother."

    "Silly brother, you are silly." The Principal said.

    It was then, they heard the principal wail inside. Loud enough for them to hear. Joan was shaken for a while. It was so hard for him to ept the fact that his parents died. Making him remember how hard it was to ept to see their dead bodies hang in the pole. Bloodied and devils were dancing in their lifeless bodies.

    As hard it was to ept, Joan felt like crying too as he heard the principal''s wailings. Isaias patted his shoulders and Joan felt helpless for a moment. His heart ached and his eyes welled. Tears were uncontroble and they fell from his eyes. Just remembering how his parents were good to him. Hunting animals was entirely for his parents to eat. He was hunting thinking for them to have a happy face while eating. All for them, but they are now gone.

    The mood in the waiting room soon became gloomy. Prophetsforted him for an entire hour and was letting him cry all he want. It was then, the principal went to open the door. They entered then settled in the seats. The principal''s eyes were in a mess. But he still pulled himself together.

    "Ahem, I will be direct. I want you to grant a schrship and study in the academy for free and has allowances as a bonus. Any questions?" He asked.

    "No, nothing," Joan said to him.

    "Ahem, As I want to say earlier. That kid is the child of hope from the prophecy," Isaias exined.

    "What? Why didn''t you say earlier? That is a heavy burden," The principal said.

    "And he helped in the Demon lord sealing mission and ns to study here in the Academy," Isaias exined. Other prophets came nodding at the Principal who was then shocked.

    "I am speechless, but I will make your identity a secret. As you see, some enemies infiltrated the school. Whispers of cultists having activities inside the school were heard. Disappearances of students are the current problem. As a child of hope, I tasked you to deal with this. I hope you are sessful as I can''t trust anyone with this mission. Even teachers are in question. The cultist is deeply rooted. They infiltrated the school even when I am still not the principal. So are you in?" He said to him.

    "I will dly take up the mission. I don''t have anything to do anyway. This gives me a goal in my wasted life, spices things up for me," Joan said.

    "Okay, you will bete for the entrance exam. Good luck!" He said to him.

 Chapter 127 - Dark Lands

    Joan Duplicate arrived at the adventurer guild without problems. The grandeur was still the same as the first time he arrived. Entering with the other adventurers inside, he saw that the ce has many adventurers waiting on standby. Also, he saw earlier that there was a caravan of carriages waiting outside.

    Upon observing, he saw that many adventurers seen were ready for an all-out war anytime soon. Asking several adventurers, he inquired what was currently happening. His curiosity was getting ahead of him.

    "You don''t know? We are the next batch to be deployed at the Dark Land. The King himself gave a huge fund to explore the Darknds. We call it ''The Darknds exploration''. Don''t worry too much about it, we can only pray we get out of that ce alive. Many died already to these explorations as the monsters are stronger there. The reason was maybe due to seeds of evils that are left untouched till now.. Making them evolve," The Adventurer in Ranger''s outfit said.

    "Ah, you seemed to know a lot. By the way, how rude of me. I am Joan," Joan Duplicate offered his hands.

    "Erthurul, that''s my name," He said.

    They were getting to know each other and a man in full ted armour arrived. It was made of Mythril that was shiny. Getting their attention even without effort. He then stands amid all the adventurers and coughed.

    "Ahem! Attention adventurers! We will leave to venture into the darknds after the announcement. Old folks know what I will say but I will repeat it for the newbies. The King has put funds for this exploration and it was in the hands of the adventurer guild to fulfil this task. You will be paid handsomely as the King has promised and that is if you arrive home safely. The sry is of no use if you died. So, to make things clear, this is an exploration mission. We will have tasks for you to do and this mission is dangerous. Yes, I know. The monsters are behaving more aggressive as time goes by and we are in a bind too. We will reim what''s was ours and if we didn''t try, then when? So steel your hearts and make your resolve firm. We are to free thends of this evil and to y evil! That''s all and the mission details are to be told in the Lukarian stronghold. Now, let us leave in a minute," He said to them. Not even saying his name or rank in the adventurer guild.

    Erthurul then walked beside him after the briefing.

    "So, see you in the carriage. We will travel to the darknds after this," He said to Duplicate.

    "Yeah, see youter," Duplicate said with a smile. The two then separated after they went outside. He was in the first carriage and Duplicate was in thest carriage. It was a total of ten carriages. Four of the carriages were supplies and the rest were the adventurers and guards sent from the King. There were also horse riders as their escorts. Though they were capable enough, it wouldn''t hurt to have extra guards along the way.

    Joan duplicate went inside thest carriage and settled there at the right seat located at the furthest inside. Others went inside too with him. There were eight of them inside and they have their job ss. There was a man in the outer left that has full ted iron armour with an adventurer badge of bronze.

    Others were either of steel like him or iron badge pinned in their chest. One was a Rogue that has an iron badge in him. Seemed intimidating as he has a scar from his forehead towards his cheek. Staring at him and his badge that was of steel. Making him bite his lips in his disbelief that a kid like him was stronger.

    Badges were a symbol of one''s capabilities and strength. As simple as it was but it has impacts on the ones who see it. Making the onlookers think twice if the opposite was a higher rank in his badge. They could be faked if you can steal the badge of others but stealing from a higher rank than you were still praiseworthy in itself.

    Waiting for several minutes, the person who was the one who made an announcement was checking them one by one. It seemed he was a captain of the army and was not an adventurer. Sent from the king himself to supervise the mission. Their welfare was one of his responsibility.

    "Okay, we will leave immediately!" He shouted then the caravan was up and running. The whipping of horses started and then they felt that they were moving.

    As they were moving, Joan duplicate closed his eyes on the way. He can''t look at the views from his seating position so he did close his eyes. They travelled to the far north where the Darknds were located. The road was silent as they went far where Joan haven''t reached from before. Camping beside the roads and setting up tents on the way. Days of camping and travelling was what they were in their routine until they were getting nearer and nearer to their destination.

    Joan didn''t miss the opportunity to see it with his own eyes so he tried to get out and see it for the first time. Dark crimson clouds from afar were seen up in the sky. Thundering in random session as its rumblings were heard echoing in the surroundings.

    "First time? Beautiful isn''t it?" Said the female Mage in him.

    "Ah, yeah," Joan said then smiled.

    "Hahaha! You will see more things inside the fog. We will enter it sooner," Said the man with an axe in his hands. The tip was settled on the floor.

    "Wee to the darknds boy! Hahaha!" Said the Mage. Others soon chuckled right after she said the words.

    Joan Duplicate can only felt more excited. As how mysterious this ce was for him and his imagination runs wild. Furthering themselves towards the ce, they saw a foggy environment that stretched forth as their eyes can see. To the left and the right, it was unending in its wide span. As they entered a foggy road, their visions were greatly reduced. The sky was dark and the ce was foggy. What could be worst in their current predicaments? The road became foggy so they all carried torches with them. Handed to the escorts on the way and others weremps ornterns.

    "Beware of monsters! Stay close to the carriages and arm yourselves as we travel!" Shouted the said captain of the guards.

    Joan then felt rmed. Multiple enemies were sensed by his instincts. Joan went outside and the others tried to stop him.

    "Where are you going? Sit down kid, let the adults handle this," Said the axe wielder.

    Joan was a little bit insulted but it can''t be helped. Enemies were getting nearer and nearer. He ignored him and then manoeuvred to went up on the roof of the carriage.

    "They''re here," Duplicate said out loud.

 Chapter 128 - Dark Lands Part 2

    "Giant Dire Wolves!" Joan shouted in excitement. He felt that his Lycan blood was getting excited. Making him want to transform that instant.

    Awooooo!!!

    Echoes of their cry reverberated in the surroundings. Rumblings of their feet as they get nearer were heard in the distance. The rocks and pebbles shake restlessly with every step and they were numerous just by the sheer shaking of the ground. The guards were rmed after they heard the wail of the said animal.

    "Giant dire wolves! Prepare for battle! Ready your weapons! These ursed beasts will surprise attack you in the fog! Move closer to each other and don''t stray away from yourrades. Adventurers! Protect the supplies!" Shouted the captain of the guards.

    All the persons inside made a formation, circling at the carriages and readied for a sh. Joan was still on the top of the carriage and he used his beast aura white.. Making his sense more acute as of a wolf. Eyes glowed and his canine grew longer. Nails became ws and he was emitting white smoke from his body. Sensing what''sing, he shouted when he sensed that they were getting near.

    "Look out! There are three in the front! Coming in three seconds! Seven will attack in the sides! Right after them!" Joan shouted.

    It was soon three gigantic beasts that appeared from the fog. Six feet tall dire wolves appeared and then jumped at the guards. The guards lifted their shields to their chests but the sheer momentum of the wolves was enough to throw them away with their charge. Their weight was applied and they were knocked immediately.

    While there was amotion on the front, the enemies also started to ambush them in the sides.

    Ahhhh!!!

    Other adventurers almost leapt after they saw the beast attacked theirrades. Others threw spells on them and arrows but the enemies were tenacious.

    [Fireball]

    [Rapid fire]

    [Lightning bolt]

    The enemies were struck but they just ignored it like it was just a trifling matter.

    Joan duplicate conjured his greatsword then dashed towards them. Running towards them then used his strength to hurl the pebbles. He propelled like a bolt that wasunched from a crossbow. A booming sound was heard after he dashed.

    Seeing that the enemy was busy biting off the shield of a knocked down guard, Joan manoeuvred to swerve towards its right side.

    [Side m]

    Joan then mmed his body to the giant wolf.

    Bang!

    The wolf was hit in the waist and Joan duplicate grinned. While being on the side view, he hit the enemy and they heard a cracking sound as he struck with the enemy. The enemy was thrown in the process. Other wolves saw him and have garnered their aggro.

    [Side m]�Ca skill of Fighters that involves a charge then mming the side of the body. A charge skill of Fighters that gives a burst of movement speed.

    Joan thennded on the ground after he mmed his body to the six feet wolf. They were pretty tall and Joan was left mid-air when the enemy was flung. Landing on the ground on the process.

    Bang!

    "Come to me," Joan duplicate said to them.

    They saw Joan and they growled. Showing their teeth and then attacked on all sides. Joan was in a bind, trusting his sword on the ground, he used his Fighter ss again. Building up shockwave on his hands, he used the skill upon them.

    [Gentle burst]

    Bang!

    A loud burst of shockwave was emitted. All the enemies were blown away. Othersnded on the carriages and others to the ground. Rolling while the momentum was still present.

    [Gentle burst]�Ca shockwave skill of Fighters that was built up from the centre of the body and was released towards a radius. More mastery of the skill will make the shockwave stronger and wider.

    The enemies were shocked by what transpired and the fog was dispersed in the surrounding area with him at the centre point of it. It was then, Joan grabbed his greatsword and then attacked the other wolves. They stood up andunched their attack on him. This time with more rage in them.

    "Assist the guy who defeated them! He needs support!" Shouted one of the adventurers. Joan duplicate can only smile at them.

    Joan duplicate then was assisted with them. Running beside him was Rogue and a dual wielder Ranger. Being the agile ss, they managed to be on equal footing with Joan''s speed.

    "We will help!" Shouted the Ranger.

    "Sure! Just keep up with the pace," Joan Duplicate said.

    They attacked one wolf with the three of them. The Rogue used [Reverse sh] at the enemy wolf. Joan used the t side of the sword and then used his Pdin skill.

    [Heavy hitter]

    Bang!

    The wolf''s feet was struck and it was broken. The Ranger jumped at it and then used his skill [Dual wielder] and [Rapid sh], shing vehemently at the enemy as he passed it by.

    Schwing! Swing! Swoosh! Swing!

    The wolf was obliterated with many cuts on its body. Joan then jumped up and made a vertical sh on the neck with his greatsword. Making its blood stter. Whipping his sword to drain the blood. The twobos with each other and they hunted enemies one by one.

    Bang!

    There was a booming sound that was not far from them. Making Joan duplicate to look at its source of the sound. There was also a strong individual in their ranks and that was the Captain. Being d in full heavy armour that made him look buff and a two-handed mallet on his side, it means that he was a Pdin.

    [Heavy hitter]

    [Physical and elemental shield]

    [Durability]

    [Iron defence]

    His buffs became active and then attacked the enemies with his mallet. Swinging to one enemy and was enough to crack their bones.

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    "The Captain was a Pdin? He is impressive!" Joan eximed.

    "Yeah, that''s our Captain!" They cheered at him while he decimated the enemy numbers with his deadly weapon. Joan and the three were amazed at his prowess. Even more so, they assisted him with his attacks. While the Captain swings and flung the enemy, Joan assists it with a [Roundhouse kick]. Making two-way damage to the enemy. The two, specifically the Rogue and Ranger was finishing off the enemies with their skills.

    [Stab]

    The Rogue stabbed the enemies on their hearts with his dagger.

    [Rapid sh]

    The Ranger shed the enemies rapidly with his dual wield curved daggers.

    [Stab]�Ca Rogue skill that does critical damage. When the vital organ or part of the body was hit by the skill, it could be devastating.

    Mages also did their parts,unching spells at the enemies. The Holy Knights supported the others with [Bless] skill. Making the Tanks withstand more damage and their blocks were stronger than usual. Joan was also doing [Bless] to others in the middle of the fight without them knowing who cast it.

    [Bless]�Ca skill that gives Strength and vitality a rank higher than the current stats. With greater practise or mastery of the skill, it could evolve to [Major bless].

    [Major bless]�Ca skill that givesplete all Stats a rank higher than the current stats. Making a Master reach Grandmaster on a whim.

    Soon after, the wolves were all killed. Disintegrating their bodies in the process. The adventurers cheered on their leader and also to the key ymakers of the battle. The Captain approached Joan himself and offered his hands with thanks.

    "You did a great job there, you are of a great service," The Captain said.

    "It is just normal, don''t mind it," Joan said then turned around. Lifting his right hand.

    "But, still thank you," He said then bowed.

    It was not important for Joan as he was curious about the disintegrating bodies of the wolves. Staring at their bodies then absorbed their essences. But still, their essences were not only what Joan what was after. His eyes glowed with a cold bluish aura and breathed cold steam.

    [Soul collect]

    Joan used the skill of the Necromancer to collect the souls of the Giant dire wolves. Creating a soul dimension inside himself and then put it inside him.

    [Soul collect]�Ca skill of Necromancer that collects souls. Stored to the soul dimension of the one who collected it.

    It was then, he was seen to stare at the nothingness that he was called by the Captain.

    "Hey, you okay? We will leave now,"

    "Ah okay, I''m fine. Let''s go," Joan replied.

 Chapter 129 - Dark Lands Part 3

    They readied themselves to resume the travel. Getting inside the carriages and then rested while on the way. Joan then settled at the same seat where he sat in the past. Extinguishing the greatsword that he once used and was curling his arms in his armpits. Eyes closed and were seen sleeping. But the truth was, he was doing something important.

    Into the depths of his soul was a dimension created for putting the souls he collected. His hands and feet were of a kid and was wearing white robes. Stature was smaller than his actual body, making him look like a kid. Just as he was floating in the nothingness, he saw vast space with clouds inside him. Still, waters were what he paved and he didn''t submerge in the slightest. Up ahead was and that was seen to have crows and wolves.

    All his summons were there and they saw him up ahead: Bears who were roaring, Vines creeping on the ground, Giant Treants that were walking, Multitudes of Skeletons, Ghosts that roamed, Dragons flying up above, Live nts and Trees..

    They all greeted him and as he approached them, he saw the Giant wolves that he collected. Ten of them were present and they approached him.

    "What is the meaning of this?" Asked the biggest one of them.

    "You are in my soul dimension, my dear. You can''t escape from here. Unless you want to battle them all before you escape here. Anyways, it''s useless to struggle. Want to chat a bit with you so loosen up. Unless you escape here and want your souls to disappear instead. You will cease to exists in that part of the story," Joan briefly exined. The Wolf was silent and didn''t talk back.

    "And the ce here is fun. You can battle all the time. My space here is vast so you can rest assured that you can adventure and go to ces that were yet unexplored. My space here will expand and it depends on the mana well that I have. You can have a more vast world if you will think of it," Joan duplicate said then winked.

    "I am impressed, I can''t win if I battle them all I guess. I am Lukan, leader of the Giant Dire wolves pack! I am pleased to make you my master," Lukan said to him.

    It was then, the Dragon that was flying overhead descended on him. pping his wings to control his descend.

    Bang!

    His sheer weight has made the ground shake.

    "It has been so long since you summoned us, master," Said the Dragon in fiery red scales.

    "Oh, Aldwin! Nice to see you again!" Joan said to him.

    "This dimension has be smaller. Did you perhaps be weak again?" Aldwin asked.

    "Ah, Master, that is my rank now, I became weak as I have been transmigrated. Doing [Soul transmigration] then became a boy," Joan duplicate said.

    "Ah, my brethren were stilling here to see you. Those are alwayste. Anyways, I greet you for your sess in bing young again. It is my heartfelt joy to see you not suffering in a curse anymore," Aldwin said.

    "I will wait for the others, it''s been a while," Joan duplicate said.

    It was then, a thundering roar apanied with lightning appeared in the sky.

    "Master!" Said the voice.

    Also, a fast-approaching flying creature appeared. Turbulent winds were created in its path.

    From the waters, a creature too appeared and the water sted after it jumped upwards. Earth also rumbles as a dragon emerged from the ground. A dragon covered in green walks towards him and the trees made way for her. All of the dragons appeared andnded in his front.

    "It has been a while, everyone!" Joan duplicate shouted.

    "Oh, master! Are you alright? What happened? Why did the dimension be so small? At least it is bigger now. Did you transmigrate? Your soul looks the same for me," Said the female dragon.

    "Lusia, I became weak again. You can tell it to the space of our dimension. But worry not, I will restore it once more. Just you wait," Joan said to her.

    "Ah am well pleased by our reunion, the treants are well aware that you have weakened. This ce became in turmoil the time you became corrupted. I hope that you will not do it again. If not for yourself, then for us who dwelled here," The green dragon said to him.

    "I am ashamed that I made you all worried. I once again need your service as the world I live in was in great danger. All of you will soon be summoned, that time will be sooner as I will delve deeper into the darknds. More enemies wille and thus I need more allies," Joan said.

    "We are waiting for master''s summoning, though your mana well is not yet adequate for all of us. It needs greater mana well. But the time will be sooner. Master is capable enough," Said Aldwin.

    "Yeah, see you all again in the future. I will visit once in a while," Joan duplicate said to them.

    His soul then travelled and went back to his body. Making him open his eyes then breathed deeply. He was in the same carriage as we speak and the same faces that he has met. Making their bodies rock and forth as the road was bumpy.

    He can''t get stronger like the original but he can absorb essences like him. But can''t make it into stats nor absorb and convert mana in the surroundings to increase his mana well. It was a handicap but it was enough for the meantime.

    Getting back to the original was also not an option as he will use [Stat maniption]. Making his stats into a quarter of its current stats. He will have to wait until Joan will catch up with him.

    "We are here! We arrived at the outpost!" Shouted one of the guards.

    Walls made of wood with spikes on top. Torches that brightly lit day and night without getting rest. Guards on top and were holding the fort.

    "Wee to the Lukarian outpost, my newbies. Or you can even call it Lukarian fort. Anyways, we will restock their supplies and rest here at the night. We can''t afford to travel at night as monsters lurk there. Well, we can y games inside if you likeds! Just not go out in the night," Said the axe wielder Chaos Knight.

 Chapter 130 - Dark Lands Part 4

    "Unload the supplies after we will enter the fort. We will rest here for a while," Said their Captain. The guards then halted by the gates and waited for the carriages to enter.

    "Open the gates!" The Captain shouted at the tower guards.

    "The Captian! It''s the Captain! Open the gates!" Shouted their Tower guard.

    The gates opened wide. Making the Captain enter first. The hooves tter as they entered the gates. Carriages entered one by one and Joan duplicate saw a glimpse of the fort. As he was in the furthest from the exit.

    The gates were closed after they entered with a bang.

    They exited the carriages one by one and the newbies were amazed by the fort. The fort was huge enough to be a castle despite it was only made of wood, it has barracks, headquarters, training grounds, towers, and sleeping quarters. Stables were there too with a huge haystack.

    Joan roamed the ce and it has ample space for you to jog around. The fort was made of wood and it has a square size. The fort has been built beside the road and the road to pass through was even built with walls and gates. Two towers adjacent to each other and was guarding the way.

    Joan went to the guard of the walls and saw that the trees were withered and the fogs were thick. Some wails were heard and so Joan went back to help the others unload the supplies.

    They prepared to cook food and their supper was a porridge of vegetables and some slices of dried meat. Eating while still hot. The adventurers told stories of their past missions on the Lukarian stronghold. Of the different beasts there and their in foes. They even contested about how much they killed from before. The mood was light as they talked beside the campfire. Talking for many hours while some were singing in a bard''s songs. Othersughed and others were praising the one who sang.

    Joan was silent all the time as he observed the others. They continued happily with their jolly mood. He hastily ate then went to the walls. Walking towards the stairs of the walls and then saw the surrounding forest. Fogs were being blown by the wind and his hairs went up when the gentle wind caressed his skin.

    The moon was being blocked by the dark clouds but Joan recognised that it was there behind it. Just as he was watching the moon, he saw a flying creature above. pping its wings but has a body of a beast. It doesn''t have horns and its hands were elongated. Only has lower clothing and has a tail. Solitary and just passed by the fort. Joan was then approached by one of the guards and then greeted him.

    "Hello, adventurer. You are pretty young for your profession. Despite being young, you have a steel badge. Making you cut above the iron rank adventurers. You are the youngest one I have seen despite my years here watching adventurers pass by," He said to Joan.

    "Haha, I am the youngest? By the way, you''ve seen that creature pass by?" Joan duplicate asked.

    "Ah that one, ourrge crossbows can''t reach it by that distance. But that creature was none other than gargoyles. Creatures of the darknds. Maybe it is just a lone scout," He said to Joan duplicate.

    "Ah, I see," Joan duplicate replied.

    "But, a lone scout brings bad tidings young one. They say one will bring many, you got to be careful from now on. You don''t know what would happen," The adventurer warned him.

    Joan then was surprised, the thing that a scout was seen flying from their location was a bad thing. It could mean a lot and Joan doesn''t want to overthink. But the chance of being the bad omen wille true was also a possibility.

    "Thank you for warning me, I will keep it in mind," Joan said to him.

    "Nah, never mind that. I have seen much more frightening creatures than that. And it was when we were just starting to venture into the darknds. The King made the Lukarian stronghold despite many enemies tried to thwart its construction. The fort was then made as a resting ce before the dark," He said to Joan.

    After a few moments, many eyes on the darkness were seen by Joan and the guards. Joan gulped his saliva on the process.

    "You see those eyes in the dark? We named them night stalkers. They were staring at you at night and will attack you if you stray in the fog. That''s why we built this fortress just for them. You see, they were like gargoyles but they didn''t have wings and were a frightening existence when ites tobat. The night was their time to hunt and many were killed in the first mission of the King here. Did you hear it when the king almost gave up on the mission?" The guard said.

    "Ah yes, I heard it," Joan said to him.

    "Many died in the past and I hope you all will make it safe to go there. Well, that''s it, you should rest in the sleeping quarters for now. You will travel when the first light of the sun has risen. Though the dark clouds are a problem. Hehe, only the Child of Hope can remove it. Do you know about the Seeds of Evil? Legend says that only the Child of Hope can remove it. I hope hees one day," The guard said to him.

    "Ah, haha. He wille someday, I am sure of it. Well, gotta go and sleep," Joan said to him.

    "Haha, we guards will take it from here. Do rest well!" He said to him.

    "Joan! My name is Joan!" Joan said to him.

    "Ah, Ulrik. Ulrik is my name," He said to Joan.

    It was then, Joan went to the sleeping quarters. The ce has beds and many adventurers were already wasted. They were sleeping and Joan took one bed and slept in it. Morning came and the first light of the day has arrived.

    "Rise and shine adventurers! Let me cut your sweet dreams short this time," The Captain shouted.

    It was then, they all jolted and then moved to the carriage. Sitting in the same position as in the past. Joan then felt like it was his favourite sitting spot. Making him sitfortably there. The carriage then started to move and the gate towards the Lukarian stronghold was opened. The whipping of horses sounded and they started their journey.. Others praying that everything will be fine.

 Chapter 131 - Dark Lands Part 5

    It was daytime but the fog was thick, thicker than yesterday. Riding on horses, the guards were more alert this time. Torches were lifted to their head level, riding close to the carriages. The road was just made of dirt and the hooves ttered as the horses walked.

    The adventurers were still on edge thinking that yesterday''s attack coulde or even much worst. Their breathings were silent as a whisper. Ready for an uing battle anytime soon.

    Joan on the contrary was just sleeping. Or so they saw him as in such a predicament. But Joan was looking in the eyes of Tengu. Having a [Share vision and mind] wasfy on his part. He didn''t think that crows were that useful. By using the [Beast aura] white, they can see the surroundings having no creatures in their radius.

    While looking at a bird''s eye view, they were being watched by Joan silently. Anything could happen and Joan was more prepared than them. A one step further in terms of preparedness.

    [Beast call]

    Joan used the skill and his wolves scattered throughout the area. Without making the guards notice of their presence. Some were in the sides and the rest were scouting ahead. Trifling monsters were obliterated by Giant wolves ahead of their current positions.

    "The way was clear and it seems silent? What could be happening?" The Captain was thinking about what could be the case. In his thoughts, it couldn''t be that silent.

    Moving forwards, the way was swerving left and right. Dried or decayed tree roots were seen by their naked eyes. Bugs littered the roots but it was such a trifling matter to be aware of. The path was full of tracks from weeks before and others were months old. It was their tracks from before but it was still visible.

    They travelled deeper into the foggy path. Newbies felt on-edge while they haven''t been in the said ce before. Just as they heard wolf cries, their skin hairs went up. The veterans were just chuckling as they have seen much more worst. It was normal for them to see newbies in such a pitiful state. But there was a newbie who was just sleeping. They saw how hebat and felt that he has a veteran aura too like them. The mind bugging was he was just the only kid in the adventurers at the current time. Looking at his steel badge also was disturbing.

    The road then was muddy. Rain droplets soon slowly trickled the road and a few momentster, the rain poured angrily. Making them soak in the rain. Torches were useless in the rain but they still travelled. Making the newbies wonder why they have to continue.

    "We have to stop and let the rain pass. Why do we have to continue further even with the great downpour?" Asked the girl in Priest uniform.

    "We have to continue the pace if we want to arrive at the Lukarian Stronghold by night. Any more dys will make us attacked at night by night stalkers. You don''t want to be ripped apart right? Hahaha!" Said the axe-wielder Chaos Knight.

    "Don''t scare the girl. But it is true, we have met some pitiful mistakes and saw our brothers ripped apart by those monsters. You can also take that as a lesson," Said the Holy Knight. Having a bronze badge made sense to her. The Holy Knight can only sigh after remembering those things.

    The ce then was silent, only hearing the horses'' neighs in the background and the wheels colliding with rocks. The rain then went harder this time making them silent. The temperature drops and they were shivering as a result of it. Joan then was also shivering, as it was not good to use the fire element in front of them. Not wanting them to make unwanted thoughts about him. But still, the fire element has three forms. Which was me, spark, andst, ember. Joan used the ember form and was heating himself. Hispany beside him felt the heat too and was confused.

    The rain still poured until afternoon. The fog became worst as the temperature dropped. Making all of them breathed steam on their mouths. The road became muddy and the rain made puddles on the way. Making their travel became moreborious. The carriages sometimes were stuck in the mud. The adventurers helped to push them out of it. Their travel has been now dyed by an hour. Making their Captain''splexion worst. All the veterans know why the Captain felt rmed.

    The afternoon came and they made it out of the muddy roads. The sky went dark and the sun has set. Burning their torches again to light the way. Even the fog was there, they continued towards the way. The wind blew colder and colder and their torches were being blown by it. It felt like the wind was freezing and it sent shivers down to their spines.

    They went deeper into the wilderness but they were getting nearer and nearer to their destination. The ce they will go to was none other than the Lukarian Stronghold. The first stronghold that humanity has reimed from the darknds. Moving further, they saw an uing entity that carries a torch. A man in his horse and was travelling fast towards them. He was shouting but it was unrecognisable.

    "Help! Help! The stronghold! The stronghold! Help!" He shouted at the distance. Approaching them at full speed then stops abruptly. Making his horse stand in its two on the process. He climbed down and stumbled, mmed his chest on the ground and he dropped his torch on the process. He jerked when he mmed his body but ignored it and stands up immediately.

    "Stop! Who are you?" Shouted one of the guards. The Captain then approached him. Making way for him to see who it was.

    "Who are you, soldier? Report to me what happened!" The Captain said to him.

    "I am from the Lukarian stronghold! Help! It was attacked by flying creatures! Gargoyles! Gargoyles! Thousands of them!" He said hysterically, mouth still shivering from fear.

 Chapter 132 - Dark Lands Part 6

    "Everyone! Full speed towards the Lukarian stronghold! You have done a great service soldier! Now we move! Go go go!" The Captain shouted.

    Riding their horses, they galloped towards the Lukarian stronghold. Other adventurers were worried after hearing the terrible news. Their horses raced and their hearts too. Beating like a drum while they were thinking of theirrades there. Joan can only sigh as their travel was getting rowdy. Problems arise while they were yet to arrive at their destination.

    They travelled the roads and they can now see the stronghold from afar. Making them whip their horses faster as they see the ce. Walls made of bricks and were seen towering above and the gates were reinforced by metallic tes. Wood was seen but it was lesserpared to the metallic parts. While they arrived at the ce, the captain called out the guards. As he called them, no one answered.

    "Silent, it was too silent for something being attacked by enemies. We can''t open the gate from the outside. Someone has to open the gate from the inside," The guard captain said to his soldiers.

    It was then, he sent some Rogues to open the gates. They climbed the walls and were nimble in doing so. Opening the gates, it sounded with nging metallic chains being pulled and the door opened with a creaking sound. Entering on the stronghold while being in utmost caution. Enemies could still be possibly present. One by one, the carriages entered. The ce was so dark as the torches of the stronghold hasn''t been lit. Making them only see what their torches can afford.

    "Hey, soldier! You sure this ce is attacked?" The Captain interrogated the survivor.

    "Yes! My liege! We are attacked by thousands of them and I am sent to seek help. I never thought that I could outrun some of them while being chased!" He said.

    "That is weird, how could you outrun a gargoyle with your horse?" The captain asked.

    "I shoot them down," The soldier said while lifting his crossbow.

    "Ah, I see, though this ce is too quiet," The captain murmured.

    "Search the area!" The Captainmanded.

    The captain spits on the ground then stomped it but he saw something peculiar about it. He saw that there was red liquid on it and so he sits. Touching it, he immediately recognizes the substance.

    "Blood?" He murmured.

    There was some blood trickled on it. He then grabbed the torch his men has then searched himself.

    "What is it that you are looking, sir?" Asked his guard.

    To his surprise, he saw some on the ground, walls and, towers. It was then, some soldiers saw blood painted on the walls. The guards who searched first saw a hand that was severed. Several of them puked as they saw it. Moving forwards, they saw bodies of guards piled on the walls. The guard almost jerked at what he saw. Making him stumble on the floor.

    "Bodies! We saw dead bodies!" Shouted one of the soldiers from afar.

    "Formation!" Shouted the Captain.

    They immediately regrouped and then formed a round formation. Shield bearers on the front.

    It was then, they felt that there were flying entities that flew upwards from behind the walls.

    Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!

    They went up then wailed as they dived towards them.

    Shriek!!!

    Staring above, the Captain felt rmed.

    "Prepare for battle!" The Guard captain shouted.

    The enemies flew and darkened the sky. Making it darker than it initially has. A thousand enemies were seen above and the soldiers can only bit their lower lips. Whether it will be theirst battle or not, they didn''t know.

    "Let''s all die fighting!" Shouted the Captain.

    Joan who was inside the carriage, heard their wailings bing louder and louder. Making him feel that the situation was very rming and in dire straights.

    The carriages of adventurers hasn''t entered the stronghold yet and the guards were the first to enter. Making them partially safe for now.

    "Everybody out now! We must help!" Joan shouted.

    The others also heard about the wailings but they were scared. Making Joan exit their ride. Others who were strong enough and brave enough found that his words were right. They have to help them even outnumbered.

    "No! We must turn around now and seek help on the kingdom! They are already dead! All of them!" Shouted the female Mage.

    Bang!

    The axe-wielder Chaos Knight mmed his axe on the floor.

    "You call yourselves adventurers? We won''t make it alive with their current numbers even we escape now! We can''t outrun them! We must at least have dignity in not leaving ourrades behind! At least we die side by side! Now, who''s with me?" He shouted then winked at Joan.

    Arg!!!

    Joan was perplexed by his words. In the aspect of his past life, charisma was his weakest and least skill. Making him jealous of the brave man.

    "Let''s go!" Joan shouted.

    It was then, the other adventurers saw that they all gathered to support the guards. Making them ready themselves and then joined in their rallying.

    It was then, inside the stronghold. The battle was grotesque as the enemies were diving and grabbing them up one by one.

    Ahhhh!!!

    Someone gets grabbed then they felt panicking. Still, soldiers have to be resolute and their resolve has to be firm. Their light was only covering a small part of their surroundings, making them handicapped. One dived at them by other soldiers shed their wings. Crashing on the ground in the process.

    "Aim at their wings! We must slowly cull their numbers!" He shouted.

    The enemies thenunched their full attack. Diving left and right, making the soldiers lift their shields. Making a turtle formation to cover their sides and above.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    ws were scratching their shields and they were in a bind. Swords were piercing other gargoyles and they wailed on the process. Making their retreat in the process.

    It was then, fireballs light up above them and spells wereunched left and right.

    Bang! Bang! Boom!

    "The adventurers! They helped!" Shouted some random guard.

    "Ahhh!!!" They shouted.

    "Rogues! Use daggers to throw! Rangers! Ranged! Mages! Ranges spells! Holy Knights! Support! Other sses! Surround the guards!" Someone shouted in the fray.

 Chapter 133 - Dark Lands Part 7

    They immediately followed themand. They assaulted the ones who were going to attack the guards. The ranged were attacking the ones who will dive towards them. The brawlers and others defended the guards. shing anything thates to them.

    The enemies were very aggressive, even with the number of adventurers, they were still wounded. Especially the vulnerable ones. It was then, the Holy Knights cast [Heal] to the wounded ones. Also giving them a buff skill like [Bless]. Making their ranks shoot up by one rank.

    The enemies wed and shed them and the Pdins [Shoulder charge] the enemies. Casting their buffs towards themselves and swings their weapons. The Ronins were also not something to trifle with. They were fast enough to react to the enemy attacks even with their numbers. shing their hands when they will strike them. Using [Draw sh] and [Multi sh]. Shouting while using the said skills.

    The Captain saw their bravery and so he went out from their formation. Thinking that he was capable enough for handling himself. The guards were disagreeing with the thought but he said to them that it was an order not to stop him. Getting out, he used the skills he has.

    [Elemental damages]

    [Physical and Elemental shield]

    [Iron defence]

    [Durable]

    He used the skills and wreak havoc on the enemies. He attacked them and his weapon exploded, emitted lighting, poisoned the enemies, iced the enemies, smashed the enemies, emitted wind, in random session.

    "Ha!!! Die!!!" Shouted the Captain.

    He was attacked but he was just standing without being moved. Only sparks in his armour were seen.

    Joan rounded up the Rangers and Rogue to support the Captain. Making the Rangers use [Rapid fire] at the enemies simultaneously. Rogues were throwing daggers in point-nk range at the enemies. Jumping up high, they flipped and prepared their daggers. shing and stabbing the ones who were up in the air.

    Fighters were kicking the enemies left and right with [Roundhouse kick]. Punching too with [Hard fist] at them that sent them flying. Spiralling then crashing on the ground.

    The Chaos Knights used [Berserk] and [Revenge]. They shed and dashed vehemently without care. Making their enemies intimidated by their resilience as they were wed left and right. They were regenerating and were bing stronger with more damage they get. Shouting as they shed with them. Some were also able to rip them apart with just their hands.

    Mages rained spells at them and they were sted left and right. Under the protection of the Holy Knights, they were able tond damage while being safe from enemy attacks. Some were assaulting them but their n failed as they were intercepted.

    [Fireball]

    [Mage armour]

    [Force field]

    [Lightning bolt]

    [Ice bolt]

    [Earthen spear]

    Theybo their attacks and their defences. They divided the spells and worked ordingly with each other. Others were offensive and others were defensive. Making them a symbol of spear and shield with their tactics.

    The Druids also yed a great role, they summoned their summons and transformed too. Making them seen as great tanks and damage dealers. The bears were smashing the gargoyles left and right. Also having a [Spirit armour] with them covering their bodies. Vines spewing left and right with the elements. Some Druids were ripping some of their enemy''s wings and then smashed them to the ground. Also making the skill [Hand m] on the process whilst holding the enemy. They roared at the enemies and used [Bone breaker] at the diving enemies that attacked them.

    The Lycans too were also not stopping. After transforming, they used [Beast call] and their summons joined to the fray. [Menacing roar] was made and the enemies startled. Also using [Rabid dash] and biting them off. [Fury] then was used after several enemies attacked them simultaneously. shing the enemies with their ws and the enemies also used their ws at them. Making it a bloody battle.

    Necromancersunched curses at the enemies and weakened them. They also have ranged magic attacks that hit enemies just once. Using [Skeleton] Skill and others were [Ghost] users. Making the enemies jolt after seeing the multitude of their summon.

    Enemies attacked and thousand in numbers were not easily culled. Making it a tedious battle and a battle of endurance. Many adventurers were wounded in the process and the Holy Knights healed them. Left and right men were being wounded and were dragged at the guard''s turtle formation. Also, their mana potions has run out and they were left in despair after one by one of them were killed. The battle was hard-fought. Even Joan hasn''t healed and saved them all with his mana well.

    It was a battle that no one knew they would survive. Still, they were d that they made it alive. The morning came and they were wasted. A whole night of fighting was pretty exhausting even for Joan. The adventurers wept for their knownrade and buried them behind the Stronghold. Where their already deadrades were lying. Joan was shocked at the graves. Multitudes of cross-shaped sticks were seen in the vastnd. Making him bit his lips while seeing them.

    Time passed by and they entered the Headquarters but they saw that it was locked from the inside. Making them break the door and then they entered.

    "Sire! Please take a look inside!" One of the guards said to him.

    The Captain then entered and saw many survivors huddled inside. Their faces were the ones who have seen horrors and they were d they made it. They were crying out loud at the Captain. Thanking him that they made it alive too. Joan and the others cleaned the blood on the walls also others prepared food for the survivors. They gave robes to the survivors and made them eat the food while it was still hot.

    Joan saw that this ce will be what they will be operating. The ce was wide and it was as thrice as bigpared to the fort they visited. The ce was low in terms of security as the guards were killed. Several ones were only what''s left. The future will be hard with what they have right now but at least they were alright. Surviving one day at a time.

    Also, Joan duplicate didn''t waste his time and sucked dry the essences on the surroundings. Making him absorb a thousand gargoyle essences in the process.. Making him grin when the original will absorb it once and for all.

 Chapter 134 - Dark Lands Part 8

    Sitting on a wooden chair, one of the survivors was interviewed by the Captian. Holding a cup of warm water while his hands still shaking. The captain was on the opposite side of the table. Torches were what apanied them as they were the only ones in the room.

    "So what exactly happened? Why is the security not so uptight? And where are the adventurers? I did not saw anyone in here?" The Captain asked.

    "It all started when the adventurers left the stronghold. They were led by their captain. I was opposed to their decision but they greatly wanted to conquer the Riverside Stronghold next to ours. They still didn''te home till then," Said the guard.

    "Damn it! I will surely punish him greatly with his stupidity! All were at stake due to his ignorance," Captain said.

    "It is alright to leave the stronghold once in a while but the gargoyle attack followed. Making me think that the enemies saw it as a weakness. Gargoyle scouts were seen day by day after they left," The guard said.

    "Hmmm, that makes sense. And what happens next?" Asked the Captian.

    "It was just a normal afternoon that time and we were chatting idly on the campfire. Telling stories about our families and kids. Laughing at the humour of ourrades while eating grilled meat. All happened so fast when the tower guards sounded the rm. Shouting Gargoyles iing. We stand up from where we were sitting and get readied. Fast enough to respond but as we climbed up to the walls, we were utterly shocked. We first can''t estimate their numbers as it darkened the sky. But one of our scouts said that their numbers reached a thousand," Said the guard.

    "That indeed was a stalemate, to begin with. Of only the adventurers didn''t leave, damn it!" The Captain shouted mming the table.

    The guard almost jolted at the booming sound.

    "Haha, sorry for my rudeness, please continue," The Captian said.

    "Ah, where were we? Ah okay, it was then, we held out. Minutes of fighting was very brutal. The enemies outnumbered us and culled our numbers one by one. It was a mistake on our part as we were scattered. Making the enemy easily kill us one by one. We regrouped but we were only a few left. We fought hard with our weapons. Killed some but we were surrounded. Our leader told us to retreat to the tower and we did. We were running for our lives but our leader sacrificed himself to divert the agro from us to him. We entered the tower and barred the doors. Waited till they will leave us. But they were still banging the door for hours. Luckily, we have barricaded it hard enough for them to enter. Soon after, they left and the ce was silent. Even our breathing was so low that we didn''t hear our breathing. Focusing on not making noise to hear what was happening outside. It was then you all came. I am so sorry as we couldn''t help. We were too afraid to set foot outside," The soldier said.

    "Ah, it is okay, thank you for your report soldier. You are dismissed," The Captain said to him.

    The soldier left and the Captain was left alone in the room. He was massaging his head and then leaned his head on the table. Putting his hands on top of his head. It was then a soldier entered his room.

    "Reporting sir!"

    "Go on,"

    "The adventurers arrived sir!"

    "Good! Dismissed,"

    The Captain then grinned at what he heard. It was then, Joan was on the tower on the gate. Looking at the adventurers who were walking by foot towards them. Beside Joan was a guard who has a telescope with him. Joan then thought that he was looking at how many the adventurers was but the guard beside him was worried. He gulped his saliva on the process.

    "How? This is not good! Their numbers, why is it they are only a few left? They are numerous when they left! Could it be?" The guard said in shock.

    "Could be what?" Joan asked.

    "That they failed! This is impossible!" The guard said to him.

    Joan then felt confused as well as worried. What could it possibly mean by what he said? And what happened that they failed? All these questions were on his mind but he didn''t question the guy. He was trembling as Joan saw him. He was still in great shock so Joan didn''t pry too much.

    It was then, they saw many adventurers were bandaged. Some of them were carried by theirrades home. They entered the gate and they were met by the Captain. Their leader was in great shock as his face was gloomy.

    "I thought we could do it. I thought we can finally liberate Riverside Stronghold," The adventurer leader said while in tears.

    "It''s okay, don''t cry," The Captain said then approached him and punched him in the face. Making him knocked out in just a single blow.

    "It disgusts me to see you crying. Put him in the dungeon and jail him. Inform me as soon as possible if he woke up," The Captain said to his men.

    It was then they moved him inside the dungeon. Joan saw that they were healing the wounded and so he also helped. He prepared to use his full speed for him not to be noticed. He didn''t want to be seen healing others as he was a jobless adventurer. He burst and in a blink of an eye, he used [After image], making him turn invisible for a moment. But that moment was enough, he healed them all in repeating the [After image[ and [Group heal]. Making them in utter shock with what happened.

    "What? I am healed!"

    "Huh? Me too!"

    "What could have happened? I am healed!"

    "Who could have made such a miracle!"

    "Wait? We all are healed at the same time? Who could it be?"

    They were in great confusion and they asked the Priests who made it.

    "I can trace the skill, is it a group heal?" Asked the Priest.

    "Yeah for sure," said hisrade.

 Chapter 135 - Entrance Exam

    Joan was then guided by the Prophets outside the principal''s office. It was then, Joan ushered them not to follow him anymore as he will be standing out too much. Just waited for him to leave the office then they exited the room. Joan was then felt loosening up. He even felt that he can rest assured that he will be left alone. Though if some of the students remembered his face, it would be a problem.

    As he walked towards the ce where the Stat test will be held, he saw many students that were already there at the Stat testing area. A vast open space with a stat tester at the centre of the space. Just as he was looking at them, some students were very proud of their stats. Some yelped and leapt at the announcement of their stats. Making him happy for them.

    ''They sure are energetic ones,''

    "Strength�C10, Dexterity�C13, Vitality�C15, Focus�C13. Mana realm�CEarth realm, fifth stage." The Proctor said as he announced their stats.

    The one who was being tested almost shouted. But he held back andbed his hair up.

    ''Geeze, I''m so cool,'' He inwardly said.

    Joan was not surprised by his demeanour. His stats were at the same level as the adventurer whom he met in the entrance exam. That adventurer was crying out loud with his stats at that time. It would not be a surprise if he was feeling cool with himself.

    Joan saw many students were filling up forms at the moment while waiting for their turn. A long queue was seen and students were waiting for their turn.

    Joan added himself to the queue and waited for several minutes. The stat test was still ongoing and no one seemed to pique his interest at the moment. They have lower than 20 in terms of stats and it was the current limits of the young ones at his age.

    Joan thought that if he will use stat maniption now, his stats will still be huge. Making it go down from five hundred plus to one hundred twenty-five. It was still mind-blowing. Though his purpose was to have greater elerated growth.

    Even though he will be weak again, he still used the skill. He prepared himself then used the skill [Stat maniption]. Making him release white steam from his skin. Still, it was quick and it disappeared in an instant. Upon using the skill, his stats were absorbed and it stimted his growth further. Making him plummet to the hundred and twenties.

    After waiting for some time, he felt weak. Though his stat was still too bigpared to the other students. It will surely make him stand out above them. It was then a famous presence has appeared.

    "The crown prince and princess! Prince Yuan Leonhearth and Princess Yulia Leonhearth! The two Royals are here!"

    It was then, they were approached by the proctor and then greeted.

    "I am the proctor here your highness. Let me be of service if you want any help," He said.

    "That''s good, my younger sister here wants to be tested with her stats and join the academy. I hope you prioritize her as she was excited," He said to him.

    "As you wish my liege," He replied to him.

    They escorted her towards the testing area and she entered the pir of light. Soon after, the proctor was perplexed by what his eyes has seen. Absurd numbers were seen by his eyes.

    "Strength�C112, Dexterity�C120, Vitality�C116, Focus�C117. Mana realm�CSky realm, first stage!" The Proctor almost jolted. Making him gasp air after shouting.

    The ones who were watching all pped hands and they cheered on her. Praising their names at the moment. She was waving her hands on the enrollees and they all cheered louder. Joan pped his hands at her. It was a great deal of essence to reach into that stat without the skill [Stat maniption]. It was very impressive on his part. Still, Joan thought about whether he has to diminish his stats more or not. It could be a critical situation if he will make a mishap at the moment. It could ruin his results on the test.

    Still, he steeled himself, it would be too attention-grabbing if he will have higher stats on the princess. Not something he wanted to be, and that was in the limelight. Thinking about whether he will use it again or not, he decided to use it. There was not an enemy that needs to be beaten yet at the moment and his growth was his current priority.

    [Stat maniption]

    He used the skill and his stats dropped drastically. Making him weaken in all stats. His feet were weary and his head was about to spin. Luckily, his mana realm was not disturbed.

    Joan''s turn to sign the enrollment papers. He put his name, age, and, address. It was now his turn to be tested. Approaching the pir of light, he closed his eyes as walk step by step. After he entered, he opened his eyes.

    "Strength�C31, Dexterity�C30, Vitality�C33, Focus�C34. Mana realm�CSpace realm, first stage!" The proctor said. Lifting his eyess.

    "Space realm?" He gulped.

    To Joan''s surprise, he forgot that the mana realm can''t be reset. Making it the first one on their academy.

    "We have a Space realm!" He shouted.

    Joan''s expression became worst. He didn''t think that it would slip in his mind. Still, he didn''t know what technique to use currently to hide or manipte his mana well. It was a thing he thought to research in the future. Researching skills were his speciality in the past. Creating skills like [Stat cultivation] and developing skills like [Stat maniption].

    It could be a thing in the future but he has a problem right now. All the students were jaw-dropping and the Princess too. Even the Prince was dumbfounded. It was a frightening existence that has yet to be seen. And now he was shown to the rest of the Academy.. Something that was not yet seen from before.

 Chapter 136 - Entrance Exam Part 2

    Joan walked down to the area where the pir of the light was seen. Still, the awkwardness was felt inside him. It turned out that he was a great mana realm expert. The crowd of students saw him and some admired his cultivation. It was not every day that you see someone who reached the Space realm at such an age. He was just ignoring them at the moment and just walked past them. Up until he was talked to by a girl who was in royal uniform. As Joan look at her, she was none other than the Princess. Making Joan think what was her problem.

    "What is your name?" She asked.

    Joan then bowed down his head then spoke.

    "I am a humble student to be in this academy like you, Princess. I am Joan Emsworth, Son of a farmer," Joan said to her.

    They were all shocked at his deration. That he was a son of a farmer and not a royalty. Some country bumpkin he was and so their respect for him has diminished.

    "Oh, a son of a farmer? Would you want to be a guard in the future inside the Castle? After you graduate of course. I can raise your status there into a Knight and my father can give you a douchy," She asked. The Prince coughed beside her.

    "I am greatly honoured by your grace''s offer. Though I have greater burdens to carry. Much more important role to finish till my death," Joan said.

    The crowd were shocked by his response. It was not every day you heard that. To reject the Royal crowned Princess of her offer.

    "Haha, you did choose the correct answer boy! When you want to enter the guards, you will be asked a lot of questions to verify you are not shady. It was a test, you passed!" He said.

    "Haha, it was too good to be true, to begin with," Joan said.

    "Yeah, you know a thing or two about it. Plus the interrogation is so cruel, you could be executed on the spot if you are proven a spy on us. Son of a farmer," He whispered at Joan. Joan can only gulp his saliva, it was very shady indeed to just imagine it.

    ''It was very shady to recruit a stranger to be one of the castle guards to ept on. Making me wary of what could be their family was. They are a terrifying family. How much more is their father the King?''

    It was then, the two left with a goodbye. Joan then went past the crowd and then he went to thebat test area. Walking on the way towards the battling area, he can see rooms four-storey high beside the pathway. Students were going towards the same destination as him where they will test theirbat capabilities.

    Joan walked for minutes and saw on the entrance, students who were filing up forms. He joined too and entered the arena-like covered court. There were four tforms on the arena and they all have students fighting inside them.

    Joan felt ecstatic. He saw students fighting and some of them were using skills. Some were using beginner skills, some were not. Others were adept and others were advanced. From what Joan was seeing, he saw a familiar face. ck hair, white skin, pouty lips, straight and long nose, rosy cheeks, tall. Joan saw that it was none other than the princess.

    She was fighting off her opponent who was a Mage. She used the skill, [Elemental damages]. Making Joan think that their family was a Pdin family. Come to think of it, Joan heard that the Royal Family has an Order of Pdins. Making him confirm his hunch.

    The Princes then used her skill [Physical and elemental shield]. The enemy was not taken aback though, he stillunched his skill [Thunder sparks] on her. Launching a constant lightning strike on her.

    [Thunder sparks]�Ca lightning spark, less damaging than a Thunderbolt but sustained. Has paralyzing capabilities and has slow effects.

    "Hahaha! Take that!" He shouted.

    She was hit but she continued to move forward towards him. Making him jolt in confusion why she was left unscathed.

    "What? What is happening? Why?"

    She just danced and waved her sword while dashing towards him. Disappearing on his face then went on his back. Hitting him on the hilt of her sword on the back. Making him cough in the process.

    "Why? After all my training," He said while on the floor.

    "Don''t be a cry baby, I only hit you gently." She said to him. She said then left the stage.

    The Princess wins!!!

    The students cheered for her and Joan also pped his hands. At least she was not someone who was a drag and can defend herself. Adding to that was her absurd stats while her enemies were only in the twenties in terms of stats. Making it overkill to her enemy''s side. It was then, Joan waited for his turn. Filling up his form then waited for his turn. To the vast numbers of students, it would take time to all finish it in one go.

    Joan waited an hour already while sitting on the bench above the arena. Looking at the battles of the current students while eating popcorns. He saw a few potentials in the process while seeing the battles. Also, he observed that some students already have a job ss. Maybe it was a family lineage that they were blessed with such skills at an early age. If they will have job ss skills at the start of the school year, then they will be cut above the rest.

    Although if you can learn job ss skills while on your family, why go to the academy? There''s only one reason. It was because you can have a title and prestige, honour and glory. You will be a certified Job ssed graduate. Being an adventurer too needs to be certified job ssed or if not, then you will have to put jobless on your form.

    "Joan Emsworth, please prepare. You are next," Said the girl who approached him.

    It was then Joan''s time hase to be the one on the stage. Making his head feel like floating in the air. His focus was still present and he can''t help but be excited about it.

    Walking down the benches, he approached the small tform. Seeing his enemy on the opposite side of the ring.

    The tform was made of marble and it was not soft enough to easily be destroyed. Well, not that they will do it for the sake of doing it.. It was then a referee walked inside the tform and was in between them.

 Chapter 137 - Entrance Exam Part 3

    It was then, the Job ss directors appeared at the highest seat in the arena. At their centre were the King and who was clothed in royal robes. A crown was on his head. Watching the rest of the show. They were prettyte though as they haven''t seen the Princess in her fight. But still, it will be something to look forward to.

    The two were now ready and Joan stared at his opponent. He wears a sleeveless top and it extends towards his knees. Buttons were on his chest down to his waist. The pants were fit but the thighs were so buff that it made Joan gulp when he imagines the two of them sh. His feet wears sandals, fitting for a Fighter like him.

    The referee made them approach each other and then while approaching, the opponent was cracking his neck and knuckles. Joan can only smirk at the moment. It was then, they shook hands with each other. The referee then stated the rules inbat without dys.

    "The use of weapons is not prohibited especially if that is how you fight. But refrain from dealing crippling damage to your enemy. The fight will onlyst five minutes and the winner will be decided after that. Then, the Job ss directors will choose you if they want you on their side. Although losing from a fight will not be a certainty that the Job ss directors won''t choose you. Fight in your greatest, maybe they will choose you personally," The referee said to them.

    "Okay, that''s it! Ready now, and fight!" He said then shouted.

    Joan then conjured a staff, the enemy dashed towards him with all his speed. To Joan''s surprise, he exceeds the stat of a normal student. By just looking at his burst of speed, he has a stat of way over the fifties. Joan then felt it would be a hassle to defeat him.

    The enemy then appeared right at his face. Crouching and his knuckles were already prepared tounch at him. Doing a hook punch at him, Joan rotated his staff and deflected it towards his side. Barely making it with his sheer force. The enemy thenunched his elbow towards Joan as a response but Joan can only block it with his staff. Bending it on the process and he was flung towards the edge.

    While he was trying not to fall, he was chased by the enemy and he disappeared right at his face.

    "Oh geez, this is bad," Joan said.

    He was side mmed by his enemy and he was flung towards the centre of the tform. Joan then rotated then sat on the marble floor. The enemy was a good Fighter from Joan''s perspective.

    ''This person was a Fighter since young and maybe prepared for years towards this day. I should get serious,''

    He rotated his staff then dashed towards the enemy. The enemy went again in the offensive but this time around, Joan was also in the offensive. Joan smashed his staff and the enemy deflected it with the back of his hands. Another smash was made but he received it with his palm. The enemy tried to attack him with several punches but Joan evaded them. It was fast that hid punches were rapidly increasing in speed. Some of them were even smacked by the staff.

    Bing! Bang! Bang! Bing!

    They sounded. The hands of his enemy were hit but it was like he didn''t felt anything at all. Joan still was in a bind. The enemy did just blew his hands and then it was now okay. He knew that he has to do something about it or he will suffer. Joan then thought that it would be best to battle him with a Fighter job ss. Thinking of it, he made his staff disintegrate and then prepared for an all-out battle.

    The enemy was shocked by what he has done. Making his only weapon disappears and he will be done for. Joan on the contrary was confident. He dashed towards him and then the enemy punched him. Joan then pped his hands sideways and then his other hand aimed at the face. Making him flinch in response. It was done without fail in a split second. Joan countered his attacks and rapidly smacked his vital parts. Making him flinch continuously without fail. It was like a master bullying a student.

    Joan''s speed rose and rose until the enemy can barely breathe. Making him m his butt on the floor.

    "Uhuk! Uhuk! Uhuk! I surrender! I surrender!" He shouted.

    It was the first time that it happened. And it seemed the arena was un utter disbelief. Making them silent and they can only stare at Joan who walks down the stage. It was utter destruction on the enemy''s side. The spectators pitied the enemy. Making him booed at the moment he left the stage.

    "Winner! Joan Emsworth!" Said the referee.

    Joan then ignored their reactions and bought again some popcorn. This time around, he has juice with him. He went to find a seat at the benches and happily ate. Watching more students fight at the time being, he enjoyed it. The fightssted until the afternoon and so the test ended. It was now time for the picking of the Directors who will be their students for this school year. Joan felt excited about what the results were.

    "The Directors will now choose their students! All students must alle to the tform!" Said the announcement.

    It was then, they all went down towards the tform. Joan felt excited about what could be his job ss. Momentster, the Directors themselves went to pick one by one who was their students to be in the future. The ones who have their job ss already has a full chance of getting to the said Job ss they already have.

    It was then, their numbers were now lower. "And for the ones who didn''t have job ss, then if they were the winners, they can choose what job ss they want. For the ones who lost, they can hope to be chosen by the Directors," Said the announcement.

    It was then, Joan picked the Holy Knight. It could be his upfront job ss in the future but his other job sses will still be trained. It was then, it was his turn to pick his job ss.

    "Joan Emsworth, what will be your job ss?" Asked the Fighter Director

    "Holy Knight," Joan said.

    "Uhuk! What? Are you not going to be a Fighter? You have a lot of potential in being a Fighter as I have seen you fight. But still, you didn''t have a job ss and I understand that. Good luck in the future, Joan Emsworth! Holy Knight department!"

    It was then, the Holy Knight Director was well pleased with his decision. He congratted him and weed him to his department.. It was then all was set, anything could happen now and there was no turning back.

 Chapter 138 - Night Training

    Walking towards the Holy Knight''s student quarters, Joan was escorted together with the other students with their Director and he was guided to his room. Joan entered and he was handed the key to his room. The others left towards their assigned room and so, Joan settled on his bed.

    The room was spacious and it was simple. A study table on the front and amp settled on the top. A window and a curtain with afort room on the side. Joan then felt like he was about to sleep when there was someone who knocked on the door.

    Joan opened it and to his surprise, it was none other than Isaias. Dressed in brown robes, a staff on his hands.

    "May I enter?" He asked.

    "Of course, of course! Haha," Joan replied.

    He entered and then brought him some french fries.

    "Charan! I have a surprise!" He shouted.

    Joan was very well delighted as he loved food. They ate it while talking about important matters.

    "So, any news to Duplicate?" Isaias asked.

    "He still didn''t report but I think he was on the Darknds now. I can feel that he was on the farawaynds now," Joan said.

    "Ah, I see," He continued to eat.

    "I have to train my skills further, can I use the arena every night?" Joan asked.

    "Hmmm, I can ask for the duplicate key but don''t wreck it all or we will be in big problem. I think if I get the approval of the principal then all will be well," Isaias said then caressed his chin.

    "Oh, please do," Joan said to him.

    "And I chose the Holy Knight ss as a student," Joan added.

    Isaias was surprised, he didn''t expect it to be the ss they were managing.

    "Wow congrats Joan, wee to the group. Anyways, will fetch you the key. No one will disturb you there. It will be yours to y temporarily," Isaias said then he left.

    Joan then cultivated his mana well in the meantime while waiting for Isaias.

    Isaias arrived at the door and he opened it. He saw that Joan was cultivating so he didn''t disturb him. He was in the space realm but Isaias didn''t know what stage he was at now. Thinking that it was Joan, it will be faster than his peers. It was then, Joan opened his eyes and breathed heavily.

    Joan then stopped cultivating after he felt that he ascended. Wiping his sweat on the process.

    "What is your stage now?" Isaias asked.

    "Third stage," Joan said.

    "Oh, that was fast, well here''s the key," Isaias said as he throws it to Joan. Joan then catches it with his hands.

    "Thanks!" Joan said to him.

    "I will train in the night and study in the day," Joan said to him.

    "That''s good. But don''t overexert yourself, you need to sleep too," Isaias said to him.

    "Yes, that''s why I will sleep in the ss," Joan said.

    "What? Anyways, you should be careful. Not all teachers here is a good one. Others were cultists. It wille to light soon," Isaias said to him.

    "Ah, thanks for the reminder," Joan said.

    "Okay that''s all, I must go for now. And don''t lose the keys," Isaias said to him.

    "Yes, yes," Joan replied.

    Joan then ate at the cafeteria on the school premises and then went to his room. Bathed and used his training uniform for the meantime. He needs to train his body physically for a lesser burden on his skills like rising his Strength, Dexterity, Vitality, and, Focus. And to also train his skills for better mastery of them.

    It was then, Joan left for the arena that night. He was using his Rogue job ss not to make any sound and then entered the arena. The ce was lit with spotlights and the tforms were not seen anymore. The ce was widepared to before which has tforms. It was a ce that has walls on the battling area and the benches were above it. Joan erected a forcefield that blocks sounds as well as damages from the inside. It was then, he stretched his limbs, torso, and neck. Inhaling and exhaling then focused on himself. Doing his martial arts movements on his hands and feet. Imagining an opponent at his front. He initiated some blocks and repel them while countering. Some were punches and some were kicks. After a while, he felt that his stats has risen. Continuing some more, he conjured a sword.

    With the job sses he has, he used the skill [sh]. Changing job sses from one after another, he used [Chaos breath] while rotating mid-air. Conjuring shield in his hands andbo it with his sword. [sh] and [Shield bash] were used left and right. Making him make after images of himself. [Shield charge] was also used and [Shoulder charge] in between.

    It made him have greater mastery of the skills that he has and further made it stronger than before. Greater mastery of the skill will make it stronger. Luckily, Joan has enough mana realm for the task. It made him spam the skills all he want.

    Also, he used the summoning skills he has and let them run amok on the arena. Fighting with each other for fun. It was then, Joan practised his Mage spells and burst forth spells on the barrier. After a while, he practised [Rapid casting]. Letting out fireballs one after another in great session.

    [Rapid casting]�Ca passive skill that can be unlocked after many times of casting skills. A continuous barrage of spell casting but consumes mana rapidly.

    Joan then used all the spells a Mage has. Exhausting his mana well on the process and then he was forced to rest. His stats rose but he didn''t mind it at the moment.

    He drank water then sat at the dirt on the arena grounds.

    It was minutes that he rested then he conjured a katana. He held the katana tight then dashed, shing in great speed that it will be barely seen by naked eyes on the watchers. But sadly, there was none. Joan tried to imitate the skill [elerate] even without using mana. Just pure speed and strength.

    He shed and shed, faster and faster than before. Dashing that hurls the dirt and shing while stopping. All were executed perfectly but needs extreme effort. The imitation was very taxing without using the skill. As Joan as expected, it was still bearable. Joan mmed his butt on the ground in mere exhaustion. He was panting as his stamina was put to beginner again. Still, he was rapidly growing in terms of stats. It was not stopping soon.

    Joan then conjured daggers in his hands. Running then back-flipped upwards. Raining the ground with his daggers. Landing on the ground, he used [Shadow clones] to duel. Four of them were summoned at the moment and they attacked Joan. shing with them while being alone, he repelled their attacks and others were using chained daggers. Making him in a bind. Joan then used the after image then dashed away from them. Others followed after him and then he used his Necromancer skill [Grappling hands] on their feet.

    Joan then used his Necromancer skill [Draining touch] on his right hand and [Withering touch] on his left hand on a vacant space. Raising its mastery while he was still weak.

    [Draining touch]�Ca skill that drains the lifeforce of the enemy. Having life steal and mana steal effects on the enemy.

    [Withering touch]�Ca skill that withers the enemy that was weaker than you. Effective on weak enemies or the ones who surrendered to you.

    Joan then used his [Death scythe] and shed using the said weapon. Rotating it left and right then on his back towards the front. Minutes of shing, his mastery has improved.

    It was then, he switched to his Ranger job ss. Conjuring a bow and a quiver of arrows, he fired at the walls with an arrow as the dot. Then firing them towards them in session without fail. Joan then spiced things up and he was on his back and the target was behind him. He backflipped in the air then fired at them. Making himnd graciously on the dirt while on his knees.

    It was then, he conjured a two-handed hammer. Lifting it then swings it left and right. Without the skill [Heavy hitter]. It was way unbnced for Joan to swing it effortlessly. It took more effort to swing it this time. After minutes of swinging, his arms and feet were trembling. He used [Minor heal] then rested for a while. Thinking that he has to get stronger after he lost all those stats. He needs to get it back sooner thanter. He didn''t want to be bullied in the first ce so he will have to take time for his growth. Now that Joan thinks of it, he imagined what Duplicate was doing right now. He can only smile if he enjoyed more being Adventurer than him in this Academy.. It was something that he was eager to know.

 Chapter 139 - First Day

    It was the first day of school and Joan was excited to enter his room. What section will he be going to settle and where will be his seat located. With a pack bag on his back, he can feel its gentle press. Walking towards the Hallway, he saw numerous students dressed like him. White polo and white pants. Girls were in ck dresses and skirts.

    They all assembled in the covered court to have a g ceremony. The g was raised right when the national anthem was sung. Joan was just observing at the moment. He still hasn''t met any potential friends while observing. Well, it was not a problem at all. He will find soon enough if the timees.

    It was then, the principal made a small speech. Weing the students as warm as he can.

    It was just a breeze after he spoke. Right after that, he introduced the Job ss Directors of the Academy. They marched towards the stage and then they all have their brimming aura. As Joan observes, they were all Grandmasters. Still unshakable despite they were past their prime.

    "Grandmaster Eldezar�CChaos Knight Department! Grandmaster Troan�CHoly Knight Department! Grandmaster Hildegard�CPdin Department! Grandmaster Weldebert�CFighter Department! Grandmaster Mills�CMage Department! Grandmaster Ion�C Necromancer Department! Grandmaster Greaz�CLycan Department! Grandmaster Bruck�CDruid Department! Grandmaster Roan�CRogue Department! Grandmaster Herthall�CRanger Department!" He announced while they step forwards.

    Joan pped his hands together with the students.

    The Directors then went down the stage and went to the backdoor. The students cheered on them and they waved back. Entering the exit door and then only their shadows were seen. It was then, their sections were announced.

    Holy Knight�CSection A!

    Joan heard his name and section then afterwards. Not minding other names at the moment. Waiting for others to be finished announcing, he stands there until the go signal will be put up. After they finished telling all the sections and names, he proceeded to his section afterwards. Marching on towards the ce, the students all rushed towards their rooms. Excited to see it firsthand and to find their seat for that school year. They went inside and Joan sat at the window side located at the back.

    It was then, Joan started to sleep on his desk. He felt weary from yesterday''s training and mastering his skills. It was very difficult to just maintain to open his eyes. Further making it more difficult was because of hisck of sleep. And so he slept on his seat without disturbance. The students were all idly chatting with each other and Joan was fast asleep.

    It was then, their teacher arrived and they all went to their seats. The teacher wears a suit and a necktie. Having spiky white hair and he looks strict.

    "Ahem, so I am your homeroom teacher. The name is Delmund Artswire. Holy Knight Master rank. Respect me as your teacher and I will treat you like my students," He said to them.

    "Anyone who is already having a Holy Knight job ss? I will be giving out imprints so you all will be official Holy Knight students, now who are the ones who are still jobless? Raise your hands," Delmund said to them.

    It was then the students lifted their hands who were not yet Holy Knights. The teacher then put Holy Knight imprints into them. Putting a white light on his hands towards their forehead. Making them into proper Holy Knights. They were in a celebratory mood and Joan woke up after that. He squinted his eyes and saw all were in chaos. Some were jumping and others were very happy. Making Joan confused as what transpired right into his face.

    They congratted themselves as they were now officially Holy Knights. Joan now knew what was happening and so he was d. Their teacher then made a lesson about the small history of the job ss they were all into.

    "Long time ago, there were eleven young men who ventured the world. Meeting an enemy that was powers of darkness. It was then, the God of Angels descended after forging the eleven imprints of the eleven job sses. Giving them the imprints and it assimted with them. Soon after, they battled the darkness-wielding man and defeated him. It soon came to pass that they all became the founding fathers of all job sses. Now let''s focus on the Holy Knight. It was three separate Job ss that wasbined into one by the God of Angels. Namely, the Offensive Knight, Protector Knight, and, the Priest. All were unique from each other and they differ. But it was then, the three job sses became one andplimented each other. Covering each other''s weaknesses against the enemies. Soon after, the demon lords descended on the ins and Holy Knights were one of the job sses that battled them. Until sealing them off for uncountable years," The teacher said to them.

    The students were baffled by the story that he told and the students asked more stories.

    "Okay, Okay, first I will tell you all about the mana well cultivation. The first realm was the Earth, next is Space, then next is Universe, then next is Gxy, then next is the Limitless. They are divided into the first stage to the ninth stage. Now there was a legend that there was a man who reached the Limitless realm. And he has secluded himself to reach its peak. But many years of cultivating, he still didn''t reach the limits of the Limitless realm. He then dered that it was the peak stage of Mana cultivation. He named the other stages Earth, Space and so forth. Then he went to go adventuring and rediscovering himself. He retired on a journey, never to be seen again. It was the story of the founding cultivator of mana realms," He finished telling stories to them.

    It was then, they all were taught how to wield the Holy element. Others get the hang of it while others don''t know at all. Slowly but surely, they were getting the hang of it. Joan was just watching butter on, pitied the ones who don''t know even hours has passed. He helped them one by one and they did improve after a round of practice.

    Others also referred to him as Master as he was an expert on the tricks here and there. He earned their respect, specifically Elbert, Anna, Gil, Sufia, Patricia, Kale, Von, and, Heinz.

    It came to pass that it was lunchtime. The said persons were tailing him and he can''t help but feel awkward. Still, he didn''t have a choice as they insisted. They bought him lunch and they ate.

    "Why did you choose a Holy Knight profession?" They asked Joan. Joan then was surprised by their question.

    "I like giving Heals and Buffs to myrades. Plus it can deal greater damage to evil creatures. Holy Knights are all-rounders. They can be offensive, defensive, or support. They can Tank and they can brawl. Except for summoning though. Well, you should all know this when you choose the job ss right?" Joan asked them.

    "Ah, yeah, we all do. Sadly, we are not from a job ss family and we barely made a Holy element ball of light on our hands. We can''t afford to get kicked out of the academy," Anna said to them.

    "Yeah, we should strive harder as we are not from prominent job ss families," said Patricia.

    "Yeah," Added Von.

    "I can help you guys if you want. But it won''t be free. So are you in?" Joan offered.

    "Yeah! Sure! So what you will ask from us as a payment?" Asked Elbert asked.

    "Just our snacks while we train you all. And meet me inside my dorm. Or whoever''s dorm who has ample space," Joan said to them.

    "What? Just that? Well, we can afford some snacks here and there right?" Said Gil. The girls were also nning what snacks will they buy and were idly chatting.

    They all agreed to his offer. Making them happy enough for the time being. Eating the rest of the food that wasid on the table. They finished eating and they have a chit chat for a bit until they didn''t mind the time passed by. They all happily enjoyed theirpany and soon, the afternoon-ss bell rang.

    They hurried towards their room and then entered the ss. Their teacher was already waiting for them.

    "Students, change your uniforms to your training suits. We will train your muscles on how to be a Holy Knight! Move!" Delmund said to them.

    They went to change their clothes and went to the open field. They lined themselves up for the instructions of their teacher. Who was wearing also a training suit like them.

    They were all prepared for the worst, being in a training suite has only one meaning and they will train to the bones. Their teacher was grinning at the moment and so their hearts raced.. The wind blew the dirt and they gulped their saliva in the process.

 Chapter 140 - First Day Part 2

    They went to grab wooden sticks that look like a one-handed sword. By the looks of it, they will be having some kind of duel. A duel that will make you stronger. Just as they were getting ready, their teacher coughed to make an announcement.

    "Ahem! Attention everyone! Due to unknown reasons, you will all be training with the one and only Grandmaster Troan! Hahaha! Be honoured students!" Delmund shouted.

    The students jolted at the announcement. They haven''t thought that the day woulde that they will face the grandmaster themselves. It was then, a domineering aura was felt to approach them. Pulsating while he steps closer and closer towards them.

    "Ahhh! We are doomed! Everyone fall back!" Somebody shouted at the back.

    "I didn''t sign up for this! I don''t wanna die!"

    "Ahhhh!!! Run for your lives!"

    "Hey! We haven''t started yet!" Shouted their teacher. All of them calmed down for a moment. The Grandmaster''s aura was so wild that the students panicked after seeing and feeling it.

    "Oh, sorry. I like to have a grand entrance but it was too much for you all youngds, ahahaha," Grandmaster Troan said to them.

    They all mmed their butt on the ground after he subsided the killing intent he has released. It was then, a kid who was standing while hugging his sword was seen by the Grandmaster. He was sleeping while standing that it surprised Grandmaster Troan. It was a technique in the past that they were training themselves when they were still young. Grandmaster Troan reminisced the past as he saw the child. He was eager to know the name of the kid and so he asked their teacher.

    "Who is that child? He seemed to be unaffected by my killing intent. And was sleeping at that," He asked Delmund.

    "Hey, what is your name?" Delmund asked the kid. It was then, he opened his eyes and twitch them several times. He yawned then said his name.

    "I am Joan Emsworth, sir!" He snappily said.

    "Good! Now go to the Grandmaster. He needs to assess you," Delmund said.

    "Okay sir," Joan went to the Grandmaster confidently while still hugging the sword.

    "Hello, Grandmaster Troan! How will I be of help?" Joan asked.

    "Your sword," He replied.

    "My sword? Oh, okay!" Joan said to him then handed him his sword.

    The Grandmaster grabbed it and then Joan was handed another sword by his teacher Delmund.

    "Wait? We''re gonna spar?" Joan asked.

    "Yes of course! Good luck!" Delmund shouted then winked at him.

    Joan can only gulp his saliva. Even if he will face him with his Master rank, it will still be a tough battle. How much more that he became a beginner this time. Or maybe he reached Adept or advance now. He still didn''t check. After a night of training in the arena, it was still not enough. He didn''t check out his stats but he thought it was not a beginner now.

    The enemy he faced was not something to trifle with. He made his stance and his killing intent was released again. Joan then prepared himself. He crouched and then gripped the hilt. Lifting the sword above his head then prepared to dash.

    As he did so, in just a twinkling of an eye, the opponent just approached like there has no distance at all. He shed his sword vertically towards his face. Joan jolted but he blocked it with his sword, sliding it towards his left. Joan then shed him but he disappeared in his front. Joan then felt that there were feet that tripped him.

    Joan was surprised as no one made that kind of move on him for many years. Yet here he was, being treated like a kid.

    He back-flipped at the moment he has still momentum thennded on the ground. It was then, the Grandmaster dashed towards him andnded many blows. Joan blocked it left and right but he had ample strength and dexterity to repel them all. It was not enough to just rely on sheer instincts.

    Joan turned serious as it was not so good to be beaten up ck and blue by such a person. He could just heal you up and then beat you again. Joan took the opportunity to use stat cultivation at the moment. shing their wooden swords together and Joan felt that he was getting stronger. Still, Joan felt that his opponent was just ying with him. He would just repel his attacks or just evade them graciously. Sometimes he would just counterattack him when he can.

    "You are lousy. Come at me with your all. Is that all you got?" He said to Joan.

    Joan felt that he was just being tested. Still, his limits were what he can do currently.

    ''Easy to tell me that when you have higher stats eh?'' Joan can only smirk.

    He dashed towards him and then went aggressively towards him. He shed vertically and the Grandmaster just side-stepped. Hitting him on the stomach with just a flick of his hands.

    "Uhuk!" Joan breathed out air after he hit him.

    It was then, he kicked him and he was blown towards the side. Rolling several times. Joan groaned then coughed a bit.

    "Okay, everyonee at me!" He said then they all attacked him simultaneously.

    Ah!!!

    Uhak!!!

    They were attacked left and right with smashes on them. They approached him without fear and then he obliterated them all. Boys and girls were healed by their teacher and then they attacked again. Joan then just watched them attack their opponent. It was still a one-sided beating. No one can stop him any moment from now on.

    Joan then went to join in on the fray. He attacked him but when Grandmaster Troan countered him, Joan blocked it with his sword. It made him surprised at the moment. They continued their duels but they still haven''t made any progress. Only Joan can make asting duel with him. They were all thrashed to the dirt, panting at the moment. They were all healed then they all rested.

    "I can''t keep up. I''m too tired to move!" Said, one student.

    "The Grandmaster is one hell of a monster,"

    "He sure is!" Another one added.

    The Grandmaster then excused himself. They all bowed their heads towards him.

    "Thank you for your guidance!" They shouted.

    It was then, he left them and waved his hands. Their teacher then gathered them all. Tired students stands up and then gathered together, encircling him.

    "Everyone listen up! You all now know how strong Grandmaster Troan was. And you all should make him your goal. Either be like him or be stronger than him. I know you will all be stronger as time passes by and I want you all to reflect on your shorings. ss dismissed!" Delmund said to them.

    It was then, they went to their dorms. Joan prepared his room. Removing the dust and sweeping the floor. They arrived a littleter after Joan prepared his room.

    "Whoa, this is your room?" Asked Patricia.

    "Well, not much, please doe in," Joan said to them.

    They entered inside the room and soon after settled on their respective chosen ces. They brought baskets of snacks with them as promised. Now that all of them has settled, Joan then proceeded with the instructions.

    "Thank you all foring here and I am d you all went here even my room was crowded. Please do enjoy my humble room. And now, I need you all to cultivate your mana wells first. You need foundation at the very start," Joan instructed them.

    Some of them knew what mana cultivation was while others didn''t know what to do. It was then, Joan instructed the ones who didn''t know.

    "Feel the mana in the air, then breath it in and absorb it into your sr plexus. Your mana well will then expand when you umte more and more mana in the future. Breath-in mana then exhales impurities. It will be a cycle that needs to be practised," Joan said to them.

    It was then, the others did get the hang of it. Managing to leap one stage higher than before. They felt ecstatic especially the ones who first time did it. They felt a little bit jumpy at the moment when they felt they ascended. It was then, Joan made them practice their Holy element affinity. First was they made a ball of light then injecting more and more mana into it. Others were able to make it bigger, while others were struggling just to make a speck. Joan then knew who was weak in the element and who has good potential for cultivation.

    It was then, Joan announced that they will have to eat their snacks. Just to replenish their lost energy at the moment.

    Their snacks were doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, banana cakes, others brought sodas and beverages. Others did just ate without contribution. Such one was Joan. Still, he only wanted to eat delicious food. Nothing more. Time passed by and Joan instructed them to continue their mana cultivation in their rooms.

    It was then, they went to say their goodbyes and went to their rooms.. Joan then cleaned his room and then went to the arenater on that night.

 Chapter 141 - Missions

    It was early in the morning while the sun has yet to rise. The Captain entered the quarters then woke up his men.

    "Rise and shine everybody! Go to the barracks now! We have coffee already served there," The Captain said to them. Spanking some butts on the process.

    It was then, they scurried towards the barracks after the Captain shouted at them. Joan just woken up and then hurried towards the barracks.

    They entered the meeting ce and they were handed a cup of coffee. They were still shivering after just waking up.

    They blew the hot coffee and then warmed themselves up. It was then, their Captain arrived and then they made small greetings to him.

    They were assembled to n for their next mission. Heid the map on the table with some old parchment of paper rolled for easily putting it in the container. Up north from their current location, he pointed where the Riverside Stronghold was located.

    "Our scouts made a report. ording to them, a stronghold has a water source and there was a well that can be drinkable if cleansed. When it will be conquered, we can have ess to northern territories. The advantage is that the road is very essible and the travel from here to the Riverside stronghold is just hours. It is near from here and with constant supply, we can make it a strong foothold on that parts," The Captain said to them.

    "There are only a few gargoyle guards that are located on the stronghold. They are the gargoyles that are living in small tribes around the Riverside Stronghold. Their main force is weakened so we have a chance to liberate the ce. There are only two gargoyles in each post and the inner buildings are empty. There is only one problem. Getting in is an easy task, but when they will rm their tribe, then things will get awry from that moment," The Captain briefly exined.

    "Then it will be a tough battle from then on," He added.

    It was a foggy morning and the sun has yet to rise. They travelled towards the north where their mission was located. The way was breezy and foggy, still, they paved the road towards their destination. No torches were carried and just pure eyesight. The Rangers and Rogues didn''t have a problem but others barely cope up and adjusted their eyesight. Travelling far, they panted and rested for a while.

    Sneaking, they slowly saw the first streaks of lights from afar. A Stronghold was seen by the River and they started the operation. It was the signal tomence the operation. Rangers and Rogues climbed the walls then dropped ropes on them. Climbing one by one, they all arrived on the top. Joan assisted in eliminating the gargoyle guards on the towers and posts. Joan dashed and shed some gargoyles on the way. They were in a sleepy state as they didn''t sleep for the night. Upon the top of buildings of the stronghold, gargoyles were on standby. Watching at the top, they saw that the ce was foggy. Making it an advantage to their operation.

    There was a tower that has two gargoyles and has a bell beside them. It was a tower that sees overall the other towers. Joan climbed the roof and used [After image]. While still being on invisibility, he threw daggers at the enemies. The desnded on their backs and heads. Making them limp on the process. Bodies mmed on the floor.

    Joan was in a hurry, it would only be a small mishap and the enemies will be alerted. Making Joan release his Shadow clones in different directions. His shadow clones went climbing the towers and killed enemies without making a sound.

    They entered the buildings and cleared the enemies inside. The Rogues were in a bind too. They attacked the gargoyles silently and thest tower was left. It was then, the enemies on the said tower has blown the horn. Making them put in great turmoil.

    "They are alerted! Hurry and regroup!" The Captain shouted.

    It was then, the ce became darkened by their numbers. They made round formation and then they flooded the area. Right at their eyes, the gargoyles emerged from the walls and wenting towards them.

    "Brace of impact!" The Captain shouted.

    They lifted their shields and then they were battered left and right with their ws. Joan was on the top of the tower and the Rangers sniped from the top. They saw enemies far more numerous than before. No wonder the past raid was a failure.

    They attacked the ones who were entering their formations. Others were grabbed and pulled from the formation and they were left shouting on the process. Joan sniped the ones who attempted to separate them from theirrades and so they fell from the sky. Others tried to stand up and then regrouped again.

    Joan and the other Rangers sniped until they run out of ammo. They fired more arrows until one gargoyle noticed someone was firing at them. They watched the towers and so they attacked the other Rangers. Joan felt alerted, their covers were blown in just a few moments. The others ran to escape the enemies who flooded towards their posts. Joan conjured a greatsword and then faced them head-on.

    He shed left and right but the enemies were too many. Making him regret it halfway. He was surrounded in all directions. Making him gulp his saliva on the process. He was wed on his back and then dashed towards the lesser enemies. Making a runaway from their overcrowded numbers.

    He went running on the rooftops as fast as he could. As Joan was dashing, he was still met with several ones of them. He shed them left and right without a mishap and then made their numbers slightly decreased. It was then, he was assisted with arrows that came from the other side of the towers. Arrowsnded on the gargoyles and then shut down some gargoyles on the way. Making him feel joyous at their assists.

    Joan continued his travel on the rooftops and decimated enemies on the way.

    Joan did a round of running on the roofs several times and then entered one of the towers. Shutting the tower door at the moment he entered. Panting while his face was sweaty, he mmed his butt on the floor then rested there.

    The banging on the door continued but it subsided after a few seconds. Putting the door with what he can see currently. Cabs were what he can make it covered apparently. The tower only has a cab on the floor. Joan then climbed the tower and watched the walls of the tower. It was bloody but the blood was dry. Continuing until the top of the tower, he walked slowly as his foothold might break if he was careless. Slowly, he climbed the tower and then saw from afar, the numerous enemies flying in the sky. From that vantage point, Joan can see that enemies were going to and fro from their base towards the stronghold. Others were patrolling, looking for others who were not in the formation. Joan then hides after he saw many Rangers were grabbed by the gargoyles and were dropped towards the ground. Others were hanged on the walls from afar to serve as a warning on them. Joan can only pity them, they served the kingdom for many years and now their bodies were hanged on the walls.

    The formation was still not shuddering in any moments and it was the safest ce for now. In Joan''s hiding ce, it would be soon be discovered or he will be left by hisrades sooner orter. Dying on hunger in this ce would be a possibility if he will be left behind. He also thought that Escaping from this ce full of gargoyles was also exemry in itself. It would be hard to pull off when you were discovered by the enemies.

    An hour of brutal battle and the enemy numbers were culled. Many retreated on the process while the formation stood firm. They all made it alive and then they watched the enemies retreat. It was then, they all shouted in victory over the enemies. They sessfully conquered the Stronghold and made it their new base of operations.

    They left some men, Joan included in the stronghold and then they all went back to the Lukarian stronghold. They cleaned the ce and settled there for a while until they wait for the reinforcements toe.

    Their nights were not also peaceful as enemies went to disturb their sleep. Many gargoyles were also walking on the roofs of their sleeping quarters and it made them have spooky nightmares. On that night, several guards disappeared on a whim. Making their morning plunged into chaos. Several gargoyles were still active at night and it hinders their sleep. They can''t sleep at all in that ce.

    Morning arrived and the reinforcement came with supplies in them. Many adventurers were now present. Some were fresh, some were familiar faces. Others were old friends.. They now talked about their experiences at that moment and theirplexions changed after that.

 Chapter 142 - Night Hunt

    The night came and the mood was celebratory. Others enjoyed the mood while Joan was silent on the side. There was booze but it was only drunk by the drunkards. Their ration was mashed potatoes and boiled meat added with spices. The guard posts were now more numerous as they replenished their numbers.

    Joan was sitting by the fire and the Captain approached him. Having a cup of booze in his left and one too in his right. He gave one to Joan then sits beside him.

    "Can I?"

    "Yeah, sure," Joan replied to him.

    "I watched you ran towards the flocking enemies on the stronghold. And I am impressed with that. You''ve got skills, don''t you?" Joan was asked.

    "Ah, just enough skills to survive," He replied.

    "It was still impressive, I remembered far more than my fingers can count who are brave enough like you. But they are only a few who survived that. Sometimes, their bravery doesn''t match their skills. Ending up in their demise," The Captain said to him.

    "Well, I survived and that''s that," Joan said then sipped.

    "You know that I was an adventurer like you in my younger days. But not so young like you. Maybe in my twenties but not surpassing in my thirties. I brought down maddened bulls in the ins with just my fist. It was my glory days. You know the rest of the story, I became popr and so earned a schrship in the Academy. I then studied Pdin ss in the academy after that and ended up being a Captain. I am then assigned here as an overseer to the adventurers. You must pick your fate well child. Ahem, you are Joan right?" He asked.

    "Yes, I am indeed Joan," He replied.

    "I haven''t seen steel badged so young like you. That''s an extreme honour to be one. Back in the past, the adventurers were only hired for menial tasks like picking up herbs, killing specific monsters. But then, the King found a more appropriate mission for us and that is to reim the Darknds. Suchnds housed monsters and horrors not yet discovered. Others are still not listed on the archives of monsters. Making it a mysterious ce and a gruesome one at that. It was once a human territory, but all changed after the seeds of evil were nted here and there. You can thank the Demon lords for that," He said.

    "Yeah," Joan replied.

    "This drink is delicious. Can you tell me the fruit used?" Joan asked.

    "Peach," The Captain replied.

    "Ah, so that exins it. This ce is vast, you can jog around the ce," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, we will repair some buildings as they have seen better days. But the sleeping quarters are first rehabilitated. You can rest well tonight," The Captain said to him. Drinking another sip.

    "Well, not until we hunted some gargoyles who are causing a nightmare to others. We can''t sleep at all in the first night," Joan said to him.

    "Well, they sure have the energy to disrupt our sleep then it will be a problem. We must form a team to silence them once and for all," He said to Joan.

    "Count me in," Joan replied to him.

    "Sure," He said then tapped his shoulders.

    "Well, we will call this a night. It is nice talking with you, Joan," He said.

    "Bye," Joan replied.

    The ce then died out their waves ofughter chuckles as they went to rest. The sleeping quarters were full of wasted drunkards. Others were on the floor. With onlymps to light the ce, they felt more sleepy if they will stare at it. Joan then went to his bed and slept. All his consciousness was inside his dreams and was having fun while inside it. Still, his dreams were cut short.

    He was woken up by one of the first persons who slept in the sleeping quarters.

    "Hey kid, they are here. Much more than thest time," He said while pointing to the roof.

    Scratch! Screech! Squeak!

    The two heard it and decided to take up arms.

    "Wake up the others if you want their help," Joan said to him.

    "Affirmative," He responded.

    He soon wake up the others who were not drunk at that time and they all grabbed their weapons. Others grabbed their bows as it will be a ranged battle. Enemies were going to be closing in to kill them though. Having chosen the weapon, they went outside.

    Joan was already there, in his left hand was a bow and a quiver of arrows was on his back. Drawing the bow and tucking an arrow, he fired at the sky. It was then, momentster, a silhouette crashed on the ground.

    Bang!

    Joan climbed the walls of the sleeping quarters and leapt towards the roof. Others tried to do so but they didn''t make it like him. Others went to the walls and saw the numerous enemies flying up above them. Enemies numbered a hundred were seen.

    Circling on a gargoyle that has a glowing red ball on his hands. He threw it to Joan and Joan evaded it nonchntly. It was then Joan knew that it was a ranged spell that withers the ones it touches. Making Joan bit his lower lips.

    [Rapid fire]

    Joan used his Ranger skill and they were propelled in great speed and session. The enemies were one by one shut down but they were aggravated at seeing theirrades were killed. Theynded on the roof and encircled Joan.

    ''This sure will be interesting,''

    "Come!" Joan said to them.

    They darted towards him wed him. Joan evaded in hair''s breathe kicked them towards the other adventurers. Making them jolt at the moment an enemy was propelled towards them.

    Bang!

    It crashed on the walls and they soon poke it if it was still alive or not. The enemy jolted and so they killed it immediately. Stabbing it with a knife to death.

    Joan then changed his weapon to an axe. Dual-wielding an axe then shed them left and right. Using [Dual wielder] and [Rapid sh] of the Ranger made them butchered by his axe. He only used skills that were not so catchy or his cover will be blown.

    Their leader was just watching but then, he went to join in the fun. He duelled Joan and the other gargoyles were being attacked by the other adventurers. Arrows were sent flying towards them and there were spells mixed with them. Throwing axes were also thrown by Chaos Knights while making a distraction. Making to deal with them at the moment.

    "Don''t let anyone alive! Don''t let them escape!"

    "Kill them all! All our restless nights have to put an end!" They shouted.

    Joan duelled the peculiar gargoyle that has spells. In Joan''s view, it was an elite. Imagining a Hobgoblin elite in the past was terrifying that four shadow clones were only able to wound it. Not even killing it on the spot. Maybe it would not be the same now but the enemy was a gargoyle. A creature of darkness that has strength and speed. Can fly too when needed.

    It was at that moment, Joan prepared for the worst. He held his axe tighter than before and then dashed towards his enemy.

    Haaa!!!

    Joan shouted. He shed the gargoyle with a left and right but it evaded. It shed with its ws and Joan blocked it with his axe.

    Ping!

    Joan barely made it without a scratch. A slit on his cheeks was made as the speed surpasses his stats. Luckily, he healed himself and his face was as good as new.

    ''Dang it! Elites are too strong!''

    Joan can only inwardly curse. His enemy was not something to be trifled with. Joan then went all out. Dashing like a pouncing cheetah, he crouched while moving towards his enemy. It flew upwards to evade him but Joan was fast enough to meet him mid-air.

    Bang!

    He appeared on its back as its pping was slower than Joan. Joan made it towards him and kicked it downwards. The enemy flinched but he grabbed Joan on his feet. Joan felt like panicking as he was spun by his enemy and so he threw his axe. The axended on the back of his enemy as it was busy rotating him. Joan was then thrown to the roof of one of the buildings and he coughed hard after his backnded on the roof.

    Bang!

    Joan then healed himself and conjured another axe on his hands. The enemy pped its wings while in the air and pulled his axe from his back. Agitated, he darted towards Joan''s direction.

    Roaaaarrrrr!!!

    The enemy wailed and conjured red balls on his hands. Throwing it to Joan who went rotating after he evaded them. Joan threw two of his axe on him and then conjured another one. Dashing forth towards him.

    Haaaa!!!

    Joan shouted at him. Dashing forth while hurling the dirt on the roof.

    Bang! Bing! Bang! Bing!

    The metallic sound reverberated in the surrounding area and all the ones who were asleep has woken up.. The other adventurers have taken up arms and joined the battle.

 Chapter 143 - Night Hunt Part 2

    Rushing forth towards the enemy. Hurling dust upon his wake, he aggressively attacked the enemy in his front. With the sharp gaze Joan has made, he gritted his teeth when the enemy dashed sideways. Appearing in his back, Joan rotated and threw his axe.

    The enemy shed the axe sideways and Joan conjured another one. He hacked the enemy with his weapon and it was stopped by its ws.

    ng!

    Joan expected it to happen and so he let go of the weapon as it was stuck. He shed with his other weapon and he repelled it. Joan conjured one axe and threw the other. Making the enemy swat it sideways sessively in the process. Joan then used his skill [sh] and his weapon wounded the enemy, still, it was shallow and was not still life-threatening. The enemy was taken aback as he has many skills that he used.. They were also random at that. Making Joan, an unpredictable enemy.

    Joan switched to his daggers as his weapons were not fast enough. It was then, he threw his weapons at him and conjured daggers. He immediately dashed towards him and shed with [Rapid sh].

    Prrrrrriiiiiiinnnnngggg!!!

    The daggers were all repelled. The enemy grinned at him after he was seen panting. The enemy then approached him and wed right to his face. Joan was surprised by his sudden burst of speed and so he blocked with his daggers. A small scratch was made on his cheeks. It was then, Joan used his chained daggers. Whipping it towards him but the enemy was fast enough to react in his attacks. Joan whipped faster but the enemy saw his attack''s direction. Making him saw the pattern ahead and sidestepped in predicting its trajectory.

    Joan was then perplexed, it was a first that his enemy has that good evasion skills. Also due to its wings, it was faster than normal mobs. Making it a proper elite on the fact that it was still alive till now.

    Joan was in a bind, his stamina was slowly depleting. Though, his enemy was still energetically evading his strikes. It was a battle of endurance and Joan was starting to fall short. He breathed deep and long due to excessive movements that he was forced to do with the current enemy.

    Though his rank was a master, it was still hard for him to match his speed. Joan didn''t whine at the moment but gritted his teeth. Dashing again while throwing his conjured daggers at them, he was able to deal damage as some daggers were not blocked by his enemy. Still, it was not fatal. Joan dashed towards him and tried to use [Backstab] on his back.

    But the enemy was aware of this and the effectiveness of the skill was not to its fullest as it was seen beforehand. It was most effective when it was a surprise attack. Still, Joan used the skill and the enemy turned around. He stabbed towards the face but the enemy blocked it with his palm. Making his hand stabbed in the process. Joan then twisted the dagger and then pulled it out. Making the enemy wail as he does so.

    Joan then threw some daggers at him and theynded on his shoulders, some were on his chest. Due to the enemy''s pain, it roared and was infuriated. Attacking Joan without a reserve this time. A sh left and right was made and Joan''s daggers almost break. Joan bit his lower lips and stepped back a bit. It was then, Joan was hit by its charge. Luckily, Joan conjured a shield on his arms and he managed to lessen the damage.

    [Shield charge] [Shield bash]

    Two skills were made in session and the enemy was shaken a bit. Making Joan conjured a hammer on his hands. Smashing it to the enemy''s face and then used another [Shield charge] and [Shield bash] on the process.

    Bang! Bang!

    The enemy staggered on the process after he was hit on the face. Making him attack twice before charging in again. Joan thenbo his [Shield bash] and his hammer swing.

    Tuk! Bang!

    The enemy also regained its footing and then wed his shield on the process. Also able to make Joan stagger with every hit. As it was heavy with its buffed muscles and body. He smashed his left and right, shielding himself when needed.

    It was a tough battle and Joan was on his limits. He was panting hoarser this time around. The weapons he chose was heavy and taxing his stamina. He almost let go of his hammer. It was then, he discarded his shield and hammer as it was heavy. Conjuring a katana on the process.

    After making his pose, he dashed towards his enemy and shed with his weapon. Albeit light, it was sharp and brutal but weak on defending. Making Joan evade the enemy''s strikes and not carelessly defend with his weapon. He was able tond hits on the enemy but the enemy was also making w marks on his body. He was on his limits and then mmed his butt on the rooftop.

    ''If only I can let loose,''

    He was then attacked by the enemy and a silhouette tall and buff was seen to cover him.

    Bang!

    The enemy was flung towards the edge and then fell.

    "You''ve got guts to solo an elite with a steel rank badge eh? Well, that''s what I like about you," The Captain said to him.

    "Captain! Wow, d that you are here," Joan duplicate almost shouted.

    Joan then tried to stand up but the Captain forbids him. He was ordered to rest for a while and he will take care of things here from now on.

    The enemy then flew upwards and then dropped himself to the roof. The two then battled without reserve.

    Bang! Boom! Bing!

    The fight ensued and the gargoyle was flung left and right. Thanks to [Heavy hitter] skill of Pdins, it was a skill that made the enemy have a hard time on. Every blow was bone-breaking and the enemy suffered the most out of the two. The Captain has bruises too as the enemy has brute strength. They continued fighting until one of them gives up or was killed. But still, no one surrendered.

    The Gargoyle elite then let out a shriek and then all the gargoyle on the den heard it. They all soon rounded up and attacked the Stronghold. The Captain tried to silence him but it was for nought. Soon after, the ce was flooded with flying creatures.

    The adventurers rounded up while the others went on a killing spree. Killing one creature one at a time. This time, Joan helped with their extermination. As he was useless on duelling the Gargoyle elite. He found his purpose in killing off these flying pests up in the sky.

    The fightsted for hours and they were exhausted. The corpses disintegrated while Joan duplicate sucks the essence dry on the ce. The adventurers who were killed were ced on a bed of dried branches and were burned. They were burned this time around to honour their bravery. Souls were collected by an Angel and they went to the heavens. Joan saw it but the others didn''t. He prayed for their eternal rest until the morning came. Ashes were left on the burned woods and so their bodies were made dust and were cast to the wind.

    The Captain was there too to give sympathy. But it was a normal thing that will happen from now on. Deaths were inevitable to the ones who fight. Not all were given a painless death but eternal rest was waiting for them.

    Morning came and their lives continued. The ce was in chaos so they repaired their base again. Roofs were reced with the new wood nk. Joan also joined in cooking for the soldiers. Slicing the basic spices and some vegetables. They made a soup for everyone''s stomach and they enjoyed it.

    Joan then observed them have a meal that they emptied the pot of cooked soup as a result of their hunger and tiring night. Others started to taste the water on the well and it was clean. Making them drank on its content. Supplying their containers and others bathed with it. They didn''t regret it now that they conquered the Riverside stronghold at the moment and enjoyed its resources.

    It was then, the soldiers rested for a while after a whole night of the monster raid. Others have the energy to train and so they wasted their energy at their sparring. Joan just watched on the training field for the other''s progress in their pursuit of greatness. They wanted to be strong and so Joan thought them a thing or two.

    The Captain saw it all and he was impressed. And so, Joan was then promoted by the Captain as the drill instructor and trainer. They have none at the moment and so it would be a great way to improve their general strength and improve their forces as a whole. His life went busier that time he showed his talent for teaching others. Still has those old self that teaches students on the past.

 Chapter 144 - Scouting

    On the trees where they were hiding. Joan was shaded with leaves that covers his body. Others were on the top of the trees while scouting the den. Gargoyles were flying on the opening of their den. Others were hunters that hunted for their food. Joan was contemting as he was watching their den in a bird''s eye view.

    Tengu was flying overhead and Joan was watching the enemies using his eyes. The enemies who remained in their den were the hunters and the younglings. Guards were doing rotations to guard their entrance while the others rested..

    "Master Joan, we have to report this to our Captain," Said one of the Scouts.

    Joan was just silent as he was thinking about what to do.

    "We have scouted all of their dens and their force is weakened greatly. The time to report this to the Captain hase. All scouts, let''s retreat," Joan said to them.

    There was a party of gargoyles that passed them by above the tree where they were situated. They held their breaths at the moment they felt closer and closer. Passing them by on the top of their heads and moments passed, they went farther and farther away from them. It was then, they decided to retreat for now. No use to fight at the moment as they will be greatly outnumbered. They were capable but they didn''t know the extent of their capabilities as it was the enemy''s base.

    A mix of Rangers and Rogues were seen following Joan. They went back to their base on foot. Avoiding the roads that could potentially make them seen by the enemies. The enemies were also patrolling on their perimeter making it a little harder to scout.

    It was then, a patrol party of gargoyles has seen Tengu. Making them fall into an awry situation. Tengu used his wings to beat faster and escape the enemies. Still, he was caught up with the gargoyles who were fast enough. He dove to the trees and used [Multiply and disperse]. Making his clones fly in different directions.

    It was then, Tengu arrived at Joan''s side. Panting after the chase.

    "I am sorry, master," Tengu said then went inside him.

    "It''s okay," Joan then saw that some enemies saw them after following Tengu''s direction. Joan felt responsible for their predicament and said that he was the one to me if they have a mission failed.

    "Everyone, leave me. The mission''s sess is in your hands. I can defeat them all, don''t worry. I will just stall time for them and you all have to deliver the report." Joan exined.

    They nodded at him in agreement. The report has to be delivered at all costs. Though they didn''t believe that Joan will lose to them also. Making them not hesitate at the moment Joan will be the one covering them. They immediately left at a moments notice, making Joan left alone to fend for himself. Enemies approaching and Joan was left alone. Inhaling deep, Joan grinned.

    "It was time to let loose!"

    [Chaos roar]

    A shout was made and all the trees were obliterated at the moment his shout has been let out. The gargoyles were obliterated at the moment they were struck with his shout.

    [Chaos roar]�Ca Chaos Knight shout that summons a dragon on his back and then shouts. Rending the ones who were struck with the shout.

    Enemies were obliterated but some of them were still alive. Joan approached them and summoned a two-handed greatsword. Enemies were on the ground and some of them were starting to stand up. Others were shaking their heads after they were struck. They felt dizzy as they went spiralling on the process. Heads were hit on the trees and were all in utter mayhem.

    [Chaos burst]

    Joan sliced the air with a rising diagonal sh. It was then, the ground exploded several times. From Joan''s feet towards the enemies in a straight line.

    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Bang!

    The enemies were exploded with his burst skill. Making them end their lives. Upon his onught, enemies heard the banging sound of his skill. Making Joan grin at the progress of his fate.

    "More enemies arrived, good!"

    Joan then used his Chaos Knight without reserve. Making his skin grow dragon scales at the moment.

    [Dragon armour]

    He grew dragon scales on his body then it became his armour. Thick scales were seen embroidering his body into majestic armour.

    [Dragon wings]

    He grew wings on his back and he was ready to fly anytime. Leathery with thorns here and there on the joints.

    [Dragon armour]�Ca Dragonic skill or arts of Chaos Knights that gave them armour of the scales of dragons. Resistances were the same of the dragons themselves.

    [Dragon wings]�Ca Dragonic skill or arts of Chaos Knights that grew their wings of dragons. Making them able to fly.

    Joan then flew up in the air and confronted them. More enemies came and they were battled by Joan. Testing his newfound strength upon them at the moment.

    Bang! Boom! Bing! Baboom!

    Meanwhile, the Rangers and Rogues only heard banging sounds from afar. Others were tempted to see what could happen that Joan''s battle was so loud and ear-shattering. Still, they decided to continue their travel and make their mission a sess. Thinking about Joan, they were confident that he will make it out alive.

    They were nearing their base and soon saw the walls of Riverside Stronghold. Making them rxed a bit after seeing it. Entering the gates, they hurried to report it to their Captain. A high ranking scout entered their Captain''s quarters to make a report.

    "Captain, we have a report about the scouting,"

    "Carry on,"

    "The gargoyle habitations around our base are weakened. Their numbers dwindled after making attacks on our base. It will be wise to eliminate them once and for all while their numbers are depleted."

    "Did you count their numbers?"

    "Yes, Captain. Their numbers are only three hundredpared to before which is a thousand,"

    "Good, assemble the adventurers. We will be having a meeting,"

    "Affirmative, Captain!"

    "Wait, where is Joan? He was supposed to report to me right?"

    "Ah, he stopped the pursuers. But he will arrive soon, I am sure of it,"

    "Good,"

    The adventurers were then rounded up to the meeting ce. Ready to fight with them being dressed all ready for a battle. It was then, Joan arrived at the meeting ce. He opened the door to their meeting ce. His armour was bloody and he was panting.

    "Don''t mind me. Just continue the meeting," Joan said.

    "Master Joan!" The scout shouted.

    "Joan! Look at yourself, clean yourself first then we proceed to the meeting. We haven''t started yet," The Captain said to him.

    Joan then cleaned himself. Then the meeting started after he was now more formal and not haggard-looking.

    "Ahem, so the scouts have reported and their numbers are only three hundred left, scattered into five dens. Their numbers are weakened after warring with us. So it was safe to say we are advantaged if we attack now. We must eradicate them and make our surroundings a safer ce. We will divide our teams into five attack teams led by team leaders. We will assign the team leaders in a moment. We will attack while the metal is hot they say," The Captain said to them.

    It was then, they selected the team leaders and Joan was also selected by the Captain. Joan felt ecstatic. First, he became their trainer, then a scouting leader, then now an attack leader. Well, what could go wrong if his talent was used for their good. It was wise to make Joan build up a sense of standing. Though he wants was to be a low-key person not wanting to be in the limelight. But fate needs his service. They need him more than Joan needs them. It was a matter of fact that can''t be denied.

    They redied and marched outside the gates. Divided into five attack teams, they moved in five different directions. Joan led the way and his team were following. Guided by a map, they were tasked to attack the east side of the enemy''s den. Located in the far east and was the ce that Joan had made a ruckus on. He killed all the patrols that time and absorbed their essence. Making his return dyed a bit. Still, he was able to arrive on time.

    Moving into the brooks and resting for a while in the shade of the trees, they calcted that they will arrive in an hour of travel. Their team was constituted of ten members. Two Chaos Knights, two Pdins, One Holy Knight, One Lycan, One Necromancer. A Ranger and Rogue as well as Joan, their leader. Making their team a bnced one. Joan then formted their attack n at the moment.

    "Okay, the Chaos Knights will make the main attack. Create chaos as much as possible. Pdins will take care of the opening of the den and we will attack the inside after we killed all the ones getting out of the den. Hope nothing goes wrong. Necromancer and Lycan will summon their underlings then attack the ones who will emerge from their den. Ranger and Rogue will be killing all who will escape. And I will be watching you all and will rescue you in case someone will be needing help. Remember this is an enemy base and we don''t know the inside. We might see the queen of theirir. After the den will be silent. Then we will be clearing the den. From their queen to their babies, none will be spared okay?"

    "Yes sir!"

 Chapter 145 - Extermination

    Upon looking at the enemy''s den, they saw a mountain that has a hole on its side. Guards were present at the entrance and others were getting in and out of it. Joan was resting for a while as he waited for the right time to attack. Others just waiting for his signal to attack theirir. Joan knew some parts of the outside of the den as he was the one who led the scouting mission. Also wreaking havoc ahead of time made their overall strength lessen.

    The others then were rounded up by Joan. Signalling that they will attack soon. Confirming that the ce was their den, they started their raid.

    They moved ording to the n. Joan was looking at his [irvoyance] skill and they were shown at the projected imagery. The two Chaos Knights appeared from where they were hiding. Armed to the teeth and d with full ted armour.. They immediately ran towards the guards of the gargoyle den. Enemies were surprised that there were only two who attacked their den. They were brave enough to show their faces with just the two of them. Or so they thought. They can only mock them inside their minds.

    [Chaos aura]

    They were covered with smoke and embers. The guards of the den saw them and they immediately rmed the ce. Making the two to be in a bind. Still, it was part of the n. The enemies approached them and they were not able to tolerate the heating from them. Making the enemies step back a bit. The Chaos Knights on the contrary were just approaching them and shed their swords. The enemies surrounded them but they were not able to harm them with their ws.

    [Chaos breath]

    They were struck with hot miasma and some of them were burned after receiving the skill. They wailed and then retreated. Flying above them then attacked again. Diving towards the two, they prepared their ws to sh them. Brute strength to batter their mortal bodies.

    [Shield charge]

    Continuous use of the skill being inbo with their shes made them nt chaos upon the enemy base. Other enemies were hit on the face and were stunned a bit. Making the sh on them to easily end their lives. Enemies then emerged from the den and surrounded them. With the help of [Chaos aura], they weren''t able to easily beat the two.

    They wed them but their hands were burnt instead. They still tried their best to defeat the two by charging towards them. Flying then quickly diving at them. Making them attack them while the burns were slightly less painful.

    It was then, the Pdins moved after they saw that the enemies were getting out of their. Helping their kindred as they were ughtered by the Chaos Knights. Not wanting for the enemies to flood their tworades, Pdins then moved towards the entrance and then used their skill to knock them back.

    [Heavy hitter]

    They were smashed heavily and they were thrown hit after hit. Left and right smash of their hammers were able to fling them without making an effort. The sheer weight of their hit was as heavy as an elephant. Making the enemies smash their bodies to the den walls.

    Bang! Bang! Boom!

    Two of them were able to prevent their movements. Making the enemies pass out right after they hit them hard. The two of them assisted the Chaos Knights. Even with the four of them were there, the enemies were diving at them while others learned to evade their hits.

    The enemies then wed the two Pdins as they were not as mobile as the Chaos Knights. They used their skills [Berserk] of his Berserk arts and [Dread harbinger] of Dread arts.

    [Dread harbinger]�Ca skill of Chaos Knights to bring dread to the enemies. Making the enemies fall into feeling great fear and reduces their Stats in the process.

    It was then, other dread arts were used by the Chaos Knights which was very dreadful.

    [Screaming pain]�Ca skill of Chaos Knights that belongs to Dread arts. The weapon was d with a dark aura that heightens the pain felt by the enemy when they were struck by the weapon.

    The two of them went on a rampage. Slicing the enemy flesh with their weapons who soon wailed as they were struck with the painful feeling after they were sliced upon. Others were just a small cut to the flesh but they screamed when they were slit.

    The Chaos Knights then were focused by the enemies but they were still outnumbered. It was then the Necromancer appeared and the Lycan.

    [Beast call]

    Two wolves appeared and a crow hovering above him.

    [Skeleton]

    Three skeletons appeared. Two warriors and one archer.

    They joined the battle and they went killing them one by one.

    The Necromancer used his curse arts to weaken enemies by his skill [Weaken].

    [Weaken]�Ca skill of Necromancer to make the enemy feel weak deep inside. All stats were affected and also all the five senses of the enemy were disturbed or hindered from functioning for a duration of time. The mastery of the skill will affect the duration and the intensity of the skill. The skill was very crippling but it was limited to only one enemy, not an area of effect.

    They fought and the Lycan transformed into a Werewolf. Jumping and catching them while in the air. Others were ripped apart and their wings were uprooted from their backs. The Lycan then roared like a maddened beast.

    The others wanted to escape but the Ranger and Rogue made their move. The Ranger used his skill [Snipe] then rained them with [Rapid fire]. The enemies were struck with arrows though they were bodily wounds and not as life-threatening as Joan''s. Joan can headshot them even with the skill''s speed. The Rogue then used his skill [Backstab] at the enemies. He exhibited high mobility and was able to execute the skill even at great heights. Though, he was using a real dagger and not the conjured ones. Making Joan think that he was not the greatest conjurer there was. Escaping enemies were easily killed by the two. Despite the enemy numbers they hunted were sixfoldpared to their numbers which were only two.

    It was then, they managed to kill them all and their body was seen littering the ground. Joan appeared and absorbed their essence without them knowing.

    "Good job everybody! I know you all are strong. Let us then moved as a group inside for better safety. I divided you to see your capabilities and I was impressed! Now enough chit-chat, let us move inside the den," Joan said to them.

    They entered the den with caution and they positioned themselves in their designated roles. Chaos Knights led the way, together with Joan. The Pdins were on the back and the Lycan and Necromancer were in the middle. Of course the Ranger and Rogue were the scouts of the team that were constantly reporting to Joan.

    As they entered, they still didn''t know theyout of the den. Making their travel a little bit tedious than normal. It was not scouted before so it all makes sense that they were lost sometimes or even making a roundabout encircling their path.

    The interior of the den was just like a cave or an abandoned mine. There were cells of animals that they hunted for food and brought there. They also found a water source that has water dripping from the ceiling then were made into a puddle at the bottom. Moving deeper, they saw a bunch of gargoyles that were eating a goat. After they noticed them, they attacked. Chaos breathes were immediately fired at them. Making them toasted on the process. Joan then absorbed their essence and enjoyed the thought of it. While it makes him guilty that the other''s growth will be dyed because of him. But thinking about sharing it with them was still not on his mind. Joan original needs it the most right now and it was the greater good if he thought about it. It was only a pity that hisrades will get only the spare.

    It was then, the Ranger and Rogue appeared and reported at them that they saw a ce full of younglings. Next to it were their of the queen as the report goes on. Joan then decided to attack the younglings first before the queen as it would be troublesome when they survived. Moving towards them, the two scouts joined the party. Earning the roles of ranged and a rounder.

    Joan and the party entered their of the younglings. Joan then instructed them to block all the exits of their and so they did. Joan didn''t felt guilty about killing those bunch. It was a normal way of thinking that they have to nip the buds while still young. They killed them one by one and bathed with their blood. The others were closing their eyes as Joan ughtered them. Their hearts were not thoroughly prepared for such a sight. It took minutes and so Joan instructed them to move towards the queen''sir.

 Chapter 146 - Extermination Part 2

    Joan closed his eyes and absorbed the essence that the younglings has. They were uncountable and their numbers were flooding. Bodies littered the floor as they went disintegrating while emitting a yellowish glow. Joan felt that the essences he collected were from an adult. No, they were even containing a greater amount of essences as Joan estimated it.

    They were enough to make you leap in your stats and when the original absorbs it together with the collected essences in the past, it will be tremendous. They served their purpose and Joan didn''t even blink when he killed them. They were annoying to Joan duplicate''s eyes. Monsters were monsters, after all, even they were still innocent at the moment, they will soon turn savage like they were.

    Joan then wiped his greatsword and continued forth. Telling them to attack the queen''sir.

    "Everyone, let''s go to the queen''sir.. They are waiting for us," Joan instructed them.

    They moved by hismand. Entering the queen''sir, their eyes adjusted to the darkness. It was then, there was a bioluminescent light from the ceiling that gives off a gentle aura. Calming to the eyes as they watch it. With the help of the said lights, they managed to see the surroundings. Their eyes didn''t fool them, it was just that they saw a great pile of corpses at the moment. They saw that the queen was eating a limp corpse and ripped its body. Eating half of what remains in just one bite.

    Its body was just too big to be called an ordinary one. With the height of the queen that can almost reach the ceiling, it gave them a stare that they have to look up to see its face. The same with the gargoyle underling but it was just eating. It was then, they hide at the moment they saw her.

    Looking at it, she was giving birth after just eating some corpses in less than minutes. She was like a factory of the said creatures. Their breathings were hoarse, slowly breathed not to make unnecessary sounds to alert the queen.

    They just watched first but then saw that the queen was weakened with her birthing of their kind. Making Joan hint to attack.

    "Attack now!" Joan screamed. Making their cover blown but it made the creatures jolt and panic. A two-edged sword if one gave it a thought.

    Shriiiiiieeeeeekkkkk!!!

    She shouted but it was useless. They soon went all out right at the start. The guards then went to attack them right after they saw that there were intruders. pping their wings andunched their attack on them.

    The team then positioned themselves ording to their roles. The Chaos Kinghts used their [Chaos breath] at them and they evaded. Pdins then went to block their path towards the Chaos Knights. They used their skill [Shoulder charge] at them and they went knock backed by their skill. Also using their buffs [Physical and elemental shield] and [Durability] on their armors. [Iron defense] was also used at the moment. Making them hard as iron on the process.

    Other enemies charged at them without mercy and they used [Petrified iron statue] as they charged at them.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    They went smashing their faces at the statue of Pdins. They bashed their faces at the moment they collided with them. They were then attacked with [Elemental damages] of the Pdins.

    The Necromancer then summoned his skeletons and also the Lycan. Ensuring a chaotic battlefield on the process. Necromancer thenunched [Dark energy] spells at the enemies as his ranged attack. Creating a ball of dark energy then attacked the gargoyle guards. Dealing dark elemental damage at them.

    [Dark energy]�Ca dark element spell of Necromancers that deals dark element damage. A basic ranged spells of Necromancers. Can create multiple missiles of sessive casting with great mastery of the skill. Casting speed will be improved with more practice. Uses mana to create the spell.

    It was then, they were attacked with the Necromancer''s spells. Making them hit with the missile while others sessfully evaded the skill. Reaching them despite the missiles thrown at them. It was then, the skeletons protected their caster and the wolves too of the Lycan. They battled the gargoyles that tried to approach their masters.

    Rogue were assasinating when enemies attacked the inside of the formation and Ranger were firing anything thates their way. Making them a shield and spear at the same time. Joan then dashed towards the iing enemies. With greatsword on his hands, he ensued chaos to the fray. This time, he killed and killed without reserve. Not hesitating to sh the enemy apart.

    Two enemies came to his side and he swings it to them. Cleaving two at the same time. One enemy went on his back and Joan deflected the sh. Making three shes, separating the limbs and the head.

    Enemies flew as they saw that the enemy they faced was something that they couldn''t easily deal with. Joan was evading and shing. Something that they didn''t expect to make them have a hard time. A lone enemy that was dealing with them singlehandedly. They surrounded him but they didn''t expect that they were ughtered instead.

    Upon killing her guards, she wailed at the moment they were killed. She pped her gigantic wings and then flew towards them. Roaring with a great voice as she approached. The team and Joan were alerted as she finally joined to the battle. Making their battle to be more chaotic. "She finally joined the fight. Let''s make her death more reasonable," Joan said to them.

    Theyunched ranged spells and skills first. sting her and smokees after.

    Bang! Bang! Boom!

    It was then she emerged from the smoke and then she shrieked. The team then readied for an uing battle. Buffs were used and they braced for a harder fight. Joan retreated to the formation and sadly, they didn''t have a Mage to erect a forcefield. They still didn''t have a team member that can hold her off.

    "Everyone! Deal damage to her! I will be the one to pull the aggro!" Joan shouted.

    It was then, they dispersed. They moved into two groups. Others went to the right and others to the left. Joan was the only one left then he shouted at her.

    "Hey! Come here!" Joan said then conjured another sword.

    He immediately throwed the sword at her and then itnded on her chest. Making her wail and get the aggro on the process. They started to use their spells after Joan was chased by her.

    "Deal some damage now!" Joan shouted.

    They struck spells and then she wailed. Joan then conjured another greatsword and threw it to her. One greatsword were thrown after another and itnded on her body. Making her a full of swords attached to her. She pulled the swords and chased after Joan but Joan rained her with another set of swords. Daggers could do damage but not as good as the swords. Making her wail as the swordsnded on her body.

    Bang! Bang! Boom!

    The others started their attack and she came after them. Joan then threw another two-handed sword at her and it buried on her back. Making her to be infuriated at Joan. Joan summoned another kinds of swords and threw then left and right at her. She pped her wings and wanted to escape Joan. But Joan secretly used telekinesis on her that made her stop her escape. Shended on the ground and Joan used all his willpower to stop her. She shrieked at Joan after her escape was put to halt. Making them to rain their attacks on her.

    She was bleeding and then attacked Joan. wing at him as she deeply loathed him. Joan soon sidestepped and her attacknded on the floor. Her hands went caving-in to the ground and dirt were all over the ce.

    "Master!" They shouted.

    Joan then shed her hands multiple times and then jumped at her face. Making a sh that made its way to her eyes.

    Swoosh!

    Shriek!

    She was infuriated as she was blinded on her right eye. Making her trashing all around while aiming to kill Joan. Three longswords were conjured and he threw all of them to her. Making itnd on her shoulder des and neck. Still, it was not enough to kill her. She continued wing and shing Joan who evaded her strikes. Making it out in hair''s breath with every attack that attempted to kill him with each blow.

    With her left eye the only one remaining, Joan threw a dagger aimed at her eyes and then she tried to swat away the dagger. But still, the daggernded right at the target point and she was blinded. Joan leapt towards her neck and conjured his greatsword. With all his might, he shed her neck.

    The others saw him shed her neck and her head fell off. Making them gasp at the moment. It was so fast that their reactions were a tadte after Joan made those movements.

    It was then, they cheered for their victory. Joan lifted his sword while on top of her head. Making them shout at their victory. It was then, Joan didn''t forget to absorb her essence. Making he ce to dry out of monster essences with his doing.

 Chapter 147 - Trainer

    They travelled home where their base was. Having killed the queen was a feat they would cherish for the rest of their lives. They were in a partying mood until they arrived at the Riverside stronghold. Gates opened and they saw the adventurers were kicking stones. Others were sitting on the ground while the face was facing the dirt.

    Slowly, their team entered and their partying mood died down. They have read the mood and it was gloomy. Thinking what was the reason, why they were in such a pitiful state. .

    "The queen! The queen devoured myrades! I was the only one left! They died! They died! I saw it with my own eyes. Wings beating fast as it chased me after she ate them whole!" He said then he whimpered. Showing his whimsical state at the moment. Another band of adventurers arrived and they were also in defeated states.

    "Please help! Myrades! Maybe they are still alive inside her belly! We have to rescue them!"

    "They are too many! Why won''t you understand that they were dead!" Replied hisrade.

    Joan''s mind was chaotic. It was hard to ept that they died that fast. With just a mishap on them, they all perished. He still can''t save everybody even with his Master rank. Many more adventurers arrived and it was the team of the Captain. They sessfully defeated the gargoyle queen that needs to be killed. They were in a happy mood but then saw that the number of adventurers has lessened. More than half of them were not present at the moment.

    "Where are the others? What happened? Answer me!" He shouted.

    "Captain! They all died! We couldn''t help it, we nearly died too but escaped. It was a shame but we are cowards! We don''t want to die yet!" Shouted the survivor.

    "Did you leave them behind?" The Captain asked.

    "No Captain, you misunderstood me. They hold her off to let us escape. It was our leader who decided to let the rest of the party survive, but without him," He said to the Captain.

    It was then, they all seemed quiet. Others started to sob, others want to cry while they were whimpering. It all seemed a great victory for the others but a defeat by all of them. Only two teams survived among the five. All of their deaths were in the Captain''s responsibility. He carried that burden and was a heavy one. They can''t even carry their corpses home with their weakness.

    "Everyone! Formation!" Joan shouted.

    "Who said you are allowed to cry? The defeated teams will have a round of training as a punishment! Move now!" Joan added.

    They all stand up with their pride on the line. Moving towards the training ground and formed themselves.

    "A round of jog ten times in the training ground! Push-ups! One hundred! Pumping! One hundred! Do you dare leave yourrades behind? Shame on you! You will all have to face me in the sparring lesson! Now move!" Joan said to them.

    It was then, they all moved following hismand. They all jogged ten times on the training ground and others were still tired on their battle. Making it a more exhausting process for them. A hundred push-ups went next and the others who can''t cope up were spanked with his stick on the butt. Pumping to one hundred also made them breathed hoarsely.

    "Reflect on what you''ve done! The dead are dead. But you need to be stronger! And stronger, to defeat the enemy! Now all of you should grab your weapons! I will hammer this to your heads. You are all weak that yourrades died!" Joanshed them with his words. Making them almost cry at their guilt.

    Joan then conjured his greatsword and they all readied themselves to spar him.

    "All of you! Come here! Let out your anger and pour it into your weapons!" Joa shouted.

    They all moved at him and Joan dashed towards them. While his weapon was still on the hilt, he smashed it to them and they were flung.

    Ha!!!

    With one sh, three were swatted away. Blocking with his weapon, the Rogues were agile enough to be on an equal footing with his feet. However, Joan was faster. His blows were also heavy enough to make their weapons to be thrown from their hands. Not being able to block his greatsword with their daggers made it harder to look at.

    The Pdins and Chaos Knights allbined their attacks. But still, Joan evaded their strikes andnded his blows towards them. Making them thrown one by one. Summoners were also joining in the fight. Joan shed faster and faster when he made an onught on the enemy summons. Druids and Lycans transformed but Joan battered them with his sword instead. With them not being able tond a hit on him made the tides to in fatally against them. They created chaos but chaos was Joan''s friend. They made a ramble and Joan was just like a snake, evading their strikes and was getting out of their encirclement. Getting out of their group strikes andnded their attacks on others instead.

    Joan swings his sword and they were all tossed upwards. They all charged at him but he made it to them first before they can approach him instead. Making them battered on the face with his fist.

    "Coordinate your attacks! All are in a mess!" Joan shouted.

    "Be more serious! Let out your all!" Joan said it to them but they did from the start. Making their efforts be like a joke to him.

    They still tried to coordinate their attacks but Joan still slipped through to their attacks. As a slimy eel, he was like, he was hard to be caught up with their attacks. Joan then trashed all of them. Making them battered up until they all went panting while lying on the ground. Beating them senseless until they passed out. Joan then turned around from them while hugging his greatsword.

    "All of you are dismissed! Now rest for the meantime. We will have lunchter on," Joan said to them.

    It was then, the Captain was impressed. He didn''t think that Joan has such capabilities to punish them. Not to me the person but his weakness. Cowardice will soon vanish in their selves. They all stand up and then rested at the sleeping quarters. They were spent at the moment and they slept until the night.

    Joan and The Captain then discussed their battles. With the survivors have told their part of the story, they said that the queen was the one who wreaked them. The underlings were bearable and they first cheered after defeating those, but it was a different battle with the queen. They were overpowered by the great difference of strength. The Captain was there in their ranks so they were able to defeat the queen. Whoever, they didn''t have a strongrade that time and their leaders barely stopped her or did just bought them time to let them escape. It was then, Joan''s team and the Captain''s team went again for the queens who were the only ones left on theirirs. With the survivors joined into their ranks, they were able to defeat the other queens with their leadership. Making theirrades, avenged on the process. Joan also didn''t forget to absorb their essence in the process. Making their hard-fought battle to be reaped by Joan.

    They made a small feast afterwards they defeated the enemies that surrounded their base. Making them merry once again in a while.

    It was then, Joan focused on coaching them on their skills. They have great skills as individuals and so Joan coached them one by one. He made instances on how to make use of their skills at the right timing and the right moment. Also, they improved a lot since he scolded them. Making their physical capabilities rise with more drills that have been made. Also, Joan made activities in their camp to make two groups. They will have an all-out brawl but one of them will have to put the ball on the hoop. One hoop from each team and so they battled. All were in chaos and the two teamspeted with each other. Making Joanugh at them while he was watching.

    Time passed by quickly on the camp and the adventurers have gotten stronger. They all have gotten closer to each other. With their little numbers left, it became a quality group not just on quantity. It was a thing of the past but they have grown. Making Joan proud of them and as their trainer, he was meticulous at nning their growth. It was all nned and has been well thought out.

    "A caravan! There is a caravan approaching! It has the kingdom''s g!" Shouted the tower guard.

    It was then, a caravan of soldiers arrived at the stronghold. Carrying adventurers on their carriages. The Captain then went to greet him which was the Commander who wanted him to be recruited by a messenger who was a Ranger. It all became moreplex as Joan has thought about it.

 Chapter 148 - Commander

    "Commander Tullius the third! It is an honour to meet you here!" Said the Captain. They shake hands while theyughed.

    "Captain Brice! It was a long time before we have seen each other! I present you my gifts and as well as the green recruits! You can make them into a war machine if you like," The General said in a lower voice in thest sentence.

    "I am d you all made it well and in peace. Let us go inside, we will prepare our humble ce for a small celebration. You can rest well for now after a tiring journey," Captain Brice said to him.

    They continued their talking and Joan then met the scout he has seen in the past. Looking at him, he jolted and was in utter disbelief. Their mouth went agape and pointed his finger at Joan.

    "You? Why are you here? Adventurer? You said that I was mistaken right?" He said..

    "Yes? I am but only a humble adventurer here. No need to fret," Joan said to him.

    "You turned down the offer of joining the army right? We could have given you a high ranking position. Still, if you are not the one I have seen then it would be a waste to someone like you," He said to Joan.

    "I am honoured to be offered but I tend to think that positions are a blessing to others but a binding chain to some. So you want to talk more? We have drinks here!" Joan said to him.

    "Sure! Wait? Why are you offering one? A mere soldier here will offer the most precious booze?" He said.

    "Master Joan! We should train the green leaves! Let them taste your training!" Shouted one of the adventurers. Others can onlyugh at them, imagining what could happen to them. The scout then made his mouth open in utter disbelief. Not knowing that Joan has a standing already.

    "Well, wanna drinkter on? I gotta go now, we have to reform the new ones," He said, moving towards the training grounds.

    "Move! Lousy chicks! Form yourselves!" Joan was then heard shouting at them. To the scout''s eyes, he can see a kid scolding old grown men. Making him squeeze his eyes if what he was looking at was true or not. Just imagining a child bing the drill instructor or the camp trainer was hard to ept. What experience does he have to train them? On what grounds that he was chosen? It was then, he watched and observed some more. It was a few minutes but he was amazed at how strict he was. Making the adventurers struggle with their drills. It was then, Joan let them all spar at him. All versus one, he said. They were also allowed to use their skills when attacking him.

    The scout watched some more and now, he knew the reason why he was chosen. It was of his absurd strength to trash them all and without using skills at that. The adventurers groaned as they were crawling on the ground. Others grabbed dirt and threw it to Joan''s eyes. Joan then disappeared from his sight and then kicked him upwards. Making him fly to the air and then back-kicked by Joan.

    Bang!

    The scout then was utterly shaken. His thoughts of him being one of the adventurers he saw in the Nightmare sh was getting into his thought. If he was that strong then the possibility that he was the only one who survived was also a possibility. His imagination began to get rowdy and it was getting uncontroble. Making him want to report this to the Commander.

    It was a gruelling battle and all the adventurers were knocked out. They were carried to the sleeping quarters and they rested there. Groaning in pain bathed the entire sleeping quarter''s noises. Tired and were in pain, backaches too and joints were numb. Joan then was called by themander to talk with them.

    As Joan entered the strategy room, he saw themander and the scout while they were whispering with each other. The Commander nodded and they separated.

    "Ahem, as my scout has said, you are a survivor of the Nightmare assault yes? Your life is on the line depends on your answer, so choose your words," The Commander said.

    Joan''splexion has gone worst. His heart raced at the moment he heard that his life was on the line. To him, maybe it will benefit him if he told them the truth.

    "As your performance has been assessed, you can deal will all the recruits by yourself. And, you are the trainer here right?" He asked.

    "Yes, I am the drill instructor and the camp trainer heremander," Joan said.

    "So, you admit that you are a survivor?" He said.

    "Yes, though I am not the only survivor. I can only tell you that far, but who is he is a secret I must not spill," Joan said to him.

    "Ah, you confessed! And with that, you are now a camp trainer and the drill instructor, and that is official. We can call you now Grandmaster, as you are the trainer of our force. Your sry will be handed to you every month. And here is the insignia of your status. You are a high ranking official now. Congrats!" He said to him. Lending his hands.

    Joan then grabbed the insignia. Earning him the title of a Grandmaster. And with that, the Captain congratted him. They soon made a small feast and they cheered with their drinks. Having the title doesn''t mean much to him. All he wanted to do was to be of service to Joan original. Who was training himself to get stronger in the Academy. He will be surprised if he will knew that he was a Drill instructor now.

    Days went by and Joan trained them to the bones. Making the camp lively with their presence. Soon after, they prepared to attack the near forts at their areas. The Fort of the North, in the East, and, to the West.

    They made a meeting in the strategy room and divided their forces into three. Attacking all the forts at the same time. The ce was inhabited by goblins and so the battle was one-sided, in the favour of the adventurers. Still, it took hours to kill them all as the keeps were also their den. Making the terrible mistake of entering inside was pure suicide. And so they smoked the ce and they were forced to get outside. Killing them in the process. They entered the keeps and deep down has a dungeon. Only skeletons were left after years of being there. They burned their tents and they absorbed their essences. Cleaning the ce to be habitable for humans.

    Their numbers have been lessened after their raid but they can capture the ce. Other forces were moved to the forts and the road was repaired. Making also a steady supply of food on them. It was a great victory as they have minimal casualties this time. They made a feast on their forts to celebrate their great victory. The soldiers were high in morale after Joan visited them and trained them in his visits. Making it a busy schedule for him as he visited their bases. Also, the recruits came again and they trained in the Riverside Stronghold. As the camp was vast and the training grounds were thergest one of all their captured bases.

    He trained them day by day and so their overall strength has heightened. Making the same drills at them as of the past adventurers that managed to survive. It was a one-sided beating against the great numbers of recruits.

    "Is that all you''ve got! Anotherp or jog around the training grounds!" Joan shouted after beating them up.

    They moved again and then others were already freaking out.

    "This is hell! I didn''t sign up for this!"

    "We should go home! I can''t do it anymore!"

    Joan thenughed at them. They were spanked on the butt with a stick and so they were feeling lively again. Not knowing that it was his skill [Minor heal]. They went on and then like in the past, they were divided into two groups. Battling each other while making way for the ball to reach the hoop was like a rugby game but with a twist. And that was, they can use their skills to handle the enemy and then either protect the one who has the ball or if you are the enemy, you stop him together with the others. They all went all out and that made their game fun to watch. Joan wasughing left and right with their game.

    Days passed by and they were now in a formation. They all have serious faces stered on them. It was then, Joan announced that they were now all graduates, they went weeping after all they have faced. The camaraderie was developed on each one of them and they were allughing while in tears. They thanked Joan for guiding them. Not only one bowed their heads but all of them.

    "Thank you very much for guiding us!"

 Chapter 149 - Seen

    Inside the ce where he trains, he was using multiple skills at the same time.

    [Chaos burst]

    Babababababang!

    [Chaos breath]

    Boom!

    [Chaos roar]

    Baboom!

    [Elemental damages]

    Bang!.

    [Heavy hitter]

    Bing!

    [sh]

    Swing!

    [Cleave]

    Swoosh!

    [Multi sh]

    Swiswiswing!

    [Draw sh]

    Swhing!

    Joan was panting as he used multiple skills at the same time. Inside the training ground, was a boy breathing hard and drenched in sweat. Sitting in the ground where he was training.

    As he rested, he was able to regain some of his stamina. Also, his mana was slowly regaining as he rested on one of the benches. He wiped his sweat with a towel and drank water on his water canteen. As Joan was resting, he saw several shadows from the top of the arena. They disappeared in a whim and appeared on Joan''s face. Facing him and Joan''s eyes widened, he was in utter shock as he saw who they were.

    "So, why is a student has ess to the training ground?" Asked the old man with white hair.

    Another old elder has appeared and they were all having a great aura in them. Domineering and strong. They were expressing a baffled expression.

    "I am intrigued by you child. I haven''t met a kid that can wield several job sses at the same time. Tell me, who are you? How did you do it?" Asked another one. Joan then gulped his saliva.

    "I have been given the keys here by the principal. I have his permission," Joan said.

    "Hmmm, that prideful principal? Interesting! It is impossible to bribe him and more impossible to steal something like the keys of the training grounds in the first ce," Said another one.

    "And about the job sses. I hope you will keep it a secret. In return, I will share my knowledge on how to ascend to Legend easier," Joan said to them.

    "Ho? You? Surely you jest! Nice try but anyways, your secret is safe. No need to bribe, but I am interested in your offer. I am the Holy Knight Director remember? The ascension to bing Legend is a forgotten tale. Most of us died before achieving longevity and that is by ascending to Legend," The Holy Knight Director said to him.

    "I know you, you are in my department. A Holy Knight student." He added.

    "I will just rest a bit. I will all make you be Legend here and now," Joan said. The Directors were baffled. They haven''t heard such a joke for a while.

    "What? How? Tell me, child! Fooling us won''t get you anywhere. And you will be banned from training here if you messed with us," Told the Chaos Knight Director.

    "I have to exin this in simple terms. Your monster essences are enough for you all to ascend and that is the good news. Now, you will all expend the essences gathered by your years of umtion and with the help of some of your stats, you can all have a Legend seed. Now processing this seed will consume your stats and essences in the process. That way, your lifespan will be extended and you will achieve longevity. Also making yourself younger than your current selves. But all of you will be weakened a bit. Still worth the risk for me to say, so is anyone interested?" Joan asked.

    "You can do that?" Grandmaster Troan asked.

    "Yes," Joan said confidently.

    "Grandmaster Eldezar, you first! Or are you afraid of it? Are you scared?" Said Grandmaster Troan.

    "Heh! You bet! I am the first! You must bet your life kid if anything goes wrong. I won''t sit by and rx if you fraud us! I won''t let you sleep in the night if it is a scam!" Grandmaster Eldezar said.

    "Sure! Just sit in the lotus position on my front. We will proceed immediately," Joan said.

    "You sure? Just that?"

    "Yes,"

    Immediately, he sat on Joan''s front, sneering at them.

    "Go Eldezar! You will be the first to reach Legend if it is a sess," Said Grandmaster Hildegard.

    "I know, I know," This time he smiled.

    It was then, they began. Joan sucked first his monsters essences and stats. Cultivating it then injected the Legend seed on him. Further mixing his stolen stats and monster essence to nurture the Legend seed. Joan then slowly injected the fertiliser on his Legend seed. Grandmaster Eldezar then felt that he felt weaker. But other than that, he felt that he was getting younger and younger. Bit by bit, he felt that his youthful self has been restored. His energetic self was brimming with an outburst.

    The others who were seeing him were amazed and were convinced. He was radiating with energy like his presence has be more and more domineering. His face was radiating an energetic aura.

    "Hahaha, hahaha! So this is what it feels like to be a legend! Hahaha!" He blurted out. His body was floating in the air while radiating a golden light. His hairs who were white became ck again. His wrinkles became soft and in skin. His younger self was what was seen in front of their eyes.

    The other Grandmasters were now getting impatient. They wanted to be one too. His clothes were fluttering and then Eldezarnded on the ground.

    "Congrattions Grandmaster Eldezar on ascending! Or should we say Legend Eldezar? We will be celebrating your ascension!" Grandmaster Troan said to him.

    Eldezar then almost leapt in joy. But as he saw Joan, he almost felt worried.

    "Are you okay? You look anaemic and pale!" He asked Joan.

    "Ah, haha, just tired. I have to rest for a while as I am tired of my training. And cultivating the seed isborious too. I have to rest in intervals to make you all ascend," Joan said to him.

    It was then, the impatient Grandmasters were worried. They immediately gave him water to drink.

    "Should we let you rest? Like we will meet again here the next day?" Asked Troan.

    "No, you all have to ascend now. I have to rest for a minute," Joan said.

    It was then, the time was up. Joan first makes the ascension of Grandmaster Troan of the Holy Knight Department. Then Grandmaster Hildegard of Pdin Department. Grandmaster Weldebert of Fighter Department. Grandmaster Mills of Mage Department. Grandmaster Ion of Necromancer Department. Grandmaster Greaz of Lycan Department. Grandmaster Bruck of Druid Department. Grandmaster Roan of Rogue Department. Grandmaster Herthall of Ranger Department. They all ascended to Legends. Making them into their younger versions. They tested their youthful bodies in a small brawl and they were all enjoying it. Joan''s practise became livelier as Joan joined the brawl. Further trained him on how to handle different enemies at the same time.

    They fought like young kids, making the arena rumble with their spells and skills.

    Joan never felt so exhrating as he was battling them. As Joan was familiar with all their skills, it made them question him why he has many job sses. Also making their fight into an interrogation battle. Still, Joan didn''t let the most precious secret get spilt. Making him being their sole enemy.

    "How! How did you have many job sses! Answer me!" Shouted Troan.

    "It''s a secret!" Joan shouted as he evaded their skills and attacks.

    "Interrogate him! We must let him spill the beans! All together attack him!" Eldezar shouted.

    "The secret is mine!" Greaz shouted.

    "No mine!" Bruck said to him.

    It was then, they fought again with each other. Making their clothes in a mess.

    "Train me! I would like to get stronger in all sses!" Joan said to them as he bowed.

    "You are our benefactor kid. Of course," Said Troan.

    Joan was then delighted by what he heard. It was then, he was attacked by them on all sides.

    "But the secret is mine!" They shouted.

    "Ahhhh!!!" Joan can only scream.

    Joan then was beaten left and right with them. It was a one-sided beating until morning. He has then woke up in his room and his memory felt like a dream. He dressed to go to school and have breakfast. He was eating and he felt so sleepy. Barely able to lift the spoon with his energy. He felt so wasted at the time he was eating. Still, he mustered his strength to eat.

    Going to his ss and then slept at his desk. He felt the world turn around and his body has no strength left to do anything. His ssmates arrived and greeted him but he was just replying while half asleep.

    Their teacher came and they started their ss. It was then, Joan was called by his teacher. He was shaken by his ssmates to wake him up.

    "Joan! Don''t sleep in my ss! Who told you to ck of huh? I will ask you a question and if your answer is correct, then you will be free to sleep. As my question to you, what are the stages of Mana well and the ranks of Holy Knight?" Asked their teacher.

    "Ah, wha...what? Ah, ahem. The stages of mana well are divided into stages one to nine and its realms are Earth, Space, Universe, Gxy, and Limitless. The Ranks of Holy Knights are just like other Job sses, first is Beginner, Adept, Advanced, Master, Grandmaster, Legend, andst Mythic." Joan exined.

    "Good! Now go to the back of the ss and stand there. Your sleepiness will vanish if you will be in a squatting position. Now move!" He shouted.

    "But, ugh never mind," Joan said.

    It was then, he was squatting there until the ss ended. His sleepiness did vanish but he was full of sweat instead.

 Chapter 150 - Announcement

    Joan then went to rest on his seat after hours of squatting. If he has stat cultivation skill that time, he will make his strength rose higher. Joan was then asked by Elbert, Anna, Gil, Sufia, Patricia, Kale, Von, and, Heinz. Making their voices jumbled up.

    "Are you okay Joan?" Anna asked.

    "Teacher is unforgiving. I can''t bear to watch you suffer even you told the right answer!" Elbert said.

    "Yeah, it was rough. You can tell that he knows what to cure my sleepiness," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah! Haha! But still, unforgivable!" Said Kale..

    They soon went to the cafeteria to eat. Surprisingly, Joan ate a bunch of orders. Making his tes pile up. He has lost energy that much that he needs to recover them fast. His rest was deprived and his sleep so he went gluttonous on the process. Just to make up for the lost calories and carbohydrates. His blood sugar was also low at the moment, making him pale with eyebags on his eyes. He looks haggard after squatting for hours.

    "Wow Joan, you need to take care of yourself. You look pale and sleep-deprived." Patricia said worriedly.

    "Yeah, you will get sick with that," Von said. Heinz seconded him.

    "Ah, yeah but I have to eat this much to regain my lost energy. I don''t have a choice, and I am hungry so it is still normal for me to eat this much," Joan exined.

    Joan can only be delighted at their care for him. Still, he has to train. Not wanting to be weak forever was what was on his mind. His strength right now was of an advanced. It was still one rank below his Duplicate. Making him bit his lips at the moment.

    Eating some more meat while he was at it. Biting off chunks of chicken leg and put into the pile of bones that was on his front.

    Many students can''t help but garner their attention. He was eating like that since he trained hard on the training grounds. Just a few days ago, he was eating like that. Making him hailed as the glutton of the cafeteria. Exceeding the eating capacity of fatty ones there. Putting their performance to a shame.

    It was then, the school bell rang. It was time for the next ss to start. They hurriedly went to their ssroom. Their teacher was already there at the front desk. Waiting for his students to arrive.

    "We will start the ss shortly. You are still notte, don''t worry." He said to them.

    They went to seat at their seats and other students arrived too after them, seated and ready for ss. Their teacher then started his ss after seeing that all the seats were full. Not a vacant seat was seen.

    "Okay, let us start the ss! Let us see after checking the attendance," He said to them. It was then, they were all called one by one. Even though no one was absent, he still called for them to know his students one by one. It was then, he finished having a roll call.

    "Okay, ss. Please prepare for the uing tournament. Yes! Tournament! Are you not excited?" He asked joyously.

    The students were confused about what to think at the moment. Not knowing what to do with it bugged their minds. Upon seeing them not excited, he exined further.

    "You will have topete for the best Holy Knight of this room and then you willpete with the other sections. After selecting the best Holy Knight, you will thenpete for the best job ss user of this year. This is a once a yearpetition. You must all prepare for it. Each job ss will have a representative and will be called the Herald of your job ss. They will be all granted high ranking positions in the army. Competing on the best of all Job sses will be called the "Herald Of All Jobs". That one is granted nobility and status with a piece ofnd. You want that right?" He asked.

    The students were all drooling at the announcement. They imagined themselves being hailed as one. Granting a status as the king gave them such honour. Dubbing them as one in such ceremony.

    Joan was not even interested in the slightest. Such thing is okay for him but more things were much more important to him. Like being a Grandmaster again or achieving his dream of being Legend. It was a small step to take at the moment.

    They almost cheered and whistled as they heard the announcement. Making to room rowdy at the moment.

    "Silence! Please all be silent. I will tell the details to all of you so please listen," He said.

    They soon all went silent and their rowdiness died down. Making them calm their high horses with just his warning.

    "You will all have a sparring session and an elimination round. After that, we will choose the top student who will win then he will be our ss'' representative. He will battle also the other ss representatives of other sections then the winner will be the Herald Of Holy Knight. You will all be watching the finals in the arena itself. But the ssroom eliminations were in the open field of our room," He said to them.

    It was then after the announcement, he thought them about the weapon conjuration spells. Imagining the form, the shape, weight, theponents, they prepared their mana and then made the mana into fueling their imagined weapon. They were able to make one for themselves.

    "Wow! A greatsword!" The students were amazed. The one who conjured it was none other than Joan himself. It was like a one-handed sword that has been attached with another hilt and handguard on its bottom. A chilling aura was seen smoking from the weapon.

    "Whoa! Joan right? You have great talent in conjuration! Plus points!" Their teacher said to him. Joan can only smirk at his remarks.

    It was then, they ended their ss with a great result. Many students made their favourite weapons and only a few doesn''t have the talent to conjured one. They have a low talent for such basic and important spells for a Job ssed person. It was a nice day for Joan until the princess came looking for him.

    Dressed in her skirt uniform, she was panting as he ran towards him after he saw him walking in the hallway. Joan wanted to turn around as he didn''t want to be involved with the princess as it was a hassle. But sadly, his wish will not be answered with a yes. He turned around and wanted to walk away but he was grabbed on the shoulders.

    "You are Joan, right? Please teach me in my Pdin ss. I wanted you to be my tutor," She said.

    "I am sorry Princess to reject the offer. I don''t know what you are talking about. I am a Holy Knight student but not a Pdin," Joan replied.

    "Do not lie, I am told by the Grandmasters to find you and train under you. They said you are a great teacher. I need to win the tournament to prove to my father and brother that I am not a weak princess," She said.

    ''Those old men! Damn it, they told me that my secret is safe with them. I guess they could not be trusted at all,'' Joan sighed.

    "I reject," Joan said.

    "Why? Well, your secret will be spilt like I might tell it to others. Your secret will not be revealed and is safe with me. In return, I can tell my father to give you a Herald title already," She said.

    "You need to win the tournament? Just to prove that you are not a weak princess? Well, it is self-gratification on your part. The rewards are a trifling matter to you but the title is an important one for you, am I right?" Joan said to her.

    "Yes, you are correct," She replied.

    "You are an interesting one. Meet me in the arena or training grounds. The old folks will be there every night. And I am a harsh one even to girls. You might want to give up first before my training. You will cry blood and vomit your intestines," Joan scared her.

    "I won''t back out. Knowing that you are epted is the important one. You can rest assured that I will not be a burden," She said.

    "Good, now go. I don''t want others to see me talking to the Princess. They might think I am a social climber," Joan said then disappeared without a trace.

    [Illusion]

    [After image]

    With Tengu''s skill, she was left with no one to talk to. Soon after, Joan went to his dorm room and then changed clothes. Seemingly tired of the current events, he slept on the bed until time passed by too fast for him to notice. Time passed by and he needs to train his ssmates in Holy Knight ss.

    They entered the door as a group and Joan woke up. Opening the door after fixing his room in a jiffy. He made them enter his room.

 Chapter 151 - Tutor

    Upon the throne room, the throne of the kingy at the centre of the ce. The ss directors of the Academy were present at the moment. They kneeled at the King and then the King lets them stand up.

    "I tasked you all to train my daughter for the uing tournament. She wanted to prove that she was a strong one. I will reward you generously in return," The King said.

    "My King! We will rmend you someone who can teach her on par with us!" Director Troan said to the King.

    "Who is this fellow?" He asked.

    "Joan Emsworth my King!" They chorused.

    "Hmmm, if that rmendation is from you all then I will look forward to it.. Don''t disappoint me or else I will find you personally. You know whates next right?" He said.

    They all gulped their saliva and then nodded.

    "Good! You are all now dismissed!" The King said to them.

    They went exiting the door and the door was shut. The king was contemting then the Princess appeared.

    "You asked the Grandmasters to train me right?" She asked.

    Princess Yulia then smiled at him. Thinking that the Grandmasters were the ones to train her.

    "Um about that, there is someone they rmended. Is it Joan Emsworth? His name is Joan Emsworth," The King said to her.

    "Oh, I will find him then," She said to him.

    It was then, she realized that he was a student in Holy Knight ss. ording to her sources, he was escorted by the Prophets towards the Principal''s room. Thinking about it, she also wondered why he was close too with the Directors. Thinking about it, the King also noticed that they were younger now. Their aura was also leaving a trace in the throne room. Making the King gulp on the process.

    "Did they ascend?" The King said out loud.

    Yulia then went to find the guy she was supposed to meet. He just exited the ssroom and she was waiting for him.

    They talked and he agreed to her offer. Making her happy deep inside. It was then, he disappeared. In just a blink of an eye, she saw a crow and then it was then Joan disappeared without a trace.

    She prepared for her trainingter that afternoon. She went on the training grounds at the said time and she was shocked at what she saw.

    Several hours before, Joan was teaching the students he has. They want to ask about the Holy Knight skills that they want to learn. Joan then exined the different styles of a Holy Knight ss.

    "There are three sses that arebined into one. The Offensive Knight gives offensive skills and buffs while there is another one called the Protector Knight. It has defensive skills and buffs too. Now thest one is called Priest. Making it three sses into one. Now the styles were to mix and match the skills into a build. Others were tank support types, others are damage dealers, others are pure supports. You can do both if you can but can you master all the skills to their peak? Well, at your age, you can all choose what skills you need to learn. The first question was what kind of Holy Knight did you want? You can learn all of the skills but it takes time to make them stronger. So choose wisely at the early stages. You can then learn all of it when you reached Grandmaster. You never know, maybe you can all achieve that rank with my guidance," Joan said to them.

    Elber was in thoughts, he imagined he can all learn it but time will also be consumed. And the tournament was at hand. He thought that he needs to choose what will be his build. Anna too chose one, she needs to be a support type in her mind. But that also will make her nonbatant. She can either choose tank support or damage dealer. As she was thinking, it was a gamble to what will be her build. Either way, they can learn it all in the future. But right now, she needed to choose.

    As they were all wracking their brains, thinking that they have to choose, Joan was just observing their reactions. Others were in deep thoughts while others were tense. Making themselves in chaos. Gil was holding his head with his two hands then mmed his head on the bed.

    "Ah!!! This is too hard!" Gil said to them. Others sighed at his remarks. Making them fall into thinking mode.

    "So did all of you already have in mind?" Joan said to them.

    "We willbat each other in the future. Thinking of these builds are just a way of fighting. Mind these, the Priest is then said to be weakest but their staff skills are unparalleled. They can duel the Offensive knights if they are strong enough. Protector Knights are not always in defence, they canbat the other two too. So have confidence in your builds. We all have ourbat styles and one can win from the other if you are strong and skilled enough. So please choose what you like, unless you all want to be a full ss, Holy Knight? The path will be harder if that is what you all want," Joan said to them.

    They were in utter silence. They all have now the build that they choose.

    "I want to be a Tank support," Elbert said to Joan.

    "I want to be a support," Anna said to him.

    "I want to be a damage dealer," Gil said.

    "I want to be a tank support and a damage dealer," Sufia said.

    "Sure?" Joan asked.

    "Yes," She replied.

    "How about you Patricia?" Joan asked.

    "I, I want to be a support!" She said.

    "Okay," Joan then smiled.

    "I want to be a damage dealer," Kale said, raising his hands.

    "Von?" Joan asked.

    "I want to be Tank support," He said.

    "Good, Heinz?"

    "Support," He replied.

    "Now that all have chosen their types, we will train tomorrow morning. Any objections?" Joan asked.

    "None," Said Elbert.

    "Anyone?" Joan asked again.

    "We will train tomorrow! We won''t object in the first ce," Said Patricia.

    "Nice, then it is settled," Joan said to them.

    It was then, they all ate their snacks. Joan was not even holding back from eating. They enjoyed theirpany and they went back to their dorms.

    "Thank you, Master Joan! We wille back tomorrow. Thank you again for your guidance!" Elbert said to him then bowed his head.

    "Nah, it is my pleasure to teach you all. You are my friends after all," Joan said to them.

    "We are deeply indebted to you. I hope we could repay your kindness," Said Gil.

    "Just focus on your growth and the tournament. You should do your best in return for my efforts to teach you, okay?" Joan said to them.

    "Yes, master!" They chorused. Bowing at him.

    They all went to their rooms and Joan prepared to go to the arena. Making him wear his training suit. He went to the ce and unlocked it with his keys. Lighting up the ce, he went stretching up. Warming his body with the first steps of stretching. Then he went to make more and more movements. First was all the weapons he can conjure then made a weapon dance of them. Making a performance that was of an expert. It was then, he went to use the active skills of the job sses he has. Slowly used different kinds of skills then he used them faster and faster. Changing job sses from one to another.

    It was then, he didn''t know that he was seen by the Princess. Making her mouth agape and were in shock. She didn''t know why he can do multiple skills of all job sses. Making her doubts to clear as she remembered that it was the Directors who rmended him. Making their reasons reasonable as they were all of the high positions. Though her mind was confused. As to why he can do multiple job sses at the same time. It was an absurd thing as one soul can only take one or two imprints at the same time. Two imprints were very rare and all imprints to etch on the soul was very impossible for the soul to take. Making her watch more at his practice.

    The sound of banging walls was heard by her and she can feel the vibrations on the sole of her feet. Joan relentlessly struck spells on the barrier and it made the very ground shook. His Mage spells were enough to shake the barrier. Making her leg strength wane as she felt the shockwave even the barrier was put up.

    Upon stopping his attacks, she slowly stepped downwards towards Joan. Seeing also that some men descended too towards him. They look like the Job ss directors but younger and has a greater aura. Making stopped her steps as she saw that their faces were familiar. She hesitated her thoughts but her mind was screaming that they were the Grandmasters she knew. Gulping her saliva on the process.

 Chapter 152 - Tutor Part 2

    Joan shed and dashed. Leaving an after image on the process. He rotated six times and shed his sword then fired six fireballs on the walls. After it all, he cast [Lightning bolt] on the barrier. Swiping his sword on the side.

    Bang! Bang! Boom!

    [Shapeshift Werebear]

    [Charge]

    [Bone breaker].

    [Hand m]

    A series of skills were made one after another. Joan then returned to being human. It was then he stared at the Princess.

    "Oh! Did I frighten you?" Joan said to her.

    "No! I am just shocked. That''s all," She said.

    After their conversations, she descended on the arena grounds. Seeing also the Directors to approach him.

    "Princess Yulia! You came!" Troan said to in his surprise.

    "We greet the princess!" They chorused. Kneeling one of their feet and bowed their heads.

    Joan wanted to join their greetings but she stopped him.

    "Stand up, it is only for formal asions and when others are watching. Besides, no one is here just us," She said to them.

    "So kind of you Princess, but we should do this even no one is watching. It will be a disaster if we forgot to be formal and many others watched," Mills said to her.

    "Okay, but as I have seen, the one you rmend is an odd one. I have seen his practice and approves of his strength," She said to them.

    "I assure you Princess that he can vouch me in my Fighter skills," Weldebert said to her.

    "Ahem, his Mage skills is already on Advanced. Although his mastery on the skills are on the top. There are also skills that are on Master tier in which he can cast. Making me think that he arrived on Master rank already," Mills said then gulped his saliva.

    "His Necromancy skills are also not to be trifled with. Although it is not his favourite ss if I will analyse it. But for a reason, he has reached Master rank recently. As for his skills, well he can duel me and not lose, We all Directors tried to beat him using Master skills below but he prevailed. You can imagine how strong he is with just that," Director Ion said to her.

    "His Lycan skills has potential, He is switching from one job ss to another and when he switched to Lycan, I tried to defeat him. But he is a tough one," Greaz said to her. Clicking his tongue on the process.

    "Well, he is a Holy Knight so he pretty much know all the builds of a Holy Knight. I guessed it that far as I have shed with him," Troan said to her.

    "Battle wise, he is a tough Chaos Knight. He did know all of its skills. Making me be a bit jealous as I didn''t have some of his skill''s mastery. It is like he mastered them to its peak already. Putting me into shame that he is still a Master," Eldezar sighed.

    "His Druid too is also not a trifling matter. You can say that he is holding back when I battled him," Bruck said to her.

    "His Rogue is also something undeniably strong. When we shed, I decided to make him a hard time by making a shadow clone. He also used the same skill and he has outnumbered me with his shadow clones. Making it a tough fight as his shadow clones are as good as him," Roan said to her.

    "Don''t even belittle his Ranger skills. His uracy on the bow is by far the greatest I have seen. His dual wield skills is also not something I can easily beat. But I did beat him, Haha!" Herthall said to her.

    "Well, we all did beat him. So don''t you worry," Said Troan.

    "Ah, haha! I am worried a bit as you are all the greatest! He surely can''t beat you all right?" Yulia said to them.

    "But we used Grandmaster rank skills to beat him," Troan whispered.

    "But I am worried," Troan said to her in a sad tone.

    "Why?" She asked.

    "He is approaching the Master rank on all ss. He will be a Grandmaster soon, and no one''s stopping him," Troan said. Others just sighed and coughed. Shaking their heads as they remembered their fights.

    "Huh? What?" She can only get more confused.

    "He used Master skills even he is still Advanced. What do you think if he will rise to Master? He will used Grandmaster skills! I think he fakes his rank. I don''t know anymore what is absurd now," Eldezar said to her.

    It was then, Joan approached them.

    "Hey, what are you all talking about? Talking on my back while I am here?" Joan narrowed his eyes.

    "Ah, no! We are just giving her an introduction on you. Knowing you beforehand will make her more knowledgeable right?" Mills shouted.

    "Ah, okay," Joan then resumed his training.

    "You see, he is a monster. But he is a kind person if you will know him better," Troan whispered.

    She was in utter shock. She saw his practice but it was not to this extent where he made the Directors have that kind of impression. She only felt that she will have to train into such a person. Their testimony will make himpetent and qualified for training. Joan then approached her and then she jolted. Even a Princess can jolt when he surprisingly talk just behind her.

    "How rude of me, I hope you didn''t have a bad impression of me," Joan said to her.

    "Ah, no, I am just a bit tense and exited. Don''t worry about it," She said to him.

    "Your job ss is Pdin right? What skills do you know currently?" Joan asked.

    "I know Durabiliy, Physical and elemental shield, and, Elemental damages. I can conjure a one handed sword," She said to him.

    "Oh, a one-hander Pdin. You want to be a durable duelist?" Joan asked.

    "How did you know?" She was shocked at his words.

    "Nah, that skills are for that build. Anyways, what do you want to train? We only have two paths to take. We improve your current ones or we learn what you don''t know? Aside from that choices, we will also train yourbat abilities as a basic thing," Joan said.

    "I want to learn both," She said.

    "Hmmm, we have a limited time before the tournament. So half on learning the unlearned skills and half on increasing your mastery?" Joan asked.

    "Yes, I want to learn all the skills of Pdin while strenthening my current ones," She said.

    "Okay, I will teach you the ones you haven''t learned yet. What rank are you now?" Joan asked. She was about to answer but Joan already knew.

    "Ah, you are on Advanced right? I will teach you all Advance rank skills below. You will have to learn Petrified statue, Heavy hitter, Shoulder charge and other bunch of weapon conjurations. But you are a one hander right?" Joan asked.

    "Yes," She replied.

    "So you will learn all conjurations but not use them. Anyways, let us start your warm up. Stretchings first then we proceed to your sword skills." Joan said to her.

    It was then they started their training after she was done with the warm up. The Directors were just watching on the benches. They sparred first then they proceed to teaching her the skills. Also, her already learned skills were decent. But still not the best and so Joan taught her how to raise its mastery. Also dueling with him together with all the learned skills she has gained. Joan was impressed with her growth and so they ended the training after she was spent.

    The Directors then talked with the Princess while they rested. Idly talking with her training and her performance in herst spar. She has gained their praise and she was happy about it. The Princess was happily talking with them and smile was seen in her face. They talked like there has no barriers at all while it was a fact that they were her godfathers.

    Joan then rested too after training her. Joan now taught her the other skills of the Pdin, making her a force to be reckoned with. Just as he rested, he saw that the Princess was cheerfully talking with them. Joan then felt that after sparring with her, his stats arrived in the Master rank. It was due to his skill Stat cultivation was till active. Many days has passed when he brawled with the job ss directors and his skill was still active. Scratching his head, he haven''t thought that he finally arrived at Master rank in just a few days. Due to him always breaking his limit, his stat cultivation made his stats to increase. Making him have an aura different from moments before.

    They continued their talks and Joan cultivated his mana well at the moment. He was in the Universe realm�Cfirst stage in the past but after pulling all nighters for a few days, he finally arrived to the fourth stage. It was slower to raise his stage when he arrived at the Universe realm. His mana well has sustained the past brawl with the Directors and he was able to survive. Making the Universe realm something not a trifling realm.

 Chapter 153 - Tutor Part 3

    Joan stepped on the floor towards the huddled group of Directors. Even they have such status of being the ss directors, they seemed to enjoy idly chatting towards the Princess. They have respect towards Joan but they still behaved as a director. Their aura was still of a high ranking official.

    "You know Princess Yulia, you have your mother''s eyes. I can see her eyes in you," Mills said to her.

    "Such an honour to bepared to her. But I am not as strong as her," Princess Yulia said to him.

    "The young Princess sure has grown. I can remember that she was still tiptoeing her feet on the floor when I visited her in the past," Troan said to them.

    "Time sure flies by," Roan said to him..

    "Yes," Greaz said seconded.

    "I am sorry Princess for we can''t train you ourselves. We know that we are passing our responsibility to Joan. But trust me, Joan has a knack for teaching. We have conversed for some time and his knowledge is on par with us," Troan said.

    "Yes, and still, I also think that he knows greater knowledge than us. He also revealed that he is a [Skill researcher]. Someone who research skills, someone who tinker skills and creates them," Said Herthall.

    "ording to the texts, it was a knowledge you can only get from the God of Angels. Or you have to be the God of Angels himself. As skills areing from him in the first ce. They are forged in eternal mes along with the imprint of these sses. Making me have chills on my spine. Who could be this mysterious kid to be on that level?" Mills said to her.

    "Should we just assign him as our researcher instead?" Yulia asked.

    "That my dear is on his hands. We can offer him but he has the right to refuse," Bruck said to her.

    "Ah, I see," Yulia replied.

    "We must offer him the position though. Yet it will be him to decide," Said Ion.

    "We must recruit him at once. Or else his talents will be wasted. For Humanity to have a Skill researcher, it will be a breakthrough! They are so rare that it only appears once in a millennium," Said Hildegard.

    They all watched Joan descend the stairs and then he felt different from before.

    "An ascension? Your mana well is now deeper," Asked Weldebert.

    "Yeah," He replied.

    The Directors then stared at each other. Seemingly hesitating but made the courage to talk.

    "We will offer him that right?" Said Mills.

    "Let me do the talking," Said Troan.

    "That one?" Said Eldezar.

    "So, we all agreed to offer you a position. You will be the Kingdom''s Skill researcher. Being the one who knows all job ss qualifies you as well as your knowledge is on par with us. It is our humbles delight if you ept the position," Said Troan.

    "Hmmm, I only have the night to train my skills and cultivate my mana well. So it is not for someone like me who is busy," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, that is unfortunate," Said Troan.

    "But, I can do that on weekends. If you will agree with that," Joan said to them.

    It was then, they felt like they want to leap in delight. But still, they stayed calm andposed at the moment. Theyughed and made a high five with each other.

    Joan then felt like his life will be not so ordinary anymore. He hasn''t enjoyed his past life because of how busy he was. And now, it will be on the same path that he will travel. Making him sigh at the moment. It was then, they decided to rest for the night. The Directors decided to escort the Princess to her quarters. Making Joan be on his way to his dorm.

    Walking alone, he whistled on the way. Whistling his tired self off at the moment. It was then, he felt that he was being followed. Turning around then he saw a figure approaching him fast. It conjured a hammer and then mmed it to Joan.

    Bang!

    Dust was all over the ce. Luckily, Joan evaded nonchntly.

    "Who are you?" Joan asked.

    "It is none of your concern. Filth!" He shouted. Not even covering his face. Upon seeing his face, Joan knew that he was none other than the Crown Prince.

    "Why does the Princess exit the same ce as you?" He bellowed.

    "Ah, about that," Joan scratched his chin.

    "Answer me you filth!" He smashed again his hammer.

    Joan then evaded his attack. With a swift sidestep, he smacked his hands and then he forcefully let go of the two-handed hammer.

    It was then, he pped the Prince left and right. Making him step back a little.

    "You bastard! You will pay for that! It will be a heinous crime to attack the Prince!" He shouted.

    "Sorry for that, I got carried away at the swing of events," Joan said thenughed.

    "Oh, about that, she was trained by the Directors personally. I am only training at the same ce as her. I don''t have the slightest interest in her if you want to ask," Joan exined.

    "I don''t like the Princess to be withmoners. What training does she have to take? Does she want to join the tournament?" The Prince asked.

    "Ah yes, she wants to join the tournament," Joan said.

    "And you? Are you training for the tournament too?" He asked.

    "Far more than a measly tournament," Joan replied then winked.

    "If you will get close to her again, I will beat you up. Commoners have to crawl in the mud. You filth!" He said to Joan.

    "She was the one who bothered my training sessions and I am not able to focus on my training because of her," Joan retorted.

    "Mind what you are saying,moner. You have to be honoured instead. I will cut your tongue if you disrespect her. It will be a direct insult to the royal family. How much more to the Princess? Anyways, I will go now. I don''t want my sister''s training to be put on hold because of me," The Prince said to him. Joan then sighed.

    "But let me warn you,moners have to staymoners. Don''t even think about bootlicking on her or I will beat you like a dog," He said.

    ''Ah, youth. He sure is an energetic one,'' Joan said in his mind.

    Joan clicked his tongue then put his hands on his waist. Sighing at his arrogance. It was then, he decided to walk home once again.

    It was then, he summoned a shadow clone and instructed him to follow the Prince. Making sure that he will arrive at his dorm safely. Walking on the way, he saw fireflies on the road. Their dorm was up ahead and so he stayed for a moment. Looking at them as their lights breathed at the moment. He sat on a bench and stared at the sky. Stars glittered the dark canvas of the sky and saw some wishing stars or so they say.

    "Enjoying the sight?" A man said beside him. Joan jolted as he didn''t feel the presence of the man he was apany with.

    "Ah, Principal. It is you, yeah they are beautiful," Joan said then stared back at the sky.

    "So you will be the Kingdom''s Skill researcher?" He asked. Joan coughed at what he said.

    "Don''t worry, the Directors and only knew as of now. Maybe the King is next," He said to Joan.

    "Ah, I see, so there''s no hiding it now?" Joanughed.

    "The Directors verily acknowledges you as someone who is on par with their knowledge of their skills. Skill researchers are someone who knew the skills far more than anyone right? And they are the ones who can either tinker with the skills or create new ones. It must be a blessing to Humanity to have one in millennia," He said to him.

    "The process of being a skilled researcher is a tough one. Tinkering skills are one but creating new ones are much harder. I think I will create new ones soon," Joan said to him.

    "Good luck in your future. I am personally congratting you on your new title," The Principal said to him.

    "Anyways, how did you know all this? I am intrigued by the fact that you grew up in a farming vige and knew all this," He asked.

    "Ah, that is a secret. But in reality, I am just a kid who has an old mind," Joan said to him then wink.

    "Ah, I see, I understand now. Wait? What?" So you are an old man?" He said to him.

    "Older than you," Joan replied.

    "Haha," He pped his forehead.

    "Okay, don''t think too much about it. But you can say that I am not this body''s soul," Joan exined.

    "Huh? Can you borate?" He asked.

    "I am thest Child of Hope. I am but a transmigrator sent to save this forsaken world," Joan said.

    "For real? Now that exins everything. So you are for real the Child Of Hope? And a transmigrator at that," He said.

    "You believe the Prophets now? Anyways our conversation is protected by my barrier. So anything spilt from here will only get the me on you," Joan said to him.

    "Ah, haha, your secret is safe. But all your talks are backed with evidence so I believe that." He said then felt silent.

    "The cultists are hidden within this academy. I need help to uproot them from the source. They started kidnapping students again. This time, it is the first year. I don''t know what is their agenda but we have to rescue them. I ask you to infiltrate their base and rescue them. An expert will be more feasible than a group of novice right?" He said.

    "But we could use this novice to do novice jobs," Joan said.

    "You are right at that," He replied.

 Chapter 154 - Tutor Part 4

    "I want to be a Tank support," Elbert said to Joan.

    "I want to be a support," Anna said to him.

    "I want to be a damage dealer," Gil said.

    "I want to be a tank support and a damage dealer," Sufia said.

    "Sure?" Joan asked.

    "Yes," She replied.

    "How about you Patricia?" Joan asked.

    "I, I want to be a support!" She said.

    "Okay," Joan then smiled.

    "I want to be a damage dealer," Kale said, raising his hands.

    "Von?" Joan asked.

    "I want to be Tank support," He said.

    "Good, Heinz?"

    "Support," He replied.

    "Now that all have chosen their types, we will train tomorrow morning. Any objections?" Joan asked.

    "None," Said Elbert.

    Morning came and they were all ready for their training. All formed in one line inside the arena gym. Joan was talking as their instructor.

    "Everyone listen up! You are all here to train. But what is the reason why you want to train? Elbert?" Joan asked him.

    "To be strong and win!" He replied.

    "Such an upfront and reasonable reason. But is there a reason that you want to win? In any case, you all get strong?" Joan asked again.

    "We, we want to help the Child of Hope to vanquish the evilnds!" Sufia said.

    "Such a cheesy idea. I like it," Joan replied.

    "So you all have more reasons? Like women? Fame? Glory?" Joan replied.

    The boys chuckled but it was stopped midway.

    "Oh, women? Well, we all boys desired to get married. It is a natural thing! Don''t be ashamed about it," Joan said.

    "Yes, master!" The boys replied.

    The girls then smacked their backs.

    "Anyways, does the job ss you have knew all its skills?" Joan asked.

    "We do have some skills mastered but other skills are still unlearned. We also knew that our chosen build is not adequate with our skills apparently," Elbert said. Joan nodded at what he said.

    "Okay, so we will first learn the adequate skills for your chosen builds. Then we proceed on enhancing that skills. Mastering them and etch it on your minds," Joan said to them.

    "The Support types will learn the [Conjure staff] as the weapon then [Staff smash] as an attack. [Heal] will be your main support skill and [Bless] as a secondary. It will be your buffs and [Judgement zone] will be your area of effect," Joan said to them.

    "Understood!" They replied.

    "Tank support will be having the Conjure [Holy armour] and [Conjure shield]. Then the [Shield bash] will be his crowd control. [Heal] and [Bless] will be learned as a support skill," Joan said to them.

    "Understood master!" The Tank support types chorused.

    "As for the Damage dealers, you will focus on damaging skills. Specifically, the [Shield bash], [Conjure holy armour], [Conjure holy sword], [Sword sh], and [Judgement zone]," Joan exined.

    The ones who were damage dealers nodded.

    "Now for the hybrid," Joan stared at Sufia.

    "You will learn all of the skills but the efficacy of the skill will be lesser than them. Is that okay for you?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! It is okay!" She said to him.

    "Good! Now we start learning skills first!" Joan said to them.

    [Shield bash]�Ca burst of speed and strength to hit the opponent with the shield. A basic skill of a Protector Knight.

    [Heal]�Cmore advanced version of Minor heal. Able to heal cuts and wounds.

    [Sword sh]�Ca burst of speed and strength of shing the enemy with a sword. A basic skill of an Offensive Knight.

    [Staff smash]�Ca skill of using the staff with a burst of speed and power. A basic skill of Priests in their fighting skills.

    [Conjure holy armour]�Can armour that has healing properties. Made of the holy element that was harmful to the monsters and demons. The defence will be boosted with the holy element affinity. Maintained by mana and repairs with mana.

    [Conjure holy sword]�Ca sword made for killing monsters and demons. Deals more damage to such enemies and it works only to such creatures. It can be imbued with a more holy element for greater effects.

    [Conjure holy shield]�Ca shield that was made of the holy element. Boosting the defence of the user as long as he uses the shield. Can raise its defensive stats with more holy element will be injected to it.

    [Judgement zone]�Call creatures of darkness will be repelled from the light. The more the enemies will approach, the more they will be repelled and the more damage they will suffer. It has Holy burning damage that was harmful to demons and monsters and it increases the more the enemies gets closer.

    [Bless]�Ca skill of the Holy Knights that gives rise to stats one rank higher than the current rank. Making a master rank to be on Grandmaster.

    It was then they were taught skills they didn''t know yet. The sun has yet to rise and they were all busy learning the skills. They immediately used the skills after they learned them. Thanks to their mana cultivation, they managed to spam some skills. Like [Staff smash], [Shield bash], [Sword sh]. These skills can be spammed with you having the mana to spend. But it could be strenuous for your body if you have low stats for the skill to be used. They can be spammed as they have low cooldowns.

    Equipping an enchanted item like a ne or ring that has cooldown reductions will also do the trick. But enchanted items were pricey and the ones who have the money can only purchase them. Enchanting was also a pricey education as making enchantments for practice were on pricey materials like rings and nes. The student also sometimes uses armours and weapons in their practice sessions.

    Other skills have high cooldowns and so they make its proficiency rise with more usage of the skill. It was then, they all practised their skills. Joan was guiding them one on one and they were all spent. They rested for a moment and Joan told them about the first Holy Knight.

    "The first Holy Knight that has been recorded in history is Ferharth Dustmain. The Angel God gave him the Job ss as a reward for his valiant deeds of saving their vige at that time. He also is the only human who killed a demon without a job ss. Interesting isn''t it? He is a master of all weapons and wielded different conjured weapons. He battled together with his sworn friends who are Offensive Knight, one is Protector Knight, andst is a Priest. His friends all died in front of his eyes and he wept.

    "He is strong but it is a hard-fought battle. Almost dying after he killed the demon who attacked their vige. It was then after he was about to lose his life, he was healed by the God of Angels. The three job sses are allbined as per the request of his friends. Giving him the job ss Holy Knight. It was the time too that the other job ss were handed to the wielder. It was then, he assembled the others and fought the Demon lord of theirnds.

    "They fought the Demon lord but it escaped. It was then, they handed the job sses to many others and then made the Academy. They handed it to their family and generation to generation, they gave it to them. Hoping that they will be a guide to the next wielders and vanquish the evil in thesends," Joan told them.

    "Wow master, you are knowledgeable! I hope you will join in the tournament too!" Sufia said to him.

    "I won''t join the tournament," Joan said to them.

    "What? But master, no one can beat you if you will join!" Patricia shouted.

    "I leave that battles to you new generations. I am a tired soul already and way past such endeavours. I will all support you and I hope you will all do your best. The sun is up, we need to go to the ss right?" Joan said to them.

    They were left shaken to his words. Others were having a hard time epting it but the pain in their hearts subsided. They thought that he will be having more important things to do at the moment.

    "Everyone, you must all get stronger. I am not joining as I have something to do. You must all do your best okay? I am rooting on you all. The best in Holy Knight has to be one of you all. Now let us tarry, the sin is up and we have to go to school," Joan said to them.

    "Bye master! We will all make you proud!" They bowed their heads down and then they said their goodbyes.

    Joan went to their ss after binge eating in the school cafeteria. Sleeping once again in ss and angering their homeroom teacher.

    "Joan! Squat in the back! Now! How dare you sleep in my lessons! You must sweat yourself first to awaken your sleepy self. Thank meter after my ss is finished," Sir Delmund said to him.

    "Sir! I can''t take it anymore!" Joan bellowed.

    "Shut up! You deserve that! Now let us resume our ss," Delmund said as he was holding a textbook.

    "But sir!" Joan bellowed.

 Chapter 155 - Accolade

    At the same time of the day, they were under rigorous training led by Joan. The Princess was also training with him. Luckily, the Prince halted his assault on Joan primarily due to the Directors exining things. Days went by like no one noticed it. Joan was punished every day as he was sleeping in his teacher''s ss. Sir Delmund was very infuriated at the point of making Joan report to the guidance counsellor.

    Days went by and the Principal was waiting outside his door. Joan readied with his best clothes to wear currently for an uing event.

    "The King wants to see you in person. Talk how lucky you are at that," The Principal said to him.

    "Nah, it is not something to be lucky at. I say it is burdensome," Joan said to him..

    "Hahaha, you need escorts for your dubbing as the Kingdom''s skill researcher. I don''t want you to lookme on that day," He said to him.

    "Thank you for that," Joan chuckled.

    "Anyways, let us go to the teleportation array. We will teleport from here to the King''s castle," He said.

    "We have that?" Joan asked surprised.

    "Yeah, we can also teleport now if you want. Right here, right now. Luckily, I am a Mage with spatial skills. Majestic ain''t it?" He said.

    "Yeah, majestic. But I want to see this teleportation array. It sounds interesting to see," Joan said to him.

    "Nah, it is only some pirs situated on both sides then when the Mages will activate the spatial spell, assuming they knew the designated ce, you will enter in the light. Now if the coordinates are right, you arrive at the ce. If not, then good luck with that. That''s it, simple isn''t it?" He said.

    Joan thenughed at him. Thinking that what could go wrong if he will be sent to a different ce. They travelled to the Teleportation array and as the Principal has said, it has two pirs and the ce was bathed with light. It was inside the building and Mages prepared the spell ahead of time. Three Mages were enough to do the task and they were all had staff with them. Lifting their hands as they maintained the portal.

    "Let''s go, Joan, they await!" The Principal said to him.

    They entered the spiralling light and then they emerged to a courtyard with a garden around the ce. Others emerged too from their backs and so they went on.

    "This ce is where all the ones who want to teleport to this ce will emerge. Specifically the teleportation receiver of the King''s castle. We can also go home in this same pir," The Principal said to him.

    They saw a castle painted in ashen white. Tall as the towers of their walls. A spike was on its top with the kingdom''s g fluttering on the wind.

    They went on towards the gates of the mansion and saw that there were guards. Having seen the face of the principal was enough for the guards to let them in. They entered the halls with a red carpet on their footing. Entering the ce, they saw robed men huddle together. Having staff in their hands and were all having white hairs. Mane was long and ashen white.

    As Joan looked at them further, they were none other than hispanions, his sworn friend was also with them.

    "Joan! My dear Joan, how are you? It has been so long since we''vest met," Isaias said to him.

    "I am fine! It is nice to see you again," Joan said to him.

    "I am sorry for not visiting you in school. I am reporting to the King once in a while. We are too busy with this mess we are in. But, I am here with you in your dubbing. Congrattions in advance. We Prophets will be on your back as you face the King. Just an act of small support on you with just our presence," Isaias said to him. Other Prophets nodded at him in approval.

    "Thank you, guys! I am a bit worried though that you need to be with me. Is there a reason why? Is the King that frightening?" Joan asked.

    "Ahem, he is a strict one. At least you will not be beaten if we are here," Isaias said to him.

    "Really?" Joan gulped his saliva.

    "Hahaha, just joking. But him being strict is noughing matter," Isaias whispered.

    The butler then approached them with a monocle on his eyes. Dressed in a suit made him well-groomed.

    "Everyone, prepare to meet the king," Said his butler.

    "Sure," Isaias said to him.

    They entered the throne room of the King. Joan was in the centre and on his side was the Principal. The Prophets on his back, it was then, he turned around and saw the ss Directors arrive. Joan''s face etched a smile he didn''t have before. Together, they nodded and marched towards the King. The advisers of the King was confused as to what was happening. For these people to flock inside the throne room and follow one man. Thinking about their presence made an uproar to the advisers. Making their minds confused at the moment.

    Thinking about it, Joan was the reason. But they questioned themselves how did that happen. For them to make an appearance was one thing, but for something like a dubbing of someone was unheard of ever since. For Prophets, Principal, and ss Directors to follow him and give their support.

    "We hail the majesty!" They kneeled at his front and Joan was on the front.

    "Stand up," The King said to them.

    "What could be the reason that such persons of high status be here?" He asked.

    "We are but showing our support to our benefactor my King," Prophet Isaias said to the King.

    "Oh, to whom to be exact?" He asked.

    "To Joan Emsworth nheless my King," He said. The ones who heard it was shocked. Even the Directors didn''t know that he was a benefactor of the Prophets. Nor did the Prophets know that he was also the Director''s benefactor. Making themselvesugh inwardly.

    "Joan, I didn''t know you have gained the Director''s support," Isaias said to him in a whisper.

    "I didn''t know too," Joan replied.

    "Anyways, did you reject my daughter''s proposal as a castle guard? Son of a farmer?" The King asked.

    "Yes, my King," Joan said.

    "Good, that is better," The King said to him.

    "You will be put to trial if you epted. You passed," The King said to him. Joan gulped his saliva, sweat running down his face.

    "This sure is interesting. To have gathered the most prestigious persons in a single event. Now, Joan Emsworth. How can you make us believe that you are their benefactor? My advisors are still confused. Convince me, convince us. Be honest or your head will be put to a tter," The King said.

    Joan gulped as he didn''t want to reveal his endeavours in the first ce. As he wants to make it a secret. But revealing the fact that he was a multi-ss already was a mishap on his part. Also, his knowledge that was on par with the Job ss directors made him believable. Making it to the lengths of revealing that he was a Skill researcher.

    "Just be honest Joan. Go on, tell him," Isaias said in Joan''s mind. Joan lifted his head then talked as the King''smand. Honest, he said and so Joan replied.

    "I am apanion of Prophet Isaias in the beginning. Battling a Demon Lord also and then surviving. We stopped the resurrection of the Demon Lords in a hard-fought fight. Being also one of the active members who battled three Demon Lords at the same time. I want to be honest, and I am chosen as the Last Child of Hope. No one will be next to me," Joan said to them.

    The Directors were all shocked at his words. They never know that he was an active member who battled the three Demon Lords in the past. And at a young age at that.

    "I am also the one who helped ascend the Directors to Legends and gave thest letter of the Principal''s brother to him. Also, my secret as a Skill researcher has spilt thanks to them," Joan added.

    The Prophets were amazed at how great he was. They didn''t know that he can do such things. Making them in awe.

    "Lies! How could that happen? My King, don''t believe the kid''s grandiose and exaggerated tales," Said the King''s adviser.

    "Find better lies next time. Prepare the tter!" Said another adviser.

    "My King! Let us speak on the kid''s behalf." Said Isaias.

    "Speak," The King said to him.

    "What he said is the truth my liege! All of us Prophets will put our heads in line to testify of his endeavours,"

    "We ss Directors will also put our lives on the line. We will testify on his behalf. For shaming our benefactor will only lead to certain consequences," Troan said to him. The advisers shrieked at his words. They haven''t thought that they will back him up as a witness.

    "Hmmm, if you all testify, then it is the truth. Now, Joan Emsworth,e here," The King said to him.

    Joan then knelt on his front. The King then grabbed his sword and proceeded.

    "You Joan Emsworth will be Humanity''s protector. I dubbed you as the Kingdom''s Skill Researcher. I call thee Sir Joan Emsworth," The King said to him.

    The Prophets rejoiced at his words. Also, the ss Directors were in a joyous mood.

 Chapter 156 - Accolade

    At the same time of the day, they were under rigorous training led by Joan. The Princess was also training with him. Luckily, the Prince halted his assault on Joan primarily due to the Directors exining things. Days went by like no one noticed it. Joan was punished every day as he was sleeping in his teacher''s ss. Sir Delmund was very infuriated at the point of making Joan report to the guidance counsellor.

    Days went by and the Principal was waiting outside his door. Joan readied with his best clothes to wear currently for an uing event.

    "The King wants to see you in person. Talk how lucky you are at that," The Principal said to him.

    "Nah, it is not something to be lucky at. I say it is burdensome," Joan said to him..

    "Hahaha, you need escorts for your dubbing as the Kingdom''s skill researcher. I don''t want you to lookme on that day," He said to him.

    "Thank you for that," Joan chuckled.

    "Anyways, let us go to the teleportation array. We will teleport from here to the King''s castle," He said.

    "We have that?" Joan asked surprised.

    "Yeah, we can also teleport now if you want. Right here, right now. Luckily, I am a Mage with spatial skills. Majestic ain''t it?" He said.

    "Yeah, majestic. But I want to see this teleportation array. It sounds interesting to see," Joan said to him.

    "Nah, it is only some pirs situated on both sides then when the Mages will activate the spatial spell, assuming they knew the designated ce, you will enter in the light. Now if the coordinates are right, you arrive at the ce. If not, then good luck with that. That''s it, simple isn''t it?" He said.

    Joan thenughed at him. Thinking that what could go wrong if he will be sent to a different ce. They travelled to the Teleportation array and as the Principal has said, it has two pirs and the ce was bathed with light. It was inside the building and Mages prepared the spell ahead of time. Three Mages were enough to do the task and they were all had staff with them. Lifting their hands as they maintained the portal.

    "Let''s go, Joan, they await!" The Principal said to him.

    They entered the spiralling light and then they emerged to a courtyard with a garden around the ce. Others emerged too from their backs and so they went on.

    "This ce is where all the ones who want to teleport to this ce will emerge. Specifically the teleportation receiver of the King''s castle. We can also go home in this same pir," The Principal said to him.

    They saw a castle painted in ashen white. Tall as the towers of their walls. A spike was on its top with the kingdom''s g fluttering on the wind.

    They went on towards the gates of the mansion and saw that there were guards. Having seen the face of the principal was enough for the guards to let them in. They entered the halls with a red carpet on their footing. Entering the ce, they saw robed men huddle together. Having staff in their hands and were all having white hairs. Mane was long and ashen white.

    As Joan looked at them further, they were none other than hispanions, his sworn friend was also with them.

    "Joan! My dear Joan, how are you? It has been so long since we''vest met," Isaias said to him.

    "I am fine! It is nice to see you again," Joan said to him.

    "I am sorry for not visiting you in school. I am reporting to the King once in a while. We are too busy with this mess we are in. But, I am here with you in your dubbing. Congrattions in advance. We Prophets will be on your back as you face the King. Just an act of small support on you with just our presence," Isaias said to him. Other Prophets nodded at him in approval.

    "Thank you, guys! I am a bit worried though that you need to be with me. Is there a reason why? Is the King that frightening?" Joan asked.

    "Ahem, he is a strict one. At least you will not be beaten if we are here," Isaias said to him.

    "Really?" Joan gulped his saliva.

    "Hahaha, just joking. But him being strict is noughing matter," Isaias whispered.

    The butler then approached them with a monocle on his eyes. Dressed in a suit made him well-groomed.

    "Everyone, prepare to meet the king," Said his butler.

    "Sure," Isaias said to him.

    They entered the throne room of the King. Joan was in the centre and on his side was the Principal. The Prophets on his back, it was then, he turned around and saw the ss Directors arrive. Joan''s face etched a smile he didn''t have before. Together, they nodded and marched towards the King. The advisers of the King was confused as to what was happening. For these people to flock inside the throne room and follow one man. Thinking about their presence made an uproar to the advisers. Making their minds confused at the moment.

    Thinking about it, Joan was the reason. But they questioned themselves how did that happen. For them to make an appearance was one thing, but for something like a dubbing of someone was unheard of ever since. For Prophets, Principal, and ss Directors to follow him and give their support.

    "We hail the majesty!" They kneeled at his front and Joan was on the front.

    "Stand up," The King said to them.

    "What could be the reason that such persons of high status be here?" He asked.

    "We are but showing our support to our benefactor my King," Prophet Isaias said to the King.

    "Oh, to whom to be exact?" He asked.

    "To Joan Emsworth nheless my King," He said. The ones who heard it was shocked. Even the Directors didn''t know that he was a benefactor of the Prophets. Nor did the Prophets know that he was also the Director''s benefactor. Making themselvesugh inwardly.

    "Joan, I didn''t know you have gained the Director''s support," Isaias said to him in a whisper.

    "I didn''t know too," Joan replied.

    "Anyways, did you reject my daughter''s proposal as a castle guard? Son of a farmer?" The King asked.

    "Yes, my King," Joan said.

    "Good, that is better," The King said to him.

    "You will be put to trial if you epted. You passed," The King said to him. Joan gulped his saliva, sweat running down his face.

    "This sure is interesting. To have gathered the most prestigious persons in a single event. Now, Joan Emsworth. How can you make us believe that you are their benefactor? My advisors are still confused. Convince me, convince us. Be honest or your head will be put to a tter," The King said.

    Joan gulped as he didn''t want to reveal his endeavours in the first ce. As he wants to make it a secret. But revealing the fact that he was a multi-ss already was a mishap on his part. Also, his knowledge that was on par with the Job ss directors made him believable. Making it to the lengths of revealing that he was a Skill researcher.

    "Just be honest Joan. Go on, tell him," Isaias said in Joan''s mind. Joan lifted his head then talked as the King''smand. Honest, he said and so Joan replied.

    "I am apanion of Prophet Isaias in the beginning. Battling a Demon Lord also and then surviving. We stopped the resurrection of the Demon Lords in a hard-fought fight. Being also one of the active members who battled three Demon Lords at the same time. I want to be honest, and I am chosen as the Last Child of Hope. No one will be next to me," Joan said to them.

    The Directors were all shocked at his words. They never know that he was an active member who battled the three Demon Lords in the past. And at a young age at that.

    "I am also the one who helped ascend the Directors to Legends and gave thest letter of the Principal''s brother to him. Also, my secret as a Skill researcher has spilt thanks to them," Joan added.

    The Prophets were amazed at how great he was. They didn''t know that he can do such things. Making them in awe.

    "Lies! How could that happen? My King, don''t believe the kid''s grandiose and exaggerated tales," Said the King''s adviser.

    "Find better lies next time. Prepare the tter!" Said another adviser.

    "My King! Let us speak on the kid''s behalf." Said Isaias.

    "Speak," The King said to him.

    "What he said is the truth my liege! All of us Prophets will put our heads in line to testify of his endeavours,"

    "We ss Directors will also put our lives on the line. We will testify on his behalf. For shaming our benefactor will only lead to certain consequences," Troan said to him. The advisers shrieked at his words. They haven''t thought that they will back him up as a witness.

    "Hmmm, if you all testify, then it is the truth. Now, Joan Emsworth,e here," The King said to him.

    Joan then knelt on his front. The King then grabbed his sword and proceeded.

    "You Joan Emsworth will be Humanity''s protector. I dubbed you as the Kingdom''s Skill Researcher. I call thee Sir Joan Emsworth," The King said to him.

    The Prophets rejoiced at his words. Also, the ss Directors were in a joyous mood.

 Chapter 157 - Accolade

    At the same time of the day, they were under rigorous training led by Joan. The Princess was also training with him. Luckily, the Prince halted his assault on Joan primarily due to the Directors exining things. Days went by like no one noticed it. Joan was punished every day as he was sleeping in his teacher''s ss. Sir Delmund was very infuriated at the point of making Joan report to the guidance counsellor.

    Days went by and the Principal was waiting outside his door. Joan readied with his best clothes to wear currently for an uing event.

    "The King wants to see you in person. Talk how lucky you are at that," The Principal said to him.

    "Nah, it is not something to be lucky at. I say it is burdensome," Joan said to him..

    "Hahaha, you need escorts for your dubbing as the Kingdom''s skill researcher. I don''t want you to lookme on that day," He said to him.

    "Thank you for that," Joan chuckled.

    "Anyways, let us go to the teleportation array. We will teleport from here to the King''s castle," He said.

    "We have that?" Joan asked surprised.

    "Yeah, we can also teleport now if you want. Right here, right now. Luckily, I am a Mage with spatial skills. Majestic ain''t it?" He said.

    "Yeah, majestic. But I want to see this teleportation array. It sounds interesting to see," Joan said to him.

    "Nah, it is only some pirs situated on both sides then when the Mages will activate the spatial spell, assuming they knew the designated ce, you will enter in the light. Now if the coordinates are right, you arrive at the ce. If not, then good luck with that. That''s it, simple isn''t it?" He said.

    Joan thenughed at him. Thinking that what could go wrong if he will be sent to a different ce. They travelled to the Teleportation array and as the Principal has said, it has two pirs and the ce was bathed with light. It was inside the building and Mages prepared the spell ahead of time. Three Mages were enough to do the task and they were all had staff with them. Lifting their hands as they maintained the portal.

    "Let''s go, Joan, they await!" The Principal said to him.

    They entered the spiralling light and then they emerged to a courtyard with a garden around the ce. Others emerged too from their backs and so they went on.

    "This ce is where all the ones who want to teleport to this ce will emerge. Specifically the teleportation receiver of the King''s castle. We can also go home in this same pir," The Principal said to him.

    They saw a castle painted in ashen white. Tall as the towers of their walls. A spike was on its top with the kingdom''s g fluttering on the wind.

    They went on towards the gates of the mansion and saw that there were guards. Having seen the face of the principal was enough for the guards to let them in. They entered the halls with a red carpet on their footing. Entering the ce, they saw robed men huddle together. Having staff in their hands and were all having white hairs. Mane was long and ashen white.

    As Joan looked at them further, they were none other than hispanions, his sworn friend was also with them.

    "Joan! My dear Joan, how are you? It has been so long since we''vest met," Isaias said to him.

    "I am fine! It is nice to see you again," Joan said to him.

    "I am sorry for not visiting you in school. I am reporting to the King once in a while. We are too busy with this mess we are in. But, I am here with you in your dubbing. Congrattions in advance. We Prophets will be on your back as you face the King. Just an act of small support on you with just our presence," Isaias said to him. Other Prophets nodded at him in approval.

    "Thank you, guys! I am a bit worried though that you need to be with me. Is there a reason why? Is the King that frightening?" Joan asked.

    "Ahem, he is a strict one. At least you will not be beaten if we are here," Isaias said to him.

    "Really?" Joan gulped his saliva.

    "Hahaha, just joking. But him being strict is noughing matter," Isaias whispered.

    The butler then approached them with a monocle on his eyes. Dressed in a suit made him well-groomed.

    "Everyone, prepare to meet the king," Said his butler.

    "Sure," Isaias said to him.

    They entered the throne room of the King. Joan was in the centre and on his side was the Principal. The Prophets on his back, it was then, he turned around and saw the ss Directors arrive. Joan''s face etched a smile he didn''t have before. Together, they nodded and marched towards the King. The advisers of the King was confused as to what was happening. For these people to flock inside the throne room and follow one man. Thinking about their presence made an uproar to the advisers. Making their minds confused at the moment.

    Thinking about it, Joan was the reason. But they questioned themselves how did that happen. For them to make an appearance was one thing, but for something like a dubbing of someone was unheard of ever since. For Prophets, Principal, and ss Directors to follow him and give their support.

    "We hail the majesty!" They kneeled at his front and Joan was on the front.

    "Stand up," The King said to them.

    "What could be the reason that such persons of high status be here?" He asked.

    "We are but showing our support to our benefactor my King," Prophet Isaias said to the King.

    "Oh, to whom to be exact?" He asked.

    "To Joan Emsworth nheless my King," He said. The ones who heard it was shocked. Even the Directors didn''t know that he was a benefactor of the Prophets. Nor did the Prophets know that he was also the Director''s benefactor. Making themselvesugh inwardly.

    "Joan, I didn''t know you have gained the Director''s support," Isaias said to him in a whisper.

    "I didn''t know too," Joan replied.

    "Anyways, did you reject my daughter''s proposal as a castle guard? Son of a farmer?" The King asked.

    "Yes, my King," Joan said.

    "Good, that is better," The King said to him.

    "You will be put to trial if you epted. You passed," The King said to him. Joan gulped his saliva, sweat running down his face.

    "This sure is interesting. To have gathered the most prestigious persons in a single event. Now, Joan Emsworth. How can you make us believe that you are their benefactor? My advisors are still confused. Convince me, convince us. Be honest or your head will be put to a tter," The King said.

    Joan gulped as he didn''t want to reveal his endeavours in the first ce. As he wants to make it a secret. But revealing the fact that he was a multi-ss already was a mishap on his part. Also, his knowledge that was on par with the Job ss directors made him believable. Making it to the lengths of revealing that he was a Skill researcher.

    "Just be honest Joan. Go on, tell him," Isaias said in Joan''s mind. Joan lifted his head then talked as the King''smand. Honest, he said and so Joan replied.

    "I am apanion of Prophet Isaias in the beginning. Battling a Demon Lord also and then surviving. We stopped the resurrection of the Demon Lords in a hard-fought fight. Being also one of the active members who battled three Demon Lords at the same time. I want to be honest, and I am chosen as the Last Child of Hope. No one will be next to me," Joan said to them.

    The Directors were all shocked at his words. They never know that he was an active member who battled the three Demon Lords in the past. And at a young age at that.

    "I am also the one who helped ascend the Directors to Legends and gave thest letter of the Principal''s brother to him. Also, my secret as a Skill researcher has spilt thanks to them," Joan added.

    The Prophets were amazed at how great he was. They didn''t know that he can do such things. Making them in awe.

    "Lies! How could that happen? My King, don''t believe the kid''s grandiose and exaggerated tales," Said the King''s adviser.

    "Find better lies next time. Prepare the tter!" Said another adviser.

    "My King! Let us speak on the kid''s behalf." Said Isaias.

    "Speak," The King said to him.

    "What he said is the truth my liege! All of us Prophets will put our heads in line to testify of his endeavours,"

    "We ss Directors will also put our lives on the line. We will testify on his behalf. For shaming our benefactor will only lead to certain consequences," Troan said to him. The advisers shrieked at his words. They haven''t thought that they will back him up as a witness.

    "Hmmm, if you all testify, then it is the truth. Now, Joan Emsworth,e here," The King said to him.

    Joan then knelt on his front. The King then grabbed his sword and proceeded.

    "You Joan Emsworth will be Humanity''s protector. I dubbed you as the Kingdom''s Skill Researcher. I call thee Sir Joan Emsworth," The King said to him.

    The Prophets rejoiced at his words. Also, the ss Directors were in a joyous mood.

 Chapter 158 - Accolade Part 2

    The Prophets were all rejoicing. Lifting Joan then tossed him in the air.

    "Hey, hey, hey, wait," Joan almost shouted.

    "Hurray!" They all said.

    Joan felt a little bit shy about what was going. He felt that it was unneeded to do such a thing. But as the joyous mood was still ongoing, he felt that he will have to endure a little bit. For the ones who were happy for him.

    Joan then was put down after their backs ached. The Directors shake their hands on him and congratted him. Director Eldezar was impressed at the fact that he was one of the persons who stopped the resurrection of the Demon Lords.. The others too were impressed and said their greetings to him.

    "Joan! I knew you are something strong. But to be acquainted with the Prophets! You sure will have our praise! I have recently discovered that you are the Child of Hope. What else do you hide?" Troan said as he shakes his hands.

    Joan can only scratch his head at the moment. Thinking that his life will not be as usual from now on.

    "As someone who made us ascend, I thank you with all our hearts. But for someone who stopped our doom, well that sure needs the thankfulness of all humanity. I can only shake your hands now but I wouldn''t forget such bravery," Hildegard said to him.

    "Thank you for your kind words Director of Pdins," Joan said to him.

    "Just Hildegard, no need for formalities," He replied.

    "Get stronger kid! You are still young and energetic. Your potential exceeds ours and you will be someone who will be one of the foundations of humanity. Train your skills and I hope you will surpass us. But you sure are knowledgeable despite your age. Well, I won''t pry much on your secrets. You have the right to keep it," Weldebert said to him, patting his shoulders.

    "I would suggest making him a Herald of all job ss," Ion said to them.

    Joan was shocked at the moment he brought up the idea. He didn''t want to be full of statuses on his name.

    "I do want such status embedded on me but I want this status on me being a Skill researcher as a secret. I don''t want any students to know as it will attract unwanted attention from anyone. I hope it is clear, and I will also start my research this weekend," Joan said to them.

    "Sure, anything you want to request?" Greaz asked him.

    "That''s all for now. And I will still train in the arena. I hope I can master all skills and reach Grandmaster in no time," Joan said to them.

    "Grandmaster? Wow, we are stuck in that rank for many decades. And you on the other hand will just achieve it in months?" Bruck asked.

    "Well, it is not impossible," Joan replied.

    They were mesmerized by his remarks. It was unfair for them who cultivated for many years and trained just to reach that level. As Joan spoke, they were again impressed.

    "You say it is possible?" Roan asked him.

    "Yes," Joan replied.

    "Ugh, my head hurts. This is unfair," Herthall said to him while massaging his head.

    "I am sure that you will all be shocked but it is a technique that I have researched in the past. This knowledge is dangerous if lent into the wrong hands," Joan said to them.

    "Kid, just who are you? How vast is your knowledge? This is impossible for a kid to know," Said Troan.

    "That''s a secret," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, yes of course, well let us get acquainted with your friends the prophets first. Let us enjoy, this is your day right?" Said Mills.

    "Ah yes," Joan said to them.

    It was then they approached the Prophets who were talking with each other. Upon their request, they were all introduced to know each other. As the fact that they were inside the same campus but not close to each other was unbelievable for Joan. They were operating in the school but the Prophets were secretive in their base. As the Job ss Directors were all busy in the school affairs, they have limited time to have acquainted with them.

    As Joan was the main reason as they have afortable ambience to chat. They have been formally introduced by Joan. As the fact that Prophets were unaging and were as old as the foundation of the Kingdom and they were just kidspared to their age. As such, they respected them with the uttermost respect they can give. They were existences that gave an end to the dark times where the Demon Lords attacked the Kingdom and nearly brought it to its extinction. As the legends say, they were the masters of the heroes of humanity. It means they were far greater existence than what a director was.

    Upon greeting each other, they went to eat at a table reserved for them. As a gathering of this many high ranking individuals to didn''t have a feast was an utter disappointment on the host''s side. Especially when it was the King.

    They began eating and both sides were getting alongside each other. Joan felt nervous as well as excited to see such friends get along. While eating, Joan''s favourite foods were present. They were the grilled ones and soup. Vegetables were also offered in the meal. As they chuckled at each other''s jokes and fancy tales that they once encounter, Joan heard some of their tales when they were younger.

    The Directors in the past were just a ragtag team of adventurers. Travelling in the past where the darknds were yet unexplored. They met the Principal who was their friend and they were assigned to the directors of each department. It was a fact too that they were a lineage of the founding fathers of Job sses that founded the Academy. They were a run away in the past and wanted freedom but destiny has called for them. They epted the role and then guided the next generations. As for the ones already in the positions, they reced them as they were acknowledged as their masters in the past.

    As the party went by, the King left to rest in his quarters. Making only them talk to each other. It was then, Joan became the topic of their discussion. As the directors wanted to ask Isaias and the others about his battles in the past. Starting on him meeting Isaias till thest battle of the Demon Lords. Joan also told them some of his story of him losing his parents and his students. As well as some happenings of his life while Isaias was not there to bear witness.

    In turn, the Directors told the Prophets of their side of the story. Riling up the Prophets and were on their toes as they were listening. As far as the story goes, they arrived at the current event. Telling of the story of the Principal and many other events that happened in the school. Making the merry moodst till it was time to go home.

    Exiting the halls and escorting Joan to the teleportation pirs. The afternoon came and the sun was ready to set. Painting the sky into a reddish hue and making the sun''s rays dim.

    "Bye Joan, let us meet again soon," Said Isaias.

    "Yeah, bye. We will meet again sooner. We still have something to do," Joan said then winked.

    "Hahaha, looking forward to that," Isaias said to him.

    The directors then activated the pir and a spiralling light was seen summoned. Giving off a light that took away the darkness.

    "We will enter the teleportation pir now. It is nice meeting and knowing you all," Mills said to them.

    "Yeah, it is fun," Troan said to them.

    "Enjoy the rest of your day. And once again, the pleasure is ours," Isaias said.

    "It is an honour to meet you all," The Principal said.

    It was then, they all entered the portal and the light was put off. Making the Prophets leave in their turn. The time passed by and Joan emerged on the teleportation pir of the school.

    "Everyone, thank you for your presence. I wouldn''t survive unscathed without your witnesses and help. The King is a cunning one. I might end up my tongue cut off if I didn''t have you all," Joan said to them.

    "Don''t worry about it. We already knew that the King is one heck of a problem. So we went with you just in case," The Principal said.

    "We should all show our support. We are all Legends thanks to you!" Roan said to him.

    "Yeah!" Ion said to him.

    Others nodded in agreement.

    "Goodbye Joan, we will leave as we needed to do some things. Have a good night," The Principal said to him. Other Directors said their goodbyes.

    "Thank you all for your efforts escorting me," Joan bowed his head to them.

    Joan then was escorted to his dorm and then the Directors disappeared without a trace. No one has seen them so far. The wind blows as no one has even left their presence. Silence reced the wind and so, Joan smiled and closed his door.

 Chapter 159 - Research

    "Wee Joan to your researchb!" The Principal said to him.

    The Directors pped their hands on the process. They were present while they congratted Joan on his new ce to work. As the time of day was morning while on Saturday. The time for him to do his job has finally begun.

    "Do you like the ce?" Asked the Principal.

    "Yeah, the researching ce is just enough. Not too small or toorge. But the testing grounds have to berge and has strong barriers for the skill to be tested. Also, the test dummies will be costly as we will use them to measure the skill''s effectiveness," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, yes of course," The Principal said to him..

    Looking at a small room with a ball of crystal in the middle, Joan then tested the ball of crystal if it was working.

    [Skill forge]

    The skill he used summoned a burning anvil and then entered the crystal ball. Making Joan and the others felt that the temperature became hot for a second.

    As he touched it, he saw the job sses he has. Touching one job ss was then, he saw all his skills at that moment. That skills he has currently and also, he saw some skills he have in his prime.

    [Skill forge]�Ca skill given by the God of Angels. A skill exclusive on him as a gift. It is the only skill that can tinker and create skills. A skill that was given to him as an overseer and the developer of all the job sses he created.

    Specifically speaking, all his skills in his Grandmaster rank in the past. As he saw it, he closed the tab-like light as he didn''t want to make a show-off attitude on them. Gulping, he smiled at them and then scratched his chin. Smiling at the fact that he will atst make skills.

    "It is working! I will make skills soon. Anyways, who will be our skill testers? Someone capable of determining the result or ws?" Joan said to them.

    "Hahaha! You have friends that are all Legends! Can you guess them? They are willing," Mills said to him.

    "Oh! Really? No one will regret this right?" Joan asked. They all chuckled at his remarks.

    "As the day is still long, I will make some skills on each one of you. You will determine the results of that skill after it was handed to you," Joan instructed them.

    "I have little knowledge about this but you will give us the imprint of the skill directly to our souls, right? Embedding it to our job ss currently," Asked Roan.

    "Yes, that is correct. I hope you will all cooperate," Joan said to them.

    "Yes we will," Said Troan.

    "Good, now we proceed with the skill making," Joan said to them. Lifting his hands, he made the crystal ball glow and then he applied mana to sustain the crystal ball''s mana consumption. Making it glow in splendour.

    Joan tinkered a bit and then a tab was made on the air. The first one he chose was the Holy Knight job ss. Upon thinking of what would be the origin of the skill, he will have to choose among the types of the skill. The first one was a buff, the second was active skill or the third, the passive type.

    "Hello Sir Troan, may I ask what type of skill would we create? May I ask for your suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Oh, about that. How about a skill that enhances the Holy Elemental affinity. As a Holy Knight, it will be a tremendous upgrade if they will have a skill that enhances their general skills. Specifically, the ones which use the Holy element.

    "As it will be a huge help in boosting buffs and healings spell in general. You see, maybe it would help the Holy Knights who have low affinity in their elemental capacity." Troan said to him.

    "Oh, I get it. But it is easier said than done. As the current capacity of my knowledge, I can make a skill that injects the element artificially on a Holy Knight job ssed person but he or she has to cultivate that element. Nothing is an instant in acquiring an element and it needs a due process to make it stronger," Joan replied.

    "Ah, I see. Something like you are just nting a seed and the Holy Knights have to grow it into a tree. I get your point on that. Well, let us start!" Troan said to them.

    Joan then choose the passive skill as its base and then injected the Holy element into it. Creating its imprint was tricky, as the said element would seep from the imprint and then only the imprint was left. Injecting another round of elements then locking it inside, he programmed it to seep inside the elemental roots inside the soul. By cultivating it, mana was spent as nourishment on the element and they will grow into a proper element.

    As they will cultivate it, they will have the element and then further make it into a stronger element from before.

    Upon making the skill, Joan saw that it was good. Now for testing, he lifted a ball of light that has the imprint inside.

    "You wanna test it out?" Joan asked Troan.

    "Sure! Hand it to me," Troan replied.

    Joan then approached him and then put it on his heart. Entering into his soul realm and Joan located his job ss imprint. He attached the new skill into the imprint and it glowed. It was like a skill tree that has pulses of light into the branches which were the skills. Upon making sure nothing wrong happened, he left his soul realm and went back to his body.

    "Joan! Joan, are you okay? You copsed!" Asked Troan who was worried.

    "I am okay, I just entered your soul realm and while doing so, I left my body," Joan exined.

    "Please exin to us in advance, you left us worried," Troan said to him.

    "Ah sorry for that, anyway, I managed to put the skill on your skill tree inside your soul realm. That means you can use the skill. I named it [Holy element mastery].

    "As that skill is a passive skill and not active. Although it is a passive one, you can make it stronger by cultivating it. Making your mastery rise higher in behalf of spending your mana on the process," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I will test it right away," Troan said to him.

    He went into his lotus position and used the skill. Inhaling deeply and then prepared his mana for using his skill.

    [Holy element mastery]

    Upon using the skill, he felt that the element grew stronger. His Holy elemental growth has grown faster with every second that passed. But as his skill was used, a great mana consumption was felt by Troan. Making him stop his cultivation.

    "Ahem, that Joan is impressive. It is a first in our history to experience such majestic skill making. As for my feedback, I can''t control the intensity of its cultivation. Making my mana well spent in minutes. As for the new ones who are just beginners, they will surely struggle in using the skill.

    "I want to suggest to let us control the speed of our cultivation. And also, as we decide the rank of the skill as is currently, I will rank it Grandmaster rank. Lower than that will have trouble in using the skill," Troan said in his remarks.

    "Hmmm, a Grandmaster rank skill. Impressive! Still, we will adjust that er on. Making it essible to beginners will be the priority," Ion said to them.

    "Yeah, I agree," Elder said to them.

    "Still, this is a breakthrough. Skill researcher is just myths and legends. But we have a first in the history of Humanity. We have to celebrate such an aplishment!" Remarks of Mills.

    "Aha! How about we program it into changing its intensity with the willpower as the controller?" Joan said to them.

    "Let us rest first Joan and celebrate our aplishments. This is the first skill you created and it is a reason enough to celebrate for it," Said Greaz. Tapping his shoulders with both hands on his back.

    "Yeah, let us rest first. I am wasted," Troan said to him.

    Joan felt that they have to rest for a while and so he agreed to their request. They went to the cafeteria and the food was already served.

    "Let''s eat! I am hungry!" Troan eximed.

    It was then, they digged-in and went into a merry mood. Eating while wearing happy faces. The school has students roaming and saw them having a feast. Making the students question themselves why a student was with the Directors. It was then, he is coined as the leecher of the school by the ones harbouring jealousy on him. Others knew him in an instant that he was with the prophets in the past. Bing infamous was not on his n but he didn''t care.

    His heart was calm and ignored their res. Just enjoying thepany of the directors for that moment they have. It was the time he has to celebrate and not be lonely. His first day of being a [Skill researcher].

 Chapter 160 - Research

    "Wee Joan to your researchb!" The Principal said to him.

    The Directors pped their hands on the process. They were present while they congratted Joan on his new ce to work. As the time of day was morning while on Saturday. The time for him to do his job has finally begun.

    "Do you like the ce?" Asked the Principal.

    "Yeah, the researching ce is just enough. Not too small or toorge. But the testing grounds have to berge and has strong barriers for the skill to be tested. Also, the test dummies will be costly as we will use them to measure the skill''s effectiveness," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, yes of course," The Principal said to him..

    Looking at a small room with a ball of crystal in the middle, Joan then tested the ball of crystal if it was working.

    [Skill forge]

    The skill he used summoned a burning anvil and then entered the crystal ball. Making Joan and the others felt that the temperature became hot for a second.

    As he touched it, he saw the job sses he has. Touching one job ss was then, he saw all his skills at that moment. That skills he has currently and also, he saw some skills he have in his prime.

    [Skill forge]�Ca skill given by the God of Angels. A skill exclusive on him as a gift. It is the only skill that can tinker and create skills. A skill that was given to him as an overseer and the developer of all the job sses he created.

    Specifically speaking, all his skills in his Grandmaster rank in the past. As he saw it, he closed the tab-like light as he didn''t want to make a show-off attitude on them. Gulping, he smiled at them and then scratched his chin. Smiling at the fact that he will atst make skills.

    "It is working! I will make skills soon. Anyways, who will be our skill testers? Someone capable of determining the result or ws?" Joan said to them.

    "Hahaha! You have friends that are all Legends! Can you guess them? They are willing," Mills said to him.

    "Oh! Really? No one will regret this right?" Joan asked. They all chuckled at his remarks.

    "As the day is still long, I will make some skills on each one of you. You will determine the results of that skill after it was handed to you," Joan instructed them.

    "I have little knowledge about this but you will give us the imprint of the skill directly to our souls, right? Embedding it to our job ss currently," Asked Roan.

    "Yes, that is correct. I hope you will all cooperate," Joan said to them.

    "Yes we will," Said Troan.

    "Good, now we proceed with the skill making," Joan said to them. Lifting his hands, he made the crystal ball glow and then he applied mana to sustain the crystal ball''s mana consumption. Making it glow in splendour.

    Joan tinkered a bit and then a tab was made on the air. The first one he chose was the Holy Knight job ss. Upon thinking of what would be the origin of the skill, he will have to choose among the types of the skill. The first one was a buff, the second was active skill or the third, the passive type.

    "Hello Sir Troan, may I ask what type of skill would we create? May I ask for your suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Oh, about that. How about a skill that enhances the Holy Elemental affinity. As a Holy Knight, it will be a tremendous upgrade if they will have a skill that enhances their general skills. Specifically, the ones which use the Holy element.

    "As it will be a huge help in boosting buffs and healings spell in general. You see, maybe it would help the Holy Knights who have low affinity in their elemental capacity." Troan said to him.

    "Oh, I get it. But it is easier said than done. As the current capacity of my knowledge, I can make a skill that injects the element artificially on a Holy Knight job ssed person but he or she has to cultivate that element. Nothing is an instant in acquiring an element and it needs a due process to make it stronger," Joan replied.

    "Ah, I see. Something like you are just nting a seed and the Holy Knights have to grow it into a tree. I get your point on that. Well, let us start!" Troan said to them.

    Joan then choose the passive skill as its base and then injected the Holy element into it. Creating its imprint was tricky, as the said element would seep from the imprint and then only the imprint was left. Injecting another round of elements then locking it inside, he programmed it to seep inside the elemental roots inside the soul. By cultivating it, mana was spent as nourishment on the element and they will grow into a proper element.

    As they will cultivate it, they will have the element and then further make it into a stronger element from before.

    Upon making the skill, Joan saw that it was good. Now for testing, he lifted a ball of light that has the imprint inside.

    "You wanna test it out?" Joan asked Troan.

    "Sure! Hand it to me," Troan replied.

    Joan then approached him and then put it on his heart. Entering into his soul realm and Joan located his job ss imprint. He attached the new skill into the imprint and it glowed. It was like a skill tree that has pulses of light into the branches which were the skills. Upon making sure nothing wrong happened, he left his soul realm and went back to his body.

    "Joan! Joan, are you okay? You copsed!" Asked Troan who was worried.

    "I am okay, I just entered your soul realm and while doing so, I left my body," Joan exined.

    "Please exin to us in advance, you left us worried," Troan said to him.

    "Ah sorry for that, anyway, I managed to put the skill on your skill tree inside your soul realm. That means you can use the skill. I named it [Holy element mastery].

    "As that skill is a passive skill and not active. Although it is a passive one, you can make it stronger by cultivating it. Making your mastery rise higher in behalf of spending your mana on the process," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I will test it right away," Troan said to him.

    He went into his lotus position and used the skill. Inhaling deeply and then prepared his mana for using his skill.

    [Holy element mastery]

    Upon using the skill, he felt that the element grew stronger. His Holy elemental growth has grown faster with every second that passed. But as his skill was used, a great mana consumption was felt by Troan. Making him stop his cultivation.

    "Ahem, that Joan is impressive. It is a first in our history to experience such majestic skill making. As for my feedback, I can''t control the intensity of its cultivation. Making my mana well spent in minutes. As for the new ones who are just beginners, they will surely struggle in using the skill.

    "I want to suggest to let us control the speed of our cultivation. And also, as we decide the rank of the skill as is currently, I will rank it Grandmaster rank. Lower than that will have trouble in using the skill," Troan said in his remarks.

    "Hmmm, a Grandmaster rank skill. Impressive! Still, we will adjust that er on. Making it essible to beginners will be the priority," Ion said to them.

    "Yeah, I agree," Elder said to them.

    "Still, this is a breakthrough. Skill researcher is just myths and legends. But we have a first in the history of Humanity. We have to celebrate such an aplishment!" Remarks of Mills.

    "Aha! How about we program it into changing its intensity with the willpower as the controller?" Joan said to them.

    "Let us rest first Joan and celebrate our aplishments. This is the first skill you created and it is a reason enough to celebrate for it," Said Greaz. Tapping his shoulders with both hands on his back.

    "Yeah, let us rest first. I am wasted," Troan said to him.

    Joan felt that they have to rest for a while and so he agreed to their request. They went to the cafeteria and the food was already served.

    "Let''s eat! I am hungry!" Troan eximed.

    It was then, they digged-in and went into a merry mood. Eating while wearing happy faces. The school has students roaming and saw them having a feast. Making the students question themselves why a student was with the Directors. It was then, he is coined as the leecher of the school by the ones harbouring jealousy on him. Others knew him in an instant that he was with the prophets in the past. Bing infamous was not on his n but he didn''t care.

    His heart was calm and ignored their res. Just enjoying thepany of the directors for that moment they have. It was the time he has to celebrate and not be lonely. His first day of being a [Skill researcher].

 Chapter 161 - Research

    "Wee Joan to your researchb!" The Principal said to him.

    The Directors pped their hands on the process. They were present while they congratted Joan on his new ce to work. As the time of day was morning while on Saturday. The time for him to do his job has finally begun.

    "Do you like the ce?" Asked the Principal.

    "Yeah, the researching ce is just enough. Not too small or toorge. But the testing grounds have to berge and has strong barriers for the skill to be tested. Also, the test dummies will be costly as we will use them to measure the skill''s effectiveness," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, yes of course," The Principal said to him..

    Looking at a small room with a ball of crystal in the middle, Joan then tested the ball of crystal if it was working.

    [Skill forge]

    The skill he used summoned a burning anvil and then entered the crystal ball. Making Joan and the others felt that the temperature became hot for a second.

    As he touched it, he saw the job sses he has. Touching one job ss was then, he saw all his skills at that moment. That skills he has currently and also, he saw some skills he have in his prime.

    [Skill forge]�Ca skill given by the God of Angels. A skill exclusive on him as a gift. It is the only skill that can tinker and create skills. A skill that was given to him as an overseer and the developer of all the job sses he created.

    Specifically speaking, all his skills in his Grandmaster rank in the past. As he saw it, he closed the tab-like light as he didn''t want to make a show-off attitude on them. Gulping, he smiled at them and then scratched his chin. Smiling at the fact that he will atst make skills.

    "It is working! I will make skills soon. Anyways, who will be our skill testers? Someone capable of determining the result or ws?" Joan said to them.

    "Hahaha! You have friends that are all Legends! Can you guess them? They are willing," Mills said to him.

    "Oh! Really? No one will regret this right?" Joan asked. They all chuckled at his remarks.

    "As the day is still long, I will make some skills on each one of you. You will determine the results of that skill after it was handed to you," Joan instructed them.

    "I have little knowledge about this but you will give us the imprint of the skill directly to our souls, right? Embedding it to our job ss currently," Asked Roan.

    "Yes, that is correct. I hope you will all cooperate," Joan said to them.

    "Yes we will," Said Troan.

    "Good, now we proceed with the skill making," Joan said to them. Lifting his hands, he made the crystal ball glow and then he applied mana to sustain the crystal ball''s mana consumption. Making it glow in splendour.

    Joan tinkered a bit and then a tab was made on the air. The first one he chose was the Holy Knight job ss. Upon thinking of what would be the origin of the skill, he will have to choose among the types of the skill. The first one was a buff, the second was active skill or the third, the passive type.

    "Hello Sir Troan, may I ask what type of skill would we create? May I ask for your suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Oh, about that. How about a skill that enhances the Holy Elemental affinity. As a Holy Knight, it will be a tremendous upgrade if they will have a skill that enhances their general skills. Specifically, the ones which use the Holy element.

    "As it will be a huge help in boosting buffs and healings spell in general. You see, maybe it would help the Holy Knights who have low affinity in their elemental capacity." Troan said to him.

    "Oh, I get it. But it is easier said than done. As the current capacity of my knowledge, I can make a skill that injects the element artificially on a Holy Knight job ssed person but he or she has to cultivate that element. Nothing is an instant in acquiring an element and it needs a due process to make it stronger," Joan replied.

    "Ah, I see. Something like you are just nting a seed and the Holy Knights have to grow it into a tree. I get your point on that. Well, let us start!" Troan said to them.

    Joan then choose the passive skill as its base and then injected the Holy element into it. Creating its imprint was tricky, as the said element would seep from the imprint and then only the imprint was left. Injecting another round of elements then locking it inside, he programmed it to seep inside the elemental roots inside the soul. By cultivating it, mana was spent as nourishment on the element and they will grow into a proper element.

    As they will cultivate it, they will have the element and then further make it into a stronger element from before.

    Upon making the skill, Joan saw that it was good. Now for testing, he lifted a ball of light that has the imprint inside.

    "You wanna test it out?" Joan asked Troan.

    "Sure! Hand it to me," Troan replied.

    Joan then approached him and then put it on his heart. Entering into his soul realm and Joan located his job ss imprint. He attached the new skill into the imprint and it glowed. It was like a skill tree that has pulses of light into the branches which were the skills. Upon making sure nothing wrong happened, he left his soul realm and went back to his body.

    "Joan! Joan, are you okay? You copsed!" Asked Troan who was worried.

    "I am okay, I just entered your soul realm and while doing so, I left my body," Joan exined.

    "Please exin to us in advance, you left us worried," Troan said to him.

    "Ah sorry for that, anyway, I managed to put the skill on your skill tree inside your soul realm. That means you can use the skill. I named it [Holy element mastery].

    "As that skill is a passive skill and not active. Although it is a passive one, you can make it stronger by cultivating it. Making your mastery rise higher in behalf of spending your mana on the process," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I will test it right away," Troan said to him.

    He went into his lotus position and used the skill. Inhaling deeply and then prepared his mana for using his skill.

    [Holy element mastery]

    Upon using the skill, he felt that the element grew stronger. His Holy elemental growth has grown faster with every second that passed. But as his skill was used, a great mana consumption was felt by Troan. Making him stop his cultivation.

    "Ahem, that Joan is impressive. It is a first in our history to experience such majestic skill making. As for my feedback, I can''t control the intensity of its cultivation. Making my mana well spent in minutes. As for the new ones who are just beginners, they will surely struggle in using the skill.

    "I want to suggest to let us control the speed of our cultivation. And also, as we decide the rank of the skill as is currently, I will rank it Grandmaster rank. Lower than that will have trouble in using the skill," Troan said in his remarks.

    "Hmmm, a Grandmaster rank skill. Impressive! Still, we will adjust that er on. Making it essible to beginners will be the priority," Ion said to them.

    "Yeah, I agree," Elder said to them.

    "Still, this is a breakthrough. Skill researcher is just myths and legends. But we have a first in the history of Humanity. We have to celebrate such an aplishment!" Remarks of Mills.

    "Aha! How about we program it into changing its intensity with the willpower as the controller?" Joan said to them.

    "Let us rest first Joan and celebrate our aplishments. This is the first skill you created and it is a reason enough to celebrate for it," Said Greaz. Tapping his shoulders with both hands on his back.

    "Yeah, let us rest first. I am wasted," Troan said to him.

    Joan felt that they have to rest for a while and so he agreed to their request. They went to the cafeteria and the food was already served.

    "Let''s eat! I am hungry!" Troan eximed.

    It was then, they digged-in and went into a merry mood. Eating while wearing happy faces. The school has students roaming and saw them having a feast. Making the students question themselves why a student was with the Directors. It was then, he is coined as the leecher of the school by the ones harbouring jealousy on him. Others knew him in an instant that he was with the prophets in the past. Bing infamous was not on his n but he didn''t care.

    His heart was calm and ignored their res. Just enjoying thepany of the directors for that moment they have. It was the time he has to celebrate and not be lonely. His first day of being a [Skill researcher].

 Chapter 162 - Research

    "Wee Joan to your researchb!" The Principal said to him.

    The Directors pped their hands on the process. They were present while they congratted Joan on his new ce to work. As the time of day was morning while on Saturday. The time for him to do his job has finally begun.

    "Do you like the ce?" Asked the Principal.

    "Yeah, the researching ce is just enough. Not too small or toorge. But the testing grounds have to berge and has strong barriers for the skill to be tested. Also, the test dummies will be costly as we will use them to measure the skill''s effectiveness," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, yes of course," The Principal said to him..

    Looking at a small room with a ball of crystal in the middle, Joan then tested the ball of crystal if it was working.

    [Skill forge]

    The skill he used summoned a burning anvil and then entered the crystal ball. Making Joan and the others felt that the temperature became hot for a second.

    As he touched it, he saw the job sses he has. Touching one job ss was then, he saw all his skills at that moment. That skills he has currently and also, he saw some skills he have in his prime.

    [Skill forge]�Ca skill given by the God of Angels. A skill exclusive on him as a gift. It is the only skill that can tinker and create skills. A skill that was given to him as an overseer and the developer of all the job sses he created.

    Specifically speaking, all his skills in his Grandmaster rank in the past. As he saw it, he closed the tab-like light as he didn''t want to make a show-off attitude on them. Gulping, he smiled at them and then scratched his chin. Smiling at the fact that he will atst make skills.

    "It is working! I will make skills soon. Anyways, who will be our skill testers? Someone capable of determining the result or ws?" Joan said to them.

    "Hahaha! You have friends that are all Legends! Can you guess them? They are willing," Mills said to him.

    "Oh! Really? No one will regret this right?" Joan asked. They all chuckled at his remarks.

    "As the day is still long, I will make some skills on each one of you. You will determine the results of that skill after it was handed to you," Joan instructed them.

    "I have little knowledge about this but you will give us the imprint of the skill directly to our souls, right? Embedding it to our job ss currently," Asked Roan.

    "Yes, that is correct. I hope you will all cooperate," Joan said to them.

    "Yes we will," Said Troan.

    "Good, now we proceed with the skill making," Joan said to them. Lifting his hands, he made the crystal ball glow and then he applied mana to sustain the crystal ball''s mana consumption. Making it glow in splendour.

    Joan tinkered a bit and then a tab was made on the air. The first one he chose was the Holy Knight job ss. Upon thinking of what would be the origin of the skill, he will have to choose among the types of the skill. The first one was a buff, the second was active skill or the third, the passive type.

    "Hello Sir Troan, may I ask what type of skill would we create? May I ask for your suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Oh, about that. How about a skill that enhances the Holy Elemental affinity. As a Holy Knight, it will be a tremendous upgrade if they will have a skill that enhances their general skills. Specifically, the ones which use the Holy element.

    "As it will be a huge help in boosting buffs and healings spell in general. You see, maybe it would help the Holy Knights who have low affinity in their elemental capacity." Troan said to him.

    "Oh, I get it. But it is easier said than done. As the current capacity of my knowledge, I can make a skill that injects the element artificially on a Holy Knight job ssed person but he or she has to cultivate that element. Nothing is an instant in acquiring an element and it needs a due process to make it stronger," Joan replied.

    "Ah, I see. Something like you are just nting a seed and the Holy Knights have to grow it into a tree. I get your point on that. Well, let us start!" Troan said to them.

    Joan then choose the passive skill as its base and then injected the Holy element into it. Creating its imprint was tricky, as the said element would seep from the imprint and then only the imprint was left. Injecting another round of elements then locking it inside, he programmed it to seep inside the elemental roots inside the soul. By cultivating it, mana was spent as nourishment on the element and they will grow into a proper element.

    As they will cultivate it, they will have the element and then further make it into a stronger element from before.

    Upon making the skill, Joan saw that it was good. Now for testing, he lifted a ball of light that has the imprint inside.

    "You wanna test it out?" Joan asked Troan.

    "Sure! Hand it to me," Troan replied.

    Joan then approached him and then put it on his heart. Entering into his soul realm and Joan located his job ss imprint. He attached the new skill into the imprint and it glowed. It was like a skill tree that has pulses of light into the branches which were the skills. Upon making sure nothing wrong happened, he left his soul realm and went back to his body.

    "Joan! Joan, are you okay? You copsed!" Asked Troan who was worried.

    "I am okay, I just entered your soul realm and while doing so, I left my body," Joan exined.

    "Please exin to us in advance, you left us worried," Troan said to him.

    "Ah sorry for that, anyway, I managed to put the skill on your skill tree inside your soul realm. That means you can use the skill. I named it [Holy element mastery].

    "As that skill is a passive skill and not active. Although it is a passive one, you can make it stronger by cultivating it. Making your mastery rise higher in behalf of spending your mana on the process," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I will test it right away," Troan said to him.

    He went into his lotus position and used the skill. Inhaling deeply and then prepared his mana for using his skill.

    [Holy element mastery]

    Upon using the skill, he felt that the element grew stronger. His Holy elemental growth has grown faster with every second that passed. But as his skill was used, a great mana consumption was felt by Troan. Making him stop his cultivation.

    "Ahem, that Joan is impressive. It is a first in our history to experience such majestic skill making. As for my feedback, I can''t control the intensity of its cultivation. Making my mana well spent in minutes. As for the new ones who are just beginners, they will surely struggle in using the skill.

    "I want to suggest to let us control the speed of our cultivation. And also, as we decide the rank of the skill as is currently, I will rank it Grandmaster rank. Lower than that will have trouble in using the skill," Troan said in his remarks.

    "Hmmm, a Grandmaster rank skill. Impressive! Still, we will adjust that er on. Making it essible to beginners will be the priority," Ion said to them.

    "Yeah, I agree," Elder said to them.

    "Still, this is a breakthrough. Skill researcher is just myths and legends. But we have a first in the history of Humanity. We have to celebrate such an aplishment!" Remarks of Mills.

    "Aha! How about we program it into changing its intensity with the willpower as the controller?" Joan said to them.

    "Let us rest first Joan and celebrate our aplishments. This is the first skill you created and it is a reason enough to celebrate for it," Said Greaz. Tapping his shoulders with both hands on his back.

    "Yeah, let us rest first. I am wasted," Troan said to him.

    Joan felt that they have to rest for a while and so he agreed to their request. They went to the cafeteria and the food was already served.

    "Let''s eat! I am hungry!" Troan eximed.

    It was then, they digged-in and went into a merry mood. Eating while wearing happy faces. The school has students roaming and saw them having a feast. Making the students question themselves why a student was with the Directors. It was then, he is coined as the leecher of the school by the ones harbouring jealousy on him. Others knew him in an instant that he was with the prophets in the past. Bing infamous was not on his n but he didn''t care.

    His heart was calm and ignored their res. Just enjoying thepany of the directors for that moment they have. It was the time he has to celebrate and not be lonely. His first day of being a [Skill researcher].

 Chapter 163 - Research Part 2

    After Joan made the skill to be controble by willpower, he went again into Troan''s soul realm. Recing the old imprint into his skill tree. Going back into his body and then opened his eyes.

    "Did you seed?" Asked Troan.

    "Yes,"

    "Then let us test it immediately," Troan suggested.

    He tested the skill and he closed his eyes. It was then, he felt that the skill has slower effects or progress. Adjusting his willpower, he made it go faster and faster. Making his mana spent on the process. Opening his eyes, he smiled and blurted out.

    "It works! It works now! It is a sess!" Troan said to him.

    "Good, now take care of that skill. Maybe you can also teach it to other students from now on," Joan said to him.

    "Yes, of course. As you have said it yourself, I will teach it to the students from now," Troan said while bowing his head. After bowing, he stand straight then shook hands with Joan.

    "Congrattions, the next generation of students will surely break their elemental limits thanks to you. They will be eternally indebted to your works," Troan said.

    "Nah, it is just a beta skill. I will make more in the future so no need to thank me every time," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, and that is still beta? We should look forward to more!" Troan said to him.

    "Upon making a skill for Holy Knights, I suggest to make one too on Necromancer Ion," Joan said to them while looking at him.

    "Great! I am next," Ion said to him.

    He approached Joan whilst cracking his knuckles. Smiling while he was approaching.

    "So what will we make? Any suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Ah, something about making the skeletons get stronger. How and by what means is up to you," He said to Joan.

    "I see, they are pretty strong individually but I saw that there is no skill on making them tougher. They intend to be brittle and even with their great numbers, they are easily harassed by stronger opponents," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, this leads us to their bone structure is as hard as it is. Is there a way for hardening the bones?" Ion asked him.

    It was then, Joan felt a surge of the information enter his mind.

    "Aha! How about creating a skill that hardens the bones of all skeletons and all bone-rted skills? Even your bones included!" Joan shouted.

    Ion then scratched his chin. He was in deep thoughts.

    "That is brilliant! You can avoid also some crippling and bone-breaking blows if you have that skill! Wonderful! This is revolutionary! Hahaha!" Ion can onlyugh to great extent.

    "Right! Let''s do this!" Joan said to them.

    Joan then prepared the imprint. Upon choosing the passive type skill as the origin, he then put a link to all bone type skills including the bones of the summoner. Mana will be spent as an expense for cultivating the skill and it will have surprising effects after many rounds of cultivation.

    He finished making the skill and then put it in Ion''s soul. Leaving his body again and then going back.

    "Finished, you get it? I also adjusted it to be essible to beginners. Making you cultivate it upon your willpower''s capacity. It is named [Bone hardening]," Joan said then sat at a chair.

    "Okay, let me test it first," Ion said to him.

    "Sure," Ion replied.

    He went to sit in a lotus position then started using the skill. Upon starting to cultivate, he felt that his mana was getting sucked by his bones. Making it nourished and hardens instead.

    "Upon my discovery, your bones skills are all depending on your bones. So that means, the harder your bones are, the harder they get," Joan said to them.

    "Oh! So that''s the secret to it! I know now why," Said Mills.

    "You should take your time with the testing phase. I rmend to let you test it on your [Bone wall] to see if it is hard enough," Joan said to him.

    "Wait, I need to make it stronger first before testing," Said Ion.

    "Sure, I will have to make another skill at the moment. Well, next is the Mage ss," Joan said. Mills felt ecstatic at his announcement.

    "Yes! Finally!" He shouted.

    "For you, what is the mage''s weakness?" Joan asked.

    "Hmmm, let me think about it. The weakness of the Mage is the mana well regeneration. Defence and offence, Mages are good there. But the problem lies when he or she has run out of mana. Maybe that is the weakness. To put it in simple terms, it is their weakness," Mills said to him.

    "Hmmm," Joan was in thoughts about what he will do about the current problem. As a fact that mana regeneration is made stronger by mana cultivation. As a passive skill, you need to make it stronger at in expense of mana.

    "Oh, yeah. Mana cultivation makes the mana well expand and boosts the mana regeneration. But how about making a skill that focuses only on mana regeneration?" Joan asked.

    "Yeah, you don''t have to cultivate with mana regeneration while battling," Mills said to him.

    "Yeah, I agree but the problem is to put it as a buff or a passive. What would be best?" Joan asked.

    "A buff is temporary but has stronger effects. While passive skill is permanent, although it is a slower pace of growth," Mills said his remarks.

    While thinking, Ion has finished cultivating his skill. They went to the testing grounds and then he used the skill.

    [Bone wall]

    Joan then instructed Mills to pour fireballs on it.

    [Fireball]

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    To their surprise, they still saw the bones unscathed. Though it was darkened by the spell''s aftermath.

    "Woohoo! It worked! Finally!" Ion said to them.

    Joan pped his hands on him and then went inside theb. Upon choosing between the buff or passive, he finally found the answer. Buff has its potential into making one Mage rampage exponentially. But it will have a long cooldown. Only making it as a trump card on stronger opponents. While passive, you can control its growth and was permanent. Also having to rival the skill mana cultivation on the process. You can''t have all the time to cultivate both.

    "But what if it can?" Joan spoke out loud.

    Joan then went to the crystal ball and then scanned the skill mana cultivation. Though it was a simr skill, he find it able to be used while using mana cultivation.

    Attaching the imprint, he programmed it to the mana well''s cultivation process to be in sync with it. Making you do mana cultivation while doing mana regeneration.

    As sad as it was, it was only avable for the Mages. Making it as an imprint only for Mages. Joan called Mills and then he approached him. Exining things about whether he will choose the buff one of the passive one.

    "Well, I wanted buff one as it is a trump card. But the potential of the skill will be higher when you will put it to passive. Thinking about doing mana cultivation while cultivating mana regeneration is a brilliant idea, Joan. I haven''t seen so brilliant as you these days," Told Mills to him.

    "Well let us put it then. I call it [Mana regeneration]," Joan said to him then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. Inserting it to his skill tree then went back. Upon inserting it, he used the skill while cultivating. Upon his surprise, the mana cultivation was in sync with the skill of mana regeneration. Hitting two birds in one stone. As Joan expected, it was an imprint that originated from mana cultivation. So attaching it to the mother imprint was the right choice.

    "It was a sess!" He blurted out in great glee. Lifting his hands while his eyes filled with happiness.

    "I envy the next generation for this skill. I hope they will use it wisely," Said Mills.

    "So it is working, nicely done Mills!" Joan said to him with a thumbs up.

    "That is a well-made skill. That will surely change the future of Humanity. You sure keep making interesting skills Joan, I am impressed!" Troan said to him.

    "Ah, that is just a hobby that I wanted to do. I will create more in the future but I am not able to make these skills without you guys," Joan said then smiled.

    "Well, three done. Eight to go!" Joan added.

    It was then, the three directors cultivated their new skills like kids. Troan, Ion, and, Mills started cultivating their skills. Making the others jealous of their new skills. As Joan expected, it was an effective skill that they have. Making their weakness in the past will be their strengths. As he contemted, they have Legend auras in them. As their auras were not like before and they were intimidating individually.

    As Joan was with them, he felt that his Master Rank will sumb in the process.. Barely holding out for minutes but he has to rest a bit.

 Chapter 164 - Research Part 2

    After Joan made the skill to be controble by willpower, he went again into Troan''s soul realm. Recing the old imprint into his skill tree. Going back into his body and then opened his eyes.

    "Did you seed?" Asked Troan.

    "Yes,"

    "Then let us test it immediately," Troan suggested.

    He tested the skill and he closed his eyes. It was then, he felt that the skill has slower effects or progress. Adjusting his willpower, he made it go faster and faster. Making his mana spent on the process. Opening his eyes, he smiled and blurted out.

    "It works! It works now! It is a sess!" Troan said to him.

    "Good, now take care of that skill. Maybe you can also teach it to other students from now on," Joan said to him.

    "Yes, of course. As you have said it yourself, I will teach it to the students from now," Troan said while bowing his head. After bowing, he stand straight then shook hands with Joan.

    "Congrattions, the next generation of students will surely break their elemental limits thanks to you. They will be eternally indebted to your works," Troan said.

    "Nah, it is just a beta skill. I will make more in the future so no need to thank me every time," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, and that is still beta? We should look forward to more!" Troan said to him.

    "Upon making a skill for Holy Knights, I suggest to make one too on Necromancer Ion," Joan said to them while looking at him.

    "Great! I am next," Ion said to him.

    He approached Joan whilst cracking his knuckles. Smiling while he was approaching.

    "So what will we make? Any suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Ah, something about making the skeletons get stronger. How and by what means is up to you," He said to Joan.

    "I see, they are pretty strong individually but I saw that there is no skill on making them tougher. They intend to be brittle and even with their great numbers, they are easily harassed by stronger opponents," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, this leads us to their bone structure is as hard as it is. Is there a way for hardening the bones?" Ion asked him.

    It was then, Joan felt a surge of the information enter his mind.

    "Aha! How about creating a skill that hardens the bones of all skeletons and all bone-rted skills? Even your bones included!" Joan shouted.

    Ion then scratched his chin. He was in deep thoughts.

    "That is brilliant! You can avoid also some crippling and bone-breaking blows if you have that skill! Wonderful! This is revolutionary! Hahaha!" Ion can onlyugh to great extent.

    "Right! Let''s do this!" Joan said to them.

    Joan then prepared the imprint. Upon choosing the passive type skill as the origin, he then put a link to all bone type skills including the bones of the summoner. Mana will be spent as an expense for cultivating the skill and it will have surprising effects after many rounds of cultivation.

    He finished making the skill and then put it in Ion''s soul. Leaving his body again and then going back.

    "Finished, you get it? I also adjusted it to be essible to beginners. Making you cultivate it upon your willpower''s capacity. It is named [Bone hardening]," Joan said then sat at a chair.

    "Okay, let me test it first," Ion said to him.

    "Sure," Ion replied.

    He went to sit in a lotus position then started using the skill. Upon starting to cultivate, he felt that his mana was getting sucked by his bones. Making it nourished and hardens instead.

    "Upon my discovery, your bones skills are all depending on your bones. So that means, the harder your bones are, the harder they get," Joan said to them.

    "Oh! So that''s the secret to it! I know now why," Said Mills.

    "You should take your time with the testing phase. I rmend to let you test it on your [Bone wall] to see if it is hard enough," Joan said to him.

    "Wait, I need to make it stronger first before testing," Said Ion.

    "Sure, I will have to make another skill at the moment. Well, next is the Mage ss," Joan said. Mills felt ecstatic at his announcement.

    "Yes! Finally!" He shouted.

    "For you, what is the mage''s weakness?" Joan asked.

    "Hmmm, let me think about it. The weakness of the Mage is the mana well regeneration. Defence and offence, Mages are good there. But the problem lies when he or she has run out of mana. Maybe that is the weakness. To put it in simple terms, it is their weakness," Mills said to him.

    "Hmmm," Joan was in thoughts about what he will do about the current problem. As a fact that mana regeneration is made stronger by mana cultivation. As a passive skill, you need to make it stronger at in expense of mana.

    "Oh, yeah. Mana cultivation makes the mana well expand and boosts the mana regeneration. But how about making a skill that focuses only on mana regeneration?" Joan asked.

    "Yeah, you don''t have to cultivate with mana regeneration while battling," Mills said to him.

    "Yeah, I agree but the problem is to put it as a buff or a passive. What would be best?" Joan asked.

    "A buff is temporary but has stronger effects. While passive skill is permanent, although it is a slower pace of growth," Mills said his remarks.

    While thinking, Ion has finished cultivating his skill. They went to the testing grounds and then he used the skill.

    [Bone wall]

    Joan then instructed Mills to pour fireballs on it.

    [Fireball]

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    To their surprise, they still saw the bones unscathed. Though it was darkened by the spell''s aftermath.

    "Woohoo! It worked! Finally!" Ion said to them.

    Joan pped his hands on him and then went inside theb. Upon choosing between the buff or passive, he finally found the answer. Buff has its potential into making one Mage rampage exponentially. But it will have a long cooldown. Only making it as a trump card on stronger opponents. While passive, you can control its growth and was permanent. Also having to rival the skill mana cultivation on the process. You can''t have all the time to cultivate both.

    "But what if it can?" Joan spoke out loud.

    Joan then went to the crystal ball and then scanned the skill mana cultivation. Though it was a simr skill, he find it able to be used while using mana cultivation.

    Attaching the imprint, he programmed it to the mana well''s cultivation process to be in sync with it. Making you do mana cultivation while doing mana regeneration.

    As sad as it was, it was only avable for the Mages. Making it as an imprint only for Mages. Joan called Mills and then he approached him. Exining things about whether he will choose the buff one of the passive one.

    "Well, I wanted buff one as it is a trump card. But the potential of the skill will be higher when you will put it to passive. Thinking about doing mana cultivation while cultivating mana regeneration is a brilliant idea, Joan. I haven''t seen so brilliant as you these days," Told Mills to him.

    "Well let us put it then. I call it [Mana regeneration]," Joan said to him then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. Inserting it to his skill tree then went back. Upon inserting it, he used the skill while cultivating. Upon his surprise, the mana cultivation was in sync with the skill of mana regeneration. Hitting two birds in one stone. As Joan expected, it was an imprint that originated from mana cultivation. So attaching it to the mother imprint was the right choice.

    "It was a sess!" He blurted out in great glee. Lifting his hands while his eyes filled with happiness.

    "I envy the next generation for this skill. I hope they will use it wisely," Said Mills.

    "So it is working, nicely done Mills!" Joan said to him with a thumbs up.

    "That is a well-made skill. That will surely change the future of Humanity. You sure keep making interesting skills Joan, I am impressed!" Troan said to him.

    "Ah, that is just a hobby that I wanted to do. I will create more in the future but I am not able to make these skills without you guys," Joan said then smiled.

    "Well, three done. Eight to go!" Joan added.

    It was then, the three directors cultivated their new skills like kids. Troan, Ion, and, Mills started cultivating their skills. Making the others jealous of their new skills. As Joan expected, it was an effective skill that they have. Making their weakness in the past will be their strengths. As he contemted, they have Legend auras in them. As their auras were not like before and they were intimidating individually.

    As Joan was with them, he felt that his Master Rank will sumb in the process.. Barely holding out for minutes but he has to rest a bit.

 Chapter 165 - Research Part 2

    After Joan made the skill to be controble by willpower, he went again into Troan''s soul realm. Recing the old imprint into his skill tree. Going back into his body and then opened his eyes.

    "Did you seed?" Asked Troan.

    "Yes,"

    "Then let us test it immediately," Troan suggested.

    He tested the skill and he closed his eyes. It was then, he felt that the skill has slower effects or progress. Adjusting his willpower, he made it go faster and faster. Making his mana spent on the process. Opening his eyes, he smiled and blurted out.

    "It works! It works now! It is a sess!" Troan said to him.

    "Good, now take care of that skill. Maybe you can also teach it to other students from now on," Joan said to him.

    "Yes, of course. As you have said it yourself, I will teach it to the students from now," Troan said while bowing his head. After bowing, he stand straight then shook hands with Joan.

    "Congrattions, the next generation of students will surely break their elemental limits thanks to you. They will be eternally indebted to your works," Troan said.

    "Nah, it is just a beta skill. I will make more in the future so no need to thank me every time," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, and that is still beta? We should look forward to more!" Troan said to him.

    "Upon making a skill for Holy Knights, I suggest to make one too on Necromancer Ion," Joan said to them while looking at him.

    "Great! I am next," Ion said to him.

    He approached Joan whilst cracking his knuckles. Smiling while he was approaching.

    "So what will we make? Any suggestions?" Joan asked.

    "Ah, something about making the skeletons get stronger. How and by what means is up to you," He said to Joan.

    "I see, they are pretty strong individually but I saw that there is no skill on making them tougher. They intend to be brittle and even with their great numbers, they are easily harassed by stronger opponents," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, this leads us to their bone structure is as hard as it is. Is there a way for hardening the bones?" Ion asked him.

    It was then, Joan felt a surge of the information enter his mind.

    "Aha! How about creating a skill that hardens the bones of all skeletons and all bone-rted skills? Even your bones included!" Joan shouted.

    Ion then scratched his chin. He was in deep thoughts.

    "That is brilliant! You can avoid also some crippling and bone-breaking blows if you have that skill! Wonderful! This is revolutionary! Hahaha!" Ion can onlyugh to great extent.

    "Right! Let''s do this!" Joan said to them.

    Joan then prepared the imprint. Upon choosing the passive type skill as the origin, he then put a link to all bone type skills including the bones of the summoner. Mana will be spent as an expense for cultivating the skill and it will have surprising effects after many rounds of cultivation.

    He finished making the skill and then put it in Ion''s soul. Leaving his body again and then going back.

    "Finished, you get it? I also adjusted it to be essible to beginners. Making you cultivate it upon your willpower''s capacity. It is named [Bone hardening]," Joan said then sat at a chair.

    "Okay, let me test it first," Ion said to him.

    "Sure," Ion replied.

    He went to sit in a lotus position then started using the skill. Upon starting to cultivate, he felt that his mana was getting sucked by his bones. Making it nourished and hardens instead.

    "Upon my discovery, your bones skills are all depending on your bones. So that means, the harder your bones are, the harder they get," Joan said to them.

    "Oh! So that''s the secret to it! I know now why," Said Mills.

    "You should take your time with the testing phase. I rmend to let you test it on your [Bone wall] to see if it is hard enough," Joan said to him.

    "Wait, I need to make it stronger first before testing," Said Ion.

    "Sure, I will have to make another skill at the moment. Well, next is the Mage ss," Joan said. Mills felt ecstatic at his announcement.

    "Yes! Finally!" He shouted.

    "For you, what is the mage''s weakness?" Joan asked.

    "Hmmm, let me think about it. The weakness of the Mage is the mana well regeneration. Defence and offence, Mages are good there. But the problem lies when he or she has run out of mana. Maybe that is the weakness. To put it in simple terms, it is their weakness," Mills said to him.

    "Hmmm," Joan was in thoughts about what he will do about the current problem. As a fact that mana regeneration is made stronger by mana cultivation. As a passive skill, you need to make it stronger at in expense of mana.

    "Oh, yeah. Mana cultivation makes the mana well expand and boosts the mana regeneration. But how about making a skill that focuses only on mana regeneration?" Joan asked.

    "Yeah, you don''t have to cultivate with mana regeneration while battling," Mills said to him.

    "Yeah, I agree but the problem is to put it as a buff or a passive. What would be best?" Joan asked.

    "A buff is temporary but has stronger effects. While passive skill is permanent, although it is a slower pace of growth," Mills said his remarks.

    While thinking, Ion has finished cultivating his skill. They went to the testing grounds and then he used the skill.

    [Bone wall]

    Joan then instructed Mills to pour fireballs on it.

    [Fireball]

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

    To their surprise, they still saw the bones unscathed. Though it was darkened by the spell''s aftermath.

    "Woohoo! It worked! Finally!" Ion said to them.

    Joan pped his hands on him and then went inside theb. Upon choosing between the buff or passive, he finally found the answer. Buff has its potential into making one Mage rampage exponentially. But it will have a long cooldown. Only making it as a trump card on stronger opponents. While passive, you can control its growth and was permanent. Also having to rival the skill mana cultivation on the process. You can''t have all the time to cultivate both.

    "But what if it can?" Joan spoke out loud.

    Joan then went to the crystal ball and then scanned the skill mana cultivation. Though it was a simr skill, he find it able to be used while using mana cultivation.

    Attaching the imprint, he programmed it to the mana well''s cultivation process to be in sync with it. Making you do mana cultivation while doing mana regeneration.

    As sad as it was, it was only avable for the Mages. Making it as an imprint only for Mages. Joan called Mills and then he approached him. Exining things about whether he will choose the buff one of the passive one.

    "Well, I wanted buff one as it is a trump card. But the potential of the skill will be higher when you will put it to passive. Thinking about doing mana cultivation while cultivating mana regeneration is a brilliant idea, Joan. I haven''t seen so brilliant as you these days," Told Mills to him.

    "Well let us put it then. I call it [Mana regeneration]," Joan said to him then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. Inserting it to his skill tree then went back. Upon inserting it, he used the skill while cultivating. Upon his surprise, the mana cultivation was in sync with the skill of mana regeneration. Hitting two birds in one stone. As Joan expected, it was an imprint that originated from mana cultivation. So attaching it to the mother imprint was the right choice.

    "It was a sess!" He blurted out in great glee. Lifting his hands while his eyes filled with happiness.

    "I envy the next generation for this skill. I hope they will use it wisely," Said Mills.

    "So it is working, nicely done Mills!" Joan said to him with a thumbs up.

    "That is a well-made skill. That will surely change the future of Humanity. You sure keep making interesting skills Joan, I am impressed!" Troan said to him.

    "Ah, that is just a hobby that I wanted to do. I will create more in the future but I am not able to make these skills without you guys," Joan said then smiled.

    "Well, three done. Eight to go!" Joan added.

    It was then, the three directors cultivated their new skills like kids. Troan, Ion, and, Mills started cultivating their skills. Making the others jealous of their new skills. As Joan expected, it was an effective skill that they have. Making their weakness in the past will be their strengths. As he contemted, they have Legend auras in them. As their auras were not like before and they were intimidating individually.

    As Joan was with them, he felt that his Master Rank will sumb in the process.. Barely holding out for minutes but he has to rest a bit.

 Chapter 166 - Research Part 4

    "Huh!?" They eximed.

    "It is reasonable though, the defence I put in the skill is unreasonably high. And mind that it still grows," Joan exined.

    They were in thoughts. A one-second skill has such huge mana consumption while it was still in its young stage. Making them think again on its name "Invulnerable". As they thought about it, they can''t help but chuckle. It would be reasonable too to put it on Grandmaster rank. It was soon, they chuckled.

    "I will master this skill to the fullest as my priority. Thank you Joan for being the first to lend it to me," He bowed his head.

    "No, don''t bow. I have many things to make too in the future. You are a test subject and I am your researcher. We are on equal grounds. You help me and I help you, that is," Joan said unperturbed.

    He then shook his hands instead, he still was grateful to Joan even with everything he said.

    "Next is Kenji of the Ronin department," Joan announced.

    "So, Great Elder Kenji. In what ways would I be of help?" Joan asked.

    "Drop the formalities, Joan, ahem. So we Ronins has such love for our des. We devote our lives to it. We have a fast reflex in case of surprise attacks and has a keen sense.

    "But this is bugging me, we have keen sense but can we still elevate its sensitivity? Many of us died to surprise attacks of invisible creatures in history. Undetected enemies are our bane. Also about the stamina that we desperately use toplement our speed.

    "We have two problems right now but I think that we gravely needed the first one. A keen sense on enemies that hides or surprise attack us," Kenji said to him.

    "Hmmm, the paralyzing zone would help but faster enemies will kill you before you can stomp your foot. One way is being fallen to traps too. And so we will make a sense that can be used for such predicaments.

    "All your senses from the first to fifth sense will be heightened and also your sixth sense which you will badly need it in such cases you have told. I call it [Six senses]." Joan said to him.

    "Then let''s do it!" Kenji said excitedly.

    Upon making the skill, Joan programmed it to heighten the senses for the sense of hearing, the sense of sight, the sense of touch, smell, taste. All were enhanced that they will have greater senses than before.

    The sixth sense also will be enhanced. They will feel all the geography of the surrounding area and also the life of all surroundings. Limited to their willpower for the radius range and mana as it was consumed instead whilst expanded.

    They can use it whoever they like as long as they will use mana as the maintaining factor for it. A buff skill but can be forever used if you have your mana regeneration cope up with its consumption.

    Joan then extracted the skill and then lifted it. The glowing imprint was seen and Kenji approached him. He received the imprint and after that, Joan entered his soul realm. He ced the imprint inside his skill tree and then went out.

    "Done!" Joan said to him.

    "Well done Joan, I will immediately try the skill out," Kenji said to him.

    [Six senses]

    Upon his testing, He can hear them well without seeing them. Their hearts pumping and all the insects around. His sense of smell can smell their scents and can imagine their distances. Crouching then touching the floor, he felt the geography of the surrounding area. Opening his eyes, he can see them in the eyes of youth. The colours were vibrant and it was like his eyesight was restored.

    "Wow, everything is amazing. Though maintaining the skill is still hard for young ones. I rank it, Master," Kenji said to them.

    "Ah, yes of course. All six of your senses are heightened and it has a standard mana consumption that is set by Joan. Mastering it means lower mana consumption in the future but has higher effects," Mills said to him.

    "Wait, increasing its mastery will make it have lower mana consumption? And will have greater effects?" Asked Roan.

    "Yes, it is close to a buff first which has technique qualities to it. But it will turn out to be like a passive in the future in full mastery. You can use it all day and all night. But it has bacshes like being shouted at. If my calctions are right, that is," Joan said to them.

    "Ah, I see. That is sure a good skill you got, Troan said to him.

    "Thanks!" Kenji replied.

    "Next is Herthall of Ranger Department," Joan announced.

    "Yes, finally it''s me," Herthall said as he approached. Cracking his neck while approaching.

    "So, Sir Herthall, what would be it? Hmm?" Joan asked while touching his chin.

    "Can you think of something that enhances the potential of a Ranger drastically? Something that is a buff and not passive. Something that can save you in perilous possibility," Herthall asked.

    "Something like your mind''s mental capacity of calcting things? Hmm, better to make it into a buff and not a passive one. I can already think of the name, [Calctive reflex]. You like it?" Joan asked.

    "Yes of course! [Calctive reflex]. Something in between reflex and mind enhancer. A Ranger can be decisive with this skill. It can be a passive skill but the start will be trifling. Slow in its growth and development. The skill has to be a buff in case of emergencies," Herthall said to him.

    "Yes, and with that, we proceed to create it," He announced.

    At that moment, Joan chooses the buff skill as its fundamentals. Creating the imprint and programmed it to boost one''s mind and elerate its thought processes. Mana was consumed in the process of maintaining it aside from the one to cast it.

    After focusing on making it, Joan gave it to Herthall. Making use of the time he had, he dived towards his soul realm and left his body. Making him see the skill tree that he needs to embed the imprint. Upon attaching it, he left the ce and went back on his self.

    "Ho! Done! Let us test it then," Joan said to him.

    "Let''s go! Kenji, try using shes buffed with [elerate] on him then Herthall, use the dual wield skill and activate the skill [Calctive reflex]," Joan finished his instructions.

    "Yeah, let''s go!" Troan said to them.

    Upon reaching the testing grounds, the two were positioned adjacent to each other. The stance was all set and then the two dashed towards each other.

    [rate]

    [Calctive reflex]

    The two shed with each other and their des sparked. They were in their high horses and brawled like never been before. As Herthall tested the skill, his predictive sense was enhanced greatly. It can boost one''s reflex on the enemy attacks. Making your mind slow things down on you and process them to aid your final decision.

    As Joan has said, it consumes mana while using it, but also drains stamina while moving your body. Willpower was also boosted and your mind was calm at the moment of using it.

    They finished their sh and with great results. Herthall bested Kenji as he made his de flung from his hands. Only using his two short-swords.

    "Yes! Haha, I win!" Herthall shouted.

    "Tsk tsk tsk. That is just a test dumbass! So what''s the skill''s rank?" He asked.

    "Master, mana consumption is great for a beginner and I rmend it to the Master Rank. Mana consumption can be weathered out in Master Rank so I advise using it in that rank. Below will be having a hard time. It has to be a Grandmaster skill as it is a game-changer but Masters can already use it," Herthall exined.

    "Oh, I see, nicely done! The two of you!" Joan shouted at them.

    They all cheered at their sess in their test. Another skill was made and it was not stopping anytime soon. They have to proceed to Rogue, Druid, Lycan, andst, Fighter. The day was still long and they all decided to take a break. Testing their skills at the moment to have further feedback. Checking it out if they will find an error in the skill before handing it to the students.

    As they checked, they have found that no more problems were arising except the said aforementioned problems. Well, no skill has its perfectness. All skills have bacsh or were offered in return. Making it a great beginning with them as a tester.

    Time went by and they ate in the cafeteria. As for a half-day of skill-making, it was a good start for them. The Directors were happy that they have new skills to lend to their students. Upon Joan''s fruits ofbour, they made new skills that will change their job ss forever. Thanks to him, they will have something topensate for their current troubles and weakness. Their weakness will be their strengths shortly.

    As they have something to learn in the beginning, their feeling of a new skill to learn was making them excited. It was like a child that received a new toy to have fun with. Eating some more, Joan was binge eating as he was tired. He needs greater energy for the uing training he will have every night. Pulling up an all-nighter will be his current goal.. And that was to reach Master in no time.

 Chapter 167 - Research Part 5

    They went back to theb after eating their lunch. All of them were full and so was Joan. He was so full that his stomach will burst. Digesting a bit of what his stomach can before getting to work.

    "The food is great! I am full to the brim!" Said Bruck.

    "I know right? I prepared the best food for our meals," Troan said to him.

    "That is a st! Hope we maintain our bodies even with the feasting on foods. I have to work out more with all that carbohydrates," Weldebert said to them.

    "Yeah, I might have an overgrown belly with this kind of lifestyle," Said Kenji.

    They rested in their seats first then Joan digested his food first. For he knew he might need all that carbohydratester on. As he rested, they all have a random chit chat with themselves.

    "Hey Joan, do you like girls? You can find one on our campus," Asked Troan.

    "Girls? Of course, I like girls. It is just I am not romantically inclined right now with all the troubles I am currently facing. They might likely get in trouble if they will make a connection with me," Joan exined

    ''I failed to save my loved ones in the past as they were killed with my enemies. I won''t make the same mistake again,'' Joan said in his mind.

    Regretting that he failed in saving his lover''s lives in the past, he ceased to think of getting in love again. It felt like a curse for him ever since then. Not wanting to repeat the same ipetency in the past as of today.

    After digesting the food, Joan decided to start the next skill-making. Standing up and then facing the crystal ball on his front, he used the skill to start their activity.

    [Skill forge]

    The burning anvil went inside the crystal ball and so they started. Lifting his hands then putting it on both sides of the ball, he called forth the next one to be the tester.

    "I called forth Roan of the Rogue department," Joan announced.

    It was then, he stand up from his seat then approached him.

    "Atst, it is my time!" He shouted thenughed.

    "So, what do you want to create?" Joan asked him.

    "Hmm, something that increases the movement speed of the Rogues. But it will be dead silent and instantaneous in effect. Will make you climb buildings without problems and as much as possible passive," Roan said to him.

    "Hmmm, a precise description of the skill. You have thought it out well ahead, right? For your request, it will be easy. Having an instantaneous effect on the Rogues but if passive, it will be a tad hard to train the skill.

    "You will have to train it to the bones to increase your mastery in it. But that will also consume more mana if used. Except for a buff that has determined mana then sustained by additional mana to sustain it.

    "This one is something that the Roguecks currently and so I will make this one have mana consumption and stamina consumption to lessen the requirements on the mana requirement needed. As I have thought, this will be the greatest skill that a Rogue can have to have the greatest mobility in all sses.

    "I am jealous of the next generation. They have this skill to learn and will have a brighter future," Joan said to him.

    "Yes, I am looking forward to this skill that you will make," Roan said to him.

    Upon creating a passive imprint, he put the effects of the skill. Faster movement speed for faster assassination executions, lighter steps for the silent dash, making your weight into a feather for climbing the tall walls. Assassination attacks will never be the same as before from now on after Joan created the skill.

    Programming it to consume both mana and stamina for a longer duration of the skill and it was created to be passive. Mastering the skill will also be a tad harder as you will have to be physically attuned to the skill. Meaning, you have to use it as long as you can to increase your mastery of it. The same with other skills that they have currently.

    Still, it was a breakthrough. Joan finished creating the skill and managed to put the skill effects to the imprint. Holding them tight then gave it to Roan.

    "Finally! I will be using the skill I wished for all my life!" Roan said to him.

    Inserting the skill into his skill tree, he managed to get out without problems.

    "Test it now, will you?" Joan said to him.

    "Ah, yes of course," Roan replied.

    He went outside and then dashed. They all went to watch him and then were mesmerised by his speed. It was almost like teleportation upon their senses. He was light as a feather and so his speed rose. His movement speed was iparable from before. He dashed to the walls and climbed up with some manoeuvre and jumps. Making them watch on such a spectacle.

    Joan was impressed with the results. But as he imagined it will not be avable for the beginners. Getting the skill was one thing, but mastering it will be another thing.

    Others might only exert a low level of mastery on the first try. Others will also have higher mastery in the future and it depends on their stats. It will not have the same effects on everyone.

    After exerting himself, he was wasted. Both on stamina and mana. After drinking water, he smiled at them and then announced the rank.

    "The rank is Grandmaster! Seriously, no beginners can''t hold out long. This skill has absurd mana and stamina consumption. It felt not passive at all!" Roan said to him.

    You can use it if you want. But I advise you to use it only in emergencies. And mastering it is, as I have said, will be a tad hard.

    "There is no skill that has effects that didn''t ask in return for its activation. Passive skills can sometimes be enhanced by mana. Other skills will not ask mana but stamina instead. No skill behaves that way. There is always a return to its service," Joan exined.

    "Ah yes, I know. Haha, maybe I am asking too much. Thank you very much for creating such a skill. The Rogues will eternally be grateful to your efforts," Roan said to him.

    "Nah, I won''t think of it as a primary goal. I can only do this as I am the only one who can," Joan said to them.

    "Ah yes, of course. Knowing you deeply reminds me of that humbleness. I am happy to have met someone like you," Roan said to him.

    "As for its name, it is called [Lightfoot]," Joan said to him.

    "Yes, a name befitting it. Thank you deeply for making me the first to try it," He said while bowing down.

    "Haha, don''t think too much about it. Now let us proceed to the next one. Bruck of the Druid department," Joan announced.

    "Yes?" He said while approaching him.

    "It is your turn, any request?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes, just as simple as making my summons stronger. Even in a slight increase is deeply appreciated," Bruck said his request.

    "How about something that gives an increase to your summon''s capabilities? A slight increase in all stats with a start then cultivates it to get stronger. No need to maintain it with mana as it was a permanent increase to your summons. I call it [Flora and fauna mastery]. As the name implies, it will make your animal and nt summons get stronger.

    "No need to be physically attuned with the skill but only by cultivating it with mana," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. I am looking forward to it," Bruck said to him.

    He started creating the imprint then put a stat-enhancing program to it in all different kinds of summons. Whether nt or animal, he put it there. Also, he made it possible by making the mana as its feed for its growth.

    Extracting the imprint, he put it inside Bruck and then attached it to his skill tree. The ce where all his skills were located. Exiting the ce, he managed to get out without problems.

    "Woohoo! Atst, it is finished!" Joan said to him.

    "I will test it out just this instant," Bruck said to him.

    As he went into a lotus position, he started cultivating the skill [Flora and fauna mastery]. Increasing the stats of all his summons slowly by his mana as their feed for growth. As Joan expected, mana consumption was great. The reason was, all of the summons were nourished, not just one. And so Bruck surrendered after a few minutes.

    "As sad as it is, this skill is for Grandmasters and up only. If you have low numbers of summons, then maybe it will not be hard to handle their mana consumption. But for me to have unlocked numerous animals and nts, it will be a hard one to sustain.

    "Still, this skill is revolutionary.. I hope I have met this skill when I am still a kid," Bruck said to him.

 Chapter 168 - Research Part 6

    "Now it is settled, let us proceed to the next one. Next is Greaz of the Lycan department," Joan announced.

    It was then, he approached him. Standing in his front then coughed.

    "Just like Bruck, I also wanted my summons to get stronger. Not that I am unconfident or what but wanted to at least make my pets stronger," He exined.

    Knowing about this, Joan contemted. It was surely the right choice for him now. As summons will get tougher while being strong already. Adding to this, the summons of the Lycans can regenerate, contrary to the Druid summons who won''t. Making them stronger will be the right choice of action.

    As Joan started, he made an imprint that was based on passive skill. Nourishing the stats of the pets by using the mana of the caster as nutrition. As this skill will be slow in progress but the results will be shocking. As Joan observed, this skill will be on par with the Druid''s [Flora and fauna mastery]. It was not even a shocking matter to him if it will happen.

    After creating the skill, he went inside his soul realm then went on his skill tree, where all his skills were present. As he inserted it into one of the branches, he immediately went out of his soul realm. He went back on his body then he opened his eyes.

    "So it is a sess?" Asked Greaz.

    "Yes," Joan smiled.

    "Good, let us test it then," Greaz said to him.

    He went to the seats then went into a lotus position. Focusing on himself, he started cultivating the skill. Upon his surprise, he felt that slowly, his pets were growing stronger and stronger. Not only his pets but also his beast form. In utter happiness, he chuckled low then louder and louder.

    "Hahaha! I haven''t seen such a skill in many decades. But this! This will change everything!" Greaz shouted.

    "So it is a sess?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! But it consumes mana drastically. Still, it will be avable for Master rank and up," He said.

    "I name the skill [Beast mastery]. It has lower mana consumptionpared to Druid''s summons as they tend to be slightly weaker. But that also leads to the growth of your beast form. The growth is divided and so your growth speed is slower.

    "Though your mana consumption is lower and that is good news. You can cultivate longer than usual. Though slightly lower in mana consumption doesn''t mean that it is not huge. It is only a tier lower in mana consumptionpared to the Druid''s. And they have huge mana consumption at that," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see, well that concludes it. Thank you very much for such an amazing skill. I will have greater leaps in strength with this," He said then bowed his head.

    "Nah, thank meter if you found no errors in the skill. I might create more in the future so you can take it for granted," Joan said to him.

    "But," He added.

    "Sigh, we are all friends here right? It is my utmost happiness to help my friends get stronger. Especially all of you," Joan said as he patted his shoulders.

    "Okay," He replied.

    "Well, for thest one? Weldebert of Fighter department," Joan announced.

    "Atst," He walked towards Joan then bowed.

    "I would want to ask for a skill that lessens our bruises on our feet and hands. Something that alleviates the pain when we strike or when we are struck. That is all," Weldebert said then lifted his head.

    "On it, is that all that you would like to ask?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes," He replied with resolute eyes.

    "Okay," Joan replied.

    Joan then started working on his skill-making. Having made the imprint, he made a program that nourishes the skin. Making it reduce the damage but still flexible when touched. It didn''t make the skin harder but was still tender. This skill was made for conditioning the skin to be not easily cut or bruised.

    "I call this skill [Skin conditioning]. As this skill implies, it will make your skin bear harsh beatings. It can make your skin uncuttable with des or pierce with spears.

    "Also blunts will have trifling pain to you. When training this, you have to have a resolute mind as you will be physically attuned with the skill. Meaning, you will have to beat yourself while putting mana to your skin.

    "By that, you will increase the mastery of your skill. But fret not, your efforts will be rewarded generously. Your prowess will be stronger by leaps and bounds with this skill," Joan exined.

    "Wow! Atst, we can go all out!" Wildebert almost shouted.

    Joan then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. In the form of a passive skill, he gave it to Wildebert''s skill tree and then attached it to one of its branches. Upon finishing, he went back on his self.

    "Is it done?" Weldebert asked.

    "Yes, you can use it now," Joan said to him.

    "Ah yes, I only have a question. Why is it needed to be physically attuned with the skill when we can cultivate the passive skill you gave?" He asked.

    "Ah, well you see, you will still feel the pain so you need to train your mind for that. Although you will have minimal damage to yourself, you will still feel the pain inflicted on you. So steeling your mind is one way of reducing flinch on the enemy attacks," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. Well, I will try the skill first," Weldebert said to him then went to sit on one of the benches. Being in a lotus position.

    Upon using the skill, he prepared the mana needed and then started cultivating the skill. To his surprise, he felt that the skill was working on his skin''s surface. Stimting it to be flexible but was making it undamaged when a harmful outer object will assault it. It made his skin resistant to de damage, blunt and piercing. Resistant but not immune.

    Upon testing it, Joan then tested his mind''s capacity to handle the blows. Joan smiled at him when he conjured a whip on his hands.

    "Well, let''s test it out?" Joan grinned.

    "Wait, wait! Let''s talk this out shall we?" Weldebert shouted.

    "Guys hold him off," Joan instructed.

    "As you wish," Troan said to him.

    They held him off then Joan prepared to whip him.

    "Use the skill now and let us see if it is effective," Joan said to him.

    It was then he whipped him on his back and then, to all their surprise, there was no evidence of it being damaged at all.

    "Good, it is working!" Joan eximed.

    "Guys, you all nearly gave me a heart attack. Don''t do that again," Weldebert said to them.

    They can onlyugh at his remarks and so they all finished their mission for that day. To Joan, that day was fruitful and he managed to create more skills just from their desires. Making a way for their weakness to be alleviated and solved. That also made their weakness their strengths. Making Joan happy deep inside.

    As the day has ended, the afternoon came. Joan then slept on one of the seats while they were busy cultivating the newfound skills they received.

    It was then, the principal arrived with his mage robes and his staff. Seeing them testing their skills made his baffle. He knew that they will surely behave that way when they received the skills that he made. Upon his visit, he saw that Joan was sleeping at the moment and so, he waited for him to wake up. He drank coffee from one of their cabs with a kettle on one of the stoves still boiling.

    Joan woke up and then he saw that the Principal was watching him.

    "So you have woken up? I am impressed that you made them all riled up with your works. As a representative of this school, I am thanking you for your efforts. I can see that you are tired. You can have a cup of coffee with me as we are talking," He said to Joan then sipped another round of coffee.

    As he saw the principal talking, he squinted his eyes then groaned. Blinking twice, he realized that it was the principal that he was with.

    "Oh, Principal! I didn''t know it was you!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! It is fine, I am sorry to disturb you on your rest. I am only here to tell you of some matters about the cultist on this school," He said.

    "Go on, I am listening," Joan said while preparing his cup of coffee.

    "I nned to let you infiltrate the designated ce at the time of the tournament. I hope you are not busy that time and has no ns yet on that day," The Principal said to him.

    "No, I have no ns yet for that time. And I think that is the best time to infiltrate. I will also recon the ce first with my Rogue then a map of the ce will also be extremely useful on such asions when I will infiltrate.

    "On the time of need, I will get help from the director''s elites and cleanse the ce from the cultist. No stone left unturned," Joan said.

    It was then he sipped his cup then sighed.

    "Sadly, I can not support my students and watch them battle," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, some things must be sacrificed for the time being. And I am sure that they will do their best not to disappoint you," The Principal said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied, sipping again his coffee.

 Chapter 169 - Research Part 6

    "Now it is settled, let us proceed to the next one. Next is Greaz of the Lycan department," Joan announced.

    It was then, he approached him. Standing in his front then coughed.

    "Just like Bruck, I also wanted my summons to get stronger. Not that I am unconfident or what but wanted to at least make my pets stronger," He exined.

    Knowing about this, Joan contemted. It was surely the right choice for him now. As summons will get tougher while being strong already. Adding to this, the summons of the Lycans can regenerate, contrary to the Druid summons who won''t. Making them stronger will be the right choice of action.

    As Joan started, he made an imprint that was based on passive skill. Nourishing the stats of the pets by using the mana of the caster as nutrition. As this skill will be slow in progress but the results will be shocking. As Joan observed, this skill will be on par with the Druid''s [Flora and fauna mastery]. It was not even a shocking matter to him if it will happen.

    After creating the skill, he went inside his soul realm then went on his skill tree, where all his skills were present. As he inserted it into one of the branches, he immediately went out of his soul realm. He went back on his body then he opened his eyes.

    "So it is a sess?" Asked Greaz.

    "Yes," Joan smiled.

    "Good, let us test it then," Greaz said to him.

    He went to the seats then went into a lotus position. Focusing on himself, he started cultivating the skill. Upon his surprise, he felt that slowly, his pets were growing stronger and stronger. Not only his pets but also his beast form. In utter happiness, he chuckled low then louder and louder.

    "Hahaha! I haven''t seen such a skill in many decades. But this! This will change everything!" Greaz shouted.

    "So it is a sess?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! But it consumes mana drastically. Still, it will be avable for Master rank and up," He said.

    "I name the skill [Beast mastery]. It has lower mana consumptionpared to Druid''s summons as they tend to be slightly weaker. But that also leads to the growth of your beast form. The growth is divided and so your growth speed is slower.

    "Though your mana consumption is lower and that is good news. You can cultivate longer than usual. Though slightly lower in mana consumption doesn''t mean that it is not huge. It is only a tier lower in mana consumptionpared to the Druid''s. And they have huge mana consumption at that," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see, well that concludes it. Thank you very much for such an amazing skill. I will have greater leaps in strength with this," He said then bowed his head.

    "Nah, thank meter if you found no errors in the skill. I might create more in the future so you can take it for granted," Joan said to him.

    "But," He added.

    "Sigh, we are all friends here right? It is my utmost happiness to help my friends get stronger. Especially all of you," Joan said as he patted his shoulders.

    "Okay," He replied.

    "Well, for thest one? Weldebert of Fighter department," Joan announced.

    "Atst," He walked towards Joan then bowed.

    "I would want to ask for a skill that lessens our bruises on our feet and hands. Something that alleviates the pain when we strike or when we are struck. That is all," Weldebert said then lifted his head.

    "On it, is that all that you would like to ask?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes," He replied with resolute eyes.

    "Okay," Joan replied.

    Joan then started working on his skill-making. Having made the imprint, he made a program that nourishes the skin. Making it reduce the damage but still flexible when touched. It didn''t make the skin harder but was still tender. This skill was made for conditioning the skin to be not easily cut or bruised.

    "I call this skill [Skin conditioning]. As this skill implies, it will make your skin bear harsh beatings. It can make your skin uncuttable with des or pierce with spears.

    "Also blunts will have trifling pain to you. When training this, you have to have a resolute mind as you will be physically attuned with the skill. Meaning, you will have to beat yourself while putting mana to your skin.

    "By that, you will increase the mastery of your skill. But fret not, your efforts will be rewarded generously. Your prowess will be stronger by leaps and bounds with this skill," Joan exined.

    "Wow! Atst, we can go all out!" Wildebert almost shouted.

    Joan then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. In the form of a passive skill, he gave it to Wildebert''s skill tree and then attached it to one of its branches. Upon finishing, he went back on his self.

    "Is it done?" Weldebert asked.

    "Yes, you can use it now," Joan said to him.

    "Ah yes, I only have a question. Why is it needed to be physically attuned with the skill when we can cultivate the passive skill you gave?" He asked.

    "Ah, well you see, you will still feel the pain so you need to train your mind for that. Although you will have minimal damage to yourself, you will still feel the pain inflicted on you. So steeling your mind is one way of reducing flinch on the enemy attacks," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. Well, I will try the skill first," Weldebert said to him then went to sit on one of the benches. Being in a lotus position.

    Upon using the skill, he prepared the mana needed and then started cultivating the skill. To his surprise, he felt that the skill was working on his skin''s surface. Stimting it to be flexible but was making it undamaged when a harmful outer object will assault it. It made his skin resistant to de damage, blunt and piercing. Resistant but not immune.

    Upon testing it, Joan then tested his mind''s capacity to handle the blows. Joan smiled at him when he conjured a whip on his hands.

    "Well, let''s test it out?" Joan grinned.

    "Wait, wait! Let''s talk this out shall we?" Weldebert shouted.

    "Guys hold him off," Joan instructed.

    "As you wish," Troan said to him.

    They held him off then Joan prepared to whip him.

    "Use the skill now and let us see if it is effective," Joan said to him.

    It was then he whipped him on his back and then, to all their surprise, there was no evidence of it being damaged at all.

    "Good, it is working!" Joan eximed.

    "Guys, you all nearly gave me a heart attack. Don''t do that again," Weldebert said to them.

    They can onlyugh at his remarks and so they all finished their mission for that day. To Joan, that day was fruitful and he managed to create more skills just from their desires. Making a way for their weakness to be alleviated and solved. That also made their weakness their strengths. Making Joan happy deep inside.

    As the day has ended, the afternoon came. Joan then slept on one of the seats while they were busy cultivating the newfound skills they received.

    It was then, the principal arrived with his mage robes and his staff. Seeing them testing their skills made his baffle. He knew that they will surely behave that way when they received the skills that he made. Upon his visit, he saw that Joan was sleeping at the moment and so, he waited for him to wake up. He drank coffee from one of their cabs with a kettle on one of the stoves still boiling.

    Joan woke up and then he saw that the Principal was watching him.

    "So you have woken up? I am impressed that you made them all riled up with your works. As a representative of this school, I am thanking you for your efforts. I can see that you are tired. You can have a cup of coffee with me as we are talking," He said to Joan then sipped another round of coffee.

    As he saw the principal talking, he squinted his eyes then groaned. Blinking twice, he realized that it was the principal that he was with.

    "Oh, Principal! I didn''t know it was you!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! It is fine, I am sorry to disturb you on your rest. I am only here to tell you of some matters about the cultist on this school," He said.

    "Go on, I am listening," Joan said while preparing his cup of coffee.

    "I nned to let you infiltrate the designated ce at the time of the tournament. I hope you are not busy that time and has no ns yet on that day," The Principal said to him.

    "No, I have no ns yet for that time. And I think that is the best time to infiltrate. I will also recon the ce first with my Rogue then a map of the ce will also be extremely useful on such asions when I will infiltrate.

    "On the time of need, I will get help from the director''s elites and cleanse the ce from the cultist. No stone left unturned," Joan said.

    It was then he sipped his cup then sighed.

    "Sadly, I can not support my students and watch them battle," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, some things must be sacrificed for the time being. And I am sure that they will do their best not to disappoint you," The Principal said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied, sipping again his coffee.

 Chapter 170 - Research Part 6

    "Now it is settled, let us proceed to the next one. Next is Greaz of the Lycan department," Joan announced in a loud voice.

    It was then, he approached him. Standing in his front then coughed.

    "Just like Bruck, I also wanted my summons to get stronger. Not that I am unconfident or what but wanted to at least make my pets stronger," He exined.

    Knowing about this, Joan contemted. It was surely the right choice for him now. As summons will get tougher while being strong already. Adding to this, the summons of the Lycans can regenerate, contrary to the Druid summons who won''t. Making them stronger will be the right choice of action.

    As Joan started, he made an imprint that was based on passive skill. Nourishing the stats of the pets by using the mana of the caster as nutrition. As this skill will be slow in progress but the results will be shocking. As Joan observed, this skill will be on par with the Druid''s [Flora and fauna mastery]. It was not even a shocking matter to him if it will happen.

    After creating the skill, he went inside his soul realm then went on his skill tree, where all his skills were present. As he inserted it into one of the branches, he immediately went out of his soul realm. He went back on his body then he opened his eyes.

    "So it is a sess?" Asked Greaz.

    "Yes," Joan smiled.

    "Good, let us test it then," Greaz said to him.

    He went to the seats then went into a lotus position. Focusing on himself, he started cultivating the skill. Upon his surprise, he felt that slowly, his pets were growing stronger and stronger. Not only his pets but also his beast form. In utter happiness, he chuckled low then louder and louder.

    "Hahaha! I haven''t seen such a skill in many decades. But this! This will change everything!" Greaz shouted.

    "So it is a sess?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! But it consumes mana drastically. Still, it will be avable for Master rank and up," He said.

    "I name the skill [Beast mastery]. It has lower mana consumptionpared to Druid''s summons as they tend to be slightly weaker. But that also leads to the growth of your beast form. The growth is divided and so your growth speed is slower.

    "Though your mana consumption is lower and that is good news. You can cultivate longer than usual. Though slightly lower in mana consumption doesn''t mean that it is not huge. It is only a tier lower in mana consumptionpared to the Druid''s. And they have huge mana consumption at that," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see, well that concludes it. Thank you very much for such an amazing skill. I will have greater leaps in strength with this," He said then bowed his head.

    "Nah, thank meter if you found no errors in the skill. I might create more in the future so you can take it for granted," Joan said to him.

    "But," He added.

    "Sigh, we are all friends here right? It is my utmost happiness to help my friends get stronger. Especially all of you," Joan said as he patted his shoulders.

    "Okay," He replied.

    "Well, for thest one? Weldebert of Fighter department," Joan announced.

    "Atst," He walked towards Joan then bowed.

    "I would want to ask for a skill that lessens our bruises on our feet and hands. Something that alleviates the pain when we strike or when we are struck. That is all," Weldebert said then lifted his head.

    "On it, is that all that you would like to ask?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes," He replied with resolute eyes.

    "Okay," Joan replied.

    Joan then started working on his skill-making. Having made the imprint, he made a program that nourishes the skin. Making it reduce the damage but still flexible when touched. It didn''t make the skin harder but was still tender. This skill was made for conditioning the skin to be not easily cut or bruised.

    "I call this skill [Skin conditioning]. As this skill implies, it will make your skin bear harsh beatings. It can make your skin uncuttable with des or pierce with spears.

    "Also blunts will have trifling pain to you. When training this, you have to have a resolute mind as you will be physically attuned with the skill. Meaning, you will have to beat yourself while putting mana to your skin.

    "By that, you will increase the mastery of your skill. But fret not, your efforts will be rewarded generously. Your prowess will be stronger by leaps and bounds with this skill," Joan exined.

    "Wow! Atst, we can go all out!" Wildebert almost shouted.

    Joan then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. In the form of a passive skill, he gave it to Wildebert''s skill tree and then attached it to one of its branches. Upon finishing, he went back on his self.

    "Is it done?" Weldebert asked.

    "Yes, you can use it now," Joan said to him.

    "Ah yes, I only have a question. Why is it needed to be physically attuned with the skill when we can cultivate the passive skill you gave?" He asked.

    "Ah, well you see, you will still feel the pain so you need to train your mind for that. Although you will have minimal damage to yourself, you will still feel the pain inflicted on you. So steeling your mind is one way of reducing flinch on the enemy attacks," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. Well, I will try the skill first," Weldebert said to him then went to sit on one of the benches. Being in a lotus position.

    Upon using the skill, he prepared the mana needed and then started cultivating the skill. To his surprise, he felt that the skill was working on his skin''s surface. Stimting it to be flexible but was making it undamaged when a harmful outer object will assault it. It made his skin resistant to de damage, blunt and piercing. Resistant but not immune.

    Upon testing it, Joan then tested his mind''s capacity to handle the blows. Joan smiled at him when he conjured a whip on his hands.

    "Well, let''s test it out?" Joan grinned.

    "Wait, wait! Let''s talk this out shall we?" Weldebert shouted.

    "Guys hold him off," Joan instructed.

    "As you wish," Troan said to him.

    They held him off then Joan prepared to whip him.

    "Use the skill now and let us see if it is effective," Joan said to him.

    It was then he whipped him on his back and then, to all their surprise, there was no evidence of it being damaged at all.

    "Good, it is working!" Joan eximed.

    "Guys, you all nearly gave me a heart attack. Don''t do that again," Weldebert said to them.

    They can onlyugh at his remarks and so they all finished their mission for that day. To Joan, that day was fruitful and he managed to create more skills just from their desires. Making a way for their weakness to be alleviated and solved. That also made their weakness their strengths. Making Joan happy deep inside.

    As the day has ended, the afternoon came. Joan then slept on one of the seats while they were busy cultivating the newfound skills they received.

    It was then, the principal arrived with his mage robes and his staff. Seeing them testing their skills made his baffle. He knew that they will surely behave that way when they received the skills that he made. Upon his visit, he saw that Joan was sleeping at the moment and so, he waited for him to wake up. He drank coffee from one of their cabs with a kettle on one of the stoves still boiling.

    Joan woke up and then he saw that the Principal was watching him.

    "So you have woken up? I am impressed that you made them all riled up with your works. As a representative of this school, I am thanking you for your efforts. I can see that you are tired. You can have a cup of coffee with me as we are talking," He said to Joan then sipped another round of coffee.

    As he saw the principal talking, he squinted his eyes then groaned. Blinking twice, he realized that it was the principal that he was with.

    "Oh, Principal! I didn''t know it was you!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! It is fine, I am sorry to disturb you on your rest. I am only here to tell you of some matters about the cultist on this school," He said.

    "Go on, I am listening," Joan said while preparing his cup of coffee.

    "I nned to let you infiltrate the designated ce at the time of the tournament. I hope you are not busy that time and has no ns yet on that day," The Principal said to him.

    "No, I have no ns yet for that time. And I think that is the best time to infiltrate. I will also recon the ce first with my Rogue then a map of the ce will also be extremely useful on such asions when I will infiltrate.

    "On the time of need, I will get help from the director''s elites and cleanse the ce from the cultist. No stone left unturned," Joan said.

    It was then he sipped his cup then sighed.

    "Sadly, I can not support my students and watch them battle," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, some things must be sacrificed for the time being. And I am sure that they will do their best not to disappoint you," The Principal said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied, sipping again his coffee.

 Chapter 171 - Research Part 6

    "Now it is settled, let us proceed to the next one. Next is Greaz of the Lycan department," Joan announced in a loud voice.

    It was then, he approached him. Standing in his front then coughed on his hands.

    "Just like Bruck, I also wanted my summons to get stronger. Not that I am unconfident or what but wanted to at least make my pets stronger," He exined.

    Knowing about this, Joan contemted. It was surely the right choice for him now. As summons will get tougher while being strong already. Adding to this, the summons of the Lycans can regenerate, contrary to the Druid summons who won''t. Making them stronger will be the right choice of action.

    As Joan started, he made an imprint that was based on passive skill. Nourishing the stats of the pets by using the mana of the caster as nutrition. As this skill will be slow in progress but the results will be shocking. As Joan observed, this skill will be on par with the Druid''s [Flora and fauna mastery]. It was not even a shocking matter to him if it will happen.

    After creating the skill, he went inside his soul realm then went on his skill tree, where all his skills were present. As he inserted it into one of the branches, he immediately went out of his soul realm. He went back on his body then he opened his eyes.

    "So it is a sess?" Asked Greaz.

    "Yes," Joan smiled.

    "Good, let us test it then," Greaz said to him.

    He went to the seats then went into a lotus position. Focusing on himself, he started cultivating the skill. Upon his surprise, he felt that slowly, his pets were growing stronger and stronger. Not only his pets but also his beast form. In utter happiness, he chuckled low then louder and louder.

    "Hahaha! I haven''t seen such a skill in many decades. But this! This will change everything!" Greaz shouted.

    "So it is a sess?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! But it consumes mana drastically. Still, it will be avable for Master rank and up," He said.

    "I name the skill [Beast mastery]. It has lower mana consumptionpared to Druid''s summons as they tend to be slightly weaker. But that also leads to the growth of your beast form. The growth is divided and so your growth speed is slower.

    "Though your mana consumption is lower and that is good news. You can cultivate longer than usual. Though slightly lower in mana consumption doesn''t mean that it is not huge. It is only a tier lower in mana consumptionpared to the Druid''s. And they have huge mana consumption at that," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see, well that concludes it. Thank you very much for such an amazing skill. I will have greater leaps in strength with this," He said then bowed his head.

    "Nah, thank meter if you found no errors in the skill. I might create more in the future so you can take it for granted," Joan said to him.

    "But," He added.

    "Sigh, we are all friends here right? It is my utmost happiness to help my friends get stronger. Especially all of you," Joan said as he patted his shoulders.

    "Okay," He replied.

    "Well, for thest one? Weldebert of Fighter department," Joan announced.

    "Atst," He walked towards Joan then bowed.

    "I would want to ask for a skill that lessens our bruises on our feet and hands. Something that alleviates the pain when we strike or when we are struck. That is all," Weldebert said then lifted his head.

    "On it, is that all that you would like to ask?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes," He replied with resolute eyes.

    "Okay," Joan replied.

    Joan then started working on his skill-making. Having made the imprint, he made a program that nourishes the skin. Making it reduce the damage but still flexible when touched. It didn''t make the skin harder but was still tender. This skill was made for conditioning the skin to be not easily cut or bruised.

    "I call this skill [Skin conditioning]. As this skill implies, it will make your skin bear harsh beatings. It can make your skin uncuttable with des or pierce with spears.

    "Also blunts will have trifling pain to you. When training this, you have to have a resolute mind as you will be physically attuned with the skill. Meaning, you will have to beat yourself while putting mana to your skin.

    "By that, you will increase the mastery of your skill. But fret not, your efforts will be rewarded generously. Your prowess will be stronger by leaps and bounds with this skill," Joan exined.

    "Wow! Atst, we can go all out!" Wildebert almost shouted.

    Joan then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. In the form of a passive skill, he gave it to Wildebert''s skill tree and then attached it to one of its branches. Upon finishing, he went back on his self.

    "Is it done?" Weldebert asked.

    "Yes, you can use it now," Joan said to him.

    "Ah yes, I only have a question. Why is it needed to be physically attuned with the skill when we can cultivate the passive skill you gave?" He asked.

    "Ah, well you see, you will still feel the pain so you need to train your mind for that. Although you will have minimal damage to yourself, you will still feel the pain inflicted on you. So steeling your mind is one way of reducing flinch on the enemy attacks," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. Well, I will try the skill first," Weldebert said to him then went to sit on one of the benches. Being in a lotus position.

    Upon using the skill, he prepared the mana needed and then started cultivating the skill. To his surprise, he felt that the skill was working on his skin''s surface. Stimting it to be flexible but was making it undamaged when a harmful outer object will assault it. It made his skin resistant to de damage, blunt and piercing. Resistant but not immune.

    Upon testing it, Joan then tested his mind''s capacity to handle the blows. Joan smiled at him when he conjured a whip on his hands.

    "Well, let''s test it out?" Joan grinned.

    "Wait, wait! Let''s talk this out shall we?" Weldebert shouted.

    "Guys hold him off," Joan instructed.

    "As you wish," Troan said to him.

    They held him off then Joan prepared to whip him.

    "Use the skill now and let us see if it is effective," Joan said to him.

    It was then he whipped him on his back and then, to all their surprise, there was no evidence of it being damaged at all.

    "Good, it is working!" Joan eximed.

    "Guys, you all nearly gave me a heart attack. Don''t do that again," Weldebert said to them.

    They can onlyugh at his remarks and so they all finished their mission for that day. To Joan, that day was fruitful and he managed to create more skills just from their desires. Making a way for their weakness to be alleviated and solved. That also made their weakness their strengths. Making Joan happy deep inside.

    As the day has ended, the afternoon came. Joan then slept on one of the seats while they were busy cultivating the newfound skills they received.

    It was then, the principal arrived with his mage robes and his staff. Seeing them testing their skills made his baffle. He knew that they will surely behave that way when they received the skills that he made. Upon his visit, he saw that Joan was sleeping at the moment and so, he waited for him to wake up. He drank coffee from one of their cabs with a kettle on one of the stoves still boiling.

    Joan woke up and then he saw that the Principal was watching him.

    "So you have woken up? I am impressed that you made them all riled up with your works. As a representative of this school, I am thanking you for your efforts. I can see that you are tired. You can have a cup of coffee with me as we are talking," He said to Joan then sipped another round of coffee.

    As he saw the principal talking, he squinted his eyes then groaned. Blinking twice, he realized that it was the principal that he was with.

    "Oh, Principal! I didn''t know it was you!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! It is fine, I am sorry to disturb you on your rest. I am only here to tell you of some matters about the cultist on this school," He said.

    "Go on, I am listening," Joan said while preparing his cup of coffee.

    "I nned to let you infiltrate the designated ce at the time of the tournament. I hope you are not busy that time and has no ns yet on that day," The Principal said to him.

    "No, I have no ns yet for that time. And I think that is the best time to infiltrate. I will also recon the ce first with my Rogue then a map of the ce will also be extremely useful on such asions when I will infiltrate.

    "On the time of need, I will get help from the director''s elites and cleanse the ce from the cultist. No stone left unturned," Joan said.

    It was then he sipped his cup then sighed.

    "Sadly, I can not support my students and watch them battle," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, some things must be sacrificed for the time being. And I am sure that they will do their best not to disappoint you," The Principal said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied, sipping again his coffee.

 Chapter 172 - Research Part 6

    "Now it is settled, let us proceed to the next one. Next is Greaz of the Lycan department," Joan announced in a loud voice, facing him.

    It was then, he approached him. Standing in his front then coughed on his hands.

    "Just like Bruck, I also wanted my summons to get stronger. Not that I am unconfident or what but wanted to at least make my pets stronger," He exined.

    Knowing about this, Joan contemted. It was surely the right choice for him now. As summons will get tougher while being strong already. Adding to this, the summons of the Lycans can regenerate, contrary to the Druid summons who won''t. Making them stronger will be the right choice of action.

    As Joan started, he made an imprint that was based on passive skill. Nourishing the stats of the pets by using the mana of the caster as nutrition. As this skill will be slow in progress but the results will be shocking. As Joan observed, this skill will be on par with the Druid''s [Flora and fauna mastery]. It was not even a shocking matter to him if it will happen.

    After creating the skill, he went inside his soul realm then went on his skill tree, where all his skills were present. As he inserted it into one of the branches, he immediately went out of his soul realm. He went back on his body then he opened his eyes.

    "So it is a sess?" Asked Greaz.

    "Yes," Joan smiled.

    "Good, let us test it then," Greaz said to him.

    He went to the seats then went into a lotus position. Focusing on himself, he started cultivating the skill. Upon his surprise, he felt that slowly, his pets were growing stronger and stronger. Not only his pets but also his beast form. In utter happiness, he chuckled low then louder and louder.

    "Hahaha! I haven''t seen such a skill in many decades. But this! This will change everything!" Greaz shouted.

    "So it is a sess?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! But it consumes mana drastically. Still, it will be avable for Master rank and up," He said.

    "I name the skill [Beast mastery]. It has lower mana consumptionpared to Druid''s summons as they tend to be slightly weaker. But that also leads to the growth of your beast form. The growth is divided and so your growth speed is slower.

    "Though your mana consumption is lower and that is good news. You can cultivate longer than usual. Though slightly lower in mana consumption doesn''t mean that it is not huge. It is only a tier lower in mana consumptionpared to the Druid''s. And they have huge mana consumption at that," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see, well that concludes it. Thank you very much for such an amazing skill. I will have greater leaps in strength with this," He said then bowed his head.

    "Nah, thank meter if you found no errors in the skill. I might create more in the future so you can take it for granted," Joan said to him.

    "But," He added.

    "Sigh, we are all friends here right? It is my utmost happiness to help my friends get stronger. Especially all of you," Joan said as he patted his shoulders.

    "Okay," He replied.

    "Well, for thest one? Weldebert of Fighter department," Joan announced.

    "Atst," He walked towards Joan then bowed.

    "I would want to ask for a skill that lessens our bruises on our feet and hands. Something that alleviates the pain when we strike or when we are struck. That is all," Weldebert said then lifted his head.

    "On it, is that all that you would like to ask?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes," He replied with resolute eyes.

    "Okay," Joan replied.

    Joan then started working on his skill-making. Having made the imprint, he made a program that nourishes the skin. Making it reduce the damage but still flexible when touched. It didn''t make the skin harder but was still tender. This skill was made for conditioning the skin to be not easily cut or bruised.

    "I call this skill [Skin conditioning]. As this skill implies, it will make your skin bear harsh beatings. It can make your skin uncuttable with des or pierce with spears.

    "Also blunts will have trifling pain to you. When training this, you have to have a resolute mind as you will be physically attuned with the skill. Meaning, you will have to beat yourself while putting mana to your skin.

    "By that, you will increase the mastery of your skill. But fret not, your efforts will be rewarded generously. Your prowess will be stronger by leaps and bounds with this skill," Joan exined.

    "Wow! Atst, we can go all out!" Wildebert almost shouted.

    Joan then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. In the form of a passive skill, he gave it to Wildebert''s skill tree and then attached it to one of its branches. Upon finishing, he went back on his self.

    "Is it done?" Weldebert asked.

    "Yes, you can use it now," Joan said to him.

    "Ah yes, I only have a question. Why is it needed to be physically attuned with the skill when we can cultivate the passive skill you gave?" He asked.

    "Ah, well you see, you will still feel the pain so you need to train your mind for that. Although you will have minimal damage to yourself, you will still feel the pain inflicted on you. So steeling your mind is one way of reducing flinch on the enemy attacks," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. Well, I will try the skill first," Weldebert said to him then went to sit on one of the benches. Being in a lotus position.

    Upon using the skill, he prepared the mana needed and then started cultivating the skill. To his surprise, he felt that the skill was working on his skin''s surface. Stimting it to be flexible but was making it undamaged when a harmful outer object will assault it. It made his skin resistant to de damage, blunt and piercing. Resistant but not immune.

    Upon testing it, Joan then tested his mind''s capacity to handle the blows. Joan smiled at him when he conjured a whip on his hands.

    "Well, let''s test it out?" Joan grinned.

    "Wait, wait! Let''s talk this out shall we?" Weldebert shouted.

    "Guys hold him off," Joan instructed.

    "As you wish," Troan said to him.

    They held him off then Joan prepared to whip him.

    "Use the skill now and let us see if it is effective," Joan said to him.

    It was then he whipped him on his back and then, to all their surprise, there was no evidence of it being damaged at all.

    "Good, it is working!" Joan eximed.

    "Guys, you all nearly gave me a heart attack. Don''t do that again," Weldebert said to them.

    They can onlyugh at his remarks and so they all finished their mission for that day. To Joan, that day was fruitful and he managed to create more skills just from their desires. Making a way for their weakness to be alleviated and solved. That also made their weakness their strengths. Making Joan happy deep inside.

    As the day has ended, the afternoon came. Joan then slept on one of the seats while they were busy cultivating the newfound skills they received.

    It was then, the principal arrived with his mage robes and his staff. Seeing them testing their skills made his baffle. He knew that they will surely behave that way when they received the skills that he made. Upon his visit, he saw that Joan was sleeping at the moment and so, he waited for him to wake up. He drank coffee from one of their cabs with a kettle on one of the stoves still boiling.

    Joan woke up and then he saw that the Principal was watching him.

    "So you have woken up? I am impressed that you made them all riled up with your works. As a representative of this school, I am thanking you for your efforts. I can see that you are tired. You can have a cup of coffee with me as we are talking," He said to Joan then sipped another round of coffee.

    As he saw the principal talking, he squinted his eyes then groaned. Blinking twice, he realized that it was the principal that he was with.

    "Oh, Principal! I didn''t know it was you!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! It is fine, I am sorry to disturb you on your rest. I am only here to tell you of some matters about the cultist on this school," He said.

    "Go on, I am listening," Joan said while preparing his cup of coffee.

    "I nned to let you infiltrate the designated ce at the time of the tournament. I hope you are not busy that time and has no ns yet on that day," The Principal said to him.

    "No, I have no ns yet for that time. And I think that is the best time to infiltrate. I will also recon the ce first with my Rogue then a map of the ce will also be extremely useful on such asions when I will infiltrate.

    "On the time of need, I will get help from the director''s elites and cleanse the ce from the cultist. No stone left unturned," Joan said.

    It was then he sipped his cup then sighed.

    "Sadly, I can not support my students and watch them battle," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, some things must be sacrificed for the time being. And I am sure that they will do their best not to disappoint you," The Principal said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied, sipping again his coffee.

 Chapter 173 - Research Part 6

    "Now it is settled, let us proceed to the next one. Next is Greaz of the Lycan department," Joan announced in a loud voice, facing him.

    It was then, he approached him. Standing in his front then coughed.

    "Just like Bruck, I also wanted my summons to get stronger. Not that I am unconfident or what but wanted to at least make my pets stronger," He exined.

    Knowing about this, Joan contemted. It was surely the right choice for him now. As summons will get tougher while being strong already. Adding to this, the summons of the Lycans can regenerate, contrary to the Druid summons who won''t. Making them stronger will be the right choice of action.

    As Joan started, he made an imprint that was based on passive skill. Nourishing the stats of the pets by using the mana of the caster as nutrition. As this skill will be slow in progress but the results will be shocking. As Joan observed, this skill will be on par with the Druid''s [Flora and fauna mastery]. It was not even a shocking matter to him if it will happen.

    After creating the skill, he went inside his soul realm then went on his skill tree, where all his skills were present. As he inserted it into one of the branches, he immediately went out of his soul realm. He went back on his body then he opened his eyes.

    "So it is a sess?" Asked Greaz.

    "Yes," Joan smiled.

    "Good, let us test it then," Greaz said to him.

    He went to the seats then went into a lotus position. Focusing on himself, he started cultivating the skill. Upon his surprise, he felt that slowly, his pets were growing stronger and stronger. Not only his pets but also his beast form. In utter happiness, he chuckled low then louder and louder.

    "Hahaha! I haven''t seen such a skill in many decades. But this! This will change everything!" Greaz shouted.

    "So it is a sess?" Joan asked.

    "Yes! But it consumes mana drastically. Still, it will be avable for Master rank and up," He said.

    "I name the skill [Beast mastery]. It has lower mana consumptionpared to Druid''s summons as they tend to be slightly weaker. But that also leads to the growth of your beast form. The growth is divided and so your growth speed is slower.

    "Though your mana consumption is lower and that is good news. You can cultivate longer than usual. Though slightly lower in mana consumption doesn''t mean that it is not huge. It is only a tier lower in mana consumptionpared to the Druid''s. And they have huge mana consumption at that," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see, well that concludes it. Thank you very much for such an amazing skill. I will have greater leaps in strength with this," He said then bowed his head.

    "Nah, thank meter if you found no errors in the skill. I might create more in the future so you can take it for granted," Joan said to him.

    "But," He added.

    "Sigh, we are all friends here right? It is my utmost happiness to help my friends get stronger. Especially all of you," Joan said as he patted his shoulders.

    "Okay," He replied.

    "Well, for thest one? Weldebert of Fighter department," Joan announced.

    "Atst," He walked towards Joan then bowed.

    "I would want to ask for a skill that lessens our bruises on our feet and hands. Something that alleviates the pain when we strike or when we are struck. That is all," Weldebert said then lifted his head.

    "On it, is that all that you would like to ask?" Joan asked him.

    "Yes," He replied with resolute eyes.

    "Okay," Joan replied.

    Joan then started working on his skill-making. Having made the imprint, he made a program that nourishes the skin. Making it reduce the damage but still flexible when touched. It didn''t make the skin harder but was still tender. This skill was made for conditioning the skin to be not easily cut or bruised.

    "I call this skill [Skin conditioning]. As this skill implies, it will make your skin bear harsh beatings. It can make your skin uncuttable with des or pierce with spears.

    "Also blunts will have trifling pain to you. When training this, you have to have a resolute mind as you will be physically attuned with the skill. Meaning, you will have to beat yourself while putting mana to your skin.

    "By that, you will increase the mastery of your skill. But fret not, your efforts will be rewarded generously. Your prowess will be stronger by leaps and bounds with this skill," Joan exined.

    "Wow! Atst, we can go all out!" Wildebert almost shouted.

    Joan then extracted the imprint from the Skill forge. In the form of a passive skill, he gave it to Wildebert''s skill tree and then attached it to one of its branches. Upon finishing, he went back on his self.

    "Is it done?" Weldebert asked.

    "Yes, you can use it now," Joan said to him.

    "Ah yes, I only have a question. Why is it needed to be physically attuned with the skill when we can cultivate the passive skill you gave?" He asked.

    "Ah, well you see, you will still feel the pain so you need to train your mind for that. Although you will have minimal damage to yourself, you will still feel the pain inflicted on you. So steeling your mind is one way of reducing flinch on the enemy attacks," Joan exined.

    "Ah, I see. Well, I will try the skill first," Weldebert said to him then went to sit on one of the benches. Being in a lotus position.

    Upon using the skill, he prepared the mana needed and then started cultivating the skill. To his surprise, he felt that the skill was working on his skin''s surface. Stimting it to be flexible but was making it undamaged when a harmful outer object will assault it. It made his skin resistant to de damage, blunt and piercing. Resistant but not immune.

    Upon testing it, Joan then tested his mind''s capacity to handle the blows. Joan smiled at him when he conjured a whip on his hands.

    "Well, let''s test it out?" Joan grinned.

    "Wait, wait! Let''s talk this out shall we?" Weldebert shouted.

    "Guys hold him off," Joan instructed.

    "As you wish," Troan said to him.

    They held him off then Joan prepared to whip him.

    "Use the skill now and let us see if it is effective," Joan said to him.

    It was then he whipped him on his back and then, to all their surprise, there was no evidence of it being damaged at all.

    "Good, it is working!" Joan eximed.

    "Guys, you all nearly gave me a heart attack. Don''t do that again," Weldebert said to them.

    They can onlyugh at his remarks and so they all finished their mission for that day. To Joan, that day was fruitful and he managed to create more skills just from their desires. Making a way for their weakness to be alleviated and solved. That also made their weakness their strengths. Making Joan happy deep inside.

    As the day has ended, the afternoon came. Joan then slept on one of the seats while they were busy cultivating the newfound skills they received.

    It was then, the principal arrived with his mage robes and his staff. Seeing them testing their skills made his baffle. He knew that they will surely behave that way when they received the skills that he made. Upon his visit, he saw that Joan was sleeping at the moment and so, he waited for him to wake up. He drank coffee from one of their cabs with a kettle on one of the stoves still boiling.

    Joan woke up and then he saw that the Principal was watching him.

    "So you have woken up? I am impressed that you made them all riled up with your works. As a representative of this school, I am thanking you for your efforts. I can see that you are tired. You can have a cup of coffee with me as we are talking," He said to Joan then sipped another round of coffee.

    As he saw the principal talking, he squinted his eyes then groaned. Blinking twice, he realized that it was the principal that he was with.

    "Oh, Principal! I didn''t know it was you!" Joan eximed.

    "Hahaha! It is fine, I am sorry to disturb you on your rest. I am only here to tell you of some matters about the cultist on this school," He said.

    "Go on, I am listening," Joan said while preparing his cup of coffee.

    "I nned to let you infiltrate the designated ce at the time of the tournament. I hope you are not busy that time and has no ns yet on that day," The Principal said to him.

    "No, I have no ns yet for that time. And I think that is the best time to infiltrate. I will also recon the ce first with my Rogue then a map of the ce will also be extremely useful on such asions when I will infiltrate.

    "On the time of need, I will get help from the director''s elites and cleanse the ce from the cultist. No stone left unturned," Joan said.

    It was then he sipped his cup then sighed.

    "Sadly, I can not support my students and watch them battle," Joan said to him.

    "Yeah, some things must be sacrificed for the time being. And I am sure that they will do their best not to disappoint you," The Principal said to him.

    "Yeah, I know," Joan replied, sipping again his coffee.

 Chapter 174 - Cultist Raids

    While inside the campaign tent, Joan was standing on beside the Captain. Watching the sketch of the map that the mappers have made for him. As expected, some parts of the Darknds were still an unknown territory for the humans to know of.

    It was then, a scout entered the tent and was panting in the process. As he entered the ce while hurrying up and had yet to cool down.

    "Sir! We have a report!" Said the scout.

    "Proceed,"

    "We have reports of cultists being scouted, sir!" Said the scout.

    "Cultist? Here? That is unheard of yet. Thank you for your report. Can you deduce its location on the map?" The Captain asked.

    It was then, he approached them and then pointed to the location.

    "Here sir, just north up ahead the river of Riverside Stronghold. Many scouts are lost and others are missing in the process. I suggest we address this immediately," The scout said to the Captain.

    "Yes, it will be addressed. Joan, you will be on a mission to infiltrate their base. Can you do that task?" He asked.

    "You know better than anyone else that I am better than all of our forcesbined, right?" Joan said.

    "Haha, that''s what I like about you. Now be careful, you will be in enemy territory without us knowing their strength. I will wait for your return," The Captain said to him.

    "Yes, I will depart as soon as possible," Joan said to him.

    He prepared for a journey and then went on a mission solitarily. With just light belongings on his back, he went forth towards the mission.

    Facing the gate of the Riverside stronghold, he saw it slowly open with a creaking sound. Seeing that the other adventurers cheering for his return, he felt moved.

    "That''s our Grandmaster! We will wait for your return!" Shouted one adventurer.

    "Yeah! Go home in one piece!" They shouted.

    Joan can only smile at their remarks. He felt that he was getting popr nowadays. Training them made him get a strong impression from them. Also, he was a strict drill instructor but approachable outside training. Earning his current poprity.

    Moving towards the exit, he raised his hands while on his back. The back of a dependable person was what they thought at the moment he raised his hands. Without looking back, he travelled the forest towards the designated ce. Rays of sunshine pierced the forest floor and the leaves rustle as they were caressed with the wind.

    With the map in his hands, he followed the trails of the scouts. Also, moving towards the upstream of the river up north. After several steps, he noticed that there were scouts on standby in the forest. Rangers to be exact, hiding in the bushes and others were on the trees. They saw Joan and reported to him.

    "Grandmaster Joan, we saw that vigers are being brought inside their base. As we speak of now, maybe they are used in something. Rogues reported that they are put in cages underground. That is the only info that we get. The Rogues are careful not to get caught and so they only report what they know. Their security is uptight if we delve deeper into the underground." The Ranger said to him.

    Joan then patted his shoulders then said a job well done. Joan then hinted to them to report back on the base and that the mission will be on his hands. They nodded in response and then they travelled back.

    Joan then thought of using his crows to hover in the sky to get a bird''s eye view.

    [Beast call]

    Crows flew into the sky and then waited to get a vantage point.

    [Share vision and mind]

    The crows then saw their base. As Joan expected, they only lived in tents but their numbers were not a trifling matter. Almost all ces have guards that were stationed. Also, he saw a huge tent that was farrger than any other. Making him think that it was theirmander''s tent.

    As Joan''s crows watched in the skies, he saw a cave up ahead. Thinking that it will be the ce where the vigers were hauled inside. It will be a task to liberate such a ce.

    He first cast his skill [Shadow clone] then assigned them to go ahead. Joan then used [Sneak] to infiltrate their base. As Joan was sneaking, the shadow clones were culling the guards that were within his radius near him. Slitting them on the neck and then left them.

    Joan then entered themander''s tent and felt that something was off. It was dead silent and there were no lights.

    Ha!

    Ting!

    Joan then blocked with his knife with all he got. Parrying it to the side in hair''s breathe. The said assaulter then appeared and the lights went on. He was d in steel armour. A bear-like helm and an axe on his hands. Huge build and buff, making Joan a kidpared to him.

    "What are you doing here kid?" He asked.

    "Just having a sightseeing tour," Joan replied.

    "Bastard!" He yelled.

    He used the Axe to hack him. Joan then threw his dagger on his face and aimed at his eyes.

    Ting!

    The dagger sounded as itnded on the metal surface of the forehead.

    "Hahaha! Are you gonna rescue the citizens of the Kingdom? You are toote! They are demonised already! You are toote! You can''t turn back their humanity again! Hahaha!" He burst outughing.

    Joan''s eyes darkened on what he heard. Blood boiling as he gritted his teeth. Joan then became silent.

    [Shapeshift werebear]

    Joan then transformed into a huge beast. Bing taller than him in height.

    "Hahaha! You will do what? You will smack me with your hairy paws?" He shouted.

    "I am not in the mood to y with you," Joan growled.

    "You will not defeat me! With my trump card on hand!" He shouted.

    It was then, the enemy used the skill [Berserk]. He roared as he swung his axe at him. Joan then grabbed the said weapon and then crumpled it.

    "You will kill me with this?" Joan said then threw the weapon. Approaching him, he growled.

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    The enemy was flung then smashed with his hands. Repeating the said skill until the enemy coughed blood. His armour was crumpled on the process.

    "Ah! Please stop! Please stop! I am begging you! It hurts!" He shouted.

    It was then Joan grabbed his head and lifted him.

    "Is that your trump card? Well, I am disappointed," Joan said then he snapped his neck.

    It was then, he reverted to his human form and exited the tent. It was then, he saw lesser devils all over the sky. Shadow clones were on standby as they were rained with fireball spells.

    "I will take care of things here. Move inside ahead of me," Joan said to his shadow clones.

    They went towards the cave and Joan was left behind. Looking at them, Joan felt that the enemies were absurdly too much. Their numbers were iparable from the numbers he scouted. Equipping a ranged ss would do the trick in eliminating their numbers. Also, the enemies were not only ranged sses but also were capable of melee.

    The others roared and then, they dove towards Joan. Joan on the contrary was calm as he watched them. Other lesser devils threw fireballs and so Joan evaded them. Soon enough, he conjured two short swords on his hands and then equipped his Ranger job ss.

    [Dual wielder]

    [Rapid motion]

    He used the buff skills he has and also the skill to sh rapidly. Enemies flooded the sky as they moved towards him.

    [Rapid sh]

    He shed rapidly in a second and the enemies were dismembered in the process. His shes were like a flow of water that coordinated with each other. Not colliding with each other and dead bodies were seen to form on his back. His shes were so fast that the enemies were seeing a flickering statue of death. Hands were swift like a pouncing cheetah.

    Enemies were bewildered at his prowess. Well, that was possible due to his stats that was over five hundred. Also making him a frightening existence for the enemy. Joan then jumped in the air then conjured a bow and arrow quiver.

    [Rapid fire]

    A burst of swift arrows was seen flying towards them and they were struck down one by one. Making them fall off on the sky with an arrow stuck on their foreheads.

    Firing while somersaulting and was in any form or position currently.

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    All were executed perfectly without a mishap. Landing on the ground together with them. As Joannded, he breathed in and out. Absorbing their essences that were scattered all over the ce. Sucking dry all of the essences on the ce.

    It was then, he moved on and then went inside the cave where the underground wasid. Captives who were humans and was told to be demonized. It was then, Joan hoped that it was not toote for them.. Marching inside on the dark caverns.

 Chapter 175 - Cultist Raids

    While inside the campaign tent, Joan was standing on beside the Captain. Watching the sketch of the map that the mappers have made for him. As expected, some parts of the Darknds were still an unknown territory for the humans to know of.

    It was then, a scout entered the tent and was panting in the process. As he entered the ce while hurrying up and had yet to cool down.

    "Sir! We have a report!" Said the scout.

    "Proceed,"

    "We have reports of cultists being scouted, sir!" Said the scout.

    "Cultist? Here? That is unheard of yet. Thank you for your report. Can you deduce its location on the map?" The Captain asked.

    It was then, he approached them and then pointed to the location.

    "Here sir, just north up ahead the river of Riverside Stronghold. Many scouts are lost and others are missing in the process. I suggest we address this immediately," The scout said to the Captain.

    "Yes, it will be addressed. Joan, you will be on a mission to infiltrate their base. Can you do that task?" He asked.

    "You know better than anyone else that I am better than all of our forcesbined, right?" Joan said.

    "Haha, that''s what I like about you. Now be careful, you will be in enemy territory without us knowing their strength. I will wait for your return," The Captain said to him.

    "Yes, I will depart as soon as possible," Joan said to him.

    He prepared for a journey and then went on a mission solitarily. With just light belongings on his back, he went forth towards the mission.

    Facing the gate of the Riverside stronghold, he saw it slowly open with a creaking sound. Seeing that the other adventurers cheering for his return, he felt moved.

    "That''s our Grandmaster! We will wait for your return!" Shouted one adventurer.

    "Yeah! Go home in one piece!" They shouted.

    Joan can only smile at their remarks. He felt that he was getting popr nowadays. Training them made him get a strong impression from them. Also, he was a strict drill instructor but approachable outside training. Earning his current poprity.

    Moving towards the exit, he raised his hands while on his back. The back of a dependable person was what they thought at the moment he raised his hands. Without looking back, he travelled the forest towards the designated ce. Rays of sunshine pierced the forest floor and the leaves rustle as they were caressed with the wind.

    With the map in his hands, he followed the trails of the scouts. Also, moving towards the upstream of the river up north. After several steps, he noticed that there were scouts on standby in the forest. Rangers to be exact, hiding in the bushes and others were on the trees. They saw Joan and reported to him.

    "Grandmaster Joan, we saw that vigers are being brought inside their base. As we speak of now, maybe they are used in something. Rogues reported that they are put in cages underground. That is the only info that we get. The Rogues are careful not to get caught and so they only report what they know. Their security is uptight if we delve deeper into the underground." The Ranger said to him.

    Joan then patted his shoulders then said a job well done. Joan then hinted to them to report back on the base and that the mission will be on his hands. They nodded in response and then they travelled back.

    Joan then thought of using his crows to hover in the sky to get a bird''s eye view.

    [Beast call]

    Crows flew into the sky and then waited to get a vantage point.

    [Share vision and mind]

    The crows then saw their base. As Joan expected, they only lived in tents but their numbers were not a trifling matter. Almost all ces have guards that were stationed. Also, he saw a huge tent that was farrger than any other. Making him think that it was theirmander''s tent.

    As Joan''s crows watched in the skies, he saw a cave up ahead. Thinking that it will be the ce where the vigers were hauled inside. It will be a task to liberate such a ce.

    He first cast his skill [Shadow clone] then assigned them to go ahead. Joan then used [Sneak] to infiltrate their base. As Joan was sneaking, the shadow clones were culling the guards that were within his radius near him. Slitting them on the neck and then left them.

    Joan then entered themander''s tent and felt that something was off. It was dead silent and there were no lights.

    Ha!

    Ting!

    Joan then blocked with his knife with all he got. Parrying it to the side in hair''s breathe. The said assaulter then appeared and the lights went on. He was d in steel armour. A bear-like helm and an axe on his hands. Huge build and buff, making Joan a kidpared to him.

    "What are you doing here kid?" He asked.

    "Just having a sightseeing tour," Joan replied.

    "Bastard!" He yelled.

    He used the Axe to hack him. Joan then threw his dagger on his face and aimed at his eyes.

    Ting!

    The dagger sounded as itnded on the metal surface of the forehead.

    "Hahaha! Are you gonna rescue the citizens of the Kingdom? You are toote! They are demonised already! You are toote! You can''t turn back their humanity again! Hahaha!" He burst outughing.

    Joan''s eyes darkened on what he heard. Blood boiling as he gritted his teeth. Joan then became silent.

    [Shapeshift werebear]

    Joan then transformed into a huge beast. Bing taller than him in height.

    "Hahaha! You will do what? You will smack me with your hairy paws?" He shouted.

    "I am not in the mood to y with you," Joan growled.

    "You will not defeat me! With my trump card on hand!" He shouted.

    It was then, the enemy used the skill [Berserk]. He roared as he swung his axe at him. Joan then grabbed the said weapon and then crumpled it.

    "You will kill me with this?" Joan said then threw the weapon. Approaching him, he growled.

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    The enemy was flung then smashed with his hands. Repeating the said skill until the enemy coughed blood. His armour was crumpled on the process.

    "Ah! Please stop! Please stop! I am begging you! It hurts!" He shouted.

    It was then Joan grabbed his head and lifted him.

    "Is that your trump card? Well, I am disappointed," Joan said then he snapped his neck.

    It was then, he reverted to his human form and exited the tent. It was then, he saw lesser devils all over the sky. Shadow clones were on standby as they were rained with fireball spells.

    "I will take care of things here. Move inside ahead of me," Joan said to his shadow clones.

    They went towards the cave and Joan was left behind. Looking at them, Joan felt that the enemies were absurdly too much. Their numbers were iparable from the numbers he scouted. Equipping a ranged ss would do the trick in eliminating their numbers. Also, the enemies were not only ranged sses but also were capable of melee.

    The others roared and then, they dove towards Joan. Joan on the contrary was calm as he watched them. Other lesser devils threw fireballs and so Joan evaded them. Soon enough, he conjured two short swords on his hands and then equipped his Ranger job ss.

    [Dual wielder]

    [Rapid motion]

    He used the buff skills he has and also the skill to sh rapidly. Enemies flooded the sky as they moved towards him.

    [Rapid sh]

    He shed rapidly in a second and the enemies were dismembered in the process. His shes were like a flow of water that coordinated with each other. Not colliding with each other and dead bodies were seen to form on his back. His shes were so fast that the enemies were seeing a flickering statue of death. Hands were swift like a pouncing cheetah.

    Enemies were bewildered at his prowess. Well, that was possible due to his stats that was over five hundred. Also making him a frightening existence for the enemy. Joan then jumped in the air then conjured a bow and arrow quiver.

    [Rapid fire]

    A burst of swift arrows was seen flying towards them and they were struck down one by one. Making them fall off on the sky with an arrow stuck on their foreheads.

    Firing while somersaulting and was in any form or position currently.

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    All were executed perfectly without a mishap. Landing on the ground together with them. As Joannded, he breathed in and out. Absorbing their essences that were scattered all over the ce. Sucking dry all of the essences on the ce.

    It was then, he moved on and then went inside the cave where the underground wasid. Captives who were humans and was told to be demonized. It was then, Joan hoped that it was not toote for them.. Marching inside on the dark caverns.

 Chapter 176 - Cultist Raids

    While inside the campaign tent, Joan was standing on beside the Captain. Watching the sketch of the map that the mappers have made for him. As expected, some parts of the Darknds were still an unknown territory for the humans to know.

    It was then, a scout entered the tent and was panting in the process. As he entered the ce while hurrying up and had yet to cool down.

    "Sir! We have a report!" Said the scout.

    "Proceed,"

    "We have reports of cultists being scouted, sir!" Said the scout.

    "Cultist? Here? That is unheard of yet. Thank you for your report. Can you deduce its location on the map?" The Captain asked.

    It was then, he approached them and then pointed to the location.

    "Here sir, just north up ahead the river of Riverside Stronghold. Many scouts are lost and others are missing in the process. I suggest we address this immediately," The scout said to the Captain.

    "Yes, it will be addressed. Joan, you will be on a mission to infiltrate their base. Can you do that task?" He asked.

    "You know better than anyone else that I am better than all of our forcesbined, right?" Joan said.

    "Haha, that''s what I like about you. Now be careful, you will be in enemy territory without us knowing their strength. I will wait for your return," The Captain said to him.

    "Yes, I will depart as soon as possible," Joan said to him.

    He prepared for a journey and then went on a mission solitarily. With just light belongings on his back, he went forth towards the mission.

    Facing the gate of the Riverside stronghold, he saw it slowly open with a creaking sound. Seeing that the other adventurers cheering for his return, he felt moved.

    "That''s our Grandmaster! We will wait for your return!" Shouted one adventurer.

    "Yeah! Go home in one piece!" They shouted.

    Joan can only smile at their remarks. He felt that he was getting popr nowadays. Training them made him get a strong impression from them. Also, he was a strict drill instructor but approachable outside training. Earning his current poprity.

    Moving towards the exit, he raised his hands while on his back. The back of a dependable person was what they thought at the moment he raised his hands. Without looking back, he travelled the forest towards the designated ce. Rays of sunshine pierced the forest floor and the leaves rustle as they were caressed with the wind.

    With the map in his hands, he followed the trails of the scouts. Also, moving towards the upstream of the river up north. After several steps, he noticed that there were scouts on standby in the forest. Rangers to be exact, hiding in the bushes and others were on the trees. They saw Joan and reported to him.

    "Grandmaster Joan, we saw that vigers are being brought inside their base. As we speak of now, maybe they are used in something. Rogues reported that they are put in cages underground. That is the only info that we get. The Rogues are careful not to get caught and so they only report what they know. Their security is uptight if we delve deeper into the underground." The Ranger said to him.

    Joan then patted his shoulders then said a job well done. Joan then hinted to them to report back on the base and that the mission will be on his hands. They nodded in response and then they travelled back.

    Joan then thought of using his crows to hover in the sky to get a bird''s eye view.

    [Beast call]

    Crows flew into the sky and then waited to get a vantage point.

    [Share vision and mind]

    The crows then saw their base. As Joan expected, they only lived in tents but their numbers were not a trifling matter. Almost all ces have guards that were stationed. Also, he saw a huge tent that was farrger than any other. Making him think that it was theirmander''s tent.

    As Joan''s crows watched in the skies, he saw a cave up ahead. Thinking that it will be the ce where the vigers were hauled inside. It will be a task to liberate such a ce.

    He first cast his skill [Shadow clone] then assigned them to go ahead. Joan then used [Sneak] to infiltrate their base. As Joan was sneaking, the shadow clones were culling the guards that were within his radius near him. Slitting them on the neck and then left them.

    Joan then entered themander''s tent and felt that something was off. It was dead silent and there were no lights.

    Ha!

    Ting!

    Joan then blocked with his knife with all he got. Parrying it to the side in hair''s breathe. The said assaulter then appeared and the lights went on. He was d in steel armour. A bear-like helm and an axe on his hands. Huge build and buff, making Joan a kidpared to him.

    "What are you doing here kid?" He asked.

    "Just having a sightseeing tour," Joan replied.

    "Bastard!" He yelled.

    He used the Axe to hack him. Joan then threw his dagger on his face and aimed at his eyes.

    Ting!

    The dagger sounded as itnded on the metal surface of the forehead.

    "Hahaha! Are you gonna rescue the citizens of the Kingdom? You are toote! They are demonised already! You are toote! You can''t turn back their humanity again! Hahaha!" He burst outughing.

    Joan''s eyes darkened on what he heard. Blood boiling as he gritted his teeth. Joan then became silent.

    [Shapeshift werebear]

    Joan then transformed into a huge beast. Bing taller than him in height.

    "Hahaha! You will do what? You will smack me with your hairy paws?" He shouted.

    "I am not in the mood to y with you," Joan growled.

    "You will not defeat me! With my trump card on hand!" He shouted.

    It was then, the enemy used the skill [Berserk]. He roared as he swung his axe at him. Joan then grabbed the said weapon and then crumpled it.

    "You will kill me with this?" Joan said then threw the weapon. Approaching him, he growled.

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    The enemy was flung then smashed with his hands. Repeating the said skill until the enemy coughed blood. His armour was crumpled on the process.

    "Ah! Please stop! Please stop! I am begging you! It hurts!" He shouted.

    It was then Joan grabbed his head and lifted him.

    "Is that your trump card? Well, I am disappointed," Joan said then he snapped his neck.

    It was then, he reverted to his human form and exited the tent. It was then, he saw lesser devils all over the sky. Shadow clones were on standby as they were rained with fireball spells.

    "I will take care of things here. Move inside ahead of me," Joan said to his shadow clones.

    They went towards the cave and Joan was left behind. Looking at them, Joan felt that the enemies were absurdly too much. Their numbers were iparable from the numbers he scouted. Equipping a ranged ss would do the trick in eliminating their numbers. Also, the enemies were not only ranged sses but also were capable of melee.

    The others roared and then, they dove towards Joan. Joan on the contrary was calm as he watched them. Other lesser devils threw fireballs and so Joan evaded them. Soon enough, he conjured two short swords on his hands and then equipped his Ranger job ss.

    [Dual wielder]

    [Rapid motion]

    He used the buff skills he has and also the skill to sh rapidly. Enemies flooded the sky as they moved towards him.

    [Rapid sh]

    He shed rapidly in a second and the enemies were dismembered in the process. His shes were like a flow of water that coordinated with each other. Not colliding with each other and dead bodies were seen to form on his back. His shes were so fast that the enemies were seeing a flickering statue of death. Hands were swift like a pouncing cheetah.

    Enemies were bewildered at his prowess. Well, that was possible due to his stats that was over five hundred. Also making him a frightening existence for the enemy. Joan then jumped in the air then conjured a bow and arrow quiver.

    [Rapid fire]

    A burst of swift arrows was seen flying towards them and they were struck down one by one. Making them fall off on the sky with an arrow stuck on their foreheads.

    Firing while somersaulting and was in any form or position currently.

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    All were executed perfectly without a mishap. Landing on the ground together with them. As Joannded, he breathed in and out. Absorbing their essences that were scattered all over the ce. Sucking dry all of the essences on the ce.

    It was then, he moved on and then went inside the cave where the underground wasid. Captives who were humans and was told to be demonized. It was then, Joan hoped that it was not toote for them.. Marching inside on the dark caverns.

 Chapter 177 - Cultist Raids

    While inside the campaign tent, Joan was standing on beside the Captain. Watching the sketch of the map that the mappers have made for him. As expected, some parts of the Darknds were still an unknown territory for the humans to know currently.

    It was then, a scout entered the tent and was panting in the process. As he entered the ce while hurrying up and had yet to cool down.

    "Sir! We have a report!" Said the scout.

    "Proceed,"

    "We have reports of cultists being scouted, sir!" Said the scout.

    "Cultist? Here? That is unheard of yet. Thank you for your report. Can you deduce its location on the map?" The Captain asked.

    It was then, he approached them and then pointed to the location.

    "Here sir, just north up ahead the river of Riverside Stronghold. Many scouts are lost and others are missing in the process. I suggest we address this immediately," The scout said to the Captain.

    "Yes, it will be addressed. Joan, you will be on a mission to infiltrate their base. Can you do that task?" He asked.

    "You know better than anyone else that I am better than all of our forcesbined, right?" Joan said.

    "Haha, that''s what I like about you. Now be careful, you will be in enemy territory without us knowing their strength. I will wait for your return," The Captain said to him.

    "Yes, I will depart as soon as possible," Joan said to him.

    He prepared for a journey and then went on a mission solitarily. With just light belongings on his back, he went forth towards the mission.

    Facing the gate of the Riverside stronghold, he saw it slowly open with a creaking sound. Seeing that the other adventurers cheering for his return, he felt moved.

    "That''s our Grandmaster! We will wait for your return!" Shouted one adventurer.

    "Yeah! Go home in one piece!" They shouted.

    Joan can only smile at their remarks. He felt that he was getting popr nowadays. Training them made him get a strong impression from them. Also, he was a strict drill instructor but approachable outside training. Earning his current poprity.

    Moving towards the exit, he raised his hands while on his back. The back of a dependable person was what they thought at the moment he raised his hands. Without looking back, he travelled the forest towards the designated ce. Rays of sunshine pierced the forest floor and the leaves rustle as they were caressed with the wind.

    With the map in his hands, he followed the trails of the scouts. Also, moving towards the upstream of the river up north. After several steps, he noticed that there were scouts on standby in the forest. Rangers to be exact, hiding in the bushes and others were on the trees. They saw Joan and reported to him.

    "Grandmaster Joan, we saw that vigers are being brought inside their base. As we speak of now, maybe they are used in something. Rogues reported that they are put in cages underground. That is the only info that we get. The Rogues are careful not to get caught and so they only report what they know. Their security is uptight if we delve deeper into the underground." The Ranger said to him.

    Joan then patted his shoulders then said a job well done. Joan then hinted to them to report back on the base and that the mission will be on his hands. They nodded in response and then they travelled back.

    Joan then thought of using his crows to hover in the sky to get a bird''s eye view.

    [Beast call]

    Crows flew into the sky and then waited to get a vantage point.

    [Share vision and mind]

    The crows then saw their base. As Joan expected, they only lived in tents but their numbers were not a trifling matter. Almost all ces have guards that were stationed. Also, he saw a huge tent that was farrger than any other. Making him think that it was theirmander''s tent.

    As Joan''s crows watched in the skies, he saw a cave up ahead. Thinking that it will be the ce where the vigers were hauled inside. It will be a task to liberate such a ce.

    He first cast his skill [Shadow clone] then assigned them to go ahead. Joan then used [Sneak] to infiltrate their base. As Joan was sneaking, the shadow clones were culling the guards that were within his radius near him. Slitting them on the neck and then left them.

    Joan then entered themander''s tent and felt that something was off. It was dead silent and there were no lights.

    Ha!

    Ting!

    Joan then blocked with his knife with all he got. Parrying it to the side in hair''s breathe. The said assaulter then appeared and the lights went on. He was d in steel armour. A bear-like helm and an axe on his hands. Huge build and buff, making Joan a kidpared to him.

    "What are you doing here kid?" He asked.

    "Just having a sightseeing tour," Joan replied.

    "Bastard!" He yelled.

    He used the Axe to hack him. Joan then threw his dagger on his face and aimed at his eyes.

    Ting!

    The dagger sounded as itnded on the metal surface of the forehead.

    "Hahaha! Are you gonna rescue the citizens of the Kingdom? You are toote! They are demonised already! You are toote! You can''t turn back their humanity again! Hahaha!" He burst outughing.

    Joan''s eyes darkened on what he heard. Blood boiling as he gritted his teeth. Joan then became silent.

    [Shapeshift werebear]

    Joan then transformed into a huge beast. Bing taller than him in height.

    "Hahaha! You will do what? You will smack me with your hairy paws?" He shouted.

    "I am not in the mood to y with you," Joan growled.

    "You will not defeat me! With my trump card on hand!" He shouted.

    It was then, the enemy used the skill [Berserk]. He roared as he swung his axe at him. Joan then grabbed the said weapon and then crumpled it.

    "You will kill me with this?" Joan said then threw the weapon. Approaching him, he growled.

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    The enemy was flung then smashed with his hands. Repeating the said skill until the enemy coughed blood. His armour was crumpled on the process.

    "Ah! Please stop! Please stop! I am begging you! It hurts!" He shouted.

    It was then Joan grabbed his head and lifted him.

    "Is that your trump card? Well, I am disappointed," Joan said then he snapped his neck.

    It was then, he reverted to his human form and exited the tent. It was then, he saw lesser devils all over the sky. Shadow clones were on standby as they were rained with fireball spells.

    "I will take care of things here. Move inside ahead of me," Joan said to his shadow clones.

    They went towards the cave and Joan was left behind. Looking at them, Joan felt that the enemies were absurdly too much. Their numbers were iparable from the numbers he scouted. Equipping a ranged ss would do the trick in eliminating their numbers. Also, the enemies were not only ranged sses but also were capable of melee.

    The others roared and then, they dove towards Joan. Joan on the contrary was calm as he watched them. Other lesser devils threw fireballs and so Joan evaded them. Soon enough, he conjured two short swords on his hands and then equipped his Ranger job ss.

    [Dual wielder]

    [Rapid motion]

    He used the buff skills he has and also the skill to sh rapidly. Enemies flooded the sky as they moved towards him.

    [Rapid sh]

    He shed rapidly in a second and the enemies were dismembered in the process. His shes were like a flow of water that coordinated with each other. Not colliding with each other and dead bodies were seen to form on his back. His shes were so fast that the enemies were seeing a flickering statue of death. Hands were swift like a pouncing cheetah.

    Enemies were bewildered at his prowess. Well, that was possible due to his stats that was over five hundred. Also making him a frightening existence for the enemy. Joan then jumped in the air then conjured a bow and arrow quiver.

    [Rapid fire]

    A burst of swift arrows was seen flying towards them and they were struck down one by one. Making them fall off on the sky with an arrow stuck on their foreheads.

    Firing while somersaulting and was in any form or position currently.

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    All were executed perfectly without a mishap. Landing on the ground together with them. As Joannded, he breathed in and out. Absorbing their essences that were scattered all over the ce. Sucking dry all of the essences on the ce.

    It was then, he moved on and then went inside the cave where the underground wasid. Captives who were humans and was told to be demonized. It was then, Joan hoped that it was not toote for them.. Marching inside on the dark caverns.

 Chapter 178 - Cultist Raids

    While inside the campaign tent, Joan was standing on beside the Captain. Watching the sketch of the map that the mappers have made for him. As expected, some parts of the Darknds were still an unknown and uncharted territory for the humans to know currently.

    It was then, a scout entered the tent and was panting in the process. As he entered the ce while hurrying up and had yet to cool down.

    "Sir! We have a report!" Said the scout.

    "Proceed,"

    "We have reports of cultists being scouted, sir!" Said the scout.

    "Cultist? Here? That is unheard of yet. Thank you for your report. Can you deduce its location on the map?" The Captain asked.

    It was then, he approached them and then pointed to the location.

    "Here sir, just north up ahead the river of Riverside Stronghold. Many scouts are lost and others are missing in the process. I suggest we address this immediately," The scout said to the Captain.

    "Yes, it will be addressed. Joan, you will be on a mission to infiltrate their base. Can you do that task?" He asked.

    "You know better than anyone else that I am better than all of our forcesbined, right?" Joan said.

    "Haha, that''s what I like about you. Now be careful, you will be in enemy territory without us knowing their strength. I will wait for your return," The Captain said to him.

    "Yes, I will depart as soon as possible," Joan said to him.

    He prepared for a journey and then went on a mission solitarily. With just light belongings on his back, he went forth towards the mission.

    Facing the gate of the Riverside stronghold, he saw it slowly open with a creaking sound. Seeing that the other adventurers cheering for his return, he felt moved.

    "That''s our Grandmaster! We will wait for your return!" Shouted one adventurer.

    "Yeah! Go home in one piece!" They shouted.

    Joan can only smile at their remarks. He felt that he was getting popr nowadays. Training them made him get a strong impression from them. Also, he was a strict drill instructor but approachable outside training. Earning his current poprity.

    Moving towards the exit, he raised his hands while on his back. The back of a dependable person was what they thought at the moment he raised his hands. Without looking back, he travelled the forest towards the designated ce. Rays of sunshine pierced the forest floor and the leaves rustle as they were caressed with the wind.

    With the map in his hands, he followed the trails of the scouts. Also, moving towards the upstream of the river up north. After several steps, he noticed that there were scouts on standby in the forest. Rangers to be exact, hiding in the bushes and others were on the trees. They saw Joan and reported to him.

    "Grandmaster Joan, we saw that vigers are being brought inside their base. As we speak of now, maybe they are used in something. Rogues reported that they are put in cages underground. That is the only info that we get. The Rogues are careful not to get caught and so they only report what they know. Their security is uptight if we delve deeper into the underground." The Ranger said to him.

    Joan then patted his shoulders then said a job well done. Joan then hinted to them to report back on the base and that the mission will be on his hands. They nodded in response and then they travelled back.

    Joan then thought of using his crows to hover in the sky to get a bird''s eye view.

    [Beast call]

    Crows flew into the sky and then waited to get a vantage point.

    [Share vision and mind]

    The crows then saw their base. As Joan expected, they only lived in tents but their numbers were not a trifling matter. Almost all ces have guards that were stationed. Also, he saw a huge tent that was farrger than any other. Making him think that it was theirmander''s tent.

    As Joan''s crows watched in the skies, he saw a cave up ahead. Thinking that it will be the ce where the vigers were hauled inside. It will be a task to liberate such a ce.

    He first cast his skill [Shadow clone] then assigned them to go ahead. Joan then used [Sneak] to infiltrate their base. As Joan was sneaking, the shadow clones were culling the guards that were within his radius near him. Slitting them on the neck and then left them.

    Joan then entered themander''s tent and felt that something was off. It was dead silent and there were no lights.

    Ha!

    Ting!

    Joan then blocked with his knife with all he got. Parrying it to the side in hair''s breathe. The said assaulter then appeared and the lights went on. He was d in steel armour. A bear-like helm and an axe on his hands. Huge build and buff, making Joan a kidpared to him.

    "What are you doing here kid?" He asked.

    "Just having a sightseeing tour," Joan replied.

    "Bastard!" He yelled.

    He used the Axe to hack him. Joan then threw his dagger on his face and aimed at his eyes.

    Ting!

    The dagger sounded as itnded on the metal surface of the forehead.

    "Hahaha! Are you gonna rescue the citizens of the Kingdom? You are toote! They are demonised already! You are toote! You can''t turn back their humanity again! Hahaha!" He burst outughing.

    Joan''s eyes darkened on what he heard. Blood boiling as he gritted his teeth. Joan then became silent.

    [Shapeshift werebear]

    Joan then transformed into a huge beast. Bing taller than him in height.

    "Hahaha! You will do what? You will smack me with your hairy paws?" He shouted.

    "I am not in the mood to y with you," Joan growled.

    "You will not defeat me! With my trump card on hand!" He shouted.

    It was then, the enemy used the skill [Berserk]. He roared as he swung his axe at him. Joan then grabbed the said weapon and then crumpled it.

    "You will kill me with this?" Joan said then threw the weapon. Approaching him, he growled.

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    [Maul]

    [Hand m]

    The enemy was flung then smashed with his hands. Repeating the said skill until the enemy coughed blood. His armour was crumpled on the process.

    "Ah! Please stop! Please stop! I am begging you! It hurts!" He shouted.

    It was then Joan grabbed his head and lifted him.

    "Is that your trump card? Well, I am disappointed," Joan said then he snapped his neck.

    It was then, he reverted to his human form and exited the tent. It was then, he saw lesser devils all over the sky. Shadow clones were on standby as they were rained with fireball spells.

    "I will take care of things here. Move inside ahead of me," Joan said to his shadow clones.

    They went towards the cave and Joan was left behind. Looking at them, Joan felt that the enemies were absurdly too much. Their numbers were iparable from the numbers he scouted. Equipping a ranged ss would do the trick in eliminating their numbers. Also, the enemies were not only ranged sses but also were capable of melee.

    The others roared and then, they dove towards Joan. Joan on the contrary was calm as he watched them. Other lesser devils threw fireballs and so Joan evaded them. Soon enough, he conjured two short swords on his hands and then equipped his Ranger job ss.

    [Dual wielder]

    [Rapid motion]

    He used the buff skills he has and also the skill to sh rapidly. Enemies flooded the sky as they moved towards him.

    [Rapid sh]

    He shed rapidly in a second and the enemies were dismembered in the process. His shes were like a flow of water that coordinated with each other. Not colliding with each other and dead bodies were seen to form on his back. His shes were so fast that the enemies were seeing a flickering statue of death. Hands were swift like a pouncing cheetah.

    Enemies were bewildered at his prowess. Well, that was possible due to his stats that was over five hundred. Also making him a frightening existence for the enemy. Joan then jumped in the air then conjured a bow and arrow quiver.

    [Rapid fire]

    A burst of swift arrows was seen flying towards them and they were struck down one by one. Making them fall off on the sky with an arrow stuck on their foreheads.

    Firing while somersaulting and was in any form or position currently.

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    [Snipe]

    All were executed perfectly without a mishap. Landing on the ground together with them. As Joannded, he breathed in and out. Absorbing their essences that were scattered all over the ce. Sucking dry all of the essences on the ce.

    It was then, he moved on and then went inside the cave where the underground wasid. Captives who were humans and was told to be demonized. It was then, Joan hoped that it was not toote for them.. Marching inside on the dark caverns.

 Chapter 179 - Cultist Raids Part 2

    "Brace yourselves, brothers! Open your hearts to the depths of Demonic miasma as it enters the very deepest parts of your souls!" Shouted the cult leader.

    Watching from afar, the shadow clones were watching in the darkness. Hiding from what transpired on their faces. As they can see, they saw a portal that emits demonic miasma and the cultists were all inhaling them. Breathing deep, they opened their eyes in a great stupor. Their eyes glowed and were all in great pleasure as they scream.

    Watching them made the shadow clones rise their hairs on their skin. It was a disturbing sight to behold. It was then, one of the shadow clones hinted to attack. Upon his request, they responded with a nod.

    Diving towards them, they conjured daggers that they threw at them. Others were hit on the attack while others used their daggers to stab them. They went down immediately after their attacks.

    "Hahaha! Reckless fools! You are hasting your deaths!"

    It was then, the cultist leaderughed at them. The cultists growled and they went berserk. Dark miasma enveloped them and then it encircled their bodies. Transforming into greater demons after they absorbed the miasma. Even the ones they have in stood up and transformed too.

    "Meet your doom! Huhahaha!" Their leader shouted.

    They prepared for uingbat. Others conjured daggers and others conjured chained daggers. Others dual wield theirs while others held them in between their fingers.

    [Shadow cloak]

    [Reverse sh]

    They attacked the enemies but they have high resistance to physical damage. Thanks to their skin, they managed to leave with minimal damage.

    [Shadow travel]

    [Stab]

    They made the skills of master rank Rogues then it pierced their skin. Thanks to the skill that they acquired. Others shed their wings with their chained daggers, making them descend towards the ground.

    Bang!

    They fell and then the Rogues stabbed them. Making them coughed blood in the process. As their numbers were getting thinned, they all growled. The cultist leader then was aware that they may be lost in this battle. The enemies were slowly panicking as they were slowly killed one by one. The enemy forces were Master rank Rogues to boot with.

    They were like fighting the teachers of the Rogues department of Academy themselves. And they were many to boot with. As the cultist leader saw their clothes were the same, also saw that their movements were refined and simr.

    "Shadow clones? How? How can someone maintain such numbers? The greatest Rogues can only maintain two. But these are more than twenty? Such willpower!" He questioned himself.

    Upon his disbelief, he gulped his saliva on his throat. Sweat trickled his face as he realized that such a person can do such a thing. They all have skills that they can use and all were using shadow travel simultaneously. Appearing and disappearing from one enemy to another. Stabbing them one after another. Sowing panic into their hearts as they saw them left and right.

    It was then, the cultist leader then transformed. Miasma went out of his body then enveloped himself with it. Transforming into a Demon general.

    "Fear me," he shouted at them.

    He growled then pped his leathery wings. Flying towards them at great speeds. He roared as he approached them thennded into the fray. Shadow clones used shadow travel but he swatted them all to the side. Making them m to the ground and roll several times.

    They breathed deep and then they disappeared. Making their shadows return to Joan. It was then, Joan saw that they returned to him. Their shadows crawled and went inside his shadow.

    "They are having troubles. Maybe they met something hard to deal with,"

    Just as he entered the caverns, he felt that the floor rumbled. Making him think that it was time to hurry up. He felt that his willpower was affected by the death of his shadow clones. As he went on, he saw more and more shadows were returning in his shadow. Making him have a headache one after another death of his shadows. It was one of the main downsides of the skill [Shadow clone]. Making him regret it halfway.

    As we speak, the shadow clones were as skilled as him. But while it was not so durable as him, he was confident that they were as skilled as him. So that made him worry about what happened that they were killed.

    Sneaking inside their hideout, he saw many blood paints on the walls. He saw empty cages that were full of blood on the ground. Rats were seen littering the floor and critters as they flee.

    Upon travelling the cavern, he saw three paths to take. One path was leading into their stock room. The door was locked and so he forced his way through.

    He saw piles of books and documents inside the room and a couple of weapons. It felt like a room for their leader. Upon stumbling at one book, he saw that it has human skin as a book cover. There was a master list of the members of the cult. As well as their branches. To his surprise, he saw that the Academy has one of its branch hideouts. Also, a few teachers were involved.

    Some were nobles backing them up while the others were wealthy merchants. He grabbed all the evidence then put it inside his backpack. Taking time to take everything that he needs to get.

    As he was inside, he felt that someone was approaching in his direction. Scurrying to get it all until the door was opened. There came a cultist that has paints on his face that entered. Making him see all the mess that has transpired in his eyes.

    "Search the ce! We will find the culprit behind this!" He shouted at his men.

    He went to scan the ce and then left. Joan was just on the edge of the room, equipping his Ranger job ss, he covered himself with his robes. Using [Hide] as a way of hiding himself. Luckily, the skill was strong enough for him not to be seen.

    [Hide]�CRanger skill that makes you invisible if you stopped moving while covering yourself with a cloth. Disables the skill when you move.

    He exited the room them went on towards the three paths that he saw earlier. Judging from the two paths, the other one was on leading towards a dungeon. Bars of steel was seen that blocks the way. He entered by lock-picking the lock then proceeds towards the cells.

    Leading downstairs, he saw cages that all had upants. Seeing inside the cell, he saw that they were writing and screeching inside. He stared inside and the hairs on his skin went up.

    He saw lesser demons inside the cells but were caged. They saw him too and Joan stepped back a little. Leaving the thing that he saw, he also felt that all the cells were having such creatures. But he heard some of them speak human.

    "Help me! Help me!" He heard a female voice.

    Joan went to find the source of the voice and he saw a girl. She has been in chains on her feet but she has a teddy bear in her arms. Joan then felt alerted, he tried to open the door on the process. He mmed the lock with a hammer then the lock was destroyed.

    "Don''t worry girl, I will help you," Joan said.

    "You should help me out reaching the food. I am hungry, you see I am in chains," she said.

    "Ah, okay," Joan said as he went to give her the food.

    She ate hastily as she were in tears.

    "I shouted ''help me'' as I thought that you are one of the cultists. So I didn''t intend to ask you in the first ce. I thought that you are one of them," She said.

    "No, don''t worry too much. I will get out you here," Joan said.

    "No, it is toote. I am already tainted with the miasma. I will turn into a demon sooner thanter," She said.

    "Don''t worry about it, I will try to purify you," Joan said to her.

    It was then, she was in silence. Her tears were welling up in her eyes as she stared back at Joan.

    "Thank you," She said then her teary eyes turned red. Changing her body drastically then turned into a lesser demon.

    Joan was alerted, he tried to defend himself but he was wed left and right on the chest. It was so fast that he has trouble adjusting to the fact that the girl was now a demon. Joan bit his lower lips as he was blocking the mouth of his enemy. Wanted to bite his face in the process.

    He then conjured a knife and stabbed it to her. Making her halt her movements in the process. He swatted her body then Joan coughed and puked. He can''t help his mind be in great trouble.

    He stabbed an innocent girl but he can''t ept that she became a demon in an instant. His heart was crumpled to the fact that he can''t save her. It was then, he heard more yells from the other cells. They were writhing like the sound of lesser devils.

    Joan felt like his heart can''t ept what was transpiring currently. He felt that the cultists were making something and it has to be stopped. Finding his resolve again, he focused himself on what he needed to do.

    "I need to stop this,"

 Chapter 180 - Cultist Raids Part 2

    "Brace yourselves, brothers! Open your hearts to the depths of Demonic miasma as it enters the very deepest parts of your souls!" Shouted the cult leader.

    Watching from afar, the shadow clones were watching in the darkness. Hiding from what transpired on their faces. As they can see, they saw a portal that emits demonic miasma and the cultists were all inhaling them. Breathing deep, they opened their eyes in a great stupor. Their eyes glowed and were all in great pleasure as they scream.

    Watching them made the shadow clones rise their hairs on their skin. It was a disturbing sight to behold. It was then, one of the shadow clones hinted to attack. Upon his request, they responded with a nod.

    Diving towards them, they conjured daggers that they threw at them. Others were hit on the attack while others used their daggers to stab them. They went down immediately after their attacks.

    "Hahaha! Reckless fools! You are hasting your deaths!"

    It was then, the cultist leaderughed at them. The cultists growled and they went berserk. Dark miasma enveloped them and then it encircled their bodies. Transforming into greater demons after they absorbed the miasma. Even the ones they have in stood up and transformed too.

    "Meet your doom! Huhahaha!" Their leader shouted.

    They prepared for uingbat. Others conjured daggers and others conjured chained daggers. Others dual wield theirs while others held them in between their fingers.

    [Shadow cloak]

    [Reverse sh]

    They attacked the enemies but they have high resistance to physical damage. Thanks to their skin, they managed to leave with minimal damage.

    [Shadow travel]

    [Stab]

    They made the skills of master rank Rogues then it pierced their skin. Thanks to the skill that they acquired. Others shed their wings with their chained daggers, making them descend towards the ground.

    Bang!

    They fell and then the Rogues stabbed them. Making them coughed blood in the process. As their numbers were getting thinned, they all growled. The cultist leader then was aware that they may be lost in this battle. The enemies were slowly panicking as they were slowly killed one by one. The enemy forces were Master rank Rogues to boot with.

    They were like fighting the teachers of the Rogues department of Academy themselves. And they were many to boot with. As the cultist leader saw their clothes were the same, also saw that their movements were refined and simr.

    "Shadow clones? How? How can someone maintain such numbers? The greatest Rogues can only maintain two. But these are more than twenty? Such willpower!" He questioned himself.

    Upon his disbelief, he gulped his saliva on his throat. Sweat trickled his face as he realized that such a person can do such a thing. They all have skills that they can use and all were using shadow travel simultaneously. Appearing and disappearing from one enemy to another. Stabbing them one after another. Sowing panic into their hearts as they saw them left and right.

    It was then, the cultist leader then transformed. Miasma went out of his body then enveloped himself with it. Transforming into a Demon general.

    "Fear me," he shouted at them.

    He growled then pped his leathery wings. Flying towards them at great speeds. He roared as he approached them thennded into the fray. Shadow clones used shadow travel but he swatted them all to the side. Making them m to the ground and roll several times.

    They breathed deep and then they disappeared. Making their shadows return to Joan. It was then, Joan saw that they returned to him. Their shadows crawled and went inside his shadow.

    "They are having troubles. Maybe they met something hard to deal with,"

    Just as he entered the caverns, he felt that the floor rumbled. Making him think that it was time to hurry up. He felt that his willpower was affected by the death of his shadow clones. As he went on, he saw more and more shadows were returning in his shadow. Making him have a headache one after another death of his shadows. It was one of the main downsides of the skill [Shadow clone]. Making him regret it halfway.

    As we speak, the shadow clones were as skilled as him. But while it was not so durable as him, he was confident that they were as skilled as him. So that made him worry about what happened that they were killed.

    Sneaking inside their hideout, he saw many blood paints on the walls. He saw empty cages that were full of blood on the ground. Rats were seen littering the floor and critters as they flee.

    Upon travelling the cavern, he saw three paths to take. One path was leading into their stock room. The door was locked and so he forced his way through.

    He saw piles of books and documents inside the room and a couple of weapons. It felt like a room for their leader. Upon stumbling at one book, he saw that it has human skin as a book cover. There was a master list of the members of the cult. As well as their branches. To his surprise, he saw that the Academy has one of its branch hideouts. Also, a few teachers were involved.

    Some were nobles backing them up while the others were wealthy merchants. He grabbed all the evidence then put it inside his backpack. Taking time to take everything that he needs to get.

    As he was inside, he felt that someone was approaching in his direction. Scurrying to get it all until the door was opened. There came a cultist that has paints on his face that entered. Making him see all the mess that has transpired in his eyes.

    "Search the ce! We will find the culprit behind this!" He shouted at his men.

    He went to scan the ce and then left. Joan was just on the edge of the room, equipping his Ranger job ss, he covered himself with his robes. Using [Hide] as a way of hiding himself. Luckily, the skill was strong enough for him not to be seen.

    [Hide]�CRanger skill that makes you invisible if you stopped moving while covering yourself with a cloth. Disables the skill when you move.

    He exited the room them went on towards the three paths that he saw earlier. Judging from the two paths, the other one was on leading towards a dungeon. Bars of steel was seen that blocks the way. He entered by lock-picking the lock then proceeds towards the cells.

    Leading downstairs, he saw cages that all had upants. Seeing inside the cell, he saw that they were writing and screeching inside. He stared inside and the hairs on his skin went up.

    He saw lesser demons inside the cells but were caged. They saw him too and Joan stepped back a little. Leaving the thing that he saw, he also felt that all the cells were having such creatures. But he heard some of them speak human.

    "Help me! Help me!" He heard a female voice.

    Joan went to find the source of the voice and he saw a girl. She has been in chains on her feet but she has a teddy bear in her arms. Joan then felt alerted, he tried to open the door on the process. He mmed the lock with a hammer then the lock was destroyed.

    "Don''t worry girl, I will help you," Joan said.

    "You should help me out reaching the food. I am hungry, you see I am in chains," she said.

    "Ah, okay," Joan said as he went to give her the food.

    She ate hastily as she were in tears.

    "I shouted ''help me'' as I thought that you are one of the cultists. So I didn''t intend to ask you in the first ce. I thought that you are one of them," She said.

    "No, don''t worry too much. I will get out you here," Joan said.

    "No, it is toote. I am already tainted with the miasma. I will turn into a demon sooner thanter," She said.

    "Don''t worry about it, I will try to purify you," Joan said to her.

    It was then, she was in silence. Her tears were welling up in her eyes as she stared back at Joan.

    "Thank you," She said then her teary eyes turned red. Changing her body drastically then turned into a lesser demon.

    Joan was alerted, he tried to defend himself but he was wed left and right on the chest. It was so fast that he has trouble adjusting to the fact that the girl was now a demon. Joan bit his lower lips as he was blocking the mouth of his enemy. Wanted to bite his face in the process.

    He then conjured a knife and stabbed it to her. Making her halt her movements in the process. He swatted her body then Joan coughed and puked. He can''t help his mind be in great trouble.

    He stabbed an innocent girl but he can''t ept that she became a demon in an instant. His heart was crumpled to the fact that he can''t save her. It was then, he heard more yells from the other cells. They were writhing like the sound of lesser devils.

    Joan felt like his heart can''t ept what was transpiring currently. He felt that the cultists were making something and it has to be stopped. Finding his resolve again, he focused himself on what he needed to do.

    "I need to stop this,"

 Chapter 181 - Cultist Raids Part 3

    [Soul collect]

    His eyes went cold blue and then breathed cold steam. He inhaled then closed his eyes. Collecting her soul and then sending it in his soul dimension. After a while, he went to check the other cells. Thinking that maybe somebody was still human.

    To his dismay, he only saw growling lesser demons. Thinking that he was a stepte, toote to ponder about how to revert them to humans. All he could do was give them eternal rest.

    He went to their cells and he was attacked by several of them. Joan stabbed them in the heart with the same dagger that he used to kill the girl. He felt remorse and guilt but he can''t do anything about it. After killing all of the upants of the cells, he inhaled deep and asked their forgiveness.

    Putting them to rest was what he needs to do. Still, it doesn''t stop there. He has to do something for them as they were still tormented as of now. They will not go to the afterlife with them tainted with the demon''s miasma. They will be tormented forever and their souls will not rest.

    As Joan felt how serious the situation was, he made some contingency ns at the moment.

    [Soul collect]

    He collected all their souls and sent them to his soul dimension. As we speak, he gathered them all and they went there. Joan then went inside one of the cells and locked the door. He then closed his eyes and went to his soul dimension.

    Joan then passed out as his soul went to the soul dimension he had. He went inside a wormhole and then he went out of it. Appearing to the vast world right on his face. He descend into the world and saw that his soul dimension expanded. From a size of a country into a whole.

    Sun was also seen in the sky and a vast forest that spanned to the vast ends of the world. It was a good day in the soul dimension, making them feel rxed as he smelt the air. Descending into the forest below, he saw that the lushes of flora were as lively and still untouched. He thought of making this ce his vacation spot for the moment but his body was still left on the surface.

    He thought of visiting this ce from now on if he can bring also his body. Seeing small brooks of water, he heard its trickling sound as fishes were swimming in it. Rotten trunks of trees were on top of the brooks and have mosses enveloping them.

    As Joan touched the water, he felt the cold sensation on his fingertips. He saw crows to flew off in the opposite direction and then he heard a banging sound from the distance.

    After hearing them, he saw someone fighting in the distance. Trees were blown on the process as it basted off the geography.

    "How dare a demon intrude this ce!" Shouted a voice in the distance.

    A Giant treant smashed the lesser demon with its long arms and then it was flung towards the trees. Lesser demons threw fireballs on them but the Giant treants shielded them with their arms. Pulling off a tree, they threw it on the sky and it headed towards them. They evaded but some were hit.

    The ce was in great chaos as they fought. The Giant Sris nt inhaled the sunlight then fired a concentrated form of the sun''s rays at them. Giant meat-eater nts bite off them and then m them to the ground. Bears and wolves attacked them. The same with ghosts and skeletons.

    They fought them off and they were beaten easily. It was then, a flying creature arrived andnded on the ground.

    "How dare a demon trespass this sacred ce! You will all be ashes in my sight!" Said the Fire Dragon. Preparing to breathe fire, he inhaled air then spat it out. Joan then intervened as he raised a force field. He felt that his shield was on embers as he set it up. The fire scorched the very shield he was maintaining with his mana and it felt like it will melt sooner thanter.

    "Wait! Wait! Wait! Stop!" Joan shouted.

    The Red dragon then stopped his fire breath. Just as Joan was about to give up and shut his mouth up. He felt that his force field was about to melt. Putting of out as he felt that it was hot inside it.

    "Master? Is this your doing?" The Dragon asked.

    "Yes, I will have to do something with them as they are humans," Joan spoke.

    "They are? How? I have not heard of this kind of matter in past centuries. Is it possible to make humans into demons now?" He asked.

    "Yes, and it is very rming. I have to report this matter to the prophets. As for now, I will cage them into a prison," Joan said then snapped his fingers. Creating a cage made of light. They were inside them and can''t get out even if they will force their way. They tried to touch its bars but they only screamed as they tried.

    "I called it, the cage of light," Joan said.

    [Cage of light]�Ca Holy Knight skill to cage the enemies inside. Burning damage will be inflicted on demonic creatures when they touched it.

    "I will try to purify their souls here. Their souls became demons and it is apparent in in sight as we saw them enter here as demons. Their bodies will not revert to humans anymore as they transformed into demons permanently," Joan said to them.

    "We will be right here ready to guard your realm anytime. But don''t do this again without warning. All are in high alert after they entered," The red dragon said to him.

    "Okay, but I will start the purification now," He said then went towards the cage.

    The other dragon leaders arrived andnded on the ground.

    "What is this turmoil? Somebody exin this!" Said the lightning dragon.

    "I will exin this to you, but don''t disturb master for now. He needs to save them, at least," Exined the fire dragon.

    "Them? Who? Those demons? Why? They are the ones who ughtered our race!" He shouted.

    "As I have said, don''t disturb our master. The ones he will save are not demons but humans," The red dragon exined.

    "They are humans? How?" He asked in disbelief.

    "Yes, they are. Maybe his underlings have found out something that can change the very soul," The red dragon said.

    "The God of Demons?"

    "Yes," he replied.

    "I hate his name," The lightning dragon said.

    It was then Joan started his prayers. He was slowly getting bright and then he cast the skill [Purification].

    They screamed like wailing animals and they all let out their demonic aura. More like it was escaping their bodies. Their demon souls became smaller and their skin went back into of a human. The faces of a goat became human again. Their screams and bleating became hoarser and became of a human.

    They were breathing hoarsely and then Joan approached them. He saw the girl whom he killed inside the cage.

    "Mister? Where are we? What happened?"

    Her cute voice reverberated in his ears and his heart softened. It felt like his heart was crumpled as he was watching her.

    "I kept my promise. I saved you," Joan said.

    "Mister, why are you crying?" She said.

    "Oh, these are just nothing. I am just d, that''s all," Joan said.

    "Thank you, mister! We are humans again. Though we didn''t remember that we travelled here to this ce. Where are we?" The girl asked.

    "You are all inside my soul realm. You are souls right now. Your bodies are dead now. I might at least save your soul to let it go to the afterlife," Joan said.

    It was then, the girl screamed.

    "Is that a dragon? Wow!" She said then went to approach it.

    "Little girl, I am sorry for misjudging you for a demon," said the lightning dragon.

    "It is okay, we hate them too," She said shyly. Hands on her front while making her fingertips touch each other.

    "You know kid, did you know that the first creation of the God of Angels is us Dragons?"

    "What? Really?"

    "Yeah, the first world was a world of dragons. The world of dragons as we speak. So this world is called none other than ''Dragonia''," He said.

    "Wow really?" She said in a cheerful voice.

    "Yes, then when that Angel of Material in absorbed the existence called ''Sin'', he was banished from the heavens after his revolt and went towards the Dragonia in embers,

    He was like a meteor as hended on the ins then ughtered us,

    "Turned the very continent upside down. Many were in but the God of Angels saved us the remaining dragons. Creating again the world whom he destroyed and the humans," He said to the girl.

    "Really? Wow, I wished many people heard such tales," she said.

    "Yeah, it doesn''t matter. But you will stay here or the afterlife?" He asked.

    "I can?" She asked.

    "Yes!" Replied the lightning dragon.

    "I hope I can do that. But I wanted to see my parents in the afterlife. So I will have to leave here," she said.

    It was then, she went to Joan.

    "Thank you so much. I will meet my parents now I can feel that I will soon go," she said to him then bowed.

    "I am sure you will meet your parents there. Goodbye," Joan said.

    "Bye!" She smiled.

    They went bright and then they were caught up in the heavens slowly. They went floating in the air and watched them from above.. Joan said his goodbye and waved at them until they disappeared.

 Chapter 182 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    [Soul collect]

    His eyes went cold blue and then breathed cold steam. He inhaled then closed his eyes. Collecting her soul and then sending it in his soul dimension. After a while, he went to check the other cells. Thinking that maybe somebody was still human.

    To his dismay, he only saw growling lesser demons. Thinking that he was a stepte, toote to ponder about how to revert them to humans. All he could do was give them eternal rest.

    He went to their cells and he was attacked by several of them. Joan stabbed them in the heart with the same dagger that he used to kill the girl. He felt remorse and guilt but he can''t do anything about it. After killing all of the upants of the cells, he inhaled deep and asked their forgiveness.

    Putting them to rest was what he needs to do. Still, it doesn''t stop there. He has to do something for them as they were still tormented as of now. They will not go to the afterlife with them tainted with the demon''s miasma. They will be tormented forever and their souls will not rest.

    As Joan felt how serious the situation was, he made some contingency ns at the moment.

    [Soul collect]

    He collected all their souls and sent them to his soul dimension. As we speak, he gathered them all and they went there. Joan then went inside one of the cells and locked the door. He then closed his eyes and went to his soul dimension.

    Joan then passed out as his soul went to the soul dimension he had. He went inside a wormhole and then he went out of it. Appearing to the vast world right on his face. He descend into the world and saw that his soul dimension expanded. From a size of a country into a whole.

    Sun was also seen in the sky and a vast forest that spanned to the vast ends of the world. It was a good day in the soul dimension, making them feel rxed as he smelt the air. Descending into the forest below, he saw that the lushes of flora were as lively and still untouched. He thought of making this ce his vacation spot for the moment but his body was still left on the surface.

    He thought of visiting this ce from now on if he can bring also his body. Seeing small brooks of water, he heard its trickling sound as fishes were swimming in it. Rotten trunks of trees were on top of the brooks and have mosses enveloping them.

    As Joan touched the water, he felt the cold sensation on his fingertips. He saw crows to flew off in the opposite direction and then he heard a banging sound from the distance.

    After hearing them, he saw someone fighting in the distance. Trees were blown on the process as it basted off the geography.

    "How dare a demon intrude this ce!" Shouted a voice in the distance.

    A Giant treant smashed the lesser demon with its long arms and then it was flung towards the trees. Lesser demons threw fireballs on them but the Giant treants shielded them with their arms. Pulling off a tree, they threw it on the sky and it headed towards them. They evaded but some were hit.

    The ce was in great chaos as they fought. The Giant Sris nt inhaled the sunlight then fired a concentrated form of the sun''s rays at them. Giant meat-eater nts bite off them and then m them to the ground. Bears and wolves attacked them. The same with ghosts and skeletons.

    They fought them off and they were beaten easily. It was then, a flying creature arrived andnded on the ground.

    "How dare a demon trespass this sacred ce! You will all be ashes in my sight!" Said the Fire Dragon. Preparing to breathe fire, he inhaled air then spat it out. Joan then intervened as he raised a force field. He felt that his shield was on embers as he set it up. The fire scorched the very shield he was maintaining with his mana and it felt like it will melt sooner thanter.

    "Wait! Wait! Wait! Stop!" Joan shouted.

    The Red dragon then stopped his fire breath. Just as Joan was about to give up and shut his mouth up. He felt that his force field was about to melt. Putting of out as he felt that it was hot inside it.

    "Master? Is this your doing?" The Dragon asked.

    "Yes, I will have to do something with them as they are humans," Joan spoke.

    "They are? How? I have not heard of this kind of matter in past centuries. Is it possible to make humans into demons now?" He asked.

    "Yes, and it is very rming. I have to report this matter to the prophets. As for now, I will cage them into a prison," Joan said then snapped his fingers. Creating a cage made of light. They were inside them and can''t get out even if they will force their way. They tried to touch its bars but they only screamed as they tried.

    "I called it, the cage of light," Joan said.

    [Cage of light]�Ca Holy Knight skill to cage the enemies inside. Burning damage will be inflicted on demonic creatures when they touched it.

    "I will try to purify their souls here. Their souls became demons and it is apparent in in sight as we saw them enter here as demons. Their bodies will not revert to humans anymore as they transformed into demons permanently," Joan said to them.

    "We will be right here ready to guard your realm anytime. But don''t do this again without warning. All are in high alert after they entered," The red dragon said to him.

    "Okay, but I will start the purification now," He said then went towards the cage.

    The other dragon leaders arrived andnded on the ground.

    "What is this turmoil? Somebody exin this!" Said the lightning dragon.

    "I will exin this to you, but don''t disturb master for now. He needs to save them, at least," Exined the fire dragon.

    "Them? Who? Those demons? Why? They are the ones who ughtered our race!" He shouted.

    "As I have said, don''t disturb our master. The ones he will save are not demons but humans," The red dragon exined.

    "They are humans? How?" He asked in disbelief.

    "Yes, they are. Maybe his underlings have found out something that can change the very soul," The red dragon said.

    "The God of Demons?"

    "Yes," he replied.

    "I hate his name," The lightning dragon said.

    It was then Joan started his prayers. He was slowly getting bright and then he cast the skill [Purification].

    They screamed like wailing animals and they all let out their demonic aura. More like it was escaping their bodies. Their demon souls became smaller and their skin went back into of a human. The faces of a goat became human again. Their screams and bleating became hoarser and became of a human.

    They were breathing hoarsely and then Joan approached them. He saw the girl whom he killed inside the cage.

    "Mister? Where are we? What happened?"

    Her cute voice reverberated in his ears and his heart softened. It felt like his heart was crumpled as he was watching her.

    "I kept my promise. I saved you," Joan said.

    "Mister, why are you crying?" She said.

    "Oh, these are just nothing. I am just d, that''s all," Joan said.

    "Thank you, mister! We are humans again. Though we didn''t remember that we travelled here to this ce. Where are we?" The girl asked.

    "You are all inside my soul realm. You are souls right now. Your bodies are dead now. I might at least save your soul to let it go to the afterlife," Joan said.

    It was then, the girl screamed.

    "Is that a dragon? Wow!" She said then went to approach it.

    "Little girl, I am sorry for misjudging you for a demon," said the lightning dragon.

    "It is okay, we hate them too," She said shyly. Hands on her front while making her fingertips touch each other.

    "You know kid, did you know that the first creation of the God of Angels is us Dragons?"

    "What? Really?"

    "Yeah, the first world was a world of dragons. The world of dragons as we speak. So this world is called none other than ''Dragonia''," He said.

    "Wow really?" She said in a cheerful voice.

    "Yes, then when that Angel of Material in absorbed the existence called ''Sin'', he was banished from the heavens after his revolt and went towards the Dragonia in embers,

    He was like a meteor as hended on the ins then ughtered us,

    "Turned the very continent upside down. Many were in but the God of Angels saved us the remaining dragons. Creating again the world whom he destroyed and the humans," He said to the girl.

    "Really? Wow, I wished many people heard such tales," she said.

    "Yeah, it doesn''t matter. But you will stay here or the afterlife?" He asked.

    "I can?" She asked.

    "Yes!" Replied the lightning dragon.

    "I hope I can do that. But I wanted to see my parents in the afterlife. So I will have to leave here," she said.

    It was then, she went to Joan.

    "Thank you so much. I will meet my parents now I can feel that I will soon go," she said to him then bowed.

    "I am sure you will meet your parents there. Goodbye," Joan said.

    "Bye!" She smiled.

    They went bright and then they were caught up in the heavens slowly. They went floating in the air and watched them from above.. Joan said his goodbye and waved at them until they disappeared.

 Chapter 183 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    [Soul collect]

    His eyes went cold blue and then breathed cold steam. He inhaled then closed his eyes after it. Collecting her soul and then sending it in his soul dimension. After a while, he went to check the other cells. Thinking that maybe somebody was still human.

    To his dismay, he only saw growling lesser demons. Thinking that he was a stepte, toote to ponder about how to revert them to humans. All he could do was give them eternal rest.

    He went to their cells and he was attacked by several of them. Joan stabbed them in the heart with the same dagger that he used to kill the girl. He felt remorse and guilt but he can''t do anything about it. After killing all of the upants of the cells, he inhaled deep and asked their forgiveness.

    Putting them to rest was what he needs to do. Still, it doesn''t stop there. He has to do something for them as they were still tormented as of now. They will not go to the afterlife with them tainted with the demon''s miasma. They will be tormented forever and their souls will not rest.

    As Joan felt how serious the situation was, he made some contingency ns at the moment.

    [Soul collect]

    He collected all their souls and sent them to his soul dimension. As we speak, he gathered them all and they went there. Joan then went inside one of the cells and locked the door. He then closed his eyes and went to his soul dimension.

    Joan then passed out as his soul went to the soul dimension he had. He went inside a wormhole and then he went out of it. Appearing to the vast world right on his face. He descend into the world and saw that his soul dimension expanded. From a size of a country into a whole.

    Sun was also seen in the sky and a vast forest that spanned to the vast ends of the world. It was a good day in the soul dimension, making them feel rxed as he smelt the air. Descending into the forest below, he saw that the lushes of flora were as lively and still untouched. He thought of making this ce his vacation spot for the moment but his body was still left on the surface.

    He thought of visiting this ce from now on if he can bring also his body. Seeing small brooks of water, he heard its trickling sound as fishes were swimming in it. Rotten trunks of trees were on top of the brooks and have mosses enveloping them.

    As Joan touched the water, he felt the cold sensation on his fingertips. He saw crows to flew off in the opposite direction and then he heard a banging sound from the distance.

    After hearing them, he saw someone fighting in the distance. Trees were blown on the process as it basted off the geography.

    "How dare a demon intrude this ce!" Shouted a voice in the distance.

    A Giant treant smashed the lesser demon with its long arms and then it was flung towards the trees. Lesser demons threw fireballs on them but the Giant treants shielded them with their arms. Pulling off a tree, they threw it on the sky and it headed towards them. They evaded but some were hit.

    The ce was in great chaos as they fought. The Giant Sris nt inhaled the sunlight then fired a concentrated form of the sun''s rays at them. Giant meat-eater nts bite off them and then m them to the ground. Bears and wolves attacked them. The same with ghosts and skeletons.

    They fought them off and they were beaten easily. It was then, a flying creature arrived andnded on the ground.

    "How dare a demon trespass this sacred ce! You will all be ashes in my sight!" Said the Fire Dragon. Preparing to breathe fire, he inhaled air then spat it out. Joan then intervened as he raised a force field. He felt that his shield was on embers as he set it up. The fire scorched the very shield he was maintaining with his mana and it felt like it will melt sooner thanter.

    "Wait! Wait! Wait! Stop!" Joan shouted.

    The Red dragon then stopped his fire breath. Just as Joan was about to give up and shut his mouth up. He felt that his force field was about to melt. Putting of out as he felt that it was hot inside it.

    "Master? Is this your doing?" The Dragon asked.

    "Yes, I will have to do something with them as they are humans," Joan spoke.

    "They are? How? I have not heard of this kind of matter in past centuries. Is it possible to make humans into demons now?" He asked.

    "Yes, and it is very rming. I have to report this matter to the prophets. As for now, I will cage them into a prison," Joan said then snapped his fingers. Creating a cage made of light. They were inside them and can''t get out even if they will force their way. They tried to touch its bars but they only screamed as they tried.

    "I called it, the cage of light," Joan said.

    [Cage of light]�Ca Holy Knight skill to cage the enemies inside. Burning damage will be inflicted on demonic creatures when they touched it.

    "I will try to purify their souls here. Their souls became demons and it is apparent in in sight as we saw them enter here as demons. Their bodies will not revert to humans anymore as they transformed into demons permanently," Joan said to them.

    "We will be right here ready to guard your realm anytime. But don''t do this again without warning. All are in high alert after they entered," The red dragon said to him.

    "Okay, but I will start the purification now," He said then went towards the cage.

    The other dragon leaders arrived andnded on the ground.

    "What is this turmoil? Somebody exin this!" Said the lightning dragon.

    "I will exin this to you, but don''t disturb master for now. He needs to save them, at least," Exined the fire dragon.

    "Them? Who? Those demons? Why? They are the ones who ughtered our race!" He shouted.

    "As I have said, don''t disturb our master. The ones he will save are not demons but humans," The red dragon exined.

    "They are humans? How?" He asked in disbelief.

    "Yes, they are. Maybe his underlings have found out something that can change the very soul," The red dragon said.

    "The God of Demons?"

    "Yes," he replied.

    "I hate his name," The lightning dragon said.

    It was then Joan started his prayers. He was slowly getting bright and then he cast the skill [Purification].

    They screamed like wailing animals and they all let out their demonic aura. More like it was escaping their bodies. Their demon souls became smaller and their skin went back into of a human. The faces of a goat became human again. Their screams and bleating became hoarser and became of a human.

    They were breathing hoarsely and then Joan approached them. He saw the girl whom he killed inside the cage.

    "Mister? Where are we? What happened?"

    Her cute voice reverberated in his ears and his heart softened. It felt like his heart was crumpled as he was watching her.

    "I kept my promise. I saved you," Joan said.

    "Mister, why are you crying?" She said.

    "Oh, these are just nothing. I am just d, that''s all," Joan said.

    "Thank you, mister! We are humans again. Though we didn''t remember that we travelled here to this ce. Where are we?" The girl asked.

    "You are all inside my soul realm. You are souls right now. Your bodies are dead now. I might at least save your soul to let it go to the afterlife," Joan said.

    It was then, the girl screamed.

    "Is that a dragon? Wow!" She said then went to approach it.

    "Little girl, I am sorry for misjudging you for a demon," said the lightning dragon.

    "It is okay, we hate them too," She said shyly. Hands on her front while making her fingertips touch each other.

    "You know kid, did you know that the first creation of the God of Angels is us Dragons?"

    "What? Really?"

    "Yeah, the first world was a world of dragons. The world of dragons as we speak. So this world is called none other than ''Dragonia''," He said.

    "Wow really?" She said in a cheerful voice.

    "Yes, then when that Angel of Material in absorbed the existence called ''Sin'', he was banished from the heavens after his revolt and went towards the Dragonia in embers,

    He was like a meteor as hended on the ins then ughtered us,

    "Turned the very continent upside down. Many were in but the God of Angels saved us the remaining dragons. Creating again the world whom he destroyed and the humans," He said to the girl.

    "Really? Wow, I wished many people heard such tales," she said.

    "Yeah, it doesn''t matter. But you will stay here or the afterlife?" He asked.

    "I can?" She asked.

    "Yes!" Replied the lightning dragon.

    "I hope I can do that. But I wanted to see my parents in the afterlife. So I will have to leave here," she said.

    It was then, she went to Joan.

    "Thank you so much. I will meet my parents now I can feel that I will soon go," she said to him then bowed.

    "I am sure you will meet your parents there. Goodbye," Joan said.

    "Bye!" She smiled.

    They went bright and then they were caught up in the heavens slowly. They went floating in the air and watched them from above.. Joan said his goodbye and waved at them until they disappeared.

 Chapter 184 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he felt that it was teary. Gasping air as he went back on his body. Breathing deeply, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 185 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he felt that it was teary. Gasping air as he went back to his body. Breathing deeply, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 186 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he felt that it was teary. Gasping air as he went back to his body. Breathing deep, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 187 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Gasping air as he went back to his body. Breathing deep, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 188 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Breathing deep air as he went back to his body. Breathing deep, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 189 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Breathing deep after he went back to his body. Breathing deep, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 190 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body. He stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 191 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 192 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location.

    Taking a peek at the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 193 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his pair of eyes, he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location.

    Taking a peek outside the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 194 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he wiped it as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location.

    Taking a peek outside the door, it was utterly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 195 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he wiped it as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location.

    Taking a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 196 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he wiped it as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location, he tooka peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambience as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they travelled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenceless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armour] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyse it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armours and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 197 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Opening his eyes, he wiped it as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location, he tooka peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 198 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 199 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 200 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the ce then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound by the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.allnovelfull

 Chapter 201 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the cultists have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound by the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 202 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing deeply after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the enemies have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound by the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 203 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the enemies have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moves deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound by the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 204 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if the enemies have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound by the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 205 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if enemies have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound by the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 206 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if enemies have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 207 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching if enemies have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 208 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 209 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he went further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 210 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 211 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped it with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 212 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 213 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes opened, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 214 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain in his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 215 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 216 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more shadow clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 217 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 218 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he can hear the booming sound in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 219 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies as if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further,he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 220 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies as if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further,he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 221 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further,he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. He arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 222 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 223 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 224 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making it sound as he do so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 225 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance of the dungeon. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 226 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things go worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 227 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. He was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 228 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, moving deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 229 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind in taking the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 230 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Joan''s eyes opened while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 231 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Eyes twinkled while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 232 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    He twinkled his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

    They all dashed towards them and soon the battle became chaotic. More and more devils went out of the portal and they shed with the ghosts. They went all out and also with the side of Joan''s forces.. Joan then used his Holy Knight job ss and then battled together with them.

 Chapter 233 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    He twinkled his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

 Chapter 234 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    He twinkled his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!" Joan eximed.

 Chapter 235 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    He twinkled his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and wiped his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 236 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    He twinkled his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 237 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, he wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 238 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As he delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 239 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 240 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stand up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 241 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went worst.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 242 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling his eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 243 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was defeaning as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce and there, he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 244 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones were returning at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 245 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 246 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 247 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 248 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, Joan moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of his fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 249 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside his head, Joan moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of Joan''s fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 250 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went for the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside Joan''s head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of Joan''s fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 251 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after Joan went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went in the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside Joan''s head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of Joan''s fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 252 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went in the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside Joan''s head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of Joan''s fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed too towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 253 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went in the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside Joan''s head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    Joan was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of Joan''s fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

 Chapter 254 - Cultist Raids Part 4

    Twinkling Joan''s eyes while inhaling huge amounts of air, Joan wiped them with the back of his hands as he felt that it was teary. Breathing heavily after he went back to his body, he stood up and cleaned his dirty clothes then opened the door. Making an irking sound as he does so. Watching enemies if they have already found out his current location, he took a peek outside the door, it was deafeningly silent. Exiting from the dark and gloomy dungeon then he went back to the entrance. The silence was deafening as he was walking towards the third path but he felt that more and more clones returned at his shadow. Making it more and more difficult for his mind to take the toll. It will be troublesome if things went in the worst turn.

    Bearing all the pain inside Joan''s head, he moved deeper and deeper towards the cavern. With his vision enhanced by [Beast aura] white, he can see better in the dark. Making him stride the path without getting tripped.

    As Joan delve further, he heard the booming sound piercing his ears in the distance. It was getting louder and louder as time passed by. Sneaking slowly, he arrived at their sacrificial chamber with an opened portal at the front. Dark miasma was seen emerging from the said portal and it was disturbing to watch.

    He was on the top of the chamber and there was a stair that leads down to the said chamber. With a balcony-like ambiance as he looks at it. While [Sneak] was still active, he watched the shadow clones having a hard time. Torches lighted up the ce here and there, it was then he saw the current battle transpiring.

    They were effective in dealing damage as they have [Shadow travel]. The only problem was they were exhausted from fighting the enemy for who knows how long. They dashed again and then went assaulting the Demon general of whom were the leader.

    They attacked in all directions and used [Shadow travel]. They turned into shadows and then, like a fish into the water, they traveled into the darkness. Appearing in the Demon general''s back, they shed and stabbed him at the same time. Making him swirl to shake them off.

    The enemy they were facing then used its powers to heal himself. [Demonic heal] was used then his once bleeding physique, healed. He roared once again and then breathed dark miasma to the shadow clones. They dashed sideways to evade his fiery breath and it made the floor to be corroded.

    They didn''t have huge bursts like the other job sses but they were so fast to react and deal another round of damage. Joan observed them but thought that it was time to end their suffering. He used the Holy Knight job ss then used his skill.

    [Prison of light]

    The Demon general shouted as he was caged by it. Breathing more miasma but it was damaged only to the minimum. Joan approached him and then used his area of effect skill.

    [Judgement zone]

    The enemy writhed to the pain as Joan approached it. He breathed at him as he spat curses at him. Joan then erected a force field and shielded its breath. Using his Mage job ss, he used his elemental spell [Ice spikes]. He summoned them and surrounded him in all directions. It screamed as it wanted to forcefully break the cage and also bite it off. Only resulting in burning its mouth in the process.

    "Release me! Or he wille to you! He will not let this pass! He is the strongest of all the demons! Stronger than you! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    Joan was intrigued by what he heard. It was the first time in a long time that someone was hailed as stronger than him. This made him grin at what he heard. Thinking that he will let him spout the name whoever it was.

    "Tell me, who is time person or creature stronger than me? You caught my attention," Joan said to him, holding his chin.

    "Hahaha! You are indeed a frog in the well not knowing how vast the oceans are! He is none other than The Child Of Darkness! Destined to defeat the Child Of Hope! Hahaha!" He shouted.

    "Oh, that is sour to my taste. Anyways, that''s still news to me. Thank you for spouting it all. I thank you for your service," Joan said then bowed.

    With a snap of Joan''s fingers, all the ice spikes pierced his body. Still, it was not enough. He alternated the Ice spikes and Earthen spears on him in which made him struggle until hisst breath. Some were blocked but it was not enough to stop all the nonstop barrage of the skills.

    Its life was well spent. It was then, he absorbed all the essences on the ce and his stats once again rose. It will be a matter of time till he will broke through in the six hundred stats.

    It was then, the shadow clones approached him and Joan smiled at them. Congratting them for a job well done. They all went sitting on the floor in sheer exhaustion. Stabbing their daggers on the floor whilst not uttering a word as they can''t speak at all.

    Joan then felt that something bad will happen. He felt that something from the gate was approaching. To his utter helplessness, he can close it but it will take some time. Also leaving himself defenseless at the time he will close it. To his disappointment, he has to face it with his current self.

    "Everyone! I am sad to say this but prepare for battle!" Joan said to them.

    [Beast call]

    Wolves appeared together with the crows. Also, the Giant wolves are together with them this time.

    [Shadow clone]

    The shadow clones were invigorated and then their numbers are replenished.

    [Skeleton]

    Skeletons appeared bearing different weapons on their arsenals

    [Summon bear]

    The bear appeared and used the skill [Spirit armor] and [Gigantism].

    [Summon vines]

    Different vines appeared and were ready to attack anytime.

    "Everyone! The enemy wille out of the portal and it is toote to close it. Defend it with your lives!" Joan said to them.

    Shriiieeeeekkkkkk!

    It was then, a loud shrieking sound was heard by all summons and also Joan. Making them perturbed by its origins. Remembering them made his hair go up.

    "I am not mistaken about that sound. Those are Devils!" Joan shouted.

    As Joan scanned his memory, they were the assassins of the demon realm. They can change their physical bodies to ethereal bodies that can pass through any physical materials and has prowess like a maniacal killing machine. Mindless bloodthirsty variants of demons. They were called devils for a reason.

    It was then, their shrieks went louder and louder. The wolves grinned and they felt like they were about to release their wrath.

    They felt rmed by their voices. In meer estimation, they were numbered more than twenty. Just by their shrieks, Joan can confirm that they were great in numbers. As he waited for their appearance, he felt like he will struggle in their battle. His chance of survival was so slim if he will analyze it.

    As the time ticks, his thoughts were divided as to whether he will leave the ce or he will defend and close the portal.

    The former was the practical choice but that also leaves their base attacked next. They were only a few clicks from their base of operations and it was only a walking distance. Not gonna let it happen where they were attacked while asleep with such vile creatures.

    Thetter was a death sentence or a suicide as we speak. It will be a matter of time when they will be overwhelmed by their numbers. Praying that they will kill them all before they were exhausted or their emergence will stop before it was toote.

    Still, Joan decided to stay and held his ground. Breathing deep, he closed his eyes and then opened them. There appeared blue cold eyes and his breath let out cold steam.

    "Your master calls thee,"

    [Ghosts]

    It was then, an army of ghosts went out of his body and theyughed wearing armors and weapons but all were in a bluish hue. They all kneeled at his presence and waited for hismand.

    "We await your orders�CGhost overlord!"

    "Kill all devils," Joan replied and breathed out cold steam.

    "As you wish," said their general.

    "Prepare for battle!" The general shouted.

    They all stood up then faced the portal.

    "Our enemy rival�Cdevils," said their general.

    It was then, the enemies walked out of the portal. Their bodies were dark and semi-transparent. Only their eyes were red were seen. Winged and elongated arms. Floating mid-air and has the feet of a feline. The tail has a pointed spike and teeth were sharp as a razor.

    They slowly emerged and then all the ghost army dashed towards them. Roaring and flooded the vicinity. The enemies dashed towards them and they all shed.

    "Summons now!"

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!