《Reincarnated as a 'Useless' Dark Flame User [LitRPG, Isekai]》


 Chapter 1 - Kuroi Yami

    Just like always, Kuroi was walking down the street on his way to his full-time job. The surrounding darkness was only illuminated by the alternating streetlights, their weak, flickering glow casting long, eerie shadows on the pavement. The empty street, silent except for the distant hum of the city, made the night feel even later than it was.


    Twenty-four-year-old Kuroi Yami was a hardworking adult. Even at this late hour, he diligently walked toward his workplace, looking forward to completing his daily tasks. In his years of service, he had never missed a day, consistently winning the No Absencesaward each month, sweeping the competition.


    But despite the praise and consistency, there was something hollow about it all. As Kuroi walked, he couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling that every step was taking him further into a life that was as dark and empty as the streets around him.


    When he finally arrived at his destination, he surveyed the building in front of him¡ªa small residential house, no different from the other houses lined up beside it. The red roof looked darker in the night, with only the moonlight revealing its true color.


    In front of the house, a small, neat garden lay between the veranda and the street. Bonsai trees, trimmed with care, stood alongside patches of ornamental grass, reflecting the homeowners'' love for order and beauty. It was a place that gave him a comfortable feeling of familiarity, yet he couldn''t help but feel a pang of guilt while gazing at it.


    In his right hand, he carried his work equipment: a plastic bag filled with instant ramen, potato chips, and energy drinks that he had bought from a nearby convenience store. These were the resources he needed for his daily grind of binging anime and playing games. Yes, Kuroi Yami, 24 years old, was a full-time shut-in NEET.


    He took a deep breath and said, "Another day, another dollar," with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. The empty street around him seemed to echo his words, mocking him with its silence. As he prepared to step into his front yard, a loud scream shattered the quiet, stopping him in his tracks.


    "Help! Somebody help!" a woman''s voice cried out.


    Kuroi froze, the plastic bag crinkling in his hand as his grip tightened. He looked around, his heart starting to pound, unsure of where the loud shrieks were coming from.


    "Help! Please, somebody help!" the voice echoed again, more desperate this time.


    Finally, he spotted the source of the noise. A few houses down the street, a bright light pierced the darkness, casting the neighborhood in an ominous glow. Panic tightened in his chest as he realized what it was¡ªa raging fire, with thick black smoke billowing into the night sky.


    Kuroi''s heart began to race. His earlier steady breathing was now replaced by shallow gasps, the commotion pulling him away from the comfortable numbness he usually wrapped himself in.


    He hesitated. He just wanted to go inside the comfort of his room, block out the noise with his headphones, and watch anime and play games until the sun rose¡ªjust as usual. He wasn¡¯t a hero; he didn¡¯t want to be.


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    "Help! Somebody! Anybody!" The voice rang out again, each word pressing down on him, filling his heart with a heavy mix of guilt and concern.


    "Help! Please! My daughter is still inside!"


    Kuroi¡¯s stomach twisted. His feet moved, but not toward the fire¡ªinstead, he stepped back, retreating toward his front door. ¡°It¡¯s none of my business,¡± he muttered, his voice trembling as if trying to convince himself.


    But his legs betrayed him. They moved on their own, slowly at first, and then faster, until he was sprinting down the street. The guilt was now like a physical weight, dragging him toward the blaze, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he nearly collided with a lamppost or two along the way.


    When he finally reached the source of the commotion, he saw a woman sitting on the ground, her legs having given out from the panic. The fire roared behind her, a monstrous beast that seemed to growl in hunger, eager to consume everything in its path.


    At the sight of Kuroi, the woman suddenly stood up and ran to him, gripping his arms as if afraid he would vanish. Her fingers dug into his skin, desperate and trembling.


    "Help! Please! My daughter is still inside!" the woman pleaded, her face contorted with fear, streaked with tears that glistened in the firelight.


    Kuroi felt even more guilt. The logical part of his brain screamed at him to turn around, to leave, but another part¡ªdeeper and more primal¡ªrefused to let him move.


    ¡°Have you called the fire department?¡± he asked, his voice shaking.


    "Yes, but they''re taking too long! My daughter might not make it!" the woman replied frantically, her eyes wild with terror.


    "We can''t do anything on our own¡ªit might just make things worse. We have to wait for the firemen and let them handle it," Kuroi said, trying to sound calm, though his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst.


    "Please, you''ve got to do something!" the woman cried, her voice breaking as she clutched at him.


    "What do you want me to do? What can we even do in this situation?" he snapped, more out of fear than anger.


    "I¡ªI don''t know, I don''t know..." the woman stammered, falling back to the ground as the hopelessness of the situation sank in.


    Then, all of a sudden, a small voice called out from the burning house. "Mommy! Mommy!" It was faint, but loud enough to cut through the crackling of the flames and reach their ears.


    The woman¡¯s eyes widened, and before Kuroi could react, she was sprinting toward the fire. "Yuki! Yuki! I''m coming to save you!"


    Kuroi lunged forward, catching her arm just in time, preventing her from rushing into the inferno.


    "What are you doing?!" he shouted, his voice nearly drowned out by the roaring flames.


    "Let go of me!" she screamed back, thrashing in his grip.


    "Are you crazy?! You''ll both die if you go in there! Just wait for the fire department to arrive¡ªthey''ll be here soon!" Kuroi yelled, tightening his hold on her.


    "No, let go! My daughter needs my help!" she wailed, her voice raw with desperation.


    Kuroi looked at the fire, then back at the crying woman. His heart pounded in his chest, his thoughts spinning in a chaotic whirl. Every instinct told him to let go, to run away, but something deep inside him¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time¡ªstirred.


    Then he heard the child¡¯s voice again, screaming at the top of her lungs, her cries slicing through the night like a knife. "Mommy! Please help!" He felt the woman struggling, her desperation almost tangible.


    He couldn''t take it anymore. It was enough to steel his resolve.


    "Stay here," he said to the woman, his voice firm despite the fear gnawing at him. "I''ll go get her."


    With a deep breath, he ran toward the fire, every part of his mind screaming at him to stop, to turn back, but his body moved forward, driven by something stronger than fear.


    "It''s simple¡ªjust run in, find the child, grab her, and run outside," he thought, trying to rationalize his choice, but even he knew it wasn¡¯t that simple.


    And with that, Kuroi plunged into the burning house, the heat and smoke swallowing him whole.

 Chapter 2 - Hero

    The heat was overwhelming as Kuroi burst through the front door, flames licking at the walls and ceiling, turning the once-cozy home into a blazing inferno. The thick, harsh smoke filled his lungs, making it difficult to breathe, but he pushed forward, his mind set on one thing¡ªfinding the child.


    ¡°Yuki!¡± he shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring fire. ¡°Where are you?!¡±


    No response came, only the crackling of flames as they devoured everything in their path. Kuroi covered his mouth and nose with his sleeve, trying to filter out the smoke. His eyes stung, tears streaming down his face as he squinted through the haze.


    He moved deeper into the house, each step more treacherous than the last. The floor beneath him creaked ominously, threatening to give way at any moment. He scanned the room, searching for any sign of the child.


    ¡°Yuki!¡± he called again, more desperately this time.


    Then, faintly, he heard it¡ªa whimper, soft but unmistakable, coming from down the hallway. Kuroi¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He wasn¡¯t too late.


    He stumbled toward the sound, the smoke growing thicker as he neared the source. Finally, he reached a small bedroom, the door slightly ajar. Pushing it open, he found her¡ªa little girl, no older than five or six, curled up in a corner, her small body trembling in fear.


    ¡°Yuki,¡± Kuroi said, his voice as gentle as he could manage despite the chaos around them. ¡°I¡¯m here to help. We need to get out of here.¡±


    The girl looked up at him, her eyes wide and filled with terror. She didn¡¯t move, paralyzed by fear.


    Kuroi dropped to his knees, crawling toward her. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he said, trying to reassure her. ¡°We¡¯re going to get out of here. But you need to listen to me, okay?¡±


    She nodded, her tiny hands clutching a stuffed toy to her chest.


    ¡°The smoke is dangerous,¡± he explained, keeping his voice calm. ¡°We need to stay low and crawl to the door, okay? Follow me.¡±


    Kuroi turned and started crawling toward the door, keeping his body as low to the ground as possible. He could hear Yuki following him, her movements hesitant but determined.


    They made it to the hallway, the heat intensifying with each passing second. The flames were closer now, consuming the walls around them. Kuroi could feel the sweat pouring down his face, his skin prickling from the intense heat.


    ¡°Almost there,¡± he muttered to himself, trying to keep his focus. The front door was in sight, just a few more feet.


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    But as they neared the exit, a loud crack echoed through the house, followed by a deafening crash. Kuroi turned just in time to see a section of the ceiling collapse behind them, cutting off their escape route.


    ¡°Run!¡± he shouted to Yuki, pushing her forward. ¡°Get to the door!¡±


    The little girl hesitated for a moment, her eyes wide with fear, but then she sprinted toward the door, her small legs carrying her as fast as they could.


    Kuroi followed, his heart pounding in his chest, but before he could reach the exit, another beam from the ceiling came crashing down in front of him, blocking his path. The impact threw him to the ground, the force knocking the air out of his lungs.


    ¡°Yuki¡­ go¡­¡± he wheezed, his voice barely a whisper. Through a small gap, he saw the girl make it the outside. She turned back, her eyes filled with worry, but Kuroi forced a smile, nodding for her to keep going.


    Kuroi heard a faint but distinct voice calling from outside. ¡°Yuki! Yuki, over here!¡± It was her mother¡¯s voice, strained with fear but filled with hope. ¡°Mommy!¡± Yuki cried out, running toward the sound. Kuroi felt a brief sense of relief wash over him as he watched Yuki¡¯s small figure disappear into the night. He could just make out the sound of her mother¡¯s voice again, this time filled with overwhelming joy, followed by Yuki¡¯s muffled sobs of relief as they reached each other safely.


    Kuroi tried to follow, but his strength was fading fast. The smoke filled his lungs, burning his throat and chest. His vision dimmed, the world around him fading into darkness.


    Desperation clawed at Kuroi as he searched for an opening, any way to escape the inferno that surrounded him. He stumbled through the smoke, his eyes burning, but all he could see was darkness and the flickering shadows of flames. Every path he turned to was blocked, consumed by fire, leaving him with no way out.


    He tried to get up, but the smoke was too thick now, suffocating him. His vision blurred as he gasped for breath, his body growing weaker with each passing second.


    In his final moments of consciousness, Kuroi¡¯s mind raced back through the years he had wasted. He thought of his life, spent in the confines of his small, dark room, immersed in his own world of anime and games while the world outside moved on without him.


    He remembered how he had watched from the shadows as his mother tended to her bonsai and the ornamental grass in their front yard, her hands moving with care and love. Sometimes, he had even helped her, feeling a fleeting sense of purpose.


    Now, in these moments of clarity, he saw her again, taking care of him throughout the years, her face lit with a gentle, protective love. It struck him¡ªshe was a real hero, someone who faced life with strength and grace, while he had done nothing but hide.


    Tears streamed down his face as he lay on the floor, the heat and smoke pressing in on him. The realization of his own uselessness washed over him like a wave. He thought again of his mother, the warmth of her embrace, and how he had never appreciated her fully.


    With his last bit of strength, he whispered, ¡°Mom¡­I''m sorry...¡± his voice barely audible over the crackling flames. It was a cry for comfort, for a life he had missed out on, for a chance to be something more.


    In the distance, the faint sound of sirens wailed through the night, growing louder with each passing second. But for Kuroi, they were just a distant echo, too far away to change what was already happening. The fire had moved too quickly, the smoke too thick, and the rescuers too late.


    And then, the darkness closed in. The world faded away, the sounds of the fire growing distant until there was only silence.


    And then, there was nothing at all.

 Chapter 3 - Rebirth

    Kuroi¡¯s consciousness stirred, swimming up from the depths of darkness. A strange, cold sensation washed over him, as if his entire body had been submerged in ice water. His mind was foggy, grasping at fleeting memories of heat, fire, and pain. The last thing he remembered was the suffocating smoke, the unbearable heat... and then, nothing.


    As his awareness began to return, a calm, mechanical voice echoed softly within his mind, like a distant whisper.


    System Initialization Complete.


    Name: Kuroi Yami.


    Soul Transfer Complete.


    He tried to focus on it, but his thoughts were sluggish, his body unresponsive.


    User Calibration in Progress.


    Loading User Affinity...


    User Affinity Loaded.


    Red Flame Affinity: 35/120


    Green Flame Affinity: 35/20


    Blue Flame Affinity: 35/120


    Yellow Flame Affinity: 35/120


    Dark Flame Affinity: 0/120


    Fixing Affinities...


    Transferring Affinities to Dark Flame...


    Dark Flame Affinity Maxed


    Displaying New Affinities:


    Red Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Green Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Blue Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Yellow Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Dark Flame Affinity: 120/120


    The voice continued to narrate these changes as if it were a routine procedure. Kuroi¡¯s foggy mind struggled to make sense of the information, his confusion compounded by the strange, impersonal tone of the voice.


    New skill: Red Fireball (Basic) acquired.


    New skill: Green Protection (Basic) acquired.


    New skill: Blue Healing (Basic) acquired.


    New skill: Yellow Enhancement (Basic) acquired.


    New skill: Dark Ascension (Maximum) acquired.


    New Skill: Item Box (Innate) Acquired.


    Adding Mana Points...


    Mana Points Successfully Added


    The voice delivered each update in a calm and methodical way, contrasting sharply with the confusion Kuroi felt.


    Concealing Abilities...


    Abilities Concealed.


    Bestowal Required to Unlock.


    The voice continued, its tone neutral and detached, as though this was all routine. Kuroi tried to move, to open his eyes, but his body felt heavy and foreign, like he had been wrapped in layers of thick blankets. Panic surged through him, but even that felt distant.


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    Integrating New User Consciousness...


    User Consciousness Fully Integrated.


    Body Calibration Complete.


    Welcome to the World of Floga.


    Finally, Kuroi managed to open his eyes. The world around him was a blur of colors and shapes, nothing like the darkness he had grown accustomed to. His vision gradually sharpened, revealing a dimly lit room, unfamiliar and alien.


    He tried to take a deep breath, but his lungs filled with air in short, shallow gasps. His limbs felt tiny and weak, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. It was only then that the realization hit him¡ªhe wasn''t just weak. He was small.


    The voice, smooth and matter-of-fact, reverberated in his mind. It carried an impossible truth that Kuroi was slowly coming to grips with: he had been reborn. Reborn into a world he didn¡¯t recognize, into a body that was far from what he remembered.


    He tried to cry out, to say something, anything¡ªbut all that emerged was a feeble wail, the sound of a newborn baby testing its lungs for the first time. The shock of it rippled through him, and his tiny fists clenched instinctively.


    This world is governed by the Flame System, the voice continued, unaffected by Kuroi¡¯s confusion.


    You have been granted a unique affinity within this system, one that will shape your destiny. Welcome to your new beginning.


    Kuroi¡¯s wails subsided as he struggled to comprehend what was happening. His small, unfamiliar body trembled, and the memories of his past life began to blur. As he lay there in the warmth of a crib, the reality of his rebirth began to settle over him like a heavy, unshakable weight.


    His old life was gone, consumed by fire and regret. This was his new reality¡ªa second chance, a blank slate in a world governed by strange, powerful forces.


    And as Kuroi¡¯s tiny eyes blinked up at the unfamiliar ceiling, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the voice meant with its words.


    Kuroi''s cries gradually quieted, replaced by a growing awareness of his surroundings. Muffled voices began to reach his tiny ears, soft and unfamiliar. His vision was blurred, the world around him just a haze of shapes and colors. But slowly, the outlines of two figures began to take form above him.


    He blinked, struggling to focus on the faces hovering over his crib. The first thing he noticed was a pair of warm, gentle eyes gazing down at him, their color a striking shade of blue, like the sky on a clear day.


    "Oh, look at him," the voice cooed, soft and loving. "He has your beautiful blue eyes."


    Another voice, deeper and resonant, joined in with a hint of pride. "And your beautiful silver hair," the man said, reaching out to gently brush the piece of silvery strands on Kuroi¡¯s tiny head. "Our little one has the best of both of us."


    Kuroi blinked again, trying to absorb their words. His new mother¡¯s eyes sparkled with warmth, while his father¡¯s expression was filled with a calm strength. The realization that these were his parents in this new world slowly began to dawn on him.


    The woman leaned closer, a soft smile gracing her lips as she gently cradled Kuroi¡ªnow their son¡ªin her arms. She rocked him slowly, her touch soothing and filled with a mother¡¯s love.


    "What should we call him?" she asked, her voice filled with tenderness as she looked up at her husband.


    The man gazed down at the small bundle in his wife¡¯s arms, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, his eyes lit up with a decision. "Mav," he said, his voice firm yet warm. "Mav Rose."


    Implementing New Name.


    New Name Successfully Implemented.


    User Designation: Mav Rose.


    "Welcome to your new life, Mav," the voice echoed in his mind again.


    The woman smiled, repeating the name softly as if testing its sound. "Mav Rose," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with affection as she looked down at her child. "A strong name for our strong little boy."


    She leaned down, kissing Mav''s forehead, her heart swelling with love. "Welcome to the world, Mav," she murmured. "Our beautiful, precious son."


    The man placed a gentle hand on his wife¡¯s shoulder, his gaze never leaving the tiny, silver-haired baby in her arms. "He¡¯s perfect," he said softly, the pride evident in his voice.


    As his mother held him close, Mav stared up at his new parents with wide, curious eyes. The warmth of their affection was palpable, a new and different kind of care he was just beginning to understand. The soft cooing of his mother and the gentle touch of his father¡¯s hand brought a sense of comfort he hadn¡¯t expected.


    But beneath that comfort, questions began to swirl in his mind. What did this new life mean? Who was that voice speaking to him, and what did those words mean? Why was he here, in this strange yet tender place, with a name he had never known? The memory of flames and smoke was still fresh, but now it was replaced by this warmth, this strange, unfamiliar feeling of belonging.


    Mav closed his eyes, the weight of his new existence pressing down on him. What was this world he had been reborn into? And what would this new life hold for him? The mysteries tugged at the edges of his consciousness, but for now, he could only wonder.


    And so, nestled in the loving arms of his new mother, Mav drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep, the unanswered questions lingering in the back of his mind as he wondered what this new beginning would bring.

 Chapter 4 - Oraios Village

    "On behalf of everyone, Emily, Nacht, congratulations!" an old man with a long white beard said warmly to the couple. The woman, with silver hair, cradled a newborn baby in her arms, while beside her stood a tall man with dark hair and blue eyes, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.


    "Thank you, village chief," they both replied joyfully.


    The chief then turned his gaze to the small baby, a soft smile in his eyes. "Mav, welcome to Oraios Village," he said softly.


    He then turned to the gathered villagers, his voice rising with a sense of pride, "Now, let''s begin the celebrations!"


    With that, the villagers erupted in cheers. Music began to play as women lifted their flutes and men beat the drums in rhythm. Wooden cups were quickly filled with homemade alcohol, and people started to eat from the large table set up in the center of the gathering.


    In the distance, a massive bonfire crackled, providing warmth against the cool night air and casting a golden glow over the gathering.


    The table was laden with a variety of foods: Giant Boar meat, rich and savory, was prepared in stews, fried dishes, and more, accompanied by vegetables harvested from the village gardens. Such a feast was rare and usually reserved for special occasions, but tonight was an exception. The villagers had pooled their modest earnings to celebrate the birth of Mav Rose, reflecting the deep camaraderie of this humble, close-knit community.


    One by one, the villagers approached Emily and Nacht, offering heartfelt congratulations and warm smiles as they greeted the couple and their newborn child. The night was filled with laughter and joy, as everyone celebrated the arrival of young Mav. As the celebration continued, the villagers danced around the bonfire, their spirits high as they welcomed a new life into their midst.


    As the night wore on, the festivities slowly wound down. Families began to bid each other goodnight, returning to their homes, but the warmth of the fire and the echoes of laughter lingered in the cool air. The birth of Mav Rose had become more than just a celebration; it was a symbol of hope, unity, and the enduring strength of Oraios Village.


    The celebration marked the beginning of a joyful chapter in Emily and Nacht''s lives. As the months passed, the couple marveled at how easily Mav adapted to the world around him. He rarely cried, his wide blue eyes always filled with curiosity, as if he were absorbing every detail of his surroundings.


    By the time he was a year old, Mav had already taken his first steps. To Emily and Nacht¡¯s amazement, he displayed an unusual awareness for a child his age. He seemed to sense the emotions of those around him, responding to smiles with his own and reaching out to comfort anyone who appeared upset.


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    Raising Mav was a blessing. He never caused them sleepless nights, and as he grew, the couple found that he was incredibly easy to care for. By his second year, he was not only walking but confidently exploring the village with an almost unsettling calm, always curious yet careful.


    As Mav grew older, his natural leadership qualities became more apparent. Whenever he played with the other village children, he instinctively took on the role of mediator and protector. If disputes arose during their games, Mav was always the one to step in, stopping fights before they could escalate. His calm and reassuring demeanor diffused tensions, and soon, the other children began to look up to him for guidance.


    When one of the younger children fell or burst into tears, Mav was there in an instant, offering comfort with a gentle pat on the back or a few soothing words. The children, drawn to his mature presence, began to follow him instinctively, trusting him as though he were much older than his years. It was as if Mav carried an innate wisdom, far beyond his age, that set him apart from his peers.


    Years passed quickly, and before they knew it, Mav was 5 years old. Emily and Nacht watched with pride as their son grew into a bright, observant child, who seemed to know things without being taught. Despite his unusual maturity, Mav was still very much a child¡ªeager to learn and filled with a sense of wonder about the world around him. Yet, among the village children, he had already become something of a leader, respected and admired for his wisdom and kindness.


    As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Oraios Village, Emily and Nacht tucked Mav into his small bed. The room was cozy, filled with the soft light of a lantern that flickered gently on the bedside table. Mav, now five years old, looked up at his parents with wide, curious eyes, his silver hair glinting in the dim light.


    Emily sat on the edge of the bed, brushing a strand of hair away from Mav¡¯s face. ¡°Are you excited for tomorrow, Mav?¡± she asked, her voice tender.


    Mav nodded, his eyes bright with anticipation. ¡°Yes, Mama. What will happen at the Bestowal Ceremony?¡±


    Nacht, standing by the door, smiled and leaned against the frame. ¡°Tomorrow, you¡¯ll receive your Flame Affinity, just like all the other children in the village. It¡¯s a special day when you¡¯ll discover what kind of power you have,¡± he explained, his voice calm and reassuring.


    Mav''s face lit up with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. "Will it be like the stories you tell me?"


    Emily chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But remember, no matter what Flame you receive, it¡¯s part of who you are, and it will help guide you as you grow.¡±


    Mav nodded thoughtfully, his small hands clutching the blanket. ¡°I want to help people with my Flame, just like you and Papa help everyone in the village.¡±


    Nacht¡¯s heart swelled with pride as he exchanged a look with Emily. ¡°And you will, Mav. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    Emily leaned down and kissed Mav on the forehead. ¡°Now, you should get some sleep, little one. Tomorrow will be a big day."


    As the conversation wound down, Nacht glanced at Emily, a silent understanding passing between them. ¡°We should get some rest too,¡± Nacht said with a gentle smile. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s important for all of us.¡±


    Mav smiled, his eyes already growing heavy with sleep. ¡°Goodnight, Mama. Goodnight, Papa.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Mav,¡± Nacht said softly, as he and Emily quietly left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

 Chapter 5 - To The Capital

    The next morning, their house was abuzz with excitement as the day of the Bestowal Ceremony dawned. Mav woke early, the sunlight streaming through the window, filling his room with a golden glow. He sprang out of bed, his heart racing with anticipation, and quickly dressed in the clothes Emily had laid out for him the night before.


    Downstairs, the aroma of fresh bread and herbs filled the air as Emily prepared breakfast. Nacht was already seated at the table, his face lit with a warm smile as Mav rushed down the stairs.


    The Bestowal Ceremony was a significant event, a rite of passage held in the capital. Only within the temple there could the Flames be properly bestowed, with the aid of a Flame Priest and a device known as the Orb of Bestowal. Mav was about to discover his destiny.


    As Emily and Nacht prepared for the Bestowal Ceremony, their thoughts were occupied with both excitement and a tinge of anxiety. Emily, adjusting Mav¡¯s small travel bag, couldn''t help but reflect on how quickly the years had flown by. The tiny baby she had cradled so many months ago was now a curious, bright child on the cusp of discovering his future. She glanced at Nacht, seeing the same mixture of pride and apprehension in his eyes. The ceremony was not just a tradition; it was a pivotal moment in Mav¡¯s life, one that would shape his path and define his role within the village.


    Nacht, observing Emily¡¯s thoughtful expression, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He was aware of the weight of this day and the hopes pinned on their son. As he loaded the final items into the carriage, he thought about the unknowns ahead¡ªthe uncertainties of which Flame Mav would receive and how it would influence his future. Would his son find a Flame that matched his gentle, yet firm spirit? Or would it challenge him in ways they hadn¡¯t anticipated? The thought of Mav facing any difficulties stirred a protective concern in him.


    Emily met Nacht¡¯s gaze, sharing a silent understanding. ¡°No matter what happens,¡± she said softly, her voice trembling slightly, ¡°we¡¯ve given Mav all the love and support he needs. Whatever Flame he receives, we¡¯ll be by his side.¡±


    Nacht nodded, squeezing her hand gently. ¡°He¡¯s a special boy, Emily. He¡¯s shown us time and again how resilient and thoughtful he is. I believe he¡¯ll find his way, no matter what challenges lie ahead.¡±


    Their shared moment of reflection was a mix of hope and anxiety, but it was also filled with pride. As they finished their preparations and Mav¡¯s eager face appeared in the doorway, they both took a deep breath. The day ahead would be a new chapter, full of promise and uncertainty, but for now, they focused on the journey ahead, holding on to the hope that their son¡¯s future would be bright and filled with purpose.


    Mav quickly ran to the carriage, where his parents carefully packed the carriage, making sure everything was in order. The excitement from the night before still lingered in the air, and Mav could hardly contain his anticipation.


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    "Are you ready, Mav?" Emily asked, kneeling down to adjust the small travel bag slung over his shoulder.


    Mav nodded eagerly, his silver hair catching the morning light. "I¡¯m ready, Mama!" he said, his voice full of determination.


    Nacht smiled, ruffling Mav¡¯s hair. ¡°Then let¡¯s get going. The sooner we start, the sooner we¡¯ll be there.¡±


    With everything in place, the family climbed into the carriage, and Nacht took the reins. The horses began to move, and the small village of Oraios slowly disappeared behind them as they set off on the road to the capital, where Mav¡¯s fate would soon be revealed.


    As the carriage rumbled along the narrow road, the dense canopy of trees on either side cast shifting patterns of light and shadow across the path. The trees were lush and green, their branches intertwining overhead to form a natural tunnel. The only sounds were the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse¡¯s hooves and the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.


    The road was winding, and the way was occasionally interrupted by the sight of wildflowers growing along the edges. Mav pressed his face against the carriage window, marveling at the changing scenery. Emily and Nacht exchanged smiles, the anticipation of reaching the capital filling them with a quiet excitement.


    The road widened as they emerged from the shaded forest, opening up to a bustling field. The broader road was alive with carriages and pedestrians moving in a constant flow. The sky, a brilliant expanse of blue, stretched overhead, dotted with a few drifting clouds. The lively atmosphere was a sharp contrast to the serenity of Oraios Village.


    Nacht guided the horses through the busy avenue, skillfully maneuvering the carriage amidst the other travelers. The atmosphere was lively, with the sounds of conversation and laughter mingling with the clatter of wheels and the occasional call of street vendors.


    As the grand gates of the capital loomed ahead, Nacht slowed the carriage, and greeted the two guards stationed at the entrance. The guards greeted him with familiarity and respect, recognizing him from his frequent trips to deliver vegetables from his wife¡¯s farm. Nacht exchanged a few friendly words with them, and they waved him through with a nod. The gate creaked open, revealing the capital¡¯s grandeur beyond the walls.


    The carriage continued forward, passing through the imposing gates and entering the capital. The capital city was encircled by a large wall, it''s towering buildings and bustling streets were a stark contrast to the tranquil village of Oraios. Nacht navigated the carriage through the crowded streets until they finally arrived in front of the grand temple, its majestic spires rising high into the sky. The temple was an imposing structure of intricate stonework, its presence commanding respect and awe.


    Emily and Nacht helped Mav out of the carriage, and as they stood before the temple, the significance of the day settled in. The grandiosity of the temple seemed to encapsulate the weight of the moment, the culmination of years of anticipation and hope. The ceremony was about to begin, and Mav¡¯s journey was set to unfold within these hallowed walls.

 Chapter 6 - The Flame System Part 1 (History)

    The Bestowal Ceremony is a significant rite of passage in the world of Floga, marking the moment when a child officially enters society as a wielder of flame-based magic. Held when children reach the age of 5, this ceremony is not merely a tradition but a deeply revered process that connects each child to the Flame God, who bestows upon them their unique flame type.


    The ceremony is a grand event, typically taking place in the capital of the kingdom, where the Flame Temple stands as the focal point. On the day of the Bestowal, families from all over the kingdom journey to the capital. The event itself is highly organized, with each child being guided through the process by the Head Priest.


    The Bestowal Ceremony is entirely free of charge for all participants. The kingdom and the various guilds that govern different flame disciplines cover all expenses, recognizing the ceremony¡¯s importance for the future of their society. This support underscores the kingdom¡¯s commitment to nurturing the next generation of flame wielders, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to discover and develop their innate powers.


    As Nacht maneuvered the carriage to a halt and helped Emily and Mav out, the grandeur of the capital''s temple loomed before them. The massive doors creaked open, revealing a vast interior that seemed to stretch endlessly. The scale of the temple was awe-inspiring, its architecture a testament to the ancient craftsmanship that had gone into its construction.


    Stepping inside, they were greeted by a vast space that made the world outside feel distant and insignificant. The high ceilings soared above them, supported by majestic columns that rose like ancient guardians. The room was dominated by a set of enormous stairs that arched halfway up the temple¡¯s interior, each step carved with intricate designs depicting scenes of past ceremonies and mythical figures. The staircase¡¯s grandeur was matched only by the sweeping arches that framed it, lending the space an almost otherworldly quality.


    Families had already seated around the sweeping staircase, their voices creating a lively murmur that reverberated through the vast hall. Children, dressed in their finest clothes, fidgeted with a mix of excitement and nervousness, while parents chatted animatedly, their voices blending into a harmonious noise.


    In each corner of the temple stood small pillars, and atop these pillars blazed vibrant flames. The flames flickered in red and yellow at the front corners, casting a warm, welcoming glow. The back corners were lit by cool green and blue flames that danced gently, creating a soothing contrast. The meshing of colors illuminated the temple¡¯s interior, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the stone floor.


    Below the stairs, at the center of the temple, an elderly man in a long white robe was focused intently on adjusting a peculiar machine. His movements were precise and deliberate, each adjustment accompanied by the soft hiss of mechanisms being fine-tuned. He worked with a calm intensity, preparing for the ceremony with a skilled hand.


    Emily, Nacht, and Mav found a vacant spot and settled down, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the enormity of their surroundings. The temple¡¯s walls were adorned with magnificent stained glass windows, each pane radiating in hues of red, yellow, green, and blue. The sunlight streaming through the glass painted the floor with vibrant patterns, adding to the temple¡¯s ethereal atmosphere.


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    As they looked around, mesmerized by the splendor of the temple, the priest''s hands came together in a sharp clap. The sound echoed through the hall, cutting through the mixture of chatter and instantly commanding silence. Heads turned toward him, the air charged with anticipation. The ceremony was about to begin, and the focus shifted entirely to the figure at the front of the temple, signaling the start of this significant day.


    "Welcome, everyone, to the Flame Temple!" The priest''s voice boomed, reverberating off the high walls and reaching every corner of the vast space.


    "I know you are all excited, both the children and their parents, for today is a special day, the day of the Bestowal Ceremony. But before we begin, let me take a moment to explain the Flame System, especially for those who may not be as familiar with it, particularly those who have traveled from distant villages."


    "First of all, I''m Organos, the head priest of this temple. I will be the one to conduct today''s Bestowal Ceremony."


    He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. "Now, children, pay close attention and remember what I am about to tell you. This information is crucial, as it could very well shape your future."


    The room fell silent, every eye fixed on the Organos as he continued, his tone both authoritative and gentle. The children¡¯s faces were a mix of curiosity and concern, their parents offering reassuring smiles.


    He cleared his throat, his voice steady and resonant. "To understand the importance of today, you must first understand the Flame System and its origins. This world was once governed by the Flame God, a benevolent entity who provided for all of humanity. People lived in peace, with their every need met¡ªfood, clothing, shelter, everything was given freely. Yet, despite this abundance, some were not content."


    He continued, his expression growing solemn. "Some individuals grew restless and discontented. Their greed led them to rebel, to covet more than what they had been given. As their desires grew, so did their actions. They stole from one another, formed alliances, and waged war, dragging even the innocent into their conflicts. The land was soon torn apart by violence and strife."


    A heavy silence fell over the crowd as the Organos'' gaze grew stern. "The Flame God, angered by this chaos and bloodshed, sent forth the Daimoniki¡ªpowerful, monstrous creatures led by the malevolent king, Vasilias. These beings ravaged the land, slaughtering humanity without mercy. The people were helpless, and their pleas for mercy reached the Flame God. They vowed to end their fighting and work together if only they were saved."


    His tone softened, reflecting the mercy granted. "Moved by their repentance and suffering, the Flame God bestowed upon humanity the Flame System¡ªa gift of immense power that allowed people to combat the Daimoniki. This system gave rise to new abilities, enabling humanity to fight back and begin reclaiming their world."


    Organos'' voice took on a note of encouragement. "Through years of struggle and sacrifice, humanity managed to push the Daimoniki back. Today, we remain in a fragile standstill: half the world is under Daimoniki''s control, while the other half is held by humanity. The war continues, with soldiers wielding the Flame System bravely fighting on the frontlines."


    He looked out at the children with a twinkle in his eye. "Those with strong affinities in the Flame System are tasked with protecting kingdoms and safeguarding the people. Their roles are crucial, and they hold some of the most important positions in this world. Perhaps some of you gathered here today will join their ranks in the future. Only time will tell."


    Organos'' expression grew more serious. "But now that you understand our world¡¯s history, it is time to explain how the Flame System works. Pay close attention, for this knowledge will shape your future, starting today."

 Chapter 7 - The Flame System Part 2 (Flame Types)

    He continued, "The Flame System is divided into several categories, each corresponding to different types of flames and their associated abilities. When you are bestowed with your affinities, you gain unique powers that align with it. There are five primary Flames, each represented by a color: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Dark. Each Flame has its own set of abilities and strengths."


    Organos paused, letting his words settle over the crowd of children. The flickering light of the flames reflected in their wide eyes, casting long shadows across the room. Mav shifted on his feet, feeling the weight of the moment. He glanced at Emily and Nacht, who were both listening intently, their faces a mix of curiosity and nervous excitement.


    He gestured toward the pillars, each flame blazing brightly. "Red flames," he began again, his voice steady and authoritative, "are associated with offensive capabilities, making them ideal for those who wish to engage in direct combat. This Flame Type is often considered the strongest." He let that sink in, the idea of power stirring among the children like a spark in dry tinder. Mav felt a thrill run down his spine at the thought. "Skills such as Red Fireball and Red Fire Armor can be gained with this affinity. However," the old man cautioned, "one can only acquire both Red Fireball and Red Fire Armor if their affinity with Red Flame reaches 50 points or more. If your affinity is below 50 points, you will only gain the Red Fireball skill."


    Organos continued, his tone shifting slightly as he moved to the next Flame. "Yellow flames enhance physical abilities and strength, making them suitable for warriors and protectors. With this affinity, you can gain the skill called Yellow Enhancement."


    "Green flames provide defensive powers," he went on, "allowing you to create shields to protect yourself and others. The skill associated with this affinity is Green Protection."


    His voice softened slightly as he continued, "Blue flames are linked to healing and support, enabling users to mend wounds and assist their allies. Skills such as Blue Heal and Blue Creation¡ªthe ability to create mana and healing potions¡ªare associated with this affinity." He paused, his eyes sweeping over the group of children, as if weighing the potential he saw in them. "To obtain both Blue Heal and Blue Creation, you need an affinity of 50 points or more for Blue Flame. If your affinity is below 50 points, you will only receive the Blue Heal skill. This is the only other Flame Type with two skills, its potential should not be underestimated."


    Mav noticed a few children exchanging glances at that, clearly surprised by the importance placed on the Blue flames. Healing didn¡¯t sound as flashy as offense or defense, but the way the old man spoke made it seem just as crucial. Mav found himself reconsidering his earlier thoughts¡ªperhaps having the ability to heal and support was more valuable than he had imagined.


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    "Lastly," the Organos said, his voice growing more serious, "Dark flames¡ª" He let the words hang in the air, and the room seemed to grow colder, the light of the flames casting eerie shadows. Mav felt a shiver run down his spine, and he noticed that even the more confident children seemed to stiffen at the mention of the Dark flames. "¡ªare shrouded in mystery. Little is known about this Flame Type. The only skill associated with Dark flames is Dark Ascension.


    Historically, children with even small affinities for this type have been tested for various capabilities: offensively, it could not ignite anything, even the most flammable materials; defensively, it could not withstand a gust of wind; and its healing capability could not mend even a minor cut. Enhancing capabilities were equally ineffective, failing to increase even a small amount of strength," he continued, his voice now barely above a whisper, as though he were revealing a deep, unsettling truth. The children leaned in, captivated by the ominous tone. "As a result, Dark flames are often considered useless."


    A hush fell over the room. Mav felt a lump in his throat, the idea of receiving a Dark flame suddenly filling him with dread. He glanced at Nacht, who seemed to have grown even more tense, his usually calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of anxiety.


    Organos'' eyes softened as he noticed the apprehension that had settled over the group. "However," he added gently, "do not be discouraged. No one in the past has ever had more than 10 points of affinity with this Flame Type, and even that is rare."


    Mav felt a small spark of hope at those words, though the uncertainty still gnawed at him. What if he ended up with a high affinity for Dark flames? Would he be able to find some hidden power within them, or would he be doomed to be weak and ineffective? He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. It wasn¡¯t time to worry yet; he had to wait and see what the ceremony would reveal.


    Organos straightened, his voice regaining its earlier strength as he continued the explanation. "Now, one can gain affinities in more than one flame type, but most people only focus on improving their strongest affinity.


    Each affinity has a maximum limit of 120 points. The power of the skills you acquire is directly affected by your affinity with a Flame Type. The higher your affinity, the stronger your skills will be." He paused, letting the children absorb this information.


    "The level limit of the skill you gain from an affinity is capped by the points of your affinity with that Flame Type," Organos continued, "For instance, if your affinity with Red Flame is 60 out of 120, the skill level limit of Fireball and Fire Armor will also be capped at level 60," the he explained, his voice steady as he imparted this crucial detail. He looked around the room, ensuring that each child understood the significance of what he was saying.


    Mav¡¯s mind raced. A skill capped at level 60¡ªwas that strong enough? He couldn¡¯t be sure. The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he reminded himself that the ceremony would reveal everything soon enough.

 Chapter 8 - The Flame System Part 3 (Skill Strengths)

    Organos continued, "Each skill has 4 forms, depending on the amount of your affinity: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Maximum. For an affinity of 1 to 30 out of 120, you will receive the Basic form of the skill. For example, a Red Fireball with this affinity will have minimal firepower, even at its maximum level of 30."


    Mav noticed some of the younger children fidgeting nervously. The idea of receiving only the basic form of a skill seemed almost disappointing, especially after hearing about the more powerful forms. Mav clenched his fists again, silently hoping that his affinity would be high enough to at least reach the Intermediate level.


    "With an affinity of 31 to 60," he continued, "you will obtain the Intermediate form of the skill. A Red Fireball with this level of affinity will be stronger than the Basic form, even at level 1." Mav felt a bit more at ease hearing this. "Intermediate didn¡¯t sound too bad," Mav thought to himself, feeling a small surge of hope.


    "For an affinity of 61 to 90, you will achieve the Advanced form," he explained. "A Red Fireball with this affinity will have significantly greater firepower and effectiveness, even at lower levels. And finally, for an affinity of 91 to 120, you will unlock the Maximum form of the skill, the most potent and powerful version available."


    The children¡¯s eyes widened with awe at the prospect of reaching the maximum form. Mav could almost see the images of powerful warriors and legendary heroes flickering in their minds, just as they did in his own. He imagined himself casting a Red Fireball so powerful it could change the tide of a battle. The thought sent a thrill through him.


    "The number of levels one can achieve in their entire lifetime depends on the totals of the level of your skills across all Flame Types," he continued, pacing slowly as he spoke.


    "Every person will be bestowed 120 Mana Points, which is the same for everyone, no matter what their level is. Mana Points are used to cast skills. The amount of affinity you have for a flame type can affect each skill''s mana cost and cooldown, which you can check later."


    "Remember, your mana is your lifeline. When awake, it regenerates slowly¡ªat a rate of about 5 MP per hour. But during sleep, this rate increases to 40 MP per hour. Mastering the ability to rest and sleep, no matter the circumstances, will be crucial on your journeys as flame users."


    Mav considered this. Mana Points were the energy source for their skills. Knowing how many points each skill would cost and how long it would take to recover them seemed crucial.


    "Finally," he said, his voice softening, "everyone will be bestowed an item box with an infinite capacity, allowing you to store and use items as needed."


    The children exchanged glances, murmuring excitedly. An infinite item box? That sounded like something out of a storybook. Mav could already imagine all the things he could collect and store, ready to use whenever he needed.


    "These concepts might seem confusing now," the old man reassured them, "but you will understand them better once you receive your affinities and check your status boxes."


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    He paused, allowing the information to sink in. The room was quiet, the only sounds were the crackling of the flames and the children¡¯s steady breathing. Mav felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension building within him. This was more than just a lesson; it was the start of something that could define his entire life.


    Organos'' gaze softened as he looked out over the group, and a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "As you receive your Flame today, remember that each type has its own path and purpose. Some Flames may seem less powerful at first glance, but with dedication and training, even the most unexpected ones can become invaluable."


    Mav¡¯s heart skipped a beat at those words. He thought back to the Dark flame and its mysterious, seemingly useless nature. Could there be more to it than anyone realized?


    Organos continued, his voice carrying a sense of gravity that made the moment feel even more significant. "Today marks the beginning of your journey. Embrace the Flame you are given and use it to make a difference in the world. Whether you become a warrior, a healer, or a protector, know that you are part of something much greater than yourself."


    Mav swallowed hard, feeling the weight of those words. He wasn¡¯t just here to receive some magical abilities; he was about to step into a world where his choices and actions would shape his destiny¡ªand maybe even the destiny of others. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.


    With that, Organos clapped his hands again, the sound echoing off the ancient stone walls of the temple. It was a signal, a call to action that reverberated through the air and sent a wave of energy through the children. "Now, let us proceed with the ceremony. May the Flames guide you and grant you strength as you embark on this new chapter of your lives."


    The room buzzed with renewed energy as the head priest stepped aside, revealing the central area where the Bestowal would take place. The sacred flames that had stood as silent guardians during the explanation now seemed to burn brighter, as if they, too, were eager to see what would unfold.


    Mav exchanged glances with Emily and Nacht. Emily¡¯s eyes were wide with excitement, though Mav could see the slight tremor in her hands as she clasped them together. Nacht, on the other hand, appeared calm and collected, but there was a certain tension in his jaw that betrayed his own nervousness. Mav took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. This was it. Everything they had heard, everything they had imagined, was about to become real.


    As the children began to move toward the central area, their footsteps echoed softly in the vast temple. The ancient walls, adorned with carvings and symbols of the Flames, seemed to watch over them, as if they, too, were waiting to witness the unfolding of new destinies.


    Mav¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, each beat resonating with the anticipation that filled the air. The world outside the temple seemed to fade away, leaving only the sacred space and the flames that would soon reveal their fates. He felt a mix of wonder and trepidation, unsure of what the future held but eager to face it nonetheless.


    As they neared the center, Organos raised his hands, signaling for them to stop. The children lined up in front of the Torches of Bestowal¡ªfive torches interconnected and surrounding an elevated platform where the children would stand. Only the head priest had been granted the power to activate this sacred device.


    Organos spoke once more, his voice low but firm, filling the space with an almost reverent tone. "One by one, you will step forward and receive your Flame. When your name is called, approach the flames, and they will bestow upon you the affinity that will guide your path."


    The grand hall of the temple was filled with a hushed anticipation, the gathered families standing close together, their gazes fixed on the circular platform at the center of the room. Mav stood with his parents, his heart pounding in his chest as he took in the solemn atmosphere.

 Chapter 9 - The Bestowal Ceremony

    As the tension in the room mounted, Organos, the head priest, took his place at the front of the chamber. Draped in ceremonial robes adorned with symbols of the Flame God, he raised his hands, calling for silence. The murmurs that had been rippling through the crowd faded, leaving a profound stillness in their wake.


    "Before we begin the sacred ceremony of Bestowal," Organos intoned, his voice echoing through the chamber, "let us offer our prayers and blessings to the Flame God, the eternal light who guides our paths and shapes our destinies."


    The head priest¡¯s voice grew deeper, more resonant, as he led the assembly in prayer. "Flame God, we stand before You, humble and devoted, grateful for the flames You have gifted to us. These flames are the very essence of our existence, the fire that burns within each of us, driving us to greater heights and illuminating the darkness of our world."


    He paused, his eyes closed, as if communing directly with the divine. "As we prepare to witness the Bestowal of Your sacred flames upon the children of this village, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. May Your flames burn brightly within them, granting them strength, purpose, and the power to protect our lands from all that would seek to harm it. Blessed be Your name, oh Flame God, now and forever."


    "Amen," the congregation responded in unison, their voices a unified reverence that filled the chamber.


    As the final echoes of the prayer faded, Organos lowered his hands and stepped back, his gaze sweeping over the gathered families. With a slow, deliberate motion, he reached out and touched the ornate staff he carried, which bore the emblem of the Flame God at its head.


    In that moment, the circular platform at the center of the torches began to glow, a soft, warm light emanating from its edges. The light spread across the floor, illuminating the sacred symbols etched into the stone, each one representing a different flame¡ªRed, Blue, Green, Yellow, and the lesser-known Dark.


    The glow intensified, bathing the entire room in a golden hue that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The air grew thick with a sense of anticipation, as if the very flames themselves were waiting to be called upon.


    Organos took a deep breath, his voice steady and strong as he spoke the words that would begin the ceremony. "The Flame God has blessed us with His presence. Let the Bestowal commence."


    With those words, Organos unfurled a scroll and began to read the first name, his voice clear and resonant in the silent hall. The name echoed through the chamber, marking the start of a ceremony that would forever change the lives of those gathered before the platform, each awaiting their turn to receive the flames that would define their destinies.


    As the room fell into a tense, expectant silence, Organos called out, ¡°Your Highness, Princess Chloe Chorafia.¡± Instantly, a wave of profound reverence swept through the hall. The head priest dropped to one knee, and all present followed suit, including Mav. He, too, sank to one knee, feeling the weight of the moment and the significance of the occasion. The air grew thick with anticipation, and the flickering torchlight cast long, wavering shadows across the walls, amplifying the solemnity of the scene.


    Princess Chloe stepped forward with a transcendent grace that commanded respect. Her green hair shimmered under the light, flowing around her shoulders like a river of emerald. Her yellow eyes, intense and thoughtful, radiated a quiet confidence that seemed almost otherworldly. As she approached the central platform, her regal presence amplified the atmosphere of anticipation.


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    She placed her feet onto the circle at the center of the platform, and a dramatic display unfolded. The torches surrounding her flared to life with an almost sentient intensity. A brilliant green flame roared from one of the torches, soaring higher than the others and bathing the room in a vibrant, verdant light. The yellow flame rose next, though it was smaller by comparison, its warmth subtle but unmistakable. The blue and red flames flickered into existence, their modest heights a mere whisper next to the yellow flame and the towering green flame. The spectacle was nothing short of mesmerizing, drawing gasps of awe from the crowd. Organos¡¯s eyes widened in amazement, clearly impressed by the display of power.


    ¡°Display status,¡± Organos instructed with a tone of reverence. Princess Chloe nodded calmly and spoke the command. Her status box materialized with a soft, green glow, revealing:


    Red Flame Affinity: 30/120


    Green Flame Affinity: 90/120


    Blue Flame Affinity: 30/120


    Yellow Flame Affinity: 40/120


    Dark Flame Affinity: 0/120


    Skills:


    Red Fireball (Basic) lvl. 1/30


    Green Protection (Advanced) lvl. 1/90


    Blue Heal (Basic) lvl. 1/30


    Yellow Enhancement (Intermediate) lvl. 1/40


    Organos marveled at the display, his admiration palpable. ¡°As expected from Your Highness,¡± he said, his voice carrying a tone of deep respect. The murmurs of astonishment rippled through the crowd, their awe evident as they observed the princess¡¯s impressive affinities.


    Princess Chloe remained composed, her face a mask of serenity. She turned to Organos and asked in a soft but authoritative voice, ¡°Is it done?¡±


    The head priest nodded respectfully. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied, her voice carrying a clear note of gratitude. With a final, graceful nod, she turned and made her way toward the exit, her guards flanking her.


    As Princess Chloe passed by Mav, their eyes met briefly. Mav was captivated by the striking golden hue of her eyes, which seemed to hold an entire world within them. The connection was fleeting, but it left him with a profound sense of wonder. Before he could fully process the moment, she had already looked away and continued toward the door.


    Mav remained still, his thoughts a whirl of awe and curiosity. As the door closed behind her, he refocused on the ceremony, trying to steady himself for what was to come next.


    With Princess Chloe¡¯s departure, Organos turned his attention back to the children. One by one, they stepped into the circle, and Mav watched with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The scene became a blur of activity: most children displayed basic affinities, while a few demonstrated intermediate levels. None, however, came close to the impressive results of the princess.


    The mounting contrast heightened Mav¡¯s nerves. What if his affinities turned out to be basic too? He pictured life back in Oraios Village: the simple routines of villagers tending to their crops and making trips to the capital. Trying to comfort himself, he mused that helping his mother with her vegetables and accompanying his father on errands wouldn¡¯t be so bad.


    Lost in these thoughts, Mav didn¡¯t notice when the head priest called his name. It wasn¡¯t until his mother gently tapped his shoulder that he snapped back to attention. ¡°Mav Rose,¡± the priest called again.


    A wave of nervousness washed over him, but he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he approached the torches. Each step felt heavier with the weight of his anxiety and anticipation.


    Mav slowly stepped into the circle, his heart racing with each step. As he stood in the center, he watched the flames flicker to life.

 Chapter 10 - Dark Flame

    A tiny red flame emerged from the first torch, barely more than a flicker. The second torch followed suit with an equally small yellow flame. The third torch ignited with a green flame, matching the modest size of the previous ones.


    Mav¡¯s anxiety mounted. This was his final chance to show something promising. Even an intermediate affinity for Blue Flame could provide a role as a healer in the battlefield or aid in potion creation. But as the blue flame appeared, it was just as small and unremarkable as the others.


    Despair engulfed him. The thought of his worst fears materializing was almost too much to bear. He struggled to keep his emotions in check, fighting back the urge to cry. The looming prospect of a quiet, insignificant life back in Oraios Village seemed to grow more inevitable with each passing second.


    But just as he was about to be overwhelmed by his disappointment, a dark flame erupted from the last torch. The torch, which had remained inactive throughout the ceremony, now blazed with an immense and towering dark flame. The dark light cast eerie shadows and illuminated the faces of the onlookers, drawing gasps of astonishment from the crowd.


    Organos took a deep breath, visibly regaining his composure. ¡°Display status,¡± he instructed Mav. A status box appeared, revealing:


    Red Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Green Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Blue Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Yellow Flame Affinity: 5/120


    Dark Flame Affinity: 120/120


    Skills:


    Red Fireball (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Green Protection (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Blue Healing (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Yellow Enhancement (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Dark Ascension (Maximum) lvl. 120/120


    The room fell into a stunned silence. The unexpected revelation of Mav¡¯s Dark Flame affinity, with its towering blaze, left the crowd in a state of awe and disbelief. Mav, still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster, looked around at the wide-eyed faces. Instead of feeling triumphant, he was overwhelmed with confusion and dread.


    Organos, regaining his usual demeanor, addressed the crowd. ¡°It seems we have an extraordinary revelation today. Let us reflect on the true potential of each Flame.¡± His words carried a weight of both surprise and reverence, signaling that the ceremony was far from ordinary.


    Dark Flame had been dismissed earlier as a useless affinity, and now Mav faced a new uncertainty. The grand display of power clashed with everything he had heard, leaving him unsure of what to feel. Was this newfound strength truly a blessing, or was it a dangerous anomaly? As he stood in the circle, the dark flame casting long shadows around him, Mav felt a mix of fear, confusion, and a hesitant glimmer of hope. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with questions about his own potential and the path that lay ahead.


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    For a moment, the room remained frozen in stunned silence. Organos, still processing the unexpected revelation of Mav¡¯s Dark Flame affinity, caught himself staring at the boy longer than intended. The weight of the discovery was heavy, almost tangible in the air.


    But then, the head priest snapped back to reality, realizing that the ceremony was far from over. There were still other children waiting anxiously for their turn, their expectant faces now tinged with uncertainty in the wake of Mav¡¯s extraordinary display.


    Before calling the name of the next child, Organos gestured for Mav to come closer. Mav, still dazed by everything that had just happened, approached hesitantly. Leaning down, Organos whispered in a low, urgent tone, ¡°Tell your parents to stay after the ceremony. I need to speak with you once everything is finished.¡±


    Mav nodded, though his mind was still swirling with questions. The head priest¡¯s request only added to the confusion he was already grappling with, but he knew better than to question it. With a quick glance toward his parents, he understood that this was something serious.


    As Mav stepped back to his place, Organos straightened and prepared to continue the ceremony. The room, still buzzing with the echoes of what had just occurred, gradually settled as the head priest called out the next name.


    As the final name was called and the last child¡¯s flame was bestowed, the tension in the temple began to fade away. The colorful torches lining the walls flickered with a gentle warmth, casting long shadows that danced across the ancient stone. Organos, his face still marked by the shock of Mav''s affinity, took a deep breath, signaling the conclusion of the ceremony. The families began to gather their children, whispering among themselves in hushed tones, but the attention of a few remained fixed on Mav and his parents.


    Mav stood with his parents near one of the torch-lit alcoves as Organos finished extinguishing the ceremonial flames. The head priest moved with deliberate care, his mind clearly preoccupied. When the last torch was doused, Organos turned toward Mav and his family, his expression unreadable.


    "Please, wait here for a moment," Organos instructed, his voice carrying the weight of his thoughts. He quickly summoned another priest, an assistant to his side. The assistant, a younger priest with wide, curious eyes, listened intently as Organos spoke in a low voice.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this before," Organos confessed, his tone laced with a mixture of awe and concern. "A maximum affinity¡­ not just for Dark Flame, but for any flame type. The highest affinity I¡¯ve ever encountered was 100, and even then, that was considered remarkable. And so see a skill immediately reach its maximum level after bestowal... This could be an unprecedented discovery. We might finally uncover the true potential of this mysterious skill."


    The assistant priest nodded, though his expression was one of uncertainty. The mention of Dark Flame had already sparked whispers among the few remaining families in the temple, their unease palpable.


    "Let¡¯s begin," Organos said, refocusing on Mav. He looked the boy, his expression softening as he gave him a reassuring nod. "Mav, can you open your status box again?"


    Mav hesitated, his small hands trembling slightly as he raised them to summon the box. His mind was a maelstrom of fear and doubt, the earlier excitement of his bestowal now crushed under the weight of the unknown. The box appeared before him, and as Organos leaned closer to examine it, the head priest''s eyes widened.


    "It really is level 120/120¡­" he murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. "Incredible. And now, Mav, I want you to check the skill Dark Ascension. Let¡¯s see what it reveals."

 Chapter 11 - Useless

    Mav hovered his fingertip over the skill name, his heart pounding in his chest. He pressed it, and the details unfolded:


    Skill Name: Dark Ascension


    Skill Effect: ???


    Skill Cooldown: 0 seconds


    Mana Cost: 0


    "As expected, the effect of the skill is still a mystery," Organos studied the display, his brow furrowing. "But still, no cooldown, no mana cost¡­ I''ve never seen anything like this before."


    A murmur of unease rippled through the crowd. Parents drew their children closer, exchanging worried glances as the weight of the unknown pressed down on the room. The air felt charged with tension, thick with the anticipation of what might come next.


    Organos cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Alright, Mav. We¡¯re going to test the skill now. Remember, you have control over it. If it becomes too dangerous, you can stop it at any moment."


    Mav nodded, though his anxiety was palpable. Organos signaled to the assistant priest, who hurried away and returned with a sturdy block of wood. He placed it carefully in front of Mav, and the silence in the temple grew almost deafening.


    "Go ahead, Mav," Organos encouraged gently. "Say the skill name and focus."


    Mav swallowed hard, his throat dry. "Dark Ascension," he whispered. Instantly, dark flames erupted from the air around the block of wood, swirling ominously as they enveloped it. The crowd gasped, their faces illuminated by the eerie, shifting glow of the flames.


    For a few tense moments, nothing changed. The flames licked the surface of the wood but left it completely unharmed. Organos¡¯s face fell, and he instructed Mav to stop the skill. The dark flames dissipated as swiftly as they had appeared, leaving the block untouched.


    "Not even a slight burn¡­" Organos murmured, disappointment evident in his voice. He turned back to Mav, his brow furrowed in concern. "Let¡¯s test its defensive capabilities next. This time, cast the skill on me."


    Organos stepped forward, positioning himself in the center of the room. He took a deep breath and stood with his arms slightly outstretched, as if bracing himself. "Before we proceed, remember, Mav, if at any point you feel uneasy or if the skill feels too intense, you can stop it immediately. I¡¯ll be ready, and I trust you to use your judgment."


    Mav nodded, his anxiety mounting. Organos gave him a reassuring nod, then steadied himself, ready for whatever might come.


    "Go ahead," Organos encouraged, his voice firm but gentle. "Cast the skill on me when you¡¯re ready."


    Mav took a deep breath, focusing on the dark flames as they began to swirl around him. He hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Dark Ascension."


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    Dark flames erupted from Mav¡¯s hands, enveloping Organos¡¯s body. The head priest remained still, his face betraying no sign of discomfort. He cast a careful glance toward the assistant priest, who was ready to intervene if necessary.


    "Try to hit me lightly," Organos instructed the assistant priest.


    The dark flames danced around Organos, and he braced himself for the potential impact. The room fell into a tense silence, the only sound being the flickering of the dark flames.


    The assistant hesitated, then delivered a light slap to Organos¡¯s cheek. The sound echoed through the temple, making the onlookers tense. Organos¡¯s cheek reddened slightly, and he shot the assistant a bemused look. "Did you have to hit me that hard?"


    The assistant stammered an apology, and a few nervous chuckles broke the tension. Organos sighed and instructed Mav to dispel the flames.


    "So, it offers no offensive or defensive capabilities¡­" Organos said aloud, his tone heavy with disappointment. He gestured for the assistant priest to fetch a needle. When the needle arrived, Organos pricked his fingertip, a small bead of blood forming. "Mav, try casting the skill on this."


    Mav complied, but the dark flames had no effect on the wound. When the assistant priest used Blue Heal, the wound closed instantly.


    Mav¡¯s heart felt like it was breaking. Tears welled up in his eyes as the weight of disappointment settled heavily on him. Organos, sensing the boy¡¯s despair, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.


    "Let¡¯s try one more thing," Organos said softly, though his confidence was waning. "Mav, cast the skill on me one last time."


    With trembling hands, Mav cast the skill again. The dark flames surrounded Organos, who tested his movements by jumping lightly and throwing a few punches. The flames remained inert. After a moment, Organos let out a long sigh, the flames fading around him.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Mav," Organos said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. "It seems this skill doesn¡¯t have any capabilities even for physical enhancement."


    "I don¡¯t know why the Flame God bestowed this upon you, or why the Dark Flame exists at all¡­ Sometimes, I wonder if it¡¯s a punishment or a mistake, but even that, I cannot say for certain."


    Mav¡¯s vision blurred with tears, and his chest tightened as a profound sense of hopelessness overwhelmed him. His dreams of wielding a powerful Flame seemed to evaporate in an instant.


    Organos looked around the temple, his gaze lingering on the vibrant murals of the other flame types. "This temple honors the flame types the Flame God has bestowed upon humanity¡ªRed, Yellow, Green, Blue¡­ but none for Dark Flame. It¡¯s a reflection of how it¡¯s often viewed in our world."


    He turned back to Mav, his expression softening. "But remember, Mav, there¡¯s more to life than flame powers. You can still contribute to the world in many meaningful ways. Look at this city¡ªit¡¯s full of people who have little to no affinity for flames, yet they play vital roles in our society."


    "Besides, you won¡¯t have to go to the battlefields risking your life to fight Daimoniki. That¡¯s something to be grateful for."


    Emily, Mav¡¯s mother, knelt beside him, her own eyes glistening. She reached out to gently touch his cheek. "Mav, no matter what happens, we will always be here for you. Oraios Village will always be your home, and we¡¯ll support you no matter what."


    Nacht placed a comforting hand on Mav¡¯s shoulder, his expression warm yet resolute. "That¡¯s right, son. We¡¯ll face this together, and we¡¯ll find a way forward. How about this¡ª if you want, you can come along with me on my trips to the capital. There¡¯s plenty to do, and having you with me would mean a lot."


    Emily chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "And if you¡¯re not up for travel, you can always help me with the vegetable garden. I promise I won¡¯t put you to work too hard. Though, if you start complaining, I might just make you taste all the hot peppers."


    Mav¡¯s heart ached at their words. Tears streamed down his cheeks, mingling with the anguish he felt. The future, once so full of promise, now seemed uncertain and fraught with challenges.

 Chapter 12 - A Somber Return

    Organos cleared his throat, breaking the somber silence. "It¡¯s getting late. Why don¡¯t you stay here for the night? It¡¯s too dangerous to travel back to your village at this hour."


    Mav¡¯s parents hesitated at first, but Organos¡¯s gentle insistence soon won them over.


    Before they retired for the night, Organos invited them to a simple meal in the dining hall.


    As the meal was laid out before them, the rich aroma of stewed giant boar meat filled the small dining room, a meal prepared with care and thoughtfulness. The head priest, Organos, stood at the head of the table, his hands clasped together in reverence. He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of Mav and his parents.


    ¡°Before we partake in this meal,¡± Organos began solemnly, ¡°let us give thanks to the Flame God, whose divine blessings sustain us and guide us through every trial. We are grateful for the flames He has bestowed upon humanity, for the light that leads us through darkness, and for the strength that carries us forward.¡±


    He paused, his eyes lifting as if to see beyond the temple walls. ¡°May His flames continue to burn brightly within us, illuminating our path and purifying our souls. We offer this meal in His honor and ask for His continued protection and wisdom. Blessed be the Flame God.¡±


    A chorus of ¡°Amen¡± followed from the adults around the table, their voices a blend of gratitude and devotion. Mav, however, remained silent, his hands resting limply in his lap. Each word of praise felt like a dagger, twisting deeper into his chest.


    The mention of the Flame God¡¯s blessings, of the flames that were meant to be a gift, only served to remind Mav of the cruel irony of his situation. He was supposed to be blessed, to carry a flame that would define his purpose in this world. Instead, he had been given the Dark Flame¡ªa power that seemed to hold no value and only set him apart in the worst way.


    As the others began to eat, savoring the meal that had been prepared with such care, Mav could barely bring himself to touch his food. Each bite tasted bitter, his appetite overwhelmed by the gnawing emptiness inside him.


    His parents glanced at him with concern, their own enjoyment of the meal dampened by the sadness in their son¡¯s eyes. They tried to engage him in conversation, but Mav only nodded absently, unable to shake the feeling of abandonment by the god who was supposed to protect him.


    The blessing, meant to be a moment of gratitude and hope, had instead deepened the ache in Mav¡¯s heart. It was a stark reminder that, for all the Flame God¡¯s supposed wisdom and protection, he had been left in the dark, with a flame that cast no light and offered no warmth.


    After dinner, Organos instructed the assistant priest to lead them to their room. As they left the dining hall, Organos placed a hand on Mav¡¯s shoulder.


    "Get some rest, Mav," Organos said gently. "Before you go, tell me¡ªwhat¡¯s your favorite food?"


    Mav looked up, his expression clouded with uncertainty. "Um, fried giant boar meat," he replied absentmindedly.


    Organos nodded with a reassuring smile. "Tomorrow morning, we¡¯ll have that for breakfast. It¡¯s been a long day, and I think you could use something to look forward to. How does that sound?"


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    Mav nodded weakly, his voice too thick with emotion to respond. When they reached their room, his parents spoke to him softly, offering more words of comfort before they finally turned off the lights.


    Mav lay in the dark, staring up at the ceiling, the weight of his disappointment pressing down on him like a heavy shroud. His thoughts swirled in a relentless loop, replaying the events of the day over and over again. The flickering hope he had once held onto had been snuffed out, leaving only a void of uncertainty in its place.


    His parents'' comforting words echoed in his mind, but they offered little solace. He felt like a burden to them, to the village, to everyone who had expected something great from him. His tears had long since dried, leaving only a dull ache in his chest as he continued to stare into the darkness.


    Hours passed, but sleep eluded him. His thoughts kept returning to the status box, to the unknown purpose of his skill, *Dark Ascension.* Why had the Flame God given him something that seemed so useless? What was he supposed to do with it?


    Eventually, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted into a restless sleep, haunted by dreams of flames that consumed everything around him, leaving nothing but darkness in their wake.


    Morning came too quickly, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the small window of the room. Mav awoke with a heavy heart, the memories of the previous day rushing back in full force. His parents greeted him with gentle smiles, though their eyes held a lingering sadness.


    As promised, Organos had arranged for a breakfast of fried giant boar meat. The savory aroma filled the air, but Mav found little joy in it. He ate in silence, pushing the food around his plate more than he actually consumed it.


    Organos joined them, offering kind words and trying to lift Mav¡¯s spirits. "Remember, Mav," he said gently, "this is just the beginning of your journey. There are still many paths open to you."


    Mav nodded, though the words barely registered. When breakfast was over, they thanked Organos for his hospitality, and Mav¡¯s parents exchanged a few quiet words with the head priest before they left.


    The ride back to the village was quiet, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken thoughts. Mav stared out of the carriage window, the landscape passing by in a blur. His parents tried to comfort him, but their words seemed distant, as if they were coming from far away.


    Mav knew they cared, that they were trying to help him through this, but the despair in his heart was too deep, too overwhelming. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he had failed them, that he had let everyone down.


    As the familiar sights of Oraios Village came into view, Mav felt a pang of anxiety. How would the villagers react when they found out about his affinity? What would they say when they learned that his skill, his Dark Ascension, did nothing?


    The carriage came to a stop, and as Mav¡¯s parents helped him down, a wave of villagers surged forward to greet them, led by the village chief. The quiet morning was suddenly alive with the bustling energy of the community. People emerged from their homes, their faces lit with smiles and shouts of welcome.


    ¡°Mav! Welcome back!¡± cried one of the villagers, waving enthusiastically.


    Others joined in, their voices a chorus of cheerful greetings. Some extended hands to help Mav and his family, while children ran around them, eager to see the boy they had often played with.


    The villagers¡¯ warm greetings and enthusiastic shouts barely registered with Mav. The weight of the previous day¡¯s events was still heavy on his shoulders, and the cheerful welcome felt distant and muted. His heart was still heavy with disappointment and uncertainty.


    Mav''s parents, noticing his distress, tried to offer him comfort, their faces a mixture of relief and concern. But Mav, overwhelmed and seeking solace, did not slow his pace. Instead, he pushed through the crowd, his steps quickening as he headed toward their home.


    With a sense of urgency, Mav ran ahead, his mind consumed by the turmoil of the day. The welcoming voices of the villagers faded behind him as he focused solely on the sanctuary of his house. He needed to be alone for a moment, to escape the overwhelming flood of emotions and the sympathetic eyes of the village. As he reached their home, he hoped for a brief moment of solitude to come to terms with everything that had happened.

 Chapter 13 - Another Disaster

    Mav burst through the door of their home, his breath coming in ragged gasps, as if the air itself were too thick to draw into his lungs. The walls of the house, usually warm and familiar, seemed to close in on him, amplifying the turmoil that churned inside his mind. The familiar scent of the wooden beams and the distant hum of the village felt foreign, tainted by his anguish.


    The village chief and Mav¡¯s parents arrived soon after, having seen the distressed way he had fled the carriage. They exchanged silent, grave glances, their eyes reflecting a mutual understanding of the weight of Mav¡¯s struggle. The village chief, a man whose eyes had seen more than his mouth had ever spoken, cleared his throat, breaking the oppressive silence. "I see," he murmured, his voice gravelly with the burden of years. "Give him time to come to terms with it. He¡¯s young. Oraios Village will always be here for him. We¡¯ll support him in whatever way he needs."


    Mav¡¯s parents nodded, their faces etched with the same quiet determination. There was no need for more words; they knew this was a battle Mav had to fight on his own, but they would stand by, ready to catch him if he fell.


    In the months that followed, Mav withdrew into himself, seeking refuge in the only thing that made sense¡ªphysical exertion. Each morning began with a ritual of push-ups and curl-ups, his body moving mechanically, as if the repetition could somehow beat his thoughts into submission. His runs took him farther and farther from the village, the pounding of his feet against the earth matching the frantic beat of his heart.


    He threw himself into climbing trees in the nearby forest, each branch a new challenge, a new way to prove he could overcome something¡ªanything. The fruits he gathered on these trips became small tokens of his effort, but more than that, they were proof that he could still be useful, even if only in the simplest ways.


    As Mav¡¯s muscles hardened and his stamina grew, the heavy thoughts of his useless affinity for the Dark Flame began to fade. The physicality of his new routines¡ªsweat, strain, and the simple pleasure of his body growing stronger¡ªbecame his focus, pushing his doubts to the edges of his mind. The dark cloud of uncertainty that had loomed since the Bestowal Ceremony seemed to dissipate, though its shadow lingered faintly in the background.


    Months and years passed, and by the time Mav reached 12 years old, his routine had become a way of life, shaping him into a stronger and more disciplined individual.


    But life, ever unpredictable, dealt another cruel hand. Emily, his mother, fell ill without warning. Her sickness was a mystery, a slow, insidious force that drained her strength with each passing day. Mav¡¯s world, already fragile, began to fracture anew.


    As Emily''s condition worsened, the village rallied around her, but their efforts were in vain. No remedy seemed to touch the illness that gripped her. The sense of helplessness that had once been a quiet undercurrent in Mav¡¯s life now threatened to drown him. The exercises that had once brought him solace became a distant memory as he took over Emily¡¯s duties in the vegetable garden, his hands working the soil with a mechanical rhythm, his mind wandering back to the fear gnawing at his heart.


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    The visits to Blue Flame healers became a routine of their own¡ªeach one bringing a flicker of hope that was quickly extinguished. The few they could afford offered kind words but little else. Their skills, limited by their own low affinities, could only provide temporary relief. The healers who might have been able to do more were either too expensive or too far away, caught up in the battlefields where their talents were most needed.


    One night, as the cold wind whispered through the cracks in their small home, Emily¡¯s condition took a drastic turn. Her breathing grew shallow, each breath more labored than the last. She fell into a deep sleep, one from which Mav and Nacht could not rouse her. The inevitability of her fate hung heavy in the air, a silent truth neither could deny.


    Despair settled over Mav like a shroud, suffocating and relentless. The memory of the Bestowal Ceremony surfaced in his mind, bringing with it a wave of bitter regret. How small and insignificant those feelings seemed now, compared to the darkness that loomed over them. But even in this moment, as hopelessness clawed at his heart, he couldn¡¯t escape the reminder of his affinities.


    His thoughts drifted to his pitiful affinity for the Blue Flame. A mere 5 out of 120¡ªalmost a cruel joke, if it weren¡¯t so painfully real. But what choice did he have? It was all he could cling to, all that was left to him in the face of his mother¡¯s suffering.


    Back then, he had quickly dismissed them as useless. Why bother wasting precious mana on a fireball that could barely singe a leaf or a healing flame that could only close a scratch? He had convinced himself that even trying to use these skills would be a waste of time and energy. And besides, every time he opened his status, the memory of the Bestowal Ceremony came rushing back¡ªthe way the crowd had stared, the whispers, the pitying looks. The shame that had gripped him that day lingered long after, festering in his mind and growing with each passing day.


    The trauma from that day had taken root deep within him, a constant reminder of his perceived inadequacy. It had made him wary of using his skills, afraid that each attempt would only confirm what he feared most¡ªthat he was useless, a failure. So, he had pushed it all aside, focusing on physical exercise, on helping his mother with the vegetables, anything to distract himself from the painful truth.


    But now, as he sat in front of his dying mother, the memories of those days came flooding back. The shame, the fear, the constant refrain in his mind that told him he wasn¡¯t good enough¡ªit all seemed so small compared to the desperation he felt now. His mother was slipping away, and he was out of options.


    For the first time in years, he felt a flicker of hope, however faint. Maybe¡­ just maybe, he had overlooked something. Maybe there was more to his skills than he had originally thought. And maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to save her.


    Driven by that faint hope and the desperation of the moment, Mav made the decision to try once more. He whispered the words that had haunted him for so long, ¡°Display Status,¡± and prepared to face the truth, whatever it might be.


    The dark-colored box appeared before him, stark and unfeeling, listing his affinities with a cold, detached precision.

 Chapter 14 - Dark Ascension

    Mav stared at the skill window before him, his eyes tracing over the familiar words and numbers. It wasn¡¯t the first time he had looked at these skills; in fact, shortly after the Bestowal Ceremony, he had spent hours scrutinizing them, trying to make sense of the cruel hand fate had dealt him. The numbers were burned into his memory¡ªRed Fireball (Basic) lvl. 1/5, Blue Heal (Basic) lvl. 1/5¡ªeach skill with a mana cost that far exceeded what he could comfortably sustain, and effects so minimal they hardly seemed worth the effort.


    His gaze fell to the Dark Flame affinity¡ª120 out of 120. The number that had once filled him with dread now seemed almost irrelevant, a reminder of his perceived failure. ¡°Useless,¡± he muttered, the word like poison on his tongue. ¡°Damn useless.¡±


    But his eyes lingered on the Blue Flame, the measly 5 out of 120 offering the faintest glimmer of hope. He scrolled down to his skills, eyes settling on one that seemed almost laughable in its simplicity: Blue Heal (Basic) lvl. 1/5.


    With a deep breath, he touched the skill, and its specifics appeared:


    Skill Name: Blue Heal (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Description: Summon a blue flame that can heal small cuts or bruises.


    Manacost: 60


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    The mana cost was staggering for such a minor skill¡ªno doubt a reflection of his low affinity¡ªbut Mav didn¡¯t care. He had to try. ¡°Blue Heal,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his desperation.


    A small blue flame flickered to life on Emily¡¯s forehead, casting a soft glow over her sunken face. Mav¡¯s heart clenched at the sight, the flame¡¯s light only serving to highlight her frailty. He watched with a mix of hope and dread, willing it to work, to make a difference¡ªanything.


    But as the flame faded, Emily¡¯s condition remained unchanged. Her eyes stayed closed, her breathing weak and uneven. Mav felt a hollow emptiness open inside him, the last of his hope draining away with the light of the flame.


    Tears blurred his vision, spilling over onto his cheeks. ¡°Useless,¡± he whispered, voice barely audible. ¡°Useless¡­ Useless¡­¡± Each word felt like a hammer strike against the fragile walls he had built around his heart. The flood of despair overwhelmed him, and he lightly tapped his forehead with his clenched fist, the physical pain a poor distraction from the agony within.


    Nacht watched his son, his own heart breaking at the sight of Mav¡¯s pain. He searched for words, something¡ªanything¡ªthat could offer comfort, but found nothing. In the end, he did the only thing he could. He stepped closer, placed a hand on Mav¡¯s back, and let the silence stretch between them, a shared grief that needed no words.


    After a moment, Mav wiped his tears with the back of his hand and stood. ¡°I¡¯m going outside for a bit,¡± he said, his voice raw with emotion.


    Nacht looked at him, concern etched on his face. ¡°You okay?¡±


    Mav hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Yeah. Just¡­ I need to get some air. Clear my head.¡±


    Nacht nodded, though his worry was evident. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll stay here with your mother. Just¡­ don¡¯t stay out too long, okay? It¡¯s getting dark.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Mav replied softly, his gaze lingering on Emily for a moment before he turned and walked out the door. Each step felt heavy, the weight of despair pressing down on him.


    Mav burst out of the door, his feet pounding the ground as he sprinted toward the forest. The evening air, cool and tinged with the scent of earth and leaves, brushed against his tear-streaked face, but he barely noticed. His vision was blurred by a flood of emotions, and the calls of villagers faded into nothing, lost in the roar of his thoughts.


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    He reached the edge of the forest, where the orange rays of the setting sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the ground. Mav ran deeper, dodging trunks and branches with reckless speed, driven by a need to escape¡ªto find solace, or perhaps just to lose himself in the woods.


    Finally, he arrived at a familiar spot. A large, smooth rock, worn by time, sat nestled among the towering trees. This had always been a place of comfort for him, a refuge where he could rest after his rigorous exercises, where the weight of the world seemed to lighten. Mav climbed the rock with practiced ease and lay down on its cool surface, staring up at the canopy of leaves above.


    Tears flowed once more, silently spilling from his eyes as he gazed upward. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, their gentle sound mixing with the cold, unyielding surface of the rock beneath him. The exhaustion and the soothing chill lulled him into a fitful sleep.


    When Mav awoke, the forest had plunged into deeper darkness. The canopy above had turned into a nearly impenetrable shroud against the night sky. As he sat up, his thoughts returned to the weight of his problems¡ªthe failing Blue Heal, the relentless reminder of his shortcomings. The dark, silent forest seemed to press in on him, amplifying his despair.


    His gaze fell on the trees, and in his anger and frustration, their shadows seemed to twist into mocking shapes, their forms stretching and contorting as if they were jeering at his helplessness.


    His chest tightened with a mix of sorrow and rage. Mav¡¯s frustration boiled over. He clenched his fists, the anger surging through him. The sight of the taunting trees only fueled his rage. ¡°Dark Ascension!¡± he shouted, his voice a roar of defiance.


    A huge, dark-colored flame erupted from one of the trees, a swirling mass of shadows and fire. But as before, it did nothing¡ªthe tree stood untouched, unburned. The flame was all spectacle and no substance.


    ¡°Dark Ascension!¡± Mav repeated, his voice louder, more desperate. Another dark flame engulfed a different tree, but again, the wood remained unscathed. He shouted the words over and over, each time more frantic, until all the trees surrounding the rock were blazing with the dark flames, the air thick with their eerie light.


    The sight was surreal¡ªa grove of trees burning with a fire that gave no warmth and caused no harm. The scene around him resembled a painting born from deep turmoil, a dark, tortured beauty that no artist could capture on canvas.


    Mav sat up, his breath ragged as he took in the sight of the untouched trees. The flames taunted him, their dark light mocking his powerlessness. His anger bubbled over, and with a sharp exhale, he muttered, ¡°Display Status.¡±


    The familiar status box appeared before him, and he scanned the list until his eyes landed on his skills. His gaze stopped at one in particular: Red Fireball (Basic) lvl. 1/5. He pressed on it, and the specifics appeared:


    Skill Name: Red Fireball (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Description: Summon a small red ball of fire that can burn objects of its size.


    Manacost: 60


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Then, he glanced at his remaining mana: 120/120. The Blue Heal he had used earlier had drained half of it, but the rest had returned during his brief nap. Even so, the effort had felt futile, a cruel joke against his current predicament. Mav¡¯s lips curled into a sad smile. What did it matter? Mana meant nothing if he had no real use for it.


    ¡°Red Fireball,¡± he said, his voice hollow.


    Immediately, a small red flame appeared above his palm, its heat warming his skin in a way the dark flames never did. He looked around, his eyes settling on one of the trees still blazing with dark fire. He stood, positioning himself like a pitcher ready to throw a fastball. With fierce determination, he hurled the Red Fireball at the tree.


    The moment the red flame touched the edge of the dark one, the air around him seemed to thicken. Suddenly, a box popped up before his eyes:


    Different Flame Type Detected.


    Detecting Flame Type...


    Red Flame Detected.


    Dark Flame and Red Flame in Contact.


    Dark Ascension Prerequisites Met.


    Activate Dark Ascension?


    Yes or No?

 Chapter 15 - A Glimmer of Hope

    Mav stared at the message in disbelief, his mind struggling to make sense of the words on the screen. The question seemed both alien and absurd, its meaning just out of reach. He read it over and over, hoping for some hidden clarity, but each attempt only deepened his confusion.


    Activate Dark Ascension?


    What more could he lose now? The futility of his situation was overwhelming, but amid the despair, a flicker of resolve sparked. With a trembling finger, he pressed ¡°Yes.¡±


    The screen flickered, and new boxes began to pop up:


    Initiating Dark Ascension...


    Combining Red Flame and Dark Flame...


    High Affinity For Dark Flame Detected. Applying Privileges...


    Privileges Applied.


    Low Affinity For Red Flame Detected. Applying Penalties...


    Before he could brace himself, a searing pain exploded inside him, as if molten metal was coursing through his veins. Mav crumpled to the forest floor, clutching his stomach and the damp soil beneath him. His cries of agony echoed through the silent, darkened woods, each wave of pain threatening to consume him.


    After what felt like an eternity, a new box appeared:


    Dark Ascension Successful.


    The moment the message flashed on the screen, the pain vanished abruptly, leaving Mav gasping for breath. He lay there, drenched in sweat, trying to calm his racing heart. The box continued:


    Combination Successful.


    New Skill Acquired: Dark Red Nuke.


    With shaking hands, Mav accessed his status and scrolled through his list of skills until he found the new one:


    Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    He tapped on the skill, and its specifics emerged:


    Skill Name: Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    Description: Summons a volatile dark red flame that ignites into a powerful explosion within a wide radius upon the caster''s command, incinerating everything within its reach with intense heat and explosive force.


    Manacost: 120


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened in shock. The description promised immense power, but the concept was overwhelming. A massive explosion? The potential was both exhilarating and terrifying.


    But the manacost¡ª120? That would deplete all his mana in one go. The implications were daunting. His mind raced to grasp how to wield such power with such a high cost.


    Then, a thought struck him. "Wait a minute... Dark Ascension... If the prerequisites involve combining a skill from a flame type with Dark Ascension... then perhaps..."


    He glanced at his remaining mana: 60/120. It was just enough to cast Blue Heal one more time, which had a manacost of 60.


    A surge of hope ignited within him. Mav took a deep breath, activating Dark Ascension on himself. Dark flames swirled around him, their cold presence creating a strange, protective cocoon without burning or warming him.


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    Next, he cast ¡°Blue Heal.¡± As the small blue flame emerged from his palm and touched the dark flames, a new box popped up before him:


    Different Flame Type Detected.


    Detecting Flame Type...


    Blue Flame Detected.


    Mav¡¯s breath caught as he waited, the anticipation mingling with the residual pain from the Dark Ascension. The result could change everything.


    Dark Flame and Blue Flame in Contact.


    Dark Ascension Prerequisites Met.


    Activate Dark Ascension?


    Yes or No?


    Without hesitation this time, Mav pressed ¡°Yes.¡±


    Initiating Dark Ascension...


    Combining Blue Flame and Dark Flame...


    High Affinity For Dark Flame Detected. Applying Privileges...


    Privileges Applied.


    Low Affinity For Blue Flame Detected. Applying Penalties...


    Pain surged inside him once more, but this time, Mav barely noticed. The anticipation of what was to come kept him focused. He gritted his teeth as the searing agony coursed through him.


    Dark Ascension Successful.


    The pain dissipated as abruptly as it had begun, leaving Mav panting on the ground.


    Combination Successful.


    New Skill Acquired: Dark Blue Miracle.


    He immediately scrolled through his skills again until he arrived at the new addition:


    Dark Blue Miracle (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    Without delay, he pressed the skill to view its details:


    Skill Name: Dark Blue Miracle (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    Description: Conjures a soothing dark blue flame that heals any injury, no matter how grievous, dispels curses, and cures any illness or disability, restoring the target to perfect health.


    Manacost: 120


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened as he read the description. The implications of this new skill were monumental. His heart raced with unparalleled hope. The manacost of 120 was daunting, but the potential of the skill far outweighed his concerns.


    Ignoring the dirt on his knees and the streaks of tears still visible on his face, Mav surged with adrenaline. The weight of his earlier despair lifted, replaced by fierce determination. He sprinted back toward the village, his renewed hope propelling him forward with every step. The cool night air, now a comforting embrace, whipped past him as he raced toward the promise of healing and redemption. He silently thanked his past self for all the relentless training that had honed his speed and stamina. Without it, he wouldn¡¯t be able to run this fast or endure the grueling journey.


    As he ran, his mind kept returning to his mother. Waves of worry crashed over him, and anxiety clawed at his chest. He had been gone for quite a while, and the fear of what might have happened while he was away gnawed at him. "Please no," he repeated in his mind, "please no..." His thoughts spiraled into darker scenarios, each more distressing than the last.


    Lost in his anxiety, Mav barely noticed that he had finally reached the edge of the village. He skidded to a halt, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His eyes widened at the sight before him¡ªa gathering of villagers stood in front of his house, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, their worried tones fueling Mav¡¯s rising panic.


    Panic surged anew as he pushed through the crowd, trying to push aside his fear. He raced toward his house, his legs feeling like lead despite his frantic pace. The scene before him was a blur of anxious faces and worried whispers, but his focus remained fixed on getting inside and finding his mother.


    The villagers parted to let him through, their eyes filled with surprise and concern as he barreled toward his home. Mav¡¯s pulse thundered in his ears, each beat echoing the urgency of his mission. As he reached the door, he braced himself, hoping against hope that the worst was not yet to come.


    He noticed the door was ajar and the faint glow of lanterns flickering inside, casting long, eerie shadows on the walls. A chilling silence enveloped the scene as he hesitated, one hand on the doorframe. The sight of the villagers¡¯ anxious faces and the unsettling quiet made his heart pound harder. What had happened while he was away?


    With a deep breath, Mav pushed the door open, bracing himself for whatever lay beyond. The tension was palpable, each creak of the door amplifying his dread. As he stepped inside, the darkness seemed to swallow him, and he strained to make out the shapes and sounds within.


    In the dim light, he caught glimpses of something that didn¡¯t quite add up. The air was heavy, charged with an unspoken tension. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.


    Mav¡¯s mind raced as he moved forward, the promise of answers just out of reach. What had he returned to? The uncertainty gnawed at him as he prepared to confront the unknown.

 Chapter 16 - A Miscalculation and A Solution

    Mav pushed open the door to Emily¡¯s room, his heart racing with both hope and dread. The dim light of the lanterns cast long shadows on the walls, making the room feel suffocating and heavy with the weight of impending doom. Inside, the village chief and Nacht were huddled over Emily¡¯s pitiful form.


    Nacht¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she noticed Mav¡¯s disheveled appearance. Without hesitation, he rushed over to him. ¡°Mav! Where have you been? You''ve been gone for hours!¡±


    Mav looked down at his dirt-streaked clothes, feeling the weight of his exhaustion and anxiety. He stammered, ¡°I¡ªI fell asleep in the forest. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Before Nacht could respond, Mav quickly changed the subject, his voice trembling. ¡°How is she? How¡¯s Mom?¡±


    The village chief and Nacht exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions somber and grave. Mav¡¯s heart sank at the sight, and a cold knot tightened in his stomach. He braced himself for the worst.


    Nacht finally spoke, his voice heavy with concern. ¡°Her condition has worsened significantly. The chief believes she might only have a few hours left.¡±


    Mav¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Relief and anger surged within him. The chief¡¯s words, though grim, were not as dire as he had feared. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say that first?¡± His voice edged with frustration, but he quickly tried to push it aside. ¡°I need to focus. Chief, please, give us a moment alone.¡±


    The chief nodded, understanding Mav¡¯s need for privacy, and exited the room with a final, worried glance. Mav, Nacht, and the unresponsive Emily were left alone.


    Mav approached Emily¡¯s bedside, his heart pounding in his chest. Her face was pale and drawn, and the weak rise and fall of her chest served as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation. The room seemed to close in on him as he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he prepared to use the skills he had just acquired.


    With a determined gaze, Mav extended his hand over Emily, focusing all his energy on the spell he was about to cast. "Dark Blue Miracle," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly with the weight of his expectation.


    Perhaps it was the overwhelming mix of panic, excitement, worry, and extreme stress, but Mav had overlooked one crucial detail.


    The spell¡¯s mana cost was far beyond what he had available.


    Instead of the healing warmth he anticipated, nothing happened. His expectations were shattered. A box popped up in front of him, the words inside hitting him like a truck:


    "Insufficient Mana Points."


    Mav froze, his mind struggling to process the revelation. "W-what?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. In a panic, he opened his status box and quickly scrolled down to check the skill¡¯s mana cost.


    Mana Cost: 120


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    His eyes then flicked to his current mana: 2/120.


    The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He had used Red Fireball earlier, and then Blue Heal a bit later. The remaining mana he had now was just 2 measly points, regenerated since he''d cast Red Fireball¡ªbarely enough to do anything.


    Panic welled up inside him, his thoughts spiraling out of control. "What do I do? What do I do?" His mind felt like it was shutting down. He looked around the room, his eyes darting frantically as if searching for an answer in the shadows. Then it hit him¡ªa desperate, irrational thought.


    "Mana potion," he muttered to himself. "I just need a mana potion."


    He sprinted out of the room, desperation driving his every step. "Does anybody have a mana potion?" he shouted to the villagers outside. Silence met his plea, followed by confused murmurs. Of course, no one would have a mana potion here¡ªsuch things were luxuries, mostly used by flame users on long trips and battles. The grim reality dawned on him, and he felt a cold chill of hopelessness wash over him.


    He re-entered the room, pacing back and forth like a caged animal, his mind racing. Nacht watched him with growing concern. "What¡¯s wrong, Mav?" Nacht asked, his voice tinged with deep worry.


    Mav shook his head, trying to calm himself. "Nothing," he replied, but the frantic edge in his voice betrayed him. Then, an idea struck him like a flash of lightning.


    "Mana," he muttered to himself. "I just have to regenerate my mana. But how? That would take too long... she might not make it in 24 hours."


    His thoughts raced back to the forest, remembering how his mana had fully regenerated after he fell asleep. His mana had been halved after his first desperate use of Blue Heal, but sleep had restored it fully. If only he could sleep now...


    "But how can I sleep?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with desperation. "I¡¯m too awake... too wired. Even if I lay down and closed my eyes, I wouldn¡¯t be able to fall asleep."


    Nacht¡¯s voice broke through Mav¡¯s frantic thoughts. "Are you sure you¡¯re okay, Mav?" Nacht asked, his concern deepening.


    At the sound of his father¡¯s voice, something snapped in Mav¡¯s mind. "Sleep... being unconscious counts as sleep, right?" The thought was wild, bordering on madness, but it made sense to his desperate mind.


    Mav¡¯s thoughts flashed back to the Bestowal Ceremony, where Organos had lectured about mana regeneration. It was a memory he had wanted to forget, a reminder of the overwhelming expectations placed on him, but now it seemed vital. He racked his brain, trying to remember every detail.


    ¡°When awake, mana regenerates at a rate of 5 MP per hour. But during sleep, the process accelerates significantly¡ªup to 40 MP per hour. This is why the ability to rest and sleep anywhere, anytime, is one of the most valuable skills for a flame user.¡±


    He hadn''t fully grasped the importance of those words back then, but now, with his mother¡¯s life on the line, they echoed in his mind, offering a glimmer of hope.


    "When a person is awake, their mana regenerates slowly," Mav reasoned, his voice shaky but determined. "It would take 24 hours to fully recover if it¡¯s completely drained. But when asleep, the process speeds up¡ªsignificantly. What normally takes a day can be condensed into mere hours."


    He focused, glancing at his current mana¡ª2/120. Panic gripped him again, but he forced himself to think. "It would take almost 24 hours for my mana to regenerate fully, but if I sleep¡­" His mind raced, calculating. "It could cut it down to just 3 hours." He looked at Emily, a flicker of hope surfacing amid the despair. There¡¯s still a chance she might make it.


    The realization hit him fully, bringing both a sense of urgency and a fragile hope. He knew what he had to do.


    Mav turned to Nacht, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination. "Dad... I need you to knock me out.¡±

 Chapter 17 - The First Battle

    ¡°What?¡± Nacht stared at Mav, his mind racing. ¡°You want me to knock you out? Make you unconscious?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I need you to do it,¡± Mav replied, impatience edging his voice.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Mav? Are you okay?¡± Nacht¡¯s concern mingled with confusion.


    Mav¡¯s face was a mask of desperation. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s the only way I can recover my mana quickly enough.¡± Mav insisted, frustration evident in every word.


    ¡°I need to save Mom,¡± Mav continued, his voice breaking with emotion. ¡°I¡¯ve exhausted all my mana. I need to be able to use my skills again, but I can¡¯t do that if I¡¯m awake and trying to stay conscious. If I fall unconscious, my body will start to recover mana faster. Please, I don¡¯t have time to explain everything. Just trust me!¡±


    Nacht¡¯s concern shifted to bewilderment. ¡°Even if it speeds up mana recovery, you¡¯re asking me to hurt you."


    Nacht¡¯s face tightened, he hesitated to say his next words. ¡°Mav, I¡¯m sorry, but you need to accept it. Even the healers with greater Blue Flame affinity than you couldn¡¯t heal her. Haven¡¯t you already tried that that skill earlier?¡±


    Mav clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his father¡¯s words but unable to explain the urgency. He knew Nacht wouldn¡¯t believe him without seeing it for himself.


    Nacht¡¯s heart ached at his son¡¯s display of desperation. ¡°Mav, it¡¯s time to accept the reality. Let¡¯s just...stay by her side until the end.¡±


    At the thought of his mother dying, Mav snapped. ¡°No!¡± his voice cracked with emotion. ¡°She¡¯s not going to die. I refuse to accept that!¡±


    Driven by desperation, Mav stormed to the door, slamming it shut and locking it. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Nacht asked, bewildered.


    ¡°Dad, please! I need you to knock me out!¡± Mav¡¯s plea was urgent and broken.


    Nacht¡¯s face showed a mix of pity and confusion. He reached out to comfort Mav, placing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mav. I¡¯m here for you. We¡¯ll get through this together.¡±


    Mav¡¯s eyes turned steely, his frustration boiling over. ¡°I see,¡± he muttered coldly. With sudden determination, he slapped Nacht¡¯s hand away and glared at him. Nacht stepped back, alarmed.


    ¡°Mav?¡± Nacht¡¯s voice was filled with concern.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t do it, I¡¯ll force you,¡± Mav declared. With sudden aggression, he charged at him.


    ¡°Mav, stop¡ª¡± Nacht began, but his warning was cut off as Mav¡¯s fist swung toward him. Nacht barely dodged the attack, his heart racing.


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    ¡°Mav, enough!¡± Nacht commanded, but Mav was relentless. He threw another punch with fierce intensity, landing a solid hit on Nacht¡¯s arm. The force of Mav¡¯s punch, fueled by his desperation, caught Nacht off guard.


    Nacht grunted, feeling the impact of Mav¡¯s well-trained strike. Despite the age difference, Mav¡¯s exercises made his blows powerful and effective. Nacht could feel the weight of Mav¡¯s determination behind each punch.


    Mav continued his assault with precision. He feinted a punch with his left hand, and Nacht blocked it. But Mav¡¯s right leg followed through with a powerful kick, striking Nacht¡¯s side with full force and sending him sprawling.


    Nacht gripped his side, wincing from the pain. He looked up at Mav, whose face was set with grim determination. Nacht¡¯s own anger flared, mingled with deep concern for his son. He rose, his expression darkening. ¡°So you still refuse to listen?¡±


    Mav remained silent, his eyes cold and resolute. Nacht knew he had to act decisively. He took a defensive stance, bracing himself for Mav¡¯s next move.


    When Mav threw a wild, reckless punch with his right fist, Nacht prepared to parry it. Mav¡¯s movements were quick and deliberate, but Nacht¡¯s experience allowed him to anticipate the attack. He intercepted Mav¡¯s punch with precision, positioning himself for a counterstrike.


    As Nacht parried Mav¡¯s reckless punch, he noticed a faint, calculating smile on Mav¡¯s face. The realization hit him like a jolt. Mav had planned this entire sequence. The reckless punch was a deliberate move to make Nacht¡¯s counterattack easier and more effective.


    Nacht¡¯s heart sank as he understood Mav¡¯s strategy. The punch had been a carefully calculated risk to ensure Nacht would strike with full force, allowing Mav to fall unconscious.


    Despite the realization, Nacht¡¯s fist connected with Mav¡¯s stomach with a resounding impact that echoed through the room. Mav¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. Nacht rushed forward and caught him before he could collapse completely, his face etched with profound concern.


    ¡°Mav! Please, just¡ª¡± Nacht¡¯s voice broke as he held his son¡¯s limp form, his heart heavy with worry. He had acted out of desperation, but now the full weight of his actions hit him.


    Mav¡¯s eyes fluttered as he struggled to stay conscious, but his breath came in ragged gasps. Nacht cradled him gently, his expression filled with anguish and regret.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mav,¡± Nacht whispered, his voice breaking. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to hurt you. I just¡­ I had no other choice.¡±


    As Mav fell unconscious, it was evident that Nacht¡¯s punch had done more than just knock him out; it had pushed Mav''s already strained body to its limits. Normally, even a forceful blow wouldn¡¯t keep someone unconscious for more than a few minutes, but Mav¡¯s condition was far from ordinary.


    The stress of performing three high-mana-cost skills within a few hours, combined with the complete depletion of his mana, had severely weakened his body. Mav hadn¡¯t tapped into his mana reserves for years, and his body was unprepared for such intense demands.


    The pain from using Dark Ascension twice, along with the physical and emotional exhaustion, had drained him to his core. It was nothing short of miraculous that he had managed to sprint back to the house from the forest under these conditions. The combined exhaustion and stress had pushed his body to the brink.


    As he succumbed to unconsciousness, it was as though his body had taken control, forcing a shutdown to recover from its near-total depletion. The unconscious state was not merely a result of the punch but a necessary mechanism for his body to recuperate and restore the nearly exhausted mana reserves.


    Mav¡¯s body sought refuge, desperately trying to heal and regain the strength needed to face the dire circumstances awaiting him.


    His consciousness faded, his last glance at his father a mixture of pain and resignation. Nacht held him close, tears in his eyes, as he prepared to face the consequences of his actions.

 Chapter 18 - Life and Death Situation

    The sound of frantic knocking echoed through the house. Nacht, still catching his breath, gently laid Mav on the floor and hurried to the door. When he opened it, the village chief stood there, his face etched with concern.


    ¡°What happened? I heard loud noises coming from inside,¡± the chief asked, his voice laced with worry.


    Nacht stepped aside, revealing Mav lying unconscious on the floor. The chief¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the sight.


    ¡°Mav¡­ he started acting strange,¡± Nacht began, his voice wavering slightly. ¡°He insisted I knock him out so he could recover his mana faster. I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn¡¯t stop. He attacked me, Chief. I didn¡¯t know what else to do. I was afraid he¡¯d hurt himself even more, so I did it. I knocked him out.¡±


    The chief frowned, his gaze shifting between Nacht and Mav. ¡°I see,¡± he said quietly. ¡°The stress must¡¯ve overwhelmed him. We can¡¯t blame the boy; this is an incredibly distressing situation, especially for someone as young as he is.¡±


    Nacht looked down, guilt gnawing at him. ¡°I just¡­ I didn¡¯t know what else to do. I hesitated, Chief, but¡­ I didn¡¯t want to hurt him more by letting him go on like that.¡±


    The chief placed a hand on Nacht¡¯s shoulder, his voice softening. ¡°You did what you had to. Now, let¡¯s make sure he¡¯s comfortable. Go fetch another pillow and a blanket. We can¡¯t leave him lying on the floor like this.¡±


    Nacht nodded, hurrying to get the items. As he moved through the house, his mind raced, replaying the moment over and over. The sight of Mav attacking him, desperation in his eyes, haunted him. When he returned, the chief gently lifted Mav¡¯s head, placing the pillow beneath it, while Nacht carefully draped the blanket over his son.


    The chief sighed, looking down at Mav with a mix of pity and understanding. ¡°He¡¯s strong, Nacht. Stronger than most. But even the strongest can break under pressure.¡±


    Nacht swallowed hard, his eyes lingering on his son. ¡°I just hope I did the right thing,¡± he murmured.


    The chief gave him a reassuring nod. ¡°You did. Now, let¡¯s focus on what comes next.¡±


    Mav drifted in a deep, dreamless sleep, swallowed by darkness. His body, utterly drained, demanded rest, pulling him into a state of complete unconsciousness. Time seemed to stand still until, slowly, his awareness returned. His eyes fluttered open, and as he tried to sit up, a sharp, searing pain shot through his stomach, forcing him back down.


    The pain was intense, a reminder of the desperate situation that had unfolded before he blacked out. He gritted his teeth, waiting for the throbbing to subside. The memories rushed back¡ªthe forest, his confrontation with Nacht, the desperation, and finally, the punch that knocked him out. He could almost feel the force of it still, the moment of impact that sent him spiraling into unconsciousness.


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    He remembered the look on his father¡¯s face, the mixture of regret and pain that filled his eyes. Guilt gnawed at him, tightening his chest. He had made his own father do something so terrible, and the weight of that realization pressed down on him. How could he have pushed him to that point?


    Mav remained seated, his breathing heavy, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness around him. As his vision cleared, he realized he was in his own bed. "Dad must¡¯ve brought me here," he murmured, his voice tinged with lingering guilt. The room was silent, the stillness almost suffocating, but another thought cut through his self-reproach, more urgent and consuming.


    ¡°Mom¡­ what¡¯s her condition?¡± His heart raced as the fear he had managed to suppress came flooding back. The last time he saw her, she was barely holding on.


    Ignoring the pain in his stomach, Mav pushed himself off the bed, his legs shaky and weak. He leaned on the wall for support as he made his way to the door. Each step sent a jolt of pain through him, but the thought of his mother spurred him on. As he reached the hallway, he saw a faint light spilling out from under the door of his mother¡¯s room¡ªa small, solitary glow in the otherwise darkened house, like the light at the end of a tunnel.


    He quickened his pace, gripping the wall for balance, and finally reached the door. Pushing it open, he saw his father and the village chief inside, their backs to him. The creak of the door caught their attention, and they turned around.


    ¡°Mav?¡± Nacht¡¯s voice was thick with regret and concern as he hurried over, the chief following closely behind.


    They reached out to support Mav as he moved closer to where Emily lay, her face sunken, her body frail. Mav¡¯s heart ached at the sight, but the urgency of the situation kept him focused.


    ¡°Mav, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Nacht repeated, his voice trembling. Mav could hear the anguish in his father¡¯s words, and for a moment, the guilt surged back, but he pushed it aside. There was no time for that right now.


    ¡°What¡¯s her condition?¡± Mav asked, his voice tense, almost fearful of the answer.


    Nacht¡¯s gaze shifted back to Emily, his expression one of quiet despair. When he spoke, his voice was low, almost a whisper, filled with pain. ¡°Emily¡­ she¡­ she stopped breathing a few seconds ago.¡±


    Mav¡¯s heart dropped. A cold wave of fear washed over him as he hurried to his mother¡¯s side, pressing his ear against her chest. ¡°Please,¡± he whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°Just¡­ something. Even the faintest sound.¡±


    For a moment, there was nothing. The silence was deafening. Then, he heard it¡ªa faint, slow heartbeat. Relief crashed over him, and he straightened up, urgency replacing the fear that had gripped him moments before.


    ¡°Display status,¡± Mav commanded, and his status screen opened before him. His eyes darted to his mana:


    120/120


    A huge wave of relief swept through him. For a split second, he wanted to shout for joy, to release the tension that had been building inside him. But he forced himself to stay focused. His mother didn¡¯t have much time.


    ¡°Chief, Dad, step back a bit,¡± he ordered, his voice steady but filled with urgency.


    They exchanged puzzled looks but did as he asked, moving back. ¡°What are you doing, Mav?¡± Nacht asked, his concern clear.


    But Mav didn¡¯t hear him. His heart was pounding in his chest, his veins pulsing with the rhythm of his heightened awareness. There was no time to explain. Without another moment¡¯s hesitation, he shouted with a commanding voice that filled the room:


    ¡°Dark Blue Miracle!¡±

 Chapter 19 - Dark Blue Miracle

    Immediately after Mav spoke, a blue flame with a dark hue enveloped Emily¡¯s body, casting the room in a brilliant, otherworldly light that overpowered the dim lantern on the bedside table. The village chief and Nacht both recoiled, their eyes wide in amazement. But Mav wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªhis gaze remained fixed on his mother, still unconscious.


    The only sounds were their breathing and the quickening beat of Mav¡¯s heart. The chill from the slightly open window seeped into the room, heightening Mav¡¯s already frazzled nerves.


    Seconds ticked by, and Emily¡¯s sunken cheeks began to fill out. Her frail arms and legs gradually regained their strength, the atrophy reversing as if time itself were unwinding. Soon, she appeared as though she were simply sleeping.


    Cold sweat dripped down Mav¡¯s forehead, but he didn¡¯t wipe it away¡ªboth his hands were clutching his mother¡¯s hand tightly, as if afraid to let go.


    Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the flame extinguished, and the room returned to the dim light offered by the small lantern. Emily¡¯s face, now restored to its healthy color, lay peacefully on the pillow.


    Moments passed, feeling like an eternity, before her eyelids fluttered. Mav¡¯s heart raced. ¡°Mom?¡± he whispered, his voice tinged with both hope and fear. Her eyelids twitched again. ¡°Mom!¡± he called out, his voice now filled with urgency.


    Slowly, Emily¡¯s eyes opened. At first, her vision was blurred, but as it cleared, the first thing she saw was her son¡ªhis face distraught and streaked with dried tears, dark bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. His silver hair, the same shade as hers, was longer and messier than usual, a clear sign of neglect during her illness.


    Seeing Mav in such a state, tears welled up in Emily¡¯s eyes. ¡°What have I done?¡± she thought, her heart aching with guilt. ¡°My poor son, what have I put you through?¡±


    The village chief and Nacht rushed to her side, still reeling from the shock of what they had witnessed. The village chief¡¯s hands trembled as he gripped the edge of the bed, his eyes wide with disbelief. His heart pounded in his chest, and for a moment, he wondered if he was still dreaming. The sight of Emily, lifeless only moments before, now breathing steadily, her cheeks full of color¡ªit was nothing short of a miracle. He had seen death many times in his long life, had grown accustomed to its cold finality, yet here it was, defied before his very eyes. The old man felt a lump in his throat as tears blurred his vision. ¡°How could this be?¡± he thought, shaking his head in stunned amazement.


    Nacht, meanwhile, was frozen in place, his breath caught in his throat. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what he had just witnessed. The despair that had clung to him like a shadow since Emily¡¯s illness began was suddenly lifted, replaced by a wild, desperate hope. He reached out with a trembling hand, his fingers brushing against Emily¡¯s now warm skin, as if needing to reassure himself that she was truly there, alive and well. ¡°How¡­ how did this happen?¡± he wondered, his gaze shifting to Mav. The boy¡¯s power had always been weak, insignificant, but now¡­ Nacht¡¯s heart swelled with a mix of pride, confusion, and fear. What had their son just done? What did this mean for them? For him? The questions churned in his mind, but for now, all he could do was hold onto Emily and Mav, as if letting go might undo the miracle they had just witnessed.


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    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Mav cried, his voice trembling as he clung to her hand.


    ¡°Mav, none of this was your fault,¡± Emily replied, her voice raspy from disuse. As she spoke, Mav felt a warmth wash over him, soothing the turmoil inside. His cries grew louder, and he buried his head in her chest, seeking comfort in her embrace. Emily gently stroked his hair, her touch tender, as though handling something fragile. Then she turned to Nacht, her expression soft but firm. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to take care of him if anything happened to me?¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Nacht admitted, tears filling his eyes as well. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Come here,¡± she said, extending her other arm. Nacht moved closer, wrapping both his wife and son in a tight embrace. Emily stroked his back, comforting him as well. Then she looked up at the village chief, who stood by, still wide-eyed and at a loss for words.


    ¡°Chief, thank you for watching over them while I couldn¡¯t,¡± Emily said with deep gratitude.


    Her words seemed to snap the chief back to reality. He blinked, then managed a shaky smile. ¡°Y-Yes,¡± he stammered. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. We¡¯re all family here.¡± He paused, glancing at the now-reunited family. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you three to be together. I need to go tell everyone the good news.¡±


    ¡°Thank you again, Chief,¡± Emily said as he moved toward the door. With a nod, the chief left, quietly closing the door behind him.


    Once they were alone, Emily tightened her embrace around Nacht and Mav, her strength seemingly restored. She looked at Nacht, confusion clouding her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­ I felt like I was asleep, barely aware of anything. Then, all of a sudden, I woke up, and it felt like my body was back to normal. Just a few months ago, I could barely walk or speak, and now¡­¡± She shook her head, trying to grasp what had happened. ¡°It¡¯s like I woke up from a bad dream, like it¡¯s just another normal night.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to explain it,¡± Nacht admitted, still in shock. ¡°Mav¡­ it was like he cast a skill, and a blue flame surrounded your body. Then you just¡­ woke up. I don¡¯t know how he did it. I still remember when we came back from the temple, and how depressed he had been by having almost no affinity with the Blue Flame. But now, suddenly, he¡¯s done this.¡± Nacht paused, a pained expression crossing his face as he remembered the events from earlier. ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask him. I don¡¯t know how he did it.¡±


    ¡°Mav,¡± Emily called softly, still running her fingers through his hair. But there was no response. ¡°Mav?¡± she called again, concern creeping into her voice. When she moved him slightly to look at his face, she saw that his eyes were closed, his body limp.


    ¡°Mav?!¡± Panic surged in her voice as she shook him gently, trying to wake him. But still, there was no response from Mav.

 Chapter 20 - Family (End of Arc 1)

    While Mav¡¯s face was buried in his mother¡¯s chest, he suddenly felt his strength slipping away. A ringing noise filled his ears, drowning out the sound of his parents¡¯ voices. All he could sense was his mother¡¯s hand gently brushing his hair. His eyes grew heavier and heavier until he finally succumbed, his consciousness fading away once more.


    Mav had pushed his body to its limits. Using four high-mana-cost skills, draining all his mana, and then draining it again immediately after recovery¡ªcombined with exhausting himself and taking a deliberate punch to the gut¡ªhad left him utterly spent. If his body could speak, it would¡¯ve cried out in protest long ago. But instead, it forced him into a shutdown, though at least this time, it happened in his mother¡¯s comforting embrace, rather than from his father¡¯s punch. His body, finally at peace, slipped into a long, dreamless sleep.


    But suddenly, a terrifying vision filled his mind¡ªMav found himself standing in a cold, dimly lit room, the walls closing in on him. The air was thick with the scent of death. His heart pounded as he slowly walked toward the bed in the center of the room, where a figure lay motionless under a white sheet. The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant echo of a sob¡ªa sound that sent chills down his spine.


    With trembling hands, Mav reached for the edge of the sheet, his breath hitching as he slowly pulled it back. There, beneath the cover, lay his mother, her skin pale and lifeless. Her once vibrant silver hair was dull, and her lips, which had always spoken words of comfort, were now cold and unmoving. A sense of dread washed over him, freezing him in place as he stared at her face, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.


    Suddenly, the sound of his father''s anguished cries filled the room. Mav turned to see Nacht, his strong and stoic father, kneeling beside the bed, his shoulders shaking with each sob. "Emily... Emily, please..." Nacht''s voice was broken, pleading for something Mav knew was impossible. The sight of his father, who had always been a pillar of strength, reduced to a grieving, helpless man, shattered Mav''s heart.


    "No! This can''t be real!" Mav''s voice cracked as he screamed, trying to will the nightmare away, but the scene remained. The walls seemed to close in further, the room growing darker, colder. His mother''s face, once full of life, was now a haunting reminder of what he had lost.


    Mav reached out, desperate to touch her, to feel any warmth left in her body, but as his fingers brushed her skin, it was as cold as the grave. A scream built in his throat, but before it could escape, the world around him shattered like glass, plunging him into a void of darkness.


    Slowly, the familiar surroundings of his room came into focus. He was back home. Something warm and heavy pressed against his stomach. Turning to look, he saw his mother, Emily, fast asleep with her head resting on him, her silver hair gently stirred by the breeze from the open window. It was bright outside, yet the air felt cool.


    Seeing his mother there, alive and breathing, her face back to normal, Mav felt an overwhelming sense of relief. He wanted to cry again, but it was as though his body had run out of tears. He licked his dry lips, realizing how dehydrated he was after being unconscious for who knows how long.


    He reached out and touched his mother¡¯s face, feeling the warmth of her skin like a hearth, warming his entire being.


    The chill of his touch roused Emily from her sleep. Slowly, she blinked, then reality set in. ¡°Mav?¡± she murmured, tears welling up in her eyes. Mav wanted to respond, but his throat was too dry to speak. All he could do was gaze at her and gently wipe her tears away. Emily, seeing her son illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window, his silver hair fluttering in the breeze, felt as if he might vanish at any moment. She pulled him into a tight hug, as though holding onto him would keep him from slipping away.


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    Mav hugged her back as tightly as his weak body would allow. He swallowed hard and finally managed to speak, his voice rough. ¡°Mom¡­ I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re here.¡±


    Emily¡¯s grip tightened, and she began to repeat his name, ¡°Mav, Mav,¡± as if she hadn¡¯t said it in years.


    After a while, she finally let go, noticing his chapped lips. ¡°You must be so thirsty. Let me get you some water,¡± she said, her voice laced with worry. Mav nodded, a small smile on his face. She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, the warmth of her lips offering a brief comfort. Then, with a last glance at her son, she immediately stood and hurried out of the room.


    While she was gone, Mav turned to look out the window, the cool breeze brushing his face. He recalled everything that had happened. ¡°Display status,¡± he whispered to himself, needing to confirm that none of it had been a dream. As he scrolled through the display, there it was:


    Dark Red Nuke


    And a bit lower:


    Dark Blue Miracle


    ¡°So it really wasn¡¯t a dream,¡± he thought. When he tapped on the skill, it displayed:


    Skill Name: Dark Blue Miracle (Maximum) lvl. 2/120


    Mana Cost: 119


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    ¡°It leveled up when I used it? Is that how healing skills work?¡± he wondered. Then he noticed that the mana cost had decreased by one. ¡°Maybe the mana cost drops by one each time it levels up?¡± He wondered if Dark Red Nuke would level up too. The thought made his heart race.


    But as he reached for that excitement, a wave of exhaustion washed over him. His body was still too weak, barely recovered from the strain he¡¯d put it through. The memory of draining his mana completely¡ªtwice¡ªmade him realize just how close he¡¯d come to pushing too far. Even lifting his head felt like a monumental effort. "I need to recover first," he reminded himself, forcing the excitement to the back of his mind. There would be time for that later, once his strength returned.


    His thoughts drifted to his other, lesser-used skills¡ªYellow Enhancement and Green Protection. ¡°I wonder what new skills I could get if I used Dark Ascension on them too?¡± His heart raced again with excitement at the possibilities.


    But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Emily entered the room, holding a plate of soup in one hand and a cup of water in the other. Behind her was Nacht, his father.


    The smell of the soup made Mav¡¯s stomach grumble, and he realized just how hungry he was. Emily gently brought the cup to his lips, letting him drink slowly to avoid choking. After he finished, she wiped away the droplets of water that had dribbled down his chin.


    ¡°Mom¡­ can I have some of your cooking? I¡¯ve missed it so much.¡± Mav asked in a weak voice. The request tugged at Emily¡¯s heart, filling her with both love and pain. ¡°Of course. Anything for you, Mav,¡± she replied, her voice shaky. Then, as she steadied herself, she glanced at Nacht before turning back to Mav. ¡°By the way, your father told me everything.¡± Mav¡¯s heart sank at her words. He looked at Nacht, recalling what he had put him through. ¡°I''ve already had a word with him,¡± Emily continued, her tone firm but gentle. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re getting off easy.¡±


    Mav looked from his father to his mother, who now wore a look of gentle reproach. ¡°Uh¡­ can I eat first, Mom?¡± he asked, scratching his head nervously. Nacht couldn¡¯t hold back his laughter, and soon Mav joined in, followed by Emily. Their laughter filled the room, a sound of pure relief and joy.

 Chapter 21 - The King of Daimoniki [Vasilias] (Start of Arc 2)

    In a castle far from the capital...


    "Permission to speak, King Vasilias?" A raspy voice echoed in the grand hall.


    The voice belonged to a creature standing on two legs, its body covered in black scales, with a massive tail curling behind it. Its eyes gleamed with a yellow tint, each with a blue slit for a pupil.


    "Go ahead," a menacing voice rumbled.


    The reply came from a giant humanoid figure, his skin a deep, blood-red hue, with muscles rippling across his powerful frame. A silver flame, almost like a crown, flickered atop his head. This was Vasilias, the King of Daimoniki, seated on his throne, one arm draped over the armrest while the other supported his head in a display of casual dominance.


    "It''s about the humans, Your Majesty. They''ve broken through another one of our territories. At this rate, it wouldn''t take them more than two years to reach this place," the lizard-like creature reported, its voice trembling with fear.


    "You said this was important, which is why I allowed you in here. And you waste my time with this drivel?" Vasilias'' voice grew louder, his irritation palpable. "Get out before I grow more impatient."


    "B-But Your Majesty¡ª"


    "I said, get out," Vasilias snapped, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the creature replied, its head bowing in resignation.


    But before the lizard-like creature could leave, another voice cut through the tension.


    "Father, I''ve grown weary of this. Of our kind being trampled on and humiliated by these damned humans. Why do you insist on letting them treat us like this? You''ve only sent the weakest of our kind to defend us. You haven''t allowed anyone you''ve bestowed with your power to step outside our kingdom. Please, I beg you, let us fight back," the voice pleaded.


    It came from another creature standing on two legs, almost human in form but with the head, legs, and arms of a lion. Its skin was covered in a thick coat of yellow fur.


    "Be patient, my son. The time will come," Vasilias replied.


    "But when, Father? It''s been years! Just one of my soldiers would be enough to push them back to their lands," the lion-like creature pressed, frustration lacing its tone.


    "Calm yourself, son. Even my hands itch for battle. Every day, I resist the urge to crush those humans in my grasp. But this waiting, this anticipation, will make the final strike all the sweeter when we see the despair in their eyes," Vasilias said, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he clenched his fist.


    "Do you remember the pleasure we took all those years ago, when we had our way with them? Killing and destroying their kind every day, the sounds of their torment, the looks of despair on their faces as they realized they were powerless, even against the weakest of us," he continued, his voice dripping with malice as he recalled the past.


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    "But then," Vasilias'' voice darkened, "they came. Humans who could wield our power, who pushed us back and humiliated us."


    He clenched his fist tighter, his knuckles turning white. "At first, I was taken aback, surprised that they could fight back with our own abilities. But it didn''t take long to realize their power was a mere imitation¡ªa poor copy of ours."


    Vasilias summoned a silver flame into his hand, watching it dance in his palm. "Then, I had a brilliant idea," he said, straightening in his throne, his eyes glinting with cunning.


    "What if we let them think they could win? Allow them to believe they have hope, that they can defeat us. We''ll draw them in, let them lower their guard. Over the years, we''ll let them win small victories, pushing them just far enough to think they are getting closer to their goal."


    He leaned forward, his voice growing more intense. "We''ll send out weaker foes first, ones they can defeat with some effort. They''ll grow confident, thinking they are nearing our stronghold, believing that with just a few more victories, they''ll reach our kingdom and eliminate us."


    "Then, when they are at the peak of their hope, when they are basking in the joy of their impending triumph, we will strike. But not all at once. We¡¯ll start with small, calculated attacks¡ªjust enough to unnerve them, to make them think they¡¯ve missed something. We¡¯ll send out stronger foes, one by one, each more formidable than the last, but always giving them just enough room to believe they¡¯re still winning."


    Vasilias'' grin widened as he continued, "With each small victory, they¡¯ll grow more desperate, more determined. But as they push forward, we¡¯ll start pulling back, making them think they¡¯re driving us to our last stand. And just when they think they have us cornered, we will unleash our true power."


    "We¡¯ll send wave after wave of our strongest soldiers, not all at once, but in relentless succession. Each wave will be stronger than the last, and by the time they realize what¡¯s happening, it will be too late. Their forces will be stretched thin, their hope will crumble, and we will drown them in despair."


    Vasilias'' silver flame flared even brighter, casting ominous shadows around the room. "I''m getting shivers just imagining it¡ªtheir faces twisted in horror as they realize their impending doom. It will be even more satisfying than anything we¡¯ve done before."


    He leaned back in his throne, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "So be patient, my son. Our time will come soon. But to ease your restlessness, I will allow you to take one of your soldiers¡ªsomeone bestowed with my flame¡ªto the forest where our weakest are being harassed by the humans. However, do not go overboard. Only eliminate enough of them to make it seem like they¡¯ve simply let their guard down, nothing more."


    "Do not engage directly, only send your soldier. Have him strike swiftly and quietly. Let the humans believe that those who fell were merely careless in a place they thought was safe. We want them to remain overconfident, thinking the Daimoniki there are still weak and easily handled."


    "Be mindful, and do not attract too much attention. The last thing we need is to alert them to our true strength before we¡¯re ready."


    "Have your fun, but return swiftly. We must not tip our hand too early," Vasilias finished, his tone leaving no room for disobedience.


    The lion-like and lizard-like creatures stood in awe, their minds reeling from what they had just heard.


    "As expected of our King, I should have never doubted you. I will serve you until my dying breath," the lizard-like creature said in reverence, kneeling before Vasilias.


    "You should be honored to be one of the few who know of my plans. Now go, I¡¯m tired of looking at your face," Vasilias commanded.


    "Yes, my King," the creature replied, bowing deeply before hastily exiting the room.


    "Father... I don''t know what to say," the lion-like creature finally managed to utter.


    Vasilias let out a deep, resonant chuckle. "Go now, my son, and soon, our time will come again."


    "Yes, Father. Thank you for this opportunity," the lion-like creature replied with a fervent nod before turning to leave.


    Once he was alone again, Vasilias settled back into his throne, his eyes staring off into the distance, a grimace etched onto his face.

 Chapter 22 - First Comes Rock

    Mav sat on a large rock deep inside the forest, where the dappled sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting flickering shadows across his face. The earthy scent of moss and damp leaves filled the air, grounding him in this familiar place. The light caught his silver hair, making it shimmer like threads of moonlight, and his sharp blue eyes locked onto the dark flame dancing in his palm. Though it had only been a few weeks since he¡¯d recovered under Emily''s care, the forest now seemed to pulse with new energy, mirroring the curiosity and determination that burned within him.


    Emily had resumed tending to their vegetable garden, while Nacht had returned to his old routine of selling their produce in the capital. With both his parents occupied, Mav found himself with plenty of free time. This time, though, he wasn''t just exercising his body¡ªhe was exploring the depths of his newfound powers.


    The village chief had informed the other villagers of Emily''s miraculous recovery, carefully omitting any mention of Mav''s role in it. Mav was relieved by this. He wasn''t ready to reveal his abilities just yet¡ªnot when he didn¡¯t fully understand them himself. Only he, Emily, Nacht, and the village chief knew the truth, and Mav intended to keep it that way, at least for now.


    When Emily learned about the altercation between Nacht and Mav that night, her anger had been swift and intense. She scolded them both for their recklessness, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and frustration. "Did you both realize the consequences of your actions?" she had cried, her eyes blazing with the same fire that had once fueled her recovery.


    Nacht, guilt-ridden, had immediately promised to bring a blue flame user from the capital to heal Mav¡¯s injury. Mav had protested, insisting he could heal himself, but the memory of the strain that had knocked him unconscious lingered like a dark shadow. Emily and Nacht were unyielding, their concern for him outweighing his own stubbornness. In time, Emily forgave them, understanding that their actions had stemmed from love, particularly Mav''s willingness to go to such lengths for her. Yet, she made him swear never to use his powers again¡ªa promise he agreed to outwardly but had no intention of keeping.


    His parents had pressed him to explain how he¡¯d managed to heal Emily when all the other flame users had failed. Mav had only revealed that his dark flame affinity had something to do with it, carefully avoiding the full truth. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to admit that his discovery had been an accident, born from an outburst of frustration and desperation. Thankfully, his parents didn¡¯t pry further, though they repeated their warning: no more using his abilities.


    But here he was again, in the forest, under the pretense of rebuilding his strength after all that time spent resting. The real reason, though, was to push the limits of his powers.


    Mav took a deep breath and murmured, "Display status." A translucent screen appeared before him, showing his current mana: 120/120. He scrolled down to his skills, his eyes narrowing as he found what he was looking for:


    Skill Name: Yellow Enhancement (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Description: Summons a small yellow flame that enhances a targeted body part, limited to the size of the flame.


    Duration: 1 second


    Manacost: 5 per second used


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    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    "I¡¯ve looked at this before, and it¡¯s still terrible," Mav thought, grimacing. "A 1-second duration with that kind of mana cost and a cooldown that long? It¡¯s practically useless."


    He cast Dark Ascension on his hand, a dark flame materializing in his palm. Closing his eyes, Mav braced himself for the pain he knew would come with his next move. He gritted his teeth, the cool breeze doing little to calm the nervous energy coursing through him.


    "Alright, here goes nothing," he muttered. Mav casted Yellow Enhancement, watching as the yellow flame intertwined with the dark one.


    A familiar prompt appeared in his vision:


    Different Flame Type Detected.


    Detecting Flame Type...


    Yellow Flame Detected.


    Dark Flame and Yellow Flame in Contact.


    Dark Ascension Prerequisites Met.


    Activate Dark Ascension?


    Yes or No?


    Mav inhaled deeply, steeling himself. He knew what was coming, but there was no turning back now. After a few seconds, he pressed "Yes."


    Initiating Dark Ascension...


    Combining Yellow Flame and Dark Flame...


    High Affinity For Dark Flame Detected. Applying Privileges...


    Privileges Applied.


    Low Affinity For Yellow Flame Detected. Applying Penalties...


    The pain surged through him, sharper this time, but Mav was in better shape now. He bit down on the agony, his knees buckling as he collapsed onto the rock. The world blurred around him, but he kept his focus, forcing himself to endure. Through the haze of pain, he clung to one thought: this was the key to something greater.


    Finally, the torment began to recede, leaving him gasping for breath. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and a new prompt appeared before him:


    Dark Ascension Successful.


    Combination Successful.


    New Skill Acquired: Dark Yellow Transcendence.


    "Dark Yellow Transcendence? I wonder what that does," he muttered, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes.


    He quickly navigated to his skill list and selected the new ability.


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    Description: Envelops one''s entire body in a dark yellow flame, uniformly enhancing one''s physical capabilities to the combined strength of 1200 humans.


    Duration: 1 second


    Manacost: 1 per second used


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    "It sounds powerful, but that duration... Maybe it will increase when I level it up? But how?" he wondered, staring intently at the skill description. "What are the conditions for leveling it?"


    For now, he pushed the questions aside, eager to test his new power. "Well, at least the mana cost is low. I won¡¯t pass out from using it this time," he reasoned.


    Jumping down from the rock, Mav scanned the area, spotting a massive tree nearby. He approached it, taking a moment to size it up. The tree was sturdy, its bark thick and unyielding. If he mistimed the activation, he could seriously injure himself.


    "Okay, let''s practice the timing first," he decided. Mav stepped back, closing his eyes as he visualized the sequence. He threw punches at the air, syncing the motion with the imagined activation of his skill. Over and over, he repeated the process, driving the movement into his muscle memory until he felt ready.


    Facing the tree once more, Mav wiped the sweat from his brow, the cool wind sending a shiver down his spine. He twisted his body into position, fist clenched, ready to strike.


    "Let¡¯s do this," he muttered. "First comes Rock, Jan, Ken, Gu¡ª" In a swift motion, he launched his fist towards the tree, his heart pounding in his chest.

 Chapter 23 - Dark Yellow Transcendence

    Before his fist reached the bark of the tree, Mav hesitated. ¡°Dark Yellow¡­ what was it again?¡± he muttered, trying to recall the incantation. His fist landed before he could remember. ¡°Ow!¡± he yelped, clutching his fist with his other hand. Luckily, he had lessened the force of the punch just in time, so he only got away with a few scratches.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get it right this time,¡± he whispered to himself. ¡°Dark Yellow Transcendence.¡± He repeated the phrase out loud, committing it to memory. It was a long and unusual phrase, after all.


    Taking a deep breath, Mav stood up and readied himself for another attempt. He twisted his body, clenched his fist, and swung it toward the tree. As fast as he could, he cast, ¡°Dark Yellow Transcendence!¡± This time, it worked. In the middle of his attack, a dark yellow flame enveloped his entire body, like a warrior bathed in power. For a moment, he felt like a Saiyan, but without the spiky hair.


    A surge of power coursed through him, and his feet sank slightly into the ground. His senses heightened to an almost overwhelming degree. He could hear the rustling of leaves, the faintest movement of insects, and the distant calls of birds. His eyes picked up the smallest details in the bark before him, every crack and crevice crystal clear. The air carried the scent of fruit from a nearby tree, its sweetness sharp and distinct. Even his skin felt alive, detecting the tiniest vibrations in the air, like he had developed some sort of heightened awareness.


    Then his fist collided with the tree. The impact was immense, producing a thunderous boom that echoed through the forest. The bark where his fist had landed was obliterated, as if it had simply vanished into thin air. In the next instant, all the power drained from his body, signaling that only a second had passed.


    But that second was all it took for the longer part of the tree to begin falling directly toward him. ¡°Oh crap!¡± he exclaimed, panicking. With a quick roll, he narrowly avoided the falling tree, which crashed to the ground with another resounding thud, shaking the earth beneath him.


    Mav sat there in stunned silence, staring at the fallen tree in disbelief. He opened and closed his fist, still feeling the lingering echoes of the power that had just surged through him. ¡°Display status,¡± he said, and a translucent screen appeared before him. He scrolled to his skill, noting that it was now on cooldown¡ª100 seconds left. His heart raced with anticipation as he waited for the cooldown to end, eager to experience that power again.


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    He checked the skill¡¯s level, but to his disappointment, it hadn¡¯t increased at all. ¡°So just using it isn¡¯t enough to level it up?¡± he wondered, contemplating what the conditions for leveling up might be.


    When the cooldown finally ended, Mav stood up, determination renewed. He twisted his body, clenched his fist, and swung his arm, casting the skill just before his fist collided with the felled tree. The spot where his fist landed exploded into countless tiny pieces, disintegrating from the sheer force.


    As the cooldown reset, Mav tried different approaches. He kicked the tree, then headbutted it, even rammed his entire body into it. He flicked it with his finger too, each time casting the skill just before impact. Again and again, he unleashed Dark Yellow Transcendence until the tree was reduced to nothing more than scattered splinters.


    Mav¡¯s heart raced not only from the physical exertion but from the exhilarating thrill of unlocking something new within himself. Each strike brought a rush of discovery, an intoxicating sense of power that left him craving more, eager to continue.


    But Mav wasn¡¯t satisfied. He moved on to another tree, then another, testing his limits with each strike. By the time he was done, the sun had dipped low in the sky, casting an orange tint over the forest. The cool evening air had begun to settle in, and Mav looked around, breathing heavily. He was surrounded by fallen trees and broken wood, the aftermath of his relentless practice looking as if a typhoon had swept through.


    Wiping sweat from his brow, Mav picked up a piece of tree bark. ¡°I¡¯ll bring this back as firewood,¡± he decided, beginning his walk out of the forest. As he walked, he displayed his status box again, glancing at his mana¡ª60/120.


    ¡°I used it more than 60 times, for over 60 seconds,¡± he muttered to himself, ¡°and it still didn¡¯t level up once.¡± His eyes scanned the mess of trees he¡¯d left behind, evidence of the skill¡¯s immense potential even at its lowest level. His heart raced with excitement at the thought of what it could become when he finally leveled it up.


    Then his eyes fell on the last skill in his arsenal, the only one he hadn¡¯t tried yet:


    Skill Name: Green Protection (Basic) lvl. 1/5


    Description: Envelops the user¡¯s body in a green flame, protecting them from both magical and physical attacks. The flame can be expanded, but the strength of protection decreases the further it¡¯s expanded.


    Duration: 1 second


    Mana Cost: 5 per second used


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    ¡°At this level, it probably couldn¡¯t even protect me from a gust of wind,¡± Mav joked to himself. But as he spoke, a dark flame flickered to life in his palm. He closed his fist, extinguishing the flame with a determined expression.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see what it can do tomorrow. For now, I¡¯ve got to get home. Can¡¯t have Mom and Dad worrying again. They¡¯ll probably ground me this time if I mess up,¡± he said with a smile.


    As Mav walked home, his heart thumped with anticipation for tomorrow. The final rays of the setting sun bathed his skin in warmth, while the cold breeze of the approaching night began to brush against him, hinting at the adventures that awaited him in the days to come.

 Chapter 24 - Dark Green Invincibility

    "How was your day, Mav?" Emily asked as she turned from the sink, drying her hands on the apron she wore.


    "Uh, not bad, I guess," Mav replied, the events of the day flashing through his mind. "Where''s Dad?"


    "Welcome home, Mav!" Nacht''s voice called out from another room.


    "I brought some firewood from the forest!" Mav shouted back.


    "Thanks, Mav! Just leave it by the door, I¡¯ll take care of it later," Nacht responded.


    Emily approached Mav, concern etched on her face. "How¡¯re you feeling? It¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve gone out. Did anything feel off?"


    Mav chuckled. "Mom, I''m fine. You''re worrying too much."


    She ruffled his hair, but her eyes were still filled with concern. "I¡¯m not joking, Mav. What if something happened to you out there?" She leaned in closer, taking a sniff. "And I can tell you were moving around a lot again. Don''t overexert yourself. You just recovered."


    Mav smiled as his mom pulled him into a hug, his face pressed against her chest. "Mom, I can''t breathe," he mumbled.


    Emily let go, chuckling softly. "Sorry, sweetie. I just can''t help but worry."


    "I know, Mom," Mav replied gently.


    "Anyway, you smell like the forest. I''ll heat up some water. Go take a bath before supper," Emily said, planting a kiss on his forehead before heading to the kitchen.


    "Thanks, Mom," Mav called after her.


    Later that evening, after supper, Mav lay in bed, staring up at the familiar ceiling of his room. A cold breeze drifted in from the slightly open window, sending a shiver through him. The moon and stars were faint, obscured by clouds.


    His mind buzzed with thoughts¡ªabout his newly discovered power, what it meant for him and his family, and what the future might hold. He was filled with anticipation for what he might uncover tomorrow.


    Ever since Emily had recovered, sleep had become elusive. The strain on his body from pushing too far, perhaps, or the anxiety of what lay ahead. Insomnia was now his nightly companion, along with the frequent wake-ups. He kept this from his parents; they had enough to worry about.


    As the hours passed, he finally felt his eyes grow heavy. Eventually, sleep claimed him. That night, he didn¡¯t wake up as much¡ªmaybe just once or twice. Perhaps the exhaustion from using his new skill all day had finally caught up with him. When he woke again, it was morning, sunlight streaming through the window and warming his skin. The smell of breakfast wafted into his room, making his stomach growl.


    After breakfast, Mav helped Emily in the garden. She thanked him with a smile, appreciating the extra set of hands. Then, saying goodbye to his parents, he felt a thrill of excitement for the day ahead¡ªhe couldn¡¯t wait to try out the new skill combination.


    "Bye, Mom," he said with a grin. "If you need anything, just shout my name, and I¡¯ll come running."


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    Emily smiled and ruffled his hair. "Just be careful out there, okay?"


    "I will, Mom," Mav assured her, before heading out, sprinting toward the forest.


    He returned to his usual spot, a large rock surrounded by trees. The remnants of yesterday¡¯s experiment¡ªsplintered wood and disturbed earth¡ªlay scattered around the clearing. The ground was scarred, imprints of his powerful steps cracking the soil beneath. The scent of fresh tree bark mingled with the earthy aroma of upturned soil, a reminder of the force he¡¯d unleashed.


    Mav felt the cool breeze brush against his skin as he stood in the clearing. The rustling leaves above whispered secrets only the forest knew. For a moment, he closed his eyes, grounding himself in the present, letting the natural sounds calm his racing thoughts before the test began.


    "Display status," Mav said, watching his mana gauge return to full. Taking a deep breath, he activated his skill. "Dark Ascension," he commanded, and dark flames enveloped his body. He followed up with another skill, "Green Protection," watching as green flames intertwined with the dark, casting a strange, ethereal glow over the rock.


    A familiar notification appeared before him:


    Different Flame Type Detected.


    Detecting Flame Type...


    Green Flame Detected.


    Dark Flame and Green Flame in Contact.


    Dark Ascension Prerequisites Met.


    Activate Dark Ascension?


    Yes or No?


    Mav steeled himself for the inevitable pain and selected "Yes."


    Initiating Dark Ascension...


    Combining Green Flame and Dark Flame...


    High Affinity For Dark Flame Detected. Applying Privileges...


    Privileges Applied.


    Low Affinity For Green Flame Detected. Applying Penalties...


    The pain was as excruciating as ever, ripping through him with a ferocity that made him grit his teeth. "I hope this is the last time I have to go through this," he thought, wincing. "No matter how many times I do it, I¡¯ll never get used to this."


    Finally, the pain subsided, and a new message appeared:


    Dark Ascension Successful.


    Combination Successful.


    New Skill Acquired: Dark Green Invincibility.


    Mav quickly navigated to his skills and inspected the new addition:


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    Description: Conjures a green flame that can be expanded to envelop its target/s, rendering anything within its glow completely invincible to all physical and magical attacks.


    Duration: 1 second


    Manacost: 1 per second used


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    "It¡¯s got the same duration, mana cost, and cooldown as Dark Yellow Transcendence," he noted. "But again, how am I supposed to level this up too? What are the conditions?"


    Pushing the questions aside, Mav jumped off the rock. Testing a skill with such a short duration would be tricky, but he had an idea. He scanned his surroundings until he spotted what he needed¡ªa sharp rock. He picked it up and set it beside him. Timing would be crucial.


    He practiced the sequence in his mind, over and over, until he was confident he wouldn¡¯t mess it up. Then, taking a deep breath, he held the sharp rock close to his skin, ready to test the new skill.


    "Dark Green Invincibility!" he commanded, bracing himself for what would come next.

 Chapter 25 - Dark Red Nuke

    After he cast the spell, a dark green flame erupted, enveloping Mav¡¯s entire body. He barely had a second to test it, so expanding the flame wasn¡¯t an option. Instead, he scraped the sharp rock against the flame covering his palm. Rather than cutting into his skin or injuring him, the rock chipped away as if it had been ground against solid concrete.


    Just as quickly as the flame appeared, it vanished. He examined his palm closely. "Not even a scratch. I couldn¡¯t even feel it," he thought, a mixture of relief and excitement bubbling inside him.


    Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t much more he could do to test it. He tried punching a tree several times, but instead of obliterating the bark, as his other skill had done, it left only a few deep marks. His fist remained unscathed, feeling as if it had been encased in impenetrable stone.


    The sun was still low; too early to head back. Mav continued his routine¡ªpushups, curl-ups, running¡ªusing the familiar burn in his muscles to clear his mind.


    But as he ran, a thought stopped him in his tracks. "Wait a minute," he realized. "There¡¯s one more skill I haven¡¯t tried yet."


    He opened his status box and scrolled down until he found what he was looking for:


    Skill Name: Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    Description: Summons a volatile dark red flame that ignites into a powerful explosion within a wide radius upon the caster''s command, incinerating everything within its reach with intense heat and explosive force.


    Manacost: 120


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    He glanced at his mana¡ª117/120. "Thirty-six minutes," he noted, resuming his run to let his mana recover.


    When his mana was fully restored, he returned to the usual rock, climbing it as he let the weight of his thoughts settle in.


    If I use this, I¡¯ll deplete all my mana again, he reasoned with himself. But I¡¯ve already pushed my limits multiple times¡ªbefore healing Mom, and especially yesterday. Surely, my body is used to it now.


    Despite his rationalizing, uncertainty gnawed at him. The skill¡¯s description was intense¡ªfar more dangerous than anything he¡¯d tried before. He didn¡¯t even know how strong the explosion would be or how far it would reach.


    His mother¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, soft yet firm, urging caution. "Don¡¯t push yourself too far," she¡¯d said. Her worried eyes haunted him now, guilt gnawing at his resolve. He knew he was crossing a line, but the pull of the unknown was too strong to resist.


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    "Forgive me, Mom," he thought, "But I just need to know what I¡¯m capable of."


    "If I mess up, I¡¯ll just run again," he decided, recalling the last time he¡¯d sprinted back with nearly no mana left.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this,¡± Mav muttered, slapping both his cheeks to shake off any remaining hesitation.


    But he didn¡¯t want to waste the opportunity. He could only use this skill once today, and the mana cost would drain him completely. An idea¡ªa reckless one¡ªsparked in his mind. With a determined nod, he began walking, not back toward the village, but deeper into the forest.


    The trees grew denser as he walked, their shadows casting long, eerie patterns on the ground. Soon, he reached a small creek.


    ¡°This is the farthest I¡¯ve ever gone in this forest,¡± he murmured. ¡°If I cross this, I¡¯m stepping into the unknown.¡±


    He jumped across, his feet landing on unfamiliar ground. As he ventured further, he marked each tree he passed with the small knife he¡¯d brought, ensuring he wouldn¡¯t get lost. Every step quickened his heartbeat.


    Suddenly, he stopped. In the distance, he noticed some movement. Instinctively, he hid behind a nearby tree, straining his eyes to make out the shapes. He could barely see anything from this distance, but an idea struck him.


    He peeked out, focusing on the movements, then whispered, ¡°Dark Yellow Transcendence.¡± For a brief moment, his vision zoomed in on the target. What he saw made his heart skip a beat¡ªit was a pack of Gray Wolves, feasting on the body of a dead Giant Boar.


    His pulse quickened, pounding in his ears as he quickly ducked back behind the tree. Every few moments, he peeked out to observe the wolves, then hid again. His mind raced with anticipation.


    He glanced at his mana¡ª119/120 after using the skill. ¡°Twelve minutes,¡± he whispered, feeling every second stretch into an eternity. The tension mounted as he continuously checked the wolves¡¯ movements and his mana. Finally, it ticked back up to 120/120.


    Mav¡¯s heart pounded even harder now, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Every instinct screamed at him to stop, to turn back. The weight of his choice pressed heavily on him now. But he had already made up his mind.


    After a few more peeks to ensure the wolves were still there, he forced himself to calm down. He placed a hand over his chest, controlling his breathing, and closed his eyes for a moment.


    Then, with a final deep breath, he extended his right arm toward the pack. His voice shook as he whispered, ¡°Dark Red Nuke.¡±


    The explosion that followed was deafening. A dark red fireball erupted, consuming everything in its path. The blast was so powerful that even from a distance, the shockwave made Mav¡¯s ears ring, his hair whipped by the force of the explosion. Dust, rock, and splinters flew in every direction, forcing him to take cover behind the tree once more.


    When the dust settled and the air cleared, Mav peeked out again. Where the wolves had been was now a massive, smoldering crater. Nothing was left¡ªnot a single tree, not a blade of grass, and certainly no sign of the wolves.


    Mav stood in awe, feeling the residual heat from the explosion on his skin. The forest around him was eerily silent, as if nature itself was stunned by the destruction. The power he unleashed both thrilled and terrified him. "This... this is what I''m capable of?" he whispered, trembling slightly.

 Chapter 26 - Destruction

    Mav stared in disbelief, his mind racing. This skill¡­ it¡¯s too dangerous, he thought, heart still pounding like a drum in his chest. The forest around him was eerily silent, as if holding its breath in the aftermath of the devastation he had just unleashed.


    A notification flashed before his eyes:


    Gray Wolf Hide x5 acquired


    Gray Wolf Core x5 acquired


    He had obliterated them all¡ªnothing left but ashes. The air still held the faint scent of burnt fur, but not a single strand survived the blast.


    He opened his status, his hands trembling slightly, and saw that his mana was completely drained¡ª0/120. Scrolling down, he checked the skill that had caused the destruction:


    Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 3/120


    "It leveled up? Does that mean killing the Daimoniki with it triggered the level up?" he wondered, unsure. ¡°But what about the other skills? Dark Blue Miracle leveled up when I healed Mom, so maybe it¡¯s based on the skill¡¯s function? Dark Red Nuke is an offensive skill, so that makes sense¡­ But what about Dark Yellow Transcendence? It''s offensive too, so maybe it has the same condition? And Dark Green Invincibility¡ªdoes it level up when I use it defensively? I need more information.¡±


    As his thoughts spiraled, a wave exhaustion swept over him like a ton of bricks. His body grew heavier, weaker with every passing second, as if the earth beneath him was trying to pull him down.


    ¡°This is bad,¡± he muttered, leaning against a tree for support, the rough bark digging into his back. ¡°I need to get out of here. That explosion might attract more Daimoniki.¡±


    He pushed himself to move, using the trees for support. His vision blurred, the edges of his world dimming, but he forced his legs to keep moving, his fear driving him forward.


    Finally, he reached the familiar creek. Relief washed over him, but he knew he wasn¡¯t safe yet. There was still some distance to cover, and every muscle in his body screamed in protest.


    With the last of his strength, he leapt over the creek, but his landing was clumsy, his legs buckling beneath him. He tumbled to the ground, covering himself in dust.


    "Just a bit more," he urged himself, his voice trembling as much as his legs. Through the haze of exhaustion, he spotted the fallen trees and disturbed soil¡ªlandmarks that signaled he was close to the huge rock. The village wasn¡¯t far now.


    With a final, desperate burst of energy, Mav sprinted toward the rock. His legs gave out just as he reached it, and he collapsed against its solid surface. The cool, rough stone pressed into his back, grounding him, as the wind brushed over his face, cooling his sweat-soaked skin. He took one last deep breath, the air crisp and tinged with the earthy scent of the forest, then closed his eyes, letting the darkness take over.


    <hr>


    ¡°Mav! Mav!¡± The sudden, panicked screams jolted him awake, pulling him back from the brink of unconsciousness.


    ¡°Dad? What are you doing here?¡± Mav asked, his voice thick with sleep, still disoriented.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you!¡± Nacht replied, his voice strained with panic, his eyes wide with worry.


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    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± Mav asked, still trying to piece together his scattered thoughts.


    ¡°We heard an explosion coming from the forest. The villagers are panicking, especially your mother. You¡¯ve been gone for a while, so I came to find you,¡± Nacht explained, his voice tinged with both relief and urgency.


    ¡°Explosion? What¡ª¡± Mav¡¯s memory flooded back, the reality of what he had done crashing down on him like a tidal wave. He quickly masked his panic. ¡°Oh, that explosion. I heard it too, but I was so tired from exercising all morning that I just fell asleep again,¡± he lied smoothly, hiding the truth.


    Nacht¡¯s sharp eyes noticed the dirt and scratches covering Mav¡¯s body. ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah... I tripped while running and rolled around in the dust,¡± Mav said, forcing a casual tone, though his heart raced in his chest.


    ¡°Anyway, come with me. Your mother''s worried sick,¡± Nacht said, his voice softening with concern.


    Mav¡¯s heart sank at the thought of facing his mother¡¯s worry and inevitable scolding. "I have to keep this a secret," he thought, swallowing nervously as a lump formed in his throat.


    As they exited the forest, the familiar sight of their carriage came into view, its polished wood glinting in the late afternoon sun. ¡°You even brought the carriage out here to find me?¡± Mav asked, trying to sound nonchalant.


    ¡°Well, Emily practically shoved me out the door, she was so worried,¡± Nacht replied with a weary smile.


    Mav let out a nervous laugh, biting his nails. ¡°She never changes¡­¡±


    <hr>


    The moment Mav stepped down from the carriage, a woman with silver hair streaming behind her ran to him. Emily caught him in a tight embrace.


    ¡°Mav! Are you okay?¡± she asked, her voice thick with relief, though the lingering panic was still evident.


    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Mav replied, trying to steady his voice and calm the rapid beating of his heart.


    Emily pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning him for any signs of injury. She noticed the dirt smeared across his clothes and the tiredness etched into his features. ¡°What happened to you?¡± she asked, her hands cupping his face gently, her eyes filled with concern.


    ¡°Uh... Dad can explain,¡± Mav said, his voice hitching slightly as he avoided her gaze.


    ¡°He tripped while running,¡± Nacht explained, his tone reassuring, though there was a hint of suspicion in his eye.


    Emily sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she pulled Mav into another hug, holding him tightly as if she feared he might disappear.


    ¡°What happened, Mav? We heard an explosion from the forest. Do you know what caused it?¡± a voice interrupted, and Mav turned to see the village chief approaching, his weathered face creased with concern.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Chief. I was napping and heard it too, but I was too tired to bother investigating,¡± he replied, forcing a casual tone, though his mind raced to come up with more convincing lies.


    The chief nodded slowly. ¡°We should prevent anyone from entering the forest until we know what caused it,¡± he said, his expression serious.


    Mav¡¯s heart skipped a beat. "Not good. Where am I supposed to test my skills now?" he thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re overreacting,¡± Mav said, trying to sound nonchalant as he shrugged. ¡°It was probably just a huge tree falling and making that noise.¡±


    ¡°Mav!¡± Emily¡¯s sharp voice cut through the air, her eyes narrowing as she fixed him with a stern look. ¡°You¡¯re not planning to go back there, are you?¡±


    Mav flinched. ¡°No, Mom. I won¡¯t go back,¡± he said quickly. "Not until things settle down, at least. There won¡¯t be any more explosions... without me. I need to figure out anyway how to level up my other skills first," he thought, already planning his next move.


    ¡°But Dad, can I come with you on your next trip to the capital?¡± Mav asked, looking at Nacht.


    ¡°Sure, son. An extra pair of hands would be a big help,¡± Nacht agreed.


    ¡°Thanks, Dad!¡± Mav said, a smile spreading across his face as he thought about the possibilities.


    ¡°But why the sudden interest?¡± Nacht asked, curious.


    ¡°Remember the temple¡¯s head priest, Organos? I want to talk to him again,¡± Mav said, his mind already spinning with plans and questions that needed answers.


    Nacht nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Alright, then. We¡¯ll leave in a few days.¡±

 Chapter 27 - Back to the Temple

    Mav stood once again in front of the temple, its towering spires and intricate carvings awe-inspiring even on his second visit. The grandeur of the structure stirred memories of his first visit¡ªthe sting of disappointment and sadness over his high affinity for a flame type he once deemed useless. Yet now, with the newfound potential of the Dark Flame and the powerful skills he had uncovered, a flicker of hope ignited within him.


    "Alright, Mav, I''ll be back to get you once I''m done," Nacht said from the carriage, his voice steady and reassuring.


    "Thanks again, Dad," Mav replied, his gaze lingering on the temple¡¯s majestic facade.


    As the carriage rumbled away, Mav stepped into the temple. The expansive interior greeted him with sunlight streaming through stained glass, casting vibrant hues of red, yellow, green, and blue across the floor and walls. At each corner, large torches blazed with flames of the corresponding colors, a testament to the different flame types bestowed by the Flame God.


    Near the seating area, Mav noticed a young man methodically cleaning. He approached, clearing his throat to get his attention. "Excuse me, do you know where the head priest is?"


    The young man looked up, a curious expression crossing his face. "You mean Father Organos?"


    "Yes."


    "He was in his room earlier, reading a book, if I recall correctly. What¡¯s this about?"


    "Tell him Mav wants to speak with him¡ªthe boy with silver hair and the high Dark Flame affinity. He¡¯ll remember me."


    The young man nodded, though a hint of confusion lingered. "Alright, just wait here."


    He disappeared down a corridor and soon returned with an elderly man in a familiar white robe. Mav¡¯s heart warmed at the sight of Organos, recalling the priest¡¯s kind words and comforting presence from years before.


    "Mav," Organos said, his eyes twinkling with recognition. "I didn¡¯t expect to see you again. You¡¯ve really grown," he added, taking in Mav¡¯s appearance with a mix of surprise and warmth.


    Organos opened his arms for a hug, which Mav accepted with a grateful smile.


    "So, what brings you to the temple today?" Organos asked, settling into a more serious demeanor.


    "I need to discuss something privately," Mav said, his voice steady and earnest.


    Organos nodded, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "Follow me."


    As they walked down a quiet passageway, Organos glanced at Mav. "By the way, are you hungry? I can get you something if you are."


    Mav shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "No, I just ate before coming."


    They arrived at a room filled with the earthy scent of old paper and polished wood. A large desk, cluttered with papers, dominated the space. Shelves lined the walls, heavy with books of various hues. Organos gestured to a bench in front of the desk and settled into the chair behind it.


    "Would you like some coffee, Mav?" Organos offered, holding out a steaming cup.


    "No, thank you," Mav replied, his eyes taking in the room¡¯s details.


    "So, what¡¯s on your mind?" Organos asked, his curiosity evident.


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    Mav hesitated for a brief moment, the weight of what he was about to reveal settling over him. Could he trust even Organos with this secret?


    "I need you to promise me that you won¡¯t share what I¡¯m about to show you," Mav said, his tone serious.


    "Alright, you have my word," Organos said, leaning forward slightly.


    Mav opened his status screen. "Look at this," he said, scrolling to reveal his new skills.


    Organos¡¯s eyes widened as he examined the unfamiliar skills¡ªDark Red Nuke, Dark Blue Miracle, Dark Yellow Transcendence, Dark Green Invincibility. His expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief, and he recoiled slightly.


    "H-How did you get these skills?" Organos asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.


    "It was Dark Ascension," Mav explained, his eyes alight with excitement.


    "Remember that zero-mana-cost skill we tried to test after the ceremony? I figured out how to use it. By combining it with another flame type, it creates a new, powerful skill. My high affinity for Dark Flame enabled the maximum form of these skills, but my lower affinity for other flames affects their mana cost, duration, and cooldowns."


    Organos listened, clearly struggling to absorb the information.


    "Have you tried using them?" he asked, still in shock.


    "Yes," Mav said with a smile that spoke of satisfaction. "And they work exactly as described."


    "This is an incredible discovery, Mav. I can¡¯t even begin to grasp how this will impact our kingdom¡ªand the world."


    "Please keep this confidential. Not even my parents know. I¡¯d prefer the King and Guild leaders don¡¯t find out yet," Mav urged, his tone firm.


    "Alright, I promise," Organos said, still reeling from the revelation.


    "Now, about what I wanted to ask," Mav continued. "I know the conditions for leveling up two of these skills: Dark Blue Miracle, which involves healing, and Dark Red Nuke, which requires killing Daimoniki. I¡¯m not sure about the conditions for the other two."


    "I suspect Dark Yellow Transcendence and Dark Green Invincibility might have similar conditions, but their limited duration makes them difficult to test. Do you know where I can find information on different types of Daimoniki?" Mav asked.


    Organos¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure you want to proceed? What you¡¯re attempting is very dangerous."


    "Yes," Mav said firmly.


    Organos sighed, closing his eyes briefly as if seeking guidance. "It seems I can¡¯t dissuade you. And considering the Flame God has given you such power, perhaps there¡¯s a purpose behind it. Dangerous paths often lead to great discoveries. Just be cautious and prepared," he continued, leaning back on his chair.


    "I will," replied Mav.


    "There¡¯s a library nearby. You can ask for directions there. However, access is restricted to select individuals. I¡¯ll write you a letter of recommendation. Give it to the librarian and tell her it¡¯s from Head Priest Organos. Ask to be registered for a library card. There¡¯s one issue though¡ªthe fee. I doubt you have money on you, do you?" Organos asked.


    "Not at the moment, but I might know how to get some. Do you know where I can sell Gray Wolf Hides and Gray Wolf Cores?" Mav inquired.


    Organos¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned forward, scrutinizing Mav with renewed curiosity. "Gray Wolf Hides and Cores? Where did you even obtain those?"


    Mav met his gaze, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I told you earlier, didn''t I? I needed something to test my new skills on."


    "You confronted Gray Wolves alone and with no prior experience?" Organos asked, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and concern.


    "Well, not exactly face-to-face," Mav replied, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.


    Organos shook his head, letting out an exasperated sigh. "You¡¯re going to give me a heart attack, Mav."


    Mav chuckled nervously but quickly refocused. "So, where can I sell them?"


    Organos paused, rubbing his temple as if weighing his options. "What am I going to do with you?" he muttered, more to himself than to Mav. After a moment, he let out another sigh and said, "Alright, I don¡¯t rely much on my flame abilities, so I''m not an expert in these things. I only teach the basics to children during the Bestowal Ceremonies, but," he said pausing, "I might have an idea where you can sell them.¡±

 Chapter 28 - An Odd Encounter

    Organos leaned forward, his expression serious but kind. "First, the Gray Wolf Cores. You can sell them to Blue Flame Users since cores are a crucial ingredient in making mana and healing potions. There are several Blue Flame Users with stalls or establishments here in the capital; you can just ask for directions outside," Organos explained, his voice steady.


    Mav listened attentively, absorbing every word.


    ¡°Second, the Gray Wolf Hides,¡± Organos continued, shifting his gaze thoughtfully. Parts of Daimoniki can sometimes be sold to blacksmiths, armorers, or restaurants if the meat is edible. However, Gray Wolf Hides don¡¯t have much value as armor or weapon materials, and they''re definitely not useful as food ingredients. You might try the merchant guild and see if they''ll buy them for something," he continued, his gaze thoughtful.


    Mav nodded, taking in the information with a determined look. "I see. Thanks, Father."


    Organos reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a neatly folded letter. "Here¡¯s the recommendation letter. Show this to the librarian. Her name is Mina¡ªyou''ll recognize her instantly. She''s the girl with the long, silky blue hair. Request a library card from her, and she¡¯ll give you further instructions. If your money runs short after selling your materials, just ask her to put the remaining bill on me. You can pay me back someday."


    Mav took the letter, its parchment crisp and slightly warm from Organos¡¯ hand. "Really? Thank you so much, Father. I¡¯ll definitely pay you back," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.


    "Don¡¯t worry about it. Just be careful, alright? That¡¯s all I ask," Organos replied, his eyes filled with concern.


    "I will," Mav assured him with a firm nod. He started to turn away but paused, as if struck by a sudden thought. "By the way, Father, do you have an extra coat you don¡¯t use? I just realized my dad might be at the merchant guild too. I can¡¯t have him recognizing me. My silver hair is pretty distinctive," he said, running his fingers through his hair.


    "Good idea. Let me check," Organos said, stepping outside. He returned moments later with a large, weathered brown coat, its fabric soft and worn from years of use. It was large enough to cover Mav¡¯s head and face completely.


    "This will do, Father. Thanks again," Mav said, slipping into the coat. Its heavy fabric rustled as he moved.


    "You''re welcome, Mav. Just come back if you need anything else," Organos replied, his voice warm with fatherly affection.


    With a final nod, Mav adjusted the coat and stepped out of the room. He saw the young man from earlier still cleaning and gave him a small nod, which was returned with a friendly smile.


    As Mav exited the temple, the bustling street greeted him with a symphony of sounds: horse hooves clattering on cobblestone, murmured conversations, and the lively shouts of street vendors peddling their wares. The aroma of various foods¡ªspicy meats, freshly baked bread, and sweet pastries¡ªwafted through the air, making Mav¡¯s stomach rumble with hunger. He regretted turning down Organos'' offer of food earlier but shook off the thought and focused on his task.


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    Pulling the coat''s hood over his head, Mav approached a stall with a sign boasting "Grilled Giant Boar Meat" in bright, bold letters. The vendor, a burly man with a jovial expression, looked up and called out, "Hey, mister! Care to buy some Grilled Giant Boar Meat?"


    "No, I just need directions," Mav replied, glancing at the sizzling meat on the grill.


    "Well, if you buy something, maybe I¡¯ll help you," the man said with a sly grin, clearly hoping for a sale.


    "I¡¯m actually on my way to sell some materials, so I don¡¯t have any money on me right now. But if you tell me where to find a potion seller, I¡¯ll come back later," Mav said, scratching the back of his head.


    "Alright, you better keep your promise," the man said, pointing with a flourish. "There might be a potion seller just a few houses from here. Go straight, then take the first left. You¡¯ll find a stall with a bunch of blue-colored bottles. You can¡¯t miss it."


    "Got it. Thanks, sir. I¡¯ll definitely come back later. I¡¯m starting to get hungry anyway," Mav replied, holding his stomach as it grumbled in agreement.


    "No problem! You can ask me anything as long as you become my customer!" the man said with a hearty laugh that echoed down the street.


    "Alright, see you later," Mav said, offering a nod before heading in the direction given.


    After a short walk, Mav spotted a small, cluttered stall with a dark-haired woman meticulously arranging blue bottles on a wooden shelf. The bottles shimmered in the sunlight, their contents reflecting hues of azure and cobalt.


    Mav approached her and said, "Hi, do you buy Daimoniki cores here?"


    The woman looked up, her hands paused mid-motion. "What kind of Daimoniki cores?" she asked, her voice calm and professional.


    "Gray Wolf Cores," Mav answered.


    "How many do you have?"


    "Five," Mav said, holding up his fingers.


    "Alright, I can buy them. If they were a rarer type of core, I wouldn¡¯t be able to afford them," she said, her eyes scanning her modest stall. "Can I see them?"


    Mav accessed his status screen, tapped the materials in the Item Box, and a moment later, the five Gray Wolf Cores materialized before him. He carefully handed them to the woman.


    The potion seller examined the cores closely. "Yes, these are Gray Wolf Cores."


    "How much are they worth?" Mav asked, his tone hopeful.


    "Hmm, about a bronze coin each. So, five bronze coins in total," the woman replied, her expression professional.


    Mav handed over the five cores, but the woman¡¯s gaze lingered on him as if lost in thought.


    "Is there a problem?" Mav asked, sensing her hesitation.


    "Something¡¯s been bothering me since earlier. Your voice... it sounds familiar," she said, placing a hand on her chin. After a moment, her eyes widened as realization dawned. "Ah! I remember now! You¡¯re that silver haired kid from Oraios Village!"


    Mav stared at her, recognition flickering in his eyes. "Ah, you¡¯re the healer we brought to the village!"


    The woman¡¯s face softened, her expression turning somber. "I¡¯m sorry about your mother. I¡¯ll visit her grave if I have the time," she said quietly.


    Mav felt a pang in his chest, a mix of sadness and relief. "Actually, she¡¯s alive and healthy now," he said, his voice tinged with hope.


    The woman¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. "WHAT?"

 Chapter 29 - Mana Potions & The Merchant Guild

    ¡°It¡¯s not nice to joke about something like that, you know?¡± The woman¡¯s voice was laced with concern and disbelief.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking,¡± Mav said firmly, meeting her gaze. The weight of his words felt heavy in the air. ¡°If you want, you can come see her yourself.¡±


    ¡°But how? That¡¯s... impossible,¡± she stammered, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve seen cases like hers¡ªsame symptoms, same decline. None of them survived more than a few weeks. Even the best healers in our guild couldn¡¯t help them.¡±


    Mav hesitated, grappling with the weight of his own deception. ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It just... happened. Like a miracle.¡± He forced a small, strained smile, hoping to conceal the turmoil churning within him. Each word felt like a tightrope walk, balancing between truth and fabrication.


    The woman fell silent, lost in thought. After a moment, Mav gently broke the quiet. ¡°Can I get my payment now, please?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah, of course,¡± she said, still visibly shaken. She fumbled with her pouch and handed him five bronze coins. ¡°Oh, right, what¡¯s your name again?¡±


    ¡°Mav. Mav Rose,¡± he replied, extending his hand.


    ¡°Archa Rios,¡± she said, shaking his hand with a hint of lingering uncertainty. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mav. I¡¯ll try to visit your mother when I can. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe you... it¡¯s just... hard to believe.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome to visit anytime,¡± Mav assured her, though he couldn''t shake the worry that she might dig deeper. ¡°We¡¯re grateful you came to see her back then.¡±


    ¡°By the way,¡± Mav continued, shifting the topic, ¡°how much do your mana potions cost?¡±


    ¡°A silver coin per bottle,¡± Archa replied, regaining her composure. ¡°They¡¯re decent enough, though my affinity isn¡¯t strong, so the quality isn¡¯t top-notch. If you¡¯re looking for high-grade potions that can fully replenish your mana, you should visit one of the top rankers in the Blue Flame Guild. She¡¯s got a shop here in the capital, but her potions are quite pricey¡ªonly the top rankers can afford them.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Mav said thoughtfully, absorbing her words. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind. Maybe I¡¯ll come back when I¡¯ve saved up enough.¡±


    ¡°Anytime,¡± Archa said with a smile. ¡°And thanks for selling me the cores.¡±


    ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll bring more Daimoniki cores if I come across any,¡± Mav replied, returning the smile.


    As he turned to leave, he paused and looked back. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot¡ªdo you know where the Merchant Guild is?¡±


    ¡°Just keep walking straight until you see a large building with a sign featuring coins. You won¡¯t miss it,¡± Archa directed, pointing him in the right direction.


    ¡°Thanks again,¡± Mav said with a nod before heading off.


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    The streets were bustling as Mav made his way to the Merchant Guild. The large building came into view, less imposing than the temple but still impressive. The sign with coins, just as Archa had described, marked the entrance. Mav stepped inside, his coat pulled tight against the chill. People of all kinds moved about¡ªsome in simple clothes, others in armor and capes of red, blue, yellow, and green denoting their guilds.


    Mav approached a tall man clad in armor and a yellow coat. ¡°Excuse me, do you know where I can sell Gray Wolf Hides?¡±


    The man turned, his deep voice resonating. ¡°Gray Wolf Hides? Hmm... I¡¯m not sure, but you might try the General Goods booth. The receptionist there should be able to help.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Mav said, appreciating the advice. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of anxiety at the thought of more errands.


    ¡°No problem, kid. But aren¡¯t you a bit young for handling Daimoniki?¡± The man¡¯s brow furrowed as he looked Mav over.


    Mav chuckled nervously. ¡°I¡¯m just here on an errand.¡±


    The man grinned, shaking his head. ¡°Well, even Princess Chloe started young, so who am I to judge? I¡¯ve got to be off now. Good luck, kid.¡±


    ¡°Thanks again,¡± Mav called out as the man walked away, raising his hand in acknowledgment.


    Mav continued through the guild until he spotted the "General Goods" booth. A line of people was waiting, and Mav joined it. After about ten minutes, it was finally his turn.


    ¡°Hi, welcome to the Merchant Guild! How can I help you?¡± a cheerful voice greeted him. The receptionist, a woman dressed in formal attire, looked up with a warm smile.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to sell some Gray Wolf Hides,¡± Mav replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re at the right booth,¡± she said, still smiling. ¡°Do you want to sell them now?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mav confirmed, retrieving the hides from his item box and handing them over.


    As she inspected the hides, Mav couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What do people usually use these for?¡±


    ¡°Gray Wolf Hides? They¡¯re mostly used in clothing¡ªgood for keeping out the cold. Some folks use them for ornaments,¡± she explained.


    Mav nodded, absorbing the information. After finishing her inspection, she handed him ten bronze coins. ¡°Here¡¯s your payment for the five Gray Wolf Hides.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Mav said, pocketing the coins.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome! Feel free to come back anytime¡ªwe¡¯re open all day,¡± she said with a friendly smile.


    ¡°By the way, do you know where the library is?¡± Mav asked, turning to leave.


    ¡°Just head left after you exit, then walk straight until you see a building with a signpost featuring books,¡± she directed him.


    ¡°Alright, thanks again,¡± Mav said, raising his hand in farewell as he left the booth.


    The familiar street smells greeted him as he exited the Merchant Guild. A cool breeze carried the scent of fresh bread from nearby stalls, mixing with the earthy aroma of damp cobblestones. Mav turned left and walked until he reached the building described by the receptionist.


    It was slightly larger than the Merchant Guild, with a grand silver gate at the entrance. Mav approached, but a guard stepped forward, blocking his path. ¡°You can¡¯t go in there,¡± the guard said, eyeing him suspiciously.


    Mav quickly remembered the letter from Organos. He pulled it from his pocket and handed it to the guard. The guard read it, his expression changing to one of surprise. ¡°You¡¯re a friend of the head priest?¡± he asked.


    Mav nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. Right this way, please,¡± the guard said, opening the gate.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Mav replied, his excitement growing as he stepped inside, eager to learn all that he could.

 Chapter 30 - The Library & The Librarian

    As Mav stepped through the grand silver gate, he was met with the serene silence of the library. The expansive hall opened before him, filled with towering bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. The scent of aged paper and leather bindings mingled with the faint aroma of polished wood, creating a rich, inviting atmosphere. Natural light filtered through high windows, casting a warm glow over the room.


    The library was a marvel of architecture, its space divided into multiple levels. Balconies lined the upper floors, each overlooking the central hall below. Wooden staircases wound their way up to the higher tiers, where more shelves awaited, brimming with books and scrolls.


    Wooden tables were scattered throughout the vast floor, their surfaces covered with open books and scrolls. A few individuals sat at these tables, deeply engrossed in their reading, while others moved about, carrying stacks of books with an air of quiet purpose. They were dressed in elegant, well-tailored clothing¡ªrichly embroidered robes and luxurious fabrics that spoke of wealth and status. Mav, in his worn brown coat, felt distinctly out of place amidst their refined attire.


    He scanned the room and eventually spotted a young woman standing behind the reception desk. Her silky blue hair cascaded down her back, catching the light with an ethereal sheen. The description Organos had given him came to mind, and Mav knew she was the one he needed to speak with.


    Taking a deep breath, he made his way across the library floor, weaving between the clusters of well-dressed scholars and the occasional open book left on a table. As he approached the reception desk, he adjusted his coat, hoping to blend in. The blue-haired woman looked up from the book she was reading, meeting his gaze with a mix of curiosity and professionalism.


    "Hi, are you Mina?" Mav asked.


    "That¡¯s me," Mina replied with a smile. "How can I help you today?"


    "I¡¯d like to apply for a library card," Mav said.


    Mina¡¯s expression turned serious. "We only issue library cards through recommendations. Do you have one?"


    Mav pulled out the letter from his pocket and handed it to her. "Here."


    Mina examined the letter, her eyes scanning the elegant script. After a moment, she looked up, surprised. "A recommendation from Father Organos? You must be someone special."


    "Not really," Mav said, scratching his head awkwardly.


    "Well, since it¡¯s from him, I¡¯ll make this a priority. First, can you tell me your name and where you¡¯re from?" Mina asked.


    "I¡¯m Mav Rose, from Oraios Village," he replied.


    Mina wrote down his information on a small piece of paper and handed it to a young man with the same blue hair at a desk in the back. He was busy with something but looked up at her request.


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    "Grafon, can you make this a top priority?" Mina asked.


    "Sure thing, sis" Grafon replied, setting aside his work.


    "This will only take about fifteen minutes," Mina said, turning back to Mav.


    "Alright. Can I browse your books while I wait?" Mav asked.


    "My books? That sounds nice," Mina said with a cheeky smile. "I don¡¯t actually own any of them, but I¡¯ve read almost all of them, some multiple times," she added.


    Mav was taken aback. The library had thousands of books¡ªhow could she have read that much, especially considering her youth?


    Noticing Mav¡¯s surprise, Mina continued, "It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t believe me. People often react the same way. Usually, it takes days for someone to finish a book, but I can get through up to five in a day if I¡¯m not busy," she said with pride.


    "That¡¯s impressive," Mav said, genuinely amazed.


    "Thanks," Mina replied with a smile. "People usually find it odd when I say that, but I just love books. They¡¯re like adventures waiting to be explored."


    "Have you ever tried writing?" Mav asked. "Given how much you¡¯ve read, I bet you could create something amazing."


    Mina hesitated, looking down and fiddling with her hair. "Well¡­ I haven¡¯t told anyone this, but I¡¯m working on my own novel. I¡¯ve been revising it for years and still haven¡¯t been satisfied."


    "I¡¯d be happy to give you feedback if you want," Mav offered, smiling.


    "I don¡¯t really want to show it to anyone yet since it¡¯s still very rough," Mina said.


    "I don¡¯t mind. Feedback can help," Mav encouraged.


    Mina hesitated, her discomfort evident. "I know, but¡­"


    Noticing her unease, Mav added, "You don¡¯t have to show it if you¡¯re not ready. I¡¯m just genuinely interested."


    Mina''s cheeks flushed as she fidgeted with a strand of her blue hair, her gaze meeting his with a mix of vulnerability and appreciation. "If you insist¡­ But not right now. I¡¯d like to revise it a bit more before sharing it. Maybe in a week or two," she said, her blush deepening.


    "Sure, that¡¯s not a problem," Mav agreed warmly.


    Just then, Grafon, who had been quietly observing from his desk, called out with a teasing grin, "Look at you, sis, all shy and flustered. I didn¡¯t know you were so sensitive about your writing."


    Mina shot him an exasperated glance, her blush intensifying. She waved him off with a dismissive gesture. "Oh, hush, Grafon. You¡¯re no help."


    Grafon chuckled and turned back to his work, clearly enjoying the moment.


    "Anyway, you wanted to browse my books, right?" Mina said with a light chuckle, trying to shift the topic. "What kind of books are you looking for?"


    "Something about different types of Daimoniki," Mav said, placing a hand on his chin.


    "Which types?" Mina asked.


    "Maybe the weakest ones¡ªsomething for beginners?" Mav elaborated.


    Mina thought for a moment and then said, "I see. Follow me."


    She led Mav through the labyrinth of bookshelves. As he moved through the library, he took in the grandeur of the surroundings. The sight of the endless rows of books and the quiet, scholarly ambiance filled him with a sense of awe and calm. He felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension as he wondered what new knowledge awaited him in this vast repository of information. After they reached a specific aisle, Mina stopped and turned to Mav.


    "You can find books about the Daimoniki here," Mina said, pointing to a row of neatly arranged volumes.

 Chapter 31 - Finding the Right Target

    Mav¡¯s eyes scanned the titles on the spines: Daimoniki I, Daimoniki II, and so on, each volume attributed to the same author¡ªVio Logos.


    "Are these all written by the same person?" Mav asked, intrigued by the sheer number of volumes.


    "Yes," Mina confirmed with a nod. "Ms. Vio Logos. She¡¯s one of the foremost researchers on Daimoniki, having compiled data from various flame users over the years. I met her once when she visited¡ªan incredibly intelligent woman, though a bit eccentric. She¡¯s nearly obsessed with Daimoniki. But then again," she added with a light chuckle, "I can¡¯t judge her too harshly, given my own obsession with books."


    "I see," Mav murmured, his curiosity deepening. "I¡¯d like to meet her someday," he thought to himself, imagining the kind of person who could dedicate their life to such a comprehensive study.


    His attention shifted back to the shelves, and he pointed to a red-bound volume titled Daimoniki I. "I assume this is where the basic types are listed?"


    "Yes, that¡¯s right," Mina said as she pulled the book from the shelf and handed it to him. "I¡¯ve read all of these volumes, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Though, it¡¯s a bit of a waste considering I have very little affinity with the Flame types myself. I can¡¯t really fight them."


    Mav turned the book over in his hands, feeling its weight and the smoothness of the leather binding. "Want to come fight them with me then?" he asked, his tone serious.


    Mina blinked, taken aback by the sudden proposition, unsure how to respond.


    But Mav¡¯s face soon split into a grin. "Sorry, I was just joking¡ªwanted to see your reaction," he said with a laugh, breaking the tension.


    Mina laughed too, shaking her head. "Please don¡¯t do that again, Mav. And remember, we¡¯re in a library, so we should keep it down," she said, trying to suppress her lingering laughter.


    "You''re right," Mav agreed, his own laughter subsiding as the quiet ambiance of the library returned.


    "Anyway," Mina continued, "find a table to read at. I¡¯ll come back once your library card is ready."


    "Alright, thanks, Mina," Mav replied.


    "You''re welcome," she said with a warm smile before turning to leave.


    Mav scanned the library, spotting an empty table near a window where the sunlight filtered through, casting a warm, golden glow across the polished wood. He made his way over, the soft hum of whispered conversations and the gentle rustling of pages creating a peaceful atmosphere. Settling into a comfortable chair, he placed the book on the table, the rich scent of ink and parchment wafting up as he slowly opened the cover.


    The first page bore the title Daimoniki I, with the author¡¯s name, Vio Logos, elegantly inscribed beneath it. The next page revealed the introduction:


    This is the first part of the Daimoniki series. Within these pages are catalogued the basic and weakest types of Daimoniki. This book is intended for beginners, particularly those with little to no experience in battling these creatures. It serves as both a guide and a training manual for flame users to gain fundamental combat experience and to level up their skills. Thus, the creatures listed here are deliberately the weakest, to maximize training and skill growth. General advice for each flame type is also included, tailored to help users make the most of their abilities.


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    This book is highly recommended for those seeking to enhance their skills¡ªexcept for Blue Flame users. Once you have gained enough skill levels and gained sufficient experience, it is advised to move on to stronger Daimoniki and accept guild commissions.


    Caution: Never underestimate the Daimoniki, no matter how weak they may seem. Always bring along a more experienced flame user and sufficient mana potions when venturing into dangerous territory.


    Mav paused, reflecting on his own experiences. He recalled using Dark Flame Nuke alone recklessly against five Gray Wolves without a single mana potion to back him up. The memory made him wince. If the author had witnessed his actions, he would have surely been reprimanded. He shook his head slightly at the thought and turned the page to the Table of Contents.


    A list of Daimoniki names greeted him, most of which were unfamiliar. But as he flipped to the next page, a familiar name caught his eye:


    Name: Gray Wolf


    Appearance: The Gray Wolf is a Daimoniki that moves on four moderately long legs, allowing it to move swiftly. It has dense, fluffy gray fur, with a short undercoat and long, coarse guard hairs.


    Flame Affinity: Yellow Flame


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened at this revelation. "They can use the flames too?" he thought, surprised. He resumed reading, eager to learn more.


    Attack Pattern: Gray Wolves operate in packs. They hunt by coating their noses with Yellow Enhancement to enhance their sense of smell. Once they identify a target, they coat their legs with it next, enabling them to run at remarkable speeds. The pack surrounds its prey, this time coating their jaws and teeth with Yellow Enhancement to enhance their strength and sharpness. They then overwhelm their target, attacking in coordinated strikes until their prey is defeated.


    Mav shivered as he remembered the Gray Wolves feasting on a Giant Boar. They had seemed so vulnerable while eating, but what if he had approached them while they were hunting? The thought of being caught in their vicious assault sent a chill down his spine. He could have easily ended up as minced meat. Shaking off the unease, he continued reading.


    General Advice:


    For Red Flame Users:


    -For those with 50 or higher affinity with Red Flame:


    Use Red Armor to protect your body from their attacks. With the Intermediate Form of this skill, their enhanced fangs cannot pierce your flame, even at its lowest level. Once shielded, you can attack them with weapons or bare hands if experienced in hand-to-hand combat.


    -For those with 49 or lower affinity with Red Flame:


    It¡¯s advisable to bring a Green Flame user to act as a lure. Allow the Gray Wolves to focus on them, then bombard the pack with Fireballs until they are all taken down.


    For Green Flame Users:


    -Always bring a Red Flame/Yellow Flame user with you. Let the Gray Wolves surround you while you shield yourself with Green Protection. Ensure the flame size is just enough to cover your body for maximum strength without exhausting your mana reserves. When your Green Protection is nearing its limit, have the Red or Yellow Flame user finish off the Gray Wolves.


    Mav paused, pondering the advice. "So, defending with Green Flame is a condition for leveling up? Maybe it''s similar to my Dark Green Invincibility, too." He frowned, thinking of the one-second duration and 120-second cooldown of his skill. "But I can¡¯t use these Gray Wolves for leveling up. That would be suicide." He sighed and turned to the next section.


    For Yellow Flame Users:


    -Yellow Flame users with skills in the Intermediate Form (31-60 Affinity) and above can easily outrun Gray Wolves, rendering their pack attack less of a threat. Dodging them and initiating counterattacks is simple by coating your entire body with Yellow Enhancement. However, as with Green Flame users, be mindful of your mana consumption in case of emergencies. It¡¯s also wise to bring a Green Flame user to cast Green Protection on you should you fail to dodge one of their attacks.


    Mav considered using the Gray Wolves to level up his Dark Yellow Transcendence, but again, the one-second duration and long cooldown made it impractical. He turned the page, the crisp sound of the paper cutting through the quiet library, his mind already racing with new strategies and ideas as he delved deeper into the world of Daimoniki.

 Chapter 32 - Target Found

    Before Mav could flip to the next page, a light tap on his shoulder jolted him from his thoughts. Startled, he turned to find Mina, who chuckled at his reaction.


    ¡°Your library card is ready,¡± she said, holding out a small square piece of wood.


    Mav took it, examining the intricate carvings of his name, ¡°Mav Rose,¡± and ¡°Oraios Village¡± on the surface. In the top right corner, a complex symbol¡ªlike a circle with lines twisting into various curves¡ªcaught his attention. It seemed like the library¡¯s unique logo. Is it possible to forge something like this? he wondered.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t people be able to fake something like this?¡± Mav asked, his fingers tracing the delicate lines.


    Mina smiled. ¡°Nope. My brother can recognize his own carvings, and he¡¯s even memorized the ones our father made.¡±


    She continued, ¡°He also has 30 affinity with the Yellow Flame which he uses to enhance his eyesight. That way, he can closely examine each person¡¯s library card.¡±


    Mav nodded, impressed. ¡°That¡¯s a clever use of the Yellow Flame.¡±


    Mina beamed with pride. ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°So, how far did you get?¡± she asked, glancing at the one in his hands.


    Mav sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t even make it to the fifth page.¡±


    Mina teased, ¡°You¡¯re not even close to being an amateur reader, Mav.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°I doubt I¡¯ll ever catch up to your speed, Mina, no matter how much I read.¡±


    ¡°Hehe,¡± Mina puffed herself up smugly. Then, her tone shifted. ¡°By the way, someone was looking for you¡ªa man in a carriage, according to the guard.¡±


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh no,¡± he muttered, suddenly remembering something important.


    Caught up in exploring the capital, selling his materials, visiting the Merchant Guild, and then the library, he¡¯d completely lost track of time.


    ¡°That¡¯s my dad!¡± Mav said, panic surging through him as he imagined his father waiting.


    ¡°But I still haven¡¯t gotten enough information yet,¡± he added, glancing longingly at the book.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you borrow it, then?¡± Mina suggested.


    ¡°Wait, is that allowed?¡± Mav asked, surprised.


    Mina explained, ¡°For members who¡¯ve been with us for a long time and have proven trustworthy, we allow them to borrow books for two to three weeks. If they fail to return them on time, we visit their homes personally¡ªwith our guards. We also charge a hefty sum for even the slightest damage, which is usually enough to ensure they take care of the books.¡±


    Mav¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°But I¡¯ve only just gotten my library card today¡­¡±


    Mina hesitated, then smiled. ¡°Well, since the head priest Father Organos recommended you and¡­ since you¡¯ve been very nice to me, I¡¯m willing to make an exception.¡±


    ¡°Really? Thanks, Mina!¡± Mav exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.


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    ¡°Just promise me you¡¯ll keep the novel I¡¯m writing between us. And I¡¯ll be looking forward to your feedback,¡± Mina said, her cheeks flushing slightly.


    ¡°I promise,¡± Mav replied earnestly.


    ¡°Oh, I know! When I return this book, you can give me the draft of your novel,¡± Mav suggested.


    Mina thought for a moment before nodding. ¡°Deal.¡±


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a promise,¡± Mav said, holding out his pinky finger.


    Mina laughed softly and linked her pinky with his.


    ¡°I really need to get going now,¡± Mav said, the urgency returning to his voice. ¡°Thanks again, Mina.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Mav,¡± Mina replied, smiling warmly as he hurried toward the exit.


    Beyond the silver gate, his father Nacht was waiting. Mav nodded at the guard, who opened the gate for him, and stepped outside. The sun was already sinking low in the western sky, marking how much time had passed since he first arrived in the capital.


    ¡°Mav, I¡¯ve been waiting for ages. I''ve already went to the temple, but the head priest said you were at the library? How¡¯d you get in there? Isn¡¯t that place only for rich folks?¡± Nacht asked, looking both relieved and curious.


    ¡°Y-Yeah, sorry, Dad. The head priest sent me on some errands, and in exchange, he helped me get access to the library,¡± Mav said, trying to keep his voice steady.


    ¡°And where¡¯d you get that fancy coat?¡± Nacht asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°The head priest gave it to me,¡± Mav answered quickly.


    Nacht chuckled, reminiscing. ¡°He¡¯s still as hospitable as ever. But he sure seems to like you, huh?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah, haha,¡± Mav replied with a nervous chuckle.


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s get going. Your mother must be worried,¡± Nacht said, gesturing for Mav to climb into the carriage.


    ¡°Got it, Dad,¡± Mav said. Just as he was about to step in, a familiar voice called out from behind.


    ¡°Mav!¡±


    He turned to see Mina waving goodbye. He waved back before ducking into the carriage.


    Nacht grinned as they set off. ¡°So, Mav, did you come to the capital just to charm the ladies?¡±


    ¡°Cut it out, Dad,¡± Mav muttered, though he couldn¡¯t help but laugh along.


    <hr>


    When they arrived home, Emily greeted them both with a hug. Her expression quickly turned stern. ¡°Where have you both been? It¡¯s so late already.¡±


    ¡°Blame Mav; he¡¯s already busy charming the girls,¡± Nacht teased, his voice light, but his eyes soft as he ruffled Mav¡¯s hair.


    Emily glanced at Mav. ¡°You¡¯re too young for that, Mav,¡± she said, half-seriously.


    Mav shot a playful glare at Nacht, giving him a light punch. Nacht¡¯s laughter filled the house.


    After dinner, Mav retreated to his room. He opened his window, but the moonlight wasn¡¯t bright enough, so he lit a lantern on his desk. Carefully, he reopened the book, mindful of Mina¡¯s warning about damaging it. He flipped to the page where he¡¯d left off.


    Name: Giant Boar


    Appearance: The Giant Boar is a bulky, massively built Daimoniki. It walks on its four short and relatively thin legs. This Daimoniki¡¯s head is very large, taking up to one-third of its body¡¯s entire length. They have well-developed canine teeth, which protrude from their mouths, reaching impressive lengths. Their fur consists of long, coarse bristles, brown in color.


    Habitat: Giant Boars favor forests, particularly those with marshes and meadows enclosed by trees.


    Diet: Humans, Daimoniki, Leaves, Roots, Berries, Mushrooms


    Flame Affinity: Yellow Flame


    Attack Pattern: When targeting an enemy, Giant Boars coat their small legs with Yellow Flame, preparing to charge. As they rush forward, they envelop their heads and long canine teeth in the same flame, either to pierce or powerfully crush their opponents.


    "Hold on," Mav murmured, his mind racing as he processed the Giant Boar''s attack pattern. He closed his eyes, replaying the details in his head. When he opened them, a slow grin spread across his face.


    "This might just work," he whispered, his heart quickening with excitement as he envisioned the possibilities.

 Chapter 33 - The Third Law of Motion

    Mav stood atop a tall tree, gripping a sturdy branch as he crouched behind a thick cluster of leaves. ¡°Dark Yellow Transcendence,¡± he whispered. In an instant, his vision sharpened, zooming in on the distant landscape, allowing him to see even farther. ¡°Still nothing,¡± he muttered, disappointed. He had been perched in this tree for nearly half an hour, repeatedly casting Dark Yellow Transcendence in all directions, desperately searching for his target.


    More than a week had passed since the Dark Red Nuke Incident. The chief had reluctantly allowed Mav to return to the forest, reassured that no further explosions had occurred after what he had secretly done. Emily had hesitated at first, but after much pleading and extra help with her vegetable garden, she finally relented.


    ¡°Dark Yellow Transcendence,¡± Mav cast again, coating his body in a fleeting yellow flame. The enhancement lasted only for a second, but it was enough. He straightened up, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Found one,¡± he whispered with a mix of relief and excitement. After so long that his legs had begun to ache, he had finally found his target.


    He waited for the 120-second cooldown to pass, casting the skill again to confirm it was indeed what he was looking for. Once he was certain, he waited another 120 seconds to ensure it was alone.


    Satisfied, Mav moved slowly, careful not to make any noise, heading toward the direction where he had spotted the Giant Boar. When he felt he was close enough, he climbed another tree to scout the area once more. The boar was still there, its massive body munching on a mushroom. The sight was intimidating, but Mav had steeled himself.


    He took deep, calming breaths, waiting for his skill¡¯s cooldown to end. Then, he descended the tree slowly to avoid startling the beast and took cover behind a thick trunk, closing his eyes for a moment to focus.


    The day after he had read about the Giant Boar in a book, he had immediately begun training. He mastered the timing of his skills, repeating the process hundreds of times during the days when he couldn¡¯t venture into the forest. One... One... One... he had repeated to himself, visualizing the casting of his skills and their painfully short duration. If there were a tournament for timing exactly how long a second was, Mav would undoubtedly win.


    Now, in the face of the real thing, his heart pounded with nervous energy, despite all his preparations. He had imagined this scenario hundreds of times, but standing here, mere steps away from the Giant Boar, the reality was far more daunting.


    Mav peeked out from behind the tree, watching the boar, which was still engrossed in its meal. He clenched his fists, muttering to himself, ¡°You can do this. It¡¯s just a wild boar. It¡¯s weak,¡± trying to bolster his confidence.


    After a few more minutes of tense waiting, he decided it was time. He opened his status screen to check everything one last time. His mana was at 80/120, depleted by his repeated use of Dark Yellow Transcendence. He glanced at the skills he planned to use:


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    -Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    -Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 1/120


    ¡°Alright, all good,¡± he murmured, relieved that both skills were off cooldown.


    Taking one final deep breath, Mav peeked out again. He scanned the ground and picked up a small rock, rolling it between his fingers, still battling his nerves. He then turned his attention back to the Giant Boar, carefully aiming.


    He had considered using Dark Yellow Transcendence on himself and throwing a rock to kill the Giant Boar from a distance, but he dismissed the idea. Even if it worked, he wouldn¡¯t be able to test his other skill, Dark Green Invincibility. Besides, if he missed, the 120-second cooldown would leave him vulnerable. So, he had devised a different plan.


    With a swift motion, he hurled the rock. But it didn¡¯t hit the Giant Boar directly, perhaps due to his shaky throw, but it struck the tree where the mushroom the boar was eating was growing. Startled, the boar jerked back and raised its head, trying to figure out what had happened.


    To ensure it noticed him, Mav stepped out from behind the tree, waving his arms. The Giant Boar locked eyes with him. It let out a loud growl, as if it had just found an even better meal. The sound and the sudden surge of bloodlust made Mav¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    Then, yellow flames ignited around the boar¡¯s legs, which dug into the ground as it prepared to charge. Mav¡¯s mind screamed at him to flee, to escape while he still could. But he had already resolved to face this head-on. His breath grew ragged, his heartbeat thundered in his chest, and cold sweat dripped down his back, but he clenched his fists and braced himself for the attack.


    He repeated the names of his skills in his mind like a mantra: Dark Green Invincibility... Dark Yellow Transcendence... He couldn¡¯t afford to mess up the timing. One mistake could be fatal, a thought that sent a fresh wave of anxiety through him, which he quickly suppressed.


    Then, the Giant Boar charged. It was faster than he had anticipated, its legs kicking up dirt with every powerful stride. The thunderous sound of its hooves pounding the earth grew louder, heightening Mav¡¯s tension with each passing second. As it closed in, yellow flames engulfed its head, licking up to the tips of its tusks.


    The sight was terrifying¡ªa massive beast, far larger than Mav, hurtling toward him with its head ablaze.


    But Mav held his ground, focusing intently. He waited, and waited, until it was within range. His breath quickened as the boar barreled closer. Not yet... Not yet...


    NOW! his mind screamed. ¡°DARK GREEN INVINCIBILITY!¡± Mav shouted at the top of his lungs. In an instant, dark green flames erupted around his body, enveloping him from head to toe. The Giant Boar, startled by the sudden blaze, tried to stop, but it was too late. The moment its tusks struck the edge of the green flames, they shattered, and then its head crashed into the barrier with a thunderous impact, as if it had collided with a solid metal wall. The sheer force of the impact was immense, yet it didn¡¯t move Mav an inch from where he was standing.


    Mav squeezed his eyes shut, fearing the worst. But when he opened them, he saw the Giant Boar sprawled on the ground, its tusks broken, white foam bubbling from its mouth. It lay completely knocked out, its massive body motionless.


    Mav stood there, heart still racing, his body trembling with a mix of relief and disbelief. The first part of his plan had worked.

 Chapter 34 - Solo Leveling Part 1

    For a moment, Mav stood frozen in disbelief, struggling to process what had just happened. He had braced himself for the full force of the Giant Boar''s charge, expecting to be pushed back or even knocked off his feet. But instead, he hadn¡¯t moved an inch.


    The collision had felt strange¡ªhe had sensed the impact, yet it was as if nothing had touched him at all. Focusing inward, he checked his body for any sign of injury¡ªthere was none. No pain, no bruises, just an unsettling calm. His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden twitch of the unconscious Giant Boar¡¯s leg.


    "It¡¯s waking up already?" Mav thought, alarmed. "I need to act quickly."


    With a surge of urgency, he stepped back, preparing for his next move. Swinging his right leg behind him, he readied himself for a powerful kick. His focus narrowed, honing in on the boar¡¯s head as if he were a striker lining up for a game-winning goal. He whispered, "Dark Yellow Transcendence," and a familiar dark yellow flame enveloped his body, igniting the air with an intense glow just as his foot made contact with the boar¡¯s skull.


    The impact was devastating. The kick obliterated the Giant Boar¡¯s head in a violent explosion of bone and tissue, splattering the surrounding area. Within seconds, the remains disintegrated into the air like dust. Mav was briefly taken aback. He recalled seeing Gray Wolves munching on a Giant Boar''s corpse before, yet that boar hadn¡¯t disintegrated¡ªit had simply been consumed. Why did this one disintegrate? Mav wondered, but he quickly brushed the thought aside to refocus.


    Then, the items appeared in his item box:


    - Giant Boar Core x1 Acquired


    - Giant Boar Tusk x2 Acquired


    - Giant Boar Meat x1 Acquired


    Mav exhaled deeply, relief washing over him as the hunt was officially marked a success. But as the adrenaline faded, his legs began to tremble, and the gravity of his actions hit him hard. "What if I had miscalculated? What if I mistimed the casting? What if the skill didn¡¯t work the way I imagined?" His mind raced with what-ifs.


    He sat down, leaning against a nearby tree, replaying the battle over and over, trying to absorb everything he had learned.


    "I really underestimated what Dark Green Invincibility could do," he muttered. "Invincibility¡­ it really lives up to its name."


    Curious, he brought up his status screen and scrolled to the skills he had just used:


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 2/120


    Duration: 2 seconds


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 2/120


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    Duration: 2 seconds


    ¡°So I was right about the conditions for the skills to level up¡­ and their duration increases with each level?¡± Mav whispered, his eyes widening. "If I max out their levels, I could use them indefinitely." His heart raced at the thought, imagining the limitless potential.


    "But if I run out of mana, I¡¯m finished," he reminded himself, his excitement tempered by the reality of his limitations. "And using them simultaneously will double the manacost per second¡­"


    "Mana," he grumbled, frustration creeping into his voice. "Always the problem. I might need to start earning money just to afford mana potions if I want to keep pushing my skills."


    For now, though, he resolved to focus on leveling these two skills until he could use them without constantly worrying about their durations. His gaze shifted to another skill on his status screen:


    Skill Name: Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 3/120


    His finger twitched involuntarily as memories of the destruction this skill had caused flooded back. A mix of fear and exhilaration surged within him. "No, this skill is too dangerous to use," he decided, shaking off the temptation. "Well¡­ not for now, at least."


    Suddenly, the reality of his surroundings sank in¡ªhe was still in the middle of the forest, surrounded by unknown dangers. Mav quickly stood up, scanning the area with heightened awareness, then scaled the tree he had been leaning on to get a better view.


    "After that first battle, I understand these two skills better," he thought. "And with the durations increased by another second, I¡¯ve got a bit more leeway. But just to be safe, I¡¯ll treat them as if they only last one second."


    He checked his mana: 78/120. "Alright, that¡¯s enough thinking for now. Time to find another Giant Boar," he said, the tension from the previous fight already starting to fade.


    This time, he didn¡¯t have to wait long. Venturing deeper into the forest, he spotted another Giant Boar after just the second use of Dark Yellow Transcendence. Jumping down from the tree, he repeated his strategy¡ªcarefully timing his cooldowns, luring the boar by throwing a rock, bracing for the charge, casting Dark Green Invincibility, and delivering the final blow with Dark Yellow Transcendence.


    Each encounter grew easier, his anxiety giving way to a calm focus. But Mav remained vigilant, treating each battle as if his skills still had only a one-second duration. He continued this cycle, hunting boar after boar, until after his ninth kill, his skills stopped leveling up, indicating that the Giant Boars were now too weak to challenge his abilities:


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 6/120


    Duration: 6 seconds


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 6/120


    Duration: 6 seconds


    His mana was down to 30/120, and he felt the exhaustion settling in, accompanied by a gnawing hunger. He had been at it for hours, taking only brief breaks between hunts. Deciding it was time to head back, he started making his way out of the forest, still cautious, using Dark Yellow Transcendence to scout ahead and avoid any remaining Daimoniki. The extended duration made it a much more reliable tool for navigation.


    By the time he reached the edge of the forest, his mana had dwindled to just 6/120. His body ached, and his stomach growled in protest, but Mav didn¡¯t mind. The results of the day¡¯s experiments and battles were worth every effort. The increased duration on his skills was a significant win, and the deeper understanding of how they functioned gave him newfound confidence.


    He headed home, already eager to dive back into the book and search for information on stronger Daimoniki to help his skills level up even further.

 Chapter 35 - Solo Leveling Part 2

    With his skills'' duration now extending to five seconds, Mav''s options in battle had significantly broadened. Today, he was hunting a particular Daimoniki: the Gatling Slug.


    Name: Gatling Slug


    Appearance: A small, slow-moving Daimoniki with a long, soft body and no legs. The Gatling Slug''s skin is exceptionally moist, often covered in a thin layer of slimy mucus. It''s about three times the size of an average adult human head.


    Habitat: Gatling Slugs primarily inhabit forests, favoring moist environments near water sources.


    Diet: Humans, Daimoniki, Grass, Mushrooms


    Flame Affinity: Red Flame


    Attack Pattern: Due to their slow movement, Gatling Slugs compensate with rapid long-range attacks. Once locked onto a target, they unleash a barrage of Red Fireballs from their mouths. Despite their sluggish movement, their attacks can change direction swiftly.


    Mav''s target now stood before him, its slimy body inching along the forest floor. He picked up a small rock and threw it to get the creature''s attention. The slug was facing away from him, so it took its time to turn around¡ªa slow, laborious U-turn that tested Mav''s patience.


    The moment the Gatling Slug spotted him, its mouth opened, and a red glow began to form within. A barrage of Red Fireballs rapidly shot towards Mav, each one aimed with pinpoint accuracy.


    Before the first fireball could reach him, Mav invoked, "Dark Green Invincibility." A dark, green flame enveloped his entire body, forming an impenetrable shield.


    The fireballs hit him with incredible speed, about four per second, but as usual, Mav felt nothing. The flame shield absorbed every impact flawlessly.


    With only a second of invincibility left, Mav swiftly activated "Dark Yellow Transcendence." In a blur of speed, he darted sideways, the barrage of fireballs trailing behind, unable to keep up with his new pace.


    He curved around, closing in on the Gatling Slug. With a powerful kick, he struck its soft body, sending a splatter of slime across the ground. Within moments, the remains of the slug disintegrated into dust.


    Gatling Slug Core x 1 Acquired


    Gatling Slug Mucus x 3 Acquired


    Mav grimaced at the sight of the sticky substance in his item box. "Mucus? Ugh. What am I supposed to do with this? Can I even sell it?" He tapped the Gatling Slug Mucus, and it materialized in his hand¡ªa slimy, sticky mess that clung to his fingers with a squelch.


    He flung it at a nearby tree, where it stuck with a wet slap. "Maybe I could use this to distract enemies," he mused, shaking his hand to rid himself of the remaining slime.


    Determined to level up his skills, Mav hunted more Gatling Slugs, falling into a rhythm. Absorb the barrage with Dark Green Invincibility, finish them off with Dark Yellow Transcendence. The routine became almost second nature, and while it was effective, the repetition began to wear on him.


    After dispatching several more slugs, he checked his skill levels:


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 8/120


    Duration: 8 seconds


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 8/120


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    Duration: 8 seconds


    "Not bad," he thought, but the thrill of the hunt was fading. He decided it was time to move on to another Daimoniki: the Puffer Frog.


    Name: Puffer Frog


    Appearance: Puffer Frogs have protruding eyes, no tail, and strong, webbed hind feet, ideal for leaping and swimming. Their hind legs are more than twice as long as their front ones, enabling powerful leaps. Their smooth, moist skin adds to their agility. They''re about three times the size of Gatling Slugs.


    Habitat: Puffer Frogs favor forests, particularly areas with fresh water and swampy terrain.


    Diet: Humans, Daimoniki, Water Lilies


    Flame Affinity: Green Flame


    Attack Pattern: Puffer Frogs are stealthy, preferring to sneak up on their targets. Once they¡¯re close, they charge their hind legs, preparing to leap. In mid-air, they puff up their bellies, covering them in Green Flames, and aim to crush their prey beneath them. Although easily dodged if anticipated, they rely on their stealth for surprise.


    Anticipating their moves was easy for Mav, even without seeing them attack firsthand. After spotting one, he approached cautiously but didn''t get too close. Instead, he sat with his back against a rock, feigning sleep, and made loud noises to draw the creature''s attention. He waited for a specific sound¡ªthe unmistakable noise of its legs coiling for a leap.


    The moment he heard it, Mav activated "Dark Green Invincibility." As the frog¡¯s puffed-up belly collided with his flame, the creature''s inferior green flames shattered upon impact, sending the Puffer Frog bouncing away. This gave Mav enough time to trigger "Dark Yellow Transcendence" and finish the creature off.


    Mav repeated the process with several more frogs, leveling up his skills again. As he dispatched them, an idea sparked in his mind. "This is getting too predictable," he muttered. He quickly scrolled to his skill "Dark Yellow Transcendence" and read the description once more.


    Description: Envelops one''s entire body in a dark yellow flame, uniformly enhancing physical capabilities to the combined strength of 1200 times what one is capable of.


    "Let¡¯s see if this works," Mav whispered, suppressing a grin. He began searching for the perfect scenario.


    After a bit of scouting, he found exactly what he was looking for¡ªa Puffer Frog poised to strike, with an unsuspecting Gatling Slug slowly crawling ahead of it.


    "Perfect," Mav murmured, creeping closer without making a sound.


    He waited as the Puffer Frog bent its legs, ready to leap. Just before the frog could launch itself, Mav cast "Dark Yellow Transcendence"¡ªbut not on himself. This time, he cast it on the Puffer Frog.


    Instantly, the familiar dark yellow flames enveloped the frog. When it leapt, it shot into the sky with such force that it disappeared from sight. Mav stood there, waiting, until a distant splat echoed through the forest. His item box displayed:


    Puffer Frog Core x 1 Acquired


    Puffer Frog Meat x 1 Acquired


    "So I¡¯ve learned two things from this," Mav said to himself, pacing as he processed the new information. "If I can cast Dark Yellow Transcendence on other creatures, I should be able to do the same with other skills like Dark Green Invincibility. That could make me pretty valuable in a party. I haven¡¯t tested it on other humans yet, but it¡¯s a start."


    "Second, that Puffer Frogs cannot survive a fall like that even with the power of the Green Flames," he chuckled at the thought of the Puffer Frog¡¯s unfortunate fate. "But that sure was funny."


    Satisfied with his discovery, Mav checked his current skill levels:


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 10/120


    Duration: 10 seconds


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 10/120


    Duration: 10 seconds


    Then he checked his mana:


    38/120


    "Time to wrap up today¡¯s level-up session," he decided, turning to head back. "If only I had a mana potion, I could keep going, but it is what it is."


    "I¡¯ll save what I have left for emergencies."


    Just as those words left his lips and he began to relax, a deep, resounding growl echoed through the forest, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.


    Mav froze. His instincts screamed at him to move, to do something, but the growl had rooted him to the spot. The air felt thicker, heavier, as if the forest itself had shifted into something more ominous.


    "Hey, you," a voice called, deep and commanding.


    Mav¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. The voice wasn¡¯t one of the creatures he¡¯d encountered before; this was something else, something... different.


    He slowly turned toward the source of the voice, every muscle in his body tensed, ready to react.

 Chapter 36 - Mav VS ??????

    When Mav¡¯s eyes finally landed on the source of the voice, he was stunned. What he saw was unlike anything he had encountered before: a massive, gorilla-like Daimoniki. Its entire body was cloaked in jet-black fur, slightly hunched, its fists brushing the ground. Bulging muscles rippled beneath its fur, and its red-glowing eyes locked onto him with a menacing glare.


    Mav stood frozen, his mind racing. "I didn¡¯t see this creature in the book," he thought. "Is this a stronger type of Daimoniki? But what¡¯s it doing in this forest? I thought only the weaker ones were here. Did I wander too deep? No, I know exactly where I am." His thoughts whirled like a storm, each question adding to the chaos.


    "Enjoying harassing our kind, are we?" The creature¡¯s voice was deep and resonant, sending shivers down Mav¡¯s spine.


    Mav couldn¡¯t respond, struggling to process the situation. How can it talk? I can''t remember anything about talking Daimoniki. he wondered, the idea unsettled him, adding to his confusion and fear.


    "Hey, I''m talking to you, kid!" the gorilla-like creature barked, its tone impatient and commanding.


    Mav stayed silent, his throat dry and his voice lost in the grip of fear.


    "Well, I might have also killed some of them before when I was weaker," the creature continued, "but that¡¯s our privilege, not yours, humans."


    Mav remained frozen, his mind overwhelmed by the sight before him. He struggled to find words, his throat dry and his voice caught in his chest. The creature''s imposing presence and the ominous words it had spoken left him paralyzed, unable to respond.


    "So you''re not much for conversation? Fine. I also prefer to let fists do the talking," the creature said, a dangerous edge in its voice. "Let¡¯s see how you fare against me compared to the others."


    Mav¡¯s heart raced as he processed its words. ¡°Compared to the others?¡± he thought, the phrase sending a chill down his spine. He glanced around the forest, which had seemed so familiar and safe moments before. The realization hit him with a jolt: This creature had encountered other humans in this very forest¡ªhumans who hadn¡¯t survived. So he¡¯s saying that I¡¯m just another name on a list of victims? Is that why I haven¡¯t seen any other flame users here? Mav¡¯s stomach churned with unease.


    Then, the creature charged at Mav with surprising speed. He snapped out of his daze just in time. As the creature¡¯s shoulder neared him, he rolled sideways, narrowly avoiding the collision. The beast crashed into a massive tree behind him, sending shockwaves through the forest.


    "You dodged my first strike. Impressive," it said, begrudgingly admiring. "You¡¯ve already surpassed 50% of the humans I¡¯ve faced. As a reward, I¡¯ll give you my name: Maimou. Remember it, though you won¡¯t live long enough to do so."


    "Time for the next level," Maimou said, its voice echoing with authority. "Yellow Enhancement."


    A brilliant yellow flame enveloped its entire body. Before Mav could react, it surged at him with enhanced speed.


    Drawing on his experience from fighting the Giant Boar, Mav quickly invoked "Dark Green Invincibility" just as Maimou reached him. The impact of the beast¡¯s body against the protective flame produced a resounding crack, sending Maimou skidding backwards and crashing into another tree with a loud thud.


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    "My attack didn¡¯t even budge you?" Maimou exclaimed, its eyes wide with disbelief. It cradled its injured arm, still dazed.


    "You actually hurt my arm," it grunted, pain evident in its voice.


    Before Maimou could recover, Mav sprang into action. "Dark Yellow Transcendence!" he shouted, enveloping himself in a swirling dark yellow flame that intermingled with the dark green. With a burst of speed that left a mark on the ground, Mav appeared directly in front of Maimou. His swift movement was almost like teleportation. He launched a powerful kick towards the creature.


    Reacting quickly, Maimou raised his arms, "Green Protection!" coating them in green flames to block the kick. Despite his efforts, Mav¡¯s strike landed, sending Maimou rolling backwards until he crashed into a tree. The force of the kick had bent both of Maimou''s arms at unnatural angles.


    "He has damaged me this badly, even with 45% physical resistance and my high-level Green Protection? Is this human truly so formidable?" Maimou thought, still stunned.


    Before Maimou could get back on his feet, Mav was already charging towards him at an even faster pace.


    8...


    7...


    6...


    The duration of Mav''s Dark Yellow Transcendence was dwindling. He had to act quickly while Maimou lay prone.


    However, Maimou swiftly dodged Mav¡¯s next kick, contorting his body into an unnatural position. He narrowly avoided the blow and launched a counterattack with one of his legs.


    Mav¡¯s heightened senses, thanks to his skill, allowed him to evade the attack, stepping back just in time before Maimou¡¯s kick landed.


    5...


    4...


    Mav¡¯s retreat gave Maimou the chance he needed. The creature swiftly cast "Blue Heal," immediately mending the damage to his arms and restoring them to their original, unblemished state.


    "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me," Mav thought, stunned. "He can heal at this level too? He¡¯s already demonstrated mastery over three different flame types. What kind of monster am I fighting?"


    3...


    Mav¡¯s thoughts raced. "My skill''s duration is almost up. I need a plan, but what? Should I run? But what if he chases me? I don''t know how far I could get before my skill runs out. What do I do?" His mind worked furiously, the Dark Yellow Transcendence heightening even his thought process.


    2...


    An idea struck Mav¡ªthe Puffer Frog. "That¡¯s it!" The plan took shape in his mind.


    1...


    Before he could think further, his body moved on its own. He leaped onto Maimou¡¯s chest. The creature instinctively raised his arms, still covered in green flames from the Green Protection. Mav seized the opportunity, focusing all his strength on his legs. His eyes narrowed as he tightened his legs, each muscle straining with the effort. Using Maimou¡¯s arms as a springboard, he drove his legs upward with explosive power. His leap was precise, every movement calculated to maximize the force.


    0...


    As Mav completed his leap, the Dark Yellow Transcendence''s duration expired. The force of his jump sent Maimou tumbling backwards once again, and Mav soared high above the forest. The tops of the trees blurred beneath him as he hurtled through the sky. The world below became a streak of green, the treetops merging into a smudged line of color as he climbed ever higher, propelled by the sheer force of his concentrated strength.

 Chapter 37 - Falling Down

    Maimou lay sprawled on the ground, a wide furrow etched into the earth where his body had been flung like a ragdoll after Mav used him as a springboard. Both of his arms, freshly healed just moments ago, were broken once more. Dazed and disoriented, he stared blankly at a nearby tree, still trying to process what had just occurred.


    "Maimou," a voice shattered the silence.


    At the sound, Maimou scrambled to his feet and knelt immediately, bowing his head in a show of respect.


    "Heal your arms first. Watching them dangle like that is unpleasant," the voice commanded.


    "Right away, master," Maimou replied, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground.


    "Blue Heal," he muttered, and his broken bones mended with a soft glow of blue light.


    "Master... I deeply apologize. I let him escape," Maimou continued, finally daring to look up at the figure before him.


    Standing there was a creature that resembled a human but had the head, arms, and legs covered in a lion-like mane of thick fur.


    "It''s fine," the lion-like creature replied, a grin curling its lips. "I have a feeling that human will come back."


    "Thank you for your understanding," Maimou said, nodding in relief.


    "But still, I''ve never encountered a human as strong as that one before, especially in a place like this. You''d expect someone like him to be on the frontlines, not here in the middle of nowhere. What was he doing here?" Maimou mused, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    The lion-like creature remained silent, his gaze fixed in the direction where Mav had disappeared. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing.


    "I don''t like admitting it," Maimou continued, still trying to make sense of it all, "but if he had kept attacking, he might have been able to kill me. Why did he retreat?"


    The lion-like creature finally spoke, "I was planning to return to the castle later today, but that human has piqued my interest. Let¡¯s wait and see if he returns. Then, we''ll know his motives."


    "And if he doesn¡¯t return," the creature added with a menacing gleam in his eyes, "we¡¯ll go to him."


    "Understood, master," Maimou agreed, a shiver running down his spine.


    <hr>


    Mav shot through the air at breakneck speed, the world below him reduced to a blur of green as he soared above the treetops. The wind howled in his ears, tearing at his clothes, and the icy chill bit into his skin, sending shivers down his spine. His silver hair whipped around wildly as he ascended, thoughts of the gorilla-like creature flitting through his mind.


    But as the ground became a distant memory, panic surged within him. The dense canopy of trees below seemed to close in, the gaps between branches like hungry mouths waiting to swallow him whole.


    "How the hell do I survive this?" he thought, heart pounding.


    His status box hovered in his vision, its numbers flickering with urgency. Mana was dangerously low¡ªonly 18/120 remaining. He darted a glance at Dark Yellow Transcendence¡ª50 seconds left on the cooldown, far too long. His eyes flicked to Dark Green Invincibility¡ª20 seconds left.


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    "This is bad," he muttered, watching as the treetops grew closer, the once distant forest floor now a looming threat.


    "My only hope is that I don''t land before those 20 seconds are up. But even then, there''s no guarantee this skill will protect me from the impact. It¡¯s kept me safe from damage before, but that was from attacks¡ªwhat if the impact is different? What if my internal organs turn to mush on the sudden stop?"


    The trees beneath him parted just enough to reveal the unforgiving earth below. A desperate idea flashed through his mind. "Maybe I could use the explosion of Dark Red Nuke to slow my descent? No, that¡¯s insane, not to mention I don¡¯t have enough mana left. Dark Blue Miracle is out too¡ªif I mess this up, I won¡¯t have enough mana to heal myself."


    His focus shifted back to Dark Green Invincibility¡ª10 seconds left. The branches whipped past him now, the ground rising to meet him with terrifying speed.


    8...


    7...


    6...


    The world rushed by in a chaotic blur, the air growing thick with the scent of earth and pine.


    5...


    4...


    "Oh no, oh no, oh no," his mind raced, fear creeping in, the impact feeling all too real now.


    3...


    2...


    "Not yet, please," he pleaded silently, the ground''s details sharp and clear now¡ªevery root, every stone, every inch of earth ready to break him.


    1...


    "Dark Green Invincibility!" Mav shouted, the words leaving his mouth just as the cooldown ended.


    The world went silent as his body, encased in dark green flames, collided with the ground. A deafening boom echoed through the forest, soil and debris exploding in every direction.


    When the dust finally settled, Mav lay on his side at the bottom of the crater, his body deeply embedded in the ground. The force of the impact was undeniable, yet to his amazement, there was no pain. Slowly, he opened his eyes and tried to stand, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, making the world spin. He dropped to his knees, nausea overcoming him as he vomited onto the soil, some of it splattering onto his clothes. After what felt like an eternity, the retching stopped.


    He clambered out of the crater, each movement slow and deliberate, his body trembling with exhaustion. Collapsing onto the grass, Mav stared up at the sky, breathing heavily. His heart raced, the adrenaline still surging through his veins.


    Instinctively, he ran his hands over his body, checking for injuries. To his astonishment, everything felt normal. The only lingering effect was the dizziness that still clouded his mind.


    As the reality of his survival began to sink in, a strange sound bubbled up from his throat¡ªa laugh. It started low and shaky, more a gasp than a chuckle, but it grew, rising in volume until it echoed through the clearing. It wasn¡¯t a joyful laugh, but something desperate, tinged with the wild edge of someone who had danced too close to death.


    His laughter continued, almost uncontrollable, as the tension that had gripped him during his fall slowly unraveled. It was the kind of laugh that came when there was nothing else left, when the sheer absurdity of the situation was too much to bear. He pressed a hand to his face, trying to stifle the sound, but it only made the laughter more erratic, bordering on hysterical.


    After a few moments, the laughter began to subside, leaving Mav gasping for breath, his chest heaving. A few lingering chuckles escaped him, soft and broken, as he wiped at his eyes, though there were no tears. He lay there for a long time, staring up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on his skin and the cool breeze against his face.


    Finally, a wry smile tugged at his lips, the absurdity of his situation still echoing in his mind. "It really made me invincible," he muttered, a faint, almost disbelieving laugh slipping out once more.


    The encounter in the forest, the danger he had faced, the sheer power of his abilities¡ªeverything clashed in his mind, leaving him uncertain of what to do next.


    For several minutes, Mav lay there, staring at the blue sky, his thoughts spiraling out of control. Eventually, he closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of the sunlight on his face and the cool breeze against his skin. Slowly, his breathing steadied, and his mind began to calm.


    "Now what?" he whispered to himself, the question hanging in the air.

 Chapter 38 - Preparing For The Next Round

    After lying down for a while and staring at the sky, Mav finally began to slow his breathing, allowing his heart rate to steady. Gradually, he started to gather his thoughts, examining each one carefully.


    ¡°First, the threat in the forest¡­ How do I deal with that?¡± he pondered.


    "I need more information about what kind of Daimoniki it was. To solve this problem, I¡¯ll have to return to the library and find where that type is categorized in the Daimoniki books."


    He sighed, thinking through his next step. ¡°Second, I¡¯m not sure I can defeat it alone. Maybe I should seek help, perhaps from Father Organos. But if no one can assist me, I need to prepare to face it by myself.¡±


    Mav¡¯s gaze hardened as he continued, ¡°Third, if I do end up facing it alone, I¡¯ll need to manage my skills and mana wisely. For that, I¡¯ll definitely need some mana potions. Archa has some low-tier ones that I can probably afford with the drops from the Daimoniki I¡¯ve hunted over the past few days. The high-tier potions she mentioned would be ideal, but they¡¯re too expensive right now. Unless¡­ Maybe I could use my Dark Blue Miracle for some sort of negotiation? I¡¯ll need to meet with that top ranker from the Blue Flame Guild first and see what happens.¡±


    He paused, his hand unconsciously gripping the edge of his cloak. The memory of the forest, the looming presence of that thing, sent a shiver down his spine. He exhaled slowly.


    ¡°For now, I¡¯ll steer clear of that place,¡± he muttered, more to convince himself than anything else.


    With a wave of his hand, Mav summoned his status display and examined his ascended skills:


    Skill Name: Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 3/120


    Manacost: 118


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Skill Name: Dark Blue Miracle (Maximum) lvl. 2/120


    Manacost: 119


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 10/120


    Duration: 10 seconds


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Manacost: 1 per second


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 10/120


    Duration: 10 seconds


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    Manacost: 1 per second


    ¡°So, Dark Green Invincibility didn¡¯t level up, even when I used it to block that Daimoniki''s attack, which was pretty strong,¡± Mav mused, frowning at the skill.


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    "Maybe the source of the attack has to die for the skill to level up?"


    Shaking his head, he stood up. ¡°Either way, to defeat that thing, I need to use these skills to their limits and maximize their efficiency.¡±


    Mav glanced down at his clothes, noticing the remnants of vomit clinging to the fabric.


    ¡°I¡¯m a mess. I need to clean up before heading home.¡±


    He made his way to a nearby stream, washing his face and scrubbing his clothes. As he did, his mind buzzed with plans for what lay ahead.


    <hr>


    ¡°I¡¯m home,¡± Mav called out as he stepped inside the house, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet space.


    ¡°Back early today, huh? That¡¯s a surprise,¡± Emily remarked, giving the dining table a final wipe.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I didn¡¯t feel like working out too much today,¡± Mav replied, carefully masking the truth of what had happened.


    Emily looked up, concern creasing her brow. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± Mav said, brushing off her worry. ¡°Where¡¯s Dad?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s out back, chopping firewood,¡± Emily answered, her tone lightening.


    ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡± Mav said with a nod before heading outside.


    He turned left and walked around to the back of the house, where he found Nacht hard at work, sweat soaking the back of his shirt.


    ¡°Hey, Dad, when are you heading to the Capital again?¡± Mav asked, casually leaning against a tree.


    ¡°In three days. Why?¡± Nacht paused in his work, turning to wipe the sweat from his brow with a cloth.


    Mav¡¯s fingers drummed anxiously against his thigh. Three days felt like an eternity. He clenched his fists, a growing sense of urgency gnawing at him. I can''t wait that long. I need to get there as soon as tomorrow.


    An idea sparked in his mind. "What if I run there? I know the way, and if I avoid the main roads, no one will see me. With Dark Yellow Transcendence, I might even get there much faster than the carriage."


    ¡°Mav, why do you ask? You want to come with me again?¡± Nacht¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.


    ¡°N-No, I was just curious,¡± he stammered, shaking his head.


    Nacht paused, studying Mav for a moment before shrugging. ¡°Well, okay then,¡± he said, returning to his work, the rhythmic sound of the axe cutting through the wood filling the quiet.


    Mav watched him for a moment, a mix of guilt and resolve tightening in his chest, before heading back inside. He needed a plan¡ªand fast.


    That evening, after helping his mother in the garden, he retreated to his room, unable to sit still. He paced back and forth, his mind churning with plans and possibilities, tracing the route to the Capital in his thoughts over and over again. The urgency in his chest felt like a ticking clock, reminding him that tomorrow was his only option.


    Finally, exhaustion tugged at him, and he sank onto his bed, staring up at the dark ceiling. ¡°Tomorrow it is,¡± he whispered into the silence, his voice barely more than a breath, ¡°everything I need is in the Capital.¡±


    The weight of his plans lingered as he closed his eyes, but slowly, the tension began to ebb away. His mind, worn out from the constant racing, finally quieted, and sleep crept in, gently pulling him into its embrace.


    <hr>


    The next morning, Mav stood at the edge of the village, gazing down the main road. He had told his parents he was going to the forest to train, keeping his true intentions hidden.


    He watched as a few early morning carriages rumbled toward the Capital. ¡°People will definitely spot me if I take this road,¡± he murmured, glancing around.


    His eyes then shifted to a less traveled path, winding and uneven, but offering more cover. It wasn¡¯t as straight as the main road, but it would keep him out of sight.


    He stretched his limbs, took a deep breath, and steeled himself for the journey ahead. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see how fast I can go. Dark Yellow Transcendence.¡±


    As the familiar yellow flames enveloped his body, Mav surged forward, his feet pounding against the earth as he sped toward the Capital.

 Chapter 39 - Suppression

    Not even a second after he started running, Mav realized how foolish it was to sprint without any protection. The wind battered his entire body, especially his eyes, almost as if it were drying them out. Dust and grit filled his mouth, and the wind¡¯s roar was deafening. The enhancement of his senses from Dark Yellow Transcendence only compounded the problem. The pressure of the wind was so intense that he had to squint just to see ahead.


    To make matters worse, accelerating caused loud booms and shockwaves, which completely undermined his plan to approach the capital stealthily. Mav had severely underestimated the effects of Dark Yellow Transcendence.


    He halted his run and sat down on the grass, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. He realized he needed some kind of shield to protect himself from the wind and another to shield the environment from the disturbances he was causing. "My Dark Green Invincibility lasts as long as Dark Yellow Transcendence¡ª10 seconds," he muttered, pulling up his status to review the skill¡¯s description.


    Description: Conjures a green flame that expands to envelop its target(s), rendering everything within its glow completely invincible to all physical and magical attacks.


    "I¡¯ve used this skill before to land safely from a high impact, so I know it protects me from environmental effects as well. However, it still created a crater and a loud noise, so it doesn¡¯t protect the surroundings. What if I could control its expansion to create a double barrier¡ªone for me and one for the environment?" He closed his eyes, concentrating. "Alright, let¡¯s give it a shot. I only have ten seconds, so I need to focus."


    He activated "Dark Green Invincibility" again, and dark green flames enveloped his body. He envisioned the first layer as a tight, protective sheath, conforming perfectly to his form. It felt solid and unyielding, like a second skin guarding him. "One barrier done. Now for the second one." With a deep breath, he expanded his focus. The flame radiated outward, forming a larger, translucent shell that surrounded him. Mav smiled with satisfaction. "I can¡¯t believe it worked. I¡¯ll call this Suppression."


    "Dark Green Invincibility form: Suppression saved to database."


    A box popped up in front of him, startling him.


    "What? I can save this in the system? That¡¯s incredibly convenient for the next time I need it!" Mav said, excited. "So, I can just say those words, and it¡¯ll activate exactly as I want?"


    Realizing he had spent too much time experimenting, he refocused on his mission to reach the capital.


    He prepared to cast his skills again but suddenly remembered he had just used them. He pulled up his status screen, and his heart sank when he saw that both "Dark Yellow Transcendence" and "Dark Green Invincibility" were still on cooldown.


    "Looks like I need to wait a bit," he muttered, sitting back down on the grass. As he waited, he mulled over his new discovery. The idea of combining "Dark Green Invincibility" with "Dark Yellow Transcendence" had worked better than he expected, and the potential applications were vast. If he could refine this technique further, it might open up new strategies for both offense and defense.


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    "Imagine if I could create different types of shields or even barriers with this approach," he thought, excited by the possibilities. "Or even use it in combination with other skills for unique effects. This could really change how I approach combat."


    As Mav waited for the cooldown, he glanced at the clear blue sky, the morning sun now high and warm. ¡°I hope this works,¡± he murmured, feeling the weight of his mission pressing down on him. ¡°The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can figure out how to get rid of that threat in the forest.¡±


    After some time, the cooldown timers finally reached zero. Mav stood up, renewed with determination.


    "Alright, let¡¯s test this out," he said, brushing the grass off his pants.


    "Dark Yellow Transcendence"


    "Suppression"


    The dark yellow flames enveloped his body, and shortly after, the dark green flames enveloped him tightly. Another, larger layer of green flame surrounded him, forming three layers of colors.


    "This is incredible," Mav said, admiring the three layers of flames around him. "Oh right, the duration, I need to move quickly." he said, preparing to run.


    When he started running again, the difference was night and day. He no longer felt the wind¡¯s pressure or the sting of dust. No sounds emanated from him, and his enhanced legs no longer damaged the ground beneath him.


    But Mav had another idea. "What if I shape the front part of my outer shield to be pointed, like a rocket or a bullet train? Would that make me even faster? Let¡¯s see."


    He focused on his skill, altering the shape of the shield. Instantly, he shot forward even faster. As he resumed running, the sensation was transformed. He ran silently and swiftly, feeling like a green-colored comet.


    It took him only seven seconds to reach a small clearing near the capital. He stopped to avoid being spotted and began walking normally towards the gates.


    As he approached, a guard stepped in his path. "Hold up, kid. You can¡¯t just walk in here. What¡¯s your business?"


    Mav stopped, looking casual. "Oh, I¡¯m just visiting the capital. My dad wasn¡¯t scheduled to bring goods today. I hitched a ride with a merchant I met on the road."


    The guard narrowed his eyes. "Really? And you expect me to just let you through? You don¡¯t look like you have any official business."


    Mav anticipated this. He pulled out a neatly folded letter from his pocket, his secret weapon, and handed it to the guard with a confident smile.


    The guard unfolded the letter and read it slowly. His eyes widened as he took in the contents. "You¡¯re a friend of Father Organos?!"


    "There it is," Mav thought, a grin spreading across his face. "That¡¯s right. And if that¡¯s not enough, I also have this." He pulled out a small wooden library card.


    The guard¡¯s eyes widened further. "You¡¯ve got a library card too? Alright, kid, you¡¯re good to go."


    "Thanks," Mav said, reaching out for the letter. "Can I get this back?"


    "Sure thing," the guard replied, handing it back. "Go on in, but keep a low profile."


    Mav nodded and stepped through the gate, heading straight for the Temple with a determined stride.

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 Chapter 40 - No Time To Wait

    ¡°Hey Mav, going to talk to Father Organos again today?¡± a familiar young man asked as he polished the temple doors.


    ¡°Yeah, is he there?¡± Mav replied.


    ¡°Yes, just go inside. He¡¯s reviewing the names for the next batch of children for the Bestowal Ceremony,¡± the young man said.


    ¡°Alright, thanks,¡± Mav said, giving a nod as he walked into the temple.


    As Mav entered, the cool, shaded interior of the temple was a welcome respite from the scorching sun. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of the stone floor. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting long shadows and illuminating the intricate carvings on the walls.


    Inside, Organos sat at a large wooden desk, clad in his familiar white robe. He held a few sheets of paper and had a steaming cup of coffee beside him.


    Mav felt a blend of anticipation and anxiety as he approached Organos. The weight of his concerns about the forest and the urgency to act were palpable.


    Organos adjusted his glasses and took a slow, deliberate sip from his coffee, savoring the warmth as he studied the papers in front of him. The soft rustle of parchment and the occasional clink of his cup were the only sounds in the otherwise serene space.


    ¡°Father,¡± Mav called out, his voice echoing softly in the spacious temple.


    Organos turned, his serious expression softening into a warm smile. ¡°Mav!¡±


    ¡°Am I bothering you?¡± he asked, stepping closer.


    ¡°Not at all. Please, have a seat,¡± Organos said, gesturing to an empty chair beside him.


    Mav settled into the chair. Organos continued, ¡°Is your father at the Merchant Guild again today?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just me."


    ¡°Did you come to the capital with someone else then?¡± Organos asked.


    ¡°No, I ran here."


    Organos nearly choked on his coffee. ¡°You ran here?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Mav confirmed, his tone steady.


    ¡°I used Dark Yellow Transcendence to make the trip. I can maintain it now for more than a second. It¡¯s level 10 now, just like Dark Green Invincibility.¡± He showed Organos his status screen to prove his point.


    ¡°So you really went alone leveling your skills up,¡± Organos said, processing the information.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Father. I was very careful, just as I promised. I even did research on the Daimoniki before testing my skills on them,¡± he said, showing his library card.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve already met with Mina. But even if you were cautious¡ª¡± Organos began, then sighed. ¡°So, how can I assist you today?¡±


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    Mav straightened, his expression serious. ¡°Can Daimoniki normally speak, Father?¡±


    Organos pondered for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that their king, Vasilias, could speak, according to oral traditions passed down to me. But I don¡¯t know of any other Daimoniki who can talk.¡±


    ¡°Well, I encountered one in the forest.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Organos asked, surprise evident in his voice.


    ¡°Yes, it was a humanoid Daimoniki, covered in black fur and with muscles bulging everywhere,¡± Mav described.


    He recalled the Daimoniki vividly¡ªthe beast¡¯s dark fur bristled in the dim forest light, and its eyes, glowing with an eerie intensity, seemed almost human in their intelligence. Its presence had been both menacing and strangely regal.


    ¡°Must have been a Fighter Gorilla. But you said it can talk? I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing before,¡± Organos said, baffled.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all, Father. It also used three high-level skills of different flame types¡ªYellow Enhancement, Green Protection, and Blue Healing,¡± he added.


    Organos¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He set down his coffee, his usual calm demeanor giving way to deep contemplation.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible. How did you even know that?¡±


    ¡°Because I fought it,¡± he said firmly.


    ¡°You what?¡± Organos¡¯s eyes widened further.


    ¡°I had no choice. It would have killed me if I hadn¡¯t fought back. It even claimed it had killed humans in that forest before me,¡± he said, his voice resolute.


    As Mav spoke, he noticed the deep lines etched on Organos¡¯s face¡ªevidence of many years of wisdom and concern. Despite the kindness in Organos''s eyes, they betrayed a hint of worry.


    ¡°Can you check with the guilds to see if any of their new members have gone missing? It might be the Daimoniki¡¯s fault,¡± Mav requested.


    Organos was silent for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll check with them. Meanwhile, don¡¯t take any rash actions.¡±


    ¡°How long will I have to wait, Father?¡± he asked impatiently.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Without evidence, there¡¯s not much I can do. They¡¯ll need to confirm if any members have been missing for days and where they were last headed. It could take some time,¡± Organos explained.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just get a top ranker from a guild to accompany me? You have connections with them, right?¡± he suggested.


    Organos leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he considered Mav¡¯s request. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple, Mav. I can¡¯t just call on them at will."


    ¡°I see,¡± Mav said, frustrated.


    His jaw tightened with resolve as he listened to Organos. The adrenaline of his previous encounter still coursed through him, fueling his determination to confront the threat head-on.


    ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of going back there alone, are you?¡± Organos asked, worry evident in his voice.


    ¡°I have to, Father. I can¡¯t wait any longer. That forest is too close to our village. What if it attacks? I¡¯m filled with worry right now¡ªmy family and the villagers are there, unaware of the threat so close by. I need to act before it¡¯s too late,¡± Mav said, standing up.


    Before he could leave, Organos called out, ¡°Mav.¡±


    He stopped in his tracks as Organos approached, handing him three gold coins.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stop you, but please take this. It might help you buy a high-tier mana potion. It¡¯s all I can offer right now. I promise I¡¯ll talk to the guild leaders to get them to investigate,¡± Organos said.


    Mav looked at the coins, gripping them tightly. ¡°Thanks, Father. I¡¯ll definitely pay you back.¡±


    ¡°Just be careful, alright? That¡¯s all I ask,¡± Organos said earnestly.


    ¡°I will,¡± he assured him before exiting the temple.


    As he stepped out into the bustling streets of the capital, the city¡¯s noise was a stark contrast to the tranquility of the temple. He navigated through the crowded market, heading towards the library with a sense of urgency and purpose.

 Chapter 41 - Fighter Gorilla

    "You''re back already, Mav? I''m impressed. You finished this book in less than a week?" Mina said, holding up Daimoniki I.


    "Yeah, I was hoping to study it longer, but something came up."


    Mav had wanted to study the book more, but after reviewing all the information, he realized all the Daimoniki there were now too weak for his current skill levels. However, returning the book wasn¡¯t his only goal.


    "I actually need to talk to you about something important. Can we talk in private?"


    Mina, noticing Mav''s serious expression, agreed. "Alright, let''s talk while I put this back on the shelf."


    "Sounds good to me"


    "Grafon, can you handle things here for a bit?" Mina called to her brother, who was busy with a library card.


    "Sure thing, sis," Grafon replied, giving a thumbs up without looking up.


    "Thanks. Come on, Mav," she said, leading the way.


    As they walked through the aisles, their footsteps were muffled by the carpeted floor. The smell of old paper and polished wood filled the air, mingling with a faint scent of ink and leather bindings.


    Mina''s fingers brushed the spines of the books as she walked, drawing comfort from their presence. The dim lighting cast a warm glow over the shelves, creating a serene atmosphere. It was easy to get lost in this labyrinth of knowledge, where each book held secrets waiting to be discovered.


    The soft thud of their footsteps was occasionally interrupted by a creak from the library¡¯s ancient floorboards. Mav couldn''t shake off the nagging feeling that time was running short. The library''s silence seemed almost too loud, amplifying his growing anxiety.


    "So, what did you want to talk about?" she asked, glancing at Mav. "You seem serious."


    Mav''s eyes flickered with urgency. "It''s crucial. I¡¯ve stumbled upon something that might be a threat to the village."


    Mina raised an eyebrow, sensing the gravity in his tone. "You''ve read all the books on Daimoniki, right?" he asked.


    "Yeah, why?"


    "I need to know about a Daimoniki called Fighter Gorilla," he said, recalling Organos'' words.


    Mina thought for a moment. "I remember. They''re in Daimoniki III. We''re almost there."


    When they reached the section, Mina slid Daimoniki I back onto the shelf and grabbed Daimoniki III. Mav watched her with admiration, appreciating her dedication to books.


    "Let''s find an empty table. It''s hard to read while standing," she said, smiling.


    "Sure, let me carry that for you," Mav offered, taking the book from her.


    "Thanks, Mav."


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    They found an empty table in a secluded corner. Mav pulled out a chair for Mina, feeling chivalrous, and she gave him a grateful smile as she sat down. Then, she opened the book, flipping through the pages with practiced ease.


    "Don''t tell me you''ve memorized all these books too?" he asked, impressed.


    "You got it," Mina said smugly.


    "Your family is impressive. Both you and your brother have amazing memories," he said, wondering what it was like to recall details from hundreds of books with ease.


    "If you''re impressed by us, you''d be even more so by our parents. But I''ll tell you about them another time. You seem to be in a hurry," she said, sliding the open book to Mav. "Now, I''ll leave you to read in peace."


    But before she could leave, Mav grabbed her hand. "Wait, I still need to ask you something after I read this."


    "Sure, just tell me when you''re done," she said, sitting back down.


    Mav started reading the page:


    Name: Fighter Gorilla


    Appearance: Fighter Gorillas have broad chests and shoulders, large human-like hands, and small eyes set into hairless faces. Their bodies are filled with muscles, making them physically strong. They are covered with black hair.


    Habitat: Fighter Gorillas favor forests, particularly those with varied types of Daimoniki. They prefer areas covered in trees and mostly live in Pyknos Forest due to the thick trees and abundance of Daimoniki as food.


    "Where¡¯s Pyknos Forest?" Mav asked, turning to Mina.


    Mina looked surprised. "You don¡¯t know? It¡¯s a well-known place."


    "I really don¡¯t know."


    "Pyknos Forest is a huge forest, thick with trees. It¡¯s located far away, almost at the edge of our kingdom. It¡¯s extremely dangerous, teeming with strong Daimoniki. Only those with Advanced level skills and in parties of four are allowed to go there. The drops from the Daimoniki there are extremely rare and valuable, making it an attractive hunting ground for Flame Users," Mina explained.


    Mav thought about his skills. "I wonder how much I could level up there? If the drops are good, maybe I could hunt there to afford high-tier mana potions," he pondered. But he focused back on the important issue. "If Fighter Gorillas mostly live there, then what was one doing near our village?" he wondered.


    "Do Fighter Gorillas ever wander to other forests?" he asked.


    Mina leaned back, considering the complexities of Daimoniki behavior. "They are deeply territorial creatures, each type adapted to its specific environment. Migration would mean venturing into unfamiliar territories, facing unknown threats. It¡¯s a rare occurrence unless something significant disrupts their habitat."


    "I see. Thanks, Mina," he said, returning to the page.


    Diet: Humans, Daimoniki, Fruits, Vegetables.


    Flame Affinity: Yellow Flame


    "As expected, no affinity for Blue Flame or Green Flame. What''s wrong with that one Fighter Gorilla?" he thought, confused.


    "Hey Mina, are there any Daimoniki that can use three flame types?" he asked again.


    "As far as I know, they can only have affinities on upto two flames, and even those are the strongest types of Daimoniki."


    The anomaly puzzled him deeply. If the Fighter Gorilla had no natural affinity for Blue or Green Flames, its behavior was a glaring inconsistency. Was it an isolated case of evolution or adaptation? Or was there something more sinister at play, something that could affect other Daimoniki as well? The questions swirled in his mind, making the mystery even more intriguing.


    Mav continued reading:


    Attack Pattern: When targeting an enemy, Fighter Gorillas coat their entire bodies with Yellow Flame and immediately charge with their thick shoulders. If they miss their target, they switch to close combat, where they excel.


    General Advice: Yellow Flame Users should avoid close combat with Fighter Gorillas, as these Daimoniki excel in mixing strangulation techniques with martial arts. Therefore, it is advisable to attack them instead from long range, making Red Flame Users the better choice for dealing with them.


    Mav pondered this information. "Can I somehow use my Dark Red Nuke to defeat that Fighter Gorilla?" he wondered.

 Chapter 42 - Managing Resources

    Mav pondered the information. "Can I somehow use my Dark Red Nuke to defeat that Fighter Gorilla?" he wondered.


    "No, that would be too risky. What if it spots me from far away? If I can sense it, it could probably sense me too. But in the worst-case scenario, if it comes to that, I''ll take it down with me," he thought, considering the explosive power of his skill. He dismissed the thought and recalled another detail.


    "Hold on, when I attacked it while I was under Dark Yellow Transcendence, I only managed to break its arms. Other Daimoniki I attacked with this power exploded upon impact. Could it have some kind of physical resistance?" He mused, recalling their previous battle.


    "Hey Mina, do Fighter Gorillas have any kind of physical resistance?" He asked, turning to Mina.


    "No, I don''t know of any Daimoniki with resistance to any type of attack," she replied, puzzled.


    "Another unique trait of this Fighter Gorilla. Just what is with that Daimoniki?" he thought, frustration mounting.


    Mav¡¯s mind raced as he flipped through the pages, frustration mounting with each turn. The weight of the forest¡¯s dangers felt almost tangible, growing more daunting with every moment. His need to understand the Fighter Gorilla¡¯s unusual traits had become increasingly urgent. He needed practical answers, not just theoretical knowledge¡ªanswers that could determine his survival.


    Despite his efforts, the book yielded no new insights. The frustration was palpable as the looming threats of the forest seemed to grow heavier.


    Mina¡¯s curiosity was evident as she watched Mav intently, her brow furrowed. The quiet hum of the library seemed to amplify the tension of the moment. Mav¡¯s nervousness was clear, and Mina¡¯s gaze softened as she observed his genuine concern.


    "Alright, I think I''m done searching for information," he said, closing the book and handing it back to Mina.


    "What do you even need this for? Don''t tell me you''re going to Pyknos Forest?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "No, I was just curious."


    "Just curious? Your urgency suggests otherwise," she said, noting his behavior.


    "It''s nothing, really. Oh right, I promised to read your novel and give you feedback, didn''t I?" he said, changing the subject.


    "Damn it, I was hoping you''d forgotten about that," she sighed.


    "A promise is a promise," he said with a grin.


    "I know, but I didn¡¯t expect you to return so soon. I''m not done editing yet. Can you give me a bit more time?" she pleaded, clasping her hands together.


    "Alright, I''ll come back in a few days, maybe a week."


    "Or maybe I''ll never come back if that Fighter Gorilla kills me," he thought but quickly dismissed it.


    "Deal," she replied.


    "So, are you heading out now?"


    "Yeah, I have other places to be. Thanks, Mina. You''re like a walking encyclopedia. If only I could take you with me, things would be way easier," he said jokingly.


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    "I''m happy you think that, Mav, but what''s an encyclopedia?" She asked, puzzled.


    "Oh right, I forgot I wasn¡¯t on Earth anymore."


    "It''s a book that contains lots of information about everything."


    "Does a book like that really exist?" she asked, intrigued.


    "It''s just an expression to say how smart someone is," he said, not wanting to elaborate further.


    "Alright, I''ll take that as a compliment. But I can''t come with you, this library needs me," she said, looking around at the books.


    "Yeah, I know. Thanks again, Mina. I''ll be off now," he said, walking away.


    "Come back anytime!" Mina called out. Mav raised his arm in acknowledgment.


    "Now, I need to get my hands on mana potions. Problem is, I can only afford what Father Organos gave me, three gold coins. I wonder how many that can buy? First, I need to consult Archa," he thought as he exited the library gates. As he left, he took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. The weight of Mina¡¯s questions and his own doubts lingered, but he focused on his next task.


    The bustling street outside seemed almost surreal compared to the quiet tension of the library. His thoughts churned with strategies and concerns, each step bringing him closer to the practical aspects of his mission.


    After exiting the gates, he headed straight to the Merchant Guild. After a brief transaction where he sold some materials he had collected, he walked away with a three of silver coins.The shift from the market¡¯s clamor to the calm of Archa¡¯s shop felt like a return to focus. Mav approached the familiar shop with renewed purpose.


    "Hey Archa!" he called out as he approached her booth.


    "Mav! You''re back again! What do you want to sell today?" Archa greeted him.


    "Here," Mav said, handing over a bunch of Giant Boar Cores, Gatling Slug Cores, and Puffer Frog Cores.


    "That''s a lot. You''ve been busy these past few days, huh?" she said, eyeing the cores.


    "Yeah, how much can you give me for these?"


    She counted the cores. "About three silver coins."


    Before she could hand over the coins, Mav stopped her. "Actually, I want to buy some potions today. Here, take these too," he said, handing over three more silver coins he had earned by selling materials to the Merchant Guild earlier. "How many mana potions can I get with these?"


    "For six silver coins, you can get two of my potions," she said, holding up two fingers.


    "More expensive than I thought. Just shows how valuable they are."


    "How much mana does one bottle regenerate?"


    "Thirty mana points," she replied.


    As Mav examined the potions, a grim determination settled over him. Each bottle was more than just a resource; it was a crucial element in his strategy for survival. The higher cost was a stark reminder of their importance. Confronting the Fighter Gorilla with his current resources was nerve-wracking. Every decision, every purchase had to be made with precision. The gravity of his situation pressed heavily on him.


    "Alright, I''ll take two," he said.


    She handed him the two small bottles, which Mav immediately put in his item box.


    "By the way, the top ranker from your guild you mentioned, who is she, and where can I find her shop?"


    "You want to buy a high-tier mana potion already?" she asked, surprised.


    "No, I just want to inquire about some things," he said, hiding his true intentions.


    "I see. Her name is Ana Miktis. Her shop is to the right when you exit here. Keep walking straight until you see a house with a blue roof and a wooden sign that says ''Potions & Healing.'' I''d love to accompany you, but I can¡¯t leave my booth unattended."


    "Alright, thanks, Archa."


    "No problem. You''re an important customer now. Come back anytime. And say hi to your mother for me; I haven¡¯t had free time to visit. Money''s tight this month."


    "Alright, see you next time," he said, leaving for the other shop.


    As Mav walked away from Archa¡¯s shop, the weight of his remaining tasks pressed down on him. The street bustled with activity, but his thoughts were fixed on the challenges ahead. The quiet of the forest and the power of the Fighter Gorilla seemed to call to him, urging him forward.


    After walking for a bit, he spotted the house Archa described. He approached the wooden door with glass panes in the middle, took a deep breath, and touched the doorknob. "Here goes nothing," he said, opening the door.

 Chapter 43 - A Desperate Negotiation

    The bell above the door chimed as Mav entered the shop. Inside, the walls were lined with shelves of various sizes, each holding an assortment of vials and bottles. The soft, golden light of a lantern hanging from the ceiling cast gentle shadows, giving the room a warm, cozy feel despite the tense atmosphere.


    The shop was filled with a peculiar, tangy smell that Mav couldn¡¯t quite place. It was a mix of something earthy and something metallic, causing an odd sensation in his nostrils. The unfamiliar scent lingered in the air, hinting at the arcane and the scientific elements interwoven in the shop''s offerings. To his left, a woman with long dark hair was bent over a counter, busy with some task.


    "How can I help you?" she asked without turning around.


    "Are you Ms. Ana?" Mav inquired, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.


    Ana wiped her hands on a rag before turning to Mav, her expression a mix of curiosity and weariness. Her blue cape, slightly worn at the edges, fluttered slightly with her movements, hinting at the many long hours she must have spent in the shop.


    "Yes, I am. What can I do for you?"


    Mav took in Ana''s appearance: she wore glasses, had dark circles under her eyes, and her pale skin made her look like she was in her mid-twenties. Despite her tired look, she had a certain beauty about her.


    "I was sent here to buy a high-tier mana potion," he said. "Archa recommended your shop."


    "Archa, huh?" Ana''s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him. "What would a young man like you need a high-tier mana potion for? You don''t look like someone who ventures into high-level areas."


    Mav hesitated. He had hoped his story would be enough, but Ana''s skeptical gaze made him rethink his approach.


    "I was just sent here on an errand," he said, sticking to his lie.


    Ana''s expression remained unconvinced. "I doubt anyone would trust something as crucial as buying a high-tier mana potion to just anyone."


    Mav considered showing her Organos'' letter, but quickly dismissed the idea. The head priest had no reason to be involved in this transaction.


    "Here," he said, pulling out three gold coins. "This should be enough, right?"


    Ana''s eyebrows shot up. "Where did you get that, kid?"


    "It''s from my father. I''m the son of a noble, and this is my allowance for the week. I planned to level up my skills with stronger flame users, but they advised me to get mana potions as well. That''s why I came to your shop," he explained, though it was a fabrication.


    Ana studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Sorry, kid, but three gold coins won''t be enough. Each high-tier mana potion costs four gold coins."


    Mav''s heart sank. He had hoped to afford at least one potion, but he was falling short despite Organos'' help.


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    "What am I going to do now?" he wondered. "Should I use my Dark Blue Miracle as leverage? But I¡¯d rather keep it a secret."


    "I can pay you the remaining gold in a few days," he offered. "Here, take these three gold coins as a deposit. I''ll bring the extra gold once I get my allowance next week."


    Ana shook her head. "I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t accept deposits. You need to pay in full."


    Frustration gripped Mav. He glanced at the shelf in front of him, lined with bottles emitting a bright blue glow. A desperate thought crossed his mind: "Should I just steal one? I could probably outrun the guards." But he quickly dismissed it. "Don¡¯t be an idiot," he scolded himself.


    "What am I going to do?" he thought, his frustration mounting.


    "I could work as your assistant until I pay you back," he suggested, trying to offer something in exchange.


    Ana shook her head again. "I''m not looking for any assistants right now."


    "I have to try something," Mav thought.


    "I can help with healing," he said, hoping to leverage his skills.


    "What¡¯s your Blue Flame Affinity?" Ana asked, her tone skeptical.


    "Five," Mav replied, barely above a whisper.


    Ana¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "Five? That wouldn¡¯t even heal a scratch. Plus, you need to be registered with the Blue Flame Guild to work officially as a healer. You¡¯re not wearing our guild cape."


    Mav¡¯s mind raced as he tried to think of a solution. He felt a pang of anxiety in his chest, the kind that came from realizing just how out of his depth he was. His palms were sweaty, and he clenched his fists to steady himself.


    "I have a healing skill that might be useful," he insisted, growing frustrated.


    Ana¡¯s eyes briefly softened with sympathy, but she quickly masked it with a professional demeanor. She picked up a vial from the counter and examined it closely, avoiding Mav¡¯s gaze to hide her conflicted emotions.


    "Look, just go home and come back when you have enough money. I¡¯m busy with work," she said, gesturing to an unfilled bottle on her counter.


    Mav''s frustration started to reach a boiling point. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath, trying to steady his trembling voice.


    "Look, I can prove it to you," he said, raising his hand and commanding, "Display Status."


    A translucent screen appeared in front of him, listing his skills and flame affinities. He pointed to the section that highlighted his healing skill.


    Ana glanced at the screen with mild interest but quickly shook her head. "I''ve seen many status displays before. Just because it shows your skills doesn''t mean you''re capable of using them effectively."


    "But you don''t understand," Mav insisted, his voice rising. "I have a healing skill that could be useful, even if my affinity is low. Just give me a chance to show you."


    Ana sighed, rubbing her temples. "You said it yourself, your Blue Flame Affinity is only five. That''s barely enough to heal a scratch, let alone heal anything significant."


    "So, you really won¡¯t believe me?" Mav asked, his patience wearing thin.


    Ana didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she stood up and opened the door, signaling the end of their conversation.


    Frustration mounted within Mav, his thoughts racing as he struggled to find a solution. He glanced around the shop, noting the neatly arranged vials and the soft glow of the lantern, which seemed to mock his predicament. Desperation clawed at him, and his gaze fell upon the small knife strapped to his belt. A dangerous idea began to form. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his decision. With a trembling hand, he reached for the knife, each movement slow and deliberate, as if trying to gauge the gravity of his actions. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing his growing desperation.

 Chapter 44 - An Unexpected Visitor

    His fingers fumbled for a moment before he grasped the hilt, the cool metal pressing against his palm. He pulled the knife free with a deliberate, slightly jerky motion, the small blade glinting in the golden light of the lantern. The room seemed to hold its breath as he turned the knife in his hand, its sharp edge catching the light with a menacing glimmer. Mav¡¯s movements were slow, almost hesitant, as if he were testing the limits of his own resolve. The air grew thick, each creak of the floorboards under his shifting weight amplifying the tension.


    Suddenly, the rhythmic rumble of hooves on cobblestones intruded on the tense silence. Mav¡¯s gaze flicked toward the window, the approaching clamor breaking through his intense focus. The sound of the carriage wheels grew louder, drawing his attention away from the knife. The growing noise outside seemed to punctuate the gravity of his situation, and he briefly lost himself in the curiosity of the commotion.


    Ana¡¯s voice broke through the suspense, her concern escalating as she misinterpreted his actions.


    "Hey, hey, don¡¯t resort to violence just because you can¡¯t get what you want," Ana said, her eyes wide with alarm.


    "You don¡¯t understand," Ana continued, stepping back.


    "Harming a healer, especially one as respected as me, carries severe penalties, even if you''re the son of a noble."


    Mav adjusted the knife, its cold edge now poised near his wrist. He felt that showing his skill directly might be more convincing than mere words. Inside, his heart raced, and doubts gnawed at him. Is this really the only way? He thought. The knife felt heavy in his trembling hand, each shift of the blade a reminder of his desperation. He glanced at Ana, her face a mix of irritation and growing concern. Her shifting expression only fueled his determination. I have to make her understand. Mav¡¯s resolve hardened as he steeled himself for the consequences of his actions.


    Ana¡¯s irritation shifted to concern as she met his unwavering gaze. Her professional facade wavered, her fingers gripping the counter as she processed the gravity of the situation. The tension in the room intensified, mingling with Ana¡¯s growing sympathy.


    "Stop! Are you really going to hurt yourself over a mana potion? Are you out of your mind?" she shouted.


    Before Mav could act further, the clamor outside grew louder. He turned to see a large, ornate carriage pull up outside the shop, its black lacquer gleaming under the sun. The horses, their flanks glistening with sweat, pawed restlessly. The grand vehicle drew immediate attention from the onlookers, their murmurs rising in curiosity. The presence of such a distinguished carriage signaled an urgent development, distracting him from his immediate crisis.


    A knight clad in polished armor, bearing an insignia and a sword at his hip, stepped out of the ornate carriage. He entered the shop through the door, his authoritative presence cutting through the tension in the room. His sharp gaze scanned the scene before finally settling on Mav, who still held the knife at his wrist.


    "What''s going on here?" the knight demanded.


    "Is this person giving you trouble?" he asked Ana.


    "N-No, we were just testing a new health potion with his consent," Ana said quickly, trying to defuse the situation.


    "Y-Yeah," Mav added nervously.


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    "I need to get away for now," he thought, looking at the armored man.


    Before Mav could make a move, two more figures emerged from the carriage. The first was an older man with a white mustache, dressed in fine clothing. The second was even more striking¡ªa tall man in a flowing red robe, adorned with a sparkling crown. Despite the regal attire, there was a visible burden on his shoulders as he carefully carried a small, unconscious girl.


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened as he recognized the king. A mix of awe and fear paralyzed him for a moment. Ana immediately knelt, and he followed suit, recognizing the gravity of the situation.


    "Voithos, close the door and block the windows. Flora, stand guard outside," the man with the crown commanded.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the aides responded in unison.


    Flora went outside, while Voithos shut the door and blinds, darkening the room. The lantern''s light was now the only source of illumination.


    "Are you Ana Miktis?" the king asked, his voice firm.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, still kneeling.


    "And who is this?" the king inquired, nodding towards Mav, who had failed to escape.


    "He¡¯s my assistant, Your Majesty," Ana said, lying.


    "Both of you, stand up," the king ordered.


    Mav and Ana exchanged a brief glance before rising to their feet. Mav¡¯s heart still raced, but he stood tall, trying to mask his nervousness. Ana, though composed, looked tense, her eyes flickering with apprehension as she met the king¡¯s gaze.


    "What brings you to my shop, Your Majesty?" she asked, her tone respectful and curious.


    The king sighed deeply, his face etched with worry. "My daughter, Adelfi, has been gravely ill. It began several months ago with a loss of appetite, and despite our efforts, her condition worsened. Two days ago, she fell into a deep sleep and hasn''t awakened since," he explained, his voice thick with sorrow.


    Mav gazed at the child, noting her pallor and the sunken appearance of her cheeks. Her limbs were unnaturally thin, almost skeletal. She wore a delicate blue dress and a small tiara that sparkled faintly, its size emphasizing her fragile state. Her shallow breaths were barely audible, and her frail form seemed almost too delicate for this world. Her closed eyes fluttered intermittently, as if caught between dreams and reality. The sight tugged at Mav¡¯s heart, painfully reminding him of his mother¡¯s worst state.


    "Unfortunately, the Blue Flame Guild is based in another kingdom, and reaching them would take too long¡ªtime we simply don¡¯t have. I¡¯ve heard you''re the most skilled Blue Flame User in our kingdom, and the best healer after your guild leader. That¡¯s why I came to you for immediate assistance," the king explained, his voice tinged with urgency.


    "Yes, Your Majesty, that¡¯s correct. I¡¯ll do my best to heal her. Since she¡¯s unconscious, a healing potion isn¡¯t an option, but I can use my Blue Heal skill. I can¡¯t promise it will be effective, but I¡¯ll try," Ana said.


    ¡°Please, do whatever you can to save her,¡± the king implored, his voice laced with a glimmer of hope.


    ¡°Very well. Please, lay her gently on that table,¡± Ana instructed. ¡°And you, kid, fetch a pillow from the back.¡±


    Mav nodded and swiftly made his way to the back of the shop, where he spotted several beds with blankets. He quickly located a pillow among them and hurried back, driven by urgency. With steady hands, he placed the pillow carefully under the child¡¯s head. Meanwhile, the king gently laid Adelfi on the table, carefully positioning her head on the pillow.


    "I¡¯ll begin now," Ana said, her voice steady as she held her hands above the sick child.


    Her resolve firmed, and she stood a bit taller, her eyes narrowing with determination. The weight of the responsibility was heavy, but she knew she had to do everything she could to help.


    With a focused breath, Ana invoked, "Blue Heal." A brilliant blue flame emanated from her hands and extended to envelop the child. The soft, soothing glow wrapped around her frail body, casting a gentle, calming light over her.

 Chapter 45 - The Perfect Opportunity

    Ana Miktis, a high-ranking member of the Blue Flame Guild, was renowned for her unmatched affinity for the Blue Flame, scoring 100 out of a possible 120. Her skills, Blue Heal and Blue Creation, were both at their peak, level 100. She was widely regarded as the second most powerful Blue Flame User in the guild, surpassed only by the guild leader. In her earlier years, Ana had bravely fought on the frontlines, using her healing abilities to aid fellow flame users against the Daimoniki. However, she eventually retired from the battlefield, feeling unsuited for the harsh demands of frontline combat. She settled in the capital of Tromeros Kingdom, where she opened a shop, capitalizing on the heavy traffic of flame users to build a thriving business selling mana and health potions.


    For years, Ana had enjoyed a peaceful life in the bustling capital, but now, she found herself in a precarious situation. As she invoked Blue Heal, a gentle warmth spread from her hands, and a brilliant blue flame emerged, flickering like a serene ocean wave. The light enveloped Adelfi''s frail body, casting soft, soothing shadows across her pale face. The room filled with a tranquil glow, and everyone held their breath, hoping against hope for a miracle.


    The king, usually stern and composed, couldn''t hide his anxiety as he watched Ana work. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and his hands were clenched tightly together in a silent prayer for his daughter''s recovery.


    Seconds turned into minutes, and the blue flames gradually faded, leaving only the soft breathing of those present to break the tense silence. But as time stretched on, it became clear that the worst had happened. Adelfi remained unconscious, her condition unchanged.


    Ana''s voice trembled as she broke the silence. "I''m sorry, Your Majesty. Even at its maximum level, my Blue Heal wasn''t enough to cure her. This is unprecedented¡ªif it were merely an illness, my skill would have sufficed. I fear she may have been cursed."


    Mav, standing in the background, caught the word curse and his mind raced.


    "A curse?" the king whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of disbelief. "How could this have happened to her?"


    "No... this can''t be the end," the king murmured, his voice trembling. "Please, try again. There must be something more you can do."


    "I doubt it will change anything, but if you insist..."


    Ana turned back to the child, her heart pounded in her chest as she cast Blue Heal once more. Despite her years of experience and unmatched skills, doubt gnawed at her. She had seen miracles on the battlefield, healed wounds that should have been fatal, but now, faced with the frail form of the princess, she felt powerless. Was she losing her touch, or was this something far beyond her understanding? After a while, the result was the same¡ªnothing happened.


    A heavy sense of despair settled over the room. The king, Ana, and Voithos could only stare at the unconscious child, their minds blank with helplessness. But Mav saw something different¡ªa chance. This was the perfect opportunity for him. Quietly, he slipped away to a corner and reviewed his status, focusing on one particular skill:


    Skill Name: Dark Blue Miracle


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    Description: Conjures a soothing dark blue flame that heals any injury, no matter how grievous, dispels curses, and cures any illness or disability, restoring the target to perfect health.


    Mana Cost: 119


    Cooldown: 120 seconds


    "Dispels curses..." Mav muttered to himself, his gaze sharpening.


    He checked his mana¡ª120/120, fully regenerated from his previous use on the journey to the capital. His heart raced with excitement as a grin spread across his face. The situation had handed him an opportunity on a silver platter, and he knew exactly what he had to do.


    Returning to the room, he observed the faces around him, each one painted with despair. He decided to bide his time, waiting until the tension reached its peak, intending to leverage the situation for his own gain. He wasn¡¯t just acting on impulse; he was calculating. He knew the gravity of the situation, understood the power dynamics at play. This was a chess game, and he was about to make his move¡ªa move that could either catapult him into the king¡¯s favor or totally screw his life.


    The king knelt beside his daughter, gripping her hand with a mix of fear and sorrow. Mav watched him closely, noting how the ruler¡¯s stern features had softened, revealing the desperation of a father on the brink of losing his child. For a moment, he saw not a king, but a man, vulnerable and pleading silently with the universe for mercy.


    "I''m sorry, Your Majesty," Ana whispered, looking downcast.


    Tears welled up in the king''s eyes, a sight rarely seen but fitting for the moment. His mind was a storm of emotions¡ªfear, anger, despair. He had always prided himself on being unshakeable, a pillar for his people, but now he was crumbling from within. Every second that passed felt like an eternity, and the thought of losing his daughter was a pain too great to bear. Ana and Voithos lowered their gazes, lost in their own thoughts, unsure of what to do next.


    Sensing that the time was right, Mav stepped forward. "I might be able to save her, Your Majesty," he announced, his voice cutting through the thick tension like a knife. All eyes turned to him, puzzled.


    Ana was the first to react. "Hey kid, this is no time for jokes. Can''t you see the situation?" she snapped, her anger barely contained.


    But the king stood, towering over Mav. "You... you think you can save her?" the king asked, his voice a mix of desperation and the faintest glimmer of hope.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Mav replied, slightly intimidated by the king''s imposing presence.


    "How, when even the greatest healer here couldn''t?" the king pressed.


    "Let me show you," Mav said, his confidence unwavering.


    The king hesitated, doubt flickering in his eyes, but something in Mav''s determined gaze made him pause.


    "Very well," the king agreed, though his voice carried a dangerous edge. "But understand this: should you fail, or cause her any further harm, there will be a price to pay¡ªone I won¡¯t hesitate to collect."


    Mav felt a shiver run down his spine at the king''s words, but he nodded resolutely. "I understand, Your Majesty. But if I succeed, what reward will I receive?"


    Ana began to protest, "Kid, this is no time for¡ª" but the king silenced her with a raised hand.


    "Anything within my power," the king promised, his tone hardening.


    "Deal. Now, please step aside so I can begin," Mav said, his audacity surprising even himself.

 Chapter 46 - Talitha Cumi (Little Girl, Arise)

    The king, momentarily taken aback by Mav''s boldness, eventually stepped aside, revealing Adelfi''s still form on the table. As he approached, the air grew thick with anticipation, each breath in the room held in collective silence. All eyes were on him, the weight of their expectations pressing heavily on his shoulders. His heart pounded in his chest as he moved closer to the girl. Before he began, he turned to the others, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable gravity.


    "Before I start, I need your word. Whatever you see here must not leave this room. Not a whisper to anyone¡ªnot even your own families."


    "I promise," the king vowed, his voice cold as steel. "And if I find out that anyone in this room speaks a word of this, I will personally see to their execution." His words sent a shiver down every spine, the room¡¯s tension sharpening to a knife¡¯s edge.


    Mav nodded, then turned his full attention to Adelfi. She lay motionless before him, her chest rising and falling so faintly that he had to strain to see it. She looked so small, so fragile¡ªa stark contrast to the monumental task ahead. For a moment, a pang of guilt tightened around his heart like a vise.


    "What am I doing?" The thought cut through his resolve like a knife. "She''s just a child." His chest tightened, a dull ache blooming as guilt gnawed at him. "And I¡¯m using her as a pawn." The realization hit hard, like a cold splash of water, leaving him shaken, but he forced himself to focus on the task ahead.


    He clenched his fists, the cold realization settling in: his actions were necessary, but far from noble. The weight of countless eyes bore down on him, each one a silent plea, a desperate hope. He couldn¡¯t afford to waver now.


    "I have no choice," he reminded himself, though the words rang hollow. "If I want to survive that fight, I have to take every opportunity I can get."


    With a deep breath, he pushed the guilt aside, focusing on the task ahead. The air buzzed with unspoken prayers, the tension thickening, suffocating. He wiped his palms on his tunic, his heart pounding in his chest. Then, extending his hand over Adelfi, he whispered, "Dark Blue Miracle."


    As he whispered the incantation, time itself seemed to slow. The room¡¯s temperature dropped, a cold chill seeping into his bones, yet the flame that engulfed Adelfi was warm, almost soothing in its glow. The contrast was unnerving, as if the world outside this bubble of light had been shut out, leaving only the ethereal glow and the rapid beating of his heart. The dark blue hue of the flame danced over her fragile form, licking at her skin like a protective veil, and for a brief moment, it brought back the memory of the relief he felt, when her mother had been restored to health by this same flame.


    The others in the room marveled at the sight, especially Ana. She had never seen a blue flame as dark as this, even compared to her own bright blue flame from earlier. Seconds passed, and just as with Emily, the unconscious child''s sunken cheeks began to fill out, and her skeletal limbs gained substance. The king watched in amazement, as if time itself was reversing to before his daughter had fallen ill.


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    Suddenly, the child¡¯s closed eyes stopped fluttering, and her breathing quickened, shifting from deep, slow breaths to rapid, shallow ones. Her eyelids twitched.


    "Adelfi?" the king said, noticing the small movement.


    There was no response, but after a few moments, her eyes twitched again.


    "Adelfi!" he called out, his voice a mix of hope and fear. Then, as if startled by her father''s voice in the midst of a normal slumber, her eyes slowly opened. She began to sit up, and Mav quickly moved to support her so she wouldn¡¯t fall.


    "It¡¯s too dark¡ªsomeone open the windows," he said, his voice firm but calm. Voithos hurried to obey, drawing back the curtains.


    Sunlight flooded the room, illuminating her pale skin and golden hair. She blinked against the sudden brightness, rubbing her eyes like someone waking from a long nap, then slowly scanned the room.


    "Papa?" she said, her voice soft and unsure as she spotted her father.


    For a moment, the king was frozen, stunned by the sight of his awakened daughter. But when she called out to him again, he rushed to her, pulling her into a tight embrace, almost desperate, as if the warmth of his daughter¡¯s body was the only proof that she was truly there, alive and whole. He held her as though she were made of glass, fragile and precious, his tears mingling with her golden hair. Each sob that wracked his body seemed to expel months of pent-up fear and sorrow, the sound reverberating in the silent room like the breaking of a dam. The sight of a monarch brought to his knees by such raw emotion sent a wave of empathy through Mav, stirring something deep within him.


    "Where are we?" she asked, looking around the unfamiliar place.


    "In a potion shop," the king replied, his voice thick with emotion as he sniffled, trying to compose himself. "How are you feeling?"


    "I¡¯m fine¡­ What are we doing here?"


    "Nothing, nothing, just¡­" His voice broke as he continued to sob, his relief overwhelming. "Thank goodness you¡¯re awake."


    "Why are you crying, Papa?"


    "I¡¯m just¡­ so happy," he replied, his voice breaking with relief.


    Ana stood by, stunned by what she had just witnessed. The child she couldn¡¯t heal earlier, even with her most powerful skill, was now sitting up, talking normally with her father. She looked over at Mav, who was also watching the scene, blinking back his own tears.


    Then Ana grabbed his arm and pulled him into a corner. The closeness of the space seemed to amplify the tension between them, the air thick with unanswered questions. Mav¡¯s eyes held a depth of resolve that belied his years, while Ana¡¯s furrowed brow betrayed her inner turmoil, the weight of what she had just witnessed pressing heavily on her shoulders.


    "What just happened?" she demanded in a hushed whisper.


    "I told you I had a useful healing skill. Believe me now?" Mav replied, his tone even but tinged with a hint of weariness.


    "But that¡¯s just not possible," she insisted, still reeling from disbelief. "How could you have a more effective healing skill than mine when you only have a 5-point affinity with the Blue Flame?"


    "I don¡¯t know. It just works." he replied, evading the details.


    "Hey, you¡¯ll keep this a secret, right?" he continued, making a slicing gesture across his neck. "Don¡¯t even think about telling your guild leader. You heard what the king said earlier."


    "I-I won¡¯t," she stammered, clearly shaken by the events.


    At that moment, a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to find the king standing there, looking down at him with a mixture of gratitude and awe.

 Chapter 47 - Reward

    "What¡¯s your name, kid?" the king asked.


    "Mav. Mav Rose."


    "Mav, thank you. I do not know how to repay you. But our promise stands¡ªask me anything within my power, and I will make it happen," the king said, his voice solemn.


    "Well, for now, I could use a gold coin," Mav said, his tone light. "I need to buy a mana potion, and I didn¡¯t bring enough with me."


    The king paused, then burst into laughter. "With the serious look you gave me earlier, I thought you were going to ask for half my kingdom. And here you are asking for a single gold coin."


    "What? Should I have asked for more?" Mav thought, taken aback by the king¡¯s reaction.


    "Voithos!" the king called.


    "Yes, your majesty," Voithos responded, stepping forward with a small pouch in hand.


    The king handed the pouch to Mav. "Here are five gold coins. Unfortunately, that¡¯s all I brought with me. But tell me where you live, and I¡¯ll have the rest delivered to your home later. How does five hundred gold coins sound?"


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "Five hundred gold coins? That¡¯s too much, your majesty!" he exclaimed, his voice wavering slightly.


    Five hundred gold coins... The number echoed in his mind, almost too large to comprehend. His hands felt clammy, and he wondered if the king was testing him somehow. What could a simple villager like him do with such a fortune? The thought made his stomach churn with unease.


    The king looked at him, his expression serious. "It¡¯s nothing compared to the life of my daughter."


    Mav hesitated, then let out a sigh. "Alright, but please give some of it to my master," he said, glancing at Ana with a wink. He hadn¡¯t forgotten how she had lied to the knight earlier to keep him out of trouble, and he wanted to repay her for her kindness and for the disruption he had caused in her shop.


    "Of course. I¡¯ll take care of it," the king assured him.


    "Thank you, your majesty," Mav said, bowing his head. As he did, he noticed Adelfi watching him curiously, still holding her father¡¯s hand. He knelt before her, his gaze softening as he took in her small, delicate features. The pale sunlight streaming through the window bathed her in a gentle glow, making her appear almost angelic. Her wide, innocent eyes met his, full of curiosity and a touch of fear, and Mav felt a pang of protectiveness stir within him.


    "Your highness, you must be feeling hungry now, right?" he asked gently.


    Almost as if on cue, her stomach growled, and she nodded with a shy smile. Mav patted her head, then looked up at the king. "You should hurry home before she loses her appetite."


    "You¡¯re right. Voithos, let¡¯s go," the king agreed, turning to leave. He paused before stepping out and turned back to Mav. "I will never forget this, Mav Rose. If you ever need anything, just ask, and I¡¯ll do everything in my power to grant it."


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    Mav nodded, acknowledging the king¡¯s words. As they moved toward the door, Mav suddenly remembered something. "Your Majesty, do you happen to know where Her Highness Chloe is?"


    "If I recall correctly, she¡¯s currently fighting on the frontlines. Why do you ask?" the king replied.


    Mav sighed inwardly. "I really might have to fight that thing alone now."


    "Nothing, I was just curious why she didn¡¯t come with you today," he said.


    The king nodded and turned away again. As Voithos opened the door, the familiar bell chime rang out, and Princess Adelfi waved goodbye to Mav before the door closed behind them.


    Mav watched them leave, a strange mix of relief and disbelief settling over him. Five hundred gold coins, he thought, still trying to wrap his mind around the king¡¯s offer. The room felt eerily quiet after the departure, the only sound the distant chatter of the marketplace filtering through the closed windows. He turned to Ana, who stood silently beside him, her thoughts seemingly far away.


    ¡°So, can I have a mana potion now?¡± he asked, breaking the silence as he extended four gold coins towards her.


    ¡°What?¡± she replied, snapping out of her thoughts.


    ¡°A mana potion,¡± Mav repeated patiently.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡± Ana retrieved a mana potion from the shelf and handed it to him in exchange for the coins.


    Mav examined the potion for a moment before deciding, ¡°Actually, I¡¯d like to get another one.¡± He handed her his remaining gold coins.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said, giving him another bottle. But then she hesitated. ¡°Are you sure about this? Didn¡¯t you say these were your last coins? Do you live nearby?¡±


    ¡°I live in Oraios Village,¡± Mav replied, carefully placing the bottles into his item box.


    ¡°Oraios Village? That¡¯s so far away! Even if you start walking now, you won¡¯t get there until tomorrow. And it¡¯s going to be dark soon¡ªit¡¯ll be too dangerous,¡± Ana said, alarmed.


    Mav smiled reassuringly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I have my ways.¡±


    ¡°By the way, thanks for earlier,¡± he continued, his tone earnest. ¡°For not getting me in trouble with the King¡¯s knight. And I apologize for the disturbance I caused. I was just really desperate, you know? I hope whatever reward the king gives you will be enough as an apology.¡± He scratched his head, a sheepish grin on his face.


    Ana smiled back. ¡°I think it will be more than enough. You didn¡¯t cause me much trouble anyway¡ªin fact, you saved me by stepping in when I couldn¡¯t heal the princess. Thanks for that. And about my reward, I¡¯ll make sure to direct it your way too. I¡¯ll tell the king¡¯s men to find you in Oraios Village when they return to my shop.¡±


    ¡°No, please, I insist,¡± Mav said quickly, feeling a pang of guilt. ¡°I don¡¯t want to take all the credit. Besides, you¡¯re my master now, aren¡¯t you? If I get everything, they might start to doubt us.¡±


    Ana sighed but eventually nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright, thank you, my assistant,¡± she said playfully. Then, more sincerely, ¡°Seriously, thank you, Mav.¡±


    ¡°No problem, master,¡± he replied with a grin.


    ¡°I should get going now,¡± Mav said after a moment. ¡°My parents will be worried if I¡¯m gone too long. I¡¯ll come back to buy more potions from you next time¡ªand I promise I won¡¯t threaten you like before,¡± he added with a chuckle.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Ana chuckled along. ¡°But next time, you have to tell me more about your skill, okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Mav said, heading to the door.


    <hr>


    After leaving the capital¡¯s walls, Mav made his way to the secluded spot where he had first arrived. Once he was certain that no one was around, he took out a high-tier potion. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what this can do,¡± he whispered to himself, eager to test it out.

 Chapter 48 - Round Two Start

    Mav reached into his item box and pulled out a bottle of high-tier mana potion. He uncorked it, bringing it to his nose. The metallic scent of iron, almost like blood, made him hesitate. Still, with his mana nearly depleted¡ª4/120¡ªhe pushed past the discomfort and decided to take the potion anyway.


    "Here goes nothing," he muttered to himself before downing the entire bottle in one gulp.


    Surprisingly, the liquid tasted nothing like its smell. It was just like water, cool and refreshing. Yet, the effect was immediate. A wave of energy surged through his body, as though a cold wind swept through his veins, restoring his strength.


    He glanced at his mana display again. 120/120. "Incredible," he whispered, astonished by the potion¡¯s power. "So this is what a high-tier mana potion feels like... no wonder it''s so expensive."


    He stretched his limbs, loosening his muscles in preparation for the sprint ahead. His gaze shifted toward the direction of the village. After a few hops and stretches to get his blood pumping, he crouched into a running stance. "Dark Yellow Transcendence," he cast, feeling the rush of power as dark yellow flames enveloped his body. "Suppression," he whispered, as a second and third layer of dark green flames cloaked him, surrounding his body like a shell.


    With a burst of speed, he sprinted toward the village, manipulating the flames in front of him into a sharp, aerodynamic edge to reduce wind resistance. The flames cut through the air like a blade, making his run smoother and faster than ever. This time, he covered the distance in six seconds, far quicker than before. As he neared the village outskirts, he slowed down, letting the skills dissipate so as not to be seen by anyone.


    He checked his mana again: 100/120. "It¡¯d be a waste not to use this before I call it a night," he murmured. Scanning the area, he spotted a secluded spot between two small hills. Perfect for some late-afternoon training.


    After his abilities cooled down, Mav began pushing his limits. He activated Dark Yellow Transcendence again, experimenting with how quickly he could move, darting left, right, forward, and back, testing his agility. His speed was astonishing, far exceeding what he had achieved before. Then he switched to Dark Green Invincibility, focusing on expanding and compressing the protective flames around his body, testing the boundaries of control over the skill.


    The afternoon passed in cycles of frantic training and brief rests during cooldowns. He only stopped when his mana was dangerously low. The sky had deepened into a dark blue by the time he finally stopped, the last of the sun¡¯s light barely visible over the horizon. It was a peaceful moment, one he rarely took the time to appreciate, yet his mind was far from at ease. The cold night air prickled his skin as he made his way back home.


    When he arrived, his parents were engaged in their usual evening activities, unaware of what had transpired in the capital, nor the dangerous task awaiting him the next day. The crackle of the hearth and his mother¡¯s gentle humming should have brought him comfort. Yet, Mav couldn¡¯t shake the gnawing thought: What if I don¡¯t return? He imagined their faces if they realized¡ªhow would they cope? He squeezed his fists tightly at his sides, a shiver running down his spine. No, he told himself, trying to laugh it off.


    "Well, at least they''ll still get the 500 gold coins even if I die," he muttered under his breath. But that weak attempt at humor didn¡¯t stop the tension building in his chest. He couldn¡¯t afford these thoughts now¡ªnot with what was ahead. The fight with Maimou would come soon. And he had to be ready.


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    Dinner was quiet and uneventful, as though it was just another ordinary evening. Afterward, Mav bathed and settled on his bed, checking his mana: 27/120. He had been careful not to deplete it entirely, recalling the time he had collapsed from exhaustion. He cast Dark Yellow Transcendence, the skill sharpenimg his senses, the sounds of crickets and his mother washing dishes drifting in. As to not waste his remaining mana, he also activated Dark Green Invincibility, repeating the expansion and compression exercises until his skills timed out.


    "What a day," he muttered, his mind drifting to the events at the capital. He chuckled, thinking about the 500 gold coins again. "I wonder how my parents would react if they knew." He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "I¡¯ll deal with it when the time comes."


    But then his thoughts turned to Maimou, the Fighter Gorilla. A shiver ran down his spine, cold fear creeping into his limbs.


    "Tomorrow..." he whispered to himself. The weight of the upcoming battle hung heavy on his heart, and as he stared at the dark ceiling, his mind spun with thoughts until, eventually, sleep took over.


    <hr>


    "Mana, 120 out of 120. Skills off cooldown. One high-tier potion, two low-tier potions. All set."


    Mav stood at the edge of the dense forest, staring into the thick canopy of trees. His heart pounded with anticipation.


    "Alright, let¡¯s do this," he said, slapping his cheeks to hype himself up. With a deep breath, he stepped forward into the forest.


    As he ventured deeper, shadows thickened, and anxiety gnawed at him. His heart raced with every step, eyes scanning for danger. The eerie silence of the forest pressed down on him as he approached the site of his previous battle with Maimou. Scarred trees and torn earth were stark reminders of their fierce encounter, yet the monster was absent.


    The forest now seemed even more menacing. Every rustle and crack heightened his alertness, his muscles tensed and ready to spring. Adrenaline surged, blurring the line between bravery and recklessness, but at this point, it didn¡¯t matter.


    He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Maimou!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the forest. For a moment, he prayed the creature wouldn¡¯t show. But soon after, the sound of heavy footsteps crunching through the dried leaves reached his ears. His heart clenched in his chest.


    Emerging from the shadows was Maimou, the Fighter Gorilla, as menacing as ever. Even from a distance, its hulking frame dominated the landscape, its fur bristling, muscles rippling with raw power, its red eyes gleamed in the shadows.


    "So, you can talk after all," Maimou rumbled, its voice deep and rough like the grinding of stones. Its blood-red eyes locked onto Mav, gleaming with malevolent intelligence.


    "I thought you were just another weak human, too scared to speak."


    Mav stood his ground, his muscles tense, ready for what was to come.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" Maimou growled, taking a slow, deliberate step forward, the crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot accentuating his approach.


    "You called me, human. So, tell me..." The beast''s lips curled into a snarl, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth. "Are you ready to die?"


    The threat hung in the air, thick and heavy. Maimou¡¯s muscles bunched as though ready to pounce. The forest seemed to hold its breath, waiting.


    "Well, fine by m¡ª" Maimou began, his growl building in intensity as he readied himself to charge. But before the beast could even advance, Mav sprang into action.


    "Dark Yellow Transcendence!" his voice rang out, his body surging forward in a blur of motion, closing the distance before Maimou could even begin his attack.

 Chapter 49 - True Power & Reversal

    Despite the surprise attack, Maimou managed to dodge, stepping sideways just barely, his fur brushing against the incoming wind. The gust from Mav''s swing ruffled his face, making him ponder what might have happened had the punch landed directly. "This human¡¯s power is impressive¡ªmuch stronger than most I¡¯ve faced. I must be careful."


    "Giving it your all already, huh?" he growled. "Then I''ll do the same. No holding back like last time."


    He stepped back from Mav and invoked "Yellow Enhancement," which enveloped his entire body in a bright, yellow flame.


    Then, he activated "Double Resistance," causing the yellow flames to compress tightly around him. They coiled and condensed, forming a dense, searing armor that shimmered with blinding light. The compression of the flames amplified their brightness and generated a powerful, radiant pressure that distorted the air around him.


    "What is this skill? I''ve never encountered it before," Mav thought. But with only eight seconds left on his current skill, he pressed on with his assault.


    He closed the distance between them instantly and swung another punch at Maimou, connecting squarely with his chest. Oddly, Maimou made no effort this time to dodge or defend with Green Protection, instead bracing himself against the blow.


    When Mav¡¯s punch connected, a resounding thud echoed through the area. Maimou was thrust back, his fur singed and stained with blood, the force of the blow leaving a visible dent in his chest, blood spattering from his mouth. He felt his ribs crack and a shockwave of pain through his lungs. "His hit still has this much power despite my 90% physical resistance?" He thought.


    Before Mav could launch another attack, Maimou invoked "Triple Resistance." The yellow flames around him flared wildly, expanding outward with a surge of energy. Then, as if guided by an unseen force, the flames compressed back around his body, enveloping him in an additional, tightly bound layer of intense yellow fire. The concentrated glow radiated a powerful aura, and the air crackled with renewed energy.


    He swiftly cast "Blue Heal," restoring the injuries inflicted by Mav''s previous punch. As the healing light enveloped him, he thought, "Triple Resistance is my ultimate skill, but it drains my mana quickly. But I have no choice."


    Mav''s eyes widened at the renewed intensity, but there was no time for hesitation; he had to act quickly. The countdown was ticking. He dashed forward again and landed another direct punch on Maimou''s chest.


    "That''s strange. Why isn''t he dodging or protecting himself?" Mav wondered, though he had no time to ponder.


    When he looked where his punch landed, he saw no damage. "What?How?" he thought.


    He punched again¡ªstill no effect. He rained a flurry of punches on Maimou, so fast they became a blur of yellow against the creature''s chest. Despite this relentless assault, Maimou remained unharmed.


    With only three seconds left, Mav stepped back to regroup. His frustration boiled over as his repeated punches failed to make an impact. Sweat trickled down his face, mingling with his growing desperation. "What the hell is going on? Why aren''t my punches causing any damage?" he thought.


    Maimou¡¯s eyes gleamed with malicious delight as he noticed Mav¡¯s confusion. His voice took on a mocking tone. "Surprised? Let me illuminate your ignorance before you¡¯re finished off. My special skill, ''Resistance Stacking,'' a precious gift from King Vasilias. It lets me amplify my physical resistance, making me able to double or even triple the 45% resistance I start with."


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    His voice carried a mix of amusement and condescension. ¡°Typically, I only need to double it against most foes, but you¡¯re different. Your punches are surprisingly potent¡ªeven at a fraction of their full force. You should be flattered human; you¡¯re the second to ever make me use Triple Resistance. Now, prepare to die."


    "Special Curse, Level Reverse," he added.


    As he finished speaking, the dark yellow flames enveloping Mav''s body disappeared.


    "Seems like it¡¯s taking effect now," he grinned. "Check your skill, human."


    Mav opened his status screen and checked his skills. His eyes widened at the sight:


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. -43/120


    A cold wave of dread washed over him. "What the hell? Why is it in the negatives?" he thought.


    Maimou bellowed with laughter. "My special curse, Level Reverse, reduces the level of any skill I¡¯m hit by temporarily, based on how many times the attack lands on me. Thanks for the barrage of punches; now your skill is useless. My curse will only deactivate if I run out of mana or if you kill me, which I doubt is possible now," Maimou taunted.


    Mav, overwhelmed and confused, thought, "Just what the hell is this monster?" Before he could react further, Maimou spoke again.


    "It''s my turn," he said, charging at Mav.


    "Dark Green Invincibility," Mav whispered, activating his shield just as Maimou¡¯s first hit landed, completely negating the attack.


    "No damage, huh?" Maimou sneered, studying the flames surrounding Mav. "Then I¡¯ll just rain punches on you like you did to me. Eventually, your shield will break, or you¡¯ll run out of mana." He resumed his relentless assault, fists pounding against Mav¡¯s protective flames.


    "This is bad. What do I do?" Mav thought, his eyes fixed on Maimou¡¯s blows.


    "In eight seconds, I¡¯ll be toast. I need to think of something," he told himself, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves.


    8...


    "Can I somehow use my Dark Green Invincibility in a different way?" he pondered.


    7...


    His mind raced as he formulated a new plan. ¡°I need to adapt. I¡¯ll have to change my approach.¡±


    6...


    "That''s it," he tought. "But if it doesn''t work... No. I have no choice, I have to try it."


    Focusing his mind, Mav reversed the direction of his dark green flames outward, instead of just wrapping them around his body. The flames slowly enveloped Maimou¡¯s surroundings, trapping him inside the dark green shield.


    Maimou stopped his attacks, bewildered by the sudden appearance of the dark flames encircling him, which had previously only been around Mav¡¯s body.


    5...


    "It worked," he thought, clenching his fist. "Now for the finishing touch." He quickly retrieved a low-tier mana potion from his item box, the glass cool against his skin. He drank deeply, feeling the mana surge back into his veins, restoring it to 120/120.


    4...


    He then addressed the now-confused Maimou. "Hey," he said, drawing his attention. "You should be flattered, Daimoniki; you¡¯re the second to ever make me use this. As a reward, I¡¯ll tell you my name: Mav Rose. Remember it, though you won¡¯t live long enough to do so."


    3...


    "Now, prepare to die," Mav finished, echoing Maimou''s own words back at him. Then, with a deep breath, he prepared to cast...


    2...


    "Dark Red Nuke."

 Chapter 50 - Relief?

    "Dark Red Nuke"


    A small ball of dark red flame appeared in front of Maimou, still engulfed in the dark green flames. Before he could react, it detonated with a muffled roar. Instead of a massive explosion tearing through the forest, the blast was contained within a glowing sphere surrounding the Daimoniki.


    1...


    As the dark green flames dissipated, black smoke, thick and pungent, rushed outward in all directions. Standing too close, Mav inhaled a cloud of the acrid smoke, immediately breaking into violent coughs. The stench of burnt hair and scorched flesh invaded his senses, making his stomach turn. His eyes watered, and nausea clawed at his throat.


    A notification box blinked in front of him:


    Fighter Gorilla Core X 10 Acquired


    Fighter Gorilla Enhancement Stone X 1 Acquired


    Relief washed over Mav like a tidal wave, and his legs gave out, sending him to his knees. The adrenaline from the fight had drained away, leaving a bone-deep exhaustion that made his body feel sluggish.


    "I actually did it..." he muttered, his hands digging into the soil beneath him.


    When the smoke finally cleared, he noticed a deep, circular crater where Maimou had stood. The blast had carved a perfect scar into the earth.


    "So, even a skill as powerful as Dark Red Nuke couldn¡¯t overpower Dark Green Invincibility," he said, shaking his head. "But that containment sphere... that might be useful again."


    He thought for a moment, then smiled. "I''ll call it... Invincibility Cage."


    Another notification box appeared:


    Dark Green Invincibility Form: Invincibility Cage Saved to Database.


    Mav took deep, steadying breaths, trying to process everything that had just transpired. His heart still raced as the adrenaline faded. He opened his item box, confirming that the materials were there. Sure enough, 10 Fighter Gorilla Cores and 1 Fighter Gorilla Enhancement Stone sat in his inventory.


    "I got ten cores from just one enemy?" He murmured, furrowing his brow. "Is that why it was so strong? No, there¡¯s gotta be more to it. That gorilla mentioned something about King Vasilias giving him that broken skill... How did he even combine ten cores into one body?"


    His gaze drifted to the Fighter Gorilla Enhancement Stone listed in the loot box. "And this enhancement stone¡­ what¡¯s that about?" He turned it over in his mind for a moment, then shrugged. "I¡¯ll just ask the merchant guild about it later."


    He sat back, leaning against a nearby tree, still reeling from the fight. His mind raced with unanswered questions.


    Exhaling sharply, Mav opened his status screen and scrolled to his skills:


    Skill Name: Dark Red Nuke (Maximum) lvl. 8/120


    Manacost: 112


    Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. 15/120


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    Duration: 15 seconds


    "It¡¯s back to its normal level... So that Gorilla was telling the truth," Mav said, scrolling down further.


    Skill Name: Dark Green Invincibility (Maximum) lvl. 15/120


    Duration: 15 seconds


    "So all the skills that I used in that fight leveled up by five," Mav noted. "I don''t think any Daimoniki in this forest will help them level any further. I¡¯ll have to find stronger monsters in a different hunting ground." His pulse quickened at the thought. "And with the king¡¯s reward, I¡¯ll be able to buy even more high-tier potions."


    His eyes gleamed with excitement as he thought about facing new Daimoniki. "I need to head to the library, meet with Mina, and ask her about other hunting grounds. Maybe borrow another book too." He stood, brushing the dirt off his pants.


    With a deep breath, he began the trek back, his mana nearly depleted at just 3/120. The exhaustion weighed heavily on him. "I¡¯ll rest for today," he decided. "I¡¯ll head to the capital again tomorrow."


    He opened his item box, checking his supply of potions¡ªjust one low-tier and one high-tier mana potion remained. He didn¡¯t want to use them unless absolutely necessary.


    For several minutes, he walked in silence, expecting to encounter some Daimoniki along the way. But there was nothing. Not even a Gray Wolf, which would normally have detected his presence by now. At first, he thought he was just lucky. But as the eerie silence stretched on, a sense of unease crept over him. Something was wrong.


    As Mav moved through the dense foliage, the familiar scent of moss and damp earth clung to the air, but something was wrong. The forest felt... off. The usual hum of life¡ªthe chirping of birds, the rustle of small creatures¡ªhad vanished. The air hung heavy, thick and stifling, pressing down on him like an invisible weight. Each step he took sounded unnaturally loud, the crunch of leaves beneath his boots the only noise in the unnatural stillness.


    He paused, straining to listen, but there was nothing. Not even the faintest whisper of wind. He glanced over his shoulder, a prickle of unease crawling down his spine. For the first time, the woods didn¡¯t feel like a sanctuary¡ªthey felt like a trap, the trees closing in around him, their branches curling like skeletal fingers, watching, waiting.


    Then, just at the edge of his vision, something moved¡ªtoo quick to catch, but enough to set his nerves on edge. He whipped around, eyes scanning the undergrowth. But there was nothing.


    A shiver crawled up his neck. "Am I imagining things?" He shook his head, forcing himself to continue walking, but the silence followed, thick and suffocating, as if the forest itself was holding its breath. His heart pounded harder with every step, the growing sense of dread gnawing at him. Something was watching. He could feel it.


    His body screamed at him to run. Without hesitation, he obeyed, dashing through the forest, careful to avoid tripping on roots and rocks. But then he stopped abruptly, his feet skidding against the dirt. "If something is watching me and I lead it back to the village..."


    A faint rustle from behind froze him in place. His heart skipped a beat as he turned to look.


    Just the wind, carrying dried leaves across the path.


    He let out a shaky breath, chuckling nervously. "Maybe I¡¯m really just being parano¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a sharp, crushing pain exploded in his stomach. It felt like a sledgehammer had struck him. He was launched backward, crashing into a towering tree. His back slammed into the trunk, and he tumbled to the ground, landing awkwardly on his arm, a sickening snap filling the air.


    "W-What just... happened?" His mind reeled as a wave of agony shot through him, sharp and unforgiving. His stomach felt like it had been ripped apart, a burning, hollow pain where something vital should be. His breath came in shallow gasps, each one dragging jagged claws down his throat. He coughed, splattering the dirt with blood, warm and thick.


    His trembling hand reached for his abdomen, but where he expected flesh, there was... nothing. His fingers met only slick, exposed muscle and jagged bone. His skin was gone, his side torn open like paper, and a gaping wound yawned back at him. His vision blurred as panic screamed through his body, but his legs wouldn''t respond. His thoughts spiraled as he stared at the dark hole where his flesh should be.


    "What the fuck... what the fuck..." His thoughts spiraled as panic set in.


    He wanted to scream, but no sound came. His legs were numb, completely unresponsive. He tried to stand, but his body refused to obey.


    "Am I dying...?" The realization was cold, numbing. He tried to move, tried to crawl, but his limbs were stone, unresponsive as blood pooled beneath him. Every heartbeat sent another spasm of pain through him, but it was getting harder to focus. The world around him faded, and the cold began to creep in.


    Then, a sound. Soft footsteps approached. His vision blurred as he turned his gaze forward. In the haze, he could make out a pair of animal-like foot coming closer.

 Chapter 51 - An Insurmountable Gap

    "So you were the one who caused that explosion? I''ve never seen a skill like that before. What is it?" the unknown creature asked, its voice a low, predatory growl.


    Mav¡¯s mind snapped into focus, cutting through the haze of agony. His instincts roared to life¡ªassess the threat, plan the next move. He couldn''t afford to panic, no matter how dire the situation.


    Through the searing pain, Mav forced open his item box, his hands trembling as he grabbed the last high-tier potion. He gripped the bottle with bloody teeth, tearing off the cork. The liquid inside tasted sharply metallic, mingling with the blood in his mouth as he downed it in a single gulp. He felt the cool rush, but the relief was shallow, unable to fully drown out the deep, throbbing ache that wracked his body.


    "Dark Blue Miracle," he whispered, barely able to speak. The words came out in a rasp, but it was enough.


    A dark blue flame surged across his body, engulfing him in a wave of warmth. The pain vanished as if extinguished by the flame, his vision snapping back into clarity. For the first time since he got blindsided, he could see clearly.


    Standing before him was a monstrous figure¡ªhumanoid in shape but with the face and limbs of a lion. Its presence was menacing, the creature''s eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and cruelty. Mav''s heart sank. It reminded him of Maimou, but this one was different. Stronger. And he had no idea what kind of Daimoniki it was.


    "So, you can use advanced healing too? Impressive for a human," the creature said, its voice rough yet mocking.


    It paced in front of Mav, its head cocked in thought. As the creature paced, its claws occasionally dug into the earth, leaving deep gouges in the soil. Each step was deliberate, its movements eerily calm, as though it had all the time in the world. Its eyes never left Mav, watching, analyzing, as though it were savoring the anticipation of a fight.


    "And you''ve mastered green flames beyond defense? Interesting... You remind me of someone." It paused, a twisted grin forming on its face. "No, you''re nowhere near her level." It chuckled darkly.


    Mav sat, stunned. Another Daimoniki, capable of speech and likely even stronger than the last. After barely surviving his previous battle, facing this new enemy felt like a death sentence. A fleeting sense of despair threatened to take hold, but he shoved it down. He had to fight. He couldn¡¯t afford to give in now.


    His gaze flickered to his remaining skills. All available. He grabbed his last low-tier mana potion and drank it, feeling the mana rush back into him. His mana now stood at 32/120. Barely enough.


    "I''ve got one last shot... Dark Yellow Transcendence and Dark Green Invincibility," he thought, steeling himself.


    The creature''s grin widened. "Because you managed to kill one of my men, I''ll offer you a deal. Land one clean hit on me, and I''ll let you live. I¡¯ll leave and never return here. Fail... and you die. Deal?"


    Mav blinked, his mind racing to process the creature¡¯s words. But there was no choice. Its tone, cold and unyielding, left no room for negotiation.


    "Deal," Mav croaked.


    "Come then!" the creature taunted, a glint of amusement in its eyes.


    "Dark Yellow Transcendence!" Mav shouted, dark yellow flames flaring around him, fueling his strength.


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    "Yellow Enhancement," the creature countered, its body enveloped in a shimmering yellow aura.


    Without hesitation, Mav charged, closing the distance in a flash. He swung a fist aimed at the creature''s head. But it dodged effortlessly, its menacing smile never fading. Mav''s heart pounded as he threw another punch, only for it to be dodged again without the creature even moving from its spot. His frustration mounted as he tried a feint, then a kick, but each move was easily read, evaded with minimal effort.


    Blow after blow, Mav unleashed his full strength, his fists slicing through the air. Yet the creature seemed almost bored, dodging with inhuman precision.


    "Your strikes have power, but your movements are clumsy. Amateurish, even," it said, effortlessly leaning away from another attack. "Predictable. Is that all you¡¯ve got?"


    The words stung, but Mav pressed harder, letting instinct take over. He stopped thinking, relying on pure reflex. His punches came faster, his attacks more erratic. Feint, punch, feint again. Just when he thought he¡¯d caught the creature off-guard, he launched a full-powered strike.


    The creature merely stepped back, the force of Mav¡¯s blow tearing through the air, scattering leaves with the shockwave. But it hit nothing.


    "You actually made me move from my spot. I¡¯ll give you that much," the creature said, a smirk tugging at the corners of its mouth.


    But then, Mav¡¯s heart sank. The power of his skill began to fade. His 15 seconds were up.


    Noticing this, the creature''s grin widened. "Looks like you¡¯ve reached your limit. Out of mana, or does your skill just have such a short duration?" It mused, rubbing its chin thoughtfully. "Ah, so that¡¯s why you fled last time despite having the advantage."


    Doubt clawed at the edges of his mind, the fear that he might not walk away from this one. The creature''s mocking words echoed in his head. Am I really gonna die here? But he shook the thoughts away. There was no time for self-pity. If he let his mind wander for even a second, it could be the difference between life and death.


    The creature¡¯s eyes darkened as it spoke again, "Well, since you failed to hit me, it¡¯s my turn now."


    It lunged forward in a blur of speed.


    "Dark Green Invincibility!" Mav shouted, a barrier of dark green flames erupting around him just as the creature''s first punch connected.


    A deafening shockwave blasted through the forest, scattering leaves and debris in all directions. Mav remained unmoved, his shield holding firm. The creature stepped back, shaking its hand, now twisted and broken.


    "Hmph. A strong shield," it growled, casting "Blue Heal." Its hand snapped back into place as if nothing had happened.


    "But let''s see how long it lasts," it sneered.


    "Green Protection," it whispered, its form now sheathed in a compressed layer of green flame, wrapping around it like a second skin over the lingering yellow flame. Then, without warning, it attacked again.


    Each punch reverberated through the air, creating shockwaves as the creature¡¯s fists slammed into Mav¡¯s barrier. But the dark green flames held strong, shielding him from every blow. Mav¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. The creature was relentless, faster, and more ferocious than before.


    "Still holding, huh?" The creature grinned, taking a step back.


    "Let¡¯s see if you can withstand this. Red Armor!" it roared.


    As the third flame activated, the air around it shimmered with heat. The yellow aura crackled like electricity, while the green protection shimmered like a living shield, dense and unyielding. The red flames that now coated its body burned with an intensity that warped the very space around it, distorting the air as if reality itself was bending to the creature¡¯s will. It moved faster than before, a blur of color as it launched another barrage of punches. The impacts rang out like thunder, but Mav¡¯s shield held firm¡ªbarely.


    But time was running out.


    5...


    4...


    3...


    2...


    1...


    The dark green flames surrounding Mav flickered, then vanished. His barrier was gone, leaving him exposed. A final, devastating punch hurtled toward his unprotected stomach.

 Chapter 52 - Kastanos

    Each second dragged on as if time itself was slowing, the weight of impending doom pressing down on Mav like a suffocating blanket. His legs trembled beneath him, fatigue burning through his muscles, but he had no choice. The moment his shield dropped, the creature¡¯s fist would land, and it would all be over. He needed to move, to act, but his body felt like lead, sluggish under the crushing weight of his own exhaustion.


    Just before the creature¡¯s fist could connect with Mav¡¯s stomach, it stopped, inches away. Slowly, the flames encasing the creature''s body flickered out, disappearing one by one. Mav stared, confused and wary.


    "Surprised?" the creature asked, a sinister smirk tugging at its lips.


    "If my fist had landed, you''d be dead. Instantly. But I still have some questions for you."


    It continued, pacing slowly around him. "Interesting... your shield reached its limit just as your previous skill did. They¡¯re both powerful, but their duration is pathetic. You didn¡¯t use that explosive ability again either, or try that little trick you pulled on Maimou. Out of mana, I assume? That healing skill of yours too¡ªright after you cast it, you chugged another mana potion, as if it drained you dry. Am I wrong? A strong defense, a powerful offense, but too short-lived. And your explosive and healing abilities¡ªthey drain your mana like a sieve, don¡¯t they?"


    Mav¡¯s mind raced as he processed the creature¡¯s words. "It¡¯s completely right¡­ what the hell am I up against?" he thought.


    "I¡¯ll take that silence as confirmation," the creature said smugly.


    Without warning, it lashed out, kicking Mav in the stomach. The blow sent him hurtling through the air, his breath knocked from his lungs. He crashed into the ground, rolling violently until a tree stopped his momentum with a brutal thud, the impact sending shockwaves of pain through his back. He coughed, gasping for air, struggling to get to his feet¡ªbut before he could even try, the creature was already standing over him.


    "You''re strong, human. Why are you wasting that strength here in this forest? Shouldn''t you be fighting on the front lines?" it asked, its voice thick with mockery as it loomed above him.


    Mav winced at the pain radiating from his stomach, barely managing to muster the strength to look up at it. "I could ask the same of you," he rasped. "Last I heard, your territory''s being taken over. What are you doing out here instead of defending it?"


    At that, the creature threw its head back and laughed, a booming, dark sound that echoed through the forest. Then, with terrifying speed, it kicked Mav again, this time in the ribs, sending him sprawling across the ground once more. A sharp pain exploded in his side as he yelped, his fingers digging into the dirt in a futile attempt to steady himself.


    "I¡¯m the one asking questions, not you," the creature growled. Still, I should thank you. Watching those weaklings get pulverized by Maimou was getting dull. I left my castle looking for some entertainment, and you, human, delivered. But now¡­ now I¡¯m done playing." It took a step forward, its intent clear.


    "Die."


    Mav''s mind scrambled for any possible solution, any plan that might save him. Every strategy he had ever devised felt useless now, slipping through his fingers like water. But then a thought flickered in the back of his mind.


    "Wait," he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper but sharp enough to cut through the creature¡¯s advancing steps.


    "You said you were bored, right? Let me show you something," he continued, trying to buy himself a moment more.


    The creature paused, curious. "Go on," it said, crossing its arms.


    Mav hesitated only for a second before he muttered, "Display status."


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    The familiar box appeared in front of him, displaying his affinities and skills. The creature¡¯s eyes narrowed, focusing intently on the information before it.


    "Maximum affinity with¡­ Dark Flame? What in the hell is Dark Flame?" the creature muttered.


    "Well, it¡¯s pretty useless, honestly," Mav replied.


    The creature studied him closely, its suspicion palpable. "Is that so? Then cast it on me," it demanded.


    "What? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s already figured out how it works!" Mav¡¯s heart raced as panic seized him.


    "Go on, cast it," the creature urged, a sinister grin creeping across its face.


    Reluctantly, Mav knew he had no choice. His survival depended on this gamble. "Dark Ascension," he whispered, and the familiar dark flames enveloped the creature, flickering like shadows.


    Suddenly, a notification box flashed before Mav¡¯s eyes:


    Dark Flame Contact with Daimoniki Confirmed


    New Skill Unlocked: Dark Analysis


    Using Dark Analysis...


    Analysis Complete: Daimoniki Kastanos Saved to Database


    "Kastanos," Mav blurted out unintentionally.


    The creature¡¯s head snapped towards him, eyes burning with fury. "Speak my name again without my permission, and I¡¯ll remove your head before you even realize it," Kastanos snarled, his voice dripping with malice.


    "Did he not see those boxes?" Mav thought.


    "These flames really are useless," Kastanos muttered, looking at the dark energy swirling around him. "For a moment, I thought they¡¯d reveal the secret behind your strong skills despite your pathetic affinities."


    He turned back to Mav, his expression cold. "Now, what exactly did you hope to accomplish by showing me your skills? Did you really think I¡¯d spare you?"


    Mav''s heart pounded in his chest, each thump echoing in his ears. His breath came in ragged gasps, but it wasn''t just the pain that consumed him¡ªit was the fear. Fear of dying here, alone in the forest, far from anyone who might help. Fear that this creature, with its mocking tone and calculated attacks, would end him before he ever reached his potential.


    "You said you were bored, right?" Mav replied, his voice trembling but defiant.


    "Didn¡¯t you notice the low levels of my skills?"


    "And?"


    "What if¡­ what if you waited until I maxed out my skills to fight me again? Wouldn¡¯t that be more fun than killing me right now?"


    The creature¡¯s laughter rang out again, but there was a darker edge to it this time. "Are you seriously trying to bargain with me?"


    "Or are you afraid of my full power?" Mav shot back, his heart thundering in his chest.


    The laughter stopped abruptly. Kastanos went quiet, the air between them thick with tension.


    "Crap, did I piss him off?" Mav thought.


    Not willing to back down, Mav pressed on. "I¡¯ll even come to your territory," he added, swallowing hard.


    In an instant, Kastanos punched a tree beside him, sending the top half flying into the air. Then, to Mav¡¯s surprise, he laughed again.


    "You¡¯ve got guts, human," he growled, his grin full of menace. "Alright. I accept your challenge."


    With a swift gesture, Kastanos cast "Blue Heal," instantly mending Mav¡¯s injuries. The sudden relief left Mav stunned.


    "What? If I left you in that pathetic state, you wouldn¡¯t last an hour out here. I¡¯ll even give you a parting gift," Kastanos said, tossing a small bottle toward Mav. He caught it¡ªrecognizing it immediately as a mana potion¡ªand slipped it into his item box.


    "But don¡¯t forget," Kastanos said, his grin fading. "You¡¯ve pissed me off. You killed one of my men, and now you¡¯ve threatened me."


    Before Mav could react, Kastanos cast "Yellow Enhancement" and grabbed both of Mav¡¯s legs. Spinning him violently through the air, Kastanos sneered. "You like this, right? Let¡¯s see if you survive it again."


    Then, with a brutal motion, he released Mav, sending him hurtling through the sky.

 Chapter 53 - No Time To Rest

    As Kastanos raced back to the castle, the memory of the recent battle played on repeat in his mind, a grin creeping across his lips despite the loss of one of his generals. His enhanced body cut through the air at breakneck speed, the wind howling past him.


    "That human really thought I would spare him, after how much he''d insulted our name," he mused, his eyes glinting with malice.


    "Such a shame I won¡¯t be able to see his face when he realizes, especially after I gave him that fleeting glimmer of hope." His grin widened.


    "He should feel honored. He¡¯s one of the few who¡¯ve lived long enough to receive that curse. Most die before I can even fulfill its conditions," he chuckled, the sound dark and low.


    "But if, by some miracle, he survives..." He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "No, there¡¯s no way. Curses can¡¯t be broken, not even by the strongest healing skill."


    As he approached the towering gates of the castle, a wave of anxiety hit him. His father had a way of knowing everything. Kastanos could handle the loss of a general, but disappointing his father was a different matter. He wouldn¡¯t show it, of course. The son of an emperor couldn¡¯t afford weakness. But still, the weight of expectation gnawed at him.


    "I just hope Father doesn¡¯t get too pissed off about the death of one of his Ascended Ones."


    <hr>


    Meanwhile, Mav hurtled through the sky, his body still aching from Kastanos''s brutal throw. The midday sun beat down, casting harsh shadows across the landscape far below. The world around him blurred, the bright sky streaking into lines as he fought to steady himself. His grip tightened on the small mana potion, struggling to drink while soaring through the air. It was far harder than he had expected, but he managed to down the potion just in time.


    The ground rushed up to meet him, and he cast his spell. "Suppression!" he called out, a double layer of dark green flames enveloping his body. When he hit the ground, it made little more than a muffled thud. He glanced down at the small dent in the earth beneath him, surprised by the minimal damage compared to before.


    As the flames flickered out, Mav¡¯s nausea was less severe this time. "Am I already getting used to this after just two times? Or is it because of the new form of the flame?"


    He winced as he took a step forward, his left leg protesting with sharp pain. "Must¡¯ve been from that bastard¡¯s throw," he muttered, limping toward a nearby stream.


    Despite the pain, one thought dominated his mind: he had survived¡­ for now.


    Reaching the stream, Mav knelt down, splashing cold water on his face. The chill of the water offered some clarity, refreshing him after the chaos. He sat beneath a large tree, seeking refuge from the midday heat. His mana reserves had dropped alarmingly low¡ª17/120. He cursed under his breath.


    "That bastard could¡¯ve at least given me a high-tier mana potion if he was going to bother giving me one at all."


    As he inspected his status, something new caught his eye. A small rectangular box appeared in the bottom-right corner of his vision, labeled "Daimoniki Database." He blinked in confusion.


    "Is this... what that Dark Analysis was about before?" he wondered, recalling the brief message that had appeared earlier.


    His curiosity piqued, he hovered his finger over the box and tapped on it. Immediately, a new menu unfolded, revealing a single name: Kastanos. His heart quickened as he pressed on the name, wondering what new information this would reveal about the terrifying figure he had just faced.


    The menu expanded further, presenting detailed information in front of him, far more than he expected:


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    Name: Kastanos


    Level: 1440


    Mav blinked in disbelief. "Is this really that thing''s level? How is that even possible? Just how many high-level skills does he have?"


    His eyes moved down to the next section.


    Flame Affinities:


    Red Flame: 240/240


    Blue Flame: 240/240


    Green Flame: 240/240


    Yellow Flame: 240/240


    "What?!" he exclaimed, his shock doubling as he processed the information.


    "I thought affinity levels only go up to 120... How the hell does he have 240 in all the flames? What kind of monster is this thing? What are they doing over there?"


    As he scrolled further, the details became even more alarming.


    Skills:


    Red Fireball (Beyond Maximum) lvl. 240/240


    Red Armor (Beyond Maximum) lvl. 240/240


    Blue Heal (Beyond Maximum) lvl. 240/240


    Blue Creation (Beyond Maximum) lvl. 240/240


    Green Protection (Beyond Maximum) lvl. 240/240


    Yellow Enhancement (Beyond Maximum) lvl. 240/240


    His stomach tightened as he read the absurd list. "This guy is a walking catastrophe. If he decided to attack one of the kingdoms, could anyone even stop him? Even if all the guild leaders banded together, I¡¯m not sure they could take him down."


    His mind raced as he stared at the impossible numbers on his status screen. Was this how far the gap was between him and beings like Kastanos? He had fought, struggled, and bled to survive, yet he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was barely scratching the surface of the power held by the true monsters of this world.


    He scrolled further down.


    Special Skill:


    [Unknown]


    He frowned. "Why isn¡¯t this information available? Is my level too low to see it? Or is it some kind of secret? Don¡¯t tell me it''s an even more broken skill than what that gorilla was using."


    And then, at the very bottom of the screen, a single entry made his blood run cold.


    Special Curse:


    Skill Name: Guaranteed Death


    Description: Kill any target within 60 minutes of activation.


    Condition: Land more than 50 hits on the target.


    Manacost: 60


    Mav¡¯s heart sank. "Hold on, he landed more than 50 hits on my shield, didn¡¯t he? Does that count?"


    He closed the window and returned to his status screen. There, in bold red letters, was the confirmation he dreaded:


    Cursed: Guaranteed Death


    Time Remaining: 44:44


    The seconds continued to tick down.


    "Well, shit," Mav muttered under his breath.


    His mana reserves had barely recovered¡ª18/120. "I¡¯ve got one more use of Dark Yellow Transcendence left. But that means I won¡¯t have enough mana for Suppression, and I won¡¯t be able to run as fast. On top of that, my left leg might be broken."


    He clenched his fists. "Still, I can¡¯t die here. I have to try something."


    Limping toward the main road, an idea formed in his mind. "I¡¯ll give it five minutes. If no carriage passes, I¡¯ll cast Dark Yellow Transcendence and make my way to the capital, even if I have to speedwalk with my leg like this." He chuckled bitterly, shaking his head at the absurdity of his plan.


    "Please, somebody, anybody."


    The minutes ticked by, tension mounting.


    "Two minutes," he muttered, glancing nervously at the cursed timer, watching the numbers slip away.


    Each second that ticked by seemed louder than the last, a steady drumbeat reminding him of how close death was. The curse was like a shadow, clinging to him, inescapable. The thought of what might happen when that final second dropped sent waves of panic through his mind. What would happen to him? Would it be instant? Slow? Could he still fight it?


    Then, faint but unmistakable, the sound of hooves echoed from the distance.


    His head snapped up, his heart pounding in his chest. "Thank God¡­"


    Hope flickered once again.

 Chapter 54 - Running Out Of Time

    Mav frantically waved his arms as the carriage approached. The single horse pulling it was enveloped in a soft, shimmering yellow flame. He recognized the enhancement skill immediately¡ªan experienced flame user no doubt, but nothing too complex. Just enough to keep the horse going at a steady clip. He wondered if the coachman had ever tried pushing it further. To his relief, he slowed the horse, eyeing him with a mix of curiosity and caution.


    "What''s the matter, boy?" the coachman called out, his voice rough.


    "Are you headed to the capital, sir?" Mav asked, trying to keep the urgency out of his voice.


    "That''s right. Need a ride?"


    Mav felt a wave of relief. "Would you take me with you?"


    The coachman chuckled, a smile breaking through his scruffy beard. "Of course. Been driving half the day alone, could use some company. Besides," he added, glancing at Mav''s clothes, "you don''t look like an ordinary villager. I take it you can handle yourself in a fight? Wouldn''t mind some extra protection on the road in case we run into any Daimoniki. Those beasts can be nasty."


    The coachman¡¯s hands were rough, his fingernails caked with dirt, and a few gray hairs peeked out from under his wide-brimmed hat. Mav noted how his eyes, though kind, had the look of someone who had seen too much of the road¡¯s dangers.


    He smiled faintly. "You''re right, sir. How did you know? I¡¯m not even wearing a guild cape."


    The coachman let out a hearty laugh. "You get a sense for these things. I''ve hired plenty of flame users over the years, and there''s something about the way they carry themselves. You can tell by the way they stand and the look in their eyes." He gestured toward the carriage. "Hop on."


    "Thank you, sir. I just came from hunting and injured my leg," Mav explained, climbing onto the back of the carriage, careful to hide his wince. "I don''t have much affinity with the Blue flame, so I was hoping to find some healing in the capital. But don¡¯t worry, I can still protect us, even with this injury."


    "Well, that¡¯s reassuring," the coachman said with a grin, urging the horses forward.


    Mav settled in, his eyes scanning the interior of the carriage. It was filled with fresh vegetables, the earthy scent of them reminding him of his mother¡¯s garden back home. He breathed in the familiar smell, comforted for a moment by the simple nostalgia.


    "Why don¡¯t you use your item box to store your goods, sir? Wouldn¡¯t that keep them fresher and protect them from dirt?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.


    The coachman shrugged. "I could, but sometimes when I pass through villages, people see the vegetables and want to buy them. It''s easier for them that way, saves them the trip to the capital."


    "That¡¯s kind of you," he replied.


    The coachman chuckled softly. "Kindness, maybe. But it¡¯s good business too. The look of relief on people¡¯s faces when they see my cart makes the long journey worthwhile."


    Mav smiled, but the sense of impending doom in his chest tightened. "How long until we reach the capital?" he asked, his mind racing as he remembered the countdown on his status.


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    "We¡¯re not far, maybe two hours."


    His heart sank. "Two hours? I¡¯ll be dead before we get there," he thought, glancing at his status screen, 36:23.


    "Is there any chance we could go faste¡ª" his question was cut off by a chilling howl. He spun around to see a pack of gray wolves closing in on them, their eyes gleaming with hunger.


    "Mister, I think we¡¯ve got a problem," he said.


    The coachman turned, his face paling at the sight of the wolves. "Gray wolves? Out here in the open fields?" His voice trembled with fear. "What in the Flame God¡¯s name are they doing here?"


    Mav frowned, his mind racing. "Are they drawn to me? Do they sense my impending death, like vultures circling over a dying man?" He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "No, that wouldn''t make sense."


    "Hey, kid! There¡¯s too many of them!" the coachman shouted. "Can you handle this?"


    Mav glanced at the wolves, calculating his options. "I could handle them easily," he thought, "but that would take too much time," and time was something he didn¡¯t have.


    He needed to get to the capital as quickly as possible. The coachman didn''t know it, but Mav¡¯s life was dangling by a thread, and he had only minutes left to cut it free.


    "There are too many of them," he said instead, choosing his words carefully.


    The coachman¡¯s panic deepened. "Then what do we do?"


    "How good are you at handling that horse, sir?"


    "What? Why does that matter right now?"


    "Just answer me."


    The coachman hesitated, then replied, "I¡¯ve been driving this horse for over twelve years."


    "Perfect. Now listen carefully. If you don¡¯t want to lose your vegetables, put them in your item box. Quickly."


    The coachman blinked in confusion. "What are you thinking, kid?"


    "Just do it! We don¡¯t have much time!"


    The coachman muttered under his breath but complied, waving his hand over the vegetables. One by one, they vanished into his item box.


    "Good. Now, can you put the entire carriage in your item box?"


    "What? Are you insane? I mean, maybe... but that would take serious concentration, and with the wolves right on us, I don¡¯t think I can focus."


    "Leave that to me. Just get ready."


    "Kid, I hope you know what you¡¯re doing," the coachman muttered, then moved to the back of the horse.


    Mav hesitated for a moment, then called out, "Just give me permission, and I¡¯ll handle it."


    The coachman paused, glancing back over his shoulder, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "Alright, kid. Just make it quick."


    Mav climbed up as well, carefully positioning himself as the wolves grew closer, their snarls filling the air. With a deep breath, he concentrated, and with a flicker, the carriage disappeared.


    Small-Sized Carriage X1 Obtained.


    The coachman¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as the carriage vanished into thin air. He blinked a few times, his jaw dropping. "What in the Flame God¡¯s name¡ª"


    "You¡¯re really something else, kid," he muttered, a mix of awe and wariness in his voice.


    The moment the weight lifted, the horse surged forward with newfound speed, but the wolves adjusted, gaining on them again. The coachman gripped the reins tightly, fear evident in his voice. "Now what?! They¡¯re catching up!"


    Mav¡¯s eyes narrowed. "I hope you weren¡¯t lying about your skills with that horse."


    "I wasn¡¯t!" the coachman yelled back.


    "Good. Hold on tight."


    The coachman hesitated, glancing from Mav to the encroaching wolves. Doubt flickered in his eyes.


    "I¡¯ve seen a lot of crazy things on this road, but this might top them all." He took a deep breath, finally relenting.


    "Alright, kid, I¡¯m trusting you on this one."


    Mav also braced himself, gripping the ropes tightly. He inhaled sharply, his chest tightening as he casted, "Dark Yellow Transcendence." The flames roared to life, dark yellow embers swirling violently around the horse, its muscles bulging with raw energy. The beast let out a startled whinny but charged forward, its hooves pounding the earth like thunder.

 Chapter 55 - Exhaustion

    As soon as the skill activated, the horse surged forward with newfound speed. Its hooves pounded the ground, leaving deep imprints and kicking up clouds of dirt in their wake. The trees blurred into a dizzying mix of green and brown, clawing at Mav¡¯s vision. Wind lashed at his face, stinging like icy claws, while dust forced him to squint. Each breath was ragged, the air tasting like dry earth, gritty and oppressive.


    The horse lunged forward with such force that he was jolted violently, nearly losing his grip. His stomach lurched, the intense speed pressing him back as if a heavy weight crushed his chest. Every bounce jarred his bones, and the rough saddle dug painfully into his skin. The ride was far faster and more reckless than his first frantic journey to the capital.


    The coachman let out a terrified scream as they shot forward. He was clearly not accustomed to such reckless speed.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stop! We''re gonna die!" he yelled, his voice a mixture of panic and disbelief.


    "Calm down, sir! You''ll be fine!" Mav shouted back, though the tension in his voice betrayed his own unease.


    "This is too dangerous," Mav thought, gripping the reins tightly.


    "If this keeps up, we¡¯ll both be thrown off. Can I somehow use Suppression even though I don¡¯t have enough mana for it to last 15 seconds?"


    He decided there was no other choice but to try.


    "Suppression," he whispered under his breath, fully expecting the "Insufficient Mana Points" warning to appear.


    But instead, dark green flames flared up, enveloping him, the coachman, and the horse. The frantic gallop instantly smoothed out, as if the flames themselves had tamed the chaos.


    Within seconds, the gray wolves that had been chasing them fell behind, mere specks on the horizon. A few moments later, they vanished from sight entirely.


    "Just focus on the reins and the road ahead, or we¡¯re both in real trouble," Mav advised the coachman.


    "If we get thrown off, it won¡¯t be just scratches we¡¯ll be dealing with."


    The coachman''s knuckles turned white as he gripped the reins, his eyes wide, fixed on the road ahead, as if looking away for even a second would spell their doom.


    "There¡¯s a carriage ahead!" Mav shouted, pointing wildly.


    "I see it!" The coachman replied, his eyes fixed on the road.


    With a quick flick of the reins, they swerved, narrowly avoiding the obstacle by mere inches.


    "That was way too close," Mav muttered, exhaling a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding.


    "How are you so calm in this situation, boy?!" the coachman yelled, wide-eyed.


    "And what did you do to my horse?!"


    "Just focus, sir. Eyes ahead," Mav deflected, not wanting to explain further.


    The city walls of the capital loomed in the distance, rapidly growing larger with every second.


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    "We¡¯re almost there," Mav said, his voice betraying a mix of relief and fatigue.


    "An almost two-hour trip in just a few seconds? This is madness!" the coachman shouted.


    Mav didn¡¯t respond, too focused on his mana reserves. He¡¯d started the journey with 18/120 mana; now, after sustaining both skills, he was down to just 4. His mana was almost entirely drained.


    Two more seconds passed, and they arrived just short of the city gates. The dark yellow and green flames dissipated, taking the last of Mav¡¯s mana with them. Instantly, the familiar wave of drowsiness hit him, the all-too-familiar exhaustion that came with emptying his reserves.


    "This is bad¡­ I need to move quickly," he thought, his vision starting to blur.


    As soon as the horse came to a halt, Mav jumped down, grimacing as pain shot through his still-broken leg. Ignoring the agony, he focused his mind. After a moment, the carriage he had stored earlier materialized from thin air, though it was no longer hitched to the horse.


    "Thanks for the ride, sir. Here, take this and sell it for some coins¡ªas thanks and compensation for the trouble I caused," he said, tossing a Fighter Gorilla Core to the coachman, who was still astride the horse.


    "Wait, boy¡ª" the coachman began, catching the core, but Mav was already limping away. He had no time to waste; the drowsiness was intensifying with each passing second. If he collapsed now, he wouldn¡¯t wake up again.


    He hurried toward the gate, his legs shaky beneath him. One of the guards recognized him immediately.


    "Father Organos¡¯ friend!" the guard called out.


    Mav nodded in acknowledgment but kept moving.


    "Kid, you¡¯re limping. You alright?" the guard asked, his voice laced with concern.


    "Yeah, I just need to get to Ms. Ana¡¯s shop for healing," Mav replied, his voice strained.


    "Need a hand?"


    "I¡¯m fine," Mav said, brushing past the guard.


    His surroundings were becoming a blur, the voices around him melding into an indistinct hum. Every time he blinked, it felt like the ground was about to swallow him whole. He slapped his cheeks, hard, trying to shake off the overwhelming fatigue. Some passersby gave him concerned glances, but he didn¡¯t have the energy to care.


    Finally, he spotted the familiar wooden sign hanging above Ana¡¯s shop swinging gently in the breeze, a beacon of hope amidst the fog of his fatigue. Stumbling to the door, he pushed it open, the soft chime of the bell a welcome sound. Inside, Ana was behind the counter, talking to someone. The sight of her standing behind the counter, framed by the blue bottles gleaming on the shelves, felt like salvation.


    She smiled softly, engrossed in her conversation, unaware of his sudden presence. He staggered forward, collapsing against the counter, startling both her and her customer.


    "I need a mana potion. Quick," Mav rasped, his voice urgent.


    "Hey! How rude! I was talking with her!" a voice protested from beside him.


    Mav turned to see a girl about his age, her golden hair catching the sunlight that streamed through the window. Even in his dazed state, her sharp eyes and tanned skin stood out to him, her yellow cape flowing behind her.


    Before he could respond, the girl''s expression shifted as she noticed his condition. Her eyes widened, and the annoyance in her voice faded, replaced by concern.


    "Wait... are you okay?" she asked, her voice faltering as she stepped closer.


    Her sharp gaze softened, concern rippling across her face, the irritation melting into something more serious. Mav blinked up at her, registering the shift in her tone but feeling too exhausted to respond properly.


    "Mav?" Ana¡¯s voice cut through the haze, her tone full of concern. "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "I think I¡¯m about to die," Mav muttered, barely coherent.


    "Please, I need a mana potion. I¡¯ll pay you back later."


    Realizing the severity of the situation, Ana turned quickly, grabbing a potion from a high shelf. She nearly dropped one in her rush but managed to catch it just in time.


    Handing it to Mav, she spoke in a hurried whisper, "Here. Take it."


    "Thanks¡­ Is there anyone in the back? Can I go there?" Mav asked, gripping the potion tightly and glancing at the curtained room behind him.


    "Of course. Go ahead," Ana said, realizing his intention.


    He nodded gratefully, turning to the girl beside him. "Sorry for interrupting. Please, continue your conversation."


    The girl, still watching him with concern, seemed ready to reach out, but Mav was already moving. Limping heavily, he pushed through the curtain, closed it behind him, uncorked the bottle with trembling hands, and drank it down in one go.

 Chapter 56 - Urgency

    The cool relief of the potion spread through him, quenching the fire of his fatigue like a soothing balm. Though the pain remained, the drowsiness completely vanished. His mind, now as sharp as it was before he had drained his mana, was abuzz with renewed clarity.


    Glancing at his status, he saw the timer: 23:08. His mana had returned to 120/120.


    "Alright, time to get back to work," he whispered, eyeing his skills.


    "Dark Blue Miracle," he casted on himself.


    Immediately, the warm, dark blue flame enveloped his body. It flickered gently around him, radiating a calming heat.


    "So this is how it feels..." he murmured, watching the flames swirl around him.


    The last time he had used this skill on himself, he hadn¡¯t paid much attention¡ªhis focus had been on the threat before him. But now, free from the urgency of battle, he allowed himself to savor the sensation. The warmth seeped deep into his bones, soothing his aches. The pain in his leg faded, and the lingering exhaustion melted away like frost under the morning sun.


    He sat on the bed, feeling lighter than before, then opened his status. The weight that had been dragging him down, the curse that had gnawed at the edges of his sanity, was gone. Finally, he could breathe. His shoulders sagged, the tension leaving his body in waves. He hadn''t realized just how tightly his muscles had coiled until now, the relief hitting him all at once. For the first time in hours, a genuine breath escaped his lips, shaky and fragile, like a prisoner released after years in chains.


    "He got me good, that guy," he muttered to himself, clenching his fist.


    "Next time I see him... he¡¯ll probably think I¡¯m dead. I¡¯ll have the advantage. I just hope I don''t run into him too soon."


    After sitting in silence for a few moments, Mav stood, stretched, and walked to the window. He pulled back the curtain, allowing the warm afternoon sunlight to spill into the room, then stepped outside.


    At the counter, Ana was seated, her head resting in her hand, lost in thought. The customer who had been there earlier was gone. He could see the faint signs of fatigue on her face, the way her eyelids drooped ever so slightly, and the tension in her fingers as she fidgeted absentmindedly.


    "Sorry about the sudden bother," Mav said, breaking the silence.


    Ana jolted slightly, startled by his voice.


    "Mav! What¡¯s up? You nearly scared the life out of me earlier," she said, sitting up straight.


    "Sorry about that. I know you don¡¯t just hand out potions like that, but... I don¡¯t have any coins on me. The king sure is taking his time paying up, huh?" He gave a half-hearted chuckle.


    "It¡¯s fine," she replied, waving a hand dismissively.


    "You¡¯re not exactly a stranger anymore. Besides, I was paid yesterday¡ª100 gold coins! I felt a bit guilty since I didn¡¯t do much, but I didn¡¯t argue. You should get your reward today. I told them your address yesterday, so expect it soon."


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    "Oh crap," Mav thought, his heart skipping a beat.


    "If I''m not home when they arrive, I¡¯m in trouble with my parents."


    "I gotta go then!" he blurted, rushing toward the door.


    "Wait! Mav, tell me what happened earlier!" Ana called, stopping him just as his hand touched the doorknob.


    "Nothing too big. Just got cursed by some Daimoniki," he replied casually, opening the door.


    "Huh? What do you mean ¡®cursed¡¯?! Mav, wait¡ª"


    But before she could ask another question, the door chimed as he bolted outside, already heading toward the temple.


    "Hold on. I should report to Father Organos while I¡¯m still in the capital. Better make it quick, though."


    Arriving at the temple, he noticed families pouring out of the entrance, the bestowal ceremony clearly just finishing up. He sidestepped the crowds and slipped inside.


    In the quiet temple, he spotted Organos tinkering with a familiar device near the altar. Without wasting time, Mav approached him.


    "Father, I need to talk to you. It¡¯s urgent."


    Organos turned at the sound of his voice. "Mav? Don¡¯t tell me you ran all the way here again," he said, shaking his head with a small smile.


    But his face quickly turned serious. "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "By the way, I¡¯ve already reported what you told me to the Red Flame Guild leader," Organos continued. "He was the closest, and honestly, the easiest to talk to. They¡¯re going to open an investigation once they¡¯ve confirmed the disappearances."


    "Actually..." Mav scratched the back of his head, "I¡¯ve already taken care of it."


    "What?"


    Mav quickly explained everything¡ªthe battle with Maimou, Kastanos, and the stats he¡¯d discovered. He left out the parts where he had nearly died multiple times, not wanting to worry Organos too much.


    Organos froze in place, staring at him in disbelief. His hands stilled on the device he¡¯d been working on.


    "You¡¯re saying they could talk? And... those stats. Exceeding the limits of flame affinity?" He shook his head, struggling to wrap his mind around it.


    "I know unusual skills exist. You''ve shown me yours, after all. But these affinities? It¡¯s... hard to believe."


    Mav nodded, understanding his reaction. "Maimou¡¯s dead now, so I can¡¯t show you his stats anymore, but I can still show you Kastanos''."


    He pulled up Kastanos¡¯ information on his database. Organos stared at the display, his mouth agape, then stumbled back, collapsing into the floor.


    "This... this can¡¯t be real..."


    Mav helped him back to his feet, both understanding and sympathy in his eyes.


    "We can¡¯t keep this to ourselves, Mav," Organos finally said, his voice trembling with urgency.


    "This is too important. It could mean the survival of humanity. We need to report this¡ªimmediately."


    Mav could feel the weight of his words settling in the air, like a storm cloud looming just above. The flicker of disbelief in Organos'' eyes was soon replaced with dread, the kind that clung to the back of your mind even when you tried to brush it away.


    He hesitated, glancing away. "But..."


    Organos gripped Mav¡¯s shoulders, forcing him to meet his gaze. "How about this, we''ll only tell the Red Flame''s guild leader. No one else. And we won¡¯t show him your skills, just Kastanos'' stats. He¡¯ll know what to do. He¡¯s the most trustworthy person I know."


    Mav thought it over, his mind racing. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "Alright. I¡¯ll think about it."


    "Thank you, Mav." Organos¡¯ grip softened.


    "I know it¡¯s a lot to ask, but please make your decision quickly. Humanity¡¯s future could depend on it."


    "I will," Mav said, stepping back.


    "But for now, I need to get home. The king might be there by now, and I can¡¯t keep him waiting."


    "The king? What¡ª"


    But before Organos could finish his question, Mav had already sprinted out the temple door.


    "I¡¯ll explain next time!" he called over his shoulder as he dashed into the street.


    He ran through the city, weaving between people and carts, until he reached the outskirts. Once he was certain no one was watching, he activated his skills and surged forward, his feet barely touching the ground as he raced toward home.


    As the forest began to blur past him, Mav¡¯s enhanced eyesight allowed him to catch sight of his house in the distance. A carriage stood nearby. Outside, he spotted his mother, Emily, her familiar silver hair glinting in the sunlight. Beside her stood his father, Nacht, both of them talking to a figure near the carriage, worry etched on their faces.


    "Oh crap, I was too late," he thought, already scrambling for excuses as he neared home.

 Chapter 57 - The Second Meeting

    Mav, not wanting anyone to catch him using his secret skills, stopped running once he was far enough that no one could spot him. He ducked behind the cover of the trees lining the road, waiting for the duration of his skills to end.


    "Still 9 seconds left," he muttered, feeling a twinge of impatience. "If these skills last any longer, it''s going to be a pain to wait them out."


    A memory surfaced¡ªOrganos had mentioned during the testing of his Dark Ascension that he could manually end his skills early.


    "Maybe I can apply that to the rest of my abilities," he thought aloud, focusing on the flames flickering around his body.


    He concentrated, commanding the skills to deactivate. Instantly, the flames dissipated, the power receding as his senses returned to normal. The cool breeze brushed against his skin, sending a slight chill through him.


    "Well, that worked," he said with a small grin, glancing at his status. The skills were now on cooldown. "But the cooldown''s the same, even if I stop them early."


    Shaking off the thought, he refocused on the current situation and started making his way back toward the village. After a few minutes of walking, he finally emerged from the woods, greeted by the full warmth of the sun on his face.


    As he neared his home, his heart sank. In the front yard, his parents stood talking to someone, but they weren¡¯t alone. A large carriage stood nearby, driven by a familiar figure¡ªVoithos. Two knights in full armor flanked the carriage, and the village chief was present as well. The sight of the ornate carriage sent a shiver down his spine. It didn¡¯t belong here, not in their humble village. It was as though royalty had invaded a forgotten corner of the world, shattering the peace with the cold gleam of their armor and pristine horses. The villagers, drawn by the strangeness, gathered like moths to a flame, their murmurs blending with the rustle of wind.


    "Crap, this caused way more of a commotion than I thought."


    Drawing closer, Mav finally caught sight of the person speaking to his parents. They had long green hair cascading down their back, tied with a yellow ribbon. His heart skipped a beat.


    "No way¡­ It couldn¡¯t be."


    As soon as Emily and Nacht spotted him, they called out in unison, ¡°Mav!¡±


    The sound of his name drew everyone¡¯s attention, and dozens of eyes fell on him, increasing his anxiety. Finally, the green-haired figure turned, and his suspicion was confirmed.


    Her long hair swayed gently as she stood, and as he approached, the golden gleam in her eyes and the delicate strands framing her pale face took his breath away, just like during their first encounter at the Bestowal Ceremony. The closer he got, the more he could see the grace with which she carried herself, a weight of authority far beyond her years. Her sharp, observant gaze seemed to notice everything, and even the light breeze appeared to move in her favor, lifting strands of her green hair as though in reverence.


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    ¡°Mav, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re finally here! We¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while!¡± Emily¡¯s voice snapped him out of his daze.


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, he immediately knelt. "Your Highness Chloe," he said, bowing his head low.


    "Are you Mav Rose?" Her voice was deeper than expected for a girl, cold yet measured.


    "Yes, Your Highness," he replied.


    "Stand up."


    He obeyed, rising to his feet. Now standing face to face, Mav realized that she was nearly his height, which only made her piercing gaze more daunting. She studied him for a moment before speaking again.


    "I remember you now. You¡¯re the boy from the Bestowal Ceremony."


    Mav blinked in surprise. "What? How do you remember someone like me?"


    She gestured toward his hair. "Your silver hair. You were the only one there with that color."


    Before he could respond, Emily chimed in with a proud grin. "Isn¡¯t it striking? He got it from me!"


    "Mom!" He groaned, his face flushing with embarrassment, while Emily chuckled.


    Chloe cleared her throat, regaining their attention. "You probably know why we¡¯re here?"


    "Yes, Your Highness. It¡¯s about the reward, right?"


    "Correct."


    "But... why come all the way here? You could¡¯ve just sent your knights. I didn¡¯t expect you to use up your valuable time to visit our village."


    Her expression softened, if only slightly. "I wanted to thank you in person for what you did for my sister. Besides, she was insistent on coming herself."


    "Adelfi!" she called toward the carriage.


    The door creaked open, revealing a small girl in a delicate blue dress. Her golden hair sparkled in the sunlight, and a tiara perched on her head glittered as she moved.


    She stretched out her arms, and one of the knights lifted her gently from the carriage. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she dashed toward Mav with surprising energy.


    "Big bro!" she called, her face lit up with a wide grin.


    Mav barely had time to react before she leaped into his arms. "Wai¡ª" he stumbled, almost losing his balance, but managed to catch her, stepping back to steady them both.


    She clung to him tightly, and Mav inhaled a sweet scent, like cheesecake and honey, wafting from her.


    Over her shoulder, Mav noticed the two knights and Voithos glaring at him, clearly not thrilled with the princess''s informal greeting. Hastily, he set her down and knelt before her.


    "Your Highness, please don¡¯t do that again. You¡¯re going to get me in trouble," he whispered, his voice trembling.


    "Adelfi!" Chloe scolded, her tone sharp. "How many times have I told you? You¡¯re 8 years old now. You need to behave accordingly."


    Adelfi shrunk under her sister¡¯s gaze. "I-I¡¯m sorry, sis. I just got too excited..." she mumbled, fidgeting with her fingers. Mav found himself surprised by her sudden cheerfulness, remembering how meek and quiet she had been when they first met after she had just awokened. The contrast was striking.


    Chloe sighed, but let it go. Mav glanced at Adelfi and noticed a small smudge of icing near her lips. He reached out and gently wiped it away.


    "I see you¡¯ve had a snack," he said with a warm smile.


    Adelfi giggled. "I couldn¡¯t resist! The cheesecakes were too delicious!"


    Mav chuckled, patting her head. "I can see that."


    Standing up, he looked around, feeling the weight of all the eyes still on them. The villagers hadn¡¯t dispersed, their curiosity far from satisfied.


    "Maybe we should continue this conversation inside?" he suggested, glancing at the village chief.


    The chief gave a knowing nod. "Alright, folks, back to work!" he called, clapping his hands. Slowly, the crowd began to disperse, though he could still hear their hushed conversations in the distance.


    Turning back to Chloe and Adelfi, Mav gestured toward the house. "Please, come inside." His parents, the village chief, and the royal sisters followed him toward the house, the tension of the moment finally beginning to ease.

 Chapter 58 - Turning Point [End of Arc 2]

    Emily gazed at the large chunk of meat in front of her, her knife slicing through it with a swift, precise motion, applying just a bit more pressure than usual.


    "I thought I told you not to put yourself in danger again?" she asked, her tone firm yet laced with concern.


    Mav paused, his hands still submerged in the basin as the vegetables he was washing drifted under the water. He glanced at her, watching her continue with her task before responding.


    "I know, Mom. I''m sorry. It''s just¡­ when I saw her like that, she reminded me of you. It broke my heart."


    Emily''s hand froze in midair, the knife held limply for a moment before she gently set it down. She approached Mav, wrapping her arms around him in a careful embrace, mindful not to soil his clothes with the blood still staining her palms.


    "Oh, son," she murmured. "I¡¯m not angry. Just tell us next time, alright? Your father and I nearly had a heart attack when we saw that entourage, especially the man in full armor looking for you. We thought you were in serious trouble." Her voice trembled with a nervous laugh.


    "Okay," Mav replied, his voice quiet but resolute. "I promise."


    As she pulled back from the embrace, Emily looked him over carefully. "By the way, where did you even get this Giant Boar meat? You didn¡¯t go hunting on your own, did you?" she asked, one eyebrow raised suspiciously.


    "N-No, I didn¡¯t. Father Organos gave it to me when I visited him at the temple."


    Before Emily could reply, a soft, eager voice chimed in from behind them.


    "Is there anything I can do to help?"


    They both turned toward the sound, finding Adelfi standing nearby, rocking from side to side, her arms tucked shyly behind her back as her eyes sparkled with anticipation.


    "I¡¯m afraid not, sweetie," Emily said kindly. "It¡¯s a bit dangerous in here. And besides, I¡¯m not sure a princess should be getting her hands dirty with chores."


    "Pleaseee," Adelfi pleaded, clasping her tiny hands together, her eyes squinting in determination.


    Mav smiled. "Alright. How about you help me wash these vegetables instead? Just promise me you won¡¯t tell Voithos or your knights outside."


    Adelfi''s face lit up as she nodded enthusiastically, her hair bouncing with each movement. "I promise!" she said with a resolute nod.


    Mav grabbed a small stool and placed it beside him, lifting Adelfi up and securing her on top. He then untied his apron and carefully fastened it around her, pulling its edges tightly to cover her elegant blue dress.


    "We can¡¯t have you ruining that expensive gown," he thought with a smirk.


    Adelfi eagerly set to work, her giggles bubbling up as her small hands splashed water with more enthusiasm than skill, sending droplets flying with each swipe. Emily watched with a soft smile, a mix of amusement and affection in her gaze.


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    As they became increasingly absorbed in their tasks, Mav shifted his attention to the table, where the village chief, Princess Chloe, and Nacht sat. A thick, uncomfortable silence filled the air as Chloe¡¯s gaze lingered on the others, who avoided eye contact.


    "Great¡­ here we go," Mav thought to himself.


    "Mind if I join?" he asked, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.


    "Go ahead," Nacht replied, glancing up briefly.


    Mav pulled out a chair, the wooden legs scraping lightly against the floor as he sat down, dusting the surface with his hand before settling in.


    "Mav," Princess Chloe said, breaking the silence. "Let¡¯s finish this." She opened her item box, and a small pouch appeared out of thin air, landing on the table with a solid thump.


    "Here¡¯s your reward¡ª500 gold coins. Feel free to count it if you''d like."


    "500 gold coins?!" the village chief and Nacht exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with disbelief.


    Mav scratched his head awkwardly. "Yeah, I had the same reaction," he admitted with a sheepish grin. "I even told the king it was too much."


    "It¡¯s nothing compared to what you did for my sister," Chloe said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.


    "She really is her father¡¯s daughter," Mav thought, suppressing a smile.


    "Now that you¡¯ve received your reward, it¡¯s time for us to leave," Chloe added. "We¡¯ve already imposed enough on your family."


    "As I thought, my cooking isn¡¯t good enough for royalty," a voice said from behind, clearly amused.


    "That¡¯s not true at all! I can practically taste the stew from here! It smells even better than what our chefs make!" Adelfi chimed in, her voice bright and eager.


    Chloe let out a reluctant sigh, shaking her head. "Alright, you win. We¡¯ll stay for one meal¡ªbut only one. Then we really must go," she said, casting a glance at her sister.


    Emily and Adelfi exchanged a quick, triumphant grin before giving each other a playful high-five.


    "Not even a few hours after their first meeting, and they¡¯re already acting like mother and child," Mav thought, stifling a chuckle.


    <hr>


    "Thank you again for the meal, Mrs. Rose. It was delicious," Chloe said later, standing just outside the house with her sister by her side.


    "Thank you, Princess, but you can just call me Emily," she replied.


    "Alright. Then you can call me Chloe."


    "And me Adelfi!" the younger princess added, beaming.


    "If you say so, Chloe, Adelfi. You¡¯re welcome here anytime. Just let me know if you¡¯re ever craving my cooking again."


    Chloe nodded slightly, then turned to Mav. "Mav, I¡¯ll never forget what you¡¯ve done for my sister. Don¡¯t hesitate to ask if you ever need my help," she said, extending her hand.


    Mav shook it firmly. "I won¡¯t, Your Highness."


    "You can just call me Chloe too," she said with a smile.


    "Alright, Chloe."


    As the royal carriage began to roll away, Mav''s mind drifted back to the events of the day. The sudden commotion and the visitors had pushed everything else aside, but now that the excitement was gone, his thoughts returned to a single name.


    "Kastanos."


    Nacht¡¯s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "250 gold coins, huh? What are we even going to do with this?"


    Mav had already handed over most of his reward to his parents, insisting they handle it. They had resisted at first, saying it was his money, but eventually relented when he suggested splitting it between them. He only needed a small portion for mana potions, after all.


    "Well, for starters," Mav began, "how about we prepare a big feast tomorrow night? Chief, think you can manage that?"


    The chief chuckled, shaking his head. "You¡¯ve really grown up. Feels like just yesterday we were having a feast to celebrate your birth, and now here you are organizing one."


    "Please, Chief, don¡¯t say that," Emily said, as she playfully wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "You¡¯ll make me cry."


    The laughter filled the air around them, but Mav barely registered it. The soft afternoon sun bathed the vegetable garden in a golden glow, the light filtering through the leaves like a warm embrace. Yet, no matter how peaceful it seemed, his mind was elsewhere, focused on one burning thought.


    "I need to get stronger."

 Chapter 59 - Xiros Desert [Start of Arc 3]

    Mav stood atop a hill, his feet sinking into the soft, brown sand. The heat radiated through his clothes, drenching his body in sweat. The yellow cloth wrapped tightly around his head did little to help¡ªit only trapped the heat, making it feel even more unbearable.


    This makeshift disguise, a simple band of cloth hurriedly tied around his head, was a temporary solution. He planned to commission a tailor for something more practical, and perhaps adopt a new name to go along with this new persona.


    A short distance away lay a vast, hollow pit¡ªan unnatural break in the endless desert. Inside, black critters crawled up and down the sandy walls like shadows, their frantic scuttling breaking the stillness of the desert around him, sending a chill down his spine.


    "Ugh," he muttered, shivering slightly.


    Shaking off the unease, he took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand: leveling up his most destructive skill, Dark Red Nuke. He hadn¡¯t originally planned on doing it here, but the pit of Sand Scorpions had caught his attention¡ªa perfect target for leveling up his skill. He scanned the horizon to ensure no one was nearby, then retrieved a low-tier mana potion from his item box, downing it in one gulp.


    "Dark Red Nuke," he commanded.


    A massive explosion ripped through the pit, the force sending shockwaves that even reached the hill where he stood, forcing him to crouch for balance. Dust and sand billowed into the air, swirling before the wind gradually dispersed it.


    When the dust settled, the crater had nearly doubled in size. Small spires of sand jutted out at odd angles, some crystallized from the heat of the blast. The once-living creatures were now silent, their scurrying forms obliterated. He exhaled in satisfaction, his tense shoulders relaxing as a strange calmness settled over him, though his eyes gleamed with a faint, unsettling pleasure.


    Sand Scorpion Core x56 Obtained.


    Sand Scorpion Shell x56 Obtained.


    "That was oddly satisfying," he said, a grin spreading across his face.


    Suddenly, the ground shifted beneath him. The sand began to slide, pulling him toward the pit. He instinctively leaned back to avoid falling, but the movement sent him tumbling onto the soft sand.


    "Oh crap," he muttered, scrambling to his feet.


    The hill was collapsing, the sand funneling into the crater he had created. He clawed at the ground, kicking his legs to find traction, but it was no use¡ªthe shifting sands dragged him down further.


    "I have no choice. Dark Yellow Transcendence!" he shouted.


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    Power surged through his legs as he burrowed his feet deep into the sand, then launched himself upward. He soared over the crumbling hill and landed smoothly on firmer ground, running a few steps before slowing to a stop. Once he was certain the sand beneath him was stable, he deactivated the skill.


    "That was close," he sighed, the thought of suffocating under the sand sending a shiver down his spine.


    He glanced around, feeling the gritty sand cling to his sweat-drenched skin like a second layer, a constant reminder of the relentless heat. The desert stretched out in every direction, an endless expanse of hills and plains that felt suffocating in their isolation. The sun blazed mercilessly overhead, its light reflecting off the sand and forcing him to squint against the glare. The air shimmered with heat waves, distorting the horizon like a mirage. In the distance, shadows moved¡ªcreatures stirring restlessly, and high above, others circled ominously, their presence adding to his unease.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to hit my level cap and get out of here,¡± he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    He had heard of this place¡ªXiros Desert¡ªafter consulting Mina. It was teeming with creatures from the book Daimoniki II. Though he had initially intended to head straight to Pyknos Forest, he realized it was still too dangerous. This desert would serve as a safer, albeit unpleasant, training ground.


    This was his third day here. Organos had told him to wait a few days before meeting the Red Flame Guild leader, who was occupied with other matters. Mav figured he might as well use the time to grind and strengthen his skills. Each day, he carried two high-tier and two low-tier mana potions¡ªenough for a few hours of relentless training in the scorching heat.


    Once his skill had finished its cooldown, he retrieved a high-tier mana potion to replenish his nearly depleted reserves.


    He cast Dark Yellow Transcendence again, scanning the area for potential targets, careful to avoid where other parties of Flame Users might also be fighting.


    Once he spotted his prey, he began to move. His first step sank slightly into the sand, but by the second, he had adapted to the soft terrain. Drawing on his experience, he shifted his weight forward, and his feet barely left an impression as he picked up speed. Although the shifting dunes slowed him down compared to solid ground, it felt like skimming over water; he found a rhythm, his movements light and quick, almost as if he was gliding above the surface. The wind whipped past him, and behind, he left only a faint trail of scattered grains.


    His targets, Torpedo Vultures, were Daimoniki that hunted in packs, raining down rapid Red Fireballs with the precision and speed far surpassing that of Gatling Slugs. Their near-unstoppable assault posed a challenge, but for Mav, it was an opportunity.


    He activated Dark Green Invincibility, absorbing their barrage of Fire Balls. As his shield began to fade, he leapt into the air, his body still enhanced by Dark Yellow Transcendence. With a swift, powerful kick, he spun in a circle, striking all the vultures at once.


    Torpedo Vulture Core x6 Obtained.


    He repeated this process several times, carefully balancing the levels of his two skills to more easily keep track of their durations.


    After using three of his mana potions, he pulled out his final low-tier one, preparing to head back. His training wasn¡¯t just about leveling offensive and defensive skills; he also planned to improve Dark Blue Miracle, his healing ability. For that, he had bought another piece of cloth, this one blue, which he intended to wear the next day as part of his disguise.

 Chapter 60 - Azure

    Mav sat on a wooden chair near the counter inside Ana''s shop. The soft morning light filtered through the small window, casting long shadows across the room. Outside, the village was slowly coming to life. The distant clatter of a cart rolling over cobblestones could be heard through the window, along with the occasional murmur of villagers chatting as they passed by.


    Despite the cool remnants of the night still lingering in the air, Mav felt stuffy. He wore the brown coat Organos had lent him, its hood pulled low over his head, and a blue cloth wrapped around his face, leaving only his blue eyes visible.


    "You sure you don''t want to take that off for now? You look like you''re roasting in there," Ana commented, lazily slouched over the table in front of him.


    "And risk getting recognized if someone comes in?" Mav replied, his voice slightly muffled by the cloth.


    "Why are you even so paranoid about someone finding out about your skill?" Ana asked, tilting her head in curiosity.


    Mav shifted in his seat, leaning his elbows on his knees. "What if someone finds out and decides to use me? Or worse, kidnaps me and threatens my family or the people close to me?"


    Ana let out a sharp breath, followed by a full, hearty laugh. "You''ve been reading too many adventure tales, Mav. Stuff like that doesn¡¯t happen in real life."


    "Careful, you just set up a flag," Mav thought to himself, frowning under the cloth.


    "And another thing¡ªcall me Azure when I''m in this disguise, remember? What if you slip up?"


    "Yeah, yeah, alright, Azure." Ana emphasized the name mockingly, before chuckling again. "And your naming sense¡ª" she broke off as another fit of laughter overtook her.


    "I know, alright! Just give it a rest." Mav replied, feeling his face grow hot under the hood.


    After his encounter with Kastanos, Mav realized he needed to level up his healing ability, Dark Blue Miracle. In critical situations, it consumed too much mana to be reliable. So, the first idea that came to mind was hanging around Ana''s shop, Potions & Healing, to offer his services. His plan was simple: whenever someone came in needing healing, he would convince Ana to let him use his skill instead.


    Surprisingly, it didn¡¯t take much convincing. Ana had eagerly agreed, saying it would lighten her workload and give her more time to focus on crafting potions. At first, Mav suggested that all the earnings should go to Ana, since his only goal was to level up his skill, but she refused. After a bit of back-and-forth, they settled on a fifty-fifty split.


    Ana finally caught her breath, her laughter dying down, but her smile faded as she regarded him seriously. "You know, I never asked you before¡ªbecause you always seemed in a rush¡ªbut you were lying about being a noble''s son, weren¡¯t you?"


    Mav winced and bowed his head slightly. "Yeah, I''m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have lied about that."


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    "When did you figure it out?" he asked, glancing up.


    Ana crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. "The first time you came into my shop, actually."


    "What? That soon? How?"


    She smirked. "Well, what really gave it away was when you mentioned that you lived in Oraios Village. You let your guard down there, Mav. But even before that, I had my suspicions. If you were truly a noble''s son, you would¡¯ve threatened to shut down my shop the second I refused your request."


    "Wait¡ªseriously? I thought those stereotypes only existed in stories!" Mav exclaimed.


    Ana shook her head, smiling knowingly. "Nope, wealth and status get to people¡¯s heads all the time. It¡¯s as real as it gets."


    "I see..." Mav replied, glancing at the floor.


    "Just promise me you won¡¯t turn into one of those types when you make it big, alright Mav?" she said, a teasing glint in her eyes.


    Mav snorted. "There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll ever be as rich as a noble. And it''s Azure, remember?"


    Ana chuckled. "We¡¯ll see," she muttered under her breath.


    "What was that?" Mav asked, raising an eyebrow, but before Ana could respond, the door to the shop burst open with a loud clatter. The bell hanging above it swung violently, its ringing filling the room.


    "Is the healer here?!" a voice called urgently.


    Mav and Ana turned to see a young man standing in the doorway, his dark hair matted with sweat, his green cloak dusty. He was supporting an unconscious girl with one arm over his shoulder, her yellow cape hanging limply from her back. But what caught Mav''s attention was the long, gaping wound across her stomach, blood staining her dark clothes.


    Ana rushed over, grabbing the girl¡¯s other arm to help. "Ma¡ªAzure, grab that table, quick!"


    Mav obeyed, clearing the bottles and Daimoniki cores scattered across the long wooden table before dragging it to the center of the room.


    "Help me get her on the table!" Ana shouted, and the three of them carefully laid the girl down. Her pale skin looked even more ghostly under the harsh light, and blood continued to drip slowly from the gash.


    "What happened?" Ana asked, her voice tight with concern.


    "W-We were in the forest," the young man stammered, his face pale. "We ran into a pack of Gray Wolves. I thought we could handle them, but she... she misjudged one of their attacks. She almost had them all, but... it¡¯s my fault! I was too slow to cast my skill. I let her down," he choked, his eyes filling with tears.


    Ana placed a hand on his shoulder, speaking softly. "It¡¯s no one''s fault. Calm down. She¡¯ll be fine."


    Then she glanced at Mav. "Do it, Azure."


    "Dark Blue Miracle," he whispered quietly, his hands hovering above the girl''s wound.


    A dark blue flame enveloped her, its gentle glow spreading across her body. The gash in her stomach began to knit itself back together, the torn skin mending seamlessly as if the wound had never existed. In seconds, the injury was completely gone¡ªno scar, no blood, only the tear in her shirt remained as evidence of what had happened.


    The girl stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. The young man immediately gripped her hand tightly, tears spilling down his cheeks.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Olivia. I¡¯m so sorry," he whispered, pressing his forehead against her hand.


    Olivia smiled weakly, her voice barely a whisper. "It¡¯s not your fault, Oliver."


    But the young man said nothing more. He simply held her hand and cried, his body shaking with relief.


    After a few moments, Olivia sat up slowly with Ana¡¯s help. She ran a hand through Oliver¡¯s hair, offering him a tired smile. "See? I¡¯m okay."


    Oliver lifted his head, his eyes wide as he glanced at her stomach. "Not even a scar left..." he whispered in awe.


    He turned to Mav, his face filled with gratitude. "Thank you, sir. Thank you so much." Without warning, he rushed forward and hugged him tightly.


    "Uhh... you¡¯re welcome," Mav replied awkwardly, his arms hovering stiffly before he patted the boy''s back.


    He shot Ana a look, silently asking for guidance, but she just smirked and gave him a knowing glance, as if to say, Let him have his moment.

 Chapter 61 - Curiosities

    After a few seconds of awkward hugging, Oliver finally let go, allowing Mav to breathe a sigh of relief. Then, he turned to help his sister, Olivia, down the table where she had been sitting, with Mav stepping in to assist as well.


    "Take it easy," he said softly, his tone gentle.


    "Thank you, mister...?" Olivia asked, her voice still a little shaky from the ordeal.


    "It''s Azure," he replied with a soft smile. "And the woman over there is Ana. I''m just her assistant, so you should be thanking her, not me."


    "Thank you, Azure," Olivia said politely before turning her gaze toward Ana. "And thank you, Ms. Ana."


    "No need to thank me," Ana replied with a wave of her hand, her voice calm but firm. "Any healer would''ve done the same."


    "We''re really grateful to both of you for saving Olivia¡¯s life, but..." Oliver¡¯s voice trailed off as he glanced downward, his expression clouded with worry.


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out four silver coins. "This is all we have from selling everything we collected since yesterday. I¡¯m so sorry. I promise I¡¯ll pay you more as soon as I can. You can even hold onto my necklace as collateral. Our father said it¡¯s valuable¡ªhe bought it from another kingdom. You can keep it until I repay you."


    "Hold on a minute," Ana interrupted, raising her hand to stop Oliver from unclasping his necklace. "Just give me two of your silver coins¡ªone for me, one for my assistant. Right, Azure?" she added, glancing at him with a knowing look.


    "Uh, yeah, right," Azure replied with a puzzled look.


    "But... that¡¯s not fair for you!" Oliver protested, his eyes flicking to his sister, who had fallen silent, staring at the ground.


    Ana crossed her arms and gave Oliver a long look. "Alright, then. How about this: we¡¯ll call it even after you''ve paid ten silver coins. But right now, we¡¯ll only take two, since you won¡¯t have anything left for yourselves if we take it all today. If you¡¯re still not satisfied, tell us where you live, and my assistant will come to collect the rest later. You can even pay us in installments¡ªweekly, monthly, however you prefer. Deal?"


    Oliver hesitated, staring at the coins in his palm. "Okay," he finally agreed, though there was still a flicker of guilt in his voice. "But I still think you''re giving us too much leeway. I¡¯ll aim to pay it all in two weeks."


    "If you insist," Ana replied with a shrug.


    "I¡¯ll help too!" Olivia chimed in, her voice suddenly determined.


    "No, Olivia," Oliver said, his tone firm. "It''s too dangerous for you to go hunting again, especially after what happened."


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    "Please! Let me help! You saw earlier, right? I almost killed them all!" Olivia protested, her voice growing more intense.


    Oliver paused, looking at his sister thoughtfully. "You¡¯re right," he said at last. "I was the one who messed up." He took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging. "Alright, you can help. But we¡¯ll take another flame user with us next time, just to be safe."


    Olivia¡¯s face brightened immediately. "Thank you, Oliver."


    <hr>


    After the two siblings had left, the shop felt strangely quiet. Mav and Ana were left standing in the stillness.


    "Well," Ana said, breaking the silence, "that was certainly something. Quite a bit of chaos so early in the morning."


    Mav didn¡¯t respond right away. He just stared at Ana, his expression unreadable.


    Ana raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at me like that for?" she asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.


    "Nothing," Mav replied with a shake of his head. "I¡¯m just surprised. You treated them so differently compared to how you treated me when I tried to buy a mana potion the first time."


    Ana chuckled softly. "Are you... sulking?"


    "Not really."


    "Come on, don¡¯t be like that." She waved her hand dismissively, though her smile lingered. "I have a soft spot for beginners like them. Besides, emergency situations like that are a bit different from selling mana potions. Most of the people who come to me for potions are experienced flame users, making plenty of money. So when you showed up without enough coins, it made me suspicious. And when you claimed to be the son of a noble, well... Didn''t I tell you about my past experiences with them?


    "When you put it like that... I understand. And I lied to you, so..." Mav¡¯s voice trailed off as he scratched the back of his head.


    "Are we even now?" Ana asked, her tone teasing.


    "No," Mav replied firmly. "I was in the wrong from the start. I¡¯m sorry, Master."


    Ana let out a hearty laugh, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s all in the past now. But I didn¡¯t expect you to be so sensitive. But considering how you acted when I refused to give you that mana potion the first time¡ª"


    "Alright, that¡¯s enough!" Mav interrupted, his face turning red as he tried to stop the conversation from heading in an even more embarrassing direction.


    Ana chuckled again, clearly enjoying herself. "Alright, alright. I¡¯ll let it go." She said, sighing softly.


    "That said, I hope those two don¡¯t run into any more trouble." Mav said.


    Ana''s expression darkened slightly. "Speaking of trouble... What was up with you the other day? You ran in here, pale as a ghost and panicking. You really scared me."


    Mav hesitated, biting his lip. "I don¡¯t want to tell her everything, but I don''t want to lie to her again," he thought.


    After a moment, he finally spoke. "It¡¯s a long story, but a Daimoniki put a curse on me. I¡¯d used up all my mana and needed one of your potions to cast my skill on myself."


    Ana¡¯s eyes widened. "A Daimoniki cursed you?" She leaned in closer, her tone becoming serious. "I¡¯ve encountered curses before, but they were always random occurrences. I¡¯ve never heard of something like that, even in my time on the frontlines."


    "Yeah," Mav nodded. "I talked to the head priest about it too, and he told me to report it to the Red Flame Guild''s leader."


    "That sounds like the right move," Ana said, her brow furrowing in thought. "This could be something big."


    "You think so too?" Mav asked. "I¡¯ve already agreed to report it, but the head priest hasn¡¯t contacted me yet since. The guild leader must still be busy."


    Ana nodded. "There¡¯s nothing you can do but wait. In the meantime..." Her gaze sharpened with curiosity. "I''m more interested in that skill of yours. When you cured Princess Adelfi, I wasn¡¯t entirely sure if what she had really was a curse, but now that you¡¯ve mentioned being cursed yourself... Could you show me the description of your skill again?"


    Her eyes gleamed with curiosity, and Mav could tell she wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer.

 Chapter 62 - Opportunities

    With a resigned sigh, Mav gave in to her request. He quickly opened his status and scrolled until his focus landed on the skill Ana wanted to see:


    Skill Name: Dark Blue Miracle (Maximum) lvl. 5/120


    Description: Conjures a soothing dark blue flame that heals any injury, no matter how grievous, dispels curses, and cures any illness or disability, restoring the target to perfect health.


    Manacost: 115


    Ana¡¯s eyes darted across the description as she read it rapidly, her expression shifting between disbelief and confusion. She blinked, pulled back for a moment, staring at the ceiling as if searching for answers.


    "This can¡¯t be right," she muttered, shaking her head before leaning back in to read it again, this time more slowly, as if the words would change under scrutiny.


    "Mav," she said after a long pause, her voice filled with wonder, "this skill... it''s far more powerful than I originally thought. It¡¯s... unreal."


    She turned to him, her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and fear.


    "Something like this shouldn¡¯t exist. It¡¯s impossible! But I¡¯m seeing it with my own eyes."


    She hesitated, guilt flashing across her face. "I owe you an apology, Mav. When you first told me about it, I brushed you off. I didn¡¯t take you seriously. But this... this could revolutionize healing as we know it."


    She paused, her brow furrowing in concern. "If the wrong people found out about this skill, they¡¯d do anything to control you. You were right to keep it hidden."


    Mav¡¯s stomach churned at her words, an icy tendril of fear wrapping around his chest. The truth of what she said weighed heavily¡ªpower like his was both a blessing and a curse. His throat tightened, and he barely managed a reply. "R-Really?"


    "Absolutely," Ana nodded firmly. "Who else knows about this?"


    Mav glanced up, thinking carefully. "My parents, the village chief, Head Priest Organos, the King, and maybe the royal family. And you," he added, his voice lowering slightly.


    "Kastanos saw me use it once, but I don¡¯t think he realized what it really was. He assumed it was just an advanced healing skill," he thought.


    Ana considered his words, her face thoughtful. "Hmmm... what do you think about telling our guild leader? The head of the Blue Flame Guild?"


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    Mav frowned, uneasy. "I¡¯m not sure... I don¡¯t want to spread this around too much. Can we trust her?"


    Ana smiled softly. "Yes. She''s the kindest, most selfless, most trustworthy, person I know. If she knew about this, she¡¯d be ecstatic. You¡¯d have nothing to worry about with her."


    Mav hesitated, weighing his options. "I¡¯ll think about it," he finally said, his voice cautious.


    "Fair enough," Ana replied, though her tone remained hopeful. "But what about joining our guild as a start? You could officially become my assistant, and I could help you get a healing license. You¡¯d be able to take on commissions and earn a little extra income. Plus, you could level up that skill while getting paid. Two birds with one stone, right?"


    Mav sat down, resting his chin in his hand, considering the offer. "That¡¯s... not a bad idea."


    Ana¡¯s face lit up, a grin stretching across her lips. "See? I knew you¡¯d come around."


    "But..." Mav''s voice turned doubtful, "don¡¯t guilds check affinities before they let people join? If they see my Blue Flame affinity, they¡¯ll just laugh at me."


    Ana let out a smug chuckle, crossing her arms and puffing up her chest. "Tsk, tsk. My dear assistant, have you forgotten who I am? I¡¯m the second-best healer in the guild. And, in case you missed it, I¡¯m close friends with the guild leader. Convincing her would be a walk in the park. Just leave it to me."


    Mav sighed, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Alright, you¡¯ve convinced me. But you''re not hiding anything, right? No ulterior motives here?" He squinted, his tone half-joking.


    Ana laughed heartily. "Not at all! Although, being the master of a future legend wouldn¡¯t be too shabby, would it?"


    Mav rolled his eyes, a chuckle escaping him. "Alright, alright. Just let me know when we start."


    "I¡¯ll make some preparations and let you know when everything''s ready. Oh, and feel free to bring that costume again, Azure," she teased, reaching out her hand.


    Mav shook her hand, nodding. "I''ll be waiting, master."


    Ana¡¯s expression softened as her curiosity returned. "I¡¯m still fascinated by your skill. How did you even acquire something like this? Our leader, with her maximum Blue Flame affinity, only has Blue Heal and Blue Creation."


    Mav hesitated, unsure how much to share, but after a moment, he sighed. "Alright, I''ll explain."


    He raised his hand, and in a low voice, and said, "Dark Ascension."


    The familiar black flames surged from his palm, their eerie glow casting flickering shadows across the room. The sudden appearance of the flames made Ana jump back, bumping into the counter behind her.


    "W-What is that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "It¡¯s a skill I gained from my affinity with the Dark Flame," Mav said calmly. "Haven¡¯t you heard of it?"


    "I¡¯ve heard of it, yes, but I¡¯ve never seen it in person. That color... it¡¯s mesmerizing," Ana replied, still staring at it.


    Mav clenched his fist, and the flames vanished as quickly as they¡¯d come. "For now, all you need to know is that I combined it with Blue Heal, and that¡¯s how Dark Blue Miracle was created."


    Ana blinked, stunned. "It¡¯s really that simple? For such an incredible skill?"


    Mav nodded, though his expression darkened slightly. "Simple, yes. But the process... well, it comes with a cost." He didn¡¯t mention the excruciating pain that followed every time he used it.


    "And you¡¯ve only tested it on yourself?" Ana asked, stepping forward again.


    "Mostly, yes. Though I did use it on the Head Priest, Organos during a test. But he wasn¡¯t using any flame skills at the time."


    Ana turned away, pacing behind the counter for a moment before stopping in front of some empty bottles. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes filled with a sudden intensity. "Can you try using it on me?"


    Mav froze. "Come again?" His heart skipped a beat.


    "I want you to use it on me while I¡¯m casting Blue Creation," Ana repeated, her voice steady.


    Mav stared at her, taken aback. "Are you serious? What if something goes wrong? Don¡¯t blame me if this backfires."


    "I won¡¯t. Just do it," Ana insisted, stepping forward confidently.


    Mav shook his head, but a flicker of curiosity lit his eyes. "Alright then. Prepare to cast your skill."

 Chapter 63 - A New Skill

    "First, let me grab some materials. I don''t want to waste my mana," Ana said.


    She crouched under the table, and after a few seconds of clinking glass sounds, she placed an empty bottle on the table. Then, she grabbed a small wooden bowl, inside, a thick, solid piece of wood. Opening her item box, she pulled out a small blue crystal¡ªa Daimoniki core, Mav assumed. She wrapped the core in cloth, placed it on the table, and picked up the thick wood from the bowl. With a swift, practiced motion, she smashed the wrapped core hard, the sharp sound of impact echoing through the room. The core shattered into shards. Without hesitation, she dumped the fragments into the bowl and began grinding them further with the wood. After a few minutes, the once solid crystal was now a fine blue powder.


    She reached for a cone-shaped piece of paper and carefully positioned it into the neck of the empty bottle. She poured the powder into the funnel, tapping the paper to make sure none of the dust remained. Then, she grabbed another container filled with clear liquid¡ªwater, Mav presumed¡ªand slowly added it to the bottle. As the water and powder mixed, the liquid took on a shimmering blue hue, swirling like juice, though the metallic smell that rose from it was far from appetizing.


    "You ready?" Ana asked, her hands hovering over the bottle.


    "Yes, go ahead. You can cast your skill, and I''ll follow with mine," Mav replied.


    "Alright. Here we go¡ªBlue Creation," Ana said.


    A soft blue flame flickered to life inside the bottle, its tendrils licking the glass. The flame''s glow intensified, refracting through the curved surface of the bottle and casting an ethereal blue light around the room. A low crackling sound filled the air, the kind that reminded Mav of a fire slowly consuming wood. The brightness of the flame captured his attention completely.


    He stared in awe, mesmerized by the dance of light. He nearly forgot his own role in the process until Ana gently nudged him with a smile, clearly proud of the effect her skill had on him.


    "Dark Ascension," Mav whispered, snapping back to reality.


    A surge of darkness enveloped the blue flames, smothering their light in a blanket of shadows. The dark flames twisted and curled around the blue, as if they were embracing one another. As the flames melded together, a notification flashed before Mav''s eyes:


    Different Flame Type Detected.


    Detecting Flame Type...


    Blue Flame Detected.


    A sense of nostalgia washed over Mav. "How familiar," he thought. But then, a thought crossed his mind, and his eyes widened with surprise. "Wait... could it actually work on someone else?" His heart raced as he glanced at Ana. But his reverie was quickly interrupted by another message.


    Error. Unable to Use Dark Ascension.


    Maximum Affinity Required For At Least One Flame on Ascension Target.


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    Mav''s brow furrowed in confusion. "What?" he thought, scanning the message again to make sure he hadn''t misread it. The words finally sank in.


    "I see... So, for the ascension to work, the flame has to have a maximum affinity," he murmured. "But then why did it work on me when I only had basic affinities?" His mind raced, piecing together the logic. "Wait... my Dark Flame does have maximum affinity. So, maybe one of the flames involved must need to be at maximum for it to succeed?"


    "Master, what¡¯s your affinity with the Dark Flame?" Mav asked, glancing at Ana.


    "Hmmm, zero, I think?" Ana replied, her hands still hovering over the glowing bottle.


    Mav nodded to himself. "I was right, then," he thought. Just as he was about to cancel his skill, another notification popped up.


    New Skill: Dark Rewrite Obtained.


    Unable to Use Dark Rewrite. Insufficient Level.


    Current Level: 191. Required Level: 300.


    Mav''s eyes widened. "A new skill? Dark Rewrite? Rewrite... But what could it rewrite? Don''t tell me... Flame affinities?" His heart raced at the thought. "If that¡¯s true... If I can really manipulate affinities... Then we might actually stand a chance against that monster. But first, I¡¯ll need to reach the required level."


    He looked up at Ana and spoke, "I''m sorry, Master, it didn¡¯t work this time."


    Ana gave a light shrug. "That¡¯s fine. At least I didn¡¯t waste any mana." She smiled, lifting the newly created mana potion, its faint blue glow still pulsing.


    Mav smiled back. "But don¡¯t lose hope. I just need to level up a bit more. Once I do, we might still be able to make it work. Just keep this between us, alright?"


    Ana gave him a reassuring nod. "Of course. You can trust me, Mav. I¡¯ve told you that before."


    "Yeah, I know." He said, smiling. "By the way, do you know of anyone else, aside from your guild leader, who has maximum affinity with a flame?" he asked.


    Ana tapped her chin in thought. "Well, all the guild leaders have maximum affinity with their guild¡¯s flame," she said.


    Her lips curled into a playful smile. "You said you¡¯re going to meet with the Red Flame Guild leader, right?"


    "Yeah. Why?" Mav asked, sensing something in her tone.


    "Ask him to show you his affinities when you meet," Ana said, her smile widening.


    Mav raised an eyebrow. "Why?"


    "You''ll see. I don¡¯t want to ruin the surprise," she teased.


    "Alright, if you say so." Mav said, deciding to let it go for now.


    Ana glanced at the clock, her stomach growling softly. "It¡¯s almost noon. I bet you''re hungry by now¡ªI know I am. Why don¡¯t you grab us some grilled meat? My treat."


    Mav grinned. "You know, my view of you has really changed today, master. I thought you were just some stingy lady, but turns out you''re actually pretty generous."


    Ana rolled her eyes and gave him a light punch on the arm. "Oh, shut up before I change my mind."


    Mav laughed and pocketed the money she handed him. He bought two portions of grilled meat from a street vendor, remembering with a pang of guilt that he had promised to buy something from this vendor on his second visit to the capital. His guilt didn¡¯t last long, though, as the smell of the grilled meat quickly took over.


    When he returned, Ana had already set out plates and utensils. They ate in comfortable silence, and when they finished, Mav offered to wash the dishes. Ana, unsurprisingly, accepted without hesitation, joking about how convenient it was to have an assistant.


    As Mav finished drying the last dish, he leaned back against the counter, watching Ana work on potions again. "How often do people come here for healing like they did earlier?" he asked.


    Ana didn¡¯t look up from her work as she answered. "Not very often. Maybe once a week. Sometimes people come with minor illnesses, mostly the wealthy ones. I usually refer them to other Blue Flame users with lower affinities¡ªthey can handle the smaller issues, and it helps them with their own business. But the serious cases, like the one earlier? Those, I deal with personally."


    Mav frowned. "So just hanging out here won¡¯t help me level up my skills faster?"


    "Probably not," Ana said with a smirk. "But since you offered to help, I¡¯m not going to say no¡ªit makes my life easier." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "But... I think I know a place where you could level up faster."


    Mav paused his work, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Where?"

 Chapter 64 - A Chance To Fight Back

    Mav paused his work, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Where?"


    Ana grew quiet for a moment before replying softly, "The slums."


    "The slums... of course," Mav thought.


    His mind wandered to the image of narrow alleys lined with crumbling buildings, children playing in the dirt, and the sick huddled in corners. The scent of damp and decay filled his imagination. He hadn¡¯t been there yet, but the mere mention of the slums conjured a vivid picture in his mind.


    "So there¡¯s a place like that even in this world..."


    "There are probably a lot of people there," Ana continued, her usual cheerful tone replaced with a more somber one. "Some with illnesses, people who need healing but can¡¯t afford it." Her shoulders sagged, and her cheerful expression dimmed. Mav noticed the way her fingers tightened slightly around the potion bottles.


    He just nodded, understanding the weight behind her words.


    "I know what you¡¯re thinking, Mav," Ana said with a sigh. "But as healers, we have to prioritize. And right now, our priority is to survive. If only resources were cheap and easy to come by... Maybe someday, when the threat of the Daimoniki is gone..." Her voice trailed off, and her gaze drifted to the floor.


    "I understand..." Mav replied, though there was a hint of frustration in his tone.


    "But Mav," Ana continued, leaning forward as if to draw him closer, "maybe you can do something. It would be slow with your skill¡¯s mana cost, but if you could help them little by little, it would definitely add up. Every bit counts."


    "You''re right..." Mav agreed, the fire in his heart reigniting.


    "If only we had the leader''s artifact..." Ana added.


    "Artifact?" Mav¡¯s interest was immediately piqued. "Now that''s a word I haven¡¯t heard in a while."


    "Artifact?" Mav repeated, turning fully to face her. He had already finished washing the last of the dishes and was now drying his hands on a clean cloth. He walked over to the counter, sitting across from Ana, who was still engrossed in potion-making.


    "You¡¯ve never heard about artifacts?" Ana looked up at him in surprise.


    "Nope, not once," Mav replied, intrigued.


    "Atleast not since I''ve arrived here."


    "Let me explain then." Ana''s eyes brightened, her voice taking on a lively tone. "Artifacts are powerful items worn by some flame users to enhance their skills. I say some because we only have a few of them. For example, our guild leader has an artifact called the Scarf of Echoing Veil. It allows her to cast Blue Heal or Blue Creation on multiple targets within a certain radius, all at the same mana cost as healing one person. The only known artifact users for now are the guild leaders of each flame. I think they¡¯re passed down from one leader to the next. As for where the original artifacts came from? No one knows. Maybe you¡¯ll find out someday. You should ask the guild leaders whenever you meet them."


    "That sounds... powerful," Mav murmured, trying to process the implications. "I need to find more information. I need to find out where they come from, and how I can use them to stop the Daimoniki."


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    "If we have weapons like that..." Mav''s mind raced, the gears turning rapidly. "And if I can convince all the guild leaders to let me cast Dark Ascension on them, and if I can reach level 300 to unlock Dark Rewrite... And if I find enough people willing to be able to cast it on... We might actually stand a chance against the Daimoniki, even against the likes of Kastanos and Maimou."


    His pulse quickened at the thought.


    "Thank you, Master," Mav said, leaning closer and grabbing Ana¡¯s hands. "You¡¯ve been helping me so much. Not just with the mana potions and leveling up my skills, but with all this valuable information. Please let me know if you have any other important information like this!"


    Ana laughed softly. "Calm down, Mav! You¡¯re gonna knock something over."


    Mav flushed, quickly letting go of her hands. "Right... sorry!" He scratched his head, grinning awkwardly.


    "Anyway, these are just common facts," Ana said, still chuckling. "And you''ve been helping me too, more than you know. In just a few days, you¡¯ve earned me much more than a decent profit. Not to mention, I¡¯ve been working you hard, so consider this my way of repaying you."


    Mav beamed at her. "But you¡¯ve already done so much."


    "Just don¡¯t abandon me when you become a big shot, alright?" Ana teased, winking.


    "Master..."


    "And I assume you¡¯re planning to go to the slums, right?" Ana reached behind the counter, pulling out a bundle of small bottles filled with red liquid. "Take these. These healing potions can treat up to intermediate-level wounds and diseases. They''re not in high demand because most flame users bring healers with them during their expeditions, but these healing potions might be useful for some of the people in the slums who can¡¯t afford treatment, especially those with illnesses that need immediate attention. As for the mana potions, I''ve already said I can only sell you two per day. I need to reserve the rest for other flame users too. I¡¯m the only healer in the kingdom who can make potions of this level, so if I sell them all to you, I¡¯ll run out for everyone else."


    "I understand," Mav replied, taking the potions and placing them carefully into his item box.


    "But if I can only buy two potions a day, that¡¯s going to slow my leveling up by a lot. Maybe I can find other high-level healers in other kingdoms? Problem is, I have no idea how to reach them, even if I could run there fast enough. Maybe I¡¯ll ask Mina some other time," Mav thought.


    "But you¡¯re being too kind. I''ll definitely pay you back for all of these. If you want, I can be your assistant forever! I can even live with you and help with household chores!" Mav said.


    Ana burst out laughing. "You¡¯re too young to ask to live with a woman, Mav!"


    "I-I didn¡¯t mean it like that!" Mav stammered, his cheeks reddening.


    Ana laughed again, her voice full of amusement.


    "Anyway, I¡¯ll stay here for a bit longer. If no one comes for healing, I¡¯ll head to the slums," Mav said.


    "Good plan," Ana replied. "Why don¡¯t you clean up the place while you wait?"


    "Anything for you, Master!" Mav said, standing up and giving her a mock salute.


    Ana shook her head, smiling. "I¡¯m just kidding! Sit down and relax. I¡¯ll make you some tea and bring out some snacks."


    "I can¡¯t let you do that!"


    "Hush," Ana said, waving him off. "Just sit there and enjoy."


    "Alright, if you insist," Mav said, settling back down.


    <hr>


    Ana and Mav spent the next hour chatting. She spoke about potion-making, her experiences on the frontlines, and the challenges of healing in battle. Mav listened intently, savoring the tea she had prepared and the biscuits she served alongside it. The warmth of the moment calmed him, but after some time, he decided it was time to head to the slums.


    "You¡¯re leaving already?" Ana asked.


    "Yeah, I¡¯ve been here long enough. Thanks again for everything, Master," Mav said, heading toward the door.


    "Wait!" Ana called out, making him pause. "Are you planning to go there alone?"


    "Yeah, why?" Mav asked, turning back.


    "I don¡¯t know what you think the slums are like, but going there on your own is dangerous. Wait here a minute. I know someone who can accompany you."


    "Why is she so worried?" Mav wondered. "Doesn¡¯t she know about my skills?" Then he remembered. "Oh, right. I only showed her Dark Blue Miracle. That¡¯s the only one she was curious about anyway."


    "Alright," Mav replied. "But who is this person?"


    "You¡¯ll see. She comes by every day around this time to buy potions. She¡¯ll be here any minute now," Ana assured him.


    Mav nodded and waited, curiosity building.

 Chapter 65 - Martial Arts

    "Alright, but who is it?" Mav asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "You¡¯ll see. Just wait a bit. She comes here around the same time every day to buy potions. She should be here any minute now," Ana replied with a knowing smile.


    Mav nodded but frowned slightly. "Alright, but should I tell her my real identity?"


    Ana shrugged. "That¡¯s up to you. She¡¯s definitely trustworthy though. In fact, she¡¯s so straightforward, I don¡¯t think she¡¯d care. She''s a bit of a musclehead, you see? All she really focuses on is fighting, especially martial arts."


    Mav¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. "Martial... what?"


    Ana chuckled softly. "Martial arts. Haven¡¯t you heard of it?"


    "What? They have martial arts here? How?" Mav thought.


    Ana sighed, shaking her head. "You really don¡¯t know much about the world, do you, Mav? But I suppose I can¡¯t blame you. You probably haven¡¯t been anywhere outside your village much. Let me explain. The girl you¡¯re about to meet comes from the Lee Clan. Their founder is said to have introduced martial arts to our world. It¡¯s a fighting style known for its effectiveness in close combat, specially when combined with the Yellow Flame. No one knows how or where the founder learned it, though."


    Mav¡¯s thoughts raced as he stared at her in disbelief. "There¡¯s no way¡­ it¡¯s that Lee, right?"


    "Interesting," he said, trying to mask his surprise. "And this girl, you said she¡¯s from that clan? Do you think she¡¯d be willing to teach me this martial arts?"


    Ana burst into laughter. "What? You? Why would you need to learn that? Aren¡¯t you content being the best healer around? Do you want to fight too?"


    Mav¡¯s thoughts flashed back to his battle with Kastanos. He remembered how easily Kastanos dodged all his attacks, despite his enhanced speed. He hadn¡¯t even forced him to move from one spot until the final barrage of strikes.


    "If I¡¯d known martial arts, how differently would that fight have gone?" he mused silently. "Swinging wildly won¡¯t help me next time. I got lucky. I need to learn how to properly fight."


    His voice grew firm as he looked at Ana. "I¡¯m serious. Do you think she¡¯d be willing to teach me?"


    Ana studied his expression for a moment. The seriousness in his tone was clear, even with his face covered. "I think so. You¡¯ll have to ask her yourself, but I don¡¯t think she¡¯d turn you down. Someone who¡¯s as passionate about martial arts as she is would jump at the chance to teach someone with your kind of determination."


    Mav felt a spark of hope. "That¡¯s reassuring. I¡¯ll ask her when she gets here."


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    Just as Ana had predicted, a few minutes later the door swung open with a jingle, allowing a gust of warm air to sweep into the shop. Mav immediately sensed a powerful presence as the figure entered. She wore a yellow cape that fluttered with her movements, perfectly complementing her blonde hair, which was tightly braided down her back. Sunlight poured in from the open doorway, illuminating her like a radiant beacon. Her tanned skin hinted at long hours spent training under the sun, while the defined muscles on her forearms were evidence of rigorous physical conditioning.


    Mav''s eyes narrowed as recognition struck him. "Wait¡­ I know her. She was the one I saw talking to master the other day."


    "Ms. Ana, the usual, please! Oh, and do you still have any of those biscuits left? The ones you gave me the other day were so good," the girl asked brightly, her voice full of energy.


    "Lia! Right on time, as always," Ana replied, grabbing two blue-colored bottles from a nearby shelf and handing them over. "About the biscuits, though, they¡¯ve been out for a while, so they might not be as crunchy."


    Lia waved it off with a grin. "No problem! As long as they still taste good." She plopped down in the seat Mav had just vacated and immediately snatched up the leftover biscuits on his plate, chomping away without hesitation.


    "Whose tea is this?" she asked, pointing to Mav¡¯s half-finished cup.


    "It¡¯s mine, but you can have it," Mav offered.


    Lia glanced at him briefly, sizing him up. "Weird outfit you¡¯ve got there, mister, but thanks!" She raised the cup and downed the rest in one swift motion.


    "Lia, how many times do I have to tell you? You¡¯re a girl; show some manners!" Ana scolded, though her voice carried an affectionate tone. She turned around, but before she could even brew a fresh cup, Lia had finished the tea.


    Ana sighed, clearly exasperated. "What am I going to do with you?"


    In less than five seconds, both the plate of biscuits and the cup were empty. Lia was already licking her fingers clean, her eyes sparkling with delight. "That was so good! Seriously, those biscuits are amazing."


    "Here¡¯s the payment for the mana potions," Lia said, placing a small bag of coins on the counter, "and some extra for the snacks!"


    As she turned to leave, Ana called out, "Lia, wait!"


    Lia paused, spinning on her heel. "What is it? Didn¡¯t I tell you not to give away snacks for free? You¡¯ll run out of business!"


    Ana chuckled softly, glancing over at Mav before responding. "I doubt I¡¯ll be running out of business anytime soon."


    Mav smiled awkwardly, feeling the weight of her unspoken words.


    "Anyway, I wanted to ask you for a favor," Ana continued.


    Lia''s eyes lit up with curiosity. "Sure, anything for you¡­ and your homemade snacks!"


    Mav¡¯s mind whirled. "Homemade? She doesn¡¯t even like doing chores, yet she makes homemade snacks? She¡¯s more mysterious than I thought."


    Ana smiled wryly. "I just need you to accompany my friend here. He¡¯s heading to the slums, and I don¡¯t think it¡¯s safe for him to go alone."


    "The slums? What¡¯s he doing there?" Lia looked Mav up and down, her gaze lingering on his unusual attire. "He doesn¡¯t really look like someone who belongs in a place like that. I mean, his clothes look pretty expensive, despite being¡­ odd."


    Ana shot Mav a questioning look, silently asking for permission to explain. Mav nodded in response.


    "He¡¯s trying to increase the level of his healing skill," Ana said. "But he can¡¯t go to the front lines yet since he doesn¡¯t have a guild. So, we thought it would be a good idea for him to help out in the slums. The people there could benefit from his healing too, especially since they can¡¯t usually afford it."


    Lia turned her gaze to Mav, her expression softening. "You¡¯re doing this for free?"


    Mav nodded. "Yes."


    A grin spread across Lia¡¯s face. "You¡¯re a good guy, mister."


    Mav extended his hand. "Thanks, but I think we¡¯re around the same age. You don¡¯t have to call me ''mister.'' Just Mav is fine."


    Ana shot him a glance, which only meant: "So you¡¯re really revealing your identity to her, huh?"


    Lia shook his hand firmly, a playful smirk on her face. "Nice to meet you, Mav. I¡¯m Lia Lee."


    "Ow!" Mav yelped, quickly withdrawing his hand.


    Lia burst out laughing. "Sorry! It¡¯s just a little trick I like to play when I shake hands. People¡¯s reactions are always priceless."


    As she wiped a tear from her eye, Mav sighed inwardly. "This girl is going to be a handful."

 Chapter 66 - The Slums

    ¡°Come on, we should be going now,¡± Lia said, adjusting the strap of her satchel over her shoulder.


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Ana called out. She tossed a piece of blue fabric toward Mav. He caught it by the edges, and as it unfolded in his hands, its true shape revealed itself¡ªa cape, rectangular and slightly worn.


    ¡°It¡¯s my old cape. You can have it,¡± Ana explained. ¡°It¡¯ll make you less suspicious. People are less likely to mess with someone wearing a guild emblem¡ªespecially not the Blue Flame Guild, which is held in high regard by most kingdoms. And with another Flame user by your side, they¡¯ll think twice before causing trouble.¡±


    Mav held the cape up, the deep blue hue almost matching Ana¡¯s current one, though this one was darker and smaller, showing signs of age. ¡°Whose cape is this?¡± he asked, running his fingers along the frayed edges.


    ¡°It was mine,¡± Ana replied with a smile. ¡°I wore it when I was your age. Go on, try it on.¡±


    Mav flapped the fabric a few times, releasing a cloud of dust that danced in the sunlight. The faint musty smell of old cloth filled the air. He draped it over his shoulders and tied the cords around his neck.


    ¡°Brings back memories,¡± Ana mused, her eyes softening as she looked at him. ¡°It suits you perfectly.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t wearing this be illegal?¡± Mav asked.


    Ana waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Maybe? Sure, some criminals fake guild affiliations, but don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not like anyone¡¯s going to find out.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not reassuring at all,¡± Mav said, shooting an uneasy glance at Lia.


    ¡°Hey, why are you looking at me like that? I¡¯m no snitch!¡± Lia huffed, crossing her arms.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Mav sighed, adjusting the cape around his shoulders.


    ¡°Now, you two better get going,¡± Ana said.


    After thanking her and saying their goodbyes, Mav and Lia began walking down the bustling street toward their destination. They hadn¡¯t gone far when the savory scent of grilled meat hit them like a wave, causing Lia to halt in her tracks.


    She sniffed the air eagerly. ¡°Mmm, smells amazing!¡± Before Mav could react, she had already detoured toward a street vendor, her eyes gleaming as she ordered several skewers.


    Mav didn''t protest, figuring he owed her for sticking around to help him. Besides, he had a feeling that staying on her good side might be beneficial if he wanted to ask for training later on.


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    ¡°Want some?¡± Lia offered through a mouthful of meat, holding out three skewers dripping with sauce in her other hand.


    ¡°No, but thanks,¡± Mav said, shaking his head. He stared at the sheer volume of food she was devouring, amazed that someone her size could eat so much. ¡°Won¡¯t eating that much upset your stomach?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Lia replied with a grin, still chewing. ¡°My stomach¡¯s tougher than you think. This is nothing. You should see how much I eat at lunch.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± Mav muttered, instinctively holding his own stomach.


    Lia giggled, taking another bite. ¡°Suit yourself!¡±


    ¡°You know, you really shouldn¡¯t talk with your mouth full. And you probably shouldn¡¯t be eating while walking either,¡± Mav scolded, eyebrows furrowing.


    Lia rolled her eyes. ¡°Great, another nag! I get enough of that from my father and Ms. An¡ª¡± Her words were cut off by a sudden cough, causing her to choke mid-sentence.


    Mav sighed, his expression a mix of concern and exasperation. ¡°I told you. Are you okay?¡±


    Still coughing, Lia raised a shaky thumbs-up, her eyes watering as she struggled to breathe.


    <hr>


    They continued walking, the heat of the day easing as clouds began to blanket the sun. Mav''s legs ached, and beads of sweat clung to his skin, but he was thankful the sun wasn''t at full blaze anymore. Otherwise, he might¡¯ve fainted from exhaustion. As they left the busy streets behind, the smells of food faded, and the crowd thinned. The cobblestones beneath their feet grew more uneven, and the pristine buildings gave way to ones that looked worn and neglected.


    Glancing over his shoulder, Mav noticed the distant silhouette of the castle shrinking behind them, almost out of sight.


    ¡°Is this your first time here?¡± Lia asked, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Yeah. Have you been here before?¡± Mav responded.


    ¡°Yep. I¡¯ve chased a few thieves through these streets before. I don¡¯t really like fighting non-flame users, though. I have to hold back a lot, otherwise, I might accidentally kill them,¡± Lia said, her voice casual, though the implication was anything but.


    Mav swallowed hard. ¡°I-I see.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Lia continued, casting a sideways glance at him. ¡°What¡¯s with the weird getup?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just to hide my face. I don¡¯t want to be recognized.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± She paused. ¡°Should I call you something else, then?¡±


    Mav was surprised by her reasonable suggestion. ¡°Call me Azure when we¡¯re in front of others.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Azure,¡± Lia agreed with a playful wink.


    The further they walked, the more rundown the surroundings became. The buildings were crumbling, some with barely any walls left standing, their dirty surfaces covered in cracks. Ragged figures loitered in the shadows, their eyes hollow, while others glared at them with suspicion, sending a chill down Mav¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Lia said, moving closer, as if noticing his discomfort. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Mav replied.


    Suddenly, a shout from a nearby house shattered the quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you not to come back here!¡± a woman¡¯s voice yelled angrily.


    ¡°Now, now, calm down,¡± came a deeper voice. ¡°Look, I¡¯ve brought more money. This amount should be enough to change your mind, right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care how much you offer! Get out!¡± the woman¡¯s voice rose even louder.


    The door to a house on their left slammed open. A bald man with a thick mustache stormed out, his brow furrowed in frustration. ¡°Stupid girl doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s good for her,¡± he muttered, clicking his tongue in annoyance. Two hooded figures followed closely behind him.


    ¡°Should we just take the child, sir?¡± one of them asked.


    ¡°No. We¡¯ll return. Her sister¡¯s condition is worsening¡ªshe won¡¯t be able to refuse us for long,¡± the bald man said.


    ¡°Hey! What did you just say?¡± Lia¡¯s voice rang out sharply from behind Mav.


    Mav froze, his heart racing. ¡°Great, just what we need¡ªa confrontation, just after we''ve arrived,¡± he thought.

 Chapter 67 - A Familiar Sight

    The three strangers shot quick glances over their shoulders, their eyes widening as they caught sight of Lia, before they bolted down the alley, footsteps echoing off the narrow walls.


    ¡°Hey, wait!¡± Lia¡¯s voice rang out as she took a step forward, then hesitated, her gaze flicking to Mav. Her shoulders sagged slightly, and she clicked her tongue. ¡°Tsk. You''re lucky I''m with someone right now!¡± she muttered, the echo of her words chasing after the strangers long gone from sight.


    A soft sound of sobbing caught Mav¡¯s attention. He turned to see a girl kneeling inside the house, cradling a small boy in her arms as tears streamed down his face.


    ¡°Are you alright? Did they hurt you?¡± Lia asked gently, stepping closer.


    Mav followed behind her. The faint smell of mildew clung to the air as he stepped inside. Dust motes floated lazily through the sparse light that filtered in from a broken window, the floorboards groaning beneath his weight.


    The girl¡¯s posture tensed instantly, her arms darting out to shield the boy behind her, her voice sharp and shaky. ¡°I told you to stay away!¡± But then her gaze landed on the cape Lia wore, and her rigid stance softened, confusion etching lines into her brow. ¡°Guild members? Why would...?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not here to hurt you,¡± Lia reassured her, raising her hands in a calming gesture.


    The girl¡¯s gaze flickered to Mav, her eyes widening in recognition. ¡°You¡¯re with the Blue Flame Guild? Please, we need your help!¡±


    Her eyes, wide and brimming with desperation, locked onto Mav¡¯s, a silent plea he knew too well. Her trembling fingers latched onto his arms, nails digging through the fabric of his sleeves, as though she feared he might leave them.


    He knelt down, meeting her gaze. "Calm down, alright? I''m not going anywhere," he said softly, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Just breathe slowly, okay?"


    His voice was calm, and he deliberately slowed his own breathing, hoping she''d follow. After a few moments, the girl¡¯s ragged breaths began to steady, color returning to her pale cheeks.


    "I''m sorry..." she whispered, looking down.


    "It''s alright," Mav reassured her. "What''s your name?"


    "Marie," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "And this boy? Is he your little brother?"


    "Yes, his name is Max."


    Mav looked at the pair more closely now. Marie, the older one, was gaunt, her face pale and her cheeks hollow. Strands of her unkempt hair fell across her face, partially hiding her weary eyes. Max, still clinging to her, stared at Mav with a mix of curiosity and fear. Both of them were thin, their limbs frail, their clothes tattered and dirty. They looked as though they hadn''t eaten in days.


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    He considered asking where their parents were but stopped himself, fearing it might bring more pain.


    "Alright. Marie, Max," he said softly, "how can I help you?"


    "Our sister," Marie began, her voice trembling. "She¡¯s been sick for so long. Now she won¡¯t even wake up."


    Mav¡¯s heart sank. He had heard similar words before. This was the third time he¡¯d encountered this strange illness in this world. Was it really that common here?


    "Take me to her," he said, his tone gentle but firm.


    Marie nodded, standing up shakily. But before following her, Mav turned to Lia. Opening his item box, he retrieved a gold coin and called out to her.


    "Hey, Lia, I assume you''re pretty proficient with your Yellow Flame?"


    "Yep. My affinity with it is Advanced," she replied confidently.


    "Good. I need a favor. Can you run to the market and get us all something to eat? With your advanced level, it should only take a few minutes, right?"


    Lia glanced at the two children, then back at Mav. "Sure. I¡¯ll be quick. We don¡¯t know if those guys from earlier will come back after all," she said, taking the coin from his hand.


    "You brought a gold coin here?" Lia hissed in a whisper, eyes wide.


    Mav shrugged. "It''s not like anyone saw."


    Lia let out an exasperated sigh. "Don¡¯t flash that kind of money around here, especially not in the slums. You¡¯ll get swarmed by thieves in no time."


    "Noted," Mav said.


    Lia knelt in front of the children, gently placing her hands on their heads. "I¡¯ll be fast, alright? And if those guys come back, don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll beat them up," she said with a grin, flexing her muscles playfully.


    Then she headed out the door, activating her Yellow Enhancement and sprinting toward the marketplace.


    Mav turned back to Marie and Max. "Sorry for the delay. Now, show me where your sister is."


    Marie nodded and led him into a dim, cramped room where the weak flame of a single lantern flickered, casting trembling shadows on the cracked walls. The girl lying on the bed looked like a ghost of her sister, her skin nearly translucent, her breaths shallow and raspy. The staleness of illness clung to the air, while a threadbare blanket barely covered her frail form.


    "How long has she been like this?" Mav asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Two weeks now," Marie replied. "Me and Max have been doing what we can to care for her, but we¡¯re too weak to carry her to a healer. And even if we could, we don¡¯t have the money to pay for help. We haven¡¯t eaten in days. The others in the neighborhood won¡¯t help¡ªthey say it¡¯s hopeless, that people die from illness all the time here."


    Mav clenched his jaw, his heart aching at their plight. He wanted to ask about the three strangers from earlier, but the child came first.


    He knelt beside the bed and gently brushed the sweat from the unconscious girl''s forehead with his sleeve. He took out a mana potion from his item box and quickly drank it. Hovering his hand above her, he whispered, "Dark Blue Miracle."


    The soft, ethereal blue flame flickered to life in his hand, enveloping the girl in its soothing glow. The room, which had seemed so dim and lifeless, briefly lit up, revealing broken furniture, cracked walls, and the full extent of the siblings'' squalid living conditions.


    As the flames faded, the girl stirred. Then, slowly, her eyes fluttered open, unfocused and dazed, like someone waking from a long, deep slumber.


    "May!" Marie and Max cried, rushing to her side, wrapping their arms around her in relief.


    ¡°Marie... Max...¡± The girl¡¯s voice barely rose above a whisper, her eyes still heavy with exhaustion, but a faint smile tugged at her lips as her siblings threw their arms around her.


    Marie turned, her tear-streaked face breaking into a shaky smile. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling with relief.


    Mav gave a small nod, a quiet smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The skill had once again almost drained his mana. But this current sight before him, made it worth the cost.


    Just then, a knock echoed through the house, followed by Lia¡¯s cheerful voice. "I¡¯m back!"


    "Perfect timing," Mav said, standing up. "Why don¡¯t we all eat first?"

 Chapter 68 - Suspicions

    "I-I can''t stand up," Marie whispered, her voice trembling.


    She was kneeling at the bedside beside May, her legs suddenly giving out just minutes after May had awoken. Her body shook uncontrollably, as if the weight of exhaustion finally collapsed upon her.


    "The adrenaline must''ve worn off," Mav thought.


    "How many days have you two gone without food?" he asked.


    "Three days... and a half, I think?" Marie replied, her voice barely audible, as if speaking took all her strength.


    "Three days?!" Mav exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    He hesitated for a moment before asking the question that had been on his mind, though he feared the answer. "I didn¡¯t want to pry, but... where are your parents?"


    The smiles that had momentarily brightened the siblings'' faces vanished instantly. They all looked down, their expressions heavy with sorrow. After a long silence, Marie finally spoke, her voice quiet, laden with the weight of memories.


    "Our mother died when we were young¡ªshe had an illness. After she passed, our father took care of us. We scraped by, eating at least one meal a day. But... one day, he left, and never came back." Her voice faltered, and her eyes welled up. "I asked him a lot about his job, but he never told me. Now that I¡¯m older, I think I understand why."


    She glanced at her younger siblings, taking a deep breath before continuing. "When he disappeared, I was the only one left to earn money. I worked odd jobs in the marketplace, but when May got sick, I couldn¡¯t keep it up. I couldn¡¯t leave them alone. Three days ago, we ran out of money...and food."


    Mav stood there, speechless. What could he say? Sure, his family had been poor, but this was another level entirely.


    ¡°I¡¯m... I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he managed to say.


    Marie forced a weak smile. "It''s not your fault. Besides, we should be thanking you, right, Max, May?" she said, turning to her siblings. They nodded in unison.


    Her words stirred something in him. It wasn¡¯t pity, but a surge of warmth, like a cool breeze after a scorching day.


    "No... I¡¯m just glad I could help," he said. "But first, let¡¯s get some food in you. Come on, climb on my back." He knelt down beside Marie, offering his support.


    "Thank you," she murmured as she gingerly climbed onto his back.


    Mav turned to Max, who was now wiping May¡¯s sweat from her brow. "I¡¯ll come back to carry you both after I settle Marie in the living room."


    Max shook his head. "No need. I can still walk, and I¡¯ll carry May too."


    Mav raised an eyebrow, impressed by the boy¡¯s sudden determination. ¡°You sure?¡±


    Max nodded enthusiastically before turning to help his sister onto his back. Though smaller than Mav, he moved with surprising strength, carrying May with steady resolve.


    "That¡¯s impressive," Mav said with a faint smile. "Go ahead, lead the way."


    As they made their way down the hallway, Mav walked behind, keeping a watchful eye on the two, ready to catch them if either faltered.


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    Once he settled Marie into a chair, Mav opened the door, squinting as the sunlight flooded the dim room. Standing there was Lia, impatiently tapping her foot, a basket in her hands.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± she said.


    "Sorry," Mav replied with a sheepish grin.


    Lia stepped inside, glancing around the room. Her eyes softened when she saw the frail figures of the three siblings. Mav noticed a dusty table in the corner and pulled it closer.


    "Are there any plates we can use?" he asked, turning to the siblings.


    Marie attempted to stand but stumbled. Just then, yellow flames flickered to life around Lia¡¯s legs, and in an instant, she caught Marie before she could hit the floor.


    "Thanks," Marie said, managing a weak smile as she settled back down.


    "I¡¯ll get them," Lia said, already heading to the kitchen. "You just rest."


    After she bought the plates, she and Mav laid out the grilled meat, vegetables, bread, and fruit from the basket. The rich aroma of grilled meat and freshly baked bread filled the room, mingling with the earthy scent of roasted vegetables. The siblings'' eyes widened at the sight and smell, their hunger palpable as they breathed in deeply, savoring the warm, comforting fragrance. It was the first time in days they had smelled anything so inviting, and their stomachs growled in response. They exchanged wary glances, then, looking at Mav.


    "Go ahead," he said, gesturing to the food.


    He half-expected them to devour the meal in desperation, but to his surprise, they ate slowly, methodically, taking only small portions and making sure May was fed first before serving themselves. The sight tugged at Mav''s heart.


    "They were raised well," he thought.


    Mav nudged Lia playfully. "You too, go ahead and eat," he said, catching her off guard.


    She chuckled. "What exactly do you think of me?" she replied, lightly punching him on the arm. Mav dodged with a grin, and they both laughed, joined by the giggles of the siblings.


    <hr>


    ¡°So... who were those three men from earlier?¡± Lia asked, her tone suddenly serious.


    Mav had almost forgotten about them. Marie stiffened, her expression hardening.


    "I don¡¯t know who they are, but they¡¯ve been coming by for weeks. They... they offered to buy my brother." Her voice was laced with disgust.


    "What?!" Lia gasped, her face pale with shock.


    Mav¡¯s heart raced, a deep anger stirring inside him. "They offered to... buy Max?"


    Marie nodded, her voice tight with emotion. "Not just us. They¡¯ve been going around the neighborhood, offering money to buy people. Anyone, really. But they seem especially interested in those with flame affinities."


    Mav¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, dread creeping into his stomach. "Did they say what they wanted with them?"


    "No... but I think it has something to do with the Blue Flame affinity. I asked around, and every family they¡¯ve targeted has had someone with it."


    She glanced at Max, her jaw tightening and fists clenching, a fire sparking in her eyes. "My brother has an intermediate Blue Flame affinity, and that¡¯s what they''re targeting, I¡¯m sure of it. Some families... took the money. But I would never sell my brother!"


    Mav¡¯s mind raced. "Did they mention if they were from the Blue Flame Guild?"


    Lia shook her head before Marie could answer. "No guild would recruit like that, let alone buy people. That''s disgusting."


    Mav frowned, piecing things together. "Maybe that¡¯s why they ran when they saw you earlier. If they were doing something legitimate, they wouldn¡¯t have suddenly bolted like that. But what exactly are they doing with them then? Mercenaries recruiting healers maybe?"


    "Nope. That¡¯s not exactly legal," Lia replied. "Besides, being a mercenary comes with too many disadvantages compared to being in a guild. Guild members have a higher market value for the materials they gather, which means they sell for more. Plus, guild commissions offer better pay than hunting alone, and it¡¯s much safer to work with a guild."


    "Have any of the families reported them?" Mav asked, his brow furrowed.


    Marie shook her head. "No. Most are too scared, and for some... the money is too tempting. They¡¯re desperate."


    Lia crossed her arms, her expression dark. "I¡¯ll report it to our guild leader. Mav, you should talk to Ms. Ana. She¡¯s with the Blue Flame Guild. Maybe she can shed some light on this."


    Mav nodded. "I will."


    He looked around the dilapidated house¡ªthe peeling walls, the broken furniture, the air thick with dust¡ªand then back to the three frail siblings. A burning determination welled up inside him.


    "The people living here have more than enough trouble already," he thought, impatience gnawing at him. "They deserve something better, not the constant threat of being sold off like commodities."


    "You said they¡¯re after people with Blue Flame affinities, right?" Mav asked.


    "Yes, why?" Marie asked.


    A glint sparked in Mav¡¯s eyes as he formulated a plan in his mind.

 UPDATE ON THE STORY AND A NEW STORY

    Hey guys, first of all, I''m sorry for the long absence. As for what happened, I''m not going to sugarcoat it or make excuses. Basically I didn''t expect the story to gain as much followers as it did, and along with that, the criticisms. Reading them hurt, but they really showed me there were lots of problems with the story and my writing. Combine that with some personal stuff, I found it harder and harder to write, until I just got burnt out. At first I wanted to fix the story but I didn''t know where to start, I pretty much froze. During that long absence, I did a lot of studying, reading, and thinking. I even started a new story to ''refresh'' my mind. And that''s what I''ve been focusing on until now. To be honest, until now, I still struggle to think about my first story, but seeing how many people were interested in it, and seeing your comments, I realized I still would like to continue writing it, maybe not right now but I still do. For now, I decided to upload the 14 chapters on my Patreon that''s not yet uploaded to RR. I know that wouldn''t be enough to make up for my long silence, but I still hope all of you can forgive me. Thank you for reading to the end.


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    P.S. Sorry if this is too messy, I just wrote everything going in in my mind right now!

 Chapter 69 - A Surprise Visit

    After they finished their meal, Mav and Lia said their goodbyes. Before leaving, Mav handed them a health potion¡ªjust in case something happened. He also told Marie to visit Ana''s shop if she ever needed to get in touch with him again. Along with that, he left them some money, reminding them to be discreet about it, though he knew they already understood the need for caution, given the dangers of living in the slums. He then suggested to Max that he join the Blue Flame Guild, explaining that it would provide extra income, lighten his sister''s burden, and offer additional protection. With the guild''s backing, the three human traffickers who had been troubling them would likely back off, fearful of the guild''s retaliation.


    Max was eager to agree, almost before Mav finished his suggestion. Marie hesitated, her expression conflicted, but after some coaxing from both Mav and Lia, she finally relented. Mav planned to inform Ana about Max''s situation when he asked her about the suspicious activities he''d encountered during his visits.


    As for Mav''s own plan, it required a few steps. First, he needed to hide the blue cape Ana had given him whenever he ventured into the slums¡ªto not scare his targets off. Second, he needed to make a few solo trips, without Lia, to lower the traffickers'' guards. Third, he needed to spread his name around, particularly his superior healing ability. And lastly, he needed to provoke the traffickers enough to make them act. All of this was relatively simple; he only needed to visit the slums a few times, showcase his skills, and let the rumors take care of the rest. That''s why, this time, he didn¡¯t ask the siblings to keep his healing abilities a secret. Instead, he told them to find more people in the slums who needed healing, promising he''d return in a few days to help them.


    Despite these plans, Mav didn¡¯t neglect leveling up his other skills. The attack in the forest still weighed heavily on him, a constant reminder that he wasn¡¯t invincible. Fearing another ambush, he stuck to his training schedule, alternating between honing his three combat-related skills in Xiros Desert and improving his healing ability.


    <hr>


    "Buying people with Blue Flame affinities, you say?" Ana asked, raising an eyebrow.


    After their first visit to the slums, Mav stopped by Ana''s shop to report what had happened. He also mentioned his plan to help Max join the Blue Flame Guild.


    "I¡¯m not entirely sure what their goal is," Ana admitted. "Unless they¡¯re planning to build some kind of hospital by collecting healers, but I doubt people like them would do anything that altruistic."


    "I¡¯ll report this to the guild leader, see if she knows anything. I¡¯ll let you know if I hear something. As for Max, when we introduce you to the leader, we¡¯ll bring him along. The guild will handle his lodgings and training. You said he doesn¡¯t have parents anymore, right? Just get permission from his sister when you visit them again." She continued.


    ---------


    Things were going smoothly for the first week. Mav¡¯s skills were steadily leveling up as the days passed. He brought Lia with him during the initial visits to the slums to avoid suspicion from both the traffickers and Lia herself¡ªwho would surely report anything risky to Ana. One afternoon, on their way home, Lia suddenly stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing.


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    "Someone¡¯s been following us," she said quietly. "I¡¯ve been using my Yellow Enhancement to boost my senses. They¡¯ve been watching us for a while."


    Mav felt a chill run down his spine, but he kept his expression neutral. "Let¡¯s not confront them here. We don¡¯t know what they¡¯re capable of, and causing a scene will only put us at risk. Let¡¯s wait and see what the guilds'' decision will be."


    Lia didn¡¯t look convinced, but she nodded reluctantly. "Fine, but promise me you¡¯ll avoid the slums for now. We don¡¯t want to walk into a trap."


    "Sure," Mav replied, though he had no intention of sticking to that promise. His plan was in motion, and everything was going as he expected.


    Two days later, Mav returned to Ana¡¯s shop to buy his usual supply of mana potions. He timed his visit carefully, arriving before Lia¡¯s daily stop to avoid her. He was preparing to head to the slums alone, but his plans were abruptly halted when he saw a large, familiar carriage parked in front of the shop.


    Inside the shop, seated by the counter and sipping tea, was Voithos, dressed in his usual elegant attire. Across from him, Adelfi was happily munching on Ana¡¯s homemade cookies.


    "What are they doing here?" Mav wondered. "Did something happen?"


    The moment Adelfi spotted him, her eyes lit up. She dropped the cookie she was holding and charged toward him with the same reckless enthusiasm as before. This time, though, Mav was ready. He braced himself like a football player, catching her mid-leap and setting her back down in her chair.


    "What are you two doing here?" he asked, trying to sound casual. "Is everything alright?"


    "Everything¡¯s fine!" Adelfi chirped, beaming.


    "Mav Rose," Voithos said, setting down his cup. "The King has requested your presence. You are to come with us to the castle."


    Mav blinked, stunned. "The...King? Why does he want to see me?"


    Adelfi grinned. "Papa called for you!"


    Mav hesitated, feeling a growing sense of dread. "Do I really have to?"


    "Yes," Voithos replied firmly. "Ignoring the King¡¯s summons would be...unwise."


    Mav glanced at Ana, silently pleading for help, but she quickly looked away. He let out an exaggerated cough, trying to get her attention again. When she finally met his gaze, her expression said it all: You''re on your own.


    He sighed, defeated, and turned back to Adelfi, who was watching him expectantly. "Alright, fine. But at least let me buy some potions before we go."


    "Good," Voithos said, standing up. "I¡¯ll prepare the carriage. Thank you for the tea, Ms. Ana."


    Adelfi followed him but not before snatching another cookie. "We¡¯ll be waiting outside, big bro!" she called, the bell chiming as the door closed behind her.


    Mav turned to Ana, his nerves fraying. "Master, you have to help me. I¡¯ve never been to the castle before! What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to act? I know! Can you come with me?"


    Ana shook her head, handing him the two potions he¡¯d requested. "I can¡¯t go with you. Don¡¯t worry, though. It¡¯s not like the King will kill you for being awkward. Just be yourself."


    "That¡¯s not reassuring at all," Mav muttered, slipping the potions into his item box and paying for them.


    Mav shifted uncomfortably, already imagining himself tripping over his words in front of the King. "So¡­ what happens if I say something stupid?" he asked, a nervous grin tugging at his lips.


    Ana smirked. "Well, let¡¯s just say, try not to end up in the dungeon."


    Mav took a step back, his face paling. "Wait¡­ the dungeon?!"


    Ana couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing. "Relax, I¡¯m just joking! You saved the King¡¯s daughter, remember? He¡¯s not going to treat you like some stranger. You¡¯ve already seen how he acted after that¡ªpractically thanking you like a hero. You¡¯ll be fine."


    She waved him off with a smirk. "Now go on, don¡¯t keep them waiting."


    With a heavy sigh, Mav trudged toward the carriage, his shoulders slumped, dragging his feet, as if he was heading to detention, not a royal summons.

 Chapter 70 - To The Castle

    Mav leaned back in the carriage, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I should''ve worn my disguise before coming inside," he thought, regretting his choice. It was scorching outside, and he''d planned to put on his disguise only when heading to the slums. That way, he¡¯d minimize how much heat he¡¯d have to endure. "I really need to pick a new one. Maybe something similar to my yellow disguise." He remembered the new outfit he''d used up during his sessions in the Xiros Desert, marveling at how much cooler and more comfortable it was compared to his old one. The tailor''s craftsmanship had truly been impressive.


    The carriage rattled beneath him, the wheels crunching over cobblestone in a rhythmic beat, accompanied by the steady clopping of the horse''s hooves. Across from him, Adelfi sat, still nibbling on the homemade snack she¡¯d gotten from Ana. She caught his gaze and smiled, her innocence shining through her grin. Her smile offered a brief moment of calm, but it did little to quiet the dread gnawing at him. What if he embarrassed himself? What if he said something stupid? His heart pounded harder. Sure, his last meeting with the King had gone fine, but this was different. Surrounded by nobility in their element, he was bound to mess something up.


    Next to Adelfi, Voithos sat rigidly, his back straight and legs crossed. He stared out of the window, his eyes distant as though lost in thought. A single knight manned the horse up front, guiding the carriage through the bustling streets.


    Mav sighed, turning his attention to the world outside. The streets bustled with life¡ªvendors calling out to passersby, children darting between stalls, laughter and voices blending into a single hum. Mav watched with a pang of envy. These people had no idea of the danger that loomed over them. And yet, here he was, more concerned about facing the King than the Daimoniki.


    Suddenly, his gaze locked onto a familiar figure in the crowd. A girl with hair gleaming under the sun, her posture casual as she meandered through the street, her arms behind her back. Her head turned, sniffing the air like she¡¯d caught a scent. Mav followed her line of sight to a vendor grilling meat over an open flame. An idea sparked.


    "Can we stop the carriage for a moment?" Mav asked, snapping Voithos out of his reverie.


    Voithos gave him a quizzical look but nodded. He slid open a small window beside him and gave the instruction to the coachman. The carriage came to a halt with a jolt, and Voithos steadied Adelfi before she could tip over.


    Mav leaned out of the carriage door, gripping the side to keep his balance. "Lia!" he called, waving with his free hand.


    The girl, about to approach the grilled meat vendor, turned at the sound of his voice. Her brow furrowed as she searched for the source, finally spotting him.


    "Mav?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    Mav beckoned her over, his arm waving enthusiastically. Lia hesitated, casting a wistful glance back at the vendor, but eventually sighed and began walking toward him.


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    As she approached, Mav ducked back inside the carriage. He turned to Voithos. "There¡¯s going to be food at the castle, right?"


    "Yes," Voithos confirmed. "Our chefs have prepared a feast for your arrival."


    Mav''s face brightened with a mischievous grin. "Is there any chance I could bring someone else with me?"


    Voithos raised an eyebrow, pausing for a moment before replying, "No, I don''t have that kind of authority."


    Mav sighed in defeat. "Figures."


    Before he could dwell on it, Lia''s voice interrupted from outside. "Mav?"


    At the sound of her voice, Adelfi perked up, her face lighting up as if she''d just heard the arrival of an ice cream truck. "Do they even have ice cream in this world?" Mav wondered briefly. Adelfi would love it if they did.


    Adelfi jumped to her feet before Voithos could stop her, her youthful energy too quick for him. She flung the door open. "Big sis, Lia!" she shouted.


    "Adelfi!" Lia responded with equal enthusiasm.


    Mav blinked in surprise, looking between the two girls. "Wait... You two know each other?"


    "Come with us!" Adelfi exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.


    Lia hesitated, rubbing her stomach. "I don¡¯t know¡­"


    Adelfi¡¯s eyes lit up with sudden realization. "There¡¯s food at the castle!" she exclaimed, as if she''d uncovered the perfect solution.


    Lia paused, her eyes flicking toward the grilled meat she¡¯d been eyeing earlier, but the temptation of a full meal clearly won out. "Really? Can I come then?" she asked, her resolve finally breaking.


    Adelfi giggled. "Of course! The more friends visiting, the better it gets!"


    Mav glanced at Voithos, who sighed in resignation. "If the princess insists, who am I to object?"


    Mav couldn''t help but fist-pump in triumph. "Mission success," he thought. "At least I won''t have to face the King alone now."


    "Come on in," Mav said, helping Lia up into the carriage.


    "Thanks," Lia said, settling inside, sitting besides Adelfi. She shot him a curious look. "Wait¡­ Why are you riding in the royal carriage?"


    Mav grinned. "Come in and I¡¯ll explain- Well, actually, Adelfi will explain on our way to the castle." He shot a playful glance at the princess.


    Adelfi¡¯s eyes sparkled again, as though she''d been given a secret mission. Mav sighed in relief, glad to pass the responsibility to her. As he watched her eagerly prepare to explain, it dawned on him just how much more at ease he''d become about letting others in on his secrets. It wasn¡¯t like him to share so freely. His hand clenched slightly. "I just hope this doesn¡¯t come back to bite me later," he thought.


    The journey continued, and as Adelfi narrated the story of their royal visit to Lia, the two girls quickly bonded over idle chatter and laughter. Adelfi, her eyes shining with excitement, began sharing stories from the castle.


    "I once tried to bake a cake with the royal chef," she began, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "It turned out¡­ well, not so much a cake as a squishy pile of flour and eggs!" She giggled, recalling the mess. "The chef said he''d never seen such a disaster, but he still let me decorate it with berries. Papa said it tasted... ''interesting,'' but he ate the whole thing!"


    Lia snickered, imagining the royal chef¡¯s horror. Then, she decided to share her own tales. "Well, I don¡¯t have any tales about baking mishaps, but once on the battlefield¡­" She launched into one of her stories, describing a skirmish with a Ogres that nearly outflanked her group. As she spoke, her body took over, her fists punching the air as she demonstrated how she¡¯d fought off an enemy with swift movements. Her voice grew more animated as she reenacted how she ducked under a swing and countered with a quick jab, her arms mimicking the fight.


    Adelfi watched in awe, leaning forward with rapt attention. "Wow!" she breathed, captivated by Lia¡¯s energy.


    Mav admired Lia¡¯s easygoing nature, especially the way she spoke and listened to Adelfi as if every word was of utmost importance, never talking down to her despite the age difference. Meanwhile, Voithos remained his usual stoic self, gazing out of the window in silence.


    The carriage soon slowed to a stop, and Voithos straightened, alert. "Have we arrived already?" Mav wondered.