《GRISHA [ISEKAI/LITRPG]》


 Chapter 1: A Strange World

    Run. Run. Run. Don¡¯t stop. Keep going.


    The mantra echoed relentlessly in Joe¡¯s mind as he barreled through the city, shrouded in suffocating white smoke. It looked similar to mist¡ªbut its blistering heat was more akin to standing in the maw of an industrial oven.


    Joe¡¯s lungs burned as if they were filled with molten lava. Each breath clawed at his chest, and the acrid smoke coiled around his heart like a vice. He coughed violently, the sound tearing from his throat as his body fought desperately for air.


    But he couldn¡¯t breathe.


    His legs faltered, and he stumbled to a halt, doubling over with his hands clutching his knees. The world blurred around him as ash seeped into his eyes, stinging and blinding.


    Above, the sky cracked open with a thunderous roar, a terrifying symphony of chaos. Flames hissed and snapped, their relentless roar drowning out all other sounds. It was impossible to distinguish the layers of destruction¡ªevery noise merged into an overwhelming cacophony.


    Pain. Heat. Exhaustion. They pressed down on him, a crushing weight threatening to drag him to the ground.


    But Joe clenched his fists and forced himself upright. This wasn¡¯t about him. His agony was secondary. Only one thing mattered: Chloe. He had to find her, no matter the cost.


    Steeling himself, he prepared to run again, but a frail grip caught his ankle. Startled, Joe whipped around.


    On the ground lay a bleeding old man, his trembling hand clutching Joe¡¯s leg. Blood poured from his stomach and mouth, pooling beneath him. His charred skin looked as though it would flake away at the slightest touch.


    ¡°Help me... kid,¡± the man rasped, each word a monumental effort. His voice cracked, barely audible over the roaring chaos.


    Joe¡¯s eyes widened in horror. Without hesitation, he yanked his leg free and bolted.


    There¡¯s no helping it. He¡¯s going to die anyway. If I carry him, we¡¯ll both suffocate. His time is up. It¡¯s not my fault. It¡¯s not my fault.


    The words churned in his head, repeating until they became a twisted mantra of self-preservation.


    Joe¡¯s feet splashed against a wet surface. The air carried a sickening stench that coiled around his senses¡ªthe reek of death. Blood flowed in streams along the ground, and dismembered corpses littered his path.


    Don¡¯t look. Don¡¯t look. Don¡¯t look.


    He drilled the command into his mind. His ash-filled eyes made it easier to obey, but the crunch of unrecognizable body parts beneath his shoes nearly broke him. Still, he pushed forward.


    Chloe came first.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he stumbled out of the suffocating smoke. But the reprieve came too late. Joe¡¯s body was a wreck¡ªhis lungs wheezed, his legs shook, and his vision blurred.


    He raised his head to survey the devastation. What he saw made his knees buckle.


    The city was unrecognizable. Skyscrapers lay toppled like discarded toys, their skeletal remains ablaze. The streets were fractured with massive chasms, gaping wounds in the earth. Cars were mangled beyond recognition, their twisted frames stacked like debris from a child''s tantrum.


    The dead were everywhere. Bodies piled on bodies, while survivors roamed aimlessly, their faces painted with despair.


    A piercing scream snapped Joe¡¯s attention to a nearby scene. A man held a gun to his temple, tears streaming down his face. A young girl tugged the left leg of his pants, her cries heart-wrenching.


    ¡°Daddy! Daddy, stop it!¡±


    Boom!


    The gunshot echoed, and Joe¡¯s stomach churned. A fleeting glance showed the man crumpled to the ground, his daughter frozen in shock, covered in blood. Joe turned away, bile rising in his throat.


    He thought about going to comfort the little girl for a second. But what was he going to say? How could he possibly comfort her In this situation? The answer was simple. Don''t say anything, just keep going. Someone else will probably rescue her, probably.


    ¡°Joe!¡±


    The desperate cry cut through his spiraling thoughts. He froze. That voice...


    ¡°Chloe!¡± Joe shouted, his hoarse voice cracking as he bolted toward the sound.


    ¡°Joe!¡± Her voice was weaker now, barely audible.


    He surged forward, shoving aside anyone in his path, leaping over debris and dodging cracks in the ground. His heart pounded as he finally spotted her.


    And it shattered.


    Chloe lay sprawled on the ground, her golden hair matted with blood. Her wheelchair was overturned, its wheels spinning uselessly. A massive chunk of metal had crushed her legs, pinning her in place. Blood pooled beneath her fragile frame as her trembling hand reached out.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Joe...¡± she whimpered, tears streaming down her pale face.


    ¡°Chloe!¡±


    Joe¡¯s voice broke, raw with anguish. His body screamed in protest as he dragged himself toward her, inch by inch. His fingertips grazed hers.


    Then, the world went white.


    A searing light descended from the sky, consuming everything in an instant. Faster than a heartbeat, it touched the earth.


    And just like that, everything was gone.


    [Wake Up, Outsider.]


    A foreign voice pierced Joe¡¯s consciousness, dragging him from the void. His body stirred, and his eyes fluttered open, only to be met with an intense, blinding light. He squinted, shielding his face until his vision adjusted to the brightness.


    When he finally opened his eyes fully, a pristine blue sky stretched above him. The warm rays of the sun bathed his body in a gentle embrace. For a moment, he was captivated, but a sharp pain throbbed in his head, forcing him to clutch his temples. The pain faded almost as quickly as it came.


    Joe sat up slowly, feeling an unfamiliar tightness around his body. His eyes darted down to inspect himself. Black leather encased him from head to toe.


    He was clad in sleek, ankle-high boots that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Tight leather pants hugged his thighs, secured with a utility belt and pockets stitched at precise intervals. A loose yet sturdy jacket hung from his shoulders, offering enough room for a black vest that snugly fit beneath it.


    Joe''s hands roamed over his outfit in disbelief. It felt real. Too real. The breeze tousled his messy black hair, which contrasted sharply with his pale skin and piercing blue eyes. The outfit seemed almost tailored to emphasize his features.


    One moment he was sprinting through hell to save his sister¡ªChloe. The next, he was here. This serene, dreamlike place. His mind buzzed with questions, each more urgent than the last.


    Joe scanned his surroundings frantically. Lush green grass sprawled in every direction, dotted with vibrant flowers that painted the landscape like an artist''s masterpiece. A few towering trees loomed in the distance, their dark trunks casting long shadows. The air was rich and crisp, carrying the sweet scent of honey.


    Everything was quiet.


    The voice. He remembered hearing it when he woke up. Where was it? His eyes darted in every direction, his breathing quickening¡ªuntil, without warning, a glowing blue screen materialized before him.


    [I See You''re Awake, Outsider.]


    Joe recoiled, stifling a shriek as he scrambled backward. The words on the screen pulsed in bold white letters, perfectly synchronized with the robotic voice emanating from it.


    His heart pounded as he stared, wide-eyed. What was this thing?


    To confirm he wasn¡¯t hallucinating, Joe rubbed his eyes furiously. Yet the screen remained, unmoving and luminescent. Even as he attempted to distance himself, it stubbornly hovered in front of him.


    ¡°What in the world are you?¡± he blurted out, his voice shaky after a long stretch of silence.


    [My Name Is System-558942379, But You Can Call Me Syr For Short.]


    ¡°Syr? That¡¯s a weird name,¡± Joe muttered. ¡°Since your full name has numbers in it, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re a robot?¡±


    [I¡¯m Not. I¡¯m A Guide. I Was Assigned By God Asura To Help You Survive Out Here.]


    ¡°God Asura? Are you saying you were sent here by a real-life god?¡±


    [Yes. You Didn¡¯t Know? You Outsiders Always Surprise Me With How Clueless You Are. Rebecca Was Probably The Only One Who Actually Seemed Smart. Anyway, I Was Given An Assignment By God Asura, One Of The Great Primeval Gods That Govern The Universes. He Tasked Me With A Simple Mission: To Make Sure You Don¡¯t Die, So You Can Reach Your Full Potential As An Outsider.]


    ¡°Primeval gods? Universes? Outsider?¡± Joe''s voice rose in pitch. ¡°Slow down, man! I have no clue what you¡¯re talking about. Why in the world would I die?¡±


    [Grisha Is A Dangerous Planet. It Has Remained Unconquered For Thousands Of Years. It¡¯s One Of The Few Free Planets To Survive This Long Without A Primeval God.]


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªGrisha? What are you talking about? Isn¡¯t this Earth?¡±


    [Earth Was Deleted. Everything On That Planet Was Destroyed.]


    Joe¡¯s nearly heart stopped.


    It wasn¡¯t a dream. The blinding light he saw... was that truly earth''s destruction? But if that was the case¡ªshouldn''t he be dead already?


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Joe shot to his feet, fists clenched. ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡±


    [I¡¯m Telling You The Truth. Earth Is Gone.]


    ¡°Get out of my head! Get out of my head!¡± Joe staggered forward, gripping his head with trembling hands. His voice cracked as panic overwhelmed him. ¡°I¡¯ll find Chloe... I just have to find a road. Someone must¡¯ve dropped me here as part of some sick prank!¡±


    [If You Keep Going In That Direction, You¡¯ll Be In Trouble.]


    ¡°Shut up! Damn it, just go away!¡±


    Joe stomped toward a forest in the distance, ignoring Syr¡¯s warnings.


    For a brief moment, silence returned, and Joe was alone. He clung to that fragile silence, burying Syr¡¯s words deep in his mind. He refused to accept them.


    The forest loomed ahead, its colossal black trees twisting skyward. Their dark leaves swayed in the wind, adding to the eerie atmosphere.


    [You Have Entered The Black Forest.]


    Black Forest? As in Germany? Relief began to bloom in Joe¡¯s chest.


    [You Have Entered A Sub-Dungeon.]


    [Dungeon Grade: D]


    Joe froze.


    ¡°What the... Dungeon?¡± he whispered.


    [Main Quest.]


    ? Objective: Slay The Dungeon Boss, ''The Great Wolfin.''


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points.


    ? Failure: Death.


    ¡°What is this? Syr, answer me!¡± panic slowly settled within him, and Syr''s silence added to the feeling of uncertainty in his heart.


    Joe stepped cautiously into the forest¡¯s shadowed depths. The towering trees swallowed him whole. His heart raced as the silence pressed against his ears.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a forest,¡± he whispered to himself. ¡°The Black Forest is a tourist attraction. I¡¯ll find people soon. Stay calm, Joe. You can do this.¡±


    A loud snap echoed through the air as Joe stepped on a twig. He leaped back, his pulse spiking.


    ¡°Get a grip, man! You¡¯re nineteen, not some scared little kid!¡±


    He tried to steady himself, but then he saw them¡ªcrimson eyes glowing in the shadows, watching him.


    Joe¡¯s throat tightened. ¡°W-What t-the hell is that?¡±


    Heavy footsteps shook the ground as the creature emerged. Its massive paws pressed into the dirt, leaving deep prints. Drool dripped from its jagged, yellowed teeth, and its grey fur blended seamlessly with the shadows.


    It was massive¡ªeasily five times Joe¡¯s size.


    [A Rank 4 ¡®Small Wolfin¡¯ Has Appeared.]


    Small? That was small?


    Joe¡¯s legs quaked as the creature licked its lips.


    [Sub - Quest.]


    ? Objective: Slay 5 Wolfins


    ? Reward: 5,000 Rank Points.


    ? Progress: 0/5 Wolfins Slain


    Terror rooted Joe in place. His mind screamed the question he dared not voice.


    Was this really Germany?


    And more importantly... was he going to die?

 Chapter 2: Forced Hope

    Joe''s eyes bored into the furry monstrosity before him, his body suddenly numb. He couldn''t move a muscle.


    [The Rank 4 ''Small Wolflin'' Is Using The ''Passive Skill'' (Intimidation)]


    [-1 Rank Point To Your Psychological Attributes. The Effect Of Intimidation May Worsen]


    [You Must Avert Your Eyes From The Beast To Neutralize The Skill''s Effect]


    Joe''s gaze darted away from the Wolflin''s piercing eyes, settling instead on its massive chest. He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but Syr¡¯s advice had saved him.


    [The Effect Of (Intimidation) Has Been Neutralized.]


    "Ok Syr, I''ve done what you asked. Now please come back, I need you!" Joe''s desperate voice echoed through the towering trees. No reply came.


    Instead, the Wolflin¡¯s booming roar shattered the silence. Its colossal paws shuffled, preparing to strike.


    "I''m sorry, okay! I''m sorry! I need you, Syr!"


    The 19-year-old was now sobbing like a child, wiping at his tears and snot with trembling hands. His chest felt like it would burst, his heart hammering wildly.


    [Now You Come Crawling Back To Me. After Chasing Me Away Like I¡¯m Some Unwelcomed Girlfriend.]


    "What? Whatever.... just help me fight that thing!"


    The Wolflin charged, each step shaking the earth and threatening to topple the trees.


    "Shit!" Joe spun around and bolted, running as fast as his legs would carry him.


    [If You¡¯d Just Listened To Me¡ª]


    "Yeah, yeah, I know! Now help me!"


    [Open Your Attribute Window.]


    "My what? I don¡¯t know what that is! Just do it for me!"


    Joe glanced over his shoulder mid-sprint. The Wolflin was gaining on him fast¡ªhe had seconds at best.


    [Fine, Generating Attribute Window...]


    Personal Information


    Name: Joe White


    Overall Rank: 3 [0/1000 Rank Points Required)]


    Special Class: Outsider


    Skills:


    ? Outsider¡¯s Enhancement


    ? Predator [Unique]


    ? Outsider¡¯s Perspective [Passive]


    Inventory:


    ? Mana Tool: Black Blade [D-Class, Sealed]


    Gold:


    ? 0 Gold Pieces


    Attributes:


    ? Physical Attributes: Rank 3


    ? Mana Attributes: Rank 5


    ? Psychological Attributes: Rank 2


    ? Mana Pool: 100/???????


    Joe skimmed the data quickly. He had no idea what most of it meant, but one thing caught his eye. The Black Blade.


    "The blade! Just give me the blade!"


    A dark glow engulfed Joe¡¯s palm, the air crackling with energy. His heart pounded faster, the eerie sight almost too much to bear.


    When the light faded, a thick black sword materialized in his hand. The blade had strange inscriptions around its handle. A grin broke across Joe¡¯s face as he turned to face the Wolflin, pointing the weapon with shaky determination.


    "Stay back! I¡¯ve got a sword, and I¡¯m not afraid to use it!"


    To his shock, the bluff worked. The Wolflin halted, growling low but retreating cautiously.


    "That¡¯s right. Just stay there!" Joe gasped for air, inching backward to put more distance between them.


    [You¡¯re Lucky This Guy Is A Rank 4. By Mana Beast Standards, He¡¯s Just A Baby. Beasts His Age Attack Unarmed Humans Instinctively But They Think Twice When Their Target Is Armed]


    "Yeah, but it won¡¯t take long for him to figure out I¡¯m bluffing. If he charges again, I¡¯m done for."


    Joe¡¯s mind raced. A desperate idea clicked. "Those skills¡ªcan i use them? If so, I want to use one. It¡¯s my only chance."


    [You Can Use Them, They''re Yours After All. Which One Do You Want?]


    "Whichever will keep me alive! Uh... that would be Outsider¡¯s Enhancement, right?"


    [Correct. I¡¯m Shocked You Guessed That on Your Own.]


    "Let''s call it intuition." Joe smirked despite the danger.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The Wolflin growled louder, its patience wearing thin.


    [Skill: Outsider¡¯s Enhancement.]


    ? Description: An Outsider¡¯s Mana Is Their Greatest Strenghth. It Is A Powerful Force That Can Make Their Bodies And Weapons Unstoppable.


    ? Effect: Boosts Your Mana Output, Enhancing Physical Attributes and Strengthening Items. Can Lead To Devastating Ranged Mana Assaults If Used Effectively.


    ? Range: 10 Meters


    ? Boosts: +10 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes


    ? +15 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes


    ? Note: Boosts Multiply, For Every 25 Mana Pool Rank Points You Spend To Enhance The Skill.


    ? E.g Using 50 Mana Pool Rank Points Will Result In Your Boosts Multiplying By 2, Using 75 Will Result In The Boosts Multiplying By 3, Etc.


    ? Mana Cost (MC): -25 Mana Pool Rank Points/Minute


    "That''s good enough for me! Activate it, Syr!" Joe¡¯s grin widened, his fear fading.


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    Power surged through Joe, black mana erupting like a storm. His muscles pulsed, rejuvenated and stronger than ever.


    "This is incredible!"


    A thick black aura enveloped Joe and his blade. Confidence swelled as he faced the beast.


    [+10 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total:13)]


    [+15 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total:20)]


    [-25 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [Current Mana Pool: 75]


    The Wolflin snarled but hesitated, unnerved by Joe¡¯s newfound power.


    "Aw, is the little doggy scared?" Joe taunted, his voice dripping with confidence.


    Joe couldn''t help but notice how much the Wolflin resembled a real-life wolf.


    But when had he started comparing things to "real life"? Earth didn¡¯t have beasts this size, and Syr¡¯s talk about dungeons was unsettling. Joe didn¡¯t want to admit it¡ªbut maybe, just maybe. This really wasn''t earth?


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t think about that right now,¡± he muttered, desperately trying to anchor himself.


    He shook his head sharply, forcing himself to focus.


    Something about the Wolflin gnawed at him¡ªthe glowing black orb embedded in its chest. It wasn¡¯t large, but its ominous presence made his skin crawl. He¡¯d noticed it earlier but tried to ignore it.


    Joe knew he needed to end this fight quickly. Wasting Mana wasn¡¯t an option. He realized it''s preciousness the minute he tapped into it. He needed to save as much of it as possible.


    Joe¡¯s blade flared with black mana as the Wolflin let out an ear-splitting growl. The beast''s movements grew frantic, almost panicked, before it charged straight at him.


    Joe met its aggression with his own. He dashed forward, dragging his blade across the ground. His figure blurred as mana surged through him.


    The Wolflin¡¯s body pulsed with red mana, its speed doubling in an instant.


    [The (Rank 4) ''Small Wolflin'' Has Activated The Skill (Mana Beast Charge)]


    The Wolflin struck first, its massive paw swinging with lethal precision. Its shimmering claws slashed downward, aimed straight for Joe¡¯s head.


    [The (Rank 4) ''Small Wolflin'' Has Activated The Skill (Mana Beast Claws)]


    The claws hit nothing but air¡ªJoe had vanished.


    From above, Joe descended like a meteor, his blade raised high. Black mana leaked from the weapon, overflowing with power.


    With a mighty swing, he unleashed a massive crescent slash of pure mana, its sheer size dwarfing the Wolflin.


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Crescent Moon Slash)]


    The beast barely had time to look up, its glowing eyes wide with fear. The slash tore through it, splitting its head open in a brutal display.


    Blood erupted in a violent geyser. The Wolflin¡¯s dying howl was brief, cut off by the silence that followed.


    Joe landed atop the lifeless creature, his leather boots sinking into the blood-soaked fur. He stood tall, his chest heaving as a victorious smile spread across his face.


    He had won.


    [You Have Slain The (Rank 4)  ''Small Wolflin'' (+1,000 Rank Points)]


    [Quest Progress: 1/5 Wolflins Slain]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [New Overall Rank: 4 (0/5,000 Rank Points Required)]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 6


    ? Mana Attributes: 10


    ? Psychological Attributes: 4


    [Achievement Unlocked: First Kill]


    ? Condition: Slay Your First Mana Beast In The New World.


    ? Reward: 4,000 Rank Points


    [Achievement Unlocked: First Use]


    ? Condition: Activate Your First Skill As An Outsider


    ? Reward: 1,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [New Overall Rank: 5 (0/10,000 Rank Points Required)]


    [Achievement Unlocked: Punching Above Your Weight]


    ? Condition: Slay A Mana Beast Above Your Rank


    ? Reward: 3,000 Rank Points.


    [Rank Up Progress: 5 (3,000/10,000 Rank Points Required)]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 9


    ? Mana Attributes: 15


    ? Psychological Attributes: 6


    The flood of notifications only deepened the pit forming in Joe¡¯s stomach. Outsiders? New worlds? It was all starting to overwhelm him. The chances of this being earth like he had hoped, were plummeting¡ªfast.


    Maybe he was just being stubborn and refusing to accept reality. Joe had a fear that laid dormant in his heart¡ªand with all these notifications, it was beginning to blossom. It was the main reason he rejected the idea of earth being deleted in the first place.


    The fear stemmed from a single thought¡ªthat if he accepted that this wasn''t earth¡ªthen everything Syr said must¡¯ve been true. And if that was the case..


    Chloe was truly dead.


    And if Chloe really was gone...


    Tears began to stream down his face.


    He was all alone.


    [Would You Like To Gather The Wolflin''s Mana Beast Core?]


    Syr¡¯s voice broke through his despair.


    ¡°Mana Core? You mean this glowing orb?¡± Joe¡¯s gaze fell on the still-radiating sphere in the Wolflin¡¯s chest. Tears still lingered on his eyes.


    [Yes. I Can Help You Grow Stronger By Converting It Into Rank Points. As I''m Sure Your Realised¡ªIn This World, The More Points You Earn¡ªThe Stronger You Become.]


    [Alternatively, I Can Use It To Improve Your Current Equipment Or Create Something New Entirely. If You Want That, You''d Need A Lot More Than Just One. The Choice Of How You Use The Mana Beast Core Is Up To You. Having Heard That, Would You Like To Gather It And Place It In Your Inventory?]


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I guess,¡± he whispered.


    [Unique Skill: Predator.]


    ? Description: All Outsiders Possess A Darkness Within Them¡ªA Darkness Fated To Devour Everything.


    ? Effect: This Skill Allows Your Mana To Devour Anything It Make Contact With, Including Its Mana. It Is Most Effective On Objects Or The Deceased, Though It Can Also Be Used On Living Beings, Albeit With Less Reliability.


    ? Range: 10 Meters


    ? Boosts: : +10 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes.


    ? Mana Cost (MC): 0


    "Just activate it, Syr," Joe said, sliding his bloody sword onto his back.


    [You Have Activated The ''Unique Skill'' (Predator)]


    [+10 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total: 25 Rank Points)]


    A dark, ominous cloud swirled around Joe''s palm, sending a tingling sensation through his hand. He crouched, pressing his now-blackened palm against the lifeless Wolfin.


    His mana took over. True to the skill''s name, [Predator] enhanced his energy and devoured the Wolfin''s body, submerging it in a pool of darkness. The creature''s form disintegrated, leaving no trace¡ªno blood, no bones, nothing.


    [+1 Mana Beast (Rank 4) Core Has Been Added To Your Inventory.]


    [Due To Devouring The ''Small Wolfin''s Remaining Mana, (+500 Rank Points) To Your Mana Pool.]


    [Current Mana Pool: 575.]


    Joe remained silent, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he moved deeper into the forest, his steps slow and heavy.


    As he was about to speak to Syr, a sharp, chilling shriek pierced the air, reverberating through the forest.


    His body froze, every muscle taut as his ears pricked up. The sound¡ªa girl''s voice¡ªechoed again.


    "Chloe?" Joe whispered.

 Chapter 3: Savior

    It''s Chloe¡ªit has to be her.


    Joe repeated the thought like a mantra as he raced through the forest at a breakneck pace. His body flickered in and out of visibility, shrouded in a swirling aura of black mana. He hadn¡¯t deactivated [Outsider¡¯s Enhancement] since the chase began.


    [-25 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [Current Mana Pool: 550]


    [Would You Like To Disable Your Skill? Continued Use Will Result In Further Deductions.]


    Joe barely spared the notification a glance. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I still have mana to spare. I just need to move faster.¡±


    The forest blurred around him, his figure leaving trails of black energy in his wake. He pushed his limits, striving to close the distance.


    But just as he prepared to accelerate further, shadows shifted in his path.


    [6 (Rank 5) ''Small Wolfins'' Have Appeared.]


    From the darkness, six enormous Wolfins emerged, their glowing eyes fixated on Joe with predatory glee. Their tongues lolled out of their mouths, and their claws gleamed ominously under the faint light.


    Unlike the lone one he had encountered before, these Wolfins showed no hesitation. No fear.


    If anything, they were thrilled¡ªlike children unwrapping their favorite gifts.


    Without warning, they charged as one, their movements perfectly synchronized.


    [The 6 ''Small Wolfins'' Have Activated The Skill (Mana Beast Charge).]


    Red mana erupted around their bodies, propelling them forward like meteors. Joe recognized the skill¡ªit was the same one the ''Small Woflin'' from earlier had used against him.


    Joe showed no sign of slowing down In his dash.


    Gripping his blade in one hand, he continued his charge forward, dragging the weapon against the ground. The friction left behind a glowing black trail of pure mana.


    ¡°Syr, burn 100 mana pool rank Points. I want to end this in one strike!"


    [Very Well.]


    An enormous surge of mana poured into Joe¡¯s weapon, the blade practically vibrated with power. It grew heavier in his grip, the sheer mana density palpable. But Joe welcomed the weight, his confidence unwavering.


    With a single mighty swing, he unleashed the stored energy.


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Crescent Moon Slash)]


    A colossal wave of mana, shaped like a crescent moon, erupted from the blade and tore through the forest. It moved horizontally at impossible speeds, its edges glowing with lethal precision.


    Its target: every single beast in his path.


    [-100 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [+40 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total:49)]


    [+60 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total:75)]


    [Current Mana Pool: 450]


    The strike was unstoppable¡ªfour times stronger and faster than anything Joe had unleashed before.


    In an instant, the crescent wave cleaved through all six Wolfins.


    Blood erupted from their bodies like geysers as they were split apart. The earth quaked when their massive forms collapsed lifelessly to the ground, but Joe¡¯s momentum remained unbroken.


    His balance never faltered.


    Just before he went past their twitching corpses, Joe channeled another pulse of mana into his blade.


    ¡°I hope this works. I really don¡¯t have time to stop... Chloe needs me.¡±


    [You Have Activated The ''Unique Skill'' (Predator).]


    Joe swung his sword once more, this time releasing a mist-like cloud of black mana. It rolled forward in a wave, enveloping the fallen beasts.


    The mist consumed their bodies almost instantly, devouring flesh and bone as if they had never existed.


    By the time Joe dashed past the site of the massacre, there was nothing left behind.


    No blood. No corpses.


    Not even a trace that the Wolfins had ever been there.


    [Quest Progress: 5/5 Wolfins Have Been Slain.]


    [Sub-Quest Complete!]


    Reward: 5,000 Rank Points.


    [Rank Up Progress: Rank 5 (8,000/10,000) Rank Points Required]


    The notifications flashed across Joe''s vision like distant whispers. He registered them but paid them little mind. His focus was on the source of the scream he had just heard.


    [+9,200 Rank Points For Slaying 6 (Rank 5) ''Small Wolfins''.]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [New Overall Rank: 6 (7,200/15,000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 12


    ? Mana Attributes: 20


    ? Psychological Attributes: 8


    [+6 Mana Beast (Rank 5) Cores Have Been Added To Your inventory.]


    [Due To Devouring The Remaining Mana Of The 6 (Rank 5) ''Small Wolfins'' (+4, 200 Rank Points) To Your Mana Pool.]


    [Updated Mana Pool: 4,650.]


    Joe knew those messages were important¡ªhe wasn¡¯t an idiot¡ªbut now wasn¡¯t the time to focus on them. He needed to find the source of that scream. Fast.


    [-25 Mana Pool Rank Points.]


    [Current Mana Pool: 4,625.]


    Joe didn¡¯t want to risk running into more Mana Beasts, so he improvised. Channeling his mana into his legs, he launched himself skyward.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The wind rushed past his body as he landed deftly on a sturdy tree branch. Despite the force of his landing, the tree didn¡¯t sway. Stable footing¡ªperfect.


    With a determined expression, Joe began leaping from tree to tree. His movements were fluid, like he¡¯d done this a thousand times before. Ranking up had brought noticeable improvements to his agility and mana control. The endless flood of notifications from Syr, annoying as they were, had a visible effect.


    [-25 Mana Pool Rank Points.]


    [Current Mana Pool: 4,600.]


    As Joe pressed forward, something unusual caught his attention. Glowing lights pierced through the dense canopy ahead. Despite the trees and branches obscuring his view, the lights were unmistakable.


    Three dark orbs floated in his line of sight¡ªWolfins. He was used to those by now. What intrigued him were seven bundles of colorful flames. They flickered like candlelight, yet each burned in a unique hue.


    ¡°What are those things, Syr?¡±


    [They¡¯re Mana Signatures. They Measure Human¡¯s Mana Quantity. Like Mana Beast Cores, The Bigger The Flame, The Greater The Mana. Humans With Strong Mana Tend To Have Powerful Mana Signatures. Skilled Humans Can Sense Another¡¯s Mana Signature From A Fair Distance. Mana Signatures Are Often Used For Tracking And Gauging A Target¡¯s Strength.]


    ¡°Why are you saying sense? Don¡¯t you mean see? I can see them clearly, even with all these trees in the way. I can sense them too, but distinguishing them from the Mana Beast Cores is a mess.¡± Joe shook his head, deciding to rely on his eyes rather than his senses.


    [Normally, Mana Beast Cores Are Visible, But Mana Signatures Shouldn¡¯t Be. The Only Reason You Can See Them Is Due To Your ''Passive Skill'' (Outsider¡¯s Perspective). Without It, You¡¯d Have To Rely On Sensory Abilities. But Since That¡¯s Unecessary, Using Your Eyes Is More Efficient.]


    ¡°Oh yeah, I forgot about that skill. I guess because it doesn¡¯t need activation or mana.¡±


    [Passive Skill: Outsider¡¯s Perspective.]


    ? Description: An Outsider¡¯s Eyes Can See Even The Unseen.


    ? Effect: Improves Sight, Allowing You To Perceive Mana And Its Flow On Living Beings With Ease. Grants Perfect 360-Degree Vision With No Blind Spots. Can See Through Obstacles. Limited Only By Distance.


    ? Range: 100 Meters (Subject To Increase As You Rank Up )


    ? Boosts: None.


    ? Mana Cost (MC): 0


    ¡°So, it lets me see mana flow in my target¡¯s body? That could be useful... I guess."


    As he finished speaking, another scream tore through the air. This time, it sounded like a man.


    Joe¡¯s eyes widened as one of the colorful flames ahead flickered out.


    [Mana Is Life. If A Human Runs Out Of Mana, They Die. The Same Applies If They Are Killed¡ªTheir Mana Dies With Them.]


    The simple explanation sent a chill down Joe¡¯s spine. Almost as if Syr had jinxed it, the flames began extinguishing one by one. Each death was marked by another agonized scream.


    Joe quickened his pace, leaping from tree to tree with renewed urgency. Only three flames remained. One of them flickered weakly, on the verge of vanishing.


    He pushed himself harder, maintaining a relentless speed for over a minute, until finally¡ªhe reached the source of the chaos.


    [-25 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [Current Mana Pool: 4,575]


    [You Have Deactivated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    From above, Joe surveyed the scene below, and his breath hitched.


    The scene infront of him was littered with five mutilated corpses. Their insides were exposed, spilling onto the dirt, and the stench was overwhelming¡ªa suffocating mix of rot and death.


    Joe instinctively covered his nose with his hand, but it was futile. The smell lingered, settling deep in his chest like a poison he couldn¡¯t escape.


    The sight was horrifyingly familiar, almost identical to what he had seen that day.


    The day he lost everything.


    His mind betrayed him, forcing memories to surface. Images of burning buildings, shattered ground, and lifeless bodies flashed in his head like rapid-fire snapshots. The chaos played out vividly, each frame more haunting than the last. Joe clutched his head with trembling hands, desperately trying to block it out.


    He collapsed to his knees.


    His chest tightened as panic gripped him. He gasped for air, but it felt like he was suffocating. The thundering beat of his heart drowned out all other sounds.


    Then, one image burned brighter than the rest.


    Chloe.


    Her face appeared as if carved into his mind.


    Joe¡¯s hands moved to his chest, clawing at it as if trying to physically pull the pain out. The memory brought a torrent of emotion crashing over him¡ªfrustration, regret, denial. Tears spilled down his cheeks, mixing with the dirt and snot dripping from his nose.


    The truth he had buried so deeply was undeniable now. Syr was right. Everything had been destroyed.


    And Chloe... Chloe really had died that day.


    Joe¡¯s tears wouldn¡¯t stop. The pain was too much. He reached for his blade, unsheathing it with trembling hands. He studied its edge, sharp and unyielding, then pressed it to his throat.


    If Chloe was gone, life was meaningless.


    He gritted his teeth and pushed harder, trying to end it all. But his hands shook violently. His body refused to obey.


    Was it fear? Was he truly that afraid to die? Joe had no answer.


    "Snap out of it, Shelly!"


    The booming voice startled him. His wet eyes darted to the right.


    There¡ªa group of three people.


    They were alive. Breathing.


    Hope flickered in Joe¡¯s chest.


    At the front stood a boy with red hair, maybe 17 or 18 years old. He wore a red jacket and black pants. A thin silver sword was present In his right hand, but what stood out most about his appearance was the blood.


    Three massive claw marks stretched across his midsection, from his stomach to the side of his ribs. Blood poured from the wounds, pooling at his feet. He was losing too much, too fast.


    He wouldn¡¯t survive.


    Behind him stood another boy, younger, with black dreadlocks. He was tall and lanky, wearing the same outfit as the red-haired boy. Were they teammates?


    Further back was a girl with long green hair cascading down her back. She was on her knees, her expression distraught. She wore a black dress that stopped just above her knees, paired with black heels. In her hands, she clutched a long black staff with a hooked tip.


    Joe didn¡¯t need long to realize she was the ¡°Shelly" the boy had called out to.


    A low growl diverted Joe¡¯s attention to the left.


    Three Mana Beasts emerged from the shadows, their fur marked with red streaks. Their size dwarfed the Wolfins he had fought earlier, and their fur was gradually turning crimson.


    [You Have Discovered (Rank 10) ''Big Wolfins.'']


    [Evolution Stage: 2]


    ¡°Evolution stage?¡±


    [Mana Beasts Evolve As They Rank Up. The Wolfins You Fought Earlier Were Stage 1. Think Of These As Their Older, More Dangerous Siblings.]


    Joe opened his mouth to respond, but the red-haired boy¡¯s voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°Ray! I need you to take Shelly and go!¡±


    The boy with dreadlocks, Ray, protested. ¡°But Kite, you¡¯re in no condition to fight! Let¡¯s try to escape¡ªdon¡¯t throw your life away!¡±


    ¡°Look, Ray,¡± Kite said firmly, his voice unwavering despite his injuries. ¡°I¡¯m the party leader. My orders are final. I¡¯m the one who couldn¡¯t protect our fallen comrades. The least I can do is hold these Mana Beasts back. I can¡¯t afford to lose any more of my friends.¡±


    Kite turned to Ray with a wide, confident smile, one that didn¡¯t match his situation.


    ¡°Look after Shelly, Ray. And don¡¯t you dare die!¡±


    Kite turned to face the beasts. ¡°Now go!¡±


    His body was enveloped in a fiery orange aura, his thin silver sword shimmering with the same energy. With a single step forward, Kite vanished from sight.


    [Kite Has Activated The Skill (Mana Enhancement)]


    Joe blinked in disbelief. Kite¡¯s speed was blinding. The only trace of his movements was the trail of blood dripping from his wounds, painting a crimson path across the battlefield.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Kite!¡±


    Ray¡¯s desperate plea fell on deaf ears.


    In an instant, Kite reappeared in front of the Mana Beasts.


    [Kite Has Activated The ''Swordplay Skill'' (Needle Thread).]


    Kite¡¯s sword moved with surgical precision, weaving through the beasts like a needle through fabric. With a single fluid slash, one of the creatures¡¯ heads flew clean off. Blood sprayed into the air as the lifeless body collapsed.


    But as Kite turned to strike the second beast, his body betrayed him. He coughed violently, blood spurting from his mouth at the worst possible moment. The moment proved fatal.


    One of the remaining beasts seized the opportunity and lunged. Its massive claw swung with unrelenting force, severing Kite¡¯s head in one brutal motion.


    Kite¡¯s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, his blood pooling like a crimson tide. The beasts wasted no time, pouncing on his corpse. They tore into him viciously, their tongues lapping up his blood. Yet, oddly, they didn¡¯t consume him entirely. His legs and stomach were left untouched, glistening with saliva in the aftermath.


    Why? Joe couldn¡¯t understand. Were they not hungry? Their actions defied reason, leaving him with more questions than answers.


    The silence didn¡¯t last long.


    One of the beasts turned its attention toward Ray and Shelly. Its glowing eyes locked onto them, its tongue writhing with excitement. It roared, shaking the ground beneath its massive weight, before charging toward the pair with lethal intent.


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [-150 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [+60 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes.]


    [Grand Total: 72 Rank Points]


    [+90 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes.]


    [Grand Total: 110]


    [Current Mana Pool: 4,425]


    From the treetops, Joe descended like a meteor, his figure blazing with determination


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Death Punch)]


    His right fist collided with the beast¡¯s skull, the impact echoing like a thunderclap through the forest. The creature¡¯s head crumpled under the sheer force, its massive body crashing to the ground.


    The earth quaked beneath the beast¡¯s weight as cracks radiated outward from the point of impact. Blood gushed from its mouth, pooling beneath its lifeless form.


    A small cloud of dust billowed around Joe as he landed. When it cleared, he stood tall over the fallen creature, the victorious figure of a man who had ended the battle with a single, devastating punch.


    Ray, still in shock, could barely manage a stammered question.


    ¡°W-Who are you...?¡±


    Joe glanced at him briefly before replying, his voice calm and resolute.


    ¡°I¡¯m the man who just saved your lives.¡±

 Chapter 4: Victory

    [You Have Slain A [Rank 10] ''Big Wolflin'']


    [+4,600 Rank Points]


    [Rank Up Progress:6 [11,800/15 000 Rank Points Required]


    A guttural growl from one of the remaining Mana Beasts pulled Joe¡¯s attention. He crouched slightly, fists clenched, and with a single explosive step, his figure disappeared into the air.


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Death Punch)]


    Joe reappeared before the beast, his fist crashing into its forehead with devastating force. A sickening crack echoed through the forest as the beast¡¯s massive body was hurled backward like a ragdoll. It slammed into a tree, the impact splintering the trunk and filling the air with the unmistakable sound of shattering bones. Blood streaked down the bark like smeared paint as the beast slumped lifelessly to the ground.


    [You Have Slain A [Rank 10] Big ''Wolflin'']


    [+4,600 Rank Points]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [New Overall Rank: 7 [1,400/20 000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 15


    ? Mana Attributes: 25


    ? Psychological Attributes: 10


    [You Have Deactivated The Skill (Outsider''s Enhancement)]


    Joe straightened, about to let a satisfied grin spread across his face when a sharp pain shot through his body. His body was forced into a paralyzed state for seconds on end. He couldn''t do anything but endure the pain that refused to retreat. A few seconds rolled by before finally, he regained control of his figure and the pain escaped as suddenly as it appeared.


    ¡°Dammit! What was that?¡± Joe asked, moving his arms to ensure the discomfort subsided.


    [This Is What Happens When You Overload Your Body With Mana. The Gap Between Your Mana And Physical Attributes Can Lead To Severe Injuries If Not Properly Managed.]


    "You should''ve warned me Syr, what If I went numb a moment too early? That beast could''ve killed me!" Joe yelled, trying to bury the thought deep in his mind.


    [You Should Think First Before Acting. Did You Really Belleve Your Body Could Handle That Much Mana Without Some Side Effects? You''re Lucky Your Body Hasn''t Broken Down Yet]


    "I''m still new to this mana stuff ok? I may have gone a little overboard. Using mana is like taking a drug you know? It''s an adrenaline rush that makes you feel alive." Joe had a smile on his face, similar to a junkie hyping up their favorite drug.


    He observed his body checking if no bones were broken or cracked, "I''ll try to control my mana, I can''t afford another moment like that in a forest like this." Joe confirmed that everything was still intact and relief rushed down his entire figure.


    The smell coming from the Wolfin he just smashed forced him to raise his eyes towards the direction of the smell. He took casual steps before he finally stood infront of the bloody beast.


    He crouched and placed his hand on its corpse and from the palm of his right hand, black mana taking the form of a misty cloud, enveloped the beast. It absorbed it whole leaving nothing behind.


    [Due To Devouring The Remaining Mana Of The Rank 10 ''Big Wolfin'' (+1, 700 Rank Points) To Your Mana Pool.]


    [Current Mana Pool: 6, 125]


    Joe felt the surge of the Wolfin''s mana as it travelled his entire body. It was definitely a notable amount if mana, but it wasn''t pleasant to devour. it tasted like a dog''s vomit. All the Wolfins he had consumed up to this point had this after taste, but it intensified as the Wolfin he faced got more and more powerful. Joe got up to his feet wishing he could cleanse his insides with soap.


    He turned around to face Ray and Shelly, he expected some kind of thanks¡ªor at least relief¡ªafter his efforts. Instead, he was greeted with hostility.


    ¡°I asked you a question, dammit! Who are you?¡± Ray barked, his voice loud and demanding.


    Joe noticed the small dagger in Ray¡¯s hand, its blade engraved with strange, glowing inscriptions. They were similar to the ones on the his black blade, but Joe''s inscriptions did not glow.


    Ray¡¯s eyes locked directly with Joe, they had an intensity that would scare most people. Joe''s eyes just bounced between Ray''s blade and face, he was more interested in the blade than their little starring contest.


    ¡°I mean you no harm, I promise. My name¡¯s Joe!¡± he tried to smile, looking to ease the tension.


    ¡°Joe? Never heard of anyone by that name,¡± Ray retorted, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Who sent you here? Are you here to finish off our par¡ª¡±


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [-10 To Your Mana Pool]


    Before he could finish, Joe appeared beside him in a flash. Leaning close to Ray¡¯s ear, he whispered, ¡°If I wanted you dead, you¡¯d already be dead.¡±


    Ray¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Staggering backward, he tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground. Joe saw the shift in his expression; the fire in Ray¡¯s glare was snuffed out, replaced by something else entirely.


    Fear


    [You Have Deactivated The Skill Outsider''s Enhancement]The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    [Current Mana Pool: 6115]


    Joe kept Syrs warning in mind. Instead of overloading his body¡ªhe planned to only use [Outsider''s Enhancement] in short butsts. The less time the better.


    He could see his approach was having the opposite effect that he wanted from Ray. How could he prove his not a threat when the man looked horrified of him? He scratched his head searching for a better solution.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a soft mumbling. Turning his gaze to Shelly, he saw her still kneeling on the ground. She clutched her head, tears streaming down her pale cheeks as she muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯m sorry... It¡¯s all my fault...¡±


    Her voice, faint at first, grew louder and clearer. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault. I¡¯m sorry...¡±


    Ray¡¯s expression hardened as he turned to Shelly. His fists clenched, and his voice was cold as ice. Suddenly, the fear in his eyes vanished. He marched towards Shelly in rushed steps, not even bothering with Joe. It was like he wasn''t even there. His emotions were clearly in control of him.


    ¡°You think apologizing will bring them back?¡±


    Shelly flinched at his tone, her trembling form looking up at him, her lips parting as though to speak¡ªbut Ray grabbed her by the throat.


    Yanking her off the ground, he slammed her into a tree with a sickening thud. His grip tightened around her neck as Shelly choked and gasped for air.


    ¡°Kite and the whole party died because of you!¡± Ray roared, his voice breaking with rage. ¡°If you¡¯d just healed them like you were supposed to¡ª!¡±


    A sharp slap sent Shelly sprawling to the ground, a red handprint blooming on her cheek as blood trickled from the corner of her lips. Before she could recover, Ray delivered a brutal kick to her stomach, eliciting a piercing scream that echoed through the forest.1


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve to cry, you bitch! What about them? What about all the screams they made while you stood there and watched them die?¡±


    Ray raised his foot, preparing to stomp her into the ground, but a light tap on his shoulder stopped him mid-motion.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡± Ray turned, only to be silenced by a straight punch to the jaw. The blow sent him flying backward, his body crashing into a tree with a sickening crack.


    The attacker, of course, was Joe.


    Cracking his knuckles, Joe glared at Ray¡¯s crumpled form. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on between you two, but I can¡¯t just stand by and watch while you beat someone to death. Didn¡¯t your mother teach you basic manners?¡±


    Joe turned to Shelly, his expression softening. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Shelly stared at him with wide eyes, unable to speak. She nodded faintly, brushing the tears from her face as best she could.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked, her voice shaky and pained.


    Joe offered a reassuring smile. ¡°The name¡¯s Joe."


    Before Shelly could respond, Ray began to stir.


    ¡°You son of a bitch...¡± Ray muttered, struggling to his feet. He wiped the blood from his mouth and readjusted his broken nose, his glare sharp and filled with venom. ¡°That one actually hurt.¡±


    Ray caressed his jaw, then shot a hateful look at Joe and Shelly. ¡°You¡¯re siding with her? Do you even know what she¡¯s done? She let our teammates die¡ªKite gave his life for her! I can¡¯t accept that! I won¡¯t accept that! I¡¯ll kill her!"


    His dagger flared to life, the inscriptions glowing red as he funneled his mana into the blade.


    [The Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger (C-Class) Has Been Unsealed.]


    Flames erupted from the weapon, the heat distorting the air around it. Tears streamed down Ray¡¯s face as he yelled, ¡°This dagger was a gift from Kite... How am I supposed to tell Kate her brother¡¯s dead? How? This is all your fault, Shelly!¡±


    Shelly began trembling again, Ray¡¯s words cutting deep. Her lips quivered as fresh tears fell.


    [Ray Has Activated The Skill (Shadow Step)]


    Ray vanished, his footsteps silent as a predator in the dark.


    Joe reacted instinctively. Grabbing Shelly by her dress, he yanked her behind him. She shrieked in alarm, but he didn¡¯t have the luxury to explain.


    Though Ray had disappeared, Joe''s sharp senses tracked a faint, glowing orange outline¡ªa trace of Ray¡¯s mana signature betraying his position.


    Ray reappeared in front of Joe, his blade carving a deadly horizontal arc aimed straight at Joe¡¯s face.


    Joe ducked just in time, the blade whistling inches above his hair. Without hesitation, Joe''s right fist shot forward, slamming into Ray¡¯s unguarded midsection. The punch drove deep, forcing the air from Ray¡¯s lungs and spitting saliva from his mouth. A burst of concentrated mana exploded from Joe''s fist as he followed through, sending Ray skidding across the ground.


    The mana surrounding Joe¡¯s hand dissipated immediately after the strike. He was careful to use [Outsider''s Enhancement] efficiently, though precisely controlling his mana was a challenge. Letting it flow freely was far easier than concentrating it around a section of your body.


    [Current Mana Pool: 6,105]


    Joe noted that his burst-and-retreat strategy minimized mana expenditure¡ªwhich was nice to see.


    Ray clutched his stomach, blood dripping from his mouth and splattering onto the ground like glue. He grimaced but managed to straighten up, extending an unarmed hand toward Joe.


    ¡°Damn it... You¡¯re better than I thought,¡± he admitted with a strained smirk. ¡°Listen, I¡¯ll forget what you did. Join me, and we¡¯ll form a new party. Just the two of us. What do you say?¡±


    Joe¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Why would I join someone weaker than me? That¡¯d be stupid.¡±


    Ray¡¯s expression twisted in fury. ¡°That¡¯s it! You¡¯re dead!¡±


    [Ray Has Activated The Skill (Shadow Step).]


    Once again, Ray¡¯s movements became eerily silent, his speed bordering on untraceable. But Joe¡¯s eyes followed him. He looked up just in time to see Ray descending from above, dagger poised for a lethal vertical slash.


    Mana surged around Joe¡¯s feet, propelling him backward and creating vital distance [Outsider''s Enhancement.] The dagger sliced the air where his face had been, the heat radiating from it brushing against his skin. One touch, and he¡¯d be finished.


    [Current Mana Pool: 6,095]


    Joe skidded to a stop a few paces away. His eyes locked onto Ray, zeroing in on the intricate pathways of mana flowing through his opponent¡¯s body. [Outsider''s Perspective] painted a vivid image of Ray¡¯s mana system¡ªits source pulsing from his heart, branching into a network across his limbs.


    Ray landed with a thud and immediately charged forward, his mana focusing around his dagger.


    Something big was coming.


    ¡°Ignite!¡± Ray roared.


    A wave of fire burst from the dagger, surging toward Joe like a living inferno.


    Reacting instantly, Joe gripped his blade, his entire body shrouded in black mana. With a powerful swing, he unleashed a dark crescent slash that collided with the oncoming flames.


    [You have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Crescent Moon Slash).]


    [Current Mana Pool: 6,070]


    The clash produced a thick smoke screen, forcing Joe to slide back further. Heat scorched his body, searing the skin on his arms. He clenched his teeth, enduring the pain.


    The sudden burst of mana from his entire body weighed him down, leaving him sluggish. Still, he knew it was necessary¡ªwithout that protection, the burns would have been far worse.


    Through the dissipating smoke, Joe¡¯s eyes scanned for Ray¡¯s location, his senses on high alert.


    Through the haze of smoke, he couldn¡¯t hear Ray¡¯s footsteps, but he could see it¡ªhis glowing silhouette moving closer with unnerving speed.


    Joe¡¯s enhanced vision tracked Ray¡¯s movements, watching the energy pulse through his arm as he prepared to strike.


    At the last possible moment, Joe yanked his head to the left, narrowly dodging the fiery blade. The dagger grazed his cheek, sending a searing pain through his body, but he clenched his teeth and pushed through.


    Ray overextended. It was the opening Joe needed.


    With a swift, calculated motion, Joe swung his black blade, the shadows coating it humming with energy. The blade tore through Ray¡¯s torso with brutal efficiency.


    Blood erupted from Ray¡¯s body, his scream cutting off as his lifeless form collapsed to the ground.


    The smoke cleared, revealing Joe standing amidst the carnage. His blade dripped with blood, and his face was pale, his expression unreadable.


    He had won.


    But as he looked down at Ray¡¯s body, the full weight of what he¡¯d done hit him like a tidal wave. The split corpse, the pool of blood¡ªit was undeniable.


    For the first time in his life, Joe had killed a human.


    The realization froze him in place, his bloodied hands trembling. The weight of the moment bore down on him, heavier than any battle he¡¯d ever fought.

 Chapter 5: 30 Seconds

    Joe''s gaze dropped to Ray''s bloodied corpse, his wide eyes locked onto the lifeless figure. A single thought consumed him, suffocating all else.


    It was either me or him. I had no choice. I had to kill him. This isn''t my fault." The words repeated endlessly in his mind, like a mantra, until they took root.


    This was not his fault.


    [You Have Slain A Human Native]


    [+9,000 Rank Points]


    [Achievement Unlocked: Native Killer]


    ? Condition: Slay Your First Native As An Outsider.


    ? Reward:10,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Ranked Up]


    [New Overall Rank: 8 [400/25,000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 18


    ? Mana Attributes: 30


    ? Psychological Attributes: 14


    Joe''s eyes widened further as the screen flashed before him, announcing the rewards. Prizes for taking a life? His stomach churned.


    "Syr... is this really necessary? I don''t think I need rewards for this," Joe muttered, his voice low, shaky.


    [You Took Colossal Steps Toward Getting Stronger. As An Outsider, You Can¡¯t Stop. You Must Keep Growing. You Have To Become The Strongest Version Of Yourself. The Path Of An Outsider Will Include Bloodshed Here And There.]


    There it was again¡ªOutsider. The word sent a chill down his spine.


    Joe opened his mouth to question Syr further, but something else caught his attention. It was Ray¡¯s weapon¡ªthe Scorching Dagger¡ªlay amidst the crimson pool of its owner¡¯s blood. Joe crouched down, reaching for the blade, but the instant his fingers touched the handle, an intense searing heat tore through his hand.


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s hot!¡± Joe yelped, instinctively dropping the dagger. His fingertips bore fresh burn marks, the pain sharp and lingering. He glanced at his right cheek¡ªit still stung from where the dagger had grazed him during the fight. A thin trail of blood trickled down his face, though the wound wasn¡¯t too deep.


    "Alright," he muttered, steeling himself. "Let¡¯s try this again."


    Placing his blade on his back, Joe crouched once more. This time, a dark, swirling cloud of mana enveloped his hand.


    [You Have Activated The ''Unique Skill'' (Predator)]


    The shadowy mana devoured the dagger, engulfing it entirely until no trace of it remained. Joe hesitated, but his resolve hardened as his gaze drifted back to Ray¡¯s lifeless form. He had already crossed the line; there was no turning back. With a deep breath, he extended the dark mana toward Ray¡¯s body. Slowly, the corpse vanished into the void, leaving nothing behind


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Soul Consumption)]


    [+1 Native Soul Has Been Stored Inside Your Body]


    Soul Consumption? Joe didn''t even know he had such a branch skill. He still didn''t even fully understand what a branch skill even was. At least with [Outsider''s Enhancement] the skill was easier to understand, he could figure out how it worked even without Syr explaining it. It just came naturally.


    For his passive and unique skills, they were almost foreign. He couldn''t even get an idea on how they worked, If Syr wasn''t there¡ªJoe doubted he''d understand them. It was as if they had a mind of their own.


    [The Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger (C Class) Has Been Added To Your Inventory]


    [An Academy License Has Been Added To Your Inventory]


    Joe¡¯s stomach twisted at the thought of what he¡¯d just done. Devouring the dagger was one thing, but a corpse? His body shuddered as nausea bubbled in his chest. He wanted to vomit, but he clenched his teeth and willed himself to endure. He did what he had to.


    [Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger (C Class)]


    ? Description: A Powerful Dagger Forged With The Purest Of Flames.


    ? Effect: By Channeling Mana Into The Dagger, The User Can Unleash Its True Power And Conjure Powerful Flames. The Strength And Speed Of The Fire Is Proportional To The Mana Injected.


    ? State (Sealed): 0 Of 5 Seals Removed.


    ? Boost: +15 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes Per Removed Seal.


    ? Mana Cost (MC): -10 Mana Pool Rank Points Per Removed Seal.


    -25 Mana Pool Rank Points/minute while unsealed.


    Joe studied the details Syr provided, nodding slowly. The Scorching Dagger was undeniably powerful, and he was relieved to have it as an asset. He glanced down at himself, his clothes soaked in blood. It was a grotesque sight¡ªa sight, he wanted to forget. He shook his head, trying not to dwell on it.


    His eyes shifted to Shelly, who was still on the ground, her shoulders trembling.


    ¡°He¡¯s right, you know,¡± Shelly finally spoke, her voice hoarse. She sniffled, wiping her tear-streaked face. ¡°Everything Ray said was true¡­¡±


    Her words spilled out in broken sobs. ¡°I watched them all die. So many of my friends¡­ were devoured by those beasts. I¡¯m the healer. They relied on me, placed their lives in my hands. But no matter how much I healed them, it didn¡¯t matter. They just kept dying. And each time..."


    Shelly clutched her ears, her cries growing louder, as though trying to drown out the echoes of the past. ¡°I froze, I couldn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t save them. All of those corpses back there¡­¡± She gestured toward the carnage. ¡°They died because of me!"


    Her eyes, wet with tears and burning with anguish, locked onto Joe¡¯s. ¡°Ray was right. My apologies mean nothing. Why do I get to live while so many of them died? Tell me, Joe. Why?"


    Joe opened his mouth to speak, but a deafening roar ripped through the forest, shaking the ground and silencing his words.


    The sound reverberated like a shockwave, sending tremors throughout the entire forest. One by one, massive trees toppled over, crashing to the ground as if felled by an invisible giant. The earth quaked beneath Its feet with each thunderous step of the unseen creature. The roar grew louder, deeper, more primal¡ªan ominous prelude to the calamity drawing near.


    Suddenly, a pack of Wolfins burst from the forest in a frenzied rush. Their movements were frantic, their desperation palpable. They didn¡¯t even glance at Joe or Shelly as they sped past, their sleek forms blurring at impossible speeds.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Joe¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, faster and harder than ever before. The sight before him made everything clear: the Wolfins weren¡¯t charging¡ªthey were fleeing.


    Then, he saw it.


    Looming in the distance was an enormous Mana Beast Orb, glowing so brightly it seemed to bathe the entire forest in an eerie, otherworldly light. Its sheer size dwarfed every other orb Joe had encountered. His breathing quickened, his hands trembling.


    The source of the carnage finally emerged from the shadow of toppled trees, its monstrous form illuminated by the cold silver of the moonlight.


    Its fur gleamed a deep, blood-red, every strand shimmering like molten fire. Not a single patch of white marred its body, and jagged spikes of fur atop its head gave it the appearance of a savage crown. Massive, razor-sharp fangs jutted from its maw, and claws black as obsidian glinted ominously in the moonlight. The creature towered over Joe, standing ten times his size¡ªtwice as large as any Wolfin he had ever seen.


    [The Rank (15) Dungeon Boss: ''The Great Wolfin'' Has Appeared.]


    [Evolution Stage: 3]


    Joe¡¯s breath hitched as he gazed up at the monstrosity. His legs felt like jelly, threatening to buckle beneath him. He had never seen anything so massive, so utterly terrifying.


    [Main Quest.]


    ? Objective: Slay The Dungeon Boss, The Great Wolfin.


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points.


    ? Failure: Death.


    His eyes darted to the quest notification. It was the task he had tried so hard to forget¡ªburied deep in the back of his mind. But now, there was no ignoring it.


    "If those guys earlier were the big brothers," Joe muttered under his breath, his voice trembling, "then this one¡¯s the big daddy?"


    [Well, This Forest Is A Dungeon To Humans, But To The Mana Beasts Of The ''Yakura Tribe,'' It¡¯s Their Home¡ªOr Territory, To Be Exact. In Order To Protect Their Territory And Children, A Guardian Is Appointed. ''The Great Wolfin'' Is That Guardian.]


    Another earth-shaking roar erupted from the Great Wolfin, sending shockwaves that knocked Joe off balance, sliding him back several meters. The sheer force of the roar was like standing in the middle of a violent storm.


    The beast turned its glowing crimson eyes toward Joe and Shelly. Without hesitation, it raised one of its colossal paws. With a single, deliberate swing, the air split apart, unleashing a massive crimson slash of raw mana. It surged toward them like a tidal wave, threatening to rip everything in its path to shreds.


    [The Great Wolfin Has Activated The Skill (Crimson Claws)]


    Joe acted on instinct. Drawing his blade, he glanced back at Shelly¡ªcompletely frozen, paralyzed by fear.


    [You Have Activated The Skill: ''Outsider¡¯s Enhancement.'']


    Joe''s figure blurred as the enhancement took effect, and in an instant, he was standing between Shelly and the oncoming attack. Black mana surged around him, enveloping both his blade and his body. He raised the weapon high above his head.


    [You Have Activated The Branch Skill: ''Crescent Moon Slash.'']


    [-75 Mana Pool Rank Points.]


    [+30 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total: 48)]


    [+45 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total: 75)]


    [Current Mana Pool: 5,995]


    With a powerful swing, Joe unleashed a crescent-shaped wave of black mana.[Crescent Moon Slash] It tore through the air at blistering speed, colliding with the crimson slash in a blinding explosion of energy. The force rattled Joe¡¯s bones, threatening to tear him apart from the inside out. His arms burned with strain, but he refused to let go.


    The clash between the two skills was brief yet decisive. The Great Wolfin''s attack overpowered Joe¡¯s, tearing through his defense. The crimson mana slashed into Joe¡¯s stomach, sending blood gushing from the wound. He staggered but refused to fall, his body trembling as he forced himself upright.


    Joe gritted his teeth, his breaths labored as pain radiated from his abdomen. His skill [Outsider''s Enhancement] had mitigated some of the damage, but he knew it wouldn¡¯t hold up for long. Blood seeped from the wound, staining the ground beneath him, but he stood firm.


    "Why?" Shelly¡¯s fractured voice broke the silence behind him. Her trembling words cut through his pain. "Why would you go so far for me?"


    Thanks to Joe¡¯s efforts, Shelly was completely unharmed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing this for you¡­¡± Joe¡¯s voice was ragged, the words catching in his throat. ¡°I¡¯m doing it for that red-haired kid. And for everyone in your party who gave up their lives. That kid died so you could live!¡±


    He turned his head, glaring at Shelly with fiery eyes, his face contorted in anger. ¡°If you have even a shred of respect for those who died for you, you¡¯ll fight! You¡¯ll fight until you die!¡±


    Shelly¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her tears momentarily frozen.


    ¡°You think dying will fix anything?¡± Joe snapped. ¡°What about their sacrifices? Allowing yourself to die is the same as spitting on their graves!¡±


    Turning back to the Great Wolfin, Joe raised his blade again, his limbs trembling but resolute. He pointed it at the beast, a silent declaration of defiance.


    [The Great Wolfin Has Activated The Skill (Partial Beast Ball)]


    A dense, pulsating orb of mana began forming in the Great Wolfin''s maw, crackling with an overwhelming energy. In an instant, it shot forward, ripping through the air like a meteor with the power to obliterate everything in its path.


    Joe''s eyes locked onto the oncoming attack. There wasn¡¯t a hint of fear in them. Instead, they burned brighter, ablaze with determination.


    "I don''t know about you, but I''ll fight! I''ll fight until I drop!"


    Mana surged violently from Joe''s figure, surrounding him in a dark, fiery aura.


    "Say, Syr... How Much Mana Can I Handle For A 30-Second Burst? I Want You To Give Me As Much As You Possibly Can!"


    [Hard To Say... Maybe 250. Even Then, You''d Be Cutting It Close. That Much Mana Could Destroy Your Body, Even If It¡¯s Just For 30 Seconds.]


    "Let''s go for it, Syr!"


    [Very Well.]


    The incoming blast struck its target, unleashing a deafening explosion that shook the earth to its core. Trees were uprooted and flung into the distance, and the ground trembled beneath the sheer force.


    When the smoke and debris cleared, Joe remained standing, his blade and erupting mana forming a shield that had protected both himself and Shelly from the brunt of the blast.


    [-250 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool.]


    [+100 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total: 118)]


    [+150 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total: 180)]


    [Current Mana Pool: 5,745.]


    Joe¡¯s entire body radiated with mana, leaking from him like a storm barely contained. His muscles felt like they were on fire, the raw energy weighing down on him with crushing intensity.


    [20 Seconds Remaining...]


    Joe¡¯s figure blurred as he propelled himself toward the Great Wolfin. He streaked across the battlefield with inhuman speed, heading straight for the beast¡¯s front left leg. His blade gleamed ominously, charged with black mana as he aimed to sever the limb entirely.


    But the Great Wolfin was ready.


    It raised its enormous paw, slamming it down with the force of a collapsing mountain.


    [The ''Great Wolfin'' Has Activated The Skill ''Earth-Shattering Stomp.'']


    Joe¡¯s instincts screamed at him. He leaped backward just in time, narrowly avoiding being flattened. Dust and debris erupted in a massive shockwave from the impact.


    Large chunks of displaced earth were launched towards Joe, propelled by the sheer force of the beast¡¯s stomp.


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' ''Flawless Swings.'']


    Joe moved like a whirlwind, swinging his blade with precision and speed. Black crescent-shaped slashes erupted from his sword, cutting through the incoming rocks like paper, reducing them to harmless rubble.


    [10 Seconds Remaining...]


    Time was ticking. Joe could feel his body growing heavier with each second, the mana burning hotter and hotter. His gritted teeth betrayed his desperation as he pushed forward.


    From the floating remnants of rock suspended by the Great Wolfin''s mana, Joe found an opening. Using the rocks as platforms, he propelled himself higher and higher, each jump taking him closer to the towering beast.


    At the apex of his ascent, Joe crouched low on the final rock before launching himself straight into the air. His jacket billowed behind him as he rose above the Great Wolfin, his blade gleaming with raw mana, extending far beyond its physical length.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    With all his strength, he swung the blade downward.


    [The ''Great Wolfin'' Has Activated The Skill (Full Beast Ball)


    The Great Wolfin refused to back down. From its mouth, another crimson orb of mana formed, this one even larger than before. The sheer size of the orb engulfed the beast¡¯s face entirely.


    Joe¡¯s resolve wavered for a split second, his expression tightening at the overwhelming power displayed before him. But there was no turning back now. He tightened his grip and pushed forward.


    The massive crimson orb surged toward him, its destructive energy threatening to consume him entirely¡ªuntil a shield of green mana enveloped him.


    [Shelly Has Activated The ''Barrier Skill'' (Green Veil)]


    "I¡¯ll fight! I¡¯ll fight till I die!" Shelly¡¯s voice echoed through the forest, fierce and unyielding.


    Joe couldn¡¯t help but smile, his determination reigniting.


    The barrier held firm against the onslaught, absorbing the orb¡¯s energy until it shattered like glass.


    "I¡¯ll finish this!"


    Joe descended rapidly, his blade glowing brighter as mana surged into it. He activated his final attack, pouring every ounce of strength into the strike.


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Forceful Severing)]


    Joe¡¯s blade sliced into the Great Wolfin''s massive skull, carving through its thick bone and flesh with unrelenting force. The cut traveled down its throat and into its chest, cleaving its massive body cleanly in half.


    Blood erupted from the beast as its two halves fell to either side, crashing into the ground with earth-shaking force. The forest seemed to hold its breath, silent except for the echo of the beast¡¯s fall.


    [1 Second Remaining...]


    The mana surrounding Joe subsided, leaving him standing victorious, battered but alive. His chest heaved as he took in the sight of the slain guardian.


    They had won.

 Chapter 6: Questions

    [Your Time Is Up]


    Immediately after Syr¡¯s message, Joe¡¯s body crumbled. His limbs gave way, breaking as he collapsed to the ground. Blood gushed from his mouth, and the wound on his stomach fully unraveled. He laid there¡ªin a pool of blood, motionless.


    Shelly¡¯s frantic voice broke through the haze, but it was distant, muffled. Joe couldn¡¯t make out the words. His vision blurred, then dimmed completely.


    In that moment, he was certain.


    He had met his end.


    [13 Years Ago...]


    A six-year-old Joe sat alone in a cold, dark room. The only sound piercing the oppressive silence was the faint echo of his quiet sobs.


    After a few moments, the door swung open. Light poured into the room, chasing away the shadows and revealing the space for what it was¡ªa small, bleak chamber of grey walls and tiled floors.


    Joe sat against one of the walls, his knees pulled up to his chest and his arms resting atop them. His teary eyes squinted at the light as he looked toward the door.


    Standing there, framed by the glow, was his mother.


    Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders, complementing the elegant black dress she wore, one that accentuated her poised figure. But Joe¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on her attire¡ªit was on her face.


    Scars marred her once-smooth skin, fresh and angry. Her blue left eye barely opened, swollen and bruised. These marks were new, different from those she had the week before.


    Seeing her like that, Joe clenched his fists tightly. Her smile, wide and warm, didn¡¯t comfort him. Instead, it twisted his stomach with a sickening ache.


    Her heels clicked against the tiled floor as she approached him, each step exuding authority and confidence¡ªqualities Joe couldn¡¯t comprehend in that moment. Why was she smiling? Why did she walk so boldly? Wasn¡¯t she in pain?


    She stopped and sat beside him, placing a gentle hand on his head and ruffling his hair.


    ¡°Why¡¯s my little champion crying out here by himself?¡± she asked, her smile widening.


    ¡°I¡¯m not crying!¡± Joe quickly scrubbed at his face, trying to erase any evidence of his tears.


    She chuckled softly at his attempt. ¡°You¡¯re a very bad liar, you know that?¡±


    Joe¡¯s cheeks flushed pink as he stubbornly wiped away the last traces of tears. ¡°I¡¯m not lying!¡±


    Without another word, she pulled him close, pressing his head against her chest. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay, Joe. I promise.¡±


    The warmth of her embrace shattered the walls Joe had tried to put up. His tears flowed freely, pouring out like a river.


    She held him, her hand gently stroking his hair, her smile never wavering.


    It took several moments before Joe finally spoke, his words muffled against her.


    ¡°He did it again! Father beat up Chloe, and I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he cried, his voice shaky as he sniffled and tried to catch his breath.


    ¡°Oh, that¡­¡± His mother¡¯s hand stilled for a moment. She gently lifted Joe¡¯s head from her chest and looked him directly in the eyes. She wiped away the remnants of his tears with her fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯re Chloe¡¯s brother. If you¡¯re the one crying, who will she depend on?¡± Her voice was soft, but her words carried weight. She tried to smile, but Joe saw the sadness that lingered in her gaze.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how,¡± Joe stammered, his body trembling as he thought of his father. ¡°He¡¯s too... I can¡¯t¡­¡±


    His words faltered, his fear too overwhelming to voice.


    His mother looked up at the ceiling, her expression distant, as if searching for strength. After a few moments, she spoke again.


    ¡°You know, Joe, I¡¯ve failed both of you as a parent. I know it¡¯s not fair to ask you this, but please¡­¡±


    Her gaze returned to him, and this time, her smile wavered. Tears began to spill from her eyes as she looked at her son with a mix of sorrow and hope.


    ¡°Can you protect Chloe for me?¡± she asked, her voice cracking with emotion.


    Joe¡¯s own tears began anew, cascading down his cheeks as he nodded fervently. ¡°I will! I¡¯ll protect her no matter what!¡±


    His mother pulled him close again, her embrace tight and full of gratitude. She leaned down and whispered softly in his ear:


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    [Present Moment]


    Joe¡¯s eyes fluttered open, heavy with the weight of what felt like centuries of sleep. He sat up, clutching his head as he tried to untangle the haze clouding his thoughts.


    ¡°Was it a dream?¡± he murmured, his mind sifting through the fragments of a now foggy memory from 13 years ago. "Why would I dream about that of all times?" His face twisted with bitterness. He didn¡¯t want to remember his mother¡ªnot after what happened. The thought of her brought an ache to his chest that felt like a knife twisting deeper.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom. I couldn¡¯t keep my promise.¡± Joe buried his face in his hands, trying to block out the tears that spilled relentlessly. He sat there, letting the wave of emotion crash over him.


    When the tears subsided, and he finally wiped his face dry, a sharp memory jolted through his mind. The fight.


    His eyes darted around, scanning his surroundings. The chaotic forest was gone, replaced by an eerie silence. Then his gaze landed on Chloe, fast asleep, clutching her staff tightly.


    Even without speaking, Joe could tell she¡¯d pushed herself far beyond her limits. Her Mana Signature was faint, weaker than he¡¯d ever sensed before. His thoughts shifted to himself. His own injuries¡ªthe ones that should¡¯ve been fatal¡ªwere gone. His body was whole, not even a scar remained.


    ¡°Shelly must¡¯ve done this,¡± Joe muttered, guilt gnawing at him. Healing him in that condition must have been incredibly draining.


    [I See You''re Awake]


    Joe yelped, clutching his chest as if trying to calm his hammering heart.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°Come on, man! You nearly gave me a heart attack!¡±


    [Don¡¯t Be Such A Baby. A Little Surprise Won¡¯t Kill You.]


    Joe glared at Shelly¡¯s presence before speaking. ¡°Can we use my inner thoughts to communicate? I don¡¯t want to wake her. I¡¯m the reason she¡¯s like that in the first place. The least I can do is let her rest.¡±


    [I¡¯m Already In Your Head. We Can Converse Whenever You Like. Now, Let Me Catch You Up On Your Progress.]


    [Main Quest Complete!]


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Cleared The Sub-Dungeon: The Black Forest]


    ? Reward: 25,000 Rank Points.


    ? Additional Reward: +20,000 Gold Pieces.


    [You Have Unlocked The Dungeon''s Hidden Item: The White Fang]


    A white light coalesced in Joe¡¯s palm, forming a sharp fang that gleamed briefly before vanishing.


    [The White Fang Has Been Added To Your Inventory.]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    ? New Overall Rank: 9 [15,400/30,000 Rank Points Required].


    [Achievement Unlocked: Baby Steps]


    ? Condition: Complete Your First Main Quest.


    ? Reward: 10,000 Rank Points.


    [Achievement Unlocked: First Dungeon]


    ? Condition: Clear Your First Dungeon.


    ? Reward: 10,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    ? New Overall Rank: 10 [5,400/35,000 Rank Points Required].


    [Achievement Unlocked: First Boss]


    ? Condition: Slay Your First Dungeon Boss.


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Slain The Mana Beast ''The Great Wolfin'' (Rank 15)]


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    ? New Overall Rank: 11 [400/40,000 Rank Points Required].


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 27


    ? Mana Attributes: 45


    ? Psychological Attributes: 22


    The smell of blood yanked Joe out of his reverie. Turning, he spotted the source¡ªa massive beast, split cleanly in half, lying a few paces away. The Mana Beast Core nestled in its chest still burned brightly, pulsating with energy.


    Joe approached cautiously, crouching next to the creature. His blade, still slick with blood, lay nearby. He sheathed it before activating [Predator] and consuming the beast entirely, including its core.


    The taste was foul, almost unbearable. Joe clamped a hand over his mouth, forcing the bile back down as a surge of mana coursed through him, overwhelming in its intensity.


    [Due To Devouring The Remaining Mana Of The ''Great Wolfin'' (+2,700) Rank Points To Your Mana Pool.


    ? Current Mana Pool: 8,445.


    [+1 (Rank 15) Mana Beast Core Has Been Added To Your Inventory.]


    Joe stood and made his way back towards Shelly. His steps were deliberate, his mind racing. A sudden thought struck him, and he reached out to Syr using his inner voice.


    ¡°Syr, you mentioned that Mana Beast Cores can be used to upgrade equipment. Can you help me with that?¡±


    The efficiency of mental communication surprised him. It was a welcome change from muttering to himself like a madman.


    [Sure, I Can Use The Core You Just Collected And Improve Your Attire.]


    "Let¡¯s do it."


    [You Have Used 1 [Rank 15] Mana Beast Core To Upgrade Your Attire.]


    [Upgrade Ongoing...]


    A flash of light enveloped Joe, and he felt weightless, as though suspended in mid-air. The sensation was divine, like angels were wrapping him in their embrace. For a fleeting moment, it was as if he had stepped into heaven itself.


    [Upgrade Complete.]


    As Syr¡¯s notification echoed in his mind, the light faded, and Joe found himself grounded once more. His transformation was complete.


    His boots looked mostly unchanged but felt sturdier, as though they¡¯d been custom-fitted for battle. His pants, though snug before, now fit perfectly without restricting his movement. His jacket, however, had undergone a dramatic transformation, extending to below his knees and morphing into a black coat. The collar flared high, wrapping securely around his neck like armor.


    [Equipment: Black Sheep]


    ? Description: An Outsider Needs To Survive Until The End. Their Equipment Can Become A Source Of Strength In Their Time Of Need.


    ? Effect: +15 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes [Passive].


    ? Equipment Class: C.


    Joe flexed his muscles, feeling a newfound strength coursing through his body. His figure felt more secure, and stable. It was a lifesaving upgrade¡ªone he desperately needed after nearly dying.


    [+6 (Rank 5) Mana Beast Cores Will Be Required To Upgrade Your Mana Tool (The Black Blade). Do You Accept?]


    "Yeah, I¡¯m fine with it." Joe gave his consent.


    [Upgrading Your Mana Tool...]


    A brilliant white light surrounded the blade at Joe¡¯s rear. He watched as it glowed intensely before the light gradually dimmed.


    [Upgrade Complete.]


    Joe unsheathed the blade, inspecting its new form. The once-dormant inscriptions along the blade now pulsed with life. Of the six inscriptions, two were glowing faintly white. The blade had become thinner yet maintained a heft that distinguished it from ordinary swords. Its length had increased slightly, though its deep black hue remained untouched.


    [Mana Tool: The Black Blade (C Class)]


    ? Description: A Powerful Sword Forged With A Powerful Mana Beast Core.


    ? Effect: By Channeling Mana Into The Blade, The Black Blade Can Condense It And Double Its Output. The Only Caveat Is That The Blade¡¯s Weight Increases Proportionally To The Mana Infused.


    ? State (Unsealed): 2 Of 5 Seals Removed.


    ? Boost: X2 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes (Depending On Mana Infused Into The Blade)


    ? Additional Boost: +10 Rank Points Each Time A Seal On The Blade Is Removed


    ? Mana Cost: -25 Mana Pool Rank Points/Minute While Unsealed.


    Joe studied the glowing inscriptions, which he now understood were seals. Though he didn¡¯t fully grasp the intricacies of Mana Tools, he was determined to learn.


    "Can you seal it? I can¡¯t afford to drain my mana while I¡¯m not using the blade."


    [Sure, The Black Blade Has Been Sealed.]


    The glowing inscriptions dimmed and faded as Joe slid the blade back into place at his rear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check my attribute window and see where we¡¯re at.¡±


    [Attribute Window]


    Personal Information


    ? Name: Joe White.


    ? Overall Rank: 11 [0/40,000 Rank Points Required].


    ? Special Class: Outsider.


    Skills:


    ? Outsider¡¯s Enhancement.


    ? Predator [Unique].


    ? Outsider¡¯s Perspective [Passive].


    Inventory:


    ? Mana Tool: Black Blade [C Class, Sealed].


    ? Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger [C Class, Sealed].


    ? +1 (Rank 4) Mana Beast Core.


    ? +1 (Rank 10) Mana Beast Core.


    ? Dungeon Item: The White Fang [C Class]


    ? Academy License


    Gold:


    ? 20,000 Gold Pieces.


    Attributes:


    ? Physical Attributes: 27 (+15 Rank Points From The Black Sheep).


    ? Mana Attributes: 45.


    ? Psychological Attributes: 22.


    ? Mana Pool: 8,445/???????.


    Joe couldn¡¯t help but smile at his progress, but the moment was fleeting. A pit formed in his stomach as a question clawed at his mind, demanding to be asked.


    "Tell me, Syr. What is an Outsider, and why the hell was I transported to this place?"


    Joe sat beneath a nearby tree, his gaze distant as he waited for Syr¡¯s answer.


    [Well¡­ It¡¯s Complicated, But I¡¯ll Try To Simplify It For You. Outsiders Are Individuals Transported From One Planet To Another After Their World Has Been Deleted. To Put It Simply, They Were Not Born In That World And Do Not Belong There, Hence The Name ''Outsider.'' As For Why You Were Sent Here, I Can¡¯t Answer That.]


    "Why not?"


    [God Asura Has Forbidden Me From Doing So.]


    "Screw him, Syr! Just tell me! You can¡¯t expect me to wander this planet aimlessly without knowing why I¡¯m even here. I need answers!"


    [You Must Watch Your Tongue When Speaking About A God. You¡¯re Lucky God Asura Has Not Been Himself Lately. Otherwise, You Would Be Dead.]


    Joe¡¯s heart raced. The idea that he could be killed for a single insult was outrageous¡ªand terrifying.


    [Just Think Of This As Your Second Life.]


    Joe snapped. "My second life? You expect me to think of this as my second life? What about the others, Syr?" His voice cracked as he yelled, tears spilling freely.


    "What about the billions who lost their lives? Why did it have to be me? Why did my sister have to die!"


    Joe covered his face with trembling hands, his sobs muffled by his palms.


    [I Can¡¯t Answer All Your Questions, But I Can Tell You This: You¡¯re Not The Only Person From Earth Who Has Been Transported To Grisha.]


    Joe lifted his tear-streaked face, hope flickering in his eyes as he wiped them dry. "Are you serious?"


    [Yes. Your Family Could Still Be Alive.]

 Chapter 7: The Soul King

    "Where are they, Syr?" Joe questioned with newfound urgency.


    [I Said They Could Be Alive. It¡¯s Not Guaranteed That They Are.]


    "But there''s a chance, right? My sister and my mother could still be on this planet, right?" Joe¡¯s heart pounded as a spark of hope lit up his chest.


    [They Could Be, But The Chances Are Low. After Earth Was Deleted, The Gods Chose Around A Thousand Souls To Be Transported To Grisha. Excluding You, That Leaves 999 Souls. From A Planet With Over Seven Billion Inhabitants, The Chances Of Your Family Being Among Them Are Slim.]


    "999 is a lot of souls! My sister and mother have to be among them; they just have to!" Joe got to his feet and began pacing, his movements restless. Syr''s revelation had opened a door in his mind¡ªa chance to reunite with his family.


    "What criteria do the gods use when choosing a soul to transport? I need to narrow the odds. Is it age? Gender? What is it?"


    [Gods Can Do Whatever They Want Whenever They Want. They Don¡¯t Follow A Criteria¡ªThey Act On Whim. Trying To Understand Their Methods Or Thought Process Is Futile.]


    Joe stroked his chin, still pacing, his steps quickening. "Come on, Syr! Give me something to work with. Any idea where the other souls were sent?"


    Joe couldn¡¯t believe what he was saying. Talking about gods and soul transportation as if it were an everyday matter¡ªit was absurd. Yet, being in Grisha had dulled his disbelief. At this point, anything felt possible.


    [Grisha Is Massive. Figuring Out Where All The Other Souls Were Sent Would Be A Monumental Task. I¡¯m No God. There Are No Shortcuts. If You Want To Find Them, You¡¯ll Have To Search The Entire World.]


    The way Syr phrased it made the task seem insurmountable. Joe barely survived a single forest. How could he search an entire planet? Grisha was bound to harbor creatures far more dangerous than Wolflins.


    He clenched his fists, his teeth grinding. "I''ll do it, Syr! I''ll find them, even if it kills me!" Determination burned fiercely in his eyes.


    Joe sank back down, his questions mostly answered. "This process of deleting a planet¡ªhow does it work? Did someone deliberately destroy Earth?"


    [It¡¯s Quite Simple. Most Planets Are Governed By A Primeval God. There Are Exceptions, Like Grisha, Which Do Not Possess A Primeval God. Earth However, Was Not An Exception. A Primeval God Existed There. I Don¡¯t Know Their Name, But They Are The One Who Wiped Your Planet From Existence.]


    A chill ran down Joe¡¯s spine. The thought of a god erasing an entire planet was harrowing. All those lives, gone in an instant.


    Joe clenched his fist. "Why? Why would they do such a thing?" His voice cracked, echoing through the forest.


    [I Don¡¯t Know. There Could Be Many¡ª]


    "You don¡¯t know?" Joe interrupted sharply. "Then what do you know, Syr? You don¡¯t know where the souls went, you don¡¯t know why my planet was destroyed, and you can¡¯t even tell me why I¡¯m here! Looks to me like you don¡¯t know anything!" He swung his fist at Syr¡¯s notification screen, but it passed harmlessly through the projection.


    [I¡¯m Sorry I Couldn¡¯t Satisfy You With My Explanations.]


    "I need time alone, Syr. Can you do that for me?"


    Syr¡¯s status screen vanished, leaving Joe alone with his thoughts. The more he tried to process Syr¡¯s words, the deeper he sank into a maze of confusion. He clutched his head, overwhelmed. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being a pawn in a game he didn¡¯t understand.


    The sound of subtle movements broke through his spiraling thoughts. Joe turned toward Shelly, who was sitting up and rubbing her eyes.


    "Did I wake you?" Joe asked, guilt tugging at him. His earlier outburst was the likely culprit. He needed to control his emotions better.


    "No, I was already awake!" Shelly bowed her head quickly. "You¡¯re not the reason, I swear! I woke up on my own¡ªit¡¯s not your fault, it¡¯s mine."


    "So, you heard me shouting earlier?"


    "No! I mean, I didn¡¯t wake up because of that. I woke up just ten seconds ago. Really, it¡¯s not your fault!" Her words tumbled out with urgency.


    Joe scratched his head. "You don¡¯t have to take the blame for everything. If I woke you, it¡¯s okay to say so." He offered a small smile.


    Shelly¡¯s eyes widened. She quickly looked away, nodding silently.


    Joe rose from his spot and walked over to Shelly. He stopped in front of her, extending his hand. "Ready to go?"


    Shelly nodded, reaching out with her left hand to take his. As she regained her footing, her staff dissolved into shimmering green fragments of light. Once she was steady, their hands separated.


    "Wait," Shelly said suddenly, turning southward. "Before we go¡­ there¡¯s something I need to do."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Joe followed her as she led him to a part of the forest where the bodies of her fallen friends lay.


    The stench and the sight of their disfigured forms were deeply unsettling, but Joe found himself less bothered than he expected. What truly weighed on him was the cascade of questions swirling in his mind as he looked down at them.


    What if I had moved faster? What if I¡¯d arrived a few minutes earlier? Could i have prevented this?


    His fists clenched tightly.


    Shelly placed her hands together, fingers interlocked, as if preparing to pray. "They died because of me. The least I can do is give their bodies the dignity they deserve." Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.


    Joe glanced at her, his voice soft but firm. "I don''t think they''d want you blaming yourself like this. I''m sure you did the best you could."


    "You weren¡¯t there!" Shelly snapped, her voice breaking. "They have every right to resent me. I¡¯m sure most of their souls harbor hatred toward me. And I deserve it."


    Joe took a deep breath, steadying his tone. "From what I saw, Kite didn¡¯t harbor any resentment. He wanted you to live. Blaming yourself won¡¯t change anything. It won¡¯t bring them back, and it won¡¯t make the pain go away. If you truly believe they hated you, then take their hatred. Embrace it. Hold onto it, and use it to keep moving forward. But most importantly, make sure this doesn¡¯t happen again."


    Shelly glanced at Joe, her eyes searching his face. Then she nodded, a small, teary smile breaking through. "Yeah¡­ you¡¯re right. Thanks."


    An green light began to glow from Shelly¡¯s hands, spreading outward into a warm aura that surrounded the fallen bodies of her friends.


    [Shelly Has Activated The ¡®Healing Skill¡¯ (Decomposition)]


    The light formed a veil over their corpses, intensifying before fading. In its wake, the bodies dissolved into radiant green orbs that drifted downward and merged with the earth.


    From the soil, vibrant flowers began to bloom, their colors bright and lively, transforming the once-grim clearing into a serene and beautiful scene.


    "May the Soul King be with you," Shelly whispered, opening her eyes.


    She turned back to Joe. "I¡¯m ready now. We can go."


    Joe looked at the flowers, his heart lightened. Something about seeing the fallen transformed into something so beautiful made him feel at peace. They would live on, adding color and life to the forest.


    As they began their journey north, Joe couldn¡¯t contain his curiosity. "The Soul King? Is that some kind of god?"


    "No," Shelly replied, shaking her head slightly. "There are no gods in Grisha. The closest thing Grisha has to gods are beings called Planetary Guardians. Very few people In Grisha belive in them. I don''t believe them myself." Shelly admitted. "The only being i believe in, is the Soul King."


    Joe had never heard of the term Planetary Guardian before, but he was sure Syr knew something about it.


    ''"The Soul King is something many of us choose to believe in. He¡¯s said to welcome souls to the Soul Realm, protect them, and give them a happy afterlife."


    Joe pondered her words. He wasn''t sure he believed them, was the after life even a thing? And weren''t Primeval Gods in charge of souls? He didnt even fully understand what a Primeval God even was. He chose to just bury the thoughts to the back of his mind. Maybe the Soul King did exist who knew.


    "I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll have a happy life," he said finally.


    The words hung in the air, followed by an awkward silence. Only the sound of their footsteps broke the quiet. After several minutes, Joe spoke again.


    "Healing me must¡¯ve used a lot of your mana. I¡¯m sorry," he said, clasping his hands together in apology.


    Shelly shook her head. "It wasn¡¯t that much, I promise." She sounded sincere, but Joe could tell that even after her rest, her mana reserves hadn¡¯t fully recovered.


    "You don¡¯t have to thank me," Shelly continued, her voice quieter as she glanced at the ground. "I¡¯m the reason you got hurt, after all."


    Joe smiled. "Let''s call it even, okay? I helped you, you helped me. We''re equal. You don''t have to take the blame for everything. You''re too young for that."


    Shelly looked surprised, then burst into a light giggle.


    "What? Did I say something funny?"


    "No, no," she said, shaking her head. "You just remind me of someone, that''s all."


    "Oh yeah? Who?"


    "My grandpa. He talked a lot like you. I''d swear you were his son or something."


    Oh come on! You''re comparing me to some old geezer? Joe didn''t like that comparison. Did he somehow get wise and boring during his transportation to Grisha. Did he reach enlightenment or something? He had never met his grandparents, but he''d spent enough time around older people during his job back on Earth to recognize their tone.


    Shelly¡¯s giggling softened, and her voice lowered. "My grandfather was the best. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s watching over me right now. I know he is."


    Joe frowned. "Oh¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Did he¡­?"


    "Yeah, he passed away a long time ago. He¡¯s the reason I became an adventurer in the first place."


    "An adventurer, huh? That sounds pretty cool. So¡­ do you, uh, venture out?"


    Shelly gave him a blank stare.


    Joe winced. "Right, of course she ventures out. She''s an adventurer, for crying out loud. Idiot," he thought to himself, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise to his face.


    Shelly raised an eyebrow. "You¡¯re an adventurer too, right? Or are you just a solo explorer?"


    "Yeah, that¡¯s me. Totally a solo explorer," he was sweaty but somehow maintained his composure.


    Shelly tilted her head. "Most people don¡¯t do that anymore. I can¡¯t decide if you¡¯re brave or just¡­"


    "Stupid?" Joe finished for her.


    "No," she said with a small smile. "Excited."


    Joe squinted, unconvinced by her expression.


    Shelly¡¯s tone turned serious. "Being a solo explorer is dangerous. Most people stick to adventuring parties these days. Traveling alone isn¡¯t just risky because of bandits or harsh conditions. Mana beasts are also a constant threat. Back in the day, there were lots of explorers, but now it¡¯s all about adventuring."


    Joe¡¯s curiosity piqued. "Why do people choose to become adventurers?"


    Shelly grinned. " The question you should be asking is why not? Wealth, fame, power¡ªeverything you could want is attainable as an adventurer."


    Joe¡¯s eyes lit up. "That sounds awesome! I want to do it¡ªI want to be an adventurer! Not for wealth or fame, though. I just want to find my family."


    Shelly¡¯s smile softened, her curiosity evident. "Your family?"


    Joe nodded, his expression darkening. "Yeah. I got separated from my mom and sister a while back."


    "I¡¯m sorry to hear that."


    Joe waved her concern off, though a shadow lingered in his eyes. "It¡¯s all right. I¡¯ll find them. We¡¯ll reunite, no matter what!"


    Shelly studied him for a moment before asking, "Grisha¡¯s a big place. Do you even know where to start?"


    Joe hesitated but then clenched his fists. "No. But I won¡¯t stop. I¡¯ll search the entire world if I have to!" His voice carried a fiery resolve, and his eyes shone with determination.


    By now, they had reached the edge of the forest.


    Shelly pointed ahead to a small town visible in the distance. "Well, if you want to register as an adventurer and find party members, that¡¯s the place to start."


    Joe squinted at the town¡¯s gates, massive and imposing even from afar. Black steel stretched high into the sky, more grandiose than he expected for just a town.


    Shelly gestured proudly. "This is one of the towns in the Kingdom of Tania. Welcome to Perina!"


    Joe¡¯s heart raced as they approached. The gates loomed over him, casting long shadows on the road. His mind buzzed with anticipation. Beyond those gates lay the first step in his journey to find his family.


    As the gates creaked open, Joe stepped forward, his eyes brimming with fearless determination.


    There was no turning back.

 Chapter 8: Desperation

    The gates creaked open, and Shelly and Joe stepped into the bustling town of Perina. The massive gates groaned shut behind them, and before they could take another step, a guard was already blocking their path.


    He was a lanky man clad in black armor from head to toe, his visage barely visible beneath the shadow of his helmet. In one hand, he held a lengthy black spear that seemed both polished and menacing.


    "Welcome to Perina. May I see your academy licenses?" His voice was calm yet firm, a tone that carried authority without aggression.


    Joe glanced at Shelly, who wasted no time. A silver card shimmered into existence in her hand, and she handed it over to the guard without hesitation.


    License?


    Joe felt a bead of sweat form on his temple.


    [You Have A License In Your Inventory. It Belongs To That Guy, Ray, But I Can Alter Its Details To Match Yours. Should I Proceed?]


    "Yes, you''re a lifesaver, Syr," Joe used his thoughts to communicate with Syr, relief washing over him.


    It hadn''t even occurred to him that he might possess a license. It must have been something he gained after absorbing Ray. His mind was too preoccupied to notice earlier. He opened his Attribute Window earlier but it still went past him. The Stress he was experiencing was getting to him.


    [Converting The License To Match Your Details...]


    As Joe fidgeted nervously, the guard returned Shelly''s license after a brief inspection and turned toward him.


    "Your license, sir?"


    [License Successfully Converted.]


    A faint blue light shimmered around Joe¡¯s hand, and a card materialized in his palm, the glow fading as it took shape.


    [License Information]


    ? Name and Surname: Joe White


    ? Class: Warrior


    ? Academy: Rainstar Academy


    ? Date Issued: 10 months ago


    ? Passing Grade: B


    The license displayed a picture of Joe¡¯s face alongside the details. What caught his attention most was the listed class¡ªWarrior. His unique class, Outsider, was nowhere to be found.


    "Why did you change the class? Is something wrong with my unique class?" Joe asked Syr through their mental link, suspicion creeping into his tone.


    [There''s Nothing Wrong With It. Your Class Simply Attracts Attention. It¡¯s Better To Blend In As A Warrior Than Stand Out As An Outsider. Trust Me¡ªYour Life Will Be Much Easier This Way.]


    Joe frowned. If there was truly nothing wrong, why hide it? It was clear Syr wasn¡¯t telling him everything, and pressing for answers wouldn¡¯t get him far. Syr always held his cards close.


    The guard scrutinized Joe¡¯s license for what felt like an eternity, his gaze flicking between the card and Joe¡¯s face. Finally, with a curt nod, he handed it back. The license dissolved into blue light as Joe accepted it.


    [Your Academy License Has Been Added To Your Inventory.]


    "You may proceed." The guard stepped aside, allowing them entry into the town.


    Joe cast a sidelong glance at Shelly as they began walking. "I¡¯ll trust you for now, Syr. I¡¯ll keep my class to myself."


    [You¡¯re Making The Right Choice.]


    Joe let the matter rest¡ªfor now. His attention turned to the scene ahead. Perina was far larger than he had anticipated, its streets alive with motion. Buildings of various sizes and shapes lined the roads, each constructed from rugged stone. The streets themselves were paved with weathered brown rocks, their uneven surfaces worn smooth by years of use.


    Tamed Mana Beasts moved up and down the streets, their chains glinting faintly in the light. Unlike the feral creatures Joe had seen before, these were disciplined, performing tasks alongside their human handlers. People rode them like mounts or hitched them to carriages, using their incredible strength to ferry goods and passengers.


    The most common beasts were large, green, lizard-like creatures¡ªtowering many times larger than their wild counterparts. Their scaled hides shimmered faintly under the sun.


    The clatter of carriage wheels filled the air, mingling with the joyous laughter of children darting through the streets.


    "This place is a lot more chaotic than I expected," Joe admitted, glancing around.


    "This is nothing compared to the capital of Tania," Shelly replied, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.


    As they walked further, Joe noticed plenty of people wearing similar uniforms bustling through the streets. Each uniform bore distinct symbols emblazoned on the back, hinting at some kind of group affiliation.


    "That must be how adventurer parties distinguish themselves," he thought, observing their orderly chaos.


    "Say, Shelly, what was the name of your party? Did you guys have symbols on your backs too?"


    Shelly fell silent, her gaze drifting to the ground as they continued walking. The pause stretched long enough for Joe to realize his mistake.


    "I''m sorry. That was insensitive of me. You don¡¯t have to answer if you don¡¯t want to," Joe said hastily, his tone softening. He cursed himself internally¡ªhe''d remembered too late that Shelly had only recently lost her party. It was like rubbing salt in a raw wound.


    "No, it¡¯s alright." Shelly gave him a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed the pain she tried to mask. "Our party was called Red Stars." She turned slightly, showing the back of her dress to reveal a badge with a cluster of red stars stitched onto her back. "This was our logo."


    Joe leaned in for a closer look as she turned back to face him. "Different parties have different logos. We chose this one because Kite¡ªour leader¡ªsaid..." Her voice faltered, and her lips trembled slightly. "He said we¡¯d reach the stars one day. Pretty silly, huh?"This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "I wouldn¡¯t call it silly," Joe said firmly. "If it¡¯s something you all believed in, something you fought for, then it¡¯s not silly at all."


    Shelly''s faint smile wavered, and Joe could tell he¡¯d soured the mood by bringing up her party. Thinking quickly, he decided to change the direction of the conversation.


    "Hey, Shelly," Joe said, his tone suddenly energetic, "do you want to know what it¡¯s really like to reach the stars?"


    She blinked, puzzled. "What are you talking about?"


    "We can do it!" Joe said, his eyes burning with determination. "You and me¡ªwe could form a new party. We could reach the stars and be the best! You don¡¯t have to give up on that dream you all had. I¡¯ll help you make it a reality."


    "You... want us to form a party? Even after what happened back there? You saw how usel¡ª"


    "I don¡¯t care about that!" Joe interrupted her sharply, his voice cutting through her doubt. "The past doesn¡¯t matter to me. I¡¯m looking forward to the future. The past is full of regrets we can¡¯t ever change. But the future? That¡¯s where all our possibilities lay. What do you say?"


    Shelly¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and tears welled up as she smiled. She wiped her cheeks quickly, trying to regain her composure. "Thanks, Joe. For believing in me, even after everything."


    "So... you¡¯ll join?" Joe asked, leaning forward eagerly.


    Shelly hesitated. "I don¡¯t know. I still have a lot to process. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to move on to another party just yet."


    "That¡¯s alright," Joe said with a reassuring grin. "I¡¯ll wait. I¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re ready."


    Shelly smiled softly and nodded, her spirits seemingly a little lighter.


    As they strolled through the bustling streets, the town¡¯s chaotic energy became more evident. The narrow pathways were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and people congregated around three particularly popular stores: a potion shop on the right, a swordsmith on the left, and a meat store farther ahead. The aroma wafting from the meat shop was tantalizing yet unfamiliar, and the thought that it might be Mana Beast meat made Joe¡¯s stomach churn.


    Joe turned to Shelly. "Which store do you want to visit?"


    Shelly¡¯s gaze lingered on the meat store. "I could go for some food. I¡¯m a little hungry."


    Joe frowned, studying her carefully. "How about the potion store instead?" he suggested. "Potion shops have stuff to heal and restore mana, right?" He didn¡¯t sound entirely confident, his knowledge limited to what he¡¯d seen in cartoons as a kid.


    "Why? I¡¯m fine," Shelly insisted.


    "You¡¯re not. Your mana¡¯s weak¡ªI can sense it," Joe said, though in truth, he wasn¡¯t sensing it at all. The crowded street made detecting mana signatures impossible. Instead, he relied on his passive skill, [Outsider¡¯s Enhancement], which let him visually perceive mana quantity and flow.


    Joe decided to keep his skill a secret. Syr had told him before that Mana Signatures were invisible. If he blurted out that he could see mana¡ªthings could get out of hand. He didn''t want to give Shelly any hint that he could be an Outsider, especially after what Syr said to him about keeping it a secret.


    "Come on," Joe urged. "Let¡¯s check out the potion store first. Afterward, we can grab something to eat."


    When Joe pushed open the door, a golden bell chimed softly, drawing momentary glances from every corner of the room before people returned to their business.


    The shop was busy, but there was a clear sense of order. Customers stood in a straight queue that snaked toward an elderly woman seated behind a long wooden counter. Dressed in a black hat and jacket, she looked every bit the stern shopkeeper Joe imagined her to be. The shelves around them were meticulously arranged, lined with glass bottles containing liquids of varying colors that shimmered under the dim light.


    The line moved steadily until it didn¡¯t.


    "Go get me the potions, lady!" a deep, gravelly voice boomed, breaking the rhythm.


    Joe turned toward the source of the commotion. A towering man stood near the counter, his messy black hair and disheveled appearance making him stand out. His tattered brown pants and shirt were streaked with grime, and judging by his appearance, he hadn¡¯t bathed in days. Flanking him were two younger boys, equally unkempt. Their bare feet were caked with dirt, and their skin and clothing were smudged with streaks of black ink, as if they¡¯d rolled in spilled paint.


    "Money first!" the old lady snapped, her voice unwavering despite her small stature.


    "Do you know who you¡¯re talking to, bitch? If you don¡¯t want trouble with Mikey, you¡¯ll hand over what I asked for!" the man snarled.


    At the mention of Mikey, the room buzzed with hushed murmurs.


    "Did he just say Mikey?"


    "He must be one of those bastards from the Trash Can."


    "Shh, keep your voice down. He might hear you."


    The whispers died as quickly as they started when the man shot a glare across the room. The burn mark around his right eye made him look even more menacing, and the air grew tense.


    Reluctantly, the old woman rose from her seat, her movements slow and strained. She shuffled over to a shelf and retrieved two small bottles of green liquid.


    "Make it quick, you old hag!" the man barked impatiently.


    When she returned, her hands trembling slightly, she placed the potions on the counter. "Now give me the money," she demanded, her voice tired but firm.


    The man sneered, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "Sorry, but that¡¯s not gonna happen. That¡¯s just not how we operate."


    "Give the old lady her money, man!" Joe¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and unflinching.


    The man turned, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Joe. "Huh? Who the hell is this fucker? Mind your business, kid. This has nothing to do with you!"


    Joe¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. "This has everything to do with me. You think it¡¯s fair for the rest of us to pay while you waltz in and take whatever you want? That¡¯s not going to happen!''


    Gasps rippled through the room. The man¡¯s glare deepened, but before he could respond, the two boys grabbed the potions from the counter and bolted. They darted past Joe and burst through the door with startling speed.


    "Shelly, go!" Joe shouted.


    Without hesitation, Shelly sprang into action, chasing after the boys.


    The man cracked his knuckles, his focus now solely on Joe. "You¡¯ve got no idea who you¡¯re messing with, kid," he growled. The red bracelets around his wrists began to glow ominously.


    Joe¡¯s hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of his blade. His eyes locked onto the man¡¯s, fearless and unyielding. "I don¡¯t care who you are. If you don¡¯t pay up, I¡¯ll kick your ass."


    [Across Town]


    Shelly darted through the crowded streets, weaving between townsfolk as she pursued the two boys. They were surprisingly quick, moving with the practiced ease of those accustomed to running and hiding. They blended seamlessly with the crowd, but Shelly kept her eyes locked on them.


    One of the boys sped past a table stacked with fresh brown loaves of bread. The table belonged to a chubby shopkeeper who was loudly advertising his wares. Without breaking stride, the boy snatched a loaf and kept running.


    ¡°Thieves! Get them!¡± the shopkeeper bellowed, his voice thick with panic as he waved his arms frantically.


    Shelly was closing the distance fast.


    "Go, Ed! We can''t outrun her! I''ll slow her down," one of the boys shouted.


    "But, John, what about..." The smaller boy, Ed, hesitated, tears welling in his eyes.


    "I''ll be fine," John interrupted firmly. "You said your sister was sick, right? Take the bread and get out of here! I know it''s not much, but it should keep her full for a day or two."


    Without waiting for an argument, John tossed the bread to Ed, then turned to face Shelly.


    Ed caught the bread, clutching it tightly along with the stolen potions. He glanced back once, then darted into an alleyway to the right, vanishing from sight.


    John emptied his pockets and pulled out a handful of stones, hurling them at Shelly one after another.


    Shelly dodged them effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. However, she wasn¡¯t expecting John to charge at her, a small knife trembling in his grip. His hands shook as he raised the blade above his head and brought it down toward her.


    Shelly reacted instinctively, grabbing his arm and twisting it. She tackled him to the ground, pinning him easily, and the knife clattered to the cobblestone. She stared down at the boy, only to find wide, tearful eyes staring back at her.


    "I¡¯m sorry... We had no choice. He made us do it!" John stammered, his lips quivering.


    Before Shelly could respond, the crowd around them thickened. The townspeople, led by the furious shopkeeper, surrounded her and the boy.


    "Damn it! One of them got away!" the shopkeeper barked. He shoved Shelly aside roughly, his face red with anger. "No matter, we¡¯ll make an example out of this one."


    He grabbed John by the arm and began dragging him away. The boy kicked and screamed, his voice breaking. "I¡¯m sorry!"


    Shelly stood frozen, watching as the crowd marched off with the struggling boy. A gnawing sense of guilt settled in her chest. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that, somehow, she had just made things worse.


    [Potion Store]


    The shop was in ruins. Smoke and ash filled the air, the door was completely gone, and flames licked at the walls, spreading chaos through the surrounding area.


    Joe stood outside, a safe distance from the wreckage, his body shrouded in a faint aura of mana. His blade was drawn, and he held it steady, though sweat dripped down his face as he caught his breath.


    The entire town had descended into pandemonium.


    The roaring flames parted, creating a path through the inferno. From within the smoke, the man from earlier emerged, his eyes gleaming with malice.


    "I¡¯ll teach you a lesson for meddling in other people¡¯s business, kid," he snarled.


    Joe gripped his blade tighter, his expression unyielding. "Bring it on, you bastard."

 Chapter 9: Entertainment

    The Mana Tools: Flaming Bracelets (D-Class) Have Been Unsealed]


    Joe''s eyes fixated on the glowing bracelets encircling the man''s arms. Inscribed with intricate inscriptions, the mana tools exuded power. Out of six inscriptions, only two were active¡ªone glowing faintly on each bracelet.


    His hands trembled as vivid memories of the screams from the potion store flashed in his mind, raw and haunting. Despite his efforts to block them out, they persisted.


    ¡°How could you do that?¡± Joe¡¯s voice cracked, his teeth clenched in fury. ¡°You monster! How could you kill so many of them?¡±


    The destruction had been devastating. Although Joe managed to save a few, the store had been overcrowded, and the flames spared no one. Only three survivors huddled behind him¡ªsaved purely by their proximity when the man unleashed his infernal attack.


    The man smirked darkly. ¡°No, you¡¯re pointing your finger at the wrong person. The one you should blame is yourself.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Joe¡¯s voice faltered, his expression bewildered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act all shocked,¡± the man sneered. ¡°We both know why those people died. If you hadn¡¯t gotten involved, none of this would¡¯ve happened.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Joe bellowed. ¡°This is all your fault!¡±


    In a blur, Joe¡¯s figure vanished, leaving trails of darkness in his wake.


    [You Have Activated The Skill: (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [-50 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool: 8 395]


    [+20 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes (Total:62)


    [+30 Rank Points To Your Mana Attribute (Total: 75)


    Joe reappeared on the man¡¯s left side. ¡°Crescent Moon Slash,¡± he whispered, swinging his blade in a horizontal arc, aiming to decapitate his opponent in a single, decisive strike.


    The blade missed by a hair¡¯s breadth. The man ducked just in time, allowing the edge to whistle harmlessly above his head. But Joe¡¯s swing carried more than a physical attack. A crescent-shaped mana slash tore through the air, carving an entire store in half before Joe even realized the extent of his misstep.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Joe muttered as dread took hold.


    His heart pounded as he scanned for survivors, praying he hadn¡¯t just caused more deaths. No sounds emerged from the ruined building, suggesting no one had been inside. But the brief moment of hesitation cost him.


    The man capitalized on Joe¡¯s distraction, delivering a brutal punch to his unguarded stomach. The blow knocked the air out of Joe¡¯s lungs, a searing heat burning through his core. [Burning Fist] His black blade fell from his grasp as a second uppercut struck his jaw with devastating force, sending him airborne. [Burning Fist]


    Joe¡¯s body spiraled uncontrollably through the sky. Before he could recover, an orb of flames engulfed him, searing his skin and tearing a scream from his throat. [Fireball] Moments later, he crashed into the ground, a fair distance away.


    [The Black Sheep Has Reduced Fire''s Effectiveness]


    [The Black Sheep Is Adapting To The Element Of Fire]


    Joe barely registered the notifications as his vision blurred, and his body radiated with pain. Were it not for the Black Sheep and his mana shielding him, he would¡¯ve been ash.


    ¡°You know, kid,¡± the man sneered, ¡°not many people pick a fight with one of Mikey¡¯s top three fighters. You¡¯ve got guts¡ªif not outright stupidity. Most people run the moment they hear the name Stan the Bonfire.¡±


    Joe forced himself to lift his head, but ash blurred his vision. He could still see Stan¡¯s hands flickering with flames as the man grinned.


    From the corner of his ear, Joe caught a frantic voice¡ªa desperate plea. ¡°Hurry up! Take all my blades, and don¡¯t you dare leave a single one behind!¡±


    It came from inside the Swordsmith store. People were still inside, alive, despite the chaos.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Stan¡¯s gaze shifted briefly toward the building.


    Joe¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    An orange glow gathered at Stan¡¯s fingertip, condensing into a fiery orb.


    [Stan Has Activated The Skill: (Flame Control)]


    [The Mana Tools: Flaming Bracelets Have Enhanced Stan¡¯s Flame Control]


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡± Joe shouted, panic lacing his words.


    Stan¡¯s grin widened. [Stan Has Activated the ''Branch Skill'' (Fireblast)]


    Boom!


    The orb collided with the store, erupting into an inferno. The screams of those trapped inside rose in agony before fading into silence. Joe watched helplessly as the Mana Signatures of the people inside blinked out of existence.


    Stan chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with malice. ¡°You hear that? That¡¯s the sound of fire. Fire is a beautiful thing, you know¡ªit¡¯s pure entertainment!¡±


    Joe clenched his fists, his body trembling. A sadistic smile played across Stan¡¯s face as his laughter echoed amidst the carnage.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    A surge of mana erupted from Joe, and the confident smirk on Stan¡¯s face began to fade. The mana climbed higher, intensifying with each passing second, an overwhelming presence that seemed without limit.


    [-300 Rank Points Have Been Deducted From Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool:8 095]


    Joe rose to his feet, his entire form cloaked in a shroud of darkness. A glowing light materialized in his right hand, solidifying into a dagger that fit perfectly into his palm. He gripped the weapon tightly, his piercing glare locking onto Stan. The pain that had wracked his body moments ago no longer mattered. One singular thought consumed him.


    I''ll kill him.


    Stan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°No, that¡¯s insane! How can a single kid possess that much mana? It¡¯s impossible!¡± He staggered backward, his earlier confidence crumbling into fear.


    ¡°Apologize!¡± Joe¡¯s voice boomed, commanding and unrelenting.


    Stan flinched, visibly shaken, he took another step back, struggling to regain his composure. His eyes remained wide, panic etched across his face.


    [The Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger (C-Class) Has Been Unsealed]


    [1 Seal Has Been Removed]


    [+15 Rank Points Have Been  Added To The Scorching Dagger]


    [-25 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [Current Mana Pool:8 070]


    The dagger¡¯s glow radiated a deep, fiery red, blending with the dark mana swirling around Joe. The resulting contrast painted an ominous, vivid aura that seemed to pulse with malice.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to apologize?¡± Joe¡¯s steps were slow and deliberate as he advanced toward Stan.


    Stan¡¯s hands ignited, flames wrapping around them in a desperate display of power.


    [Stan Has Activated The Skill (Flame Control)]


    [The Mana Tools: Flame Bracelets Have Enhanced Stan¡¯s Flame Control]


    ¡°Stay back! Stay back!¡± Stan shouted, his voice trembling.


    [Stan Has Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Fireball)]


    [Stan Has Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Fireball)]


    [Stan Has Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Fireball)]


    [Stan Has Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Fireball)]


    A barrage of fireballs erupted from Stan¡¯s hands, hurtling toward Joe in rapid succession.


    Joe¡¯s pace never faltered. Each step forward was steady, precise, and unwavering. Flames erupted from his dagger in response.


    [You Have Activated The Scorching Dagger''s Skill (Flame Severing)]


    [Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger Flame Strenghth And Speed (Total:315)]


    One by one, Joe slashed through the fireballs with surgical precision. Each strike cleaved the fiery projectiles cleanly in half, scattering their flames harmlessly to the sides.


    Stan watched in disbelief as his attacks were rendered useless. ¡°No... stay back!¡± he screamed, his voice laced with desperation.


    The flames around Stan¡¯s hands grew larger and more unstable, engulfing his arms in searing heat.


    [The Mana Tools: Flaming Bracelets Are Struggling To Maintain The Mana Overload]


    [The Flaming Bracelets Can No Longer Enhance Stan¡¯s Flame Control]


    Stan¡¯s next attacks were erratic, the orbs of fire large but uneven, each one conjured at great cost. Without the bracelets to stabilize his power, the flames burned his arms with every attempt.


    Yet he didn¡¯t stop. His desperation outweighed his pain, and he continued to hurl fire at Joe with everything he had.


    It was futile.


    Joe cut through every single orb with the same cold precision, his dagger blazing as it carved through the onslaught. Not a single attack reached him.


    Stan¡¯s breath hitched, his movements faltering. He knew then, with absolute certainty.


    There was no stopping him.


    [You Have Activated The Skill: (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [+120 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes (Total:162)]


    [+180 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes (Total:225])


    Joe appeared in front of Stan in a single, lightning-fast step. His fist drove into Stan¡¯s gut with unrelenting force, sending blood spewing from his mouth as he collapsed to his knees. Clutching his stomach, Stan struggled to suppress the pain that wracked his body.


    ¡°Apologize! Apologize for what you¡¯ve done!¡± Joe¡¯s voice boomed, filled with raw fury.


    Stan raised his trembling head, his horrified eyes locking onto Joe¡¯s. But as he gazed into them, he didn¡¯t see a man.


    He saw a monster.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorr¡ª¡±


    Before Stan could finish, Joe¡¯s fist came crashing down on his skull, slamming his head against the rocky ground. Blood trickled from a fresh wound on Stan¡¯s forehead as he fought to lift his head again.


    Joe stared down at him, his voice cold and unwavering. ¡°That was wrong of me. I shouldn¡¯t ask you to apologize. What I want... is for you to scream.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Stan croaked, barely able to comprehend.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I want you to scream the same way they did! Wouldn¡¯t that be... entertainment?¡±


    ¡°Please, I won¡¯t do it again, I promise! I¡¯ll even take you to Mikey¡ªhe¡¯s the reason we¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ignite.¡±


    Joe¡¯s single word cut Stan off, his tone like an executioner¡¯s decree. Flames erupted violently from the Scorching Dagger, engulfing Stan in an inferno.


    Stan¡¯s screams tore through the air, echoing across the entire town.


    Joe watched with a chilling detachment, a smile creeping onto his face.


    Stan thrashed and rolled in a futile attempt to extinguish the flames. The searing heat intensified, burning through his very essence. Yet through the fire and agony, one image remained burned into his mind¡ªJoe¡¯s unrelenting smile.


    As the inferno consumed him, Stan¡¯s screams began to fade. His final thoughts were a desperate warning.


    "Watch out, Mikey! This kid is not normal. I can see it in his eyes... this kid¡¯s flames will devour everything. You have to kill him, or...."


    Stan¡¯s cries ceased, his body reduced to ash, scattered by the wind.


    [You Have Slain A Human Native]


    [+12,000 Rank Points]


    [Rank Up Progress: 11[12,000/40,000 Rank Points Required]


    Joe¡¯s mana dissipated, his smile vanished, and the Scorching Dagger disappeared from his hand. His body gave out, and he collapsed to his knees, his head hanging low.


    [The Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger Has Been Added To Your nventory]


    Tears welled up in Joe¡¯s eyes. The stoic mask he had worn during the fight shattered, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.


    The weight of the screams, the guilt, the destruction¡ªit all bore down on him like an unbearable burden. His heart felt like it was being torn apart.


    It hurt. Everything hurt so much.


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop.¡±


    A warm presence wrapped around Joe, holding him in a gentle embrace. He didn¡¯t need to turn around to recognize the voice.


    ¡°I know it hurts,¡± Shelly said softly, her voice trembling. ¡°I know it does, but you can¡¯t stop. Not yet. You¡¯ll find your family, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°But Shelly...¡± Joe¡¯s voice cracked, his tears flowing freely.


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop, Joe. Even if you resent yourself. Even if you want to die.¡± Her arms tightened around him. ¡°Someone once told me... you carry the hatred, you carry the resentment, and you keep pushing forward.¡±


    Joe felt her tears drip onto his shoulder, her presence a comforting warmth amidst his turmoil.


    Five minutes passed in silence before Joe finally regained his composure. By then, they had separated, and Shelly sat a few steps away, watching him quietly.


    He finished wiping his tears and managed to mutter, ¡°Thanks...¡±


    Shelly smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯m just returning the favor. You¡¯re doing all right?¡±


    Joe exhaled deeply, his determination returning. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay. I just want one thing... Can you help me? Help me destroy this Mikey bastard and all his little friends!¡±


    A flicker of memory crossed Shelly¡¯s mind¡ªa memory of John, the kid she saw earlier, his tears and fear was so vivid. Only a monster could force child to do such a thing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡± she said with a firm nod.


    They bumped fists in a gesture of solidarity. In that moment, everything was decided.


    Joe and Shelly would bring down Mikey, no matter the cost¡ªeven if it meant turning the entire town upside down.

 Chapter 10:Control

    Joe stumbled but quickly caught himself, finding his footing before he could fall.


    "Are you sure you''re alright?" Shelly asked, standing up alongside him.


    "I''m fine," Joe replied, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "My body just needs a bit more time to recover. I used too much mana in my last fight."


    "I''m not talking about your body. I''m talking about your mental state. You didn¡¯t look good back there," Shelly pressed.


    Joe hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I''m fine, but¡­ I can¡¯t shake the feeling that all this is my fault. Maybe that Stan guy was right. If I hadn¡¯t confronted him, none of this would¡¯ve happened." A bitter expression crossed his face.


    "It¡¯s not your fault that guy turned out to be a psycho," Shelly countered, taking steady steps forward. Joe followed, albeit more slowly. "You couldn¡¯t have known he¡¯d do something like this."


    Joe shook his head, his frustration building. "I confronted him in such a tight space. I should¡¯ve thought about the consequences. I put all those lives at risk, and for what? To prove I was strong? To play the hero?" His voice grew louder with each question before softening again. "Maybe¡­ maybe I should¡¯ve let them take the potions. If I had, maybe no one would¡¯ve died."


    "You were doing what you thought was right," Shelly said firmly. "There¡¯s nothing wrong with that."


    Joe stopped as they reached the spot where his black blade rested. He bent down, picked it up, and sheathed it across his back. His eyes scanned the burned-out stores on either side of them, now reduced to piles of ash.


    "Someone once told me," Shelly began with a gentle smile, "that we can¡¯t change the past. But we can change what happens in the future. Isn¡¯t that right?"


    Joe glanced at her, his expression softening. "You¡¯re right. Thanks."


    His resolve hardened as he silently vowed, I won¡¯t let it happen again.


    But as he studied the destruction more closely, another thought crossed his mind. "Those who died¡­ Can we do the same thing we did in the Black Forest and help them pass peacefully into the afterlife? I know it¡¯s not much, but¡ª"


    Shelly shook her head, cutting him off. "That skill only works if there¡¯s a body left behind. Without a corpse, there¡¯s no chance. And the thing about fire is that, it doesn¡¯t just destroy the body; it destroys the soul too. There¡¯s only one person I know who might be able to preserve their souls even now¡­ but they¡¯re someone I hope I never have to see again."


    Joe noticed the tension in her voice and decided not to press further. Instead, his thoughts lingered on the gravity of what she¡¯d said. The idea that those people had lost not just their lives but their very souls weighed heavily on him.


    "Before we go looking for Mikey," Joe suggested, shifting the topic, "we need information. We need to know where he is and how to ensure this mission is a success."


    Shelly frowned in thought, then smirked. "That¡¯s true, but I¡¯m starving. Can we eat first? If we¡¯re going to do this, we¡¯ll need all the strength we can get."


    Joe nodded in agreement.


    Suddenly, a notification appeared before him.


    [Generating New Main Quest]


    [Main Quest]


    ? Objective: Slay The Native ¡°Big Daddy¡± Mikey


    ? Reward: 18,000 Rank Points


    ¡°What¡¯s this? A quest to kill someone?¡± Joe asked Syr through their mental link.


    [Well, It¡¯s Something You Were Going To Do Anyway. I¡¯m Just Giving You A Little Nudge.]


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    [Facing Mikey Will Undoubtedly Make You Stronger. Just Need To Ensure You See It Through. I Need You To Be strong. For Both Our Sakes]


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your little nudge. I was going to do it anyway.¡±


    [Well, Completing The Quest Won''t Hurt You In Any Way, So Does It Matter?]


    Joe couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was being used. This was his goal¡ªhis decision¡ªand Syr¡¯s interference made it feel less like his own. But he shoved the thought aside. Syr probably had his reasons, reasons he wouldn¡¯t share even if Joe asked.


    As they made their way deeper into the town, the chaos from the earlier fire had faded, and life resumed as if nothing had happened. The bustling streets returned to their usual rhythm, though whispers followed Joe and Shelly wherever they went.


    ¡°Did you see that kid? He beat one of the Big Three¡ªStan! Someone said he actually killed him.¡±


    ¡°The boy doesn¡¯t even look like a licensed adventurer.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s insane.¡±


    The rumors were spreading, and Joe couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy. He didn¡¯t want a reputation for killing. Thankfully, many seemed to doubt the story, which offered him some relief¡ªfor now.


    The pair arrived at Meat Is Money, a massive building that dwarfed most of the other stores in town. Made of sturdy brick, it stood alone, with plenty of space around it. A bold black sign with white letters loomed above the door, leaving no doubt about its purpose.


    Joe and Shelly exchanged a glance before stepping inside.


    The door creaked as they entered, revealing a bustling establishment. Nearly every table was occupied, and though most patrons looked ordinary to Joe, a few Mana Signatures hinted at adventurers among them. The rest seemed average¡ªunremarkable.


    The waiters moved through the crowded room in tattered brown uniforms. Joe found it unsettling that most of them were kids his age, though a few were even younger. Some servers knelt on the floor, acting as makeshift footrests for customers. Joe grimaced but pushed the thought aside, reasoning that this was just how things worked here.


    ¡°There¡¯s an open table,¡± Shelly said, pointing to a spot in the far corner.


    Joe nodded and followed her silently to the table.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Within seconds, a girl approached them. She had messy black hair and stood taller than Joe, looking a few years older.


    ¡°Can I take your orders?¡± she asked, forcing a smile.


    Her face was a mess¡ªscratches marred her skin, her bottom lip was bleeding, and her left eye was swollen shut. Her arms, too, looked swollen, and around her neck was a black collar engraved with the number four.


    Joe suddenly felt too uncomfortable to speak. Shelly¡¯s concerned eyes darted over the girl, mirroring his unease.


    ¡°Are you okay? How do you have so many injuries?¡± Shelly asked softly.


    ¡°Everything is fine. Master takes good care of us,¡± the girl replied, her voice detached. ¡°Now, please place your orders. I¡¯ve been at this table too long.¡±


    Before they could respond, a loud cough interrupted the room. Heads turned toward the sound as glass shattered against the floor, its echo cutting through the buzz of conversation.


    ¡°You bitch! Do you see what you¡¯ve done?¡±


    A man in a white shirt, pants, and boots leapt from his seat, towering over a frail girl. She was coughing harshly, struggling to stifle it with her hands.


    "I''m sorry," the girl managed to say, her coughing momentarily subsiding.


    A slap sent her sprawling to the ground. Blood trickled from a fresh wound on her already bruised face. Her injuries mirrored those of the girl who had served Joe. Only her vibrant red hair seemed untouched, almost out of place amidst the brutality.


    "You think sorry will fix this?" the man roared, pointing at his white outfit stained with sauce, the dark streaks running from his shirt to his boots.


    A piece of meat lay at his feet, surrounded by shards of broken glass. "Do you have any idea how much money you just wasted, Number Two? How will you pay for this, huh?" His voice thundered through the room.


    "I''m sorry, Master..." the girl whimpered, her body trembling.


    "That won''t cut it!" A vicious kick to her ribs rang out, followed by the sickening crack of breaking bone.


    "Why the hell are you still coughing anyway? Didn''t Claudia give you medicine already?"


    The girl nodded weakly, every movement seemingly drenched in pain.


    "Then why aren''t you healing? You''re becoming more trouble than you''re worth. Maybe I should punish you by never letting you see your brother again!"


    Her eyes widened in horror, and she fell to her knees, groveling at his feet as tears streamed down her face. "Please, Master, don''t take my brother from me. He''s all I have. I beg of you."


    "Clean this up, you bitch!" he snapped, pointing at his boots.


    Joe and Shelly sat frozen, watching the horrifying scene unfold. Joe''s face reddened with fury.


    "Who''s that bastard?" he growled.


    "That''s one of Mikey¡¯s Big Three," the server whispered, her voice tight. "The Wild Tamer, Red. No matter what happens, don''t get involved. It''ll only make things worse for us. Master won''t kill her. You just have to wait for this to pass."


    The girl crawled forward, clutching a white cloth. She shakily removed the meat and shards of glass before hesitating over the red stain. She reached out to wipe it clean, but the man¡¯s voice stopped her.


    "Don¡¯t use your cloth. Use your tongue!" His tone was cold and commanding.


    The girl froze, her body trembling with hesitation. But after a moment, she leaned forward, her tongue extending toward the boot.


    Red smiled, clearly relishing her humiliation. "Hurry it u¡ª"


    A deafening crunch cut him off as Red''s cheeks crumpled under the force of Joe¡¯s punch. Red''s body was hurled across the room, crashing through the wall and landing in the open street outside.


    Joe stood over the wreckage, his bloodied fist clenched, his eyes burning with rage.


    Murmurs filled the room as patrons scrambled to process what had just happened.


    Joe¡¯s voice silenced them all in an instant.


    "Shelly, take care of the girl. I think we just found our information source."


    Shelly nodded without hesitation. "You got it." She didn¡¯t even look surprised, as if she''d expected Joe to act.


    Joe stepped through the fractured wall, his movements calm yet deliberate. His sword gleamed in his right hand.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "How can you do something that disgusting?"


    Red coughed, spitting blood as he staggered to his feet. His mouth was missing several teeth. Yet, despite his injuries, he managed a crooked smirk.


    "You¡¯ve got some nerve, kid. What I do to that girl is none of your business. She¡¯s mine!"


    Joe¡¯s grip on his blade tightened. "She¡¯s yours?"


    "That¡¯s right. Every one of those servers is mine. They¡¯re my property. Mikey gave them to me, and I can do whatever I please with them as long as they bring in money!"


    "I won¡¯t let you lay a finger on them, you scumbag!"


    Red chuckled darkly. "That¡¯s funny, kid. You can¡¯t stop me. They''re mine to control. They live to serve me. To them, I am a god!"


    "They¡¯re yours to control?" Joe¡¯s voice sharpened. "You don¡¯t have the right to control anyone! They were born free. Who do you think you are to take that from them?"


    "You¡¯re a naive brat," Red sneered. "Do you think life is about rights? No one cares about that. The powerful will always be in control."


    A glowing blue circle formed in Red¡¯s palm, mirrored on the ground below.


    [Red Has Activated The Skill (Summon).]


    Blinding light erupted from the circle, and a monstrous creature emerged.


    [Red Has Summoned The (Rank 18) Glattanor.]


    [The ''Glattanor'' Has Appeared.]


    As the light subsided, a massive beast towered over the town. Its colossal frame cast a shadow over everything in its vicinity.


    The creature stood on four thick legs, each digging deep into the ground. Its body was covered in silver scales, with a massive, tortoise-like shell dominating its back. A long, muscular neck connected to its head, which was bound by a black collar. Crimson eyes glared at Joe with fierce intensity, while its two tails lashed excitedly behind it.


    Joe could barely believe his eyes. The creature before him looked like something out of a myth¡ªan impossibly massive beast that seemed more like a sculptor¡¯s masterpiece come to life. Yet there it stood, staring down at him with an air of primal menace.


    "Good thing I dragged that bastard outside," Joe thought. "Otherwise, things could''ve gotten dicey."


    [Red Is Using The ''Passive Skill'' (Tamer) To Keep The ''Glattanor'' Under Control.]


    [The Mana Tool: Black Collar Is Enhancing Red''s Tamer Skill.]


    Red stood triumphantly atop the creature, his grin wide and smug as he surveyed the battlefield.


    Joe tightened his grip on his sword. I¡¯ll finish this quickly. Holding myself back nearly cost me last time.


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [-200 Mana Pool Rank Points.]


    [Current Mana Pool:7870]


    [+80 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes (Total: 122).]


    [+120 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes (Total: 165).]


    Joe¡¯s figure disappeared in a flash, leaving behind only the dark traces of his mana. He reappeared at the Mana Beast''s left side, swinging his blade with precision, aiming to disable its front leg first.


    [The ''Glattanor'' Has Activated The skill (Hardening)]


    The beast¡¯s body glowed with orange mana, its entire frame solidifying. When Joe¡¯s blade struck its leg, it felt like hitting iron. The impact didn¡¯t leave a scratch, and the recoil sent a sharp jolt up his arm, nearly throwing him off balance.


    The Glattanor moved faster than its size suggested, swinging a massive limb toward Joe. He barely had time to raise his sword in defense before the strike connected, sending him sliding back across the ground.


    Joe halted a safe distance from the creature, his chest heaving. Pain throbbed through his body. The force of that single blow made his bones feel like they might splinter.


    "This is control, kid," Red called out smugly, standing tall on the beast¡¯s back. "Obedience and order are what make the world go around."


    Joe gritted his teeth, the weight of the battle pressing down on him. Damn it. That thing¡¯s powerful. But Syr said the collar is enhancing Red''s control, right? If I cut it off, he¡¯ll lose control. It¡¯s worth a shot.


    But just as he prepared to move, doubt crept in. Wait... if I cut that collar and the thing goes berserk, it could destroy the entire town. Damn it!


    His mind raced for a solution, and a single, grim conclusion formed. There¡¯s only one thing to do¡ªan all-out attack. I don¡¯t know what kind of skills this thing has, but if I drag this out, it¡¯ll be disastrous. I have to kill it in one strike.


    Joe¡¯s grip on his blade tightened, his mana flaring outward in dark waves. One of the inscriptions on the black blade began to glow, radiating a stark white light that danced amidst the darkness.


    [You Have Unsealed The Mana Tool: The Black Blade.]


    [You Have Removed 1 Seal.]


    [+10 Rank Points To Your Mana Attribute]


    [-25 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool:7845]


    "This has to count," Joe murmured, his determination solidifying.


    Red sneered down at him. "I¡¯ll make you pay for interrupting my business, kid!"


    Joe¡¯s voice cut through the tension like steel. "You¡¯ll pay for what you did to that girl! And while we¡¯re at it, you¡¯re going to start singing about your boss, Mikey. You¡¯ll tell me everything you know."


    The battlefield seemed to freeze, the tension thick as both combatants prepared to unleash everything they had.

 Chapter 11: The Worth Of A Life

    [50 Years Ago]


    "You''re going to do great" His mother knelt down on one knee holding both his cheeks and looking deep into his eyes.


    Although she smiled, her brown eyes told a different story. She looked scared, her hands trembled as she held his face.


    "She''ll be fine honey, that''s our boy. He''ll get us out of this mess." His father''s voice was warm as he sat alone in a small table. The table was barely holding it together, it creaked at the slightest signs of movement and was ready to crack and snap.


    The entire was house was like this, it shook a very time and a breeze rushed past it and he was always fearful that it would break.


    Red nodded, to his parent''s words. It was the big day. He was going to Rainstar Academy.


    He wore his brand new clothing. A red jacket with red pants. His black leather boots were solid and sturdy. There was just one thing wrong. His figure. Red''s face and body were so thin,  his bones were visible.


    As he walked towards the door, his stomach grumbled silently. He felt like his insides were twisting and being wrapped to form a tight knot.


    Red''s mind rushed through all his memories leading up to this day. He overheard from his parents that they took out a loan worth 2 million gold pieces. This was just the cost for getting Red to Rainstar Academy.  The family was In debt, what scared Red the most was that they took the money from that man... One of the Three Overlords, Darui.


    When he opened the door he could feel the weight of their expectations weighting him down. Red just turned around to them, with the biggest smile on his face, and said "Wish me luck!"


    The last thing he rembered where his family''s smiles as he closed the door.


    [44 Years Ago]


    The door swung open as Red came back home after a 6 year absence. His mother who was sitting by herself on the table was almost unrecognizable. She had gone so thin and frail Red could barely recognize her.  The same could be said for his father who sat alone at he conner of the room.


    "I''m back"


    His parents both jumped at him as they crawled their way towards him like animals. Their smiles felt forced as his mother spoke "You''re back...I''m so glad. So did you get it?" His mother started picking his pockets.


    "Did you get the Academy License Joe."


    His mother picked his pockets inside out frantically but he still couldn''t find it. "Where is it? Where''s the license?" His mother''s voice was loud as she shouted.


    With tears flowing down his cheeks. Red could only respond.. "Sorry mom, dad. I failed"


    With those simple words Red Joe could see their eyes die.


    His father shot up to his feet "You can''t do that! You''ve got the license right?" His father''s voice was shaking his expression blank.


    "I''m sorry I couldn''t get it I fail¡ª"


    His father''s frail hands grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and he smashed him to the wall.


    "Bullshit! Where''s the license Red? You failed? After everything we did for you! All those sacrifices and you still failed? Do you know what will happen to us? Darui will want his money back, he''ll kill us"


    His father smashed him repeatedly against the wall. "You useless piece of shit! What was the point of spending all that money?" He was weeping like a child as he started pummeling his son with fists.


    Red''s mom was now coughing and coughing.  She was coughing blood, she looked like a women whose been sick for years.


    No matter how much Red tried to cry out for mercy his father wouldn''t stop.


    He was going to kill him.


    This was before Red''s hand started to glow and a blue mark was reflected on the ground.


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Summoning)]


    [The Bloody Hound (Rank 5) Has Been Summoned]


    A furry red beast shot out fron the light on the ground. Immediately it''s jaws dug into Red''s father''s legs. He screamed in agony but the bloody hound was having none of it.  It dragged him to the ground forcing his hands to slip down Red''s figure as he looked up to him with helpless eyes and painful screams.


    "Stop it hound! Stop it" Red screamed but the beast wouldn''t stop. Within a few seconds it devoured both his father and mother. It growled with bloody teeth as it turned its attention to its host.


    The bloody hound was ready to pounce on Joe but it''s disappeared into blue mana moments before it could devour him.


    [80% Of Your Mana Has Been Depleted]


    [Your Summon Has Been Disabled]


    Joe''s mouth spit out a pool of blood as he crumbled to his knees. Tears fell down his cheeks as a thought echoed in his mind.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t mean to do it"


    Joe just laid there in a floor drenched in blood.


    [40 Years Ago]


    Red was now living in hiding. Darui wanted his money. Red didn''t have it, he didn''t have anything.  The only thing on him were the clothes he wore which were 4 years old at this point. They were tattered and his boots were gone, he was walking on feet. Through the heat, rain, blizzards his body somehow survived through all of it.


    He was battered,hungry and exhausted. He gave up begging for coins since that led to him being beat up. He couldn''t steal since he was top sapped of energy to even move at this point.


    Adventures would point fingers at him as they went past without a care in the world.


    "He couldn''t even get past Rainstar,  useless piece of trash"


    "How did he expect to pass with such  a low Mana Signature.  At this point his just as worthless as a Rejector."


    "How can he serve The Union with such low mana he can''t even be an adventurer. Heck even swordsmith or any kind of job would be above his pay grade."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "It''s kids like him our kingdom is considered small. Useless!"


    These whispers went on for days on end. Red heard them. He heard all of them.


    Red was starting to give up of hope. What was the point of living? Why was he still struggling to survive in such an unforgiving world.


    He had a sharp bone on his hands, he placed it on his neck ready to end it all. Maybe this time he could apologize to his parents in the after life.


    That''s when he appeared.


    "Do you want me to save you Red?"


    Red raised his head slowly. That''s when he saw him a man wearing a black cloak extending his hand, his leather gloves only fingertips away, but red hesitated.


    "Who are you?" He asked confused.


    "I''m Mikey but you can call me Daddy"


    "Daddy?"


    "Yes, I know everything about you Red.  A kid who who failed to pass at Rainstar. A boy who can''t even tame his summons. A boy with such a low mana signatures his no better than a Rejector. A boy who killed his own parents"


    Red dropped his bone, "I didn''t mean to kill them. It was a mistake" he cried coveting his face with his hands


    "You did the right thing by killing them.'' Mikey''s voice was low but cold.


    ''What?" He raised his head once more.


    "They never loved you. They were only controlling you because they wanted the license.  A way out from their misery. When you were no good to them what happened? They were going to kill you."


    "That''s not¡ª"


    "It is true and you know it. Look Red. This World is messed up. If you don''t have a license your life is basically nothing worthless. If your mana isn''t good enough you''re expendable.  People look the other way when you''re different, not once do they reach out." Mikey extended his hand closer to him.


    "Those at the top think they can bring up down because we lack power. Those who are bigger than us seek to control us, listen Red. You did nothing wrong,  they tried to control you but you took control of the situation. That''s the strenghth you need to have in order to have control and authority of your own."


    "What about Darui... he''ll kill me!"


    "I can take care of everything, I just need you to be with me. Help me create a utopia where those who have been rejected by the world can thrive. Let''s take control of everything. Help me kid, help me change the world."


    Through his darkness and misery someone reached out to him. In that day, Red was saved.


    [Present Moment]


    "You think I''m doing this because I hate those kids, don''t you? I''m just looking to make someone''s dream a reality! You won¡¯t touch Mikey for as long as I live!" Red yelled, his voice shaking with conviction.


    [The Glattanor Has Activated The Skill (Tremor Rush)]


    The Glattanor stomped the ground, and a series of jagged earth spikes erupted from the surface, racing toward Joe with terrifying speed.


    Joe¡¯s grip tightened around his blade.


    [-300 Mana From Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool: 7,545]


    [+120 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes (Total: 162)]


    [+180 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes (Total: 225)]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Perspective)]


    In an instant, Joe¡¯s form disappeared, rocketing forward at nearly untraceable speeds. With one fluid motion, he swung his blade vertically.


    [Crescent Moon Slash]


    A surge of mana erupted in a sharp crescent arc, tearing through the advancing spikes in one swift motion. The slash didn¡¯t stop there¡ªit surged forward, aiming to bisect the Glattanor entirely.


    "Use Hardening!" Red shouted desperately.


    [The Glattanor Has Activated The Skill (Hardening)]


    The crescent slash clashed against the Glattanor¡¯s reinforced hide. The impact created a thunderous explosion, shaking the battlefield. When the smoke cleared, the Glattanor was still standing. Its body wavered, a deep scar etched across its chest, but its defiant gaze locked onto Joe.


    Its eyes darted right¡ªJoe wasn¡¯t there. It shifted left, catching a glimmer of Joe¡¯s figure speeding toward it like a blur.


    [The Glattanor Has Activated The Skill (Raging Tongue)]


    The Glattanor¡¯s grotesque tongue shot out at blistering speed, aiming to skewer Joe. Anticipating the attack, Joe leaped to his right and dashed forward, the tongue missing him by mere inches.


    But the Glattanor wasn¡¯t done. It whipped its tongue again, snapping it like a brutal lash aimed at Joe¡¯s midsection.


    Joe reacted with precision, flipping acrobatically over the tongue and landing on the tongue''s opposite side. Wasting no time, he slashed, severing a large portion of the tongue in one clean motion. Blood sprayed violently as the Glattanor recoiled with a guttural cry of pain.


    Joe¡¯s speed increased further, his body blurring as he vanished.


    [You Have Activated The Black Blade¡¯s Skill (Charge)]


    [The Black Blade Is Gathering Mana]


    From above, Joe descended like a black meteor, his blade surging with dense, crackling mana.


    "A dream that needs kids to suffer in order to succeed is a worthless dream that must be destroyed!" Joe roared.


    [Charge Complete]


    [Current Mana Output From The Black Blade: 285 Rank Points Has Doubled]


    [New Mana Output From The Black Blade: 570 Rank Points]


    [The Black Blade¡¯s Weight Has Doubled]


    Joe felt the strain in his muscles as the blade¡¯s immense weight threatened to overwhelm him, but he held firm.


    [You Have Activated The Black Blade¡¯s Skill: Fatal Swing]


    With a mighty swing, a crescent-shaped mana slash erupted from the blade, descending upon Red and the Glattanor. The attack engulfed them in a torrent of darkness, their screams of agony echoing in the chaos.


    When the smoke cleared, Joe landed heavily on the ground, his arms trembling from the strain of the Black Blade¡¯s sheer weight.


    The Glattanor lay cleaved apart, its blood soaking the earth. Its form began to disintegrate into mana particles, fading from existence. Joe didn¡¯t even have time to activate [Predator].


    So this is what happens when a summoned beast dies?


    He raised his head and spotted Red on the ground, his face pale and contorted in pain. Somehow, he had escaped the brunt of the attack, but both his legs had been severed, and blood was pouring from the stumps.


    "Are you going to talk to me about Mikey?" Joe asked, his voice icy and sharp.


    [Red Has Activated The Skill: Summon]


    [The Big Hound (Rank 19) Has Been Summoned]


    "Atta¡ª"


    Before Red could finish his command, Joe¡¯s blade moved with ruthless precision, cleaving cleanly through the Big Hound¡¯s head. The beast didn¡¯t even have time to react before its body disintegrated into mana.


    Red staggered, blood spilling from his mouth as the backlash of his summon¡¯s destruction wracked his body.


    Joe advanced slowly, each step measured and deliberate, until he stood over Red, his shadow looming. "Last chance," Joe said, his voice a low growl.


    Red smiled weakly and pulled a green crystal from his jacket pocket. The stone shimmered faintly, resembling a small orb. With a defiant sneer, he crushed it in his hand.


    "Go to hell!" Red spat, his words venomous.


    In the blink of an eye, Joe¡¯s blade sliced through Red¡¯s neck, decapitating him instantly.


    [You Have Slain A Native]


    [+13,000 Rank Points]


    [Rank Up Progress: 11 [25 000/ 40 000 Rank Points Required]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Predator)]


    As Red¡¯s body crumpled and darkness began to swirl around him, Joe turned without a second glance and walked away.


    [You Have Activated The Branch Skill (Soul Consumption]


    [+1 Native Soul Has Been Stored Inside Your Body]


    Joe made his way back to the Meat is Money store, entering through the crack in the wall he had created earlier.


    "Get out of my sight!" he commanded.


    The customers scattered, fleeing the store in a blind panic¡ªeveryone except for the girls who worked there and Shelly.


    "You¡¯re free now¡ª"


    "Shut up!" one of the servers snapped, cutting Joe off mid-sentence. Her voice was raw with anger and despair. "Now that Red is gone, where do you expect us to work? We have nothing now, nothing! Do you think you we can just start over? We don''t even have an academy license. This job was all we had!"


    Others began to break down, falling to their knees in tears.


    "What do you think will happen to us when we stop making money? Mikey will kill us!" another wailed.


    "My sister depends on the little money I earn here. Now what are we supposed to do?"


    Joe stood frozen, completely lost for words. His eyes darted toward Shelly and the girl she had healed. Shelly had done a remarkable job saving her, but the weight of the workers¡¯ despair pressed heavily on him.


    I need a plan, Joe thought, his mind racing. Something to help these people.


    But before he could formulate one, a deafening bang echoed through the town, followed by a piercing, inhuman cry.


    Joe and Shelly exchanged a tense glance before rushing outside to investigate. The workers remained inside, their cries of despair filling the air.


    What Joe and Shelly saw was a scene of pure horror.


    At the center of the town, a boy was impaled on a long pole, a massive nail driven straight through his skull. Blood poured from his lifeless body, pooling beneath him.


    It was John¡ªthe boy Shelly had caught earlier after he stole potions.


    He hung there, motionless, his blood-soaked figure swaying gently in the breeze.


    "Piece of trash!"


    The townspeople, including the chubby shopkeeper from earlier, stood around the corpse, pelting it with stones. They jeered and shouted, their hatred unabated even in death. The boy¡¯s body, already lifeless, was reduced to a mangled, unrecognizable mess.


    Joe and Shelly stood paralyzed, the weight of the scene crushing them.


    In that moment, the truth was undeniable.


    Perina was not just a town. It was a town made in hell.

 Chapter 12: Guilt

    Joe turned to Shelly, his voice trembling. "It''s not¡ª"


    Shelly didn''t let him finish. Without a word or a glance in his direction, she pushed forward, fists clenched tightly. She wove through the crowd, her presence cutting through the jeering mob until she reached the front.


    The pole bearing John¡¯s lifeless body was mounted atop a square platform. The shopkeeper stood there, smugly orchestrating the grotesque spectacle.


    When their eyes met, a faint green glow flickered to life around Shelly¡¯s fists.


    "You¡¯re that girl from earlier, aren¡¯t you?" The shopkeeper raised his bloodied palm to quiet the crowd. The mob obeyed, their stones falling silent.


    Shelly didn¡¯t answer. She climbed onto the platform, her glowing fists growing brighter with every step.


    "This couldn¡¯t have happened without you," the shopkeeper said, his tone sickeningly casual. He offered her a bloodstained stone. "Here, take this. Help us make an example of this¡ª"


    CRACK.


    Before he could finish, Shelly¡¯s glowing fist slammed into his face, the barrier around it amplifying the blow. The impact shattered his nose and sent him flying backward into the pole. The force of the collision bent the pole slightly, making John¡¯s lifeless body sway even more.


    [You Have Activated The ''Barrier Skill'' (Green Fist)]


    The shopkeeper groaned, clutching his shattered shoulder as blood poured down his face. "Do you have any idea who you¡¯re messing wi¡ª"


    CRUNCH.


    Shelly¡¯s fist struck him again, cutting off his words. He crumpled to the ground, eyes wide with terror. Blood blurred his vision, but he could still see her face. Shelly¡¯s gaze was cold, unyielding¡ªunlike anything he had ever faced. For the first time in his life, he was afraid.


    Shelly knelt beside him, fists glowing brighter. A flurry of punches followed, each one more brutal than the last. The shopkeeper¡¯s cries of pain were drowned out by the sickening sound of bone and flesh breaking under her relentless assault. Within seconds, his screams ceased.


    What remained was a bloodied, unrecognizable mess. His face was flattened, teeth shattered, and blood oozed from every corner of his battered form.


    Shelly stood, her blood-splattered face expressionless as the glow around her fists dissipated.


    "Is she insane?"


    "Does she know what she¡¯s done?"


    "The Frozen Wing Party will come for her now!"


    "She¡¯s dead for sure."


    The crowd whispered frantically, their voices growing louder.


    Shelly silenced them with a single sharp glare. She pointed to four men in the front row. "You four. Bring down that boy¡¯s body. Now."


    The men exchanged nervous glances before scrambling to obey, rushing to lower the pole and free John¡¯s body.


    Shelly turned back to the rest of the crowd. Grabbing the shopkeeper¡¯s limp form by his bloodied shirt, she hurled him into the mob with one hand.


    "The rest of you," she snarled, her voice ice-cold, "take this piece of trash and get out of my sight!"


    The crowd scattered, dragging the shopkeeper¡¯s motionless body with them. In seconds, the square was empty, the once-deafening jeers replaced by an eerie silence.


    The four men carefully lowered the pole, gently laying John¡¯s lifeless body on the ground. With one final, cold glance from Shelly, they scurried away, leaving her alone with John''s body.


    The memory of John¡¯s terrified eyes as he was dragged away was seared into Shelly''s mind. His screams, desperate and raw, echoed relentlessly in her head.


    Tears began to roll down her cheeks, dripping onto John¡¯s still form. Shelly fell to her knees, covering her face with trembling hands. Her muffled cries filled the air, her shoulders shaking as the weight of guilt and sorrow overtook her. The cold, steely facade she had worn moments ago shattered completely, revealing the broken girl beneath.


    "I''m so sorry... I''m so sorry," she whispered through her sobs, repeating the phrase like a mantra. Slowly, her cries subsided, her breaths growing steadier. She scrubbed the tears from her face and rose to her feet, her resolve hardening once again.


    Pressing her hands together in prayer, she closed her eyes.


    [You Have Activated The ''Healing Skill'' (Decomposition)]


    A green veil of light surrounded John¡¯s body. Slowly, his form dissolved into shimmering green mana, dissipating into the air. In his place, a delicate flower began to bloom, its vibrant color radiant against the earth. The small patch of grass surrounding it glowed faintly, a peaceful beauty.


    "May the Soul King be with you," Shelly murmured, her voice steady but heavy with emotion.


    She inhaled deeply, letting the air fill her lungs before turning away from the flower. As she stepped off the platform, the patch of green grass and the solitary flower stood as a silent memorial.


    Joe had been watching silently the entire time. As she approached, he opened his mouth to speak, but Shelly¡¯s voice cut through the stillness first.


    "Let¡¯s kill him. Let¡¯s kill that bastard Mikey!" she said coldly, her voice sharp with determination.


    Joe froze, startled by the icy fury in her tone. He had never seen this look in her eyes before¡ªeyes that were once warm and comforting now burned with a chilling resolve.


    "You¡¯ve got it," he said simply, his own eyes hardening with conviction.


    Before they could move, a voice called out. From the direction of the Meat Is Money store, the girl Joe had saved earlier appeared. She stepped forward hesitantly, her eyes shining with determination despite her frail form.


    "If you¡¯re looking for Mikey, I can help!" she offered confidently. "You stood up for me¡ªit¡¯s the least I can do." She coughed painfully, bowing her head as she spoke.


    Joe regarded her kindly. "What¡¯s your name, kid?"


    "It¡¯s... Number 2," she replied, her voice small.


    Joe¡¯s expression softened. "No, I¡¯m asking for your real name. You don¡¯t have to go by those numbers anymore. Red is gone."


    The girl hesitated, her gaze lowering. Finally, she whispered, "It¡¯s Viola."


    Joe smiled warmly. "It¡¯s nice to meet you, Viola."


    Her lips curved into a faint smile as she straightened her posture. "There¡¯s another reason I want to go with you. I need your help finding my brother. I¡¯m afraid he may be in trouble."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Without hesitation, Joe and Shelly both nodded. Viola¡¯s smile grew, and she gestured for them to follow.


    She led them through the labyrinthine streets of Perina, the route winding and filled with sharp turns. The path grew darker and more decrepit as they neared their destination. Finally, they stopped in front of a set of flimsy wooden gates.


    "This is it," Viola said grimly. "This is where Mikey is hiding. We call it The Trash Can."


    True to its name, the place was a wasteland. Beyond the gates lay endless piles of trash¡ªrotting food, scraps of paper, and other discarded refuse. The stench was overwhelming, making Joe wince. The mountains of garbage stretched high, and atop them sat children, their silhouettes barely visible.


    As soon as Viola, Joe, and Shelly stepped inside, the children moved. Sliding down the piles of trash like predators descending on prey, they rushed toward the group. There were at least twenty of them, boys ranging in age from as young as eight to their mid-teens.


    Their thin, shirtless bodies were caked in grime, their brown, tattered shorts barely clinging to their malnourished frames. Dark ink smeared their faces, giving them a ghostly, unsettling appearance. Each boy clutched a makeshift weapon¡ªmetal poles and rusty tools¡ªas they stalked closer, their eyes locked on Joe and Shelly.


    "Why did you bring strangers here, Number 2?" a boy demanded, his grip tightening on the metal pole in his hands. His voice was harsh.


    "These guys are good! They said they¡¯ll help take down Mikey!" Viola pleaded, her voice shaky but resolute.


    "Take down Mikey?" The boy was surprised to hear those words. "Do you really believe such a thing is possible?"


    Viola flinched at his tone but forced herself to respond. "We at least have to try. We can¡¯t keep living like this¡ªit¡¯s..."


    "Speak for yourself," the boy snapped, cutting her off. He looked around, clearly trying to summon courage from the others. "You know what Mikey does to traitors. If you¡¯ve really betrayed him..." He hesitated before finishing, "we¡¯ll have to take you down as well."


    The boys surrounding them tried to appear menacing, gripping their makeshift weapons tightly. But their trembling hands and darting eyes revealed their hesitation. They were just children, afraid and unsure of their own actions.


    [Sub-Quest.]


    ? Objective: Slay The 20 Native Children.


    ? Reward: 5,000 Rank Points.


    ? Progress: 0/20 Native Children Slain.


    Joe stiffened as the sudden notification from Syr flashed before his eyes. His blood ran cold.


    "Are you insane?" he hissed through the mental link. "You expect me to kill children?"


    [Why Not? You Had No Trouble Killing Those Two Natives Earlier. You Even Killed Baby Wolfins In The Black Forest. I Don¡¯t See The Issue. Besides, These Children Are Natives¡ªThey Weren¡¯t Born On Earth. You Have No Connection To Them And Won¡¯t Be Punished For Killing Them. Instead, You¡¯ll Be Rewarded. These Native Children Are An Obstacle, Something You Need To Overcome On Your Path To Becoming Stronger..]


    Joe¡¯s jaw clenched as he glared at the trembling boys. "Look at them! They don¡¯t even want to do this¡ªthey¡¯re shaking. This isn¡¯t the same as the Wolfins or those bastards from earlier. Those were beasts and heartless monsters. These are just kids. I don¡¯t kill kids, Syr."


    [You¡¯re Rejecting 5,000 Free Rank Points? Do You Even Want To Get Stronger?]


    Joe¡¯s frustration boiled over. "What¡¯s your obsession with strength? There¡¯s plenty of time to grow, and there are other ways. We just arrived on this planet¡ªopportunities will come."


    [We Don''t Have As Much Time As You Think.]


    That gave Joe pause. "...What do you mean by that?"


    [It Doesn''t Matter. We''ll Do Things Your Way. For Now]


    [Sub-Quest Canceled.]


    The notification vanished, leaving Joe uneasy as Syr¡¯s ominous words lingered in his mind. He didn¡¯t have time to dwell on them, though. The boys charged.


    "I¡¯ll handle this," Joe said, stepping forward calmly. He moved like a blur, dodging their attacks and delivering precise neck chops to each boy. One by one, they crumpled to the ground, unconscious but unharmed.


    Shelly watched him work, her lips tight. "Let¡¯s keep moving. We¡¯ll come back for them later," Joe said firmly. Viola nodded and led the way.


    The path led them to a decrepit building made of crumbling bricks. Though it was sturdier than the wooden shacks nearby, its two stories sagged with disrepair.


    "This is it," Viola said, her voice low. "This is the Big Junk. Mikey¡¯s definitely inside."


    Joe and Shelly exchanged a glance and nodded. Together, they pushed open the creaking door, dust billowing into the air. All three coughed, but Viola¡¯s fit lingered, her frailty evident.


    The entrance led to a dim hallway with two routes, one branching left and the other right. Both paths ended in staircases leading upward.


    "I¡¯ll need one of you to help me check on my brother," Viola said, her voice small.


    "Shelly, go with her," Joe decided.


    "What about Mikey?" Shelly asked, her brow furrowed.


    "Both routes will lead to Mikey," Viola explained. "But my brother¡¯s on the right. That¡¯s where I need to go. There are other children on the left, though, and they need help, too."


    Joe nodded decisively. "Then it¡¯s settled. I¡¯ll take the left. You two go right."


    With a shared look of understanding, the group split, each heading into the unknown.


    Shelly and Viola ascended the creaking stairs on the right side of the house. When they reached the top, they froze at the horrifying sight before them.


    Children were locked in cages lining both sides of the hallway. Their conditions were harrowing: some were missing limbs, others were heavily wounded, and a few were coughing uncontrollably, their frail bodies barely holding on. The stench of blood was thick in the air, and the walls of the cages were streaked with it. The path down the center was clear, leading to a large red door with a crude wooden sign hanging on it: "Big Daddy Mikey."


    Standing in the middle of the hallway was a woman clad in a pristine black dress, a matching pointy hat atop her head. Her immaculate appearance contrasted grotesquely with the battered, ragged children around her. A bloodied body dragged limply behind her as she turned to face them.


    "What are you doing here, Viola?" the woman sneered, using her real name. Her cold eyes flicked to Shelly. "And who¡¯s the green-haired one with you?"


    "I¡¯m here to see my brother!" Viola shot back, her voice trembling.


    The woman¡¯s lips curled into a mocking grin. "Oh, you mean this thing?" She yanked the limp body she was dragging into view, revealing a beaten, barely recognizable boy.


    "Ed!" Viola cried, rushing forward, her voice cracking.


    Shelly¡¯s brow furrowed at the name. It struck a chord, stirring a memory. Then it hit her¡ªEd was one of the boys she had been chasing earlier. She had barely caught the name during the chaotic pursuit.


    "This brother of yours," the woman said, her voice dripping with venom, "left John behind. My trusted supplier. John was a good kid¡ªalways did what he was told. And now I hear he¡¯s dead." She spat the words before tossing Ed¡¯s battered body toward Viola like a ragdoll. Viola knelt beside him, her trembling hands checking his wounds.


    Shelly¡¯s fists clenched as she stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "What are you doing to these kids?"


    The woman tilted her head, a sickly smile stretching across her scratched-up face. "Isn¡¯t it obvious? I¡¯m their healer. All these children here are my patients. I heal them so they can keep serving Mikey, no matter how beaten up they get."


    Her words were casual, as though she was discussing the weather. The depravity of it made Shelly¡¯s stomach churn.


    "So you heal them and force them to do your dirty work, regardless of how much they¡¯re hurt?" Shelly¡¯s voice was ice-cold, her gaze unwavering.


    "Exactly," the woman said, smirking. "Isn¡¯t that what a healer¡¯s supposed to do? I keep them alive, keep them moving, until their bodies finally give out. That¡¯s a healer¡¯s job."


    Shelly¡¯s eyes narrowed, her voice a sharp retort. "A healer¡¯s job is to preserve lives and prevent harm in the first place. What you¡¯re doing is wrong."


    The woman let out a laugh, her smirk deepening. "Oh, really? And what are you going to do about it, girl?"


    Shelly stepped forward, her hands glowing faintly with the familiar green light of her barrier skill [Green Fist]. Her voice was steady and full of resolve.


    "I¡¯m gonna kick your ass."


    [Left Side Of The ''Big Junk'']


    Joe reached the top of the stairs and was immediately struck by the stench of rot and decay. It smelled like corpses, and the oppressive air hung heavy. His eyes scanned the room, and he saw the cages lining the walls. Inside, a few children sat slumped in silence, their frail bodies bloodied and bruised. Most didn¡¯t even lift their heads to acknowledge his presence. The floors around them were smeared with dried blood, the scene painted in hopelessness and despair.


    At the center of the room stood a man, casually holding a piece of meat on a stick. He turned as Joe entered, his face twisting into a smug smile.


    "So, you''re the brat Red tried to warn us about," the man said, his voice oozing with condescension. "When I got his signal, I thought his Mana Stone might''ve broken by mistake. But it seems that¡¯s not the case."


    Joe took in the man¡¯s appearance¡ªa stark contrast to the wretched surroundings. He wore a pristine black suit, paired with a crisp shirt and a black tie. His polished leather shoes gleamed in the dim light. Everything about him screamed arrogance and power.


    "You¡¯ve got nerve showing yourself in front of me, kid," the man sneered, taking a bite from the meat on his stick.


    Joe¡¯s eyes flicked past him, locking onto a door at the back of the room. It bore the same crude sign as the one Shelly and Viola had encountered: "Big Daddy Mikey." The sight of it only fueled his rage.


    "I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve done to these kids," Joe said, his voice trembling with anger, "but I¡¯m going to make you pay, you asshole!"


    The man let out a low chuckle, "I¡¯d like to see you try, kid."

 Chapter 13: A Healer

    [Right Side Of The ''Big Junk'']


    The glow around Shelly''s fist intensified, the small circular green barriers surrounding her hands sharpening into brilliant halos [Green Fist]. Her eyes flickered toward the children once more¡ªfragile bodies battered and broken, clutching the steel cage as their coughing echoed, desperate for relief, for salvation.


    "I won''t let you! I won''t let you keep sending children to their deaths!" Shelly shouted, her fierce gaze locking onto the woman before her.


    "Watch out, Shelly! Claudia''s dangerous!" Viola cried out, her voice laced with urgency.


    Shelly ignored the warning and propelled herself forward, her determination burning like a wildfire. She closed the distance in an instant, aiming a straight jab at Claudia''s skull.


    A blue light flared around Claudia¡¯s hand as she tilted her head just enough to let the punch graze her cheek.


    Shelly wasted no time, following up with a right hook, this time aiming to catch Claudia as she swayed.


    But Claudia evaded with fluid precision, ducking at the last moment. The hook missed by mere inches, instead knocking her pointed hat to the ground. The light around Claudia¡¯s hand faded, replaced by a black iron staff materializing in its place, its crescent-shaped tip gleaming ominously.


    "A healer should stick to healing and not overextend themselves," Claudia quipped, her smirk widening as she spotted an opening.


    Effortlessly, she swung her staff, landing a solid blow against Shelly¡¯s stomach.


    The force wrenched a gasp from Shelly¡¯s lips, blood spraying as she was sent sliding back. Her body faltered, collapsing to one knee¡ªthe same spot where she had started the battle.


    In a flash, Claudia lunged toward Shelly. She appeared before her in a blur, driving a knee into Shelly¡¯s skull. The impact sent her sprawling across the concrete, blood pooling beneath her face.


    "Don''t act so righteous, you''re an adventurer yourself. You try to act different, but you¡¯re just like me. As a healer, you¡¯ve sent people to their deaths¡ªit¡¯s part of the job."


    Shelly groaned, lifting her head. Blood streamed from her forehead, her wide eyes filled with disbelief and anguish.


    Claudia¡¯s steps were unhurried as she approached, her smirk unwavering. "I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I? I can see it in your eyes."


    Shelly¡¯s mind spun, unbidden memories flooding her consciousness. She was back in the Black Forest, the day her entire party was wiped out.


    "It¡¯s different!" she shouted, her voice cracking. "Adventurers know the risks. They accept them! You can¡¯t blame the healer when something goes wrong. You are forcing kids to fight and die! It''s not the same thing!"


    Claudia¡¯s eyes glinted with condescension. "You don¡¯t even believe that, do you? Let me ask you this, how is it different? I push these kids to their limits, just like adventurers push their party members. Most of them die, sure, but the same occurs for adventurers. All life is the same¡ªwhether it¡¯s a party member or a kid. You and I? We¡¯re no different."


    Shelly¡¯s heart pounded as the words pierced her defenses. Her lips trembled as she tried to refute them. "It¡¯s not true¡­ it¡¯s a lie¡­ it¡¯s a lie¡­" she whispered to herself, her voice growing weaker with each repetition.


    But no matter how hard she fought it, her mind dragged her deeper into the past, to a memory she had tried so desperately to bury.


    [9 Years Ago]


    There were screens ever where. Blood gushed out in every direction. A nine year old girl watched as a horrific scene took place. One by one her part members would get. slaughtered infront of her. They were fighting Mana Beasts in a certain forest, but unlike your ordinary Mana Beasts these ones had a humanoid form.


    "Shelly bring Sam back hurry" when one of Shelly''s members died, they''d shout for Shelly to bring them back instantly.


    This sort of thing happened for minutes on end, but Shelly¡¯s skill [Regeneation] could only do so much.


    The more she brought a member backs, two more would perish. When she brought those two back three more were dying in their place. It was a never-ending cycle that resulted in, [Regeneration] being less effective each time. Untill finally their bodies just gave out.


    This resulted in Shelly''s 10 man party being wiped out of existence. They chased away the Mana Beasts, but outside of Shelly. Everyone was dead.


    A nine year old, in her very first quest got a harsh realization about the dangers of this world. She crumbled to her knees, infront of the numerous corpses tears streaming from her cheeks. Unable to say or even do anything, she just knelt there. Motionless.


    [Hira Family Stronghold]


    [The Great Castle: Evergreen]


    After a few hours Shelly had returned from her quest and now stood ready to report its outcome. The moment she stepped into the grand chamber, an otherworldly green light bathed her, forcing her to shield her eyes. Once adjusted, she took in the sight of the room¡ªa space far larger than anything she had ever seen before.


    At the center, seated on a luxurious golden bed draped in fine silks, was a woman.


    She bore green hair strikingly similar to Shelly¡¯s, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of emeralds. Her elegant dress hugged her figure with an air of grace and power. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman Shelly had ever seen. Everyone in Grisha agreed¡ªshe was widely considered the most beautiful woman in the world.


    "I''m glad to see you''re unharmed, my child," the woman said, sipping from a crystal glass filled with red liquid. She crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly, her gaze unwavering. "How did the quest go?" she asked, taking another delicate sip.


    Shelly¡¯s legs trembled, her voice caught in her throat. Finally, she forced the words out. "E-Everyone d-died," she stammered.


    The woman¡¯s piercing green eyes narrowed slightly. "You''re telling me that out of the ten of you, only one survived?"


    Shelly nodded, her head hanging low.


    "Well, that''s unfortunate," the woman said with an air of indifference, swirling the liquid in her glass. "I''ll assign you a new party tomorrow. I can''t let Yakura have his way. Those beasts of his need to understand that part of the forest belongs to the Hira Family."


    Tears streaked down Shelly¡¯s cheeks. "But they died for you. Sam and the others gave their all in that battle, and all you can say is ¡®unfortunate¡¯?"


    "Of course they died. But so what?"


    Shelly flinched as the woman rose from her bed, her presence suddenly looming.


    "They served their purpose in the end. A life holds value only if its death served a purpose. They died for the good of the family. At least their lives weren''t totally useless."


    "How can you say that? You''re their mother. Do you feel nothing?"


    "I have thousands of children, Shelly. If I lose ten or even a hundred, what difference does it make? A child of mine dies every minute, yet I feel nothing. Sadness, anger¡ªall those emotions¡ªI discarded them long ago."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The woman leaned in, her face inches from Shelly¡¯s. Her green eyes bore into her with terrifying calm. "Why are you even blaming me, Shelly? You¡¯re the one who sent them to their deaths."


    Shelly¡¯s body flinched at her words. "That¡¯s not... it¡¯s not my..." Her lips trembled, her voice unable to form a coherent response.


    "They died because you sent them to their deaths, Shelly. You''re the one who watched as they charged to their deaths."


    Shelly¡¯s eyes widened as she met the woman¡¯s unwavering gaze.


    "Don¡¯t look so disheartened, my child. You did a good job." The woman straightened, her voice soft yet cutting.


    "A healer holds countless lives in their hands at any given moment. Being able to use those lives to their fullest potential is what makes a healer, a healer. It¡¯s a healer¡¯s duty to push their party forward and heal them, even as they¡¯re broken down. Watching them shatter and piecing them back together again is what makes being a healer the greatest pleasure of all."


    She raised her glass, and with a flick of her wrist, let it fall.


    The glass shattered against the marble floor, red liquid spilling across the stone like blood. "They can break as many times as necessary, as long as they achieve the final result. If some die, then so what?"


    Shelly stood frozen, paralyzed by the coldness of her words.


    The woman stepped closer, the sharp crunch of glass under her heels filling the silence. She cupped Shelly¡¯s face with both hands, her touch gentle in a way that only made it more unsettling. Leaning close, she whispered in her ear, "If they break, you can always just throw them away."


    Shelly¡¯s body trembled, her breath shallow and unsteady.


    Straightening, the woman turned and walked back toward her bed, her movements unhurried. "I brought you to the main family because of your talent, Shelly," she said, halting to glance back with a blank, icy glare. "But don¡¯t be fooled. Just like everything else in this world, your life is expendable to me. You¡¯d do well to remember that."


    With a clap of her hands, servants rushed through the door. They moved with practiced efficiency, cleaning up the broken glass and spilled liquid. Within moments, they replaced her glass with a pristine one, filled with the same crimson drink.


    The woman reclined on her bed, her expression indifferent as she watched Shelly leave the room, silent and shattered.


    That night, Shelly went home crying. Her house, though modest compared to the grandeur of the main family¡¯s estates, was still relatively large with its six rooms. But in the Hira Family, where wealth and opulence were abundant, it was considered small.


    As soon as she stepped through the door, she collapsed into the warm embrace of her grandfather, Henry.


    "Oh, my princess. It''s going to be alright," he murmured, his voice soft and weathered with age, trying his best to comfort her.


    Henry was a bald man with thick green eyebrows, a feature that hinted at his connection to the family. Though not originally born into the main family, his remarkable exploits as an adventurer had earned him a place within their ranks. Shelly''s induction into the main family was largely thanks to him¡ªthough her own potential was the true deciding factor.


    "Come on, Grandpa. Can''t you see she''s just a drama queen?" Liv, Shelly¡¯s younger sister, spoke up. Her tone was flat, her eyes cold and unfeeling. She was only a year younger than Shelly but often acted as if she were her superior.


    "That¡¯s no way to speak about your sister, young lady!" Henry snapped, his voice stern. This was far from the first time he¡¯d had to issue this warning. Shelly and Liv were always at odds, and Henry often found himself caught in the crossfire.


    Liv shrugged, brushing off the reprimand as she always did. "If you ask me, Grandpa, the Family head made a bad decision. It should¡¯ve been me." Her voice was laced with bitterness as she walked toward the door.


    She paused briefly before opening it. "I¡¯m off to see Mom and Dad," she said. Then, with a quiet click, the door shut, leaving the room in silence and darkness.


    Shelly continued to be sent on quest after quest, and each time, she watched as countless of her brothers and sisters perished before her eyes. She tried to heal them but it got to a point where some of them just gave up.


    "Just let me die Shelly," Sid one of her party members at the time said with a fading voice. "I''m tired of being healed only to experience the pain of being savaged by those beasts


    Shelly was sent on quest after quest, each mission more grueling than the last. With every battle, she bore witness to countless brothers and sisters falling before her eyes. She poured every ounce of her strength into healing them, yet it wasn¡¯t enough. As time went on, some stopped begging for her help. They begged for release.


    ¡°Just let me die, Shelly,¡± Sid, one of her party members, whispered with a fading voice. His body was mangled beyond repair, his breath shallow and labored. ¡°I¡¯m tired of being healed only to endure the pain of being torn apart by those beasts all over again. It hurts¡­ it hurts so much.¡± His tears streamed freely, and his raw, broken sobs made Shelly¡¯s own tears fall.


    ¡°Before I go, Shelly... do you think Mother would be sad that I gave up in the end?¡± His voice cracked with guilt and longing. ¡°I couldn¡¯t finish the job, but a part of me¡ªa really big part of me¡ªhopes I was able to make her proud. I love her more than anyone in the world¡­¡± His eyelids grew heavier with every word.


    Shelly choked back a sob, her hands trembling as she clasped his bloodied fingers. ¡°I¡¯m sure she does. I know she¡¯s very proud of you, Sid!¡±


    A small, fragile smile formed on his lips. ¡°I¡¯m so glad¡­¡±


    And then he was gone. His hand slipped from hers, lifeless, his last words etched into her heart.


    This went on for a year. The war against the Yakura Tribe was a relentless tide that showed no signs of ending. Mission after mission, Shelly watched as more and more of her family members perished before her eyes.


    The sights and sounds haunted her: the screams of the dying, the sprays of blood, the horrid howls of the Yakura Tribe¡¯s Mana Beasts, their bloodstained fangs glinting in the chaos. These memories burned themselves in her mind and stuck with her for years to come.


    When Shelly returned from yet another blood-soaked mission, her hands trembling and her heart numb, the Family Head offered her version of comfort.


    ¡°You¡¯re gaining experience, Shelly,¡± she said with an air of detachment, sipping her red wine as though lives hadn¡¯t just been lost. ¡°Learning on the job, experimenting on live humans¡ªit¡¯s the best way to develop that hidden skill of yours. I have numerous children; your practice pieces are endless.¡±


    The words were meant to encourage her, but they only deepened the chasm forming inside Shelly.


    Her skills as a healer had advanced tremendously over the past year. Her ability to mend shattered bodies and stave off death was unmatched. But no matter how skilled she became, it was never enough.


    The blood on her hands never seemed to wash away, and the screams of the fallen echoed louder with every passing day.


    [Few Days Later]


    "I can''t take this anymore, Grandpa. The burden of everything¡ªquests every single day... I can''t... I''m sick of sending so many people to their deaths.." Shelly sobbed, her tears soaking into Henry¡¯s embrace.


    Henry held her tightly, his weathered hands trembling slightly. "What the Family Head is doing to you is awful my princess, i''m sorry for being unable to protect you from her"


    He gently lifted her chin, his kind eyes meeting hers. "A healer isn''t responsible for sending people to their deaths. A healer protects so no one gets to die.."


    Shelly¡¯s eyes widened, the weight of his words striking deeply within her.


    "Grandpa, let¡¯s go. You, me, and Liv¡ªlet¡¯s get away from this place. I can¡¯t keep living like this. I just can¡¯t," she pleaded, her voice desperate.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea, it would take a monumental effort to escape from the main estate."


    "Please, grandpa can you do something? If I keep on going on these quests...."


    Henry looked at her with sad but determined eyes. "Ok my princess. Tonight, I¡¯ll get us out of this place."


    Shelly nodded, a small, fragile smile breaking through her tears.


    As the time to leave drew near, tension filled the air.


    "Where¡¯s Liv?" Shelly asked, her voice tinged with concern.


    "I don¡¯t know," Henry replied, worry etched across his face. "She was supposed to be back by now."


    "We can¡¯t leave without¡ª"


    BANG!


    The door shuddered violently, the sound echoing through the small house.


    "Sorry, Henry! We know what you¡¯re planning, and we can¡¯t let you go with the girl. The Family Head requests her presence. We already have the other one¡ªLiv. There¡¯s no point in resisting."


    Henry¡¯s barrier skill had reinforced the door, but even it wouldn¡¯t hold forever.


    "Listen, Shelly!" Henry¡¯s voice turned urgent, his grip on her shoulders firm. "I need you to go. Now!"


    "But what about you and Li¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t argue, just go!" he snapped, though his tone was laced with desperation. "Use the underground tunnel I showed you. It will lead you to a dear friend of mine. Now go! And don¡¯t stop, no matter what!"


    The banging on the door grew louder, cracks starting to appear.


    "Now that the family head knows we¡¯ve openly defied her, we¡¯re not safe. I¡¯ll take care of myself and Liv, I promise."


    Tears spilled from Shelly¡¯s eyes as she hesitated, her hands trembling. Finally, she rushed to a small hidden door in the floor behind them. She opened it, revealing a narrow passage that stretched into the darkness.


    Just as she was about to climb down, Henry called out to her.


    "And Shelly," he said, his voice softer now.


    She turned back, her heart aching.


    "You don''t have to watch as lives are sent charging to their deaths. You can be the one who protects them instead. All lives are equal Shelly. They are precious and must be protected. Go out there! The world is endless Be the kind of adventurer you want to be. The one who allow lives to perish before her eyes."


    His words wrapped around her heart, filling it with equal parts warmth and sorrow.


    Shelly stepped into the tunnel, tears blurring her vision. She didn¡¯t stop running, even as the door behind her finally gave way with a deafening crash.


    From a fair distance away, she heard Henry¡¯s scream¡ªclear and harrowing.


    And then, she felt it¡ªthe disappearance of his mana signature, a hollow void where his presence had once been.


    Her worst nightmare had come true.


    Henry was gone.


    The ten-year-old girl kept running, her chest heaving and her tears streaming freely. But even through the pain, her grandfather¡¯s final words burned brightly in her heart.


    She would honor them

 Chapter 14: Battles

    [Right Side Of The Big Junk]


    [Present Moment]


    "Many people have died because of me. I sent countless family members to their deaths. I watched my party fall in the Black Forest. John died because of me. I try to be different, but deep down, I¡¯m no better than her..." Shelly thought grimly.


    Shelly raised her head, locking eyes with Claudia''s sadistic smile. Claudia''s staff was poised high above her head, ready to deliver the final blow.


    "But even so... I won¡¯t let it happen again. I¡¯ll be the adventurer I always wanted to be. My grandpa¡¯s sacrifice wasn¡¯t for nothing. I¡¯ll protect as many lives as I can¡ªincluding these kids," she vowed.


    The green glow around Shelly''s fists flared brighter as she struggled to rise.


    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Claudia declared, her voice triumphant as she brought the staff down with crushing force.


    Shelly moved just in time, raising her fist. The staff collided against the barrier, the impact sending a shockwave that threw Claudia off balance. Staggering back, she left herself exposed.


    Shelly seized the moment, delivering a sharp punch to Claudia¡¯s midsection. Claudia doubled over, blood spurting from her mouth, the wind knocked entirely out of her lungs by the brutal blow.


    Without hesitation, Shelly followed up with another punch, sending Claudia skidding across the room.


    Rising fully to her feet, Shelly¡¯s glowing green aura intensified. Luminous lines etched down her cheeks, forming intricate, pulsing circles beneath her eyes.


    [You Have Awakened The Hidden Skill: Blessed Mark (incomplete)]


    [+200 Rank Points To All Attributes]


    [+400 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    Shelly¡¯s form blazed with green energy, the barriers around her fists swelling to twice their size. She glanced toward Viola and Ed, determination solidifying her stance.


    Stretching out her hand, a green light enveloped Ed¡¯s battered form.


    [Advanced Regeneration]


    "Your brother will recover," Shelly said firmly, her voice steady. "But I suggest stepping back from that light¡ªit could drain all your mana."


    Viola stumbled backward, fear and awe mingling in her wide eyes.


    With unwavering resolve, Shelly marched toward Claudia, her gaze sharp and unrelenting.


    ¡°Shelly, don¡¯t listen to her!¡± Viola called out desperately. ¡°You¡¯ve helped me! Without you, I¡¯d be dead. You¡¯re not the kind of person who sends others to their deaths!¡±


    A small smile broke through Shelly¡¯s hardened expression. ¡°Thanks. I needed that"


    Shelly stood still, extending her arms outward in a deliberate motion. A brilliant green light erupted from her sides, spreading like waves across the room. The light enveloped every cage, washing over the battered, sickly children inside. Slowly, the glow began to heal their wounds and ease their pain, dissolving their suffering bit by bit. [Advanced Regeneration]


    "No! This can''t be! How can you possess the mark?" Claudia choked out, her voice trembling as blood dribbled from her lips. Her eyes were wide with disbelief.


    Shelly ignored her words, instead she launched herself forward with incredible speed. In an instant, she appeared before Claudia and delivered a devastating punch to her chest.


    The blow sent Claudia hurtling backward, slamming into the door behind her. The door groaned under the impact but held firm, not even a crack marring its surface.


    Claudia coughed violently, more blood splattering onto the floor. Her expression twisted with fury and desperation. ¡°You must be one of those spoiled bitches from the Hira Family!¡± she spat, her voice ragged.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had everything handed to you your whole life, haven¡¯t you? Do you even know how hard it is out here? How impossible it is for people like us¡ªborn with nothing¡ªto survive? So what if I use children? That¡¯s survival! This business is survival! And I won¡¯t let you ruin it! Those kids are Mikey¡¯s assets¡ªthey belong to us!¡±


    With a furious cry, Claudia lunged forward, gripping her staff tightly in both hands. She swung it with all her strength, aiming for Shelly¡¯s skull.


    The sharp crack of impact echoed throughout the room. Claudia froze, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face as her staff collided with Shelly¡¯s head.


    ¡°You think I¡¯ve had it easy...?¡± Shelly¡¯s calm, cutting words sliced through the air, wiping the smirk off Claudia¡¯s face. Before she could react, another punch slammed into her chest, sending her skidding across the room.


    Shelly rolled her neck with a sickening pop, readjusting her tilted head. The crack in her skull closed almost instantly, her body glowing brighter as her [Advanced Regeneration] skill activated. The green light surrounding her intensified, pulsing with energy.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Shelly said, her voice steady as she began walking toward Claudia. Her footsteps echoed on the concrete. ¡°You might think a rough past justifies everything, but it doesn¡¯t. Ultimately, you chose to exploit and abuse these kids. For that, you¡¯ll pay.¡±


    Claudia struggled to her knees, trembling with rage. ¡°No... I won¡¯t let her ruin this! I won¡¯t let her destroy us!¡± she growled, her hand fumbling for something in her pocket. She pulled out a vial of dark green liquid. The substance looked similar to what Ed and John had stolen, but this one was darker¡ªmore ominous.


    With shaking hands, Claudia uncorked the bottle and chugged it down in a single, desperate gulp. She tossed the empty glass to the floor, where it shattered into pieces. The glowing liquid mixed with the blood on her lips, trickling down her chin as an unhinged grin spread across her face.


    Her body began to twist and contort grotesquely. Muscles bulged and expanded at an alarming rate. Her legs thickened, her thighs growing massive, while her entire frame became monstrously bulky. Her veins pulsed visibly under her skin, and the scars on her face deepened as her features distorted.


    Even her clothes stretched and strained to accommodate her exaggerated form. Her fingers and nails swelled into gnarled, oversized claws. She looked like a warped, hulking figure¡ªa bodybuilder overdosed on some unnatural substance.


    Claudia stood, her monstrous transformation complete, and fixed Shelly with a feral glare. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can stop me now, you bitch!"


    [+100 Rank Points To Claudia¡¯s Physical Attributes]


    [Physical Form Status: Unstable]


    Claudia tightened her grip on her staff, her bulging muscles flexing as she dashed forward with murderous intent. With a powerful leap, she launched herself into the air, bringing the staff down with a crushing blow aimed squarely at Shelly.


    Shelly reacted in the nick of time, springing backward as the staff struck the concrete with a deafening crack. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the room, spiderweb cracks racing across the floor. The cages trembled violently, their iron bars screeching under the strain.


    The children inside whimpered, clinging to each other in fear. Shelly¡¯s sharp gaze darted toward the quaking cages, her heart tightening at the risk of further harm. Gritting her teeth, she dashed across the room with calculated precision, keeping herself out of Claudia¡¯s immediate reach.


    Claudia sneered, her menacing grin widening. She swung her staff in a deadly arc, aiming once more for Shelly.


    Shelly ducked low, her reflexes razor-sharp. Her palm pressed against the floor for stability as she spun into a sweep kick. Her leg connected with Claudia¡¯s ankle, the bone shattering with a sickening crunch.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Claudia screamed, the sound guttural and raw, as the blow toppled her hulking frame. She crashed onto her back with a thunderous thud, the ground trembling beneath her weight.


    Shelly wasted no time. She was on top of Claudia in an instant, her hand clamping around her opponent¡¯s throat like a vice. Her other hand rained down punch after punch, each strike brutal and unrelenting.


    Claudia¡¯s defiance began to fade, her cries diminishing into choked gasps. Her vision blurred, the edges darkening as consciousness slipped away. The last thing she saw was Shelly¡¯s fierce, unwavering gaze¡ªeyes burning with fury, as if she were some vengeful force sent to deliver judgment.


    ¡°What is she...? Some sort of devil...? Fuck¡­¡±


    The thought lingered briefly before Claudia¡¯s world went black.


    Shelly froze, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. She looked down at Claudia¡¯s limp form, noting her still chest¡ªthere was no movement, no sign of life. Shelly exhaled sharply, her hands trembling as she let go.


    Rummaging through Claudia¡¯s tattered clothing, Shelly found a ring of keys and gripped them tightly. Her gaze shifted to the cages lining the room. Many of the children, healed by her earlier skill, clung to one another, tears streaming down their faces in relief.


    Shelly turned to Viola, who stood frozen nearby. She tossed the keys to her with a firm gesture. ¡°Free all these kids,¡± she commanded, her tone resolute and unwavering.


    Viola caught the keys and nodded, immediately rushing to unlock the cages.


    Shelly straightened, turning her attention to the door ahead. Her expression hardened with grim determination. ¡°I¡¯m going after Mik¡ª¡±


    Her sentence was cut short as her body betrayed her. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground with a dull thud.


    [The Hidden Skill: (Blessed Mark) Has Been Forcefully Disabled]


    The vibrant glow around her flickered and died, plunging the room into a muted haze. Shelly¡¯s vision blurred, the edges darkening as exhaustion overcame her.


    The last thing she heard was Viola¡¯s frantic voice calling her name, distant and desperate, before everything faded into darkness.


    [Left Side Of The ''Big Junk'']


    [A Few Minutes Earlier]


    "You know what they call me out there? They call me ''Big Feeder Dan.'' They call me that because feeding is my¡ª"


    Joe¡¯s figure vanished, ignoring Dan¡¯s words entirely.


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill (Black Flash)


    [+15 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes: (Total: 57)]


    Joe reappeared in front of Dan in an instant. He launched a punch directly at Dan¡¯s jaw.


    An orange light flared around Dan as he raised his arm to shield himself. The impact sent shockwaves through the room.


    "You should learn to let others finish speaking, you brat!" Dan growled, lowering his arm before retaliating with a straight jab aimed at Joe¡¯s face.


    Joe tilted his head at the last moment, letting the punch graze his cheek. Using the momentum, he leapt backward to create distance between them.


    [You Should Go Easy With The ''Black Sheep''s'' Skills. They Increase Your Physical Attributes, Yes, But Pushing Beyond Their ''Passive'' Boost Will Wear You Down Quicker.]


    "I know that, Syr," Joe replied. "But I''d rather take my chances with the Black Sheep for now. Using my own mana would wear me down even faster. Besides, I still have to deal with Mikey after I¡¯m done with him."


    [Have It Your Way.]


    Joe grinned and rocketed forward once again.


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill  (Enhanced Charge]


    Joe¡¯s pants tightened, reinforcing his legs and making them feel sturdier and stronger. His boots lightened as if weightless, drastically increasing his speed.


    [+20 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes: (Total 62)]


    Joe appeared in front of Dan, crouched low to the ground for balance. With one hand bracing him, he swept his left leg in a wide arc.


    Dan¡¯s eyes caught the movement. Anticipating the attack, he leapt into the air.


    His body began to shift mid-flight.


    [Dan Has Activated The ''Transformation Skill'' (Partial Morphing]


    Dan¡¯s body bulged as his arms tore through his suit, enlarging with ease. A thick wave of black fur sprouted over his arms and hands. He clasped his now massive hands together above his head and brought them down like a hammer.


    Joe¡¯s eyes widened, and he barely dodged, retreating just in time to avoid being crushed. Sliding across the floor, he watched as cracks spiderwebbed outward from the point of impact.


    The entire room trembled, the floor threatening to collapse under the strain.


    When Joe finally stopped sliding and the dust cleared, he stared in awe at Dan¡¯s transformation.


    Dan now stood taller, his arms even more massive, with fur covering his entire upper body. To Joe, he resembled a grotesque gorilla-human hybrid. Dan¡¯s jagged grin and glowing red eyes sent a chill down his spine.


    As he observed further, Joe realized something even more disturbing: Dan¡¯s Mana Signature wasn¡¯t human. It mimicked a Mana Beast¡¯s core, completely black in color but it still flickered like a flame similar to a human''s Mana Signature. It was a fusion of the two.


    "Hey, kids! Which one of you wants food?"


    At the mention of food, the subdued, bloodied children in the cages sprang to life. Their stomachs growled aggressively as they crawled to the bars. The cages had been unlocked the entire time, yet not one child had dared to move before Dan spoke.


    Now, they threw the doors open and gathered in front of him. Their frail bodies barely held them upright, but they stood, trembling yet determined.


    Dan pointed a clawed, beastly finger at Joe, its dark edge gleaming ominously.


    "Whoever gets to kill that brat gets free meat!"


    The children, like possessed zombies, rushed at Joe, shoving and trampling one another in their desperate charge.


    Joe could feel a pit forming in his stomach.


    The children lunged at him, attacking from all sides. Some clung to his legs while others clawed at his body, biting and scratching with desperate ferocity. Their fragile forms belied their sheer determination.


    Joe tried to shake them off as gently as he could, pulling some down carefully, but before he could make progress¡ª


    Whistle.


    The wind shifted.


    Crash!


    A child''s body smashed into Joe and the children like a missile. The impact cracked bones and unleashed a symphony of screams. Joe was sent hurtling backward, his body tumbling across the floor. Each roll jarred his frame, pain rippling through him as if his bones might shatter.


    When his momentum finally stopped, he raised his head with difficulty. The sight before him made his stomach drop.


    Blood painted the floor in gruesome splatters. The children who had clung to him moments ago were now unrecognizable, reduced to twisted, broken corpses. The body Dan had thrown had killed every single one of them in a single, merciless attack.


    Dan stood amidst the carnage, utterly unfazed.


    "Mikey will probably get mad at me for killing his babies," he said with chilling nonchalance, inspecting the blood on his fingertip. "Guess I''ll have to get him some new ones before he wakes up."


    He licked the blood from his finger, savoring it. "Now that¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. The taste of human blood... exquisite."


    [+10 Rank Points To Dan''s Physical Attributes]


    Joe''s entire body trembled. "You bastard... you bastard!"


    A geyser of black mana erupted from him, the raw power radiating in waves. His pain forgotten, he forced himself to his feet. His hand reached for the black blade strapped to his back.


    "They were just kids! You¡¯ll pay for that! You¡¯ll pay!"


    [-350 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill (Enhanced Charge)]


    [+160 To Your Physical Attributes: (Total: 202)]


    [+210 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes: (Total: 255)]


    [You Have Removed 1 Seal From ''The Black Blade'']


    [+10 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes]


    [-25 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool: 7,170]


    [Current Mana Output Of The Black Blade: 310 Rank Points]


    Joe vanished, leaving a burst of dust in his wake. He reappeared directly in front of Dan, already swinging his blade, black mana leaking from it like smoke.


    Dan¡¯s eyes widened. "What the¡ª?"


    He barely managed to raise his arm, an orange glow enveloping it as he attempted to block. Their clash sent shockwaves through the air, the ground trembling beneath them.


    Joe¡¯s black blade sliced into Dan¡¯s arm, cutting through halfway and quickly progressing deeper.


    With a roar of desperation, Dan swung his other clawed hand at Joe¡¯s face. Black talons gleamed as they raced toward him.


    Joe leapt backward just in time, landing a safe distance away.


    Dan''s injured left arm gushed blood, but he ignored the pain, focusing instead on his remaining strength. With his good arm, he dug into the concrete, ripping out a massive chunk of the ground. The force left a deep hole, revealing the floor below where countless bodies were frantically running about.


    Dan paid no attention to the chaos beneath him. Instead, he hoisted the enormous piece of stone and hurled it at Joe with all his might.


    [You Have Activated The Black Blade¡¯s Skill (Charge(]


    [The Black Blade Is Gathering Mana]


    [Charge Complete]


    [Current Mana Output From The Black Blade: 310 Rank Points Has Doubled


    [New Mana Output From The Black Blade: 620 Rank Points]


    [The Black Blade¡¯s Weight Has Doubled]


    Joe swung his blade with precision, slicing cleanly through the flying stone. The impact shattered it into countless fragments, and a thick cloud of dust spread across the room. He could feel the added weight of the Black Blade, but it didn¡¯t slow him down.


    Without hesitation, Joe was back in motion, his footsteps echoing as he darted around Dan in a blur.


    Dan stood still, his ears straining to track Joe¡¯s movements. The sharp clatter of steel hitting the ground broke the tension, and Dan lunged toward the sound. When he reached the source, he found a dagger lying on the floor.


    Before he could react, a shadow loomed behind him. Joe¡¯s Black Blade drove cleanly through his neck before Dan could turn. Blood sprayed as Joe¡¯s follow-up strikes bisected Dan¡¯s limbs, sending him collapsing in a broken, bleeding heap.


    Joe¡¯s face twisted in fury as he drove his blade into Dan repeatedly, each thrust fueled by rage. As he prepared for yet another strike, a deafening roar echoed through the building, stopping him mid-motion.


    Joe turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as a door creaked open. From the shadows emerged a massive, muscular figure clad only in shorts, his bare torso rippling with strength. He clutched at his wild black hair, his expression one of irritation and curiosity.


    His piercing gaze fixed on Joe as he spoke, his voice a low growl.


    "Huh? Who the hell are you?"


    [''Big Daddy'' Mikey Has Appeared]

 Chapter 15: Mikey

    [You Have Slain A Native (+15,000 Rank Points)]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 12 [0/45,000 Rank Points Required]]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 30 (+15 Rank Points From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 50


    ? Psychological Attributes: 24


    [You Have Unlocked A New ''Passive Skill'' (Weaponry)]


    ? Description: An Outsider¡¯s Weapons Can Be Their Greatest Strength. Mastering These Tools Can Mean The Difference Between Life And Death.


    ? Effect: Your Ability To Use Mana Tools In Battle Has Improved, Allowing You To Perform More Precise And Swift Movements When Wielding A Mana Tool.


    ? Boost: +50 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes When Wielding A Mana Tool (Note: This Is The Default Boost For Any Tool That You Wield, But It Will Increase As You Grow More Proficient With The Tool).


    [Achievement Unlocked: Learner]


    ? Condition: Learn Your First Skill As An Outsider.


    ? Reward: 5,000 Rank Points.


    [Rank Up Progress: 12 [5,000/45,000 Rank Points Required]]


    [Your ''Passive'' Skill Outsider''s Perspective Has Developed To Stage 2]


    [Main Quest]


    ? Objective: Slay The Native ''Big Daddy'' Mikey.


    ? Reward: 18,000 Rank Points.


    Out of all the notifications flooding his mind, only one burned vividly in Joe¡¯s focus, his main quest. It stood as a stark reminder of his purpose here. He had come to kill the very man standing before him now¡ªMikey.


    Joe''s heart pounded like a war drum as he locked eyes with his target.


    Mikey''s massive frame exuded raw power, the scars crisscrossing his body serving as grim testaments to battles fought. His lazy, half-lidded eyes drilled into Joe, unsettling and unyielding. But Joe held his ground. He couldn¡¯t back down¡ªnot after coming this far.


    ¡°I as¡ª¡±


    Before Mikey could finish, Joe cut him off, his voice sharp and commanding. "You don¡¯t need to know who I am."


    Joe''s grip tightened on his black blade as his gaze flickered down to the lifeless body of Dan. Without hesitation, he thrusted the blade into the corpse.


    The lazy indifference in Mikey¡¯s eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, deadly intensity¡ªthe exact reaction Joe had hoped for.


    [You Have Activated The ''Unique Skill'' ''Unique Skill (Predator)]


    A swirling black mist erupted from Joe''s bloody blade, engulfing Dan¡¯s corpse. Flesh, blood, and bone were consumed in an instant, leaving nothing behind. Joe snatched up his dagger and backed away cautiously, maintaining distance from Mikey.


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'' (Soul Consumption)]


    [+1 Native Soul Has Been Stored Inside Your Body]


    ¡°I see now," Mikey growled, his voice a simmering boil of fury. "You must be the brat responsible for all this mess!"


    A searing red aura burst from Mikey, cascading over his body like a geyser of raw power. ¡°How dare you lay a finger on my children!¡±


    "Your children?" Joe spat back, his voice trembling with equal parts rage and disbelief. "You dare call them that? You¡¯re the monster behind their suffering! You and your friends ¡ªyou''re all nothing but heartless monsters"


    Black mana erupted from Joe¡¯s body like a fountain, he closed the distance between them in a blur of movement.


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill (Enhanced Charge]


    [The ''Passive Skill'' (Weaponry) Is Active]


    [+210 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes: Total: 255]


    [+210 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes: Total: 260]


    [Mana Output From The Black Blade: 310]


    Joe launched himself into the air, bringing his blade down in a powerful arc aimed straight at Mikey.


    Mikey¡¯s sharp eyes tracked Joe¡¯s movement with precision. The mana surrounding him condensed, concentrating around his arms and hands.


    [Mikey Has Activated The Skill: Body Enhancement]


    [Branch Skill: Thick Skin]


    Joe¡¯s blade collided with Mikey¡¯s forearm but failed to penetrate. His eyes widened in shock as Mikey¡¯s iron-like skin absorbed the impact. A fraction of a second later, Mikey¡¯s fist crashed into Joe¡¯s gut.


    [Branch Skill: Strong Right]


    The force sent Joe hurtling across the room, crashing into the ground in a battered heap.


    Joe tumbled to a stop, coughing blood as he struggled to rise. His arms trembled, his body screaming in agony as if he¡¯d been struck by a truck. Blood streaked down his face, blurring his vision. One attack¡ªthat single blow¡ªhad obliterated all the momentum he had gained.


    "Do you have any idea how I feel right now?" Tears streamed down Mikey''s face, an ugly, jarring sight that clashed with his otherwise composed demeanor. He gestured to the bloodied bodies scattered across the field. "These kids..." His voice cracked. "These children were special to me."


    Joe gritted his teeth, his fury barely restrained. He forced the words out through clenched jaws. "Stop pretending you cared, you heartless monster. You''re the reason they ended up like this! You made them steal, suffer abuse, and starve. Every terrible thing that happened to them¡ªit¡¯s all on you."


    Mikey stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. "Of course I cared for them. Why wouldn¡¯t I? I was their father." His tone was chillingly calm. "The world cast them aside. They didn¡¯t have academic licenses, and their Mana Signatures were pathetic. In this society, those two things define your worth. They were nothing¡ªuntil I took them in.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "I gave them shelter, healed their wounds, fed them when they obeyed. I gave them jobs, discipline, purpose. Everything the world denied them, I provided. These children were my treasures."


    Joe staggered to his feet, his eyes darting to his sword lying a few steps away. "You can dress it up all you want, but you were using them," he snarled. "They were just tools to you, pawns to get what you wanted. They didn¡¯t know any better¡ªyou used them!"


    Mikey smirked faintly, his voice taking on a condescending edge. "And isn¡¯t that what it means to be a parent? You guide your children, shape them. You nurture them so that one day, they can give something back. That doesn¡¯t mean you don''t care for them. That¡¯s life, kid. That¡¯s business."


    [Your Have Burned Through You 300 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    Joe''s fists clenched so hard his nails bit into his palms. "Give me another 300, Syr. I''ll kill this bastard."


    [In Your Current State, That Much Mana Could Destroy You.]


    "It''s my body, Syr. I¡¯ll handle it. My physical abilities are catching up to my mana output. I can last a little longer."


    [What You Do Affects Us Both. You May Not Care About Risking Your life, But I do. I Need You Alive.]


    "I''m not planning on dying, you idiot. I still have to find my family. Just do it¡ªone more time!"


    [Very well...]


    A surge of energy coursed through Joe as their mental exchange ended. His body felt like it was on fire. Everyone of his muscles was under excruciating strain. Even then¡ªhe greeted his teeth, his glare unwavering.


    [-300 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool: 6,870]


    Mikey¡¯s eyes widened. "That mana¡­" he muttered, his calm veneer cracking.


    Joe bolted forward, his speed near blinding but slightly off¡ªa trace of sluggishness from his battered body. As he moved, he snatched his fallen blade from the ground and continued his relentless charge. He closed the distance, entering Mikey''s close quarters.[,Outsider¡¯s Enhancement]


    Mikey reacted quickly, swinging a fierce hook at Joe¡¯s face. [Branch Skill: Strong Right]


    Joe¡¯s enhanced vision kicked in, his perception sharper than ever. He read Mikey¡¯s movements clearly, anticipating the attack. With a well-timed crouch, he let the punch whistle just above his head. His hands gripped his black blade tightly, elbows high as he prepared a devastating thrust.


    But Mikey countered. His free arm shifted to guard his stomach, muscles hardening. [Branch Skill: Thick Skin]


    Joe didn¡¯t falter. He drove his blade forward, aiming not at the surface, but at something deeper¡ªsomething new. His heightened senses revealed something within Mikey¡¯s body. Tiny, glowing intersections where mana flowed and connected.


    With precision guided by his vision, Joe plunged his blade into one of those points¡ªa hole in the center of Mikey¡¯s arm where his mana converged. [Outsider¡¯s Perspective (Stage 2)]


    Mikey howled in agony as blood erupted from his arm. Joe finally broke through his defenses, his blade sinking deep and true.


    Joe wrenched his blood-soaked blade free, crimson dripping onto the cracked concrete. He readied himself for another thrust, his muscles screaming under the immense strain they felt.


    Mikey reacted instinctively. His uninjured hand shot out, latching onto Joe¡¯s right shoulder with terrifying speed. [Branch Skill: Tiger Grip] Mana surged through his fingers, amplifying his strength as they dug into Joe¡¯s flesh like a predator''s fangs. The sickening crunch of bone echoed through the space, barely masking Joe¡¯s agonized screams.


    A sadistic grin crept across Mikey''s face, his eyes gleaming with malice. He hoisted Joe off the ground with a single hand, his fingers still embedded deep in Joe¡¯s shoulder. Blood spilled freely, staining his hand and dripping onto the floor below.


    With brutal force, Mikey slammed Joe into the ground, the impact cracking the concrete beneath him. Blood sprayed outward, filling the grooves in the floor like dark rivers. Mikey wasn¡¯t done. He lifted Joe again, savoring the moment before tossing him aside. Joe¡¯s body tumbled across the ground like a broken doll, leaving streaks of blood in his wake.


    For a moment, Mikey stood there, staring at the crumpled figure before him. His smirk faltered as his gaze turned thoughtful.


    "That mana... Where have I felt it before? That vivid darkness..." Mikey''s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. Then, realization struck like lightning.


    ¡°Tell me, kid," he said, his voice sharp, "are you an Outsider?"


    Joe stirred, his head lifting weakly from the blood pooling beneath him. His face was streaked with red, his widened eyes betraying the answer he couldn¡¯t voice.


    Mikey¡¯s smirk returned, this time filled with triumph. ¡°I knew it! I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I? I can see it in your eyes.¡± He began to pace slowly, each step deliberate, like a predator circling its prey. ¡°It¡¯s the only explanation for how you can burn through so much mana in minutes. And not just that¡ªthis mana¡­ I¡¯ve felt it before."


    His gaze flicked to his bleeding arm. He raised it, watching as the blood flowed from the wound, running along his forearm and dripping from his fingers. "You know, kid, it¡¯s been a long time since anyone has made me bleed. You should be proud of yourself."


    Mikey tilted his head, his tone almost conversational now. ¡°Answer me this final question, who sent you here? Was it the Frozen Wing Party?¡± His eyes darkened. ¡°Those pests have been on my ass for a while. If not for them, this entire town would already be mine!¡±


    He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Or¡­ was it that bastard Darui?" He shook his head, muttering to himself. ¡°No, it couldn¡¯t be Darui. If it were him, he¡¯d have sent those three instead.¡±


    Joe couldn¡¯t muster a single word. His vision blurred, fading in and out as he lay motionless, blood pooling rapidly beneath him. His breaths were shallow, labored.


    ¡°Syr¡­ he¡¯s too much¡­¡± he managed to cough out, blood spilling from his lips. ¡°I don¡¯t think my body can move right now. Dammit! We can¡¯t win.¡±


    [It¡¯s Dangerous, But¡­ There¡¯s Still One More Thing You Haven¡¯t Tried.]


    Joe¡¯s eyes fluttered weakly, his hope dimming.


    [Outside Of The ¡®Big Junk.¡¯]


    Meanwhile, Shelly¡¯s eyes slowly blinked open. Her head throbbed, but she saw Viola¡¯s face hovering above her, a relieved smile lighting her features.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± Viola exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.


    Shelly sat up, her body trembling with exhaustion. She winced, clutching her side. ¡°Ouch¡­¡± Her muscles screamed in protest, refusing to cooperate.


    ¡°You need to rest. Your body¡¯s in terrible shape,¡± Viola said softly. She gestured to the side. ¡°But look! All the others¡­ I was able to free them. And it¡¯s all thanks to you.¡±


    Shelly¡¯s gaze shifted to the group of children nearby. Relief washed over her as she saw them embracing each other, their wounds healed. A small smile crept across her face.


    Among the group, Ed approached hesitantly. His steps were slow, deliberate, his fists clenched tight. His expression carried anger, hurt. When he stopped in front of Shelly, his voice trembled.


    ¡°Is it true?¡± he asked, his tone harsh. ¡°Is John¡­ really dead?¡±


    Shelly¡¯s smile vanished. Her lips parted as she tried to respond, but her words faltered. ¡°I¡¯m sor¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your fault!¡± Ed¡¯s voice cracked as tears streamed down his face. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t chased us, none of this would¡¯ve happened!¡±


    Before Shelly could respond, Viola rushed forward, positioning herself between them. Her arms spread wide, shielding Shelly.


    ¡°No, Ed! Shelly isn¡¯t who you think she is,¡± Viola said firmly. ¡°She saved me when I was on the brink of death. I owe her my life!¡±


    Ed froze, his anger momentarily replaced by confusion. ¡°She¡­ she did?¡±


    Shelly looked at Ed with sorrow in her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t bring John back,¡± she said softly. ¡°But I swear to you, I won¡¯t let anyone else die infront of me again. I¡¯m truly sorry for what happened.¡±


    Ed¡¯s tough facade crumbled. He dropped to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± he choked out. ¡°Thank you for saving my sister.¡±


    Shelly¡¯s heart softened. Her smile returned, faint but genuine.


    As Ed wiped his tears, the distant chaos of the battle inside the ¡®Big Junk¡¯ reached their ears. Viola glanced toward the noise, her face filled with worry.


    ¡°Shelly,¡± Viola asked, her voice trembling, ¡°Joe¡­ do you think he can win?¡±


    Shelly¡¯s expression turned resolute. ¡°He will,¡± she said with conviction. ¡°He¡¯s definitely going to win!¡±


    [Inside The ¡®Big Junk¡¯]


    The air inside the room grew heavy. A radiant white glow enveloped the space, emanating from Joe¡¯s broken form. Mikey¡¯s eyes widened, disbelief written across his face.


    Slowly, Joe rose to his feet, the light intensifying around him. His wounds sealed themselves, the blood drying almost instantly. Three orbs of white energy began to orbit his body, their presence pulsing with power.


    When Joe fixed his gaze on Mikey, his eyes glowed pure white, radiating the same ethereal light as the rest of his body. His voice boomed, no longer his own¡ªa blend of numerous voices speaking in unison, Joe¡¯s faintly lingering beneath them.


    ¡°I told you, Mikey,¡± Joe declared, his words echoing. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for what you¡¯ve done to those kids!¡±


    He clenched his fist, and the light flared even brighter, almost blinding.


    [You Activated The ¡®Branch Skill'' (Soul Charge)]


    [Due To The Activation Of The Skill, The Souls You¡¯ve Consumed Have Been Converted Into Energy.]


    [You¡¯ve Achieved An Incomplete Transformation: (Soul Host).]


    [+200 Rank Points To All Attributes.]


    [Souls Consumed: Total (3).]


    [Physical Status: Unstable.]


    [Psychological Status: Unstable.]


    ¡°Impossible¡­¡± Mikey whispered, his voice shaking. He staggered back, staring at Joe in disbelief.


    The tide of the battle had shifted, and Mikey knew it.

 Chapter 16: Unexpected Visitors

    Joe advanced steadily, the white light surrounding him intensifying with every step. The three white orbs orbiting his figure shot toward his chest in succession. Each one collided with a thud, disappearing into him as if devoured. The light around Joe flared violently.


    [Souls stored: 3]


    Mikey stared in disbelief, his heart pounding as he absorbed the sight before him. The sheer power emanating from Joe was unlike anything he¡¯d ever encountered. A cold sweat rolled down Mikey¡¯s forehead. ¡°So this is it¡­ an Outsider¡¯s power,¡± he thought.


    Clenching his fists, Mikey ignored the searing pain of the bleeding wound on his right arm. His mana surged, flaring to life with renewed fury. ¡°Not again! I won¡¯t lose to an Outsider again!¡± he roared, his voice trembling with emotion. In an instant, Mikey dashed forward, his speed leaving nothing but a trail of dust and broken concrete in his wake.


    Joe came to a stop, as if purposely inviting the attack.


    Mikey accepted the silent challenge. In a blink, he appeared in front of Joe, his right leg stomping down with force. The concrete beneath shattered into jagged cracks as his stance solidified. With a guttural yell, Mikey gritted his teeth and unleashed a torrent of punches. [Strong Fist Barrage]


    Joe calmly raised his right hand. With that single hand, he deflected every strike. Each punch was absorbed, and dismissed with ease.


    Mikey¡¯s face twisted in frustration, but he refused to stop. His fists flew faster, driven by desperation and rage.


    Effortlessly, Joe caught Mikey¡¯s right fist mid-swing. The air hummed from the impact as Mikey¡¯s punch was swallowed by Joe¡¯s palm.


    Mikey grunted and sent his left fist screaming toward Joe¡¯s face. Joe tilted his head just slightly, and the blow missed, grazing harmlessly past.


    Mikey¡¯s eyes went wide at the display of impossible reflexes. Before he could process it, a sickening crunch rang through the air. Joe¡¯s grip tightened, bones shattering as Mikey¡¯s right hand crumpled in his grasp.


    Mikey¡¯s scream tore through the room.


    The light surrounding Joe swirled, flowing to his free hand as he clenched it into a fist. A distorted, chilling scream emanated from the light itself. For a moment, it twisted and warped, forming the grotesque image of a tiny, screaming human face. Then, with no warning, Joe drove his fist deep into Mikey¡¯s stomach. [White Fist]


    Mikey¡¯s scream was abruptly silenced. Blood erupted from his mouth as his body doubled over, the force launching him across the room like a ragdoll.


    [Remaining Souls: 2]


    Joe stared at his trembling fist, the aftermath of his attack leaving a noticeable strain on him. He could feel the power within him beginning to waver. The radiant white light enveloping his body flickered, dimming as if signaling its imminent collapse.


    "What''s the meaning of this, Syr!" His voice echoed unnaturally, a chorus of multiple souls, though his original tone was beginning to emerge, strained and frustrated.


    [You''ve Only Got Two Attacks Left In You. You Didn''t Gather Enough Souls To Maintain This State You''re In.]


    Joe''s gaze shifted to Mikey, who struggled to push himself upright, blood dripping from his lips. "Two attacks? That''s way too small! That bastard needs to pay!"


    Gritting his teeth, Joe¡¯s strides carried him toward The Black Blade, it was Isolated in the bloodied floor. Its edge gleamed faintly, still wet with crimson. Bending down, he grasped it tightly in both hands.


    "I guess I''ll have to make these two attacks count, then."


    As if in response, the room was filled with glowing white orbs. One by one, they emerged from the lifeless corpses scattered across the floor¡ªthe bodies of the fifteen children. Each soul, now a floating orb, drifted toward Joe, encircling him in a spiraling halo of pale light.


    "Help us! Help us! Help us get our revenge!"


    The voices of the dead children whispered urgently in his ear, carried by the ghostly orbs.


    [Don''t Listen To Them, Joe! You Have Enough Power. Those Two Souls Are Enough To Destroy Mikey. You Don''t Need To Gather Any More Souls.]


    "But Syr... you''ve heard them. These kids want a chance¡ªa chance to teach this monster a lesson. They died in front of me. The least I can do is give them a chance to get their revenge!"


    The orbs, as if responding to Joe¡¯s conviction, began colliding with him, slamming into his body one after another.


    "AHHH!" Joe screamed, his voice breaking under the weight of their force. He staggered, his body convulsing as it absorbed every last one of the souls.


    [You Fool! They Will Overwhelm You!]


    The white light around Joe erupted into an intense, blinding blaze, drowning Syr¡¯s warning in its brilliance. When the light settled, it was far larger and brighter than before.


    [Souls Stored: 17]


    Joe¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, though his expression had shifted¡ªtwisted, unrecognizable. "Look who¡¯s back, father!" The voices that emerged from him were not his own anymore. They were layered with the chorus of the children, their rage and anguish consuming his own.


    Mikey staggered to his feet, clutching his abdomen, his face contorted in confusion. "Kids?"


    "That¡¯s right, dad! And we¡¯re going to make you suffer for what you did!"


    "What are you talking about? I took care of you, you ungrateful brats!" Mikey spat back, his voice laced with bitterness. "I gave you everything you could dream of! You were supposed to help me change this world! We were supposed to show The Union that even the discarded could be useful!"


    In response, the black blade in Joe¡¯s grip began to glow. The white light surged around it, filling its form and even extending its length beyond the blade¡¯s original form. [White Lancer]


    [Remaining Souls: 14]


    "You never cared about us, Dad! You just wanted to use us. You wanted wealth, power¡ªand you preyed on our desperation to control us. You even planned to expand this twisted ¡®business¡¯ beyond this town one day... but no more. No more, Dad! You¡¯re going to die here today!"


    Mikey¡¯s aura exploded in fury, his presence intensifying. ¡°You kids were bad children... and bad children need to be disciplined!¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    With that, Mikey lunged forward, his speed breaking the air around him. His figure blurred, leaving afterimages in its wake. The ground beneath cracked violently as he closed the distance, zigzagging unpredictably. [Afterimage]


    Joe¡¯s eyes darted, his pupils straining to track Mikey¡¯s movement.


    From above, Mikey descended with terrifying speed, mana flaring like wildfire around his clenched right fist. [Burning Fist]


    ¡°Di¡ª¡±


    The word was cut short.


    A flash of white light tore through the room¡ªa perfect, crescent arc that sliced through Mikey¡¯s right arm in an instant.


    He barely registered the attack as his severed limb fell away. [Perfect Arc]


    [Remaining Souls: 10]


    Mikey¡¯s scream was gut-wrenching as his body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, his severed arm painting the floor in blood.


    Joe didn¡¯t allow him a moment¡¯s respite. He stormed forward, seizing Mikey by the neck and yanking him upright with effortless strength.


    Mikey¡¯s gasping breaths turned into shrill cries as Joe¡¯s palm slammed against his face. The sickening crunch of bone echoed through the room, reverberating with a grotesque finality. Joe¡¯s fingers pressed against Mikey¡¯s skull, threatening to cave it in entirely.


    ¡°Now do you feel it, Dad? The pain you made us feel?¡± Joe¡¯s distorted voice dripped with cruel satisfaction as his lips twisted into a sadistic smile.


    Without warning, he hurled Mikey into the air with enough force to send his broken body spiraling. Blood from Mikey¡¯s wounds trailed after him in a macabre arc, droplets raining down like crimson tears.


    Joe tilted his head back, his unblinking gaze fixed on Mikey¡¯s ascending form. Slowly, he raised his blade, the white light coiling around its length like a living entity. At the weapon¡¯s tip, the light condensed into a brilliant, searing orb.


    ¡°Goodbye, Father!¡±


    The orb erupted, a blinding beam of energy surging skyward. It struck Mikey mid-flight, the impact driving him through the roof with a thunderous explosion. Debris scattered as his body was carried into the heavens.


    As Mikey¡¯s form was propelled ever higher, his consciousness began to slip. Memories clouded his final thoughts.


    That boy¡­ why is it that he reminds me of you, Rebecca¡­?


    The light consumed him, blinding and relentless, yet the memory remained¡ªa single fragment of the past.


    He could still see her. A girl shrouded in a black cloak, her long, flowing black hair dancing in the wind, and her piercing purple eyes cutting through him like blades. He remembered the way she looked down at him after their battle had ended, her voice cold and resolute.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go for now, Mikey. But if I see you again, I will kill you. I don¡¯t know how you¡¯ll survive now that you¡¯ve failed to get your license, but that¡¯s really none of my business. Pray that you and I never cross paths again.¡±


    Her words echoed, lingering like a curse. They were the last thing Mikey remembered before the light overtook him completely, shredding his body to nothing.


    The children outside watched in silence as Mikey was swallowed by the light.


    Tears filled their eyes¡ªsome streaming freely, others held back in shock. A few screamed and clung to one another, overwhelmed by relief. Others knelt on the ground, sobbing as they tried to process their emotions. The mixture of grief and celebration painted a confusing picture, but one undeniable truth lingered.


    Mikey had been defeated.


    [Inside The ''Big Junk'']


    Joe collapsed to his knees, gasping as the radiant white light around him dimmed, flickering like a dying flame.


    [Souls Remaining: 3]


    "Get out! Get out of my head!" Joe¡¯s voice, raw and strained, was mostly his own again. He gritted his teeth, fighting against the whispers gnawing at the edges of his mind. ¡°You got your revenge! Now get out! This is my body!¡±


    The voices came in unison, dissonant and unrelenting.


    ¡°Get out? We can¡¯t do that! Not yet, anyway. You have to help us, Joe. Help us kill the townspeople! They also killed many of our brothers and sisters!¡±


    Joe¡¯s breathing grew ragged. ¡°You got Mikey! Aren¡¯t you satisfied?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Well, too bad¡ªbecause I¡¯m reclaiming control of my body!¡±


    ¡°No! We won¡¯t let you! We still have a duty to fulfill. We will get revenge for every one of us who was killed in this town!¡±


    Joe¡¯s scream ripped through the air, primal and agonized. He clutched his head, his fingers digging into his scalp as it felt like his very mind, body, and soul were being torn apart.


    ¡°Get out! Gey out!¡±


    [-20 Rank Points From Your Psychological Attributes]


    [Your Psychological State Is Unstable]


    [The  3 Souls Are Weakening Your Psychological Attributes To Possess You]


    A dark, inky aura burst forth from Joe, his mana surging with a life of its own. The oppressive white glow that had surrounded him began to dissipate, replaced by the roiling black energy of his own power.


    The voices faltered.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? How can a single human mind resist our influence?¡±


    [+10 Rank Points To Your Psychological Attributes. Your ''Mental Strength'' Is Assisting You In Resisting The Souls And Their Possession]


    [Your Psychological State Is Regaining Is Regaining Its Stability]


    Joe¡¯s mana flared one final time, his eruption of power rattling the very walls of the room. The voices grew fainter and fainter, until they were no more than whispers drowning in the storm of his will.


    Then, as the mana began to settle, Joe¡¯s body went still. His vision darkened, the room around him blurring and fading.


    Finally, everything turned black.


    [14 Years Ago]


    ¡°You dare talk back to me, Grace!¡±


    The crack of Joe¡¯s father¡¯s slap echoed through the living room as his mother was sent sprawling to the floor.


    Joe stood frozen, his small body trembling, eyes wide with shock.


    ¡°Stop hurting Mother! Stop it!¡±


    Chloe, tears streaming down her face, rolled her wheelchair forward to shield her mother. Her voice wavered as she pleaded with her father.


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    The response was brutal. A sickening smack rang out as Joe¡¯s father struck Chloe across the face. Her head snapped to the side, a deep red imprint blooming on her cheek. The force nearly tipped her wheelchair over, leaving her shaken, tears spilling freely now.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to tell me how to treat my wife!¡±


    Joe¡¯s father turned away, staggering toward the table. The half-empty bottle of alcohol sat waiting for him like an old friend. As he grabbed it, his gaze landed on Joe, still standing there, motionless but unblinking.


    ¡°Why are you glaring at me?¡± His father¡¯s voice was venomous, slurred but sharp. ¡°Do you want to do something, Joe?¡±


    Joe said nothing. His fists clenched at his sides, but his glare burned into his father¡¯s eyes¡ªfury and hatred unmistakable.


    The man scoffed.


    With the bottle in hand, Joe¡¯s father brushed past him, shoving him roughly to the ground as he passed. Joe¡¯s body hit the floor with a dull thud, but his eyes never left his father.


    ¡°Know your place, boy!¡±


    Joe saw it¡ªthe cold, empty look in his father¡¯s eyes as he spat those words. Without another glance back, his father trudged to the door, bottle in hand, and disappeared into the night, slamming the door behind him.


    The sound reverberated through the house, leaving a heavy, suffocating silence in its wake.


    [Present Moment]


    Joe¡¯s eyes fluttered open. A sharp, throbbing pain pulsed in his head as he sat up slowly, groaning. ¡°Why did I have to remember that now, of all times?¡± he thought, his mind still lingering on the memory.


    His gaze darted across the room, landing on Shelly. She was crouched among the children, their faces tear-streaked and hollow. Judging by their expressions, they had just learned about the others¡ªthose who had died in Joe¡¯s battle with Dan. Some kids wiped their tears away; others still wept softly, their grief too heavy to hide.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    Shelly turned toward him, her voice soft yet strained, as though forcing herself to stay strong. She pushed herself upright, walking toward him slowly, the discomfort in her steps evident.


    Reaching him, she extended her hand for a fist bump. ¡°We did it. We brought down Mikey.¡± Her lips curved into a small, weary smile.


    Joe hesitated, his voice cracking. ¡°But the other ki¡ª¡±


    Shelly gently cut him off, her tone both tender and resolute. ¡°Yes, we couldn¡¯t save them¡­ but look at all the children we did save.¡±


    Joe tried again, his voice trembling. ¡°No, Shelly, they¡¯re¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, the kids suddenly spoke in perfect unison, their voices soft yet firm:


    ¡°Thank you so much!¡±


    They bowed their heads in gratitude, their movements synchronized as if they had rehearsed the moment.


    Joe froze. Overwhelmed, tears welled in his eyes and spilled over, his breath hitching. The children smiled warmly as he wiped at the tears¡ªtears that refused to stop no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Shelly extended her hand toward him. Joe looked at it for a moment before gripping it tightly. She pulled him to his feet, though the strain was evident on her face despite her best efforts to hide it.


    Now standing, Joe and Shelly led the rescued children toward the exit of the Trash Can. Even those they had knocked unconscious earlier were now on their feet, part of the group.


    But as they stepped outside, they were met with unwelcome visitors.


    Standing just beyond the gates was the chubby shopkeeper from earlier. He was alive¡ªbut barely. His entire body was wrapped in heavy bandages, his face almost entirely obscured.


    Beside him stood four individuals, their presence immediately imposing. Each wore identical blue cloaks, pristine and emblazoned with bold white letters across their backs: ¡°FROZEN WINGS.¡±


    ¡°There!¡±


    The shopkeeper¡¯s voice was a rasping growl as he lifted a trembling hand to point at Shelly.


    ¡°That''s the girl I want you to kill!¡±

 Chapter 17: A New Journey

    A tense silence followed the shopkeeper¡¯s sharp outburst, broken only by the soft rustle of billowing cloaks. The group of children shrank back, huddling behind Joe and Shelly for protection.


    Joe¡¯s gaze flicked to Shelly. She was putting on a brave front, but her condition was far from ideal. Her mana signature was dangerously low, and he hadn¡¯t forgotten the signs of discomfort she¡¯d shown earlier.


    His attention shifted to the four figures standing beside the shopkeeper. They remained still, silent, but their mana signatures radiated an intimidating presence. Not quite on Mikey''s level, but still potent enough to demand respect. Joe clenched his teeth in frustration. He wasn¡¯t in great shape either. This wasn¡¯t a fight they could win, not like this.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± the shopkeeper barked. ¡°Kill that bitch! In fact, kill all of them! Those good-for-nothing thieves!¡±


    ¡°If you want to lay a finger on these kids...¡± Shelly stepped forward, her voice steady despite the odds. ¡°You¡¯ll have to go through me!¡± A black staff materialized in her hand as she pointed it toward the shopkeeper and his ominous companions, her intent clear.


    ¡°Yeah...¡± Joe stepped up beside her, his black blade already in hand. ¡°If you¡¯re coming for these kids, you¡¯re going through us first.¡±


    The shopkeeper hesitated, his confidence faltering as he glanced at the four cloaked figures beside him. ¡°Why are you just sta¡ª¡±


    Crunch!


    A single punch sent the shopkeeper crashing to the ground. The blow came from one of the cloaked figures¡ªby far the tallest of the group. The force of the strike cracked the ground where the shopkeeper landed, leaving him motionless, blood seeping through the bandages on his face.


    Joe and Shelly, stunned, tightened their grips on their weapons.


    The tall figure pulled back his hood. ¡°Relax. We¡¯re not here to fight you.¡± His long blue hair cascaded down his back, partially obscuring the emblem of a frozen feather etched onto his cloak. His broad smile softened the tension in the air.


    The other cloaked figures followed his lead, lowering their hoods one by one. A girl with braided blue hair revealed a tattoo of a blue flower on her right cheek. Beside her stood a short, bald man with piercing green eyes. The last figure, a black-haired girl with slightly pointed ears, glanced at the group with a calm demeanor.


    ¡°My name is Jim,¡± the tall man said, gesturing to his companions. ¡°These are my party members: Emma, Lucas, and Ava.¡± He introduced them in turn, starting with the girl with the tattoo and ending with the pointy-eared girl.


    Without warning, all four of them bowed their heads. ¡°Thank you so much!¡± they said in unison.


    Joe and Shelly exchanged confused looks as the group straightened up again. Jim¡¯s face hardened, his fists clenching. ¡°You¡¯ve actually done us a huge favor. We¡¯ve wanted to help these kids for a long time, but we couldn¡¯t get close to them because of Mikey. We couldn¡¯t bring ourselves to engage him in battle... because we were cowards.¡± His voice wavered with shame.


    ¡°We stood by and watched the townspeople¡¯s cruelty without intervening. We thought we were keeping peace but that''s obviously not true." His grimace deepened. ¡°We focused on stopping Mikey from expanding his influence in the town, which we managed to do, but we never tried to rescue the children he already had under his control. We didn¡¯t want to risk conflict with him and disrupt what we called a ¡®balance¡¯¡ª¡±


    ¡°What balance? There is no balance!¡± Joe interrupted, his tone sharp. ¡°You¡¯re cowards. You were the only ones who could stand up to Mikey, and you did nothing. That so-called balance of yours only led to more children dying!¡±


    ¡°We know,¡± Lucas said quietly, his bald head reflecting the sunlight. ¡°That¡¯s why we want to make amends. Let us take care of the kids. We promise to give them the care they deserve.¡±


    ¡°Not happening!¡± Shelly snapped, gripping her staff tightly. ¡°These kids have suffered enough. You expect us to just hand them over after you sat back and did nothing for years?¡±


    Emma stepped forward, her expression somber. ¡°We know we failed. We¡¯re ashamed as adventurers. We wanted to help, truly we did. But you have to understand¡ªa war with Mikey would have hurt the children even more. Worse, it would have endangered innocent people in the town.¡±


    ¡°Why should we trust you?¡± Joe¡¯s voice was cold, his eyes narrowing.


    Jim took a deep breath, meeting Joe¡¯s gaze. ¡°We¡¯ll take care of the kids. We have a safe place where they¡¯ll be well-fed and protected. We can even give them jobs to help them rebuild their lives. We know we don¡¯t deserve your trust, but please... believe us.¡±


    Their sincerity struck a chord with Joe. They had just taken down the shopkeeper, which proved they weren¡¯t entirely bad. And, as much as Joe hated to admit it, their reasoning made sense. A war with Mikey could have resulted in even greater losses. He still bore the guilt of the fifteen children who had died during his battle with Dan. While he despised their inaction, he understood their fear. He turned to Shelly for her thoughts.


    Shelly exhaled slowly, lowering her staff. ¡°We¡¯ll trust you, but only if you can guarantee the children''s safety.¡±


    Jim reached into his cloak and pulled out a glowing blue stone. He tossed it to Shelly, who caught it but with some difficulty.


    ¡°That¡¯s a Pathfinder,¡± Jim explained. ¡°It¡¯s linked to our mana signatures. As long as we¡¯re alive, it¡¯ll glow and guide you to us no matter where we are.¡±


    He continued, ¡°It¡¯s also registered with the mana signature of the person in charge of our hideout¡ªhis name is Ben. If we¡¯re not there, the Pathfinder will lead you to him. You¡¯ll always know where the kids are.¡±


    Joe examined the glowing stone in Shelly¡¯s hands. He¡¯d never seen anything like it. Leave it to Grisha to come up with something so strange. If Grisha was as vast as Syr claimed, a tracking device like this made perfect sense for emergencies.


    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll trust you,¡± Shelly said at last, her tone firm but cautious. Joe nodded in agreement beside her.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Joe knew they couldn¡¯t afford to travel with a group of children. This arrangement, while not ideal, was a blessing in disguise. ¡°You¡¯ll need to talk to the kids at the Meat Is Maney store too,¡± he added. ¡°They need help just as much.¡±


    Jim gave a solemn nod.


    Joe and Shelly turned back to convince the children to go with the Frozen Wings party, but it wasn¡¯t easy. Many of the kids were hesitant, their trust shattered by years of hardship.


    ¡°Guys,¡± Viola spoke up, stepping forward. ¡°If Joe and Shelly trust them, I think we should too. They saved us¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t trust these people if they were bad!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with Viola!¡± Ed chimed in. ¡°I think we can trust them. At least we can trust Joe and Shelly¡¯s judgment.¡±


    While Shelly continued to reassure the children, Joe walked over to the four Frozen Wings members. He stopped a short distance away, his expression unreadable. ¡°Syr, give me the twenty thousand gold pieces from the Black Forest,¡± he commanded.


    A brown bag, heavy with gold, materialized in Joe¡¯s hand. Without hesitation, he strode up to Jim and slammed the bag against his chest.


    ¡°Take this,¡± Joe said firmly. ¡°Use it to help the kids¡ªevery last one of them. Some of them have been abused, some are sick. Make sure they get what they need. I don¡¯t want you digging into your own pockets. I¡¯ll take full responsibility.¡±


    He stepped back, leaving the bag in Jim¡¯s hands.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t ha¡ª¡± Jim started, but Joe cut him off.


    ¡°No, I had to,¡± he said, his voice thick with conviction. ¡°This won¡¯t bring back the kids who¡¯ve died, but it might make life a little better for the ones who are still here. No child deserves a life like that.¡± His gaze hardened. ¡°But don¡¯t misunderstand me¡ªif you hurt these kids, I¡¯ll hunt you down. Every last one of you. Got it?¡±


    The four nodded, their expressions sober.


    Joe turned back to the group of children, where Shelly was still speaking with them. From the look on their faces, they¡¯d finally agreed to go with the Frozen Wings party. As Joe approached, a single thought echoed in his mind:


    I couldn¡¯t protect Chloe back then, but I can make sure these kids have a chance at better life.


    ¡°They¡¯re ready,¡± Shelly said with a bittersweet smile.


    Joe knelt in front of the kids, his eyes meeting theirs. He could see the tears welling up, their small bodies trembling with emotion. ¡°This isn¡¯t goodbye,¡± he said softly, a warm smile spreading across his face. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again, okay?¡±


    The children couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Tears spilled down their cheeks as they rushed to embrace him and Shelly.


    After a few minutes, the goodbyes were said. Joe and Shelly waved to the children one last time before turning to walk away.


    ¡°What did you say to those guys back there?¡± Shelly asked as they moved out of earshot.


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Joe replied, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°I just made sure they¡¯ll keep their word. But honestly... I¡¯m thankful they showed up. At least now, I know those kids will be okay.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me too,¡± Shelly agreed, her voice tinged with relief.


    ¡°So, we¡¯re still going to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, right?¡± Joe asked, a spark of excitement flashing in his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s the whole reason we came here¡ªto get myself registered.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s nearby, near the edge of town. If we keep heading north, we should reach it¡­¡± Shelly¡¯s words trailed off as she stumbled, nearly losing her balance.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Joe asked, his concern evident.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Shelly replied, clutching her head. But her pale complexion and the unsteadiness in her voice betrayed her words.


    ¡°Syr, place the Black Blade in my inventory,¡± Joe commanded Syr.


    The sword on his back vanished into a blue light.


    [The Mana Tool: ¡®The Black Blade¡¯ Has Been Stored In Your Inventory.]


    Joe moved in front of Shelly and crouched slightly. ¡°Get on. You¡¯re clearly exhausted and need to recover,¡± he said firmly, offering her a piggyback ride.


    ¡°Seriously, I¡¯m fine,¡± Shelly protested, though her legs wavered beneath her.


    ¡°Stop being stubborn,¡± Joe retorted. ¡°You won¡¯t be any good to anyone if you¡¯re this tired. You need to rest. I promise I¡¯ll wake you if anything happens. Besides, the road to the guild is straightforward from here, right?¡±


    Shelly sighed in defeat, her resistance faltering. ¡°Only for a few minutes,¡± she whispered, allowing Joe to lift her onto his back. Her arms draped loosely around his neck as her head rested against his shoulder. She added softly, ¡°Just for a little while¡­¡±


    ¡°You got it,¡± Joe said with a reassuring smile.


    Within moments, Shelly was out cold, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. Joe adjusted her weight carefully and continued walking, his steps steady as he moved forward on the path to the guild.


    [Now That Things Seem To Have Settled Down, Would You Like Me To Update You On Your Progress?]


    ¡°Sure thing, Syr. I actually wanted to check this myself¡ªI couldn¡¯t really keep up with everything while I was fighting Mikey.¡±


    [Let Me Bring Up Your Recent Accomplishments.]


    [Main Quest Complete!]


    ? Reward: 18,000 Rank Points


    [You Have Slain The Native, ¡®Big Daddy Mikey¡¯ (+23,000 Rank Points)]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 13 [1,000/50,000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 36 (+15 Rank Points From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 55


    ? Psychological Attributes: 22


    [You Have Unlocked A New Skill (Soul Control)]


    ? Description: An Outsider Can Turn Even The Souls Of The Dead Into A Source Of Power.


    ? Effect: Gain The Ability To Manipulate Souls By Drawing Out The ¡®Spiritual Energy ¡¯ That Gives Them Life.


    ? Note: If You Don¡¯t Have Souls Stored In Your Body When Activating This Skill, The Skill Will Not Take Effect.


    ? Boost: +25 Rank Points To All Attributes (Subject To Increase Depending On The Number And Strength Of The Souls Consumed).


    Joe stared at the notification, conflicted about the [Soul Control] skill. On one hand, it granted him immense power, enough to defeat Mikey. On the other, it came at a steep cost¡ªnearly consuming his sanity. The thought of manipulating the dead felt inherently wrong to him.


    Still, the rank-up brought some satisfaction. But as much as he hated to admit it, Syr had been right. He was too weak. That battle with Mikey had nearly killed him. If he was going to find his family, he needed to become stronger¡ªmuch stronger.


    Joe opened his Attribute Window and reviewed the details.


    [Attribute Window]


    Personal Information


    ? Name: Joe White


    ? Overall Rank: 13 [1,000/50,000 Rank Points Required]


    ? Special Class: Outsider


    Skills:


    ? Outsider¡¯s Enhancement


    ? Predator [Unique]


    ? Outsider¡¯s Perspective [Stage 2, Passive]


    ? Weaponry [Passive]


    ? Soul Control


    Inventory:


    ? Mana Tool: Black Blade [C Class, Sealed]


    ? Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger [C Class, Sealed]


    ? +1 (Rank 4) Mana Beast Core


    ? +1 (Rank 10) Mana Beast Core


    ? Dungeon Item: The White Fang [C Class]


    ? Academy License


    Gold:


    ? 0 Gold Pieces


    Attributes:


    ? Physical Attributes: 33 (+15 Rank Points from The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 55


    ? Psychological Attributes: 22


    ? Mana Pool: 6,870/???????


    Joe studied the window. It hadn¡¯t changed much since his last review, which further solidified his determination to get stronger.


    After what felt like an eternity of walking, Joe finally saw it. In the distance, standing alone, was the unmistakable silhouette of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.


    Shelly began to stir on his back, but Joe¡¯s steps remained steady. His heart surged with excitement as he neared the building. This was it¡ªhis chance to become a registered adventurer and begin his search for his family.


    With resolve burning in his chest, he whispered three words to himself:


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±

 Chapter 18: The Hunt

    Are we already here?" Shelly asked, now fully awake.


    Joe carefully lowered her from his back, his muscles burning from the effort. He hated to admit it, but carrying her the whole way had drained him more than expected¡ªShelly was a lot heavier than she looked.


    "Yeah, I think this is it. The Adventurer¡¯s Guild."


    The building loomed before them, massive and imposing. Constructed from solid brick, it had the appearance of a fortress. A wide set of stairs led to a single wooden door at its center, and above the door, a large sign swayed slightly in the breeze.


    "Adventurer¡¯s Heaven" was etched in bold, ornate letters across the sign.


    The pair ascended the short staircase, each step causing Joe¡¯s heart to pound a little harder. When they finally reached the top, the towering wooden door stood before them, dominating their view. Attached to its surface was a piece of white paper, its intricate black lines forming patterns that seemed to shimmer faintly. There was no handle on the door.


    Joe hesitated before stepping forward to knock. The moment his knuckles brushed the wood, an invisible force erupted from the door, hurling him backward with startling speed. He hit the ground hard, skidding across the dirt before coming to a painful stop.


    Coughing as dust settled around him, Joe groaned and inspected his hand. A searing burn mark was visible on his knuckles, a sharp, stinging pain surged through his hand like a thousand poking needles.


    Through the haze, he saw Shelly standing at the top of the stairs, hands on her hips and an exasperated look on her face.


    "That''s not how you open sealed doors! Are you crazy?"


    Joe clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the irritation bubbling inside him. Shelly¡¯s tone made him feel like an idiot, and maybe he was. After all, he knew almost nothing about how things worked here in Grisha.


    Joe rubbed his rear as he regained his footing, a scowl on his face. He scrambled back up the stairs as quickly as he had fallen, brushing off the pain. "So, how does this thing work?" he asked, a little disappointed in himself for charging in without a second thought.


    "You don''t know how Sealed Doors work? Where in the world have you been living all these years? Were you born in the Lost Kingdoms or something?"


    Joe forced a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. He remembered he hadn¡¯t told Shelly about his strange circumstances as an Outsider, and he wasn¡¯t about to start now. If Syr was right, revealing that information would bring more trouble than it was worth. Still, her mention of the Lost Kingdoms piqued his curiosity, but now wasn¡¯t the time to dig deeper into that.


    Shelly sighed in exasperation and turned to face the door. She gestured to the piece of paper affixed to its surface.


    "Just place your hand on the paper and say the word Unseal. The door should open by itself. I''d try it myself, but I don¡¯t think my mana is sufficient to open it right now. I''ve recovered some, but it¡¯s still not enough."


    Joe nodded. He had more than enough mana left, though his body felt like it had been through a grinder. Most of his wounds had healed after his transformation during the fight with Mikey, but the strain and fatigue still lingered.


    Following Shelly¡¯s instructions, Joe placed his hand on the paper. As he did, he felt his mana surge from his fingertips, flowing into the parchment.


    "Unseal!"


    [-3, 500 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool.]


    [Current Mana Pool: 3 370]


    The paper absorbed his mana, turning jet black in an instant. The once intricate black lines were consumed entirely, and the sheet now resembled a dark void.


    Shelly¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    "What''s wro¡ª"


    Before Joe could finish his question, the paper began to smolder. Flames licked at its edges until it disintegrated into dust. The wooden door itself followed suit, its surface darkening and crumbling away into ash. In moments, the grand entrance was blown wide open, revealing the inside of the guild.


    Every pair of eyes within the Adventurer¡¯s Guild was now fixed on Joe and Shelly. The room fell silent, and Joe¡¯s stomach sank as a cold realization washed over him.


    He had definitely done something horribly wrong.


    Joe gulped as he and Shelly stepped forward, feeling the weight of countless eyes on them. Shelly leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "How much mana did you place on that thing?" Her expression was still frozen in shock.


    "I placed... 3,500," Joe whispered back, not entirely sure why they were whispering.


    "3,500? Are you insane? I''ve never heard of a Sealed Door requiring that much mana before! The usual amount is around 500, especially for low-level guilds like this one."


    Joe scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well, I planned to place 2,500. From the way you talked, I thought it needed a substantial amount of mana. But the seal ended up draining more than I anticipated. To be honest, it was a complete accident."


    "I don¡¯t get it," Shelly hissed, her disbelief clear. "How can you throw around numbers like 2,500 like it¡¯s nothing? How can you even possess that much mana? You¡¯re not even registered!"


    Before Joe could respond, a sharp voice cut through the room.


    "Hey, stop right there!"


    Joe and Shelly froze as a tall, lanky man stepped forward from the crowd. He was bald and wore a black jacket emblazoned with the symbol of a bird-like creature on the back.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    The man¡¯s glare was piercing. "What the hell did you two do to the seal? Are you here to pick a fight or something?"


    Joe and Shelly immediately raised their hands in unison, shaking their heads frantically.


    "It was an accident, I swear!" Joe stammered.


    Before the man could respond, a calm voice from behind the counter cut in. "Give the kids a break, Adam. The seal must¡¯ve been worn down or something. It¡¯s been a while since I swapped it out for a new one."


    The speaker was a woman standing at a counter further into the room. Her relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with Adam¡¯s intensity.


    Adam scowled, crossing his arms. "Worn down? Come on, Sophia. We both know it takes years for that to happen."


    Sophia shrugged. "Accidents happen. It¡¯s still just a D-Rank Seal. They¡¯re not exactly the pinnacle of reliability."


    Adam looked unconvinced but seemed unwilling to argue further. "Fine. I¡¯ll take your word for it, Sophia. Maybe it really was just an accident." He shot one last glance at Joe and Shelly before stepping away.


    Joe and Shelly let out of sigh of relief before heading to the counter where Sophia stood.


    Behind them, whispers broke out among the adventurers scattered across the guild, their curiosity and suspicion palpable.


    "What is he, a monster? I get what Sophia¡¯s saying, but I don¡¯t buy it. The seal was fine all day."


    "The kid must have an insane amount of mana," another muttered.


    "Is he an Outsider?"


    "No way. Outsiders wouldn¡¯t waltz in here unless they had a death wish."


    "Then what? A member of the Great Families?"


    "That¡¯s rare, but not impossible. I¡¯ve seen a few of them in here before."


    One adventurer leaned closer to his companion, voice brimming with determination. "I need that brat to join my party."


    Joe and Shelly sat down in the chairs placed in front of the counter.


    Sophia, standing behind the counter, was busy wiping glasses with a cloth and placing them neatly on the shelf behind her, one by one.


    "So, what brings you two here?" she asked, her voice calm and even.


    "I''m here to get myself registered," Joe said, a spark of excitement in his tone. "I''m ready to become an adventurer!"


    "I see," Sophia replied, placing the last glass on the shelf. She turned around to face them fully, giving them her undivided attention. "Can I see your academy license first?"


    Joe quickly placed his license on the counter without hesitation.


    Sophia picked it up and examined it closely before glancing briefly at Shelly. "Are you here to get registered too?"


    Shelly shook her head. "No, I''m just accompanying Joe, that¡¯s all."


    Joe leaned forward, grinning with excitement. "Well, it¡¯s because Shelly and I are going to form a party together after I get registered!"


    "Wait, I never agreed to that," Shelly protested, her brows furrowing.


    "Come on, Shelly," Joe pleaded, undeterred. "We¡¯re already familiar with each other now. Please join my party. I won¡¯t take just any healer¡ªit has to be you."


    Shelly¡¯s cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away. "I told you, I¡¯m not re¡ª"


    "I know, okay?" Joe interrupted, his voice softening. "I know what happened in the Black Forest with your party was awful. But please, join my party. You still want to be an adventurer, don¡¯t you? I don¡¯t think Kite and the others would want you moping around forever.


    "Look, just because you¡¯re joining me doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re forgetting about them. We carry the fallen in our hearts and keep moving. That¡¯s how it works. So please, I¡¯m begging you here."


    Shelly looked conflicted, her eyes dropping to the counter as she considered his words. Before she could respond, a group of adventurers walked up to Joe, interrupting the moment.


    "Forget the girl, kid. Join us," a muscular, bald man said with a cocky smile. "The Stone Edge party could use someone like you."


    "No, kid, join me!" another adventurer chimed in, stepping forward.


    Two more joined the group, each trying to convince Joe to join their respective parties.


    In total, four adventurers surrounded him, their voices overlapping as they pleaded their cases, each eager to recruit the young man with seemingly endless mana.


    Joe cut through their words with a sharp retort. "You guys are complete weaklings. Why would I join you?"


    The four adventurers froze, their faces a mix of disbelief and indignation. Joe could sense their mana signatures¡ªthey were even weaker than the Frozen Wing Party members he''d encountered before. To him, their strength wasn¡¯t even worth considering.


    The four exchanged quick glances before glaring at him. "Watch it, kid! You''re talking to four party leaders here," one of them barked.


    Joe stood up, his expression unwavering. "You¡¯re weak. It¡¯s not an insult; it¡¯s a fact. Tell you what¡ªif any of you can beat me, I¡¯ll join your party. How¡¯s that sound?"


    With that, he strode confidently to the center of the room, where tables and chairs had already been pushed aside by the other adventurers eager to see a fight.


    "You must be one arrogant son of a bitch," the muscular man growled, cracking his knuckles. "I¡¯ll take you on myself."


    "No way, that kid¡¯s mine!" another interjected, stepping forward.


    Joe smirked, raising a hand to silence their squabbling. "Guys, no need to argue. I¡¯ll take all four of you at once." His grin widened, excitement coursing through him despite the lingering fatigue in his body.


    The four looked at each other, their expressions hardening before they charged at Joe simultaneously, fists clenched.


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [-100 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool: 3 270]


    [+40 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total: 88)]


    [+60 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total: 115)]


    Joe¡¯s mana flared, erupting from him in a fiery aura that filled the room. He sidestepped their attacks with ease, his movements precise and lightning-quick. Each time he dodged, he retaliated with a single, devastating punch to the stomach.


    One by one, the four adventurers crumpled to the ground, clutching their midsections in pain. Joe¡¯s strikes had brought them down effortlessly. As the last of them fell, the room erupted in murmurs.


    "No way... he took down all four with just a single punch each."


    "He¡¯s a monster! That¡¯s what he is!"


    Joe¡¯s mana receded as he walked back to the counter, brushing his hands off like it had been nothing. He turned to Shelly with a confident grin. "You see that, Shelly? Joining me won¡¯t be a mistake."


    Shelly folded her arms, narrowing her eyes at him, but there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You¡¯re persistent, aren¡¯t you? Fine, Joe, I¡¯ll join you. I¡¯m not planning on quitting¡ªI¡¯ll still be an adventurer for my own reasons."


    Joe¡¯s face lit up with a triumphant smile. "Awesome!"


    Sophia stared at Joe, her expression a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "First the Sealed Door, now this? That seal was in perfect condition¡ªI checked it just yesterday. For an unranked adventurer to break it completely... it should be impossible. And then taking down four party leaders like it was nothing? This kid must have an abnormal amount of mana. Based on that fight, he still had plenty left in the tank. Just... who in the world is this kid?" she thought to herself.


    Breaking her internal musings, Sophia leaned forward. "Hey, kid. Answer me this¡ªwhy do you want to be an adventurer?"


    Joe didn¡¯t hesitate. His eyes burned with determination as he replied, "Why? I want to find my sister, Chloe. For that, I¡¯m willing to search the entire world."


    Sophia¡¯s brows furrowed in thought before a realization struck her. "Chloe? Do you mean Chloena?"


    Joe¡¯s eyes widened, his heart racing. "Chloena? Could that be Chloe? Did she change her name? It has to be her, right?" he thought.


    Sophia continued, "The only Chloe I know is Chloena. She¡¯s by far one of the strongest adventurers in the world."


    Joe stepped closer, his voice urgent. "This Chloena you speak of¡ªdoes she have blue eyes and golden hair?"


    Sophia nodded after a moment of thought. "Now that you mention it... yes, that¡¯s her."


    Joe¡¯s heart pounded in disbelief. "Where is she? I need to find her!"


    Sophia raised her hands in a calming gesture. "I don¡¯t know where she is right now, but I know where she¡¯s likely to be soon. A big Event is being held in a few days in the capital of Tania. It¡¯s called The Hunt. If you want to find Chloena, that¡¯s where she¡¯ll be."


    Joe¡¯s breath hitched as a wave of hope surged through him. Finally¡ªa clue. A tangible lead that could guide him to his sister. The fire in his heart burned brighter than ever.

 Chapter 19: Attack

    "The Hunt? What exactly is that?" Joe asked, his voice filled with newfound curiosity.


    Sophia leaned forward, her tone steady as she explained. "It¡¯s an event where adventurers compete against each other. It¡¯s held annually in the capital of Tania. The King¡¯s A-Rank Tools are the main prizes, which attract adventurers from far and wide. Others see it as an opportunity to gain Rank Points, money, or fame. Whether you¡¯re a seasoned veteran or a rookie, The Hunt is something you can¡¯t miss. In fact, Chloena participated in it last year."


    Joe froze, her words hitting him like a thunderclap. He blinked in disbelief and took a step back. "I¡¯m sorry... did you just say last year?" His eyes widened as the weight of the revelation began to sink in.


    Sophia nodded without hesitation. "Yes. If I remember correctly, Chloena entered last year. She didn¡¯t win, but her party, the Green Rabbits, is one of the most famous parties in the world. There was a lot of buzz about her involvement."


    Joe stumbled back another step as if her words physically pushed him. "That¡¯s impossible..." he muttered, his thoughts spiraling. "Earth was destroyed a little over a day ago. How could Chloe have been in Grisha a year ago? From the way Sophia¡¯s talking, she¡¯s been here for a while. Maybe even longer than just 1 year. But how?"


    He clenched his fists, his mind racing in circles, drowning in questions with no clear answers. This doesn¡¯t make sense.


    "Syr, are you hearing this? How could any of this be possible? How could there be Outsiders from Earth who arrived here years before I did?"


    [I Don¡¯t Know. I Wasn¡¯t Responsible For Their Transportation. My Responsibility Was To Guide You And You Alone. I Have No Information On When The Other Outsiders Arrived, Or Even Who They Are. You Have To Understand¡ªWe¡¯re Dealing With Primeval Gods. When It Comes To Them, Anything Is Possible.]


    Joe¡¯s breathing quickened. If Chloe has been here for years, how much time has passed for the Outsiders? Was I the last one to be transported? His thoughts felt like an endless labyrinth.


    [None Of This Matters Right Now. What Truly Matters Is That You¡¯ve Found Your Sister. Isn¡¯t That What You Wanted? If She Will Be There, Then Go To The Hunt. You Can Ask Her These Questions Yourself.]


    Syr¡¯s words were grounding, and Joe¡¯s breathing began to steady. His mind cleared just enough for him to refocus.


    "You¡¯re right, Syr. I just need to find Chloe. Everything else can wait. She¡¯s what¡¯s important right now."


    [Exactly. And Participating In The Hunt Will Also Significantly Increase Your Power.]


    Joe sighed, not surprised in the slightest by Syr''s words. "Of course. I should¡¯ve known that was your real motivation for encouraging me. You just couldn¡¯t resist, could you? I think we''re done here Syr." With that, their mental link was severed.


    Joe¡¯s gaze settled on Chloe. ¡°How would you feel about going to The Hunt?¡± he asked, excitement lighting up his face.


    Shelly glanced up. ¡°You¡¯re the leader, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ll follow your lead. Whatever path you think is right, that¡¯s the one we¡¯ll take.¡±


    Joe grinned broadly. ¡°Then it¡¯s decided¡ªwe¡¯re going to The Hunt!¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t get too excited just yet,¡± Sophia interjected. ¡°You still need to get yourself registered.¡±


    Joe tilted his head, curiosity piqued. ¡°You¡¯re right. So, what do I need to do, exactly?¡±


    Sophia smiled lightly. ¡°Not much, really. I¡¯ll just scan your card, and you¡¯ll be good to go.¡±


    Joe let out a relieved sigh. For a moment, he¡¯d braced himself for some kind of dangerous initiation. After everything he¡¯d seen in Grisha, nothing seemed off the table.


    ¡°Open the Guild¡¯s Registration Window,¡± Sophia said softly.


    A glowing blue screen materialized before her, its design reminiscent of Syr¡¯s Window. Sophia began typing into it, as if filling out a form. In her hand was a sleek blue pen that seemed to have appeared alongside the screen. From his angle, Joe couldn¡¯t make out what was written; only Sophia could see and interact with the contents.


    Did everyone in Grisha have a Syr? Were these Windows a common part of life here? And what exactly distinguished a Guild Window from an Attribute Window? Joe¡¯s curiosity deepened.


    [You Have Been Registered To The Adventurer¡¯s Heaven Guild]


    [Welcome, Adventurer Joe]


    [Your Ranking Within The Guild Is 3000]


    [+1000 Exam Tokens Have Been Added To Your Inventory]


    [Your Academy License Has Been Added To Your Inventory]


    [Achievement Unlocked: Registered]


    ? Condition: Become A Registered Adventurer As An Outsider.


    ? Reward: 5,000 Rank Points


    [Rank Up Progress: 13 [6,000/15,000 Rank Points Required]


    ¡°And that¡¯s it!¡± Sophia declared, beaming as she looked up.


    Joe¡¯s lips curled into a smile. Finally, he was officially registered, but the weight of a new revelation clouded his thoughts.


    ¡°So, I have 1000 Exam Tokens?¡± he asked cautiously.


    ¡°Exactly. Every adventurer starts with 1000 tokens for free. But to participate in the Adventurer Exams, you¡¯ll need to gather the remaining 99 000 tokens,¡± Sophia explained.


    Joe blinked, stunned. ¡°Wait¡ªthere¡¯s an exam? I thought registering was enough.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Sophia reassured him, her tone calm. ¡°The exams won¡¯t take place for a few months. You¡¯ve got plenty of time to earn your tokens and prepare. The Hunt is one of the events where you can collect more tokens."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Do I have to participate?¡± Joe asked. ¡°In the exams, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sophia said firmly. ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯ll earn your official rank as an adventurer. It¡¯s also where you¡¯ll make an important decision.¡±


    ¡°Decision?¡± Joe echoed, leaning forward slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯ll choose which of the Great Families you¡¯ll serve for the rest of your life as an adventurer.¡±


    Joe¡¯s eyes darted to Shelly. At the mention of the Great Families, her entire demeanor changed. She began to tremble, her face pale and distant.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Joe asked softly.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Shelly muttered, though her shivering and the terror in her eyes said otherwise.


    Joe frowned. It was clear she didn¡¯t want to continue this conversation. He decided to let it drop and steered the discussion elsewhere.


    "Sophia, help us get our party registered," Joe said with a smile, glancing at Shelly.


    Shelly attempted a smile in return, but the tension from their earlier conversation still lingered in her expression.


    Sophia nodded, and the blue screen form earlier materialized before her. A glowing pen appeared in her hand, and she began to jot down information with practiced ease.


    "So, what will the party''s name be?" she asked, her attention still focused on the screen.


    Joe looked at Shelly thoughtfully. "I was thinking Mad Dogs or Deadly Roses."


    Shelly couldn''t suppress a giggle. She tried to cover her mouth, but the laughter spilled out anyway. "Why would you come up with weird names like those?"


    "Our name should strike fear in the hearts of other adventurers!" Joe declared. "We need something that makes them surrender before the battle even starts. How about Mad Titans?"


    Shelly shook her head, her smile softening. "I was thinking of something to honor Kite and the others. Our last name was Red Stars, remember? I wanted something similar. You remember what you said, don''t you? That you''d let me see the stars one day."


    Joe''s expression grew serious for a moment. "Yeah, I remember¡ªand I intend to keep that promise. Mark my words, our party will be the greatest in the world."


    Shelly nodded, her voice steady. "That''s why I came up with this name instead. How about The Rising Stars?"


    Joe''s face lit up. "That''s perfect!" He turned to Sophia. "We''ll go with that one, Sophia."


    Sophia nodded again, her fingers moving swiftly across the screen. With a final tap, the glowing interface disappeared.


    A radiant blue light enveloped both Joe and Shelly, their clothing shimmering brilliantly for a few moments before the glow faded. When the light vanished, their outfits had transformed. On Joe''s cloak and Shelly''s dress, a striking logo of five shooting stars was emblazoned. Beneath it, the guild''s name, The Rising Stars, was displayed in bold white letters.


    [Achievement Unlocked: First Party]


    ? Condition: Establish Your First Party As An Outsider


    ? Reward: 5,000 Rank Points


    [Rank Up Progress: 13 [11,000/50,000 Rank Points Required]


    Joe and Shelly exchanged pleased looks before sharing a smile.


    "I think we''re ready to go," Shelly said as she got up from her seat.


    "Before we leave, can you help us with some potions? Our mana is low, and we''ve just been through one hell of a fight," Joe asked Sophia.


    "Let me check..."


    Sophia reached under the counter and placed four bottles on the surface. Two of them contained a green liquid, while the other two held a vibrant blue.


    "These are two healing potions and two mana potions. They aren''t exactly my finest stock¡ªmy supplier is coming tomorrow with a much better batch. But these should suit you just fine if you use them wisely."


    "We''ll take them! How much?" Joe asked eagerly.


    "That would be 5,000 gold pieces each," Sophia replied with a calm smile.


    "Are you insane?" Joe''s voice rose in disbelief.


    "What? You guys are adventurers. I''m actually being generous here. Normally, I price them at around 15,000 each, but I''m giving you a discount."


    Joe glanced nervously at Shelly. "Uh... can you pay up? I''m kind of broke right now."


    Shelly let out a sigh. "That''s your first act as the leader of a party? This party is in trouble, isn''t it?"


    Joe laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.


    Shaking her head, Shelly paid the hefty sum, handing over the gold with a reluctant sigh. Both of them took one healing potion and one mana potion each.


    Shelly immediately downed her mana potion, feeling its revitalizing effects kick in. She then activated her [Regeneration] skill, soothing her tired body and healing any lingering minor injuries. With a touch, she used the same skill on Joe, bringing him back to full strength.


    Meanwhile, Joe carefully stored his potions, slipping them into his inventory.


    The two of them headed toward the exit of the guild, their figures drawing the attention of every pair of eyes in the room.


    [You Have Stored +1 Mana Potion And +1 Healing Potion In Your Inventory]


    As they disappeared from view, a single thought lingered in Sophia''s mind, one that had been nagging her this entire time.


    "That kid... no, it couldn''t be. If it is, then the world is just too cruel. For your sake, Joe, I hope my suspicions are wrong. Because if they''re not, your heart will undoubtedly be plunged into darkness..."


    [Outside Of Perina]


    Joe and Shelly pressed forward, leaving the guild and the town of Perina behind. Their goal was clear, reach the Capital as quickly as possible.


    "How long do you think it¡¯ll take us to get to the Capital?" Joe asked, casting a sidelong glance at Shelly as they walked.


    "If we¡¯d taken a Mana Beast Carriage, it would¡¯ve been a day at most. But that¡¯s way too expensive for me right now," Shelly replied with a sigh. "Our best option is cutting through the Forest of Nightmares and the Scorching Cave Dungeon. It¡¯s riskier and will take longer, but we don¡¯t have much of a choice."


    "Then let¡¯s do it," Joe said with a grin.


    It wasn¡¯t long before they arrived at the Forest of Nightmares, its proximity to Perina a grim convenience.


    The tall trees swayed in the wind, their dark silhouettes creaking ominously. The sound reminded Joe of the Black Forest, and the fact that it was nighttime only made the scene more unsettling.


    The two exchanged a glance, then stepped forward into the forest¡¯s shadowy depths.


    "How many tokens have you collected for the exams, Shelly?" Joe asked, his tone casual despite their surroundings.


    "I¡¯ve coll¡ª"


    "Stay sharp, Shelly. Someone¡¯s here," Joe interrupted, his eyes scanning their surroundings. His voice dropped to a whisper. "There¡ªon the left."


    Joe¡¯s gaze locked onto a faint figure, its glowing Mana Signature betraying its position.


    "Syr,"


    In a flash, Joe¡¯s sword materialized on his back. He unsheathed it in one fluid motion.


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill (Enhanced Charge]


    [+20 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total:68)]


    Joe bolted toward the source of the mana signature, leaping into the air and aiming for the treetops. He gripped his blade tightly, his focus unwavering.


    For a brief moment, he saw the figure clearly¡ªa thin man with messy red hair. But before Joe could fully process what he saw, a sudden burst of light flared above him.


    [Branch Skill: Flaming Fist]


    A second figure descended from above. It was a red-haired youth clad in a crimson cloak, his right fist crackling with flames.


    Joe barely managed to raise his sword in time. The fiery punch slammed into his blade, unleashing a wave of fire that sent him hurtling to the ground. He crashed into the dirt and slid, coming to a halt against a tree near Shelly.


    "Joe!" Shelly cried, her voice sharp as her eyes scanned the shadows, searching for the second attacker Joe had warned about.


    From the branches above, the figure Joe had glimpsed leaped down, descending with a predatory grace. Flames erupted from his right hand, licking up his arm, while the twin red bracelets on his wrists glowed with an eerie intensity, pulsing in rhythm with his movements.


    Just as he raised his hand to unleash his skill, his confident smirk faltered. Shelly was gone. His eyes darted wildly, only to catch a flicker of motion¡ªshe reappeared at his flank, her staff swinging in a deadly arc.


    Instinct took over, and he twisted, using the tree trunk as leverage to propel himself away just in time.


    Shelly¡¯s staff slammed into the tree with explosive force, sending shards of bark flying and leaving a deep, jagged crack where her target had stood moments before.


    As she landed smoothly, Joe was already back on his feet, brushing dirt from his shoulder as though shrugging off the earlier blow.


    Side by side, they faced their foes. The attackers stepped fully into the light, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent. Joe¡¯s sword caught the faint glow, while Shelly gripped her staff with a fierce determination.


    Joe¡¯s scowl deepened, his voice cutting through the tense air like steel. "Who the hell are you?"

 Chapter 20: Fire

    "You see that?" Shelly asked, her eyes locked on the two figures ahead of them. "The badges on their cloaks¡ªthose guys are members of the Amber Family."


    Joe followed her gaze, spotting the symbols Shelly mentioned. The badges bore an emblem of a burning flame. Confusion clouded his face. He had no idea who the Amber Family were or why their insignia mattered. Were these people supposed to be famous? Dangerous?


    There was no time to ask. One of the figures stepped forward, his movements lazy and slow. His face twisted into a sadistic grin, red gloves gleaming as he cracked his knuckles.


    "These guys aren¡¯t the Flame Troopers, Franklin. They''re just your average adventurers. What should we do with them?" His voice was sharp, aimed at his companion a few steps behind.


    Franklin, tall and wiry with a crimson mustache betraying his age, regarded them with icy indifference. "It doesn''t matter who they are. They¡¯ve seen our faces. They can¡¯t leave. Take care of them, Tom."


    "Sure thing, old man!" Tom¡¯s grin widened as his gaze landed on Joe and Shelly. He shifted his stance, grounding himself before he surged forward.


    The inscriptions on the back of his red gloves lit up, faintly glowing before one began to burn with fiery energy. A spark ignited, and his right hand erupted into flames. Tom reveled in the sight, his grin feral as he thrust his fist forward, launching a wave of fire through the air.


    The blaze tore toward Joe and Shelly, its heat radiating like an untamed beast. [ Branch Skill: Fire Fist]


    A faint green glow shimmered in front of them just as the flames collided, detonating into an explosion that sent smoke billowing through the trees.


    The acrid smoke drifted on the forest¡¯s cold breeze, obscuring the aftermath. Tom smirked, brushing off his hands. "That should do it. Let¡¯s head out, Fra¡ª"


    His sentence faltered. From the smoke, a dark silhouette shot forward with blinding speed. It was Joe. [Black Sheep Skill: Enhanced Charge]


    He crouched low before surging up with a straight jab to Tom¡¯s gut. [Black Sheep Skill: Black Flash] The impact was brutal. Tom doubled over, blood spurting from his mouth as the force knocked the wind from his lungs. He was hurled backward, slamming into a tree with a sickening crunch, the bark splintering on impact.


    Franklin¡¯s eyes widened, darting between his fallen comrade and the figure of Joe standing unharmed.


    Joe stared at his own hand, disbelief flickering across his face at his newfound strength.


    Franklin¡¯s jaw tightened. The bracelets on his wrists ignited with a fiery glow, a single inscription burning into life. Flames materialized around his hand, coalescing into the shape of a sword. [Branch Skill: Flame Twin Swords]


    With a swift dash, Franklin lunged at Joe, swinging his blazing blade in a deadly arc aimed to cleave him in two. But before the sword could make contact, a shimmering green barrier enveloped Joe. [Barrier Skill: Green Veil]


    The blade struck the barrier and rebounded harmlessly, sending Franklin staggering back. His eyes darted, searching for the source of the skill. He didn¡¯t have to look far.


    Shelly moved like a blur, closing the distance with her staff raised. She swung with precision, aiming squarely at Franklin¡¯s chest.


    Franklin barely managed to bring his fiery blade up in defense. The clash sent sparks flying, but Shelly¡¯s strength overwhelmed him. The follow-through of her strike launched him backward into a tree, blood spraying from his mouth as he collapsed to the ground.


    "You''re okay?" Shelly asked, glancing at Joe.


    "I¡¯m fine. Guess I underestimated how strong I¡¯ve gotten. Or maybe these guys are just weak?"


    Their attention shifted to Franklin, who sat slumped against the tree, Tom unconscious beside him.


    Joe stepped forward, his voice cold. "What the hell are you doing, old man? Why attack us like that?"


    Franklin coughed, blood staining his lips. His gaze flickered between them before settling on Joe with a bitter smile. "You¡¯re not ordinary adventurers. Who are you? Bounty Hunters? Well too bad! She¡¯s already far away by now."


    Joe and Shelly exchanged puzzled glances, but before they could press him further, Joe caught something¡ªa faint flicker of mana just ahead.


    "Shelly, watch out!" His voice rang with urgency.


    [Branch Skill: Blue Fireball]


    A blue fireball shot from the shadows, whizzing past Franklin¡¯s collapsed form and hurtling toward them.


    A blue fireball burst forth from the shadows, hurtling past Franklin''s tree and streaking toward Joe and Shelly with terrifying speed.


    Shelly moved instinctively, throwing herself in front of Joe. Her eyes burned with determination as the flames closed in. Raising her staff, a brilliant green light erupted from its tip, forming a protective barrier around them both. [Barrier Skill: Green Veil]


    The fireball slammed into the barrier with a thunderous impact, the crackling flames growing louder as they sought to break through. Shelly gritted her teeth, sinking to one knee as the strain became overwhelming. Cracks began to spread across the shimmering barrier, seconds from shattering.


    "I... can''t stop it! It''s too strong!" she gasped, her voice shaking.


    "Just hold on a little longer, Shelly!" Joe shouted, his voice steady but urgent. A surge of mana erupted from his body as he prepared to act.


    [-350 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider''s Enhancement)]


    [+190 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes (Total: 223)]


    [+180 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes (Total: 230)]


    [You Have Removed One Seal from ''The Black Blade'']


    [-25 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool:2,895]


    [+10 Rank Points To The Black Blade]


    [You Have Activated The Black Blade¡¯s Skill (Charge)]


    [The Black Blade Is Gathering Mana...]The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "I''m sor¡ª" Shelly''s voice broke as the barrier shattered into fragments of light.


    Joe leaped forward without hesitation, shielding her with his body. "I got this!" he declared, gripping his sword tightly.


    [Charge Complete]


    [Current Mana Output From The Black Blade:335 Rank Points Has Doubled]


    [New Mana Output From The Black Blade: 670 Rank Points]


    [The Black Blade¡¯s Weight Has Doubled]


    The searing flames collided with Joe''s blade, their heat licking at his exposed skin. Pain surged through him as his hands began to blister.


    [The Black Sheep Is Reducing The Fire¡¯s Effectiveness]


    "Argh!" Joe roared through clenched teeth, forcing himself to endure. With a sharp, decisive arc, he swung the Black Blade. The flames split apart, scattering to either side. [Black Blade Skill: Disconnection]


    The fiery assault flickered out, leaving behind only silence. Joe fell to his knees, his chest heaving. Sweat poured down his face, mixing with the burn mark now visible on his cheek. His arms were scorched, the raw pain nearly overwhelming. Gritting his teeth, he clenched his fists, refusing to give in to the agony.


    Joe''s hazy eyes struggled to focus as the unknown attacker stepped out from the shadows. Their mana signature, now steadily intensifying, had been nearly undetectable until it was too late. If not for [Outsider¡¯s Perspective], the attack would have caught them completely off guard. The skill¡¯s warning had been the only thing preventing disaster, as the attacker''s presence had been unnervingly faint.


    The sound of deliberate footsteps echoed through the stillness. Slowly, moonlight revealed the figure¡ªa tall girl with striking red hair flowing just above her shoulders. With a graceful flick of her hand, she swept her hair down her spine. Golden bracelets adorning her wrists caught the light, glimmering faintly. At the center of her forehead gleamed a red diamond tattoo.


    Her golden earrings swayed as her piercing gaze locked onto Joe, only to slide past him as if he were beneath her notice. Her attention settled on Franklin, who lay slumped beside her.


    "What¡¯s the meaning of this, Franklin?" she asked, her voice calm yet carrying an edge that chilled the air.


    Franklin groaned as he struggled to his feet, his movements slow and strained. "My princess... we told you to wait," he said, his tone wavering.


    "And how long was I supposed to wait?" she retorted, her tone sharpening. "Clearly, you don¡¯t have things under control as you claimed!"


    Franklin bowed his head, shame clouding his expression. "Forgive us, Princess. These adventurers were more troublesome than we anticipated. I think they¡¯re bounty hunters!"


    The princess turned her sharp gaze back to Joe and Shelly.


    By now, Joe had managed to steady himself, though his body still bore the weight of his injuries. Shelly stood beside him, her hands glowing with faint green light as she worked to heal him with the mana she could still muster. [Regeneration]


    "They¡¯re not Bounty Hunters," the princess declared with cold certainty, her crimson eyes narrowing. "I know her. That¡¯s Shelly of the Hira Family. I¡¯ve seen her before."


    Shelly¡¯s hands froze for a moment, her eyes widening in realization. "I should¡¯ve known..." she murmured, her voice grim. "That attack¡ªit could only have been hers. That¡¯s Bella, one of Diana¡¯s Princesses."


    Joe grimaced, his discomfort evident despite Shelly¡¯s healing efforts. The burn marks from the earlier attack remained visible, and though the pain had begun to recede, his body felt far from ready for another fight.


    Bella strode toward them, the crimson fabric of her dress flowing like liquid fire around her ankles. Her presence was commanding, and the insignia of the Amber Family shimmered on her chest.


    "I¡¯m surprised," Bella said, her tone dripping with disdain. "I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see one of the Hira Family¡¯s Special Princesses in a place like this¡ªtraveling with a mere commoner, no less." Her gaze shifted to Joe, her contempt palpable, as if his very existence offended her.


    "Tell me, Shelly, what are you doing here?" Bella¡¯s voice was sharp, commanding the attention of everyone present.


    Shelly stepped back cautiously, signaling that her treatment of Joe was complete. Her expression hardened as she spoke. "I should be asking you the same question, Bella. I thought you¡¯d be dead by now after what¡ª"


    "Shut your mouth!" Bella snapped, her calm veneer fracturing. Her voice was venomous, and spittle escaped her lips as her fiery gaze locked onto Shelly. The sheer intensity of her anger made Shelly flinch, her confidence momentarily shaken. "Know your place, Shelly! You don¡¯t want to see me angry! I don¡¯t care about your connection to the Hira Family!"


    Joe, now steady on his feet, tightened his grip on his blade. Shelly¡¯s [Regeneration] skill had dulled the pain coursing through him, but the vivid burn marks on his hands and cheek remained stubbornly etched into his skin. Even her skill couldn¡¯t erase them entirely.


    "What¡¯s this?" Bella¡¯s attention shifted to Joe, her lips curling into a mocking smirk. "You still want to fight me, commoner?" Her voice carried a mix of amusement and disdain.


    From behind Bella, Franklin timidly crawled forward, his hand hesitating before touching her shoulder.


    Bella shrugged him off immediately, her glare slicing through him like a blade.


    "I¡¯m sorry, my princess," Franklin murmured, bowing his head in submission. "If that girl really is from the Hira Family, I don¡¯t think engaging them further would be wise."


    "I can do whatever my heart desires, Franklin," Bella replied icily, her gaze unwavering.


    "Of course, my princess, but¡ª"


    A blood-curdling scream tore through the tense atmosphere, silencing Franklin mid-sentence. All four of them turned toward the source of the horrific sound.


    It was Tom.


    Thick, green vines had ensnared his legs, and with a sickening twist, they tore them apart. His anguished screams filled the forest as blood poured from the stumps of his legs. The vines coiled around his torso, dragging him along the ground and leaving a gruesome trail of crimson in their wake.


    The attacker revealed itself, a monstrous plant with a massive, flytrap-like head bristling with jagged teeth. Its body was a tangled mess of writhing green vines that slithered ominously across the forest floor.


    "Tom!" Franklin shouted, his voice cracking with panic.


    Tears streaked down Tom¡¯s face as he turned his desperate eyes toward Bella. "Help me... Bella..." he croaked weakly. Blood bubbled from his lips as his voice faded.


    With a snap of a finger, a flicker of blue flame burst into existence. It expanded rapidly, transforming into a roaring inferno that engulfed Tom¡¯s body entirely. For one brief moment, the fire reignited his voice in a final, agonized scream.


    The flames continued their relentless path, racing along the vines and reducing them to cinders. The monstrous plant thrashed violently as the fire consumed it, but in mere seconds, both the creature and Tom were reduced to smoldering ashes. [Branch Skill: Spark]


    The forest fell eerily silent once again, the acrid smell of burning flesh and vegetation lingering in the air.


    Joe''s eyes locked onto Bella, his face twisted in fury. "How could you? We could¡¯ve saved him! Why did you kill him?"


    Bella turned sharply, her icy gaze meeting Joe''s with an expression devoid of remorse. "He was already dead. There was nothing you or anyone else could¡¯ve done to save him. If that Mana Plant had devoured his body, it could¡¯ve put all of us in danger. He died by my hands¡ªthat¡¯s a far greater honor than being consumed by some mindless plant." Her voice was calm, her demeanor disturbingly indifferent, as if the act meant nothing to her.


    Joe stepped forward, the grip on his blade tightening while his free hand curled into a trembling fist. "He was in your party! How could you¡ª"


    "Stop pretending to be some righteous hero," Bella cut him off, her voice sharp. "People die. This is reality, not some fairytale. Get your head on straight."


    Before Joe could respond, the ground beneath them began to tremble. One by one, plants identical to the one Bella had killed began sprouting from the earth, their twisted forms clawing their way to life.


    [The Sub-Dungeon ''Forest Of Nightmares'' Is Now Active.]


    [Dungeon Grade: C]


    The group froze, their eyes widening as an army of grotesque plants¡ªnearly fifty in total¡ªemerged, dragging their twisted vines forward with an eerie determination.


    [Sub-Quest.]


    ? Objective: Slay 10 Mana Plants


    ? Reward: 10,000 Rank Points


    ? Progress: 0/10 Mana Plants Slain


    The earth shuddered again, this time with greater force. From behind the army of plants, something massive burst forth¡ªa colossal tree, dwarfing the Mana Plants in size. Its thorn-covered branches swayed menacingly, and its crimson leaves rustled in the wind. Dangling from one of its upper branches was a large, glowing white orb, pulsating ominously like a heartbeat.


    [Main Quest.]


    ? Objective: Slay The Dungeon Boss, ''The Big Oak''


    ? Reward: 25,000 Rank Points


    ? Failure: Death


    The four stood frozen, staring at the monstrous tree as it loomed over them. Joe¡¯s face was pale, disbelief etched in every feature. His heart pounded in his chest, the harsh reality settling in. Joe wasn''t sure if any of them were making it out of this forest alive.

 Chapter 21: Dungeon Battle

    Seeing the army of Mana Plants looming ahead, Bella snapped her head to glare at Franklin. "This is what happens when you''re incompetent! If you''d dealt with this commoner and Shelly like you were supposed to, we would''ve passed through before this dungeon became active.


    Franklin lowered his head in a slight bow. "Forgive me, Prin¡ª"


    "Not good enough!" Bella cut him off, her voice sharp. "What are you going to do about this? Do you even care about our mission anymore?"


    "Of course, my princess," Franklin replied, his tone steady despite the weight of her glare. "It¡¯s the only reason I continue to live."


    "Then start acting like it!" Bella shot back.


    From behind, Joe approached and placed a hand on Bella¡¯s shoulder. "Give the old man a break. We¡¯ve got those Mana Plants to deal with."


    Bella shrugged his hand off, her face twisting in disgust. "Don¡¯t touch me, filth!" Her eyes burned with intensity.


    Joe¡¯s expression hardened. "Who are you calling filth?"


    "Guys!" Shelly¡¯s voice broke through their squabble. "We don¡¯t have time for this! Those Mana Plants are coming!"


    Sure enough, Shelly was right. The plants dragged themselves forward, their countless vines snaking along the ground. Their flytrap-like heads opened, revealing rows of glinting teeth that sparkled ominously in the moonlight. They moved strategically, closing in from every angle.


    One of the plants lashed out a long vine toward Bella.


    Without even turning her head, Bella raised her right hand and pointed. An orb of fire condensed at her fingertip before shooting out, incinerating the incoming vine and engulfing the attacking plant¡ªand several others near it¡ªin flames. [Fireblast]


    "Do I have to do everything myself?" Bella asked, her tone dripping with arrogance as she brushed her hair back triumphantly.


    "No, stay back I¡¯ll handle this." Joe declared.


    He gripped his blade firmly with both hands, his eyes narrowing as Mana surged through his body.


    [-400 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill (Enhanced Charge)]


    [+230 Physical Attribute Points (Total: 263)]


    [+240 Mana Attribute Points (Total: 295)]


    [Current Mana Pool:2,495]


    Joe¡¯s stance shifted, and a grin broke across his face. With a single step, he launched forward in a fearless charge.


    "No, wait!" Bella shouted, but her words fell on deaf ears. Joe was not stopping.


    As Joe closed the distance, two Mana Plants lashed their vines toward him, aiming to strangle him. Joe smirked, swinging his blade twice. Massive arcs of energy slashed through the vines and decapitated the plants in a single motion. [Flawless Swings]


    [You Have Slain 2 (Rank 16) Mana Plant. (+16,800 Rank Points)]


    [Quest Progress: 2/10 Mana Plants Slain]


    The plants¡¯ massive bodies slammed into the ground, shaking it as purple smoke poured from their severed necks.


    Joe pressed on, unrelenting. Three more plants launched their heads. Their vines erecting like long necks. They opened their gaping mouths aiming to devour him whole.


    He swung his blade three times in quick succession, producing razor-sharp arcs that cleaved each head perfectly in half. Their split heads crashed to the ground, leaking more purple smoke that began to shroud the forest. [Flawless Swings]


    [You Have Slain 3 (Rank 16) Mana Plants. (+25, 200 Rank Points)]


    [Quest Progress: 5/10 Mana Plants Slain]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 14 [3000/55 000 Rank Points Required,]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 36 (+15 Rank Points From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 60


    ? Psychological Attributes: 24


    Joe locked his gaze on the Big Oak looming in the distance, aimimg to imcrease his pace, but the ground trembled beneath him. Instinctively, he leaped into the air just as a plant erupted from the ground below, its massive head wide open, aiming to devour him. The plant¡¯s teeth gleamed as it lunged for his legs, but Joe wouldn¡¯t allow it. Swinging his blade in a downward arc, he unleashed a powerful Mana Slash that tore through the plant¡¯s head, slicing it cleanly in two before it could fully emerge. [Moon Crescent Slash]


    [You Have Slain A (Rank 16) Mana Plant. (+8,400 Rank Points)]


    [Quest Progress: 6/10 Mana Plants Slain]


    Joe landed gracefully, his boots touching down on the corpse of the slain Mana Plant. The purple smoke rising from its severed body began to obscure his vision, but he had no time to dwell on it as more plants slithered toward him with their endless, writhing vines.


    Not willing to risk another underground ambush, Joe rushed foward and propelled himself into the air with a powerful leap. His cloak billowed in the wind as he looked down at the advancing plants below. Some lashed out their vines toward him, but he sliced through them effortlessly, each swing of his blade igniting with Mana.


    With a surge of energy, he unleashed a colossal Mana Slash from above, aiming to clear the field. Sensing the danger, most of the plants scattered in different directions, but one wasn¡¯t fast enough and was sliced cleanly through the head, its body crumbling to the ground. [Crescent Moon Slash]


    [You Have Slain A (Rank 16) Mana Plant. (+8,400 Rank Points)]


    [Quest Progress: 7/10 Mana Plants Slain]


    [Rank Up Progress: 14 [17, 100/55 000 Required Rank Points]


    Joe¡¯s Mana surged as he descended, landing in the open space created by his attack. His impact cracked the earth beneath him, spiderweb fissures spreading outward from where he crouched.


    Unfortunately, the reprieve was short-lived. The Mana Plants quickly regrouped, encircling him from all sides in an attempt to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. Acting swiftly, Joe spun in place, swinging his blade in a wide 360-degree arc. The omnidirectional slash carved through fifteen plants at once, their decapitated bodies crashing to the ground in unison. [Branch Skill: Rotating Arc]


    [You Have Slain 15 (Rank 16) Mana Plants. (+134 400 Rank Points]


    [10/10 Mana Plants Slain]


    [Sub-Quest Complete!]


    [+ 10 000 Rank Points]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 16 [46, 500/65 000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 42 (+15 Rank Points From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 70


    ? Psychological Attributes: 28If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Joe followed up on his assault. From his blade, a black cloud of mana erupted. He swung the blade swiftly launching the cloud to devour all the fallen Mana Plants.


    [You Have Activated The ''Unique Skill'' (Predator)


    [Due To Devouring The Remaining Mana Of The 15 (Rank 16) Mana Plants (+23 000 Rank Points) To Your Mana Pool.]


    [Current Mana Pool:25 495]


    [+15 (Rank 16) Mana Plant Cores Have Been Added To Your Inventory]


    Joe was swift, but enough purple smoke had already leaked out of the fallen plants by the time he devourd them. Filing the area.


    He began to feel its effects¡ªhis throat burned, his fingers tinged purple, and his vision blurred as dizziness set in.


    [The Mana Plant¡¯s Skill (Death Fog) Is Starting To Take Effect]


    [The Skill Has Led To Poison Infiltrating Your Body]


    [The Poison Is Slowly Starting To Spread]


    [-25 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes]


    Realizing the danger, Joe knew he had to retreat. Using the opening created by his attack, he bolted back toward Shelly. Two more plants attempted to intercept him, but he cleaved through them with ease, carving a path back to safety. He stumbled to his knees in front of Shelly, heaving for breath.


    "What were you thinking? Do you see what you¡¯ve done? Now their poison has begun to spread! That¡¯s not how you kill Mana Plants!" Bella¡¯s enraged voice rang out as she stormed toward him.


    Joe ignored her, focusing on Shelly, who had already activated her skill. A soft green light enveloped his body before he could even ask for help. Bella, Franklin, and Shelly were already shrouded in the same protective glow when he arrived.


    [Shelly Has Activated The ''Healing Skill'' (Cleansing)]


    "My skill will try to purge the poison from your system," Shelly explained, her tone firm. "But it won¡¯t keep up if we stay in this smoke for long. You were too reckless¡ªyou could¡¯ve died!"


    "Yeah, I kno¡ª"


    "You can¡¯t just keep charging in aimlessly, Joe! I¡¯m serious!" Shelly¡¯s stern look sent chills down his spine.


    "I¡¯ll be more careful," Joe muttered as he stood, feeling the poison slowly flush from his system.


    [You Have Regained +10 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes: (Total:42)]


    "I need your help," Joe said, turning to Bella. "Clear a path for me so I can get to the Dungeon Boss."


    "A mere commoner doesn¡¯t get to order me around!" Bella snapped.


    "I¡¯m not¡ª"


    She cut him off, her tone icy. "Even if I were to help, clearing all those plants would drain a lot of my precious Mana. Unlike you, I don¡¯t just burn through it recklessly."


    "So you¡¯re saying you can¡¯t do it. Got it." Joe turned toward the advancing plants.


    "I never said I couldn¡¯t!" Bella¡¯s irritation was palpable. "I just¡ª"


    "You can¡¯t do it, princess. I get it. There¡¯s no shame in knowing your limits."


    Bella¡¯s glare could have ignited a forest. "Are you suggesting I have limits? Who do you think you¡¯re talking to? Just watch¡ªI¡¯ll burn them all to ash!"


    Franklin interjected cautiously, "Princess, let me handle this. If you overuse your fi¡ª"


    "No!" Bella cut him off. "I won¡¯t let this commoner look down on me like I¡¯m beneath him. I¡¯ll handle the plants myself!"


    "Great!" Joe said with a grin. "Shelly, can your skill stay active if we move further from you?"


    "Yes, as long as I can see you. But I won¡¯t be able to use my other skills while this one remains active."


    "I told you, I don¡¯t need your little skill, Shelly," Bella said dismissively. "I¡¯ll be fine on my own. Save your Mana."


    Joe raised his voice, drowning Bella''s complaint. "Here¡¯s the plan! Old man, you protect Shelly in case the princess doesn¡¯t get all the plants. Shelly needs to focus on keeping the skill active, your job is to cover her."


    Franklin reluctantly nodded.


    "Good. Now let¡¯s move, princess. I hope you can back up your words. Don¡¯t slow me down."


    Bella''s face turned red, her irritation simmering. "I swear, I¡¯m killing you when this is over!"


    Joe''s mana surged once more.


    [-400 Mana Pool Rank Points]


    [Current Mana Pool:25 095]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [You Have Activated The Black Sheep''s Skill (Enhanced Charge)]


    [+230 Rank Points To Your Physical Attribute Points (Total: 272)]


    [+240 Mana Attribute Points (Total: 310)]


    Bella glanced at Joe. Bewildered by his seemingly endless supply of mana. "How cold a mere commoner possess so much mana?" She thought, trying to wrap her mind around it.


    "Let''s go!" Joe''s snapped her back to reality.


    Almost simultaneously, Bella and Joe dashed forward, their movements fluid and swift. Bella surged ahead, her confident stride placing her in the lead, with Joe closely trailing behind.


    A Mana Plant reared up, its vines propelling its massive head forward in a predatory strike aimed at Bella. Its gaping maw, filled with razor sharp teeth that sought to devour her whole.


    Bella extended her right hand, blue flames dancing along her arm in a mesmerizing display. With a flick of her wrist, a wave of fire erupted from her palm, engulfing the Mana Plant¡¯s head in a blazing inferno. [Flame Palm] But she wasn¡¯t done. Grabbing its burning remains, she tore the head free and hurled it toward the other advancing plants. The fiery projectile exploded upon impact, consuming them all in flames and reducing them to ash. This rendered them unable to produce their smoke.


    Bella¡¯s movements didn¡¯t falter. Swinging her flame-covered arms, she unleashed two powerful waves of fire, one to the left and the other to the right. The searing flames roared across the battlefield, devouring the Mana Plants caught in their path. [Flame Wave]


    [10 Mana Plants Remaining]


    Her devastating attacks had already decimated a majority of the plants in seconds.


    Another Mana Plant charged from the front, its vines lashing out in rapid succession. Bella dodged effortlessly, weaving left and right to evade the onslaught. Catching one of the vines mid-strike, she sent her flames surging through it, igniting the plant from within.


    With a smirk, Bella yanked the burning vine free and swung it like a fiery whip. The vine cracked through the air as she spun, thrashing nearby plants with each movement. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing all the plants in her vicinity¡ªincluding the one she had stolen the vine from. They were consumed entirely, reduced to ash in moments.


    [All Mana Plants Have Been Slain]


    Joe followed short distance away, momentarily stunned by the sheer force and precision of Bella¡¯s onslaught. The battlefield was silent save for the faint crackle of lingering flames.


    A thought ran through his mind, unbidden. So this is it¡ªthe power of a princess.


    Bella had cleared it¡ªan open path to the Big Oak. The massive tree-like creature stood ominously, its towering form radiating menace.


    The earth trembled between Bella and Joe as colossal roots burst forth from the ground, snaking and writhing with unnatural life.


    Both of them halted in their tracks, leaping back to avoid the eruption. Now standing side by side, they watched as the Big Oak''s roots slithered across the surface, encroaching toward them.


    "That thing is a lot bigger up close," Joe muttered, his voice low but steady.


    "Its size doesn¡¯t matter!" Bella declared confidently. "Whether it¡¯s a tree or a plant, I can just burn it down."


    The Big Oak swung one of its massive roots, generating a razor-sharp gust of wind that threatened to knock them off balance as the root barreled toward them. [Root Whip]


    Joe dashed forward without hesitation, his cape billowing in the gust. [Crescent Moon Slash] He unleashed a crescent-shaped Mana Slash from his blade. The attack sliced cleanly through the root, as if it were paper.


    "It¡¯s big, but it¡¯s not exactly durable," Joe remarked with a grin. "Try to keep up, Princess!"


    Bella¡¯s irritation intensified as she surged forward to match his pace. Now, the two of them charged side by side toward the Big Oak.


    The Big Oak retaliated with ferocity, thrashing its roots like enormous tentacles, determined to crush them. But neither Joe nor Bella slowed. Joe¡¯s blade tore through root after root, his strikes precise and unrelenting. Meanwhile, Bella unleashed waves of blue flames, incinerating every root in her path with elegant efficiency.


    The Big Oak seemed unfazed. From its massive branches and leaves, a dense purple mist began to pour forth¡ªthe same poisonous smoke as the Mana Plants, but on a much larger scale. The noxious fog rushed toward them at terrifying speed. [Great Death Fog]


    Bella¡¯s eyes widened at the sight.


    "Don¡¯t slow down!" Joe shouted.


    "Don¡¯t you see that poisonous smoke, you idiot? We¡¯ll die!" Bella snapped back.


    "Have faith! Believe in Shelly¡¯s skill¡ªit¡¯ll see us through to the end!" Joe urged, his determination unwavering.


    Bella glanced at him, her expression uncertain.


    "If we retreat now, the Dungeon Boss will have time to recover. We can¡¯t let that happen! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared, Princess!"


    "I fear nothing, commoner!" she shot back indignantly.


    Without further hesitation, both of them lunged straight into the poisonous fog.


    [A Large Dose Of The Poison Has Infiltrated Your Body.]


    [-30 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes]


    [The Effect Of The Skill (Cleansing) Is Weakening.]


    "Damn it! Shelly can¡¯t see us anymore!" Joe growled as the green glow surrounding them began to flicker. He could feel the poison slowly spreading but he endured.


    "I told you it was a bad id¡ª" Bella began, but Joe cut her off, his vision pierced through the smoke, revealing the coming roots hurtling toward them. [Outsider¡¯s Perspective]


    "Watch out! More roots are incoming!" he shouted.


    "What?" Bella asked, unable to see them.


    Joe cursed under his breath and threw himself in front of her. Swinging his blade with all his might, he tore through the roots, protecting them both.


    The two continued their advance, the poisonous fog disappearing after several tense moments. Joe had cut through every single root during their brief time in the smoke, ensuring they emerged unharmed.


    "I didn¡¯t need your help," Bella muttered.


    "You¡¯re welcome."


    Both of them were visibly affected, sections of their bodies turning purple from the poison. But as Shelly¡¯s green light reached them again, the color began to fade.


    "Keep going!" Shelly¡¯s voice rang out from behind, urging them forward.


    [Your Body Is Flushing Out The Poison In Your Body.]


    [Your Body Is Developing A Tolerance For Poison.]


    Joe smirked at Bella. "See? I told¡ª"


    Before he could finish, he saw it¡ªthe Big Oak''s trunk splitting open, forming a gaping maw. A white light began to condense within, radiating deadly intent.


    "Watch out!" Joe shouted.


    Joe¡¯s mind raced. He recalled his last attack against Mikey even though his memory of the event was hazy. "If those kids can do it, surely I can too," he muttered.


    He pointed his blade forward, mana surging from him as a black orb began to form at its tip. [Black Orb]!


    Bella, catching on, mirrored his actions. In her right hand, a blazing blue fireball appeared. [Blue Fireball]


    The Big Oak unleashed its attack¡ªa brilliant white orb of pure mana. [White Flash]


    Joe and Bella responded in unison, their orbs surging forward to meet the incoming attack. The clash was brief but intense. Their combined skills overwhelmed the Big Oak''s attack, tearing through it and striking the creature directly.


    They stood still, watching as the massive explosion consumed the Big Oak. Its towering form disintegrated, reduced to nothing but ash and debris.


    The battle was over.

 Chapter 22: A New Challenge

    [Main Quest Complete!]


    ? Reward: 25,000 Rank Points.


    [You Have Cleared The Sub-Dungeon: ''Forest Of Nightmares'']


    ? Reward: 30,000 Rank Points.


    [Additional Rewards]


    ? 30,000 Gold Pieces (Total: 30,000 Gold Pieces)


    ? 5,000 Exam Tokens (Total Exam Tokens: 6,000/100,000 Exam Tokens Required)


    [You Have Slain The Dungeon Boss, The (Rank 22) ''Big Oak'']


    ? Reward: 20,000 Rank Points.


    [Your Skill (Outsider''s Enhancement) Has Developed To Stage 2]


    Joe crumbled to his knees as Syr''s messages flooded in. His body ached, the toll of the battle weighing heavily on him. Turning his head, he flashed Bella a smile and a thumbs-up, the animosity he¡¯d harbored toward her earlier largely forgotten.


    "That was pretty awesome, princess!" he said, his voice tinged with cheerful relief.


    Bella didn¡¯t even spare him a glance. Instead, she turned away, striding confidently toward Shelly and Franklin.


    The flicker of annoyance Joe had pushed aside reignited as he watched her retreat. His gaze lingered on her hands and arms, noticing faint burns scattered across her skin. He was certain her complexion had been flawless when they first met.


    Must be from overusing her Fire skills, he mused. Still, he wasn¡¯t about to ask her about it. The only response he¡¯d get would be rude remarks designed to irritate him. If Bella didn¡¯t want to talk, fine. He wasn¡¯t about to stress over it.


    Joe let out a deep sigh, shifting his focus to the remains of the Big Oak. The once-mighty Dungeon Boss was now nothing more than a pile of ash. The sight brought him a strange sense of comfort.


    That fight was way more stressful than I thought it¡¯d be, he admitted silently. Way too close for comfort.


    Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he turned his focus back to Syr''s messages. To his surprise, he¡¯d received full rewards despite Bella¡¯s assistance during the battle.


    Did Bella and the others get the same rewards? he wondered.


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 17 [56,500/70,000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 45 (+15 Rank Points From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 75


    ? Psychological Attributes: 30


    Joe couldn¡¯t help but grin at his progress. He hadn¡¯t even realized how many Rank Ups he¡¯d achieved during the fight. It was a welcome payoff after such an exhausting ordeal.


    If I can gain this much from just one dungeon, how much stronger could I get after clearing several more? The thought excited him. Syr was probably just as, if not more thrilled about his recent Rank Ups.


    He tightened his grip on his blade and pushed himself upright. Though his body still felt sluggish, the effects of the Big Oak¡¯s poison were nearly gone.


    This fight had been a test¡ªand he¡¯d come out stronger for it.


    [You Have Unlocked A New ''Passive Skill'' (Poison Resistance)]


    ? Description: An Outsider Must Overcome All To Achieve Their Goal. Even The Most Potent Poisons Should Not Stand In Their Path.


    ? Effect: Increaases Your Resistance To Poison, Allowing Your Body To Flush It Out More Effectively.


    ? Boost: +100 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes When Combating The Effects Of Poison.


    Joe nodded in acknowledgment of his new skill. In a place like Grisha, where survival often hinged on adaptability, a skill like ]Poison Resistance] was vital.


    From the remains of the Big Oak, he spotted a faint glow beneath the ashes. Taking careful steps forward, he approached the light and reached out to grab it.


    [You Have Unlocked The Dungeon''s Hidden Item: The ''White Fruit'']


    Joe held the glowing fruit in his right hand, watching its brilliance fade with each passing second. It was larger than any ordinary fruit and pulsed faintly with energy, as if alive.


    "Before you add it to the inventory, can I see what it does, Syr?"


    [Dungeon Item: The White Fruit]


    ? Description: A Precious Fruits Harbored By A Dangerous Creature.


    ? Effect: The Fruit Can Cure Poison From One¡¯s Body. It May Be Ineffective If The Poison''s Potency Surpasses Its Own Healing Capabilities.


    ? Boost: +100 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes When Combating The Effects Of Poison.


    "This would''ve been great if I hadn''t just unlocked Poison Resistance," Joe muttered to himself. "Do I even need it anymore?"


    Before he could dwell on the thought, the sound of a body hitting the ground snapped his attention. He turned sharply to see Shelly collapsed, her figure crumpled on the dirt.


    Eyes widening, Joe dashed toward her, still clutching the fruit. "What happened?" he asked urgently, looking at Franklin and Bella, who stood over her.


    "I don''t know. She just collapsed," Bella replied, her tone uncharacteristically serious. "She seemed fine a moment ago."


    As Joe looked closer, he noticed a sickly purple hue spreading along Shelly¡¯s arms, even visible on her cheeks. His heart sank. It¡¯s poison.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "How the hell did she get poisoned?" Joe demanded, his voice sharp. "Didn¡¯t she protect herself with her skill?"


    "She did," Franklin said grimly. "I was right next to her the entire time. There¡¯s only one explanation¡ªshe didn¡¯t have a Blank Herb with her."


    "A Blank Herb?" Joe repeated, confused.


    "Yes," Franklin explained. "Healers carry them when traveling. They''re used to absorb poison cleansed from others, transferring it safely into the plant instead of their own body. It¡¯s a safer alternative to taking the poison directly. Most healers carry antidotes as well for emergencies. She must¡¯ve had neither. Strange, considering she¡¯s from the Hira Family."


    Joe clenched his teeth, frustration bubbling. "Damn it! Why would she use the skill knowing she didn¡¯t have a way to protect herself?"


    Kneeling beside Shelly, Joe brought the White Fruit closer to her mouth. Her eyes were watery but still open, a flicker of awareness visible beneath the pain.


    "Here, Shelly," Joe urged. "Take a bite of this."


    Shelly tried to speak, but Joe shook his head, his expression firm. "No, don¡¯t argue. Just bite it."


    With effort, Shelly bit into the fruit. The moment she did, the fruit dissolved into a radiant white glow, wrapping around her body like a protective cocoon.


    [The Dungeon Item The ''White Fruit'' Has Been Consumed]


    Joe stepped back, holding his breath as the light continued to envelop Shelly, waiting anxiously for the fruit to take effect.


    "What did you give her?" Bella asked, stepping up beside Joe, her arms crossed.


    "It''s a Dungeon Item," Joe replied curtly. "It¡¯ll help her recover from the poison."


    Bella¡¯s tone turned sharp, her words dripping with disdain. "Spoken like a true commoner, relying on Dungeon Items like some beggar. It sounds like a decent item¡ªwhy would you hand it over just like that?"


    Joe¡¯s irritation was evident, his jaw tightening. "Because if I don¡¯t, she¡¯ll die. She only got poisoned because of us. The least I can do is help her."


    "Keep me out of it," Bella shot back. "I told her I didn¡¯t need her little skill. I¡ª"


    "Shut your mouth!" Joe snapped, cutting her off. "If it wasn¡¯t for her, you¡¯d be dead. Show some decency and be grateful."


    "I didn¡¯t need her help," Bella retorted, her eyes narrowing. "I would¡¯ve been fine by myself."


    Joe opened his mouth to argue, but the soft glow around Shelly suddenly faded, drawing his attention. He turned to see her slowly sitting upright, her movements shaky but deliberate.


    "Are you okay?" Joe asked, kneeling beside her.


    "Yeah¡­ I¡¯m fine¡­" Shelly murmured, rubbing her eyes as if waking from a bad dream.


    The sickly purple hue had vanished from her skin¡ªthe White Fruit had worked.


    "What were you thinking?" Joe demanded, his voice low but firm. "You could¡¯ve died!"


    Shelly¡¯s gaze softened as she looked at him. "If I didn¡¯t do what I did, we¡¯d all have died. It¡¯s better me than everyone else. I¡¯m the healer¡ªit¡¯s my job to keep everyone alive."


    "Don¡¯t be an idiot," Joe shot back. "I need you alive. Our party just got registered. You can¡¯t keep risking your life like this!"


    Shelly offered him a gentle smile, her voice calm. "I¡¯m fine now, so everything¡¯s fine."


    Joe sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That¡¯s not the point," he muttered, realizing his words were falling on deaf ears.


    He stood and extended a hand to her. Shelly took it, and he helped her to her feet. Though slightly unsteady, she seemed to be recovering well.


    "My princess, are you all right?" Franklin¡¯s voice rang out, thick with concern as he examined Bella''s arm.


    "I¡¯m fine!" Bella snapped, yanking her arm away as Franklin reached for her.


    "My princess, you should¡¯ve let me fight those plants instead," Franklin pressed. "You could¡¯ve been seriously hurt."


    "This is my power, Franklin. These flames are mine. I¡¯ll use them however I wish." Bella¡¯s voice was firm, almost defiant. "Let¡¯s just keep moving¡ªwe¡¯ve wasted too much time already."


    "If you don¡¯t mind me asking," Shelly said gently, "where are you two heading?"


    "I do mind," Bella shot back coldly. "It¡¯s none of your business, Shelly. Let¡¯s go, Franklin!" She stormed ahead, her steps quick and purposeful.


    Joe and Shelly exchanged a glance before walking over to Franklin, who remained behind.


    "What¡¯s her problem?" Joe asked, unable to hide his annoyance.


    Franklin sighed heavily as they began to walk, Bella keeping her distance from the group.


    "The princess wouldn¡¯t like me telling you this," Franklin said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "But after everything you¡¯ve done to help us escape this dungeon alive, it¡¯s only fair I explain." He paused, glancing toward Bella¡¯s retreating figure.


    "The princess needs help," Franklin continued. "Those blue flames of hers are¡­ troublesome. They¡¯re too powerful, and they¡¯re a danger not only to those around her but to herself as well. That¡¯s why we¡¯re heading to The Hunt this year. I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t be able to control those flames for much longer."


    "You''re going to The Hunt?" Joe asked, his surprise evident.


    "Yes," Franklin replied with a nod. "As you know, The Hunt offers many of the King''s items as prizes. One of those items is the Black Bracelet. It''s an artifact that will help the princess control her mana and the power of her flames. We must obtain it. Without it, I fear her flames will eventually consume her."


    Joe felt a twinge of sympathy, his frustration with Bella momentarily overshadowed by pity. Despite her abrasive personality, he couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for her situation. "We¡¯re going to The Hunt too. Why not join us? You¡¯ve seen how dangerous these dungeons can be. We stand a better chance together. I can stomach the princess until we get there."


    Franklin seemed to consider the offer. "You make a valid point, but I don¡¯t think the princess will approve of this idea."


    "We¡¯re all heading in the same direction. There¡¯s not much she can do about it," Joe replied with a shrug.


    From ahead, Bella glanced back. "Why are you chatting with them, Franklin? Let¡¯s go!"


    "The old man¡¯s coming with us!" Joe called back.


    Bella halted, crossing her arms as they caught up. Once they reached her, she addressed Joe directly, her tone icy. "What are you talking about, commoner?"


    "The old man says you¡¯re heading to The Hunt. Since we¡¯re going there too, we decided to join forces," Joe explained matter-of-factly.


    "I don¡¯t need you tagging along," Bella retorted sharply. "We¡¯ll be fine on our own." She turned her glare to Franklin. "Why did you even tell them where we¡¯re going? It¡¯s none of their concern."


    Franklin lowered his head slightly. "My apologies, princess, but I believe having them with us will be beneficial¡ªespecially after losing Tom."


    Bella scoffed. "You think that because you¡¯re weak, Franklin. I don¡¯t need their help. And if bringing them along is part of the deal, I don¡¯t need you either." Her glare moved to Joe and Shelly. "I can handle this alone."


    "Look, princess," Joe said, his voice firm but calm, "the old man is right. Whether you like it or not, you need us. You¡¯d be dead right now if it weren¡¯t for us."


    Bella¡¯s eyes narrowed. "I can see some usefulness in Shelly, but you, commoner? I don¡¯t need you. I don¡¯t even know why Shelly bothered forming a party with you."


    Joe sighed, shaking his head. "Man, I don¡¯t know how the old man puts up with this attitude. He¡¯s a saint."


    Bella turned away, her tone cold. "You¡¯d better stay out of my way. If you don¡¯t, I won¡¯t hesitate to burn you both to a crisp."


    Joe clenched his jaw but swallowed his comebacks. Instead, he marched forward, eager to put some distance between himself and Bella.


    [You Did Good Today. You¡¯ve Made Progress. Maybe We Just Might Make It Before The Deadline.]


    "Deadline?"


    [I Told You Before, Didn¡¯t I? We Don¡¯t Have Much Time. The Deadline Is Coming.]


    "What deadline? What are you talking about?"


    [You Just Need To Be Ready, Joe.]


    "Ready for what?"


    [Don¡¯t Worry About It. Just Get Stronger. For Both Our Sakes.]


    With that, Syr¡¯s notification screen vanished, leaving Joe to mull over its cryptic message.


    After a grueling trek, the four finally emerged from the Forest of Nightmares, finding themselves before a new challenge: The Scorching Cave Dungeon.


    "We just need to get through this dungeon," Shelly said, her voice subdued, "and then we¡¯ll reach The Hunt."


    The cave¡¯s entrance appeared deceptively normal, save for the faint red glow emanating from its depths.


    Without hesitation, Bella strode forward, followed by Franklin and Shelly. Joe brought up the rear. He stared into the ominous red-lit cavern, his grip tightening on his blade. Whatever awaited him in the depths of the Scorching Cave, he would face it head-on.


    With resolute determination, Joe stepped into the unknown.

 Chapter 23: Infernal Humans

    As Joe stepped into the cave, an overwhelming red light engulfed him, forcing him to squint and shield his eyes with his right hand. He tried peering through the gaps between his fingers, but the brilliance was blinding. The cave seemed to swallow everything in its glow¡ªShelly, Franklin, Bella, the cave walls¡ªall vanished in the radiance.


    [You Have Entered The Main Dungeon: The ''Scorching Cave'']


    [Transportation To The First Zone Will Begin Shortly]


    ¡°Transpo¡ª¡±


    Before Joe could finish, the ground beneath him vanished. His stomach lurched as he plummeted, the sensation akin to falling hundreds of meters from the sky. A scream tore from his throat, raw and desperate, before everything went dark with a bone-jarring impact.


    After what felt like centuries, Joe began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, and a high-pitched ringing dominated his ears as he struggled to sit upright.


    "Good, you''re awake. Look alive, Joe!"


    Joe squinted, his vision still hazy. Standing beside him was Shelly, gripping her staff tightly. Her gaze was locked forward, unflinching, her eyes sharp with focus. Her voice felt distant, muffled by the ringing in Joe¡¯s ears, but he managed to make out her words. Groaning, he forced himself to his feet, clutching his pounding head.


    "What... happened?" he asked, his voice weak.


    "Look straight ahead."


    Joe turned his head to see what she meant. His blood ran cold. Advancing toward them were creatures wreathed in flames, their forms unsettlingly human-like.


    "What the hell are those?" he asked, his voice trembling as he instinctively stepped back.


    "They''re the monsters of this Dungeon''s First Zone. We have to eliminate them," Shelly said, her usual gentle tone replaced with an urgent edge.


    [You Have Entered The Scorching Cave''s First Zone The ''Infernal Nest'']


    [Main Dungeon Sub-Quest]


    ? Objective: Slay All Infernal Humans


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points


    ? Progress: 20/50 Infernal Humans Slain


    Joe stared in disbelief. Infernal Humans? His thoughts spun. So, these things aren¡¯t just monsters¡ªthey¡¯re humans? Before he could delve further into the idea, Shelly¡¯s voice jolted him back to reality.


    "Joe, watch out!" she shouted.


    Snapping his head forward, Joe saw an Infernal Human right in front of him, its flaming sword raised high, ready to strike. Up close, it was clear: these creatures weren¡¯t beasts. The Infernal¡¯s charred flesh oozed like molten wax, revealing patches of bone beneath. It was unmistakably human¡ªgrotesque, but human.


    "Help... me..." the creature rasped, its voice like the final, desperate breaths of a dying old man.


    Joe¡¯s mind fractured, memories flooding back. He found himself on Earth, reliving the day it was erased. Amidst the chaos of that day, he saw the old man again¡ªthe one who laid on the ground, skin blackened and burned, clinging to his ankle with a fragile, bloodied hand.


    "Please... help me..."


    The memory gripped him like a vice, and he froze, paralyzed as the Infernal¡¯s flaming blade began its deadly descent.


    At the last second, Shelly darted in front of him, raising her staff and summoning a shimmering green barrier. The sword struck the shield with a deafening clang, sending the Infernal staggering back. [Green Veil] Shelly glanced over her shoulder, her voice firm and unyielding.


    "What are you doing? Snap out of it, or you¡¯ll get yourself killed!"


    Her words hit Joe like a slap, breaking through his stupor.


    "So...rry," Joe stammered, barely managing to form the words as his senses finally returned.


    The Infernal Human charged again, its flaming sword raised high, determined to breakthrough Shelly¡¯s barrier. She snapped her head toward the creature, her grip on her staff tightening as she prepared to reinforce the barrier.


    But she didn¡¯t need to.


    Before the creature could strike, its entire body erupted into flames. Blue fire consumed the red blaze already engulfing it, reducing the Infernal Human to ashes in mere moments. [Fireblast]


    [29 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    Bella strode forward with purposeful confidence, her movements sharp and deliberate. She stopped in front of Shelly, her fiery glare fixed squarely on Joe.


    "I knew this would happen! This is why I didn¡¯t want you coming, commoner. You¡¯re nothing but a burden!" she snapped, her words biting and laced with disdain.


    Turning her attention to the next wave of advancing Infernal Humans, she added coldly, "I told you, didn¡¯t I? I won¡¯t hesitate to burn you to a crisp if you get in my way. Remember that."


    The flames around Bella¡¯s hands flared brighter, casting an eerie glow as she charged into the fray.


    Behind her, Franklin followed with measured intensity, his twin flaming swords gripped tightly as he moved with precision and purpose.


    Joe stood still for another moment, steadying his breathing and gathering his thoughts. Slowly, he exhaled, regaining control over his composure.


    "Sorry, Shelly. I¡¯m fine now," he said, offering her a faint but reassuring smile.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Shelly glanced at him, her tense expression softening. "Good. You mustn¡¯t space out like that¡ªyou¡¯re the leader." She returned his smile briefly before turning her focus back to the battle ahead.


    "Are those things human, Syr?"


    [Well... Yes And No. They Are Adventurers Who Died Inside This Dungeon. Their Souls Seemed To Be Trapped Here, Forced To Be The Dungeon''s Slaves Long After Their Deaths. They Are Technically Humans, But Calling Them That In Their Current State Wouldn''t Be Accurate. They Are Just Burning And Mindless Pieces Of Flesh]


    Joe frowned. "I wouldn¡¯t call them mindless. One of them spoke to me. It called out for help. They must still have fragments of humanity left... they must be in so much pain, Syr. I want to help them, to release them from this torment the dungeon has forced upon them."


    [The Only Way To Release Their Souls Is By Killing Them.]


    Joe paused, then nodded grimly. "Of course, you¡¯d say that. But... this time, I actually agree with you."


    He reached for his blade, the metallic whisper of its unsheathing cutting through the chaos. His hand tightened around the hilt, mana surging through his body¡ªradiating outward in its dark form.


    "I didn¡¯t help that old man back then. Maybe it was the chaos, maybe I was overwhelmed... or maybe I just didn¡¯t care. But I won¡¯t let that happen again. If I can help even one of these Infernal Humans, then at least I¡¯ll have done something right."


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement (Stage 2)]


    "Stage 2?" Only now did Joe notice that his skill had changed.


    [Yes, Your Skill Has Reached Its Second Stage. Let Me Provide You With The Updated Information Regarding Your Skill.]


    [Skill: Outsider¡¯s Enhancement. (Stage 2)]


    ? Description: As An Outsider Grows, So Does The Mana That Dwells Within Them. This Mana Can Be An Outsider¡¯s Greatest Strength, But Also Their Greates Weakness.


    ? Effect: Your Use Of Mana Has Improved Allowing You To Enhance Your Physical Attributes Drastically, And Use More Versatile Skills When Controlling Your Mana And Enhancing Your Mana Tools.


    ? Range: 15 Meters


    ? Boosts: +300 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes


    ? +400 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes


    ? Note: Boosts Multiply, For Every 2000 Mana Pool Rank Points You Spend To Enhance The Skill.


    ? E.g Using 4000 Mana Pool Rank Points Will Result In Your Boosts Multiplying By 2, Using 6000 Will Result In The Boosts Multiplying By 3, Etc. Does Not Go Beyond A X5 Multiplier Due To The Strain It Brings To The Body.


    ? Mana Cost (MC): -2000 (May Increase To Accommodate The Multiplier Applied) Mana Pool Rank Points/5 Minutes.


    Joe''s skimmed through the wall of text infront of him. "Got It!"


    [-2000 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [+350 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes: (Total: 410)]


    [+400 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes: (Total: 470)]


    [Current Mana Pool:23,095]


    [18 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    Joe steadied himself, feeling the flow of mana coursing through him. It was heavier than before, yet undeniably more empowering. He tightened his grip on his blade, his resolve unshaken.


    "Shelly, let me handle this."


    Shelly hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting Joe''s. The mana radiating from him, coupled with the determination in his gaze, reassured her. She stepped aside, the barrier she had erected dissolving into the air.


    With a single step, Joe propelled himself forward. His movement created a brief gust that swept past Bella and Franklin as they fought a couple of Infernals. Joe went past them without sparing them a glance.


    A lone Infernal Human, emboldened by desperation, charged at Joe. Its flaming blade was gripped tightly with both hands, and unintelligible, pain-laden words spilled from its disfigured mouth. To Joe, the sounds weren¡¯t merely ramblings¡ªthey were cries of agony.


    As the Infernal swung its weapon in a wild, horizontal arc, Joe ducked beneath the unstable strike. The flaming blade whooshed harmlessly over his head.


    Seizing the opening, Joe lunged forward. Through its melted and charred visage, he caught a glimpse of the Infernal¡¯s sorrowful eyes. With a single, precise slash, he severed its head. The creature crumpled to the ground as the fire consuming it flickered out and died.


    [You Have Slain A (Rank 18) Infernal Human (+9,600 Rank Points)]


    [Rank Up Progress: 17 [66,100/70,000 Rank Points Required]]


    [17 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    As Joe watched the flames vanish, a question weighed on his mind. "What do you think will happen to its soul? Do you think it¡¯ll really go to the afterlife?"


    [I Don¡¯t Know. I Can Confirm That Its Soul Vanished With The Flames, But I Can¡¯t Say Where It Went. At Least It¡¯s Free From This Place.]


    Joe turned his attention to a group of five Infernals advancing toward him. "Yeah... let¡¯s do the same for the rest." With those words, he dashed forward, his mana pulsing brightly around him.


    The five Infernals attacked with desperation, their movements erratic and fierce, but Joe¡¯s movements were fluid and precise. He weaved effortlessly through their attacks, responding with swift slashes that decapitated each one.


    [You Have Slain 5 (Rank 18) Infernal Humans (+48,000 Rank Points)]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Overall Rank: 18  [44,100/75,000 Rank Points Required]]


    [12 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    Without pausing, Joe grabbed the body of a fallen Infernal and hurled it with incredible force into another group of five approaching infernals. The impact tore through their bodies, killing them instantly.


    [You Have Slain 5 (Rank 18) Infernal Humans (+48,000 Rank Points)]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [New Overall Rank: 19 [17,100/80,000 Rank Points Required]]


    [7 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    [6 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    [5 Infernal Humans Remaining]


    Joe prepared to continue when two streaks of blue fire whooshed past him. The flames engulfed the remaining five Infernals, reducing them to nothing but ashes. [Blue Fireball]


    Bella stepped up next to Joe, her expression smug. "I can¡¯t let a mere commoner like you outdo me," she said with a triumphant smirk.


    Joe sighed, sheathing his blade as the mana surrounding him dissipated. "It wasn¡¯t a competition, princess," he replied flatly, turning to walk away.


    Bella blinked, momentarily confused by his words. She quickly dismissed the thought, deciding he must simply be refusing to acknowledge her brilliance.


    [50/50 Infernal Humans Have Been Slain]


    [Main Dungeon Sub-Quest Complete!]


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points


    [New Overall Rank: 19 [32,100/80,000 Rank Points Required]]


    [You Can Proceed To Face The First Zone''s Boss.]


    [Clean-Up For This Section Of The Dungeon Will Begin.]


    [Time Allocated To Reach The ''Domain'' Of The First Zone Boss: 5 Minutes]


    "We should keep moving!" Franklin shouted, urgency clear in his tone.


    He led the group from the open expanse of the Dungeon into a narrow passage. Steam hissed from cracks in the Scorching Cave''s crimson walls, the temperature climbing higher with every step. The oppressive heat blurred their vision and made breathing increasingly difficult.


    Bella followed swiftly behind Franklin. Shelly trailed after her, and Joe brought up the rear.


    It only took them two minutes to reach it: a massive black door looming at the end of the narrow passage. Its surface was glossy yet foreboding, with a paper seal affixed to its center.


    "I''ll go in first," Franklin announced, stepping forward with a determined expression. "Princess, you follow after me."


    "No, I''ll go first," Bella countered, her tone firm. Before Franklin could object, she placed her hand on the seal at the center of the door. In an instant, her form vanished.


    Joe blinked in surprise. What the?


    Franklin, unfazed, followed her lead. He touched the seal, and his figure disappeared as well. "Let''s go, Joe," Shelly said calmly, offering him a brief smile before touching the seal and vanishing in turn.


    Joe stood before the massive door, the air thick with heat and tension. He exhaled deeply, steadying himself, and stepped forward. Reaching out, he pressed his palm against the seal.


    [Your Transportation To The First Zone Boss¡¯s ''Domain'' Is Underway.]


    Joe''s body vanished, drawn into whatever awaited them beyond the door.

 Chapter 24: A Bird

    Joe felt as light as a feather as his body dissolved into fragments of light. The strange sensation lasted only a moment before he gently touched down on a rocky surface. The radiance around him dimmed, and his form fully materialized.


    He stood upright, taking a moment to examine himself after the bizarre method of transportation. Everything seemed intact.


    [Transportation Complete!]


    [You Entered Have Entered The First Zone Boss¡¯s ''Domain.'']


    [The ''Domain'' Has Taken Effect.]


    [You Are Under The Effect Of The ''Domain Skill'' Heat Zone.]


    Joe could feel the rise in temperatures. The oppressive heat assaulted him. Within seconds, sweat poured down his face, soaking his clothes. He collapsed to one knee, gasping for air as his chest and lungs felt as if they were boiling from within. His vision blurred, eyes stinging and watery.


    [-15 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes Due To The ''Domain''s'' Effect.]


    [Your Body Is Slowly Adjusting To The Increased Temperature.]


    Joe remained on the ground for what felt like an eternity but was only a minute. With visible effort, he pushed himself upright, his legs trembling under the strain. He exhaled deeply, summoning his mana to cloak his body. The protective aura wrapped around him, creating a barrier that significantly lessened the effects of the unbearable heat.


    His head throbbed, and his movements were sluggish as he scanned the area, searching desperately for his companions. Relief flooded him when he spotted Shelly grouped with Bella and Franklin. Slowly, he began to trudge toward them, each step on the red, sun-scorched stones sending waves of heat through his boots.


    Even from a distance, Joe could see the others drenched in sweat, clearly struggling against the harsh environment. Like him, they had surrounded themselves with mana in a desperate attempt to shield against the Domain''s effects.


    "What''s going on, Shelly?" Joe asked, his voice hoarse.


    Shelly turned to him, one hand gripping her staff tightly. Her expression was grim. "We''ve got a prob¡ª"


    A sudden, high-pitched squeal cut through the air, sharp and unbearable. Instinctively, Joe and Shelly clamped their hands over their ears, their faces contorted in pain. Franklin mirrored their reaction, but Bella stood unmoved seemingly unaffected by the noise.


    Joe''s gaze darted around, searching for the source of the sound. That¡¯s when he noticed it¡ªa faint, glowing trail of light descending from the sky. His eyes followed its path, and his heart sank as he watched it crash into the earth with a deafening impact.


    The ground trembled violently, displacing the scattered stones. A thick cloud of dust rose where the light had struck, shrouding the scene in an opaque haze. Joe and the others slowly uncovered their ears, the ringing subsiding, their eyes now fixed on the source of the commotion ahead.


    As the dust began to settle, Joe spotted three figures emerging within the radius of the disturbance. Their rugged gear and confident stances marked them unmistakably as adventurers. "Looks like we''re not the only ones here to clear this dungeon," Joe muttered.


    A sudden, powerful gust of wind surged across the field, tearing through the lingering dust with ferocity. Everyone staggered, planting their feet firmly to avoid being swept away. The unnatural force wasn''t random¡ªit came from it.


    The creature stood ablaze, its entire form wreathed in roaring flames. From its talons to its elongated beak, every inch radiated scorching heat. As it unfolded its massive wings, crimson feathers shimmered like molten steel. With a piercing, avian screech, it announced its dominance. Its glowing, crimson eyes swept over the field, locking on every soul.


    [The First Zone¡¯s Boss Has Appeared. The (Rank 25) Mana Beast, ¡®Red Wing.¡¯]


    [Evolution Stage: 3]


    [Tori Tribe Mana Beast]


    [Main Quest]


    ? Objective: Slay The First Zone Boss, ¡®Red Wing.¡¯


    ? Reward: 35,000 Rank Points


    ? Failure: Death


    Joe¡¯s heart raced. The creature before him was like something out of a legend. Syr called it Red Wing, but to Joe, it resembled a phoenix.


    Red Wing wasn¡¯t idle. It had already claimed a victim, its massive talons wrapped tightly around a man¡¯s midsection. The adventurer¡¯s screams were guttural, filled with agony, as flames engulfed him. Red Wing¡¯s grip tightened mercilessly, delighting in its prey¡¯s torment. The man writhed, his body burning as his cries weakened.


    After ten agonizing seconds, his voice fell silent, and his Mana Signature vanished.


    With a flick of its foot, Red Wing flung the charred corpse into the air. Its beak snapped open, wide and predatory, devouring the remains in a single, gruesome gulp.


    [+20 Rank Points To All Of Red Wing''s Attributes For Devouring A Human Native]


    A surge of red mana erupted from Red Wing, the creature visibly invigorated by its grisly meal. The fiery aura around it flared even brighter, increasing in its intensity.


    Joe¡¯s eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the strange Domain. It was an open space, bordered on all sides by towering crimson walls that looked thick, impenetrable. Though the area was spacious enough to give an illusion of freedom, the truth was clear¡ªthey were trapped.


    What struck Joe as even stranger was the sky above them. A radiant sun hung in a vividly blue expanse, its light almost blinding.


    "How is there a sun inside a dungeon?" he muttered to himself, shaking his head. The surrealness of it all was unsettling. Was this even a cave anymore?


    His thoughts snapped back to reality as Red Wing flapped its massive wings, sending another rush of heat and ash across the field. Joe turned his focus to the beast, only to catch sight of the three adventurers once again, their gazes locked on the fiery predator.


    Behind Red Wing, a massive wall loomed, matching the crimson ones enclosing the Domain. Yet something on this particular wall caught Joe¡¯s attention¡ªfour golden keys etched into its surface.


    ¡°What are those keys for?¡± Joe whispered to Shelly, never taking his eyes off Red Wing.


    ¡°They¡¯re Dungeon Keys,¡± Shelly replied in a hushed voice. ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s a miracle they¡¯re still there. If you touch one of those keys, you can skip the boss fight and instantly move to the next zone.¡±


    Joe¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Are you serious? Then it¡¯s obvious¡ªwe go for the keys. There are four left, so there¡¯s enough for everyone.¡±


    Shelly shook her head, her tone grave. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. Getting past that Mana Beast is going to be incredibly dangerous. We could be killed before we even reach them.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Franklin added, his voice calm but resolute as he turned to face them. ¡°We should wait. Let¡¯s see how those adventurers handle the beast first. We can study its patterns, learn its abilities, and increase our chances of getting to the keys. If they win, we might not have to fight at all¡ªwe can move to the next zone without lifting a finger.¡±


    Bella scoffed, her expression cold as blue flames flickered to life in her hands. ¡°That¡¯s just the coward¡¯s way, Franklin. My flames can roast that overgrown bird in seconds.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t keep relying on those flames, princess,¡± Franklin retorted, his tone shifting to a warning. ¡°You know what¡ª¡±


    A deafening crash cut him off mid-sentence.


    Red Wing was already on the attack. With blinding speed, it drove its flaming beak into a shimmering barrier surrounding the three adventurers. Each thrust of its beak collided with a fiery burst, sending shockwaves rippling across the Domain. [Burning Beak]


    "First we lost Noah, and now this. I hate to say it, but I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll survive this one." The adventurer holding the barrier grimaced, his staff aimed forward, his brow furrowed in fierce concentration. "I won¡¯t be able to keep this up for long." He wore a black jacket adorned with the emblem of a skull, matched with black leather pants. The jacket bore their party''s name boldly written across the back: Ghosthounds.


    "We don¡¯t have to beat this thing, Tip," another man interjected, "We just have to get past it and grab those keys. We can¡¯t let Noah¡¯s sacrifice be for nothing. I¡¯ll draw its attention. You two go for the keys!"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The man, James, was a striking figure. His long hair, half black and half white, cascaded elegantly down his back. He gripped a sword firmly in his hands. His eyes burned with unshakable resolve.


    "Don¡¯t be crazy, James! You¡¯ll get yourself killed!" shouted a girl beside him. Her pink hair stood in stark contrast to her dark outfit.


    James turned to her with a reassuring smile. "I¡¯m the Warrior. It¡¯s my job to protect the party, Luna."


    Luna glanced at Tip, desperation in her voice. "Talk some sense into him, Tip. You¡¯re the leader¡ªtell him not to do this!"


    Tip, who was straining to keep the barrier intact, slowly stepped back. His voice wavered but carried determination. "James has a point..." The barrier cracked under another brutal strike from Red Wing''s beak. "This thing¡¯s going to break any second now. We need an opening. James will create that opening, and we¡¯ll grab the keys." Tip moved behind James, his expression resolute. "I¡¯m counting on you, James!"


    Orange mana flared around James, his grip on his sword tightening. "You got it!"


    The barrier finally shattered, fragments of mana scattering like shards of glass. James wasted no time. With a fierce roar, he charged at Red Wing, his sword raised high. Swinging it horizontally, he aimed to carve a deep wound into the beast. [Great Swing]


    The attack never connected as intended. Red Wing¡¯s talons intercepted the blade with ease, gripping it tightly as though it were a mere twig. A brief shockwave rippled out from the collision, but the massive Mana Beast remained unmoved, its fiery form radiating raw power.


    James gritted his teeth, feeling the oppressive heat radiating from the creature¡¯s foot. His knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip, determined to force the blade through and complete the slash.


    But Red Wing had other plans.


    With a sudden, vicious motion, it flung its talon upward, using James¡¯s own grip against him. The force wrenched the sword from his hands and sent James hurtling through the air, his body twisting uncontrollably. His weapon clattered uselessly to the ground, the metallic clang echoing in the crimson-walled Domain.


    For a moment, Red Wing turned its glowing crimson gaze toward Luna and Tip, its expression almost mocking, as if to say, You¡¯re next. Then, with a powerful beat of its flaming wings, it ascended after James, hunger gleaming in its eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Tip shouted, bolting toward the wall.


    ¡°What about James?¡± Luna hesitated, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Forget James! Do you want to die?!¡± Tip snapped, his tone sharp and desperate.


    Luna froze for a heartbeat, her mind a whirlwind of guilt and fear. But survival instinct won out, and she reluctantly followed Tip, her pace slower, her heart heavy.


    A blood-curdling scream tore through the air. Luna glanced back just in time to see James, his body charred beyond recognition, vanish into Red Wing¡¯s fiery maw. Her eyes widened in horror, her breath catching in her throat.


    The wall was only a few steps away now, but Red Wing was coming for them.


    The beast descended swiftly, its flaming wings casting an ominous shadow over them. Its predatory eyes gleamed with savage delight as it closed in, ready to claim its next prey.


    "Luna..."


    At Tip¡¯s voice, Luna turned her head back toward him, her heart pounding in panic. But before she could react, she felt the cold, unforgiving strike of an iron staff against her midsection. The air rushed from her lungs as she crumpled to the ground, blood trickling from her lips. "Why...?" was all she could manage before her vision faded and she fell unconscious.


    "Sorry, Luna. Sorry, James, Noah. I¡¯m not going to die here."


    Tip lifted Luna¡¯s limp body with all his strength and hurled her toward the descending Red Wing "Take that, you monster!"


    Red Wing saw the approaching figure, it simply opened its beak. From its maw erupted a searing stream of flames, aimed to incinerate Luna¡¯s body.


    But Tip wasn¡¯t finished. A green barrier materialized around Luna just in time, deflecting the fire and sending her shielded body crashing into the Red Wing''s face. The impact stunned Red Wing momentarily, halting it mid-air.


    Using those precious seconds, Tip bolted forward with everything he had. The keys were so close¡ªjust a few more steps.


    Red Wing recovered quickly, however. With a guttural screech, it launched a blazing orb of fire from its mouth. The barrier around Luna shattered as the flames consumed her descending form. Red Wing didn¡¯t even pause to devour her; its full attention was now on Tip.


    It dove with terrifying speed, raining fireballs in a relentless barrage. Tip dodged with every ounce of agility he could muster, the heat nearly searing his skin. Finally, he reached out¡ªhis fingertips brushed against the key.


    But a bright orange light flared above him. Red Wing had caught up.


    A point-blank explosion erupted as another orb of fire shot from its beak, engulfing everything in flames.


    For a moment, silence reigned. When the dust and smoke cleared, Tip was gone.


    [A Dungeon Key Has Been Activated]


    [Transportation To The Next Zone Was Successful.]


    Red Wing, furious at being outmaneuvered, let out an ear-piercing screech. It thrashed about in a tantrum, slamming its head against the wall, to no avail. Then its gaze shifted, locking onto the group of Joe, Bella, Franklin, and Shelly.


    It had found fresh targets to unleash its fury upon.


    "How could he just let his party members die like that? What a coward!" Joe''s voice trembled with anger, his face flushed with rage.


    "Most adventurers will do almost anything to survive," Shelly replied evenly, her expression calm but tinged with weariness.


    [4 Minutes Before The Disappearance Of The Dungeon Keys]


    "I figured," Shelly continued. "The Dungeon Keys won¡¯t be here for long. Honestly, it¡¯s a miracle they¡¯re still here at all."


    Bella stepped forward, her eyes blazing with confidence. "Who cares about the Dungeon Keys? I¡¯ll just burn that bird to a crisp."


    As if provoked by her words, Red Wing launched itself forward, its fiery form tearing through the air with predatory speed.


    Bella smirked, unfazed. Flames burst from her hands, and two glowing blue fireballs materialized, spinning ominously around her palms. With a swift motion, she hurled them toward the approaching beast, one after the other.


    Red Wing¡¯s sharp eyes tracked the fiery projectiles with precision. It flapped its wings forcefully, tilting left, then right, allowing the fireballs to zip harmlessly past its body. In a heartbeat, the beast closed the distance, thrusting its flaming beak straight toward Bella¡¯s skull.


    Reacting swiftly, Bella raised her hand, unleashing a wave of searing blue fire. The flames struck Red Wing¡¯s face, forcing it to recoil momentarily in a rare moment of hesitation. She prepared to strike again, but the Mana Beast retaliated, swinging its massive left wing with brutal force.


    The blow hit Bella squarely, sending her tumbling across the ground like a rag doll.


    "Princess!" Franklin¡¯s voice rang out, filled with panic.


    Joe seized the opening, his grip tightening around his blade. Mana surged through his body. [Outsider¡¯s Enhancement]


    Leaping high into the air, Joe launched himself downward in a powerful vertical slash, aiming to cleave Red Wing in two.


    The beast¡¯s crimson eyes snapped upward, locking onto Joe mid-air. With blinding speed, Red Wing thrust its flaming beak upward to intercept the attack.


    The clash was deafening, a shockwave ripping through the air as mana and flame collided. The sheer force of Red Wing¡¯s strength, combined with the heat erupting from its fiery beak, overpowered Joe¡¯s strike. He was sent hurtling backward, tumbling and rolling across the ground, his blade skittering out of reach.


    Red Wing turned its attention toward Shelly and Franklin. With a single powerful flap of its massive wings, it unleashed a gust of wind so strong it sent both of them tumbling uncontrollably across the ground.


    The Mana Beast released a triumphant squeak, its piercing cry reverberating across the crimson-walled Domain. It crouched, ready to pounce and finish off its disoriented prey.


    But before it could strike, a streak of blue light flashed across the field. In an instant, something slammed into Red Wing¡¯s chest, forcing it to stagger back with a painful cry.


    It was Bella.


    She followed up her attack with another leap, her right leg engulfed in roaring blue flames. With incredible force, she drove her flaming knee into Red Wing, sending the beast tumbling back across the field. ,[Blazing Knee]


    Bella landed heavily, her chest heaving as she gasped for air, sweat streaming down her face. Joe, still recovering, could only watch in awe as she stood her ground.


    But something was wrong.


    Bella collapsed to her knees, her body trembling. Her arms and legs were charred black, the burns spreading rapidly from the intensity of her own flames.


    "Princess!" Franklin shouted, regaining his footing and sprinting toward her.


    "I''m fine!" Bella snapped back, gritting her teeth as she forced herself to stand.


    [2 Minutes Before The Disappearance Of The Dungeon Keys]


    Red Wing recovered quickly, its crimson eyes blazing with fury. It rushed toward Bella again, its flaming form tearing across the battlefield like a streak of fire.


    Before Bella could react, Franklin stepped in front of her, his expression resolute. Something was different about him¡ªhis entire body was cloaked in flames, his presence radiating raw power. [Overheat]


    "Stop, Princess," Franklin said firmly, his voice calm but commanding. "You don¡¯t have to keep using those flames anymore... let me handle this."


    With a forceful motion, Franklin slammed his hand to the ground. A massive eruption of fire burst forth beneath Red Wing, engulfing it in a towering pillar of flames. The beast screeched in rage, trapped within the blazing inferno. [Flame Pillar]


    "You guys need to move! Take the princess and go. I¡¯ll hold this Dungeon Boss off as long as I can," Franklin shouted, his flames extinguishing momentarily as he turned to Bella.


    "You have to go, Princess..."


    "No, I won¡¯t ru¡ª"


    Slap!


    The sharp sound echoed through the dungeon. Franklin¡¯s hand struck Bella¡¯s cheek, tilting her head slightly. Before she could react, he gripped her shoulders firmly, his intense gaze locking onto hers.


    "Have you forgotten the mission? There¡¯s no point if you die here! If you fall, Diana wins. All of them would¡¯ve died for nothing!"


    Bella¡¯s eyes widened, her voice caught in her throat. For a moment, she could only stare, stunned. Franklin pulled her into a tight, warm embrace.


    "You can¡¯t die here, Princess," he whispered. "Remember the promise you made. You have to keep going... Bella."


    Bella shoved him away after a few seconds, her head lowered as she stepped past him. She paused briefly, her voice breaking as she spoke.


    "Don¡¯t... die," she said, barely above a whisper. "I¡¯ll be the one to burn you to a crisp for hurting a princess. So... don¡¯t die."


    Without looking back, Bella dashed forward, her eyes locked on the keys ahead.


    Joe, having regained his footing, glanced at Shelly as she staggered to hers.


    "Go. I''ll stay with the old man," he said firmly. "When you reach the next zone, don¡¯t do anything¡ªjust wait for us."


    Shelly frowned, confused. "I don¡¯t understand¡ª"


    "Can you do this for me? Please, Shelly."


    "You better not get yourself killed," she replied, her voice tinged with worry. With those words, Shelly bolted after Bella.


    The two reached the wall, their hands touching the glowing keys. In an instant, their forms vanished into the light.


    [Two Dungeon Keys Have Been Activated]


    [Transportation To The Next Zone Was Successful.]


    [The Remaining Dungeon Key Has Disappeared]


    Franklin exhaled, turning back toward the monster. "Why are you staying behind, kid?"


    "If I went, you¡¯d die," Joe said simply. "I wouldn¡¯t feel right knowing an old man died for me."


    For a moment, Franklin stared at him before a small smile spread across his face.


    With a sickening squeal, Red Wing flapped its massive wings, scattering embers as it broke through Franklin¡¯s fading flames. Its crimson eyes locked on the two of them, malice radiating from its hulking form.


    Joe grinned, adrenaline coursing through him. "Let¡¯s see if you can beat us when we¡¯re really going all out, Red Wing!"

 Chapter 25: A Father

    [10 Years Ago]


    A ten-year-old Bella knelt on the scorched ground, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the inferno consuming the Amber Family estate. Her small hands trembled as she gripped the dirt, and her tearful eyes burned with fury.


    "I''ll kill them!" Bella''s voice cracked, seething with rage. "I''ll kill both of them. This is all their fault!"


    Franklin knelt beside her, his gaze steady and calm as it met hers. "Yes, my princess," he said softly. "I''ll be with you. I''ll help you see it through to the end."


    [Present Day]


    I wonder... what would have happened if I had tried to sway her from the path she was so determined to take back then? Franklin mused, his mind wandering to that fateful day. Would things have turned out better? Would she be happier than she is right now?


    He shook his head, dismissing the thought. It doesn¡¯t matter. My role is clear. I just have to ensure the princess achieves her goal at all costs.


    Franklin''s fiery gaze locked onto the colossal figure of Red Wing as it hovered menacingly above. Its predatory eyes glinted like embers, watching its prey.


    "You might want to step back, kid. Let me handle this fight." Franklin said, confidently.


    Joe glanced at him, hesitating for a moment before stepping back as advised.


    [Franklin Has Activated The Forbidden Skill (Overheat)]


    An eruption of flames burst from Franklin''s body, engulfing him in a fiery aura that radiated pure intensity. Even at a safe distance, Joe felt the oppressive heat and could hardly believe his eyes.


    "This old man... he was hiding this much power during our fight?" Joe thought to himself, the sight leaving him speechless. Franklin didn¡¯t look like the man they had faced days ago; now, he looked like a force of nature, a completely different beast.


    Red Wing, noticing the sudden surge of power, roared and descended from the sky with terrifying speed. Its beak flared with flames, aiming directly at Franklin¡¯s small frame in a devastating [Falling Beak Smash].


    Franklin smirked and leaped back with perfect timing, narrowly avoiding the impact. The ground shook violently as Red Wing¡¯s beak struck, uprooting rocks and creating a massive crater.


    In an instant, Franklin closed the distance, already at Red Wing¡¯s face before the beast could recover. With a wave of his hand, he conjured two fiery blades, their flames crackling with lethal precision. He drove one blade directly into Red Wing¡¯s left eye. [Flame Twin Swords]


    The beast let out a high-pitched screech, its massive body staggering back from the pain. Franklin¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he watched its anguish.


    Red Wing retaliated immediately, flames erupting from its body. Its eyes burned with rage as it thrust its beak like a spear, aiming for Franklin with unrelenting fury. [Beak Smash]


    Franklin moved with surgical precision, deflecting each strike with his flame twin blades. Every collision sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, scattering sparks and embers. As Red Wing lunged again, Franklin responded with a precise swing of his blade, sending a sharp arc of flame slicing through a piece of its beak.


    The injury sent the beast into a frenzy. It flailed its massive wings wildly, attempting to strike Franklin, but he nimbly dodged, leaping back just in time.


    What Franklin hadn¡¯t anticipated was Red Wing¡¯s calculated counter. The beast folded its wings momentarily before flapping them violently, releasing powerful arcs of fire. The attack forced Franklin to block with his blades, the impact sending him skidding backward across the charred ground. [Flame Wing Attack]


    Regaining its composure, Red Wing launched into an unrelenting assault. From the depths of its maw, it fired four consecutive orbs of fire in rapid succession. [Fire Ball]


    Franklin stood his ground, his eyes narrowing in focus. With a swift series of strikes, he swung his blades, tearing through each fiery orb before they could reach him. Sparks and embers scattered into the air with each swing.


    As Joe watched, he noticed something alarming. Franklin''s skin was beginning to burn¡ªslowly but visibly. Burn marks crept across his arms and face like spreading cracks in dry earth. Joe opened his mouth to shout a warning, but before the words could escape, Franklin was already charging forward at full speed.


    His form blurred, leaving only a streak of red light in its wake. Red Wing¡¯s eyes flicked downward, struggling to track Franklin¡¯s rapid advance. In one fluid motion, the flame sword in Franklin¡¯s left hand morphed into a spear, which he hurled directly at Red Wing¡¯s face. [Flame Spear]


    The spear shot forward like a bolt of lightning, forcing Red Wing to react. It opened its beak to counter, but the unexpected occurred¡ªthe spear didn¡¯t continue its trajectory. Instead, it erupted into a blinding flash of light as it neared Red Wing¡¯s eyes. The dazzling flare stunned the creature, eliciting a high-pitched squeal of discomfort as it recoiled.


    Seizing the opportunity, Franklin descended from above, poised to deliver a finishing blow.


    Despite its temporary blindness, Red Wing¡¯s sharp instincts detected Franklin¡¯s plummeting form. Reacting on pure reflex, it raised a wing to shield itself. [Mana Beast Sense]


    Franklin didn¡¯t hesitate. With relentless precision, he brought his blade down in a vertical arc. The strike tore through Red Wing¡¯s left wing, sending a spray of blood cascading down its side. The beast let out an agonized screech, its left wing hanging limp and useless.


    Franklin prepared to end the fight, but Red Wing lashed out unpredictably. With a sudden, powerful swing of its uninjured wing, it struck Franklin hard, launching him through the air. His body hit the ground with a sickening thud, tumbling and rolling before coming to a halt.


    [8 Years Ago]


    Franklin approached Bella, who was sitting against a tree. "Look what I brought you, princess," he said proudly, holding up two golden bracelets.


    "Bracelets?" Bella gave him a confused look.


    "Not just any bracelets!" Franklin grinned. "These will help you concentrate your mana and flames. They''re called the Golden Bands. They just need a bit of my mana, and you''ll be all set."


    "Why are you giving these to me? And why do they need your mana?" Bella asked, suspicion lacing her tone.


    Franklin stepped closer. "The bracelets only work if they''re enhanced with someone¡¯s mana. That boosts their sealing capabilities. If I infuse them with mine, they¡¯ll not only help you control those flames of yours but also hide your Mana Signature. As for why I¡¯m giving them to you... isn¡¯t today your birthday?"


    Bella blinked in surprise. "How did you remember that?"


    Franklin just smiled. "So, will you take them? These bracelets are exactly what you need. I went through a lot of trouble to get them, you know."


    Bella hesitated for a moment before taking the bracelets and slipping them onto her wrists. "I guess they¡¯re okay. Not exactly the most glamorous thing for a princess to wear, but their functionality is... useful."


    "I think you look great!" Franklin beamed, his smile wide and genuine.


    [Present Moment]


    Franklin began to stir, dragging himself to his feet with shaky determination. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and the burn marks on his skin only seemed to spread. He glared at the injured Red Wing, his thoughts drifting. Why is this memory surfacing now? he wondered.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "If I were to die here," Franklin mused bitterly, "how would the princess feel? Would she be sad? Angry? Or... would she feel nothing at all?"


    The memory of Bella''s last words cut through his doubts like a knife.


    "Don''t die... I''ll be the one to burn you to a crisp for hurting a princess. So... don''t die."


    A faint smile touched Franklin''s lips despite the pain. "The princess gave me an order," he murmured. "I can''t die at the hands of this beast."


    With a deep, pained breath, Franklin charged again, his body igniting into a blazing trail of fire. His mind sharpened with resolve. I don¡¯t know how long Overheat will last, but it has to be enough. I need to see the princess again.


    At full speed, the sword of fire in his right hand morphed into a spear, growing rapidly in size. The transformation came at a cost¡ªthe burn marks on his body accelerated, his flesh seemingly tearing apart. He winced but gritted his teeth, refusing to yield to the agony. With all his strength, he hurled the massive spear straight at Red Wing¡¯s face. [Flame Spear]


    The beast, sluggish from its injuries, barely managed to move its right wing in time to shield itself. The spear struck with devastating force, triggering a fiery explosion that sent Red Wing stumbling backward. Its wing burned, but it remained functional¡ªa stroke of luck for the wounded creature.


    As the smoke cleared, Red Wing lowered its wing, scanning for Franklin¡¯s form. It quickly realized he was gone.


    Almost instinctively, Red Wing¡¯s gaze shot upward. Sure enough, Franklin was descending from above, a blazing sword in his hand, ready to strike.


    But Red Wing wasn¡¯t about to fall for the same tactic twice.


    With a sharp screech, the creature opened its beak, unleashing a torrent of thick, scalding steam. The vapor engulfed the battlefield, shrouding Red Wing¡¯s form in an impenetrable mist. [White Cloud)


    Franklin swung his sword with a violent arc, but his blade found no target. His landing was clumsy, the suffocating steam burning his lungs and stinging his eyes. Vision blurred and body weakening, Franklin struggled to steady himself.


    Suddenly, a shadow loomed before him. His legs gave out just as he tried to move.


    Red Wing''s right wing smashed into Franklin with crushing force, sending him skidding across the jagged rocky terrain.


    He lay there, wheezing heavily. The burns on his body had worsened¡ªhis face and skin were now charred beyond recognition. His vision swam, watery and hazy, as he saw Red Wing emerge from the steam. The beast stalked toward him with slow, deliberate steps, its predatory gaze fixed on its prey.


    [6 Years Ago]


    "These bracelets of yours aren¡¯t working, Franklin," Bella said, her voice tinged with frustration. "My flames are starting to act up again. If I expand myself even slightly, they can¡¯t contain them. It¡¯s only a matter of time before they expose my mana signature, and then the Flame Troopers will find us."


    Franklin approached her with a calm smile, unfazed by her concern. "We¡¯ll figure out the bracelets later. You haven¡¯t eaten anything in days, and we¡¯ve been on the move constantly. I brought you something."


    Reaching into his jacket, Franklin pulled out a wrapped piece of paper. He carefully unraveled it, revealing its contents: a small, slightly charred drumstick.


    "You brought meat?" Bella asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Not just any meat," Franklin replied with a grin. "It¡¯s Goblin meat¡ªyour favorite."


    "It used to be my favorite when skilled cooks prepared it for me," Bella said, eyeing the drumstick skeptically. "This just looks like a burnt piece to me."


    Franklin chuckled. "Oh, come on, Princess. It¡¯s your birthday this year. Can¡¯t you accept it as a present from me? I know it¡¯s not much, but¡ª"


    "Why are you giving me presents every year?" Bella interrupted. "You¡¯re not my dad, you know."


    Franklin froze for a moment, her words catching him off guard. His tone softened, the energy from earlier fading. "Do I need to be your dad to give you a present?"


    Bella hesitated, her voice dropping as she replied, "I guess... I could try it."


    A smile returned to Franklin¡¯s face as he handed her the drumstick.


    Bella took a tentative bite, chewing slowly as Franklin watched her with anticipation.


    "It¡¯s overcooked," she said flatly. Then, after another bite, she added, "But still... the taste isn¡¯t so bad." She took another bite, then another.


    Franklin couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "What are you laughing at?" Bella asked, narrowing her eyes.


    "It¡¯s nothing," Franklin said, shaking his head with a grin. "I¡¯ll get you an even better present next year, my princess."


    [Present Day]


    Franklin watched as Red Wing opened its massive beak, a glowing orb of fire manifesting within. The orb pulsed, growing larger and brighter with each passing second. As Franklin stood there, a thought crossed his mind.


    "A dad, huh?" he murmured. "You¡¯re not perfect by any means, but maybe being a father to you wouldn¡¯t have been so bad. But an old man like me, being the father to a princess of the Great Families? What a silly idea."


    Tears streaked down Franklin¡¯s face as the fiery orb began to hum ominously.


    Red Wing unleashed the flaming orb, and it hurtled toward Franklin at blistering speed, ready to engulf him completely. Franklin stood firm, his body battered and burned.


    "I wish I could¡¯ve seen it once," he whispered. "I wish I could¡¯ve seen you smile... I¡¯m sorry, Bella. Looks like I won¡¯t be able to keep my promise."


    As the orb closed in, a shadow suddenly appeared in front of him.


    [Flame Severing]


    A dagger sliced through Red Wing''s orb, cleaving it cleanly in two. "You can''t give up, old man!" Joe''s voice boomed across the battlefield. "I really don¡¯t know why you¡¯d push yourself so hard for that entitled princess, but you look like you really care about her. So don¡¯t give up! You want to see her again, right? Then you can¡¯t die here. You have to keep going!"


    Franklin''s eyes widened as he watched Joe charging headlong at Red Wing. "Just who in the world is this kid?" he thought in disbelief.


    [-2000 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [You Have Activated The Skill (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [Current Mana Pool: 18 020]


    Joe surged forward, his Scorching Dagger blazing in his hand, his focus locked solely on Red Wing.


    [The Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger (C-Class) Has Been Unsealed]


    [3 Seals Have Been Removed]


    "Let¡¯s push past three seals, Syr!" Joe called out.


    [You Are Unable To Do So. The 4th Seal Will Only Become Available After You Reach Rank 20.]


    "Got it. I¡¯ll have to make this work for now," Joe replied, determination steeling his voice.


    [+45 Rank Points Have Been Added To The Scorching Dagger]


    [-75 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool]


    [You Have Activated The Scorching Dagger¡¯s Skill: (Flame Wheel)]


    [The Mana Injected Into The Scorching Dagger Has Been Adjusted To Avoid Destroying The Mana Tool.]


    [You Have Injected The Maximum Amount Of Mana The Scorching Dagger Can Handle After The Removaf 3 Seals.]


    [Mana Tool: Scorching Dagger Flame Strength And Speed: 1015]


    Joe swung his blade, unleashing a fiery wheel that spiraled forward with explosive force. The flaming wheel struck Red Wing, severing its remaining wing cleanly. Even as the beast let out a shrill cry of pain, Joe didn¡¯t falter. He pressed forward, resolute in finishing the battle.


    Red Wing, desperate and wounded, lashed out with fiery crescent arcs from its talons, aiming to halt Joe¡¯s relentless advance.


    "Sorry, big guy¡­ you¡¯re done."


    Joe raised his blade and swung it down in one fluid motion.


    [Flame Severing]


    The fiery arcs disintegrated under Joe¡¯s strike as Red Wing¡¯s form split in two, flames erupting from its body in a perfect line. The beast didn¡¯t even manage a final screech before collapsing lifelessly to the ground.


    Joe strode over to its corpse triumphantly.


    [Main Dungeon Quest Complete!]


    ? Reward: 35,000 Rank Points


    [You Have Cleared The First Zone Of The Main Dungeon (Scorching Cave)]


    ? Reward: 30,000 Rank Points


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 20 [17,100/85,000 Rank Points Required]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 54 (+15 From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 90


    ? Psychological Attributes: 36


    [Additional Rewards]


    ? 45,000 Gold Pieces (Total: 75,000)


    ? 10,000 Exam Tokens (Total: 16,000/100,000 Required)


    [You Have Slain The Zone Boss Of The First Zone, The (Rank 25) ¡®Red Wing¡¯]


    ? Reward: 30,000 Rank Points


    [Rank Up Progress: 20 [57,100/85,000 Rank Points Required]


    [You Have Unlocked A Dungeon Item: (Crimson Feather)]


    From the charred remains of Red Wing, Joe retrieved a radiant crimson feather.


    [Dungeon Item: Crimson Feather]


    ? Description: A Precious Feather Belonging To Certain Mana Beasts Of The Tori Tribe.


    ? Effect: Heals Severe Burns But May Not Work On Injuries That Surpass Its Healing Capabilities.


    ? Boost: +200 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes When Healing Burns.


    "Perfect," Joe muttered, examining the feather.


    [You Have Activated The ''Unique'' Skill: (Predator)]


    A swirling cloud of dark mana emanated from Joe¡¯s hand, enveloping and devouring Red Wing¡¯s remains.


    [You Have Devoured Red Wing¡¯s Remaining Mana. (+5000 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool)]


    [+1 (Rank 23)] Mana Beast Orb Has Been Added To Your Inventory]


    [Current Mana Pool: 23,020]


    Joe turned to Franklin, who lay motionless on the ground, his mana signature flickering faintly. Kneeling down, Joe placed the crimson feather on Franklin¡¯s chest.


    "This might help with the pain," Joe said gently before stepping back.


    An orange glow enveloped Franklin¡¯s body, but when it faded, the results were minimal. The burns had slightly diminished, but his injuries were far beyond the feather¡¯s capabilities.


    Franklin grinned weakly. "Sorry, kid, there¡¯s no saving me. This is what happens when you mess with Forbidden Techniques."


    Joe ignored him, gently lifting Franklin onto his back. "Then I¡¯ll just have to take you to Shelly. She¡¯ll know what to do."


    Franklin remained silent.


    [You Have Unlocked The Hidden Zone: (Death Zone)]


    "Wait, what? I thought we were heading to the second zone! What¡¯s going on, Syr?"


    [Transportation To The Hidden Zone Is Underway.]


    Before Joe could question further, his body dissolved into a trail of light, vanishing from the battlefield.

 Chapter 26: Syr

    A beam of light slammed into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. As it settled, Joe appeared, crouching low as though bracing himself. Slowly, he straightened, his voice barely above a mutter. "I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get used to that."


    [Transportation Complete!]


    [You Have Landed On The Hidden Zone (Death Zone)]


    Joe¡¯s eyes scanned his surroundings. Sand stretched endlessly in every direction, interrupted only by a few barren, leafless trees. The ground beneath him was an unbroken expanse of white, and when he looked up, a dark sky greeted him. A perfect crescent moon hung there, its pale glow illuminating the still landscape.


    There was no breeze, no sound, no movement. It was utterly silent. Joe took a deep breath, glancing over his shoulder at Franklin, still slumped against his back. ¡°You holding up, old man?¡±


    "I think we both know the answer to that. I won''t last long kid." Franklin coughed painfully, his chest wheezing. "I appreciate you doing this, but I used a skill I shouldn''t have. Overheat Is a skill that doesn''t just burn the body, but it also damages the soul. That''s why it''s a Forbidden Skill. Not even a healer can save me now."


    "You don''t know Shelly. I''m pretty sure she''ll find a way. Why would you even use something like that, knowing the consequences?"


    "Well, I may have overestimated myself a little," Franklin admitted with a chuckle that quickly turned into a painful cough. "I''m not as young as I used to be. Still, I don¡¯t regret anything I did back there. My only regret is not being able to at least say goodbye to the princess."


    "Then you''ll say it," Joe declared firmly. "I''ll get you to the princess. You''ll have your moment with her. I promise."


    "Why do you care what happens to an old man like me anyway?"


    "Let¡¯s just say I understand your situation. I know what it¡¯s like to want to see someone with every fiber of your being. So, you can''t just throw in the towel now, old man. You''re not giving up, right?"


    "Of course not¡ª"


    "Then that¡¯s that," Joe interrupted. "I¡¯ll get you to the princess at all costs. You just have to hold on a little longer. Can you do that?"


    "Of course I can. I¡¯m not some weakling, you brat."


    "That¡¯s the spirit, old man," Joe said with a small grin, taking steady steps forward with Franklin secured on his back.


    After a moment of silence, Franklin broke it. "Hey, kid¡­ that Mana Tool you used back in the First Zone. That wasn¡¯t the Scorching Dagger, was it?"


    Joe glanced back, startled by the question, before turning his gaze forward again. "It was. Why do you ask?"


    "You''re telling me you have the Scorching Dagger? That¡¯s one of the most prized Tools of the Amber Family. It belongs to one of Diana¡¯s princesses¡ªPrincess Kate Amber. So how did a kid like you end up with it?"


    "It¡¯s a long story," Joe replied, his tone guarded. "I got it from a bastard called Ray. He said he got the dagger from Kate''s brother, Kite. They were in the same party, so I think he was telling the truth. Ray was a murderous bastard, though, so I had to take him down. That¡¯s how the blade ended up in my hands."


    "That doesn¡¯t make sense. Did you just say Princess Kate has a brother?"


    "Yeah... his name is Kite."


    "That can¡¯t be true. In all the years I spent in the Amber Family, I never heard of Princess Kate having a brother."


    "Then why would she give Kite the Scorching Dagger? They must be family. Maybe your ancient memory is failing you, old man."


    "I¡¯m not that old, you brat," Franklin argued. "And I¡¯m sure she didn¡¯t have a brother. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s really going on here, but if you have the dagger, it¡¯s only a matter of time before Kate comes looking for it. For your sake, I hope you¡¯re ready."


    Franklin¡¯s warning hung heavy in the air, but Joe brushed it off with a shrug. "I¡¯ll be fine. You should worry about yourself, old man. I know how to take care of myself."


    Franklin sighed, realizing his words weren¡¯t sinking in. "Since you¡¯re so confident in your skills, can I ask you for something?"


    "What is it?"


    "If I don¡¯t make it... could you make sure that the princess at least gets to The Hunt safely?"


    Joe paused for a moment, he took a few seconds before he responded. "Sure thing, old man. But I¡¯m doing this for you, not for her," Joe clarified.


    Franklin chuckled softly, his voice growing weaker as his eyes began to close. "Thanks¡­ kid..." His words trailed off into silence.


    Joe could still feel Franklin¡¯s faint breaths on the back of his neck. He was unconscious but still alive¡ªbarely hanging on.


    "I have to pick up the pace," Joe muttered, breaking into a sprint. He was careful to keep Franklin steady, ensuring he didn¡¯t jostle him or worsen his condition.


    [This Old Man Is Dead Weight. Look At Him¡ªHe¡¯s On His Last Legs. How Do You Expect To Fight While Carrying A Walking Corpse? He¡¯s A Liability, If You Ask Me. I Say We Get Rid Of Him.]


    "And that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t ask you for anything, Syr. I made a promise to the old man, and I intend to keep it," Joe replied firmly.


    [You Need To Look At The Bigger Picture. The Old Man Is Barely Holding On. If You Ended Him Yourself, You¡¯d Earn A Few Rank Points¡ªMaybe Even Enough For A Rank Up. Let Him Succumb To His Injuries, And What Do We Get? Nothing. His Soul Isn¡¯t Worth Much Either. He¡¯s Already Damaged It Beyond Repair.]


    "No," Joe said sharply. "I won¡¯t do it. I¡¯ve already Ranked Up several times in this dungeon. There are other ways to gain power, Syr. If I clear this Dungeon, I¡¯m sure my rank will skyrocket."


    [We Must Take Every Chance We Can Get. You Can Never Be Too Strong In Grisha. You May Think Your Progress Is Enough, But it¡¯s Not. You¡¯re Still Nowhere Near Where You Need To Be. Clearing This Dungeon Is Just One Small Step¡ªYou Need Every Rank Up You Can Get.]


    "I agree, but I¡¯ll earn those Rank Ups without killing the old man."


    [Out Of All The Outsiders I¡¯ve Met, You¡¯re One Of The Most Stubborn¡ªAnd That¡¯s Really Saying Something.]


    "You worry too much. We¡¯ll get through this. I¡¯m not going to die."


    Syr fell silent, leaving Joe to press on in the stillness, the only sound was the crunch of his boots on the sand. The silence was abruptly broken when a notification screen flickered into view before him.


    [Hidden Zone Sub-Quest]


    ? Objective: Slay 4 Humans As Offerings To The ''Skull King.''


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points


    ? Failure: You Will Be Stuck In This Zone For Eternity.


    ? Time: 8 Hours


    ? Progress: 0/4 Humans Slain


    Joe froze in his tracks, his heart pounding as he reread the message. "What¡¯s the meaning of this? Syr, are you messing with me?"


    [No. These Are The Dungeon¡¯s Conditions ¡ªThey Have Nothing To Do With Me. It Looks Like You¡¯re Not Alone In This Place. If The Dungeon Is Giving You A Quest Like This, There Must Be Humans Nearby.]


    "If I don¡¯t kill four people, I¡¯ll be stuck here forever? What kind of sick quest is this?"


    [These Kinds Of Quests Are Actually Quite Common In Dungeons. You¡¯ll Have To Get Used To Them.]


    "There has to be another way."


    [There isn¡¯t.]


    Joe shook his head. "No. I¡¯ll find my own way out of this place. I think I¡¯ve had enough of your advice, Syr."


    Joe quickened his pace, his boots sinking into the soft sand with each step. The endless expanse of dunes stretched before him, unchanging and monotonous. He pressed forward for four grueling hours, doubt creeping into his mind. Maybe Syr was wrong. Maybe this zone didn¡¯t have any humans after all¡ªor worse, maybe he was lost.


    Just as despair began to weigh on him, he spotted a steep sand hill in the distance. it had what looked like a forest at the top. With renewed determination, he pushed forward, scaling the incline with surprising ease. When he reached the summit, he stopped to catch his breath, scanning the horizon for what lay ahead.


    Countless skeletons littered the ground, their bony remains crunching beneath his boots. Looming ahead were towering, leafless trees¡ªmuch larger than any he had encountered so far.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    But it wasn¡¯t the trees that held his attention. His eyes were locked on the figures partially obscured behind the trunks. Five colorful Mana Signatures glimmered faintly. They were unmistakably human.


    Before Joe could take another step, a voice rang out.


    "Stop right there!"


    A lanky, brown-haired kid wearing a black cloak stepped out from behind one of the trees. He held a blade pointed directly at Joe.


    Joe stopped in his tracks, his expression calm.


    "G-Get on your knees!" the boy demanded, though his voice trembled. The sword in his hands wavered, his grip unsteady and his body shaking.


    "I know the others are hiding behind those trees," Joe said, motioning toward them. "There''s no point in hiding now."


    The kid¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He glanced nervously behind him, and, one by one, the other figures revealed themselves. Four more adventurers emerged from the shadows of the trees, their movements hesitant, unsure.


    Joe studied them carefully. They were all adventurers, but something was clearly off. Their postures, their uncertain steps, and the fear etched on their faces told him everything¡ªthese were amateurs. They weren¡¯t used to situations like this.


    "Now get down!" the brown-haired kid shouted again, more forcefully this time.


    [Looks Like We¡¯re Dealing With Amateurs. These Guys Have Not Been Adventurers For Long. This Is Your Chance. Even If It''s Five Versus One, You Should Be Able To Handle Them.]


    "No, Syr. These guys aren¡¯t looking to kill me. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have revealed themselves¡ªthey would¡¯ve ambushed me."


    [That¡¯s Exactly What I¡¯m saying. They¡¯re Amateurs. This Might Be Your Only Chance. Who Knows How Many Other Humans Are Still In This Zone?]


    "I said get down!" the kid barked once more.


    "No, Syr, I won¡¯t kill them."


    [Why Not? You¡¯ve Killed Before. Stop Acting Like A Saint.]


    "Those times were different," Joe replied firmly. "Look at them. They clearly don¡¯t want to do this. If they did, they¡¯d have attacked me by now."


    [That Doesn¡¯t Matter. You Have To Complete The Quest]


    "No, Syr. I won¡¯t do it."


    [You fool! Your Reluctance To Do What''s Needed Will Be The End Of Us. We Need As Much Power As We Can Get. This Is Another Chance To Rank Up, And You¡¯re Throwing It Away!]


    "Look, Syr¡ª"


    [No, Joe. I Won¡¯t Let You. I Won¡¯t Let You Get In The Way Of Our Progress. We Need To Be Ready.]


    [System Connection Has Been Forcefully Initiated.]


    "Arghhhh!" Joe cried out, clutching his head as he dropped to his knees. Franklin tumbled from his back, landing in the dirt.


    Pain shot through Joe¡¯s mind like jagged knives, his vision blurring as he felt his consciousness being torn apart. "Stop¡­ it¡­ Syr¡­ Please¡­"


    [You¡¯ll Thank Me Later. This Is For Both Our Sakes.]


    Joe¡¯s screams echoed through the forest, piercing the stillness.


    "What¡¯s wrong with him?" one of the adventurers asked, exchanging panicked glances with the others.


    "I don¡¯t know!"


    "Damn it, I knew coming to this Dungeon was a bad idea!"


    [System Connection Complete!]


    Joe¡¯s screams faded, and he slowly rose to his feet, his movements deliberate yet unnaturally controlled. His breathing was steady and msadured.


    [Duration Of System Connection: 5 Minutes.]


    "Just five minutes?" The voice wasn¡¯t Joe¡¯s. It was deeper, colder. "I thought I¡¯d have more time than that. The kid is more stubborn than I gave him credit for." The voice belonged to Syr.


    Syr¡¯s gaze scanned the adventurers standing before him. One of them was a yellow-haired boy with a sharp jawline. Beside him stood a bald, muscular boy¡ªthe only one dressed differently, wearing a black vest and pants instead of a cloak. To his left was a girl with silver hair, gripping a black staff tightly. Next to her was the brown-haired boy who had first revealed himself.


    Yet, to Syr, none of them mattered. His focus locked on the last member of the group, and his breath hitched in disbelief.


    It was a black-haired girl, clad in the same ankle-length cloak as the others, adorned with a flower emblem and the party¡¯s name: Five Leaf Clovers. But it wasn¡¯t her cloak that caught Syr¡¯s attention¡ªit was her face. The way her purple eyes sparkled and her hair cascaded down her back reminded him so vividly of someone he once knew.


    ¡°Is that you? Rebecca¡­ is that really you?¡± Syr¡¯s voice trembled, his eyes wide with astonishment.


    The girl looked startled. ¡°Rebecca? I¡¯m not Rebecca¡­ I¡¯m Amy,¡± she replied hesitantly.


    Syr¡¯s expression twisted with confusion. Her answer didn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡°Rebecca? Does he mean that Rebecca?¡± the bald boy asked, glancing at his companions.


    ¡°Surely not, right?¡± the yellow-haired boy added. ¡°I mean, Amy resembles her a little, but¡­ didn¡¯t that Rebecca die like a really long time ago?"


    ¡°She¡¯s not dead! She¡¯s not dead! Rebecca''s not dead!¡± Syr¡¯s voice erupted, booming like thunder.


    The sheer force of his outburst silenced the group immediately, their eyes wide as they stared at him in stunned shock


    Without warning, The black blade materialized in Syr¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Rebecca Isn''t the one whose dead, that would be you." His voice was cold and detached.


    [-2,000 Rank Points From Your Mana Pool.]


    [Current Mana Pool: 21,020.]


    [You Have Activated The Skill(Outsider¡¯s Enhancement).]


    With a single swing of Syr''s blade, a gust of wind brushed past the adventurers before a blood-curdling scream shattered the stillness. Instinctively, they turned their heads¡ªand froze. The youngest among them, the boy with yellow hair, had been severed cleanly in two. His upper and lower halves hit the ground with a sickening thud, the white sand beneath him rapidly soaking in crimson.


    The girls screamed, their terrified voices echoing through the forest like a harrowing wail.


    Syr advanced with measured, deliberate steps, black mana seeping ominously from his figure.


    The two boys exchanged a glance filled with shock and uncertainty. Resolute, they nodded to each other and charged forward.


    "Cover us, Tracy!" shouted the brown-haired boy, his voice cracking under the strain of panic.


    Still trembling and teary-eyed, Tracy adjusted her grip on her staff, trying to steady herself.


    "I see," Syr murmured to himself, his tone chillingly calm. "So, she''s the healer."


    Without hesitation, Syr surged forward, a blur of movement. He weaved between the two boys with effortless precision, his lithe form slipping past them like a shadow. In an instant, he appeared in front of Tracy.


    Before she could react, his hand shot out, clamping around her throat. With terrifying strength, he slammed her against a nearby tree, the impact shaking the branches overhead.


    "Bob¡­ Leo¡­" Tracy croaked weakly, her voice strained as Syr''s grip tightened.


    The boys spun around, horror written across their faces. But before they could act, they saw it¡ªSyr¡¯s hand tearing into Tracy¡¯s throat with brutal ease.


    Blood spurted violently as she collapsed against the tree trunk, her trembling hands clawing at her neck in a futile attempt to stop the flow. Her gurgled breaths grew weaker, and her body slid limply to the ground.


    Syr stood over her, his gaze cold and unfeeling, his hand still dripping with blood.


    He turned to face the boys, his eyes half-lidded and indifferent as he used his cloak to casually wipe the blood from his hand.


    The muscular boy, Bob, surged forward, his face twisted in fury. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± he roared, his voice trembling with rage.


    Leo stood frozen, rooted to the spot.


    Bob closed the distance in an instant, appearing in front of Syr with his mana-coated fist raised high, ready to deliver a devastating blow.


    Syr, seemingly unfazed, sidestepped him with an almost lazy grace, brushing past as if Bob weren¡¯t even worth his attention.


    Bob whipped around, his anger boiling over at Syr¡¯s blatant disrespect. But he didn¡¯t notice it¡ªnot until it was far too late.


    Blood erupted from his throat as a deep gash became visible. The realization struck him like a thunderclap. "How¡­ he didn¡¯t even swing his blade¡­


    But Syr had swung. His blade moved so swiftly that not a single person on the field had caught the motion.


    Bob collapsed to his knees, his fingers clawing desperately at his throat.


    Syr turned slowly to face him, his gaze cold and unfeeling. Bob¡¯s right hand remained clamped on his neck, while his left quivered as it reached out, brushing weakly against Syr¡¯s ankle.


    Syr glanced down at the feeble grip, unmoved. As Bob lifted his gaze, their eyes met, and Syr could see the terror and resignation in them¡ªthe dawning realization that his life was slipping away.


    Without a word, Syr raised his Black Blade and drove it through Bob¡¯s skull. The sickening crunch echoed across the field, lingering in the air like a grim final note.


    Syr turned slowly, his gaze locking onto Leo. The moment their eyes met, Leo''s widened in shock. Without hesitation, he spun around and bolted.


    He managed only a few steps before a chilling breeze brushed past his legs. Then came the scream¡ªa bloodcurdling sound ripped from his throat as both his legs were severed.


    Leo collapsed, his body hitting the ground hard. Blood poured from the stumps where his legs had been, pooling rapidly beneath him. Despite the agony, he clawed at the ground, dragging himself forward, leaving a dark crimson trail in his wake.


    Syr followed at an unhurried pace, watching Leo''s desperate crawl with cold indifference. Each movement grew weaker, the struggle draining out of him.


    It took only moments for Syr to close the gap. Standing over Leo, he gazed down at him, his expression devoid of emotion.


    Leo''s eyes filled with terror as the realization struck. His time had run out. He was going to die.


    With a single, fluid motion, Syr raised his blade and swung. The strike was clean, swift¡ªLeo''s head separated from his body in an instant.


    [Quest Progress: 4/4 Humans Slain]


    [Hidden Zone Sub-Quest Complete!]


    ? Reward: 15,000 Rank Points


    [You Have Slain 5 Human Natives (+40,000 Rank Points)]


    [You Have Ranked Up!]


    [Rank Up Progress: 21 (21,000/90,000)]


    [Updated Attributes]


    ? Physical Attributes: 57 (+15 From The Black Sheep)


    ? Mana Attributes: 95


    ? Psychological Attributes: 38


    [System Connection Remaining Duration: 2 Minutes]


    Syr turned around again, his eyes locking onto Amy, who was on her knees with tears streaming down her face.


    He stepped toward her cautiously, but she flinched, retreating slightly. Her trembling hands raised a staff, aiming it shakily at him.


    "What are you doing, Rebecca? Get up! Don¡¯t you recognize my voice? It¡¯s me, Syr!"


    "Stay away from me! Stay back!" Amy screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.


    "Rebecca, it¡¯s me! Don¡¯t you remember? I¡¯m in a kid¡¯s body right now, but it¡¯s really me." Syr pleaded, taking another step closer.


    "I said stay back!" Amy yelled again. This time, mana surged from her staff, forming a glowing orb of water that shot toward him. [Water Ball]


    The shot went wide, and Syr ducked beneath it effortlessly. "I don¡¯t understand. Are you really not Rebecca? Are you confused? Did the humans do something to your mind?" Syr asked, his voice tinged with sorrow as he moved closer.


    Amy¡¯s response was immediate. Two more spheres of water formed and launched from her staff. These were better aimed, forcing Syr to raise his black blade. He deflected them, but the impact pushed him back, his feet skidding across the white sand.


    "I guess... you¡¯re really not her," Syr muttered, his voice low with disbelief. His grip on the black blade tightened. "Why? Why would you copy her face? How dare you imitate Rebecca!"


    Amy¡¯s lips trembled, unable to form a single word, her fear evident in her wide eyes.


    In a blur, Syr closed the distance with a single step. His kick struck her face, slamming her into the ground with a bone-jarring impact. Her staff clattered to the side as she screamed in pain.


    Without hesitation, Syr stomped on her right arm, the crunch of breaking bones followed by Amy¡¯s anguished cries. He moved to her other arm, then her legs, shattering them one by one. Each strike was accompanied by his furious shout.


    "How dare you! How dare you!"


    Syr¡¯s rage consumed him as he brought his foot down on her face again and again, ignoring the sickening sound of flesh and bone being pulverized. When he finally stopped, there was nothing left of Amy¡¯s face but a grotesque, unrecognizable mess.


    Syr stared at Amy''s bloodied corpse for a long, harrowing moment before tearing his gaze away. His eyes landed on Franklin¡¯s crumpled body lying motionless on the ground.


    He strode toward the unconscious old man, his grip tightening on the hilt of his blade. Raising the weapon high above his head, his voice was cold and resolute. ¡°I told Joe you were nothing but a burden. He was too much of a fool to see it, to do what needed to be done. But he''ll understand. He''ll see I¡¯m doing this for us.¡±


    Before the blade could descend, a searing pain erupted in Syr¡¯s head, sharp and unrelenting.


    ¡°Get out of my head, you bastard!¡± Joe¡¯s voice rang out, growing louder and more insistent.


    ¡°Damn it, can¡¯t you see I¡¯m trying to help us? You stubborn fool!¡± Syr snarled, his voice cracking as he dropped to his knees. The black blade slipped from his hand, falling with a dull thud into the sand. He clutched his head, screaming in agony, before collapsing face-first onto the ground.


    And then, darkness swallowed him.


    [System Connection Has Been Disabled]

 Chapter 27: Bones

    Joe''s eyes snapped open, and he found himself on his knees, a throbbing headache pounding in his skull. He had regained control, but it was too late. His gaze darted around, taking in the horrifying scene¡ªthe lifeless bodies of the adventurers Syr had slaughtered.


    His heart raced when his eyes landed on Franklin''s unmoving form beside him. Relief washed over him momentarily as he sensed Franklin¡¯s mana signature still present. But too many had already been killed.


    "Why! Dammit! I told you not to kill them!" Joe''s voice echoed in the eerie silence.


    [I Did This For Us. If I Didn''t Do It, We Would Be Stuck Here Forever.]


    "You saw them! They didn¡¯t want to fight. Maybe we could¡¯ve reasoned with them, found another solution!"


    [No, There Was No Other Solution. It Was Either Us Or Them. I Did Them A Favor In The End¡ªNow They Won¡¯t Be Stuck In This Place For Eternity.]


    "Stop speaking like you did this for some righteous reason! You did it to gain power and strength because that¡¯s all you care about, you heartless monster!"


    [I Won¡¯t Lie To You. Getting Those Rank Points Was Part Of The Reason. So What? This Is How Things Work Here. People Die So Others Can Grow Stronger. This Isn¡¯t Earth, Joe. You Need To Throw Those Morals From Earth Aside. This Is Grisha. You Know, I Thought We Were Making Progress When You Brought Down Mikey And His Friends, But  I Guess I Was Wrong.]


    "That was different! Mikey and his friends were pure evil¡ªthey needed to die! But those guys¡­ they were just trying to survive circumstances beyond their control."


    [Exactly. That¡¯s The Same Situation We Were In. We Did The Only Thing We Could Have Done. You Need To Start Adapting, Joe. You Can¡¯t Let Your Emotions Dictate How You Think. You Always Need To Think About Your Survival First¡ªIf You Want To Live In  A World Like This.]


    "I¡¯m not like you, okay? I can¡¯t just turn off my emotions and kill anything that moves. I don¡¯t want to be like that!" Tears streamed down Joe¡¯s face, his voice cracking with anguish.


    [You Need To Decide What¡¯s More Important¡ªFinding Your Family Or Sticking To Your Morality. If I¡¯m Being Honest, You¡¯ll Get Us Both Killed If You Keep This Up. I Won¡¯t Let That Happen. Your Actions Affect Me Too, Joe, And I Won¡¯t Let You Lead Us To Our Deaths.]


    Joe fell silent, wiping the tears from his face. Slowly, he rose to his feet and turned to Franklin, who still lay motionless. "If I hadn¡¯t woken up, you would¡¯ve killed him too, wouldn¡¯t you? After I explicitly told you not to. I can maybe understand killing the adventurers on some level, but Franklin? You weren¡¯t forced to do it! The quest was already completed. And the adventurers¡­ one of them could¡¯ve survived."


    [Again, I Did This For Us.]


    "That¡¯s not good enough!" Joe¡¯s voice boomed, trembling with rage. "How can I trust you when, the moment we disagree, you take over and kill mindlessly?"


    Gritting his teeth, Joe bent down, carefully lifting Franklin and placing him on his back. It was nothing short of a miracle that the old man was still alive.


    "Look, Syr¡­ When I first came to Grisha, you were the first one I connected with. You¡¯ve helped me so much up until now. I want to trust you. But you have to promise me¡ªyou can¡¯t take over like that again. We need to work together. I¡¯ll try, okay? I¡¯ll try to adapt, for both our sakes. Just¡­ don¡¯t do that again."


    Syr fell silent, Joe¡¯s words hanging heavily in the air.


    Joe exhaled sharply, his determination hardening as he prepared to move forward. But before he could take a single step, the ground began to quake violently.


    From the sand, dark clouds began to materialize, swirling ominously beneath the lifeless bodies of the adventurers Syr had slain. These dark clouds gave birth to skeletal arms and hands that clawed their way into the open air.


    The bony appendages coiled tightly around the five lifeless adventurers, dragging their bodies¡ªdecapitated heads and all¡ªinto the depths of the black void. Slowly, and with an eerie finality, the corpses disappeared into the darkness, leaving no trace behind.


    The swirling clouds dissipated, the sand settling back into place, eerily untouched, as if nothing had transpired.


    [5 Human Natives Have Been Offered To The ''Skull King''.]


    [The ''Skull King'' Has Accepted The Offerings And Grants You Access To Their Domain.]


    Moments later, the same foreboding cloud emerged beneath Joe''s feet. It engulfed him in an instant, dragging him into the abyss. His frantic screams were swallowed by the void, fading into the suffocating darkness.


    Joe felt like he was sinking into an endless abyss, but then¡ªabruptly¡ªeverything stopped. His eyes flew open, and he found himself in a dim, icy hallway. Before him stood a massive black door, adorned with a familiar seal. It was nearly identical to the one he had used to enter the First Zone.


    Instinctively, Joe¡¯s gaze shifted to his side. Relief flooded through him as he spotted Franklin lying nearby. The old man was motionless, but Joe could still see his Mana Signature¡ªa clear sign he was alive.


    To his left, he saw The Black Blade, its surface still slick with blood from Syr''s actions. He hesitated, his hand hovering before finally gripping the weapon. Rising to his feet, he turned his attention to the towering door ahead. Its imposing presence seemed to beckon him forward. But before he could act, a faint sound came from behind.


    Joe spun around. It was Franklin. The old man was stirring, weakly dragging himself to lean against the cold stone wall. He looked up at Joe and managed a strained smile.


    "You should go on without me, kid. I''ll wait here... until you''re done," Franklin rasped, his voice heavy with pain. Even the small act of smiling seemed torturous.


    "You expect me to leave you like this?" Joe asked, his tone sharp but laced with concern.


    "I can¡¯t go with you," Franklin said, coughing harshly. "My mana''s almost completely gone. Even if I did enter, In my current condition I will only slow you down."


    Joe clenched his fists, hating how much sense the old man¡¯s words made. Franklin¡¯s condition left him no choice.


    "Fine," Joe relented, his voice low. "But you better stay alive, old man. I''ll take down the Boss quickly, and we¡¯ll move on to the next zone together. We''re really close to seeing that princess of yours, so don''t you dare die on me now."


    Franklin gave a weak nod, his lips twitching into another painful smile.


    Joe turned back to the door, placing his hand firmly on the seal.


    "Good luck, kid," Franklin said hoarsely, his voice fading as Joe vanished from sight.


    [Transportation Complete!]


    Joe''s form materialized almost instantly on the other side of the door. His eyes shot forward, scanning his surroundings with urgency.


    [You Have Entered The Skull King''s Domain]


    [The Skull King''s ''Domain Skill (King''s Presence) Has Taken Effect]


    Before he could move, Joe''s body buckled under an overwhelming force, dropping to his knees as if gravity itself had turned against him. He clenched his teeth, his muscles trembling as he struggled to withstand the oppressive weight.


    [Due To The ''Domain Skill (King''s Presence) You Will Lose 20 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes Every Minute.]


    [-15 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes]


    [Current Physical Attributes: 42]


    Joe''s eyes darted frantically around the room, but darkness engulfed everything. He couldn''t see a single thing¡ªuntil a chilling scream echoed through the void. Suddenly, the room began to stir.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    From the walls, eerie green candles ignited one by one, their flickering flames casting ghostly light on the solid brick walls. Human skulls adorned the room like macabre works of art, hung in grotesque elegance. As the candles flared to life, they revealed more of the room. The sight sent a cold shiver coursing down Joe''s spine. Countless skeletons surrounded him, their hollow sockets staring as if waiting for something.


    Above him, a massive chandelier sputtered to life, its emerald glow bathing the chamber in a sickly radiance.


    At the center of it all, just 15 meters away, a horrifying centerpiece came into view. A throne of bones, intricately constructed from the remains of the dead, loomed ominously. Seated upon it was a figure dressed in a flowing black gown. Its golden crown rested atop a bare, skeletal skull. From head to toe, its body was devoid of flesh¡ªgleaming white bones were all that remained. Yet, this was no ordinary skeleton. It moved.


    In its right hand, it clutched a severed human head. In its left, it held a glass. With brutal efficiency, the skeleton squeezed the head, forcing blood to drip steadily into the glass. The sickening sound of cracking bone accompanied the act, the head collapsing under its grip. Once the glass was full, the head was carelessly discarded, rolling away like a forgotten toy.


    The skeleton raised the glass to its lipless mouth and attempted to drink. Blood spilled from its hollow jaw, pooling onto the floor, but the creature seemed indifferent. It drank every last drop before tossing the glass aside, where it shattered upon impact.


    Finally, its hollow eyes fixed on Joe. Slowly, deliberately, the skeleton rose from its throne, its imposing presence filling the room.


    [The Hidden Zone Boss The (Rank 30) ''Skull King'' Has Appeared.]


    [Hidden Zone Main Quest]


    ? Objective: Slay The Hidden Zone Boss, The ''Skull King.''


    ? Reward: 35,000 Rank Points


    ? Failure: Death


    Mana surged violently from Joe¡¯s body.


    [You Have Activated The Skill: (Outsider¡¯s Enhancement)]


    [-2000 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool.]


    [Current Mana Pool:19,020]


    [+350 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes. (Total:392)


    [+400 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool. (Total:495]


    Joe steadied himself despite the oppressive effects of the Domain. The lingering pressure still weighed on him, but his sheer physical strength pushed through its grip.


    The Skull King reached for the armrest where a bottle of green liquid rested. It casually lifted the bottle and drank as it descended a grotesque staircase formed from the mangled bodies of adventurers. Syr''s victims were also part of the pile.


    Green liquid dripped from the Skull King''s hollow jaws, splashing onto the corpses below, as its body failed to contain the substance.


    By the time the Skull King reached the ground, the bottle was nearly empty. It let out a deep burp, exhaling a sinister green smoke, and casually hurled the bottle toward Joe.


    Joe didn¡¯t take chances. With a sharp swing of his blade, he unleashed a black crescent slash that tore through the bottle mid-air. The shattered container released a sudden explosion, flooding the area with a cloud of green smoke.


    Joe tightened his grip on his black blade, his eyes piercing through the obscuring fumes. Within the haze, a sharp, elongated object emerged¡ªa spear made of bones. [Bone Spear]


    Acting on instinct, Joe swung his weapon again, releasing another dark arc of mana. [Crescent Moon Slash]


    The bone spear twisted unnaturally mid-flight, evading the attack and streaking toward him. Joe quickly shifted his stance, aiming the tip of his blade directly at the incoming projectile. Black mana coalesced at the tip, forming a dense orb of energy.


    [Black Orb]


    He fired the attack, the orb only got close to the bone but didn''t make contact before it exploded. The explosion devoured the bone before it had a chance to change its trajectory again. A dark cloud began to build up as a result¡ªmixing with the already present green smoke.


    The momentary reprieve didn¡¯t last. A sudden gust of wind tore through the cloud of smoke blowing it away. The Skull King appeared in front of Joe in an instant.


    With a clenched fist, the Skull King delivered a devastating punch to Joe¡¯s stomach.


    Joe flew backward, crashing against the massive door of the Domain, the force of the impact reverberating through his entire body.


    "That¡¯s fast," Joe thought, gritting his teeth as blood trickled down his lip.


    He didn¡¯t have time to dwell on the Skull King''s Speed, though.


    The Skull King slammed its palm against the ground, causing countless bone spikes to erupt violently from the floor. [Bone Eruption]


    Reacting instantly, Joe leaped into the air, his form graceful as his cloak billowed in the wind.


    But this was exactly what the Skull King had anticipated.


    As Joe ascended, four orbs of green light materialized around the Skull King, their shapes morphing into eerie, glowing skulls. They emitted haunting, almost lifelike wails before the Skull King hurled them at Joe.


    Joe landed deftly on the ceiling, using it as a springboard to launch himself forward.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go x2, Syr.¡±


    [-4000 Rank Points To Your Mana Attribute]


    [+650 Rank Points To Your Physical Attributes:(Total:692)


    [+800 Rank Points To Your Mana Pool: (Total:895]


    [Current Mana Pool: 15,020]


    His blade slashed through one of the orbs, triggering a massive explosion that caused a chain reaction, igniting the rest.


    The blast engulfed Joe, but thanks to the Black Sheep and [Outsider¡¯s Enhancement], the flame''s effects were drastically diminished. Using the momentum from his leap, Joe cut through the smoke, appearing above the Skull King. He swung his blade with the intent to cleave the Skull King in half.


    The Skull King, however, was prepared. Raising its massive arm, it intercepted the strike. The clash sent a powerful shockwave through the chamber, creating a massive crater beneath them. The bone spikes and skeletons scattered throughout the domain were obliterated by the force. Despite the colossal impact, the Skull King¡¯s bones remained unscathed, not a single crack marring their surface.


    With sheer brute strength, the Skull King flung Joe aside with a single sweeping motion, sending him flying and skidding across the ground. Only Joe¡¯s agility spared him from a more severe injury.


    Now a fair distance away, Joe steadied himself, his skin burning from the lingering heat of the flames. His face and hands stung sharply, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain, refusing to yield.


    "That thing can manipulate green fire? Are skeletons allowed to do that?"


    [No, It¡¯s Manipulating Souls. It¡¯s Using Them To Generate An Energy Similar To Fire, But it¡¯s Not. Think Of It  As An Advanced Form Of Your Soul Control Skill.]


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    The Skull King launched both its fists, detaching them from its arms and propelling them like rockets.


    Joe reacted swiftly, weaving past the fists with seamless precision. But as he pressed forward, ready to slay the handless Skull King, he noticed the fists closing in again from behind, targeting his blind spot. They made no sound, making them perfect assassination tools¡ªbut Joe had no blind spots.


    He saw them.


    Performing an acrobatic backflip, Joe soared over the Skull King¡¯s hands. While airborne, he swung his blade, a crescent arc of black mana was launched targeting the Skull King''s neck.


    Green energy surged around the Skull King¡¯s arm just before another explosion erupted on contact.


    Joe landed a few meters away.


    He spotted the Skull King on the move, its form darting to his right in a curving run. The creature used the smoke as cover, but Joe saw through everything.


    Unable to rely on stealth, the Skull King opted for speed. It closed the distance swiftly, wielding a bone sword that erupted in green flames. The Skull King swung in a horizontal arc, which produced green crescent flames whose aim was to split Joe into two.


    Joe barely raised his black blade in time to block. The sheer force of the attack sent him sliding backward, his boots scraping against the ground as he struggled to hold his ground.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Syr! x3!¡±


    [-6000 Rank Points From Your Mana Pool]


    [+950 To Your Mana Pool. (Total:992)


    [1,200 Rank Points To Your Mana Attributes. (Total:1 295)]


    [Current Mana Pool: 9,020]


    Mana surged through Joe¡¯s blade, allowing him to nullify the Skull King¡¯s attack with a powerful counter-swing.


    But the Skull King wasn¡¯t finished. It appeared above Joe''s form hurling a spear coated in green flames.


    Joe jumped back just in time, but when the spear struck the ground, it unleashed a massive shockwave that sent him flying backward. He crashed spine-first into the wall, more blood dripping from his lips as pain surged through his body.


    ¡°Damn it, that thing¡¯s strong. Really, really strong.¡±


    The Skull King landed with eerie grace, forming another sword in its hands. Once again, the blade radiated its signature green energy. Pointing the weapon at Joe, the flames condensed into a glowing orb.


    Joe felt mocked, as though the Skull King was saying, If you can do it, I can do it better.


    The orb shot toward Joe. He scrambled, leaping to the side just in time to avoid annihilation.


    His legs felt heavy, his lungs burned, and sweat poured down his face. Joe¡¯s grip tightened on his blade despite the stinging pain in his arms.


    "I have to finish this in one solid attack."


    [You Have Unsealed 4 Seals From The Black Blade]


    As soon as he unsealed the 4th seal, Joe collapsed to his knees. "What the hell? It''s so heavy."


    [-1000 From Your Mana Pool]


    [Current Mana Pool:8,020]


    [The Black Blade''s Maximum Mana Capacity Has Increased To 2500]


    "Damn it, that¡¯s a drastic consumption of my Mana Pool."


    [When You Go Beyond 3 Seals, It¡¯s Bound To Happen. You¡¯re A Step Closer To Awakening The Mana Tool.]


    "Awakening?"


    [Keep Your Eyes On The Battle. It''s Coming.]


    The Skull King closed the distance with frightening speed. This time, its entire body was engulfed in "flames"¡ªa green, energy that radiated around it.


    With a roar, it thrust its sword into Joe''s stomach, but Joe leaped sideways, narrowly avoiding the strike as the blade passed harmlessly through the air.


    "Let¡¯s finish this."


    [You Have Activated The Black Blade¡¯s Skill: (Charge)]


    [The Black Blade Is Gathering Mana]


    The Skull King, unfazed, turned toward Joe, preparing for another charge. But Joe stood firm, his eyes narrowed in focus.


    The Skull King threw itself at him, its speed frighteningly quick.


    [Charge Complete!]


    [The Black Blade''s Mana Output Has Doubled (Total: 5000 Rank Points)]


    [You Have Activated The ''Branch Skill'': (Black Vortex)]


    With a swift motion, Joe swung his blade. As it cut through the air, a massive wave of dark mana erupted from the blade, surging toward the Skull King. The energy enveloped the creature, pulling it into a swirling vortex of pure black mana. Countless slashes tore through its bones from every angle, shredding its form into oblivion.


    Joe was ripping the rewards of [Outsider¡¯s Enhancement] reaching its second stage .


    Exhaustion overwhelmed Joe, and he dropped to his knees, breathing heavily. A smile crept onto his face. The battle was over. And with that, Joe knew he had finally opened a path to the next zone.

 Announcement!

    Hi guys, as all of you know I took a break from posting this story. I wanted to announce that I''ve already started posting the rewrite as promised. The story is largely the same but there are key differences which I''m sure you will notice.


    The system has been overhauled, I created a new one which I''m much more happy with. The plot itself won''t change, so for people who have caught up it might take me around a week or two to catch up to the current arc.


    You can check out the story if you''re still interested In my fiction page. The name is "The Ultimate Outsider" I hope you will still enjoy the story as I have no intention of stopping writing it.


    OK I think I said everything I need to say. But due to a minimum chapter needing 500 words. Forgive me as I will place fluff in the bottom half of this post. Thanks for reading.


    Words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words. I love words. Words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words.


    God there''s still more than two hhundred to goThe author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Words words words. Wait a minute. I just found a cheat code.


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