《Crowned In Blood》


 Chapter 1: Cave Of Echoes

    <div>


    In the Hunter Association¡¯s headquarters, on the top floor, sat a large office reserved for the president and vice president. Seated at a desk near the window, Selene Karmov reviewed a set of important documents. Sighing, she leaned back and signaled to the secretary.


    "Hannah, go and get Teo Amanar for me." She ordered. Hannah¡¯s hand froze, for an instant, at the mention of that name. Teo Amanar. Pulling herself together, she nodded and left the room.


    In one of the training rooms below, Teo, a young man with long, white hair tied back and piercing crimson eyes, was doing push-ups. His athletic physique moved with precise control, each movement steady and unhurried. He barely paused when a knock sounded at his door.


    ¡°Come in. It¡¯s open,¡± he called out, continuing his push-ups without breaking rhythm.


    The door opened slowly, and Teo looked up to see a woman with long black hair and black eyes stepping into the room. Hannah seemed hesitant, taking a moment to gather herself as she entered the room, her gaze dodging Teo''s.


    ¡°You¡¯re needed by the vice president. Please go to the office.¡± She avoided his gaze, her fingers twisting together as she spoke.


    "Alright," Teo answered while finishing up his workout. After hearing his answer, Hannah quietly left the training room.


    Teo scowled, thinking to himself, ''I know my reputation¡¯s rough, but seriously, it can¡¯t be this bad.'' Dressing himself in his signature black suit, he also left the training room and made his way toward Selene''s office.


    As he walked, he noticed the uneasy expressions on every person''s face he passed. Irritation prickled under his skin. ''Sure, I¡¯m not exactly the friendliest guy around. But this is getting ridiculous.'' As another junior agent practically dove out of his way. Teo rolled his eyes. A mocking smile crept onto his face. ''They act like I¡¯m a rabid wolf let loose in their office. If only they knew half of what I¡¯ve actually done for them.''


    Annoyed, Teo made his way to the vice president¡¯s office and pushed the door open without knocking. ¡°Selene, what¡¯s so urgent?¡± He said, his gaze sharp as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.


    Selene looked up, surprised as someone entered her office without knocking. She almost scolded the intruder, but her expression changed when she saw it was Teo. ¡°Teo, you know better,¡± she said, frowning. ¡°Close the door and sit on the sofa. I¡¯m almost done.¡±


    ¡°Fine, but hurry up; I don¡¯t have all day,¡± he said, slouching back onto the sofa, arms draped over the cushions. Selene shrugged it off, her focus still on the papers in front of her as she finished her work.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Standing up from her desk and sitting across from Teo, she began, "I have another mission for you." Hearing those words, Teo slumped deeper into the sofa, giving a frustrated "Fine, what is it this time?"


    Rolling her eyes at his dramatic display, she curtly answered, "It¡¯s a dungeon called Cave of Echoes. Even though it¡¯s only rank C, it¡¯s riddled with strange monsters and other hazards that make most hunters steer clear of it."


    "Is that the only reason you''re sending me?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.


    "No," Selene replied. "Right now, everyone else in the Extermination squad is on another mission, so you¡¯re the only one available. It needs to be cleared soon, or the dungeon will break."


    "Okay, anything else? Otherwise, just send me the location and data, and I''ll be on my way." Teo said, leaning back and crossing his arms.


    Selene frowned, her brows knitting together. "I know you enjoy fighting and prefer doing your missions alone, but are you sure you don''t want me to send backup?"


    Teo waved her off dismissively. "I''ll be fine. I''ve dealt with worse, and I turn 17 tommorow." He stood up, ready to leave. "Make sure to send me the details, and I would also like an assistant that does my paper work and reports."


    Hesitating for a moment, Selene just nodded and let him leave. "I''ll think about it; just make sure to come back safely."


    Nodding at her, Teo left the office and headed straight to the ground floor. Exiting the association building, he signaled to his personal driver and climbed into the car.


    "Where to, sir?" the driver asked politely.


    Teo retrieved his phone from his pocket and opened the email from Selene containing all the data. "Cave of Echoes in the North. How long will it take to get there?"


    "We should arrive in about 25 minutes, sir," the driver replied with a nod.


    "Okay, don¡¯t bother me unless it¡¯s an emergency. After we arrive, call the cleanup squad and tell them to be there in two days," Teo instructed, his eyes glued to the screen.


    The driver nodded respectfully and began driving toward the Cave of Echoes.


    Information on this dungeon was limited, Teo noted with frustration. Still, it was the perfect chance to awaken his abilities and discover what he was truly capable of. Plus, he would finally have the freedom to act as he pleased inside.


    As the car sped along the road, Teo scrolled through the data Selene had sent him; the lack of information was both annoying and exciting to him. What kind of enemies would he face, and how thrilling would the battles be? He could hardly wait.


    Once the car exited the city and drove into the wilderness, Teo leaned back, letting the thrill of the unknown wash over him. What if it¡¯s just a bunch of weaklings hiding behind traps? he wondered. But he decided not to dwell on that possibility, knowing it was none other than Selene Karmov who had assigned him the mission.


    He was aware that she understood him well; despite his tough exterior, she had supported him countless times since his expulsion from the Amanar family. In many ways, she had become like a second mother to him.


    When they arrived at the dungeon, they stepped out of the car and surveyed the massive purple rectangular gate standing alone in the dense forest. The surface etched with white runes that shimmered with a faint glow. Turning to the driver, he instructed, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to notify the cleanup squad to be here in two days.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll inform them as soon as I return to the association,¡± the driver replied, inclining his head slightly.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be back in two days, then.¡± With that, Teo marched into the frame and vanished.


    Once he disappeared, the driver muttered, ¡°Who does he think he is, talking to me like that?¡± He climbed back into the car, shaking his head in annoyance. ¡°No wonder no one likes him. With that attitude, even his own mother would have a hard time.¡± He snorted as he drove off.


    Upon returning to the association, the driver made his way to the briefing room, where members of the cleanup squad were gathered. "Hello," he called out, drawing their attention. Recognizing which driver it was this time, they all rolled their eyes and sighed, bracing themselves for the inevitable announcement.


    ¡°Teo''s at the Cave of Echoes. He¡¯ll need you there in two days. Better prepare for whatever mess he¡¯ll leave behind.¡±


    Shaking their heads, they exchanged helpless glances, fully aware of the rough job awaiting them once Teo emerged from the dungeon. He wasn¡¯t called ¡°The Butcher¡± for nothing; he always left the dungeons he cleared in an extremely gruesome state. Some members of the cleanup squad had even fainted the first time they entered a dungeon he had cleared.


    <div>

 Chapter 2: Entering The Dungeon

    Taking in his surroundings, Teo didn''t see a single monster. The tunnel stretched out endlessly before him, shrouded in darkness. Wondering about the emptiness, he decided to double-check the data Selene had sent.


    Grabbing his phone, he pulled up the downloaded report. "Rank C. Four floors, with a boss only on the last floor." He skimmed further. "Sound-based monsters... cave setting helps them, I guess." Teo lost interest. This wouldn¡¯t be a challenge.


    They¡¯d picked him because, as an immortal vampire, he could ignore their weak attacks and clear the dungeon fast. He¡¯d just need to watch out for traps because healing still costs energy. ¡°Or,¡± he smirked, ¡°I could just devour every monster I kill.¡±


    "I¡¯ll clear the first three floors today. Tomorrow¡¯s my 17th birthday, so that¡¯s when I awaken... I can¡¯t wait," he whispered to himself, a wild grin spreading across his face.


    Teo continued down the dark tunnel, his steps echoing. After thirty minutes, still no sign of life. The silence was almost unnatural. "Tsk, where are all the monsters?" he muttered. "If it stays this easy, I''ll be out of here in no time."


    However, as Teo moved deeper, the tunnel grew increasingly narrow, pressing him between the walls that seemed to close tighter with each step. Just as he felt the rocks scraping against his shoulders, the narrow passage ended.


    He stepped forward, and the space around him opened up into an immense cave, stretching so far that even his vision struggled to capture the edges. The ceiling high above was covered with bats.


    Seeing the bats, Teo couldn¡¯t help but grin. Finally, some monsters. "Come at me!" he shouted, licking his lips in anticipation. But as soon as the words left his mouth, he froze.


    In unison, every bat opened its mouth, releasing a piercing, shrill cry that seemed to cut through the air. The sound surged toward him like a wave, vibrating his bones and reverberating in his skull.


    ¡°Oh shit, this is gonna hurt,¡± Teo muttered, desperately trying to cover his ears, but it was too late. The sonic assault hit him full force, sending a jolt of pain racing through his body.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    He collapsed to the ground, disoriented for a moment as his vampiric healing kicked in, rapidly mending the damage. "Damn, I forgot these bats use sound-based attacks, and of course, in this cavern, the sound''s amplified."


    Getting up slowly as his injuries and headache healed, Teo closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating on his aching body. This was it. The thrill of fighting and getting injured is what he lives for.


    Snapping his fingers, blood started to appear behind him. "Blood Spears," he chanted. The next moment, countless blood-red spears formed surrounding him. He raised his index finger and aimed it at the swarm of bats. At his signal, every spear shot forward, hurdling toward their targets.


    Agonized howls spread throughout the cave as Teo watched hundreds of bats fall from the rocky ceiling above. Glancing over the scattered bodies, he casually chewed on their remains, quickly losing interest. "Pathetic," he muttered. "I should have read the report more carefully; then I¡¯d have avoided these useless injuries. But it doesn''t matter. Without pain, things are far too dull."


    Teo strolled through the bats'' remains, casually launching spear after spear at the remaining bats.  Each bat that fell, he would snack on it, devouring half or less of the creature before discarding it carelessly. The ground full of half-eaten bodies.


    He tore off a chunk of meat, chewing as he muttered, "Weak little things... barely worth the effort." Swallowing, he glanced around at the pile of half-eaten bats spread across the ground, having finally arrived at the end of the bat-infested cave. His gaze shifted, catching sight of a staircase descending into the next level.


    "So, this was the first floor. Not bad as a warm-up, I suppose," he said. Continuing onward, he started down the stairs to the second floor.


    Exiting the staircase, he stepped into another cavernous chamber, this one far larger than the previous cave on the first floor. Teo saw all the monsters glaring at him. There were even more bats hanging on the ceiling, and Teo noticed that they looked bigger than the bats that were on the first floor.


    And on the ground were creatures that looked like lizards; they had long, scaly bodies that were white. With big blue eyeballs, their scaled limbs ended in sharp, curved nails.


    "Now this is more like it!" Teo exclaimed, a sinister, almost feral grin spreading across his face, as if reveling in some dark, twisted pleasure. His nails elongated into wicked claws. His body began to stretch and sharpen, becoming taller and more unnaturally slender, his features taking on a vampiric edge as his form twisted.


    He could feel his senses sharpen as his fangs lengthened, his skin growing even paler. The hunger for blood surged within him, an insatiable craving that rose with the transformation. His form was no longer human; he was becoming something monstrous.


    He watched as the bats opened their mouths once more, preparing for another shrill cry. Without hesitation, Teo sprang into action, chanting, "Crimson Silence." Two small red bubbles materialized around his ears, forming a protective barrier. The high-pitched shriek of the bats collided harmlessly with the invisible shield, having no effect on Teo.


    A smirk curled on Teo''s lips. Not waiting for another second, he snapped his fingers. "Blood Spears!" The moment the words left his lips, the blood spears were launched towards the bats.


    Without a second glance, Teo dashed toward the lizards. In a blur of motion, he slashed through one with his claws, splitting it in half, before puncturing the throat of another with a swift strike. The air was thick with the stench of blood as he moved through them effortlessly.

 Chapter 3: Mutated Troll

    Teo stepped over the mutilated bodies without a second thought, his footsteps echoing faintly through the cavern. His eyes scanned the walls as he moved in silence, searching for the stairs to the next floor.


    After a few moments of fruitless searching, he sighed. "This floor probably has more caves like this one." His disappointment grew as he stepped into another wide space, several passageways stretching before him. The maze-like layout only deepened his frustration.


    Without hesitation, he entered the rightmost passage. Sure enough, after a short walk, he found another cavern, eerily similar to the last¡ªmore bats hanging from the ceiling, more lizards slithering across the ground.


    Teo¡¯s claws flashed through the air, cutting down bats and lizards with effortless precision. The creatures barely had time to react before they were torn apart. He moved like a shadow; his blood magic tore through the air, spearing anything that tried to get too close.


    The stench of blood filled the cave, but Teo barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere on the maze he was trapped in, on the repetitive nature of this floor. It wasn¡¯t challenging, and he found himself growing increasingly bored as he cleared room after room. The satisfaction of a good fight was nowhere to be found here.


    As the last lizard crumpled to the floor, Teo took a deep breath and glanced around the cavern. "Another room done. Let¡¯s hope this isn¡¯t a repeat."


    The next room was the same¡ªmore bats, more lizards. Teo moved swiftly, dispatching them without breaking a sweat. A few blood spears, a slash here and there, and it was done. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was becoming a waste of his time. With a sigh, he moved on.


    Another cavern, more of the same. Teo barely spared the creatures a glance as he tore through them. His mind wandered, frustration creeping in. "Is this it? Just endless rooms of the same garbage?" he muttered, wiping the blood off his claws before heading for the next passage.


    Teo paused briefly as he entered the fourth cave. It was getting hard to even care anymore. He made quick work of the bats and lizards, his movements automatic. He was growing more irritated with each room, and the thought of continuing was starting to feel exhausting.


    After what felt like an eternity, Teo¡¯s claws moved through the final lizard, his blood magic painting the walls red once more. The last of the creatures collapsed to the floor, but this time, Teo didn¡¯t bother wiping his claws clean. His mind had already moved on, his eyes scanning the cavern mindlessly.


    "Another room cleared," he muttered, his voice hollow. "No more surprises here."


    He turned and surveyed the maze of passageways. "How many more of these damn caves am I gonna have to clear?"The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As he walked past the bodies, stepping over the mutilated corpses, the maze of tunnels started to blur together. He didn¡¯t even care anymore about which path he took. He just needed to keep moving.


    Another passage. Another cavern. It was all the same. His movements were automatic, his focus drifting. Somewhere between the mindless combat and endless corridors, Teo realized his goal wasn¡¯t just finding the stairs anymore; he was craving the next challenge. He was so deep in this cycle that he was losing track of time.


    Finally, he entered a cavern slightly different from the rest. It felt... quieter. As if something had changed.


    His eyes scanned the walls one last time, and then there it was. The stairs.


    A sense of relief washed over him, but it was fleeting. He stepped toward the stairs, casting one final glance at the bloodied cavern behind him. "Time to wake up."


    Then, from the shadows of the stairway, something large and hulking emerged. At first glance, it seemed like a grotesque, bloated humanoid figure, but as Teo¡¯s eyes narrowed, he realized what it was. A troll.


    However, this one was different. It had no eyes, only an oversized nose and large, floppy ears. Its pelt was an unsettling white, speckled with black dots, and its long arms nearly dragged on the ground as it stumbled toward him.


    Teo¡¯s lips curled into a grin. "Must be a special mutation that only appears in environments like this."


    He couldn¡¯t care less that he had never encountered this particular troll or had no idea what abilities it possessed. The excitement was evident in his smirk. After all the monotony, something new had finally appeared¡ªsomething worth testing his skills against.


    His claws flexed, and a surge of anticipation rippled through him. ¡°Finally, a real fight.¡±


    In the blink of an eye, Teo was beside the troll. With one swift motion, he wrenched its arm off, then took a massive bite out of it, doing so right in front of the stunned creature.


    Teo''s eyes locked onto the troll''s severed arm as it began to twitch and regenerate at a rapid speed. The muscle flesh knit together so quickly that for a moment, it seemed as though the arm was never lost.


    A wide grin spread across Teo''s face as he saw the troll''s healing ability in action.


    Without hesitation, Teo launched himself at the troll again, tearing the other arm from its socket this time. and not giving the troll a chance to reach, he started munching on it again.


    The troll growled in anger, charging straight at Teo and swinging its freshly healed arm with brutal force. Teo''s grin widened, an almost maniacal gleam in his eyes. This was what he wanted¡ªa test of strength, an opportunity to see just how powerful this troll really was.


    Instead of dodging, Teo planted his feet firmly into the ground. He crossed his arms in front of him, bracing for impact.


    The troll¡¯s massive fist collided with Teo¡¯s crossed forearms, sending him flying through the air, the sickening snap of his arms breaking echoing through the cavern.


    ¡°Hahaha, this is it!¡± Teo screamed, his eyes burning with excitement as he crashed into the stone floor. His arms were broken, twisted at unnatural angles, but the pain barely registered.


    Before the troll could take a step toward him, something extraordinary happened. His broken bones shifted and warped, blood swirling under his skin as his flesh knit itself together at an unnatural speed. His arms, shattered just moments before, began to heal.


    In the blink of an eye, his arms were perfect again. With a savage grin, Teo dashed toward the troll, his body humming with renewed power. In one fluid motion, he tore both of the troll''s arms off, his claws sinking deep into the monstrous flesh as he yanked them free with a brutal twist.


    Teo didn''t give the troll a chance to react. With both of its arms gone, the creature stumbled, but before it could even attempt to defend itself, Teo lunged forward. His claws raked across its chest, tearing the troll''s heart out of its body.


    The troll let out one final scream before collapsing lifelessly to the ground. Teo, still savoring its heart, sat atop the creature¡¯s head with a satisfied grin. "Not bad," he muttered. "The troll wasn¡¯t that strong, but I finally got to let loose a bit."


    With a contented sigh, he leaned back, waiting for his awakening before continuing to clear the dungeon.

 Chapter 4: Awakening 1

    A tremor ran through Teo''s body, jolting him awake. He felt it¡ªa flood of energy building like a storm, coursing through every fiber of his being. His senses sharpened, his muscles brimming with newfound strength, and the air around him buzzed with mana so dense it was almost visible.


    He felt alive. More alive than ever before, as if a final piece of his existence had just been set into place.


    Then, from the shadows around him, shapes began to emerge, one by one. Ten distinct presences took form, each radiating a unique energy that stirred something deep within him. They were powerful, unmistakably his. His familiars.


    ¡°Greetings, Master,¡± they said in unison, bowing. The first to step forward was a massive bear with a coat of shimmering silver.


    While the others stood up, the bear continued to bow. ¡°I am Atlas Ursus,¡± he said respectfully.


    ¡°Atlas Ursus, huh?¡± Teo¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest. ¡°What powers do you wield?¡±


    "My strength is yours to command master," Atlas Ursus responded, his deep voice steady. "I am strength, resilience, and endurance. With my power, you gain strength beyond your limits."


    Teo''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Sounds useful."


    Atlas rose to his full height, towering over Teo like a living fortress. He stepped back quietly, allowing the next familiar to introduce itself.


    "Who''s next?" Teo asked, flashing a grin.


    A towering figure clad in black armor, its head engulfed in flames, stepped forward. "I am Ember Tyrant. My specialties are fire and destruction."


    "Simple and to the point, huh? I like it," Teo said, his face lit with anticipation. "But just telling me your specialties would be boring, don¡¯t you think?" His eyes gleamed with excitement. "How about we make it more interesting? The two who just introduced themselves. Go over there," he said, pointing toward the empty cave behind him. "And fight!"


    Teo''s grin widened as he saw his familiars standing opposite each other. The cave''s atmosphere seemed to crackle with anticipation, a reflection of the growing mana swirling in the air around them. Atlas Ursus flexed his massive limbs, while Ember Tyrant stood tall, the flames around his head becoming more intense.


    "Now show me everything you have to offer." He murmured.


    With a roar that shook the ground, Atlas charged forward, his enormous paws pounding against the stone floor. The air rippled as he lunged, his sheer size and strength threatening to tear the cave apart. In response, Ember Tyrant raised a hand, and a wave of huge fireballs were thrown at the charging Atlas.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Atlas didn''t flinch. With a powerful swipe of his claws, he tore through all the huge fireballs, the explosions sending a violent blast through the cavern. The shockwave of hot air surged outward, scorching the air around them.


    The blast was so intense that Atlas was hurled back to his initial position. His massive form slid across the stone floor, claws scraping as he struggled to maintain his balance.


    Ember Tyrant watched with approval before chanting, "Aura of Destruction." Dark energy crackled around him, swirling like a storm. The air thickened, heavy with pressure, as fiery sparks left scorch marks in their wake. The temperature soared, and the floor beneath him began to crack under the force of his power.


    "It looks like they''re finally going all out," Teo said, flashing a toothy grin.


    Atlas, seeing Tyrant preparing for an all-out attack, also began to channel his strength. "Titan''s Grasp," he muttered, his claws glowing with raw energy. He focused, pouring his immense physical power into his hands.


    Without hesitation, Atlas charged forward, his roar shaking the cavern as his claws scraped against the floor. At the same moment, Ember Tyrant surged forward as well. His destructive aura formed into a massive blade of crackling dark energy. The two familiars collided, the air between them warping with their power.


    The cavern trembled as the two familiars clashed, their raw power shaking the very foundation. Atlas slammed into Ember Tyrant with unimaginable force, the impact erasing the left side of Ember Tyrant''s body.


    But simultaneously, the Tyrant¡¯s destructive blade cut through Atlas¡¯s massive form with ease, leaving a huge gash in its wake.


    The immense collision created a split-second silence, as both familiars were momentarily thrown back. Atlas staggered, his silver fur now covered in his blood. His breath came ragged, the deep gash sizzling with dark energy.


    Ember Tyrant was no better off. He could no longer sustain the blade he had formed, which vanished along with the destructive aura. A huge chunk of his body was simply gone¡ªAtlas¡¯s hit had been so forceful that it didn¡¯t tear the flesh; it annihilated it.


    Both familiars stood at the brink of collapse, breathing heavily, their bodies ravaged by the battle. Their once-pristine forms were now scarred and battered by the intensity of their clash.


    ¡°Well done, both of you. This match was a spectacle.¡± After speaking, Teo felt a surge of magic power leave his body, and the two familiars were instantly restored to perfect condition. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is... no wonder the other vampires always let their familiars do the dirty work.¡±


    "Thanks," they said in unison, returning to stand beside the other familiars.


    "So, whose turn is it now?" Teo asked, glancing around.


    Two new familiars stepped forward. The first was a massive turtle, its rugged, mountain-like shell adorned with shimmering gemstones. "I am Testudo Aegis," it rumbled in a deep, steady voice. "I specialize in defense, metal, and earth."


    The second figure was ghostly and ethereal, her form a dark silhouette with no discernible facial features. Long black hair cascaded around her, and two dark wings unfurled from her back. A black halo floated ominously above her head, and she wore flowing black robes, the edges traced with subtle hints of red.


    "I am Yuurei No Chi," she said in a soothing voice. "I specialize in blood and possession."

 Chapter 5: Awakening 2

    Teo nodded, acknowledging Testudo Aegis and Yuurei No Chi with a glance before turning to the remaining familiars still bowing. His gaze swept over them, sizing each one up, until he pointed decisively at two.


    "You two¡ªstep forward," he commanded, his voice firm but curious. "Introduce yourselves, then prepare for a 2v2 battle."


    Slowly, the first figure rose; it was a huge moth with huge black eyes, and a pure white coating covered its body together with mist surrounding it; it gave it an ethereal appearance.


    "I am Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦. I specialize in evasion and can transform physical objects into mist."


    ¡°Interesting, ok, now it¡¯s your turn,¡± Teo said, pointing to the other familiar standing next to Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦.


    A celestial dragon made of starlight and cosmic energy, with deep blue scales that glowed like a starry night. Its snow-white wings shimmered as it spoke, "I am Somniroth. I specialize in shadow manipulation and powers related to the dream realm."


    Teo gestured toward the spot where Ember Tyrant and Atlas had fought before, saying, "You know the drill. It''s Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦ and Somniroth against Testudo Aegis and Yuurei No Chi. And don¡¯t bother holding back; I can just heal you up anyway."


    Without a word, Y¨­ul¨ªng and Somniroth moved to their positions, ready for battle.


    "Yes, master," they responded in unison.


    "Ready?" Teo asked, his excitement palpable as he looked at the four familiars standing poised for combat.


    They all nodded.


    With a swift motion, he raised his hand. "Begin!" he shouted.


    Following that, the air crackled with energy. Y¨­ul¨ªng, dissolved into a fog, vanishing from sight. Sonmiroth, its huge starry body, fused with the shadows and disappeared.


    Across from them, Testudo Aegis tensed, letting out a low, rumbling growl. A wall of metal rose around it, shielding both itself and Yuurei No Chi. Testudo settled its weight into the ground, bracing for whatever might come.


    Yuurei floated beside it, long, bloody claws forming on her hands, ready to counterattack at the slightest sign of danger.


    Then, suddenly, the metal wall shimmered, its solid form wavering like a mirage. In an instant, it lost its density, fading into a translucent, ghostly barrier. Both Testudo and Yuurei were so taken aback by the wall¡¯s sudden shift that they didn¡¯t notice the celestial dragon appearing above them.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Somniroth descended from the shadows above, its massive form cloaked in shadows. With dark claws, it slashed downward, striking heavily at Testudo and leaving it injured. But to its surprise, the attack passed right through Yuurei.


    Somniroth''s claws passed through Yuurei. For a split second, she remained still. Then, with startling speed, she twisted to face Somniroth.


    In one fluid motion, Yuurei turned sharply, seizing on Somniroth¡¯s moment of shock. Her bloody claws lashed out, aimed precisely at the exposed gaps in Somniroth¡¯s guard.


    But her claws sliced through the massive dragon as if he were an illusion. Somniroth¡¯s form shimmered, then dissolved into mist, vanishing from sight.


    "Hoh, those are some handy abilities they have," Teo remarked, watching the match with a satisfied grin. "Alright, that¡¯s enough. I still need to clear the dungeon today."


    With that, Testudo¡¯s injury vanished, and Somniroth and Y¨­ul¨ªng reappeared, restored to their original forms.


    "I am Sorazaki Ken?," the katana said, its elegant hilt gleaming blue. The blade itself was silver on the outside, with a glowing blue core  "I specialize in cutting space and distance.¡±


    "I am W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o," a small dark blue cat spoke, its light blue eyes glowing brightly and its long tail swishing behind it. "I specialize in time and space and possess a subspace."


    Teo couldn''t help but be impressed. "Impressive," he remarked.


    Next, the final two familiars stepped forward. The first was a massive crow, its eyes glowing purple. Its feathers matched, dark purple with branch-like protrusions sprouting from its head. "I am Atrum Spectre, and I specialize in curses and poison."


    Behind it, a creature resembling a lion emerged. Its pelt burned with blue flames, and a scorpion¡¯s tail curled menacingly behind it. "I am Y¨«ngzh¨¤o M¨¤nt¨ª," it growled, its voice deep and resonant. "I specialize in reflection and decay."


    Teo nodded, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Now, we will head to the next floor. I''ll first test you out, Sorazaki, then the other three I haven¡¯t seen in action yet."


    With a casual motion, Teo held Sorazaki comfortably on his shoulder, treating it like a seasoned weapon. The other familiars followed behind, their footsteps soft but steady as they descended the stairs with him.


    "Y¨­ul¨ªng," Teo said, glancing over his shoulder. "Turn everyone except me and Sorazaki into mist. I don''t want the monsters distracted. That would be boring boring."


    With a flick of his wings, Y¨­ul¨ªng complied. Everyone except Teo and the katana turned into mist, floating silently behind him. Teo looked over his shoulder, impressed. He could see them, but their presence felt... absent, as though they were only shadows.


    "How long can you keep this up, Y¨­ul¨ªng?" he inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.


    "I should be able to hold it for a week if it''s just this. The more I need to turn into mist, the shorter the duration," Y¨­ul¨ªng replied calmly.


    Teo nodded, then paused as a thought crossed his mind. "How do you familiars get stronger, by the way? I never learned much about it... I was expelled from the family when I was young," he said, his tone suddenly turning distant. A sigh escaped his lips, his expression briefly darkening with the memory, a memory that lingered uncomfortably, far from pleasant.


    The thought of that event soured Teo''s mood. "Never mind; tell me later. I¡¯m not in the mood anymore." With that, he quickened his pace.


    Teo pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. Clearing the dungeon was no longer something he cared for, but it was something he needed to finish, even if only to distract himself from that memory.

 Chapter 6: Dungeon Boss 1

    As they descended further into the dungeon, Teo became increasingly irritated. About the dungeon, it was just boring; the first floor was super easy; the only reason he even got injured was because he didn''t properly read Selene''s notes.


    The second floor was a pain in the ass; it was just time and time again the same boring mobs, and finally the mob that guarded the stairs, although he could let loose a bit, it was still very easy. "Well, not much can be done about it; it is only a rank C dungeon after all. I shouldn''t have had high hopes to begin with."


    Lost in thought, he didn''t realize he had arrived at the next floor. "As expected, more of those mutated trolls. I just hope there aren''t multiple rooms like the last floor." signing, he continued, "On the bright side, I can try out this sword."


    "Master! I am not a sword; my name is Sorazaki, and if you can''t be bothered to remember that, at least call me a  katana." Sorazaki said while vibrating in anger atop Teo''s shoulder.


    Teo, slightly taken aback by Sorazaki''s reaction, couldn''t help but chuckle a bit. "Alright, Sorazaki, I won''t call you a sword anymore. Now let''s see what you can do."


    Teo stepped into the new chamber, eyes scanning the room. The mutated trolls, just as grotesque as the one on the last floor, shuffled aimlessly.


    "Guess it''s time to clear the room," he muttered, his fingers tightening around Sorazaki''s hilt. "Let''s see how you handle this."


    Without waiting for a reply, Teo swung Sorazaki in a smooth arc. The blade cut through the air with a sound like slicing wind, but to his surprise, he felt a slight resistance. "Why was there resistance, Sora?" he asked, holding the blade out in front of him, inspecting it carefully.


    "Master, look in front of you. And did you already forget my specialties?" Sorazaki replied, his voice tinged with annoyance.


    "Huh?" Teo glanced at the trolls, only to find one of them cut cleanly in half at the waist, its upper and lower halves falling to the ground with a wet thud.


    "Wow, so that¡¯s what ''cutting through distance'' means, huh?" Teo said, eyes widening with realization. "Neat."


    Teo''s grin widened as he prepared to go wild with Sorazaki, but just before charging at the zombies, he remembered he still needed to see the abilities of three other familiars. Slightly annoyed, he turned around and gave the others a pointed look.


    "Alright, W¨¦id¨´, Spectre, and Y¨«ngzh¨¤o, it''s your turn."


    With a flick of Y¨­ul¨ªngs wings, Teo and Sorazaki both dissolved into mist, their forms disintegrating into a fine, ethereal haze. As he vanished, Teo''s voice echoed from the fog: "Let''s see what you''ve got."Stolen novel; please report.


    The mist parted slightly as W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o materialized first, its light blue eyes glowing. The small let out a soft purr, and in an instant time seemed to slow down. As it leisurely walked towards a troll that was close by.


    Teo could see it now; the troll''s movements were sluggish, its limbs heavy as if caught in mud. W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o''s pawsteps were graceful; with a casual flick of its tail, it disappeared, only to appear right next to the troll a moment later. Swiping its claws, the troll just exploded.


    "Space and time are nice, and it also has a subspace. Well done." Hearing that the cat warped back to Teo''s side and began purring heavily while rubbing its face against Teo''s legs.


    Next, the mist swirled as Atrum Spectre emerged, its dark purple eyes emitting malice. With a haunting screech, it spread its wings wide, releasing a cloud of poisonous mist into the air. Teo could feel the change immediately: the air grew thicker and heavier, tainted with a poisonous curse.


    "Interesting," Teo muttered, his brow furrowing. "I don''t know why, but I can understand what it just did, combining poison with curses... What a horrifying synergy."


    As the poisonous mist settled over a group of trolls, they dropped lifeless to the ground, their bodies twitching briefly before succumbing to the deadly effects. Teo shook his head in grim amusement. "These creatures are far too weak. They can''t even regenerate from this."


    The mist parted again, revealing Y¨«ngzh¨¤o M¨¤nt¨ª next. The manticore''s flaming blue pelt is burning brighter with each passing second. The creature''s massive scorpion tail flicked, and as it did, the mist around it seemed to decay and wither.


    Y¨«ngzh¨¤o M¨¤nt¨ª moved forward, swinging its tail in the air. With each lash, the environment around it began to break down. The stone beneath its feet crumbled into dust as it passed.


    Noticing this new presence, the trolls charged, their eyes fixed on the manticore¡¯s blazing blue form. Y¨«ngzh¨¤o M¨¤nt¨ª''s gaze turned predatory as it stood its ground, waiting for the closest troll to come within range. Just as one troll lunged, it lashed out with its tail, barely grazing the creature¡¯s arm. In an instant, the troll¡¯s skin withered where the tail struck, its flesh decaying and turning to ash.


    Another troll swung at Y¨«ngzh¨¤o M¨¤nt¨ª, but before it could land a blow, the manticore¡¯s mane flared with intense blue flames. The fire reflected the troll¡¯s own attack back at it, an echo of its own strength, and the creature staggered backward, stunned.


    In the mist, Teo watched with a gleam of approval. "Reflection and decay," he muttered to himself. "Perfect for clearing these pests. Y¨«ngzh¨¤o, finish them off. I''ve lost interest. They''re too weak," he ordered, his tone dismissive.


    Y¨«ngzh¨¤o let out a powerful roar, infusing it with his magic. In response, every troll froze, then began to wither simultaneously, as if an invisible force were draining them. Though slower than his direct tail strike, the effect spread across the horde, leaving the weaker monsters helpless against the decay that crept over them. In less than five minutes, the once-swarming trolls were reduced to lifeless ash, the air thick with the remnants of Y¨«ngzh¨¤o''s magic.


    Teo nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Efficient. Alright, now onto the final floor.¡± Stepping out of the mist, he strode toward the far end of the cave, his gaze scanning for any sign of a staircase. He hoped for one this time; the winding passageway from the last floor had been tedious, and he was ready to be done with these lower-level challenges.


    Teo grinned as the staircase appeared, unable to contain a small, triumphant dance. Without a second thought, he stepped onto the first stair and began his descent. He paused briefly, glancing over his shoulder at his familiars. ¡°Alright, here¡¯s the plan. You all stay back while I deal with the boss. If there are any minor mobs, go ahead and clear them, but leave the big one to me."


    The familiars nodded in understanding.

 Chapter 7: Dungeon Boss 2

    Teo yawned as he stepped off the final stairs. The passage stretched out before him, and there he saw it. A set of huge double doors leading to the boss room. Normally, this would have sparked some excitement, but he was just done with this dungeon by now.


    "Same old, same old," he muttered, striding forward without bothering to check his surroundings. A faint rumble echoed from behind the doors. Likely the boss, waiting to strike terror into any poor soul reckless enough to wander in. Teo smirked, stretching out his arms as he pushed open the doors. "Alright, let¡¯s get this over with."


    He shot a glance back at his familiars, gesturing dismissively. "Remember, minor mobs are all yours. Not like anything will pose a problem here." Without waiting for a response, he entered the boss room, his familiars trailing close behind.


    As they all stepped in, the doors swung shut with a heavy thud. Teo gave a quick shrug. "Don¡¯t worry, that¡¯s normal. It''s expected to feel like a battle for survival. You either come out victorious or you don¡¯t." His tone was as dismissive as ever.


    "Alright, let¡¯s see what this boss looks like." Teo squinted toward the center of the massive room, which resembled a circular arena. Four towering pillars surrounded the boss, casting long shadows across the stone floor.


    The boss itself looked like a blend of the trolls from the previous floor and a monstrous wolf. It had the muscular, hulking body of a wolf but stood on eight long, slender legs, each covered in shaggy white fur. Three black eyes gleamed in the dim light, watching Teo intently.


    ¡°You all wait here," Teo said, glancing back at his familiars. "When you see any minor mobs, dispose of them. Make it as brutal as you want.¡± He turned back to the boss, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I¡¯ll have some fun with this little kitty." He strode forward, each step measured, confident, almost taunting.


    As Teo walked toward the boss, his familiars exchanged glances, standing at the edge of the room. The silence stretched for a moment before W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o, the foxlike familiar, spoke up in a soft, feminine voice.


    "Did the other familiars in the spiritual world lie?" W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o asked, her ears twitching as she watched Teo.


    Atlas, the large, bear-like familiar, snorted, crossing its arms. "You saw his memories too. Why do you think he acts like that? He¡¯s just distracting himself."


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o tilted her head, her bright eyes flicking toward Teo¡¯s back. "Well, yeah, it makes sense... but isn¡¯t it a bit extreme?"


    Her gaze lingered on Teo for a moment, watching him move with relaxed confidence. "I suppose... I get it, but doesn¡¯t it get tiring? It¡¯s like this is nothing to him."


    Atlas grunted, shifting his weight as he sat down. "That¡¯s because, for him, this is nothing. Teo¡¯s an A-rank hunter. He¡¯s been clearing dungeons since he was eight years old. All he looks for in a fight is the thrill of taking on strong opponents¡ªand eating them. But this dungeon doesn¡¯t offer that thrill. It¡¯s no longer a challenge for him. So now, it¡¯s all about efficiency."


    "Efficiency?" W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o echoed, tilting her head slightly. "Is that all? Won¡¯t he want to help people by clearing this dungeon?" She paused, suddenly realizing how impossible that sounded.


    "Never mind," she continued. "After going through his memories, the ones we got after becoming his familiars, I think I understand him a bit more. But why is he even clearing these dungeons then?"


    Atlas shifted its weight slightly, sitting with a relaxed posture. With one hand resting on its chin, it leaned in. "Well, that¡¯s because the only person who ever truly supported him through all these years asked him to."


    W¨¦id¨´ raised an eyebrow; her curiosity piqued. "Who?"


    Atlas let out a small, exasperated sigh. "Do you not pay attention during the inheritance?" it asked, a hint of irritation creeping into its voice. "Is this your first time becoming a familiar or something?" It leaned forward slightly, eyeing her with mild disbelief.


    She flinched slightly at the question, her ears drooping as she lowered her gaze. "I... I''m sorry." She whispered, her voice soft and apologetic. "I didn''t mean to cause trouble. I just didn''t understand everything at first. It''s my first time, and I''m still.. getting used to it."


    She paused her tail flicking nervously as she looked away, clearly uncomfortable with her own uncertainty. "I didn''t mean to be a nuisance."


    "Okay, that¡¯s enough, Atlas," a calm voice interrupted. Yuurei stepped forward, a soothing presence in contrast to the bear-like creature''s bluntness. "It¡¯s fine, W¨¦id¨´. We all know what it¡¯s like the first time. Don¡¯t mind Atlas too much."


    Atlas only grunted, leaning back against the double doors and folding its arms. For a moment, it seemed to retreat into its own thoughts. In the stillness, it muttered, almost inaudibly, "I¡¯m sorry."


    The fox-like creature caught the words, her ears twitching slightly, but she said nothing. She appreciated the gesture, even if it was quietly made. Instead, she gave Yuurei a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Yuurei. I feel... a bit better now."


    Yuurei nodded back. "No need to thank me. We¡¯re all in this together, remember?" She glanced toward Teo, who was already munching on the remains of the dungeon boss, completely unfazed by the battle that had just taken place.


    The familiars exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of their master casually devouring the monster.


    Teo looked up at them, his expression a mix of annoyance and dry humor. "Where were you all? I had to take care of the dungeon boss and all the mobs," he said, clearly irritated as he continued to munch. "While you all had a nice heart to heart, huh?"


    The familiars blinked, unsure whether to be amused or frustrated by his nonchalant attitude. Atlas gave a low chuckle, clearly entertained by the irony. "Guess we got too caught up in our little conversation," it remarked, its voice thick with sarcasm.


    W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o''s ears drooped a little, embarrassed. "I... I didn¡¯t realize you¡¯d finished already, master," she murmured.


    Teo waved her off dismissively, his voice muffled by the food in his mouth. "It¡¯s fine. Not like it was a challenge anyway. Just don¡¯t get too cozy next time."

 Chapter 8: Aftermath 1

    High above the forest floor, Teo lay sprawled across a sturdy branch, his arms folded behind his head as he watched the clouds drift by. The faint sound of footsteps approached below, and without bothering to look down, he knew the dungeon cleanup squad had arrived, their chatter echoing through the trees.


    "Right on time," he murmured to himself as he spotted the flurry of activity around the dungeon''s entrance. The squad members moved in a precise formation, entering and leaving with practiced ease.


    In W¨¦id¨´''s subspace, his familiars were busy building a house and tilling a garden. Teo could feel them working hard. As a low breeze rustled the leaves around him, he closed his eyes, basking in the calm, unbothered by the thought of the squad scurrying through the dungeon to clean up his work and collect all the remains and valuable materials.


    One of the cleanup squad members looked up, his gaze landing on Teo lounging comfortably in the tree. His face twisted in surprise, and he shouted, ¡°Hey, you there! This is a restricted zone. Get out of here!¡±


    Teo cracked one eye open, irritation flashing across his face as he lazily waved the man off. The squad member huffed, looking like he was about to shout again, when Teo¡¯s driver came sprinting over, grabbing the squad member by the shoulder.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± the driver hissed, eyes darting toward Teo. ¡°That¡¯s Teo Amanar. The Butcher! You want to get yourself killed? Just get back to work.¡±


    The squad member¡¯s face went pale, his gaze snapping back up to Teo, who was now watching the exchange with a bored expression. The man stammered, ¡°Wait¡­ him?¡± He swallowed hard, his earlier bravado crumbling. ¡°Right... not someone I¡¯d, uh, want to cross paths with.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the driver muttered. ¡°Now go on, let¡¯s finish up here and be grateful; he¡¯s just relaxing.¡±


    As they quickly turned back to their work, Teo gave a small, amused snort, leaning back against the branch and closing his eyes once more. Not that he cared much about what they thought. He just wished they''d leave him to enjoy the peace.


    As they lounged in the subspace, the familiars exchanged knowing looks after witnessing the interaction between Teo, the squad member, and John, his personal driver.


    Y¨­ul¨ªng sighed. ¡°He really is just isolating himself further and further.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Ember Tyrant nodded. ¡°Well, can you blame him after everything he¡¯s been through?¡± His voice softened. ¡°We may never fully understand his feelings as spiritual entities, but at least we can be here for him,¡± Somniroth replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point,¡± Y¨­ul¨ªng agreed. ¡°And he does have people he trusts, even if he tries to avoid her.¡±


    He hesitated. ¡°But one thing I don¡¯t understand is why he¡¯s so rude to the one person who doesn¡¯t judge him for his past.¡±


    Somniroth¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why he avoids her. If she sees past his reputation, she also sees past his walls. That makes him... uncomfortable.¡±


    Ember Tyrant gave a small, sympathetic growl. ¡°Trust is a risk for him. Even when he knows someone¡¯s genuine, he doesn¡¯t want them to see what he hides.¡±


    Y¨­ul¨ªng sighed again. ¡°Well, maybe with us around, he¡¯ll let his guard down, and one day he will open up to us or others.¡±


    The familiars fell silent, each lost in thought about their unusual master. Suddenly, they all looked towards the dungeon.


    "Seems like Master went a bit too far in his rampage." She said the others saw it too; some newer members of the cleanup squad lost consciousness upon seeing the mess Teo left behind.


    Meanwhile, John surveyed the chaos, sighing as he took out his phone. With practiced calm, he typed a single number 1 and sent it to Selene Karmov.


    Miles away, Selene¡¯s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and upon seeing the familiar number, a small frown crossed her face. ¡°Come on, Teo,¡± she muttered to herself. ¡°I know you¡¯re frustrated, but I have a hundred other things on my list today.¡± Shaking her head, she typed out a quick reply to John, confirming her arrival.


    Straightening her coat, Selene glanced at her team in the office. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly. It seems I have to go clean up after Teo again.¡± Her voice was laced with equal parts frustration and familiarity, as if this routine was as natural as her daily commute.


    As Selene walked out of the office, she caught her reflection in the glass doors and paused. She¡¯d lost count of how many times she¡¯d been called in to clean up after Teo, yet each time, she found herself going with the same mix of annoyance and worry.


    On her way, she glanced down at the list of tasks she''d planned for the day: budget allocations, squad assignments, and more. Now, all of it would have to wait. Shaking her head with a sigh, her thoughts drifted to Teo''s indifferent smirk. He never seemed to grasp how much she tried to help him. Or maybe he refused to acknowledge it, acting that way as a means to protect himself.


    She braced herself for the scene she was about to face. Teo''s cleanups always came with surprises, some good, others... less so. His unique approach to dungeon clearing was rarely considerate of the squad tasked with cleaning up afterward.


    When Selene finally arrived at the dungeon, she took a long look at the wreckage: half-eaten monster bodies strewn about in what was both a chaotic and predictable scene. It was a clear mark of Teo¡¯s handiwork.


    "Looks like he''s outdone himself," she remarked. With a nod to John, she turned on her heel and headed directly to where Teo lay lazily on a tree branch overhead.

 Chapter 9 Aftermath 2

    As Selene approached the tree where Teo lounged, her sharp gaze settled on him with a mix of irritation and impatience. Dressed in a tailored white shirt and black pants, she moved with authority, her long hair cascading in soft waves from light pink to yellow at the tips. Her vivid orange eyes narrowed slightly as she repositioned her golden glasses, catching the sunlight as she surveyed Teo¡¯s lazy sprawl on the branch above.


    Selene stopped at the base of the tree, crossing her arms as she looked up at him. ¡°You know,¡± she began, her tone firm, ¡°it wouldn¡¯t kill you to be a bit more considerate with these dungeon clearings. Some of us actually have to deal with the aftermath.¡±


    Teo raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, but he stayed silent.


    Her gaze softened, and after a small sigh, she asked, ¡°Did everything go okay in there?¡± The sharpness in her voice gave way to something almost gentle.


    Teo rolled his shoulders in a casual shrug. ¡°Handled. Same as always.¡±


    Selene¡¯s expression softened further. ¡°Blunt as ever.¡± She hesitated, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face. "But... why did you mention your seventeenth birthday before heading in?¡± A realization dawned on her, and she looked at him sharply. ¡°You awakened in there?¡±


    ¡°Sure did. I¡¯m still a vampire, even if I was banished from the family.¡± Teo¡¯s tone was dry, as if he were commenting on something entirely mundane.


    Selene''s eyes widened for a brief moment, her arms unfolding as she processed his nonchalant response. A headache seemed to start its way up her temples. "And you didn¡¯t think to mention this to me before entering the dungeon?" She gave him a sharp, annoyed glare, then shook her head, pressing her palm to her forehead in frustration.


    ¡°Why should I mention it?¡± Teo shrugged carelessly. ¡°It¡¯s just my awakening. Every vampire goes through it on their seventeenth birthday. It¡¯s nothing special.¡± He hopped off the branch and landed next to Selene, unfazed by her frustration.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Selene exhaled sharply, her eyes narrowing. ¡°It¡¯s not just about the awakening, Teo. It¡¯s about being responsible. You can¡¯t just skip over important details like that, and your rank will need to be reevaluated.¡± Her voice hardened, but there was an underlying hint of exasperation. She couldn¡¯t understand why he made everything so difficult and why he always distanced himself from the things that actually mattered.


    Teo shrugged, looking completely unimpressed. ¡°It¡¯s just a technicality. Just give me the S-rank and be done with it. No need to involve others.¡± His tone suggested he wasn¡¯t really interested in the conversation at all.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that,¡± Selene snapped, her patience finally running thin. She stepped closer, her voice firm. ¡°Stop acting like this, Teo. Your rank and responsibilities matter. We¡¯ve been through this before. You¡¯re going to the Hunter Association for your reassessment, whether you like it or not.¡±


    Teo blinked in surprise. It had been a long time since he¡¯d seen her this angry. He opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it. Without another word, he turned and started walking toward the black car parked a little way off.


    Selene glanced at John, who was waiting nearby, and her tone softened slightly, though it still remained firm. ¡°John, come here and drive us to the association immediately.¡±


    John gave a nod and moved toward the car without question. Selene followed, her mind already turning toward the paperwork and the inevitable questions that would arise from this reassessment. She disliked these moments, when everything built up and had to be dealt with. But it was something that needed to be done.


    As Selene slid into the car beside Teo, the silence that followed was filled with unspoken words. She could feel the tension in the air, both of them trapped in the same small space but miles apart in understanding. Teo slouched in his seat, his arms crossed, closing his eyes as if to say this situation doesn''t concern me.


    John, sensing the tension, kept his focus on the road ahead. The hum of the engine was the only sound breaking the silence. Selene could only sigh and took her phone out of her pocket to send messages in preparation for the assessment.


    After sending all the messages and putting away her phone. Selene could only stare out the window, wondering why Teo had to act so reckless. She knows he had a tough, traumatic childhood, but she felt like she did a good job giving Teo a somewhat enjoyable childhood. But how he acts made her feel like she failed miserably.


    Even though she knew he acted this way to shield and distract himself, she couldn''t help but let the words. "Why do you always do this, Teo?" slip, covering her mouth in the next instant. But Teo turned his head.


    "Do what?" his voice flat, filled with indifference.


    "Never mind." Selene said, turning her body so she couldn''t see Teo anymore.


    Teo, slightly confused by her actions, just closed his eyes again, not minding it too much; he has known her for more than 10 years. If there was something, she would say it eventually.


    The drive to the hunter association headquarters felt longer than usual. Selene lost herself in thought, worrying about Teo and her duties. Meanwhile, Teo was just sleeping in the car without a care in the world.


    Finally, as the car rolled to a stop outside the imposing building of the hunter association, Selene broke the silence. "We''re here."

 Chapter 10: S-rank 1

    Teo pushed open the door and stepped out without a word. Selene followed, her heels clicking sharply on the pavement as they walked into the building together.


    As they entered the Hunter Association headquarters, Selene¡¯s sharp eyes swept across the bustling lobby, quickly scanning for familiar faces. The hum of conversation mixed with the occasional clatter of weapons


    It didn¡¯t take long for the whispers to start.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Teo Amanar from the Extermination Squad?¡± a young hunter murmured to their companion, sneaking a glance in their direction.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the companion replied in a hushed tone. ¡°I heard he was banished from the Amanar family after... something. No one seems to know exactly what happened, though.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t get how the association keeps someone like that around,¡± the first hunter whispered, his tone tinged with disapproval.


    ¡°Probably because he¡¯s an asset,¡± the companion answered with a shrug. ¡°You¡¯ve seen the reports. He clears dungeons most people wouldn¡¯t even think about entering.¡±


    Selene caught fragments of the conversation but kept her expression neutral, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor as she moved towards the elevator. She was used to this; whipsers and speculation about Teo always followed him wherever he went. She glanced at him briefly, wondering if he was paying attention.


    Teo, walking a step behind her, seemed unfazed as ever. His hands stayed shoved in his pockets, and his eyes lazily scanned the room without showing a hint of emotion. If he''d heard the gossip, he gave no indication, though Selene suspected he heard them but was so used to it at this point.


    "Follow me," she said, her tone brisk. She didn''t wait to see if Teo complied as she stepped into the elevator.


    Arriving at the top floor, they both exited the elevator. Selene stopped in front of her office, turning to face Teo with her arms crossed. Her orange eyes locked onto his, sharp and unwavering. ¡°You wait here in my office and do not go anywhere. Do you hear me?¡± Her tone left no room for argument, but she waited patiently for his response nonetheless.


    Teo just looked blankly at her for what felt like an eternity. Then, finally, with a dramatic sigh, he waved her off dismissively. ¡°Alright, alright,¡± he said, stepping past her into the office, his tone dripping with indifference.


    Selene exhaled slowly, her composure returning as she walked down the hallway. Her thoughts raced, a whirlwind of possibilities and concerns. This reassessment wasn¡¯t just a formality; it had the potential to redefine Teo¡¯s future. An awakening like his could alter not only his rank but also the weight of his responsibilities and the way he was perceived by the association, the country, and perhaps even the world.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    S-rank hunters weren¡¯t just powerful; they were exceptionally rare. With only a handful scattered across the globe, their presence alone could shift the balance in regions of conflict or crisis. Most hunters plateaued at A-rank or below; their potential capped well before reaching such unparalleled heights. If Teo were to join their ranks, everything would change.


    It wasn¡¯t just the responsibilities or prestige that came with the title. The rumors surrounding Teo¡¯s violent personality would amplify concerns. People might not celebrate an S-rank awakening. They might fear it. Knowing someone like him had reached such a pinnacle of power could make even allies uneasy.


    Selene turned a corner, the quiet hallway offering little comfort. Her mind refused to settle, the weight of the situation pressing down harder with each step. Teo''s reassessment was that big of a deal.


    She clenched her fists briefly before forcing her hands to relax. She had vouched for him countless times before, shielding him from harsher scrutiny whenever his temperament caused trouble. But now? If his rank truly rose to S, it wouldn''t be so easy to deflect the doubts of others.


    "An S-rank hunter with a violent streak," she muttered under her breath, the words sour in her mouth. She shook her head. The council would never let her hear the end of it. Especially the Amanar family. They would be the first to question how she had allowed someone so dangerous to rise unchecked. Other influential figures might use the narrative for their own gain, even demanding stricter oversight for all hunters.


    And then there was the public, the civilians who relied on hunters for protection. They wouldn''t see a savior in Teo. Instead, they''d see a potential threat.


    Her pace slowed as another thought crept in. What if they''re right?


    Teo¡¯s nonchalance, his defiance, the way he carried himself into every encounter¡ªit had always unnerved her, no matter how hard she tried to justify it. She had done her best to help him, understanding the circumstances that shaped him. But did he ever really try to change?


    Perhaps that very personality, the sharp edge he carried, was what made him such a valuable asset to the association. Yet, at the same time, it was also what made him a risk.


    Still, she had seen another side of him, too. A side most people overlooked in their rush to label him as reckless or dangerous. She''d seen the way he fought not for glory but for survival.


    Her thoughts drifted back to that day. The dungeon her squad had been tasked with clearing as part of their newbie training program. When they stumbled upon him. It was supposed to be routine. But then they stumbled upon him.


    Teo had been just a boy, his clothes torn and bloodied, his body trembling with exhaustion.


    He hadn¡¯t attacked them or demanded help. Instead, he had looked completely lost, hollow, like someone who had already given up. Selene could still remember the way his empty gaze lingered on them, as though he couldn¡¯t believe they were real. He had been abandoned there, left for dead by his own family.


    Even now, the memory sent a chill through her. They hadn¡¯t just found him; they¡¯d saved him from a life of solitude and banishment. And yet, the boy they brought back wasn¡¯t the same as the one who¡¯d been cast aside. That innocent child was gone, replaced by someone sharper, harder, someone who had learned to rely on no one but himself.


    Selene sighed, brushing her hair back as she forced the memory aside. But then another thought surfaced, raw and unshakable.


    ¡°How could I forget?¡± She whispered, the weight of it hitting her like a blow. ¡°I almost cast him aside too. Never again.¡±


    Her voice firmed as resolve hardened within her. ¡°Never again will I do that. I¡¯ll face whatever issues come up. I¡¯ll protect him.¡±

 Chapter 11: S-rank 2

    Selene adjusted her coat as she entered the preparation chamber, where Teo''s mana levels would be measured. The faint hum of magical equipment greeted her. Though her mind still lingered on Teo, his history, his potential, and the storm his reassessment might unleash. She forced herself to focus on the task at hand.


    Coordinating the logistics for an assessment of this scale was no simple feat. She had done it countless times before, but the stakes had never felt quite so high. Everything needed to run perfectly. No malfunctions, no oversights. Not today.


    The room was a controlled chaos of activity. Technicians in crisp uniforms moved between the machines, triple-checking every connection and reading. Selene greeted them with a curt nod as she approached the lead operator.


    "Listen carefully," she said, her tone sharp and commanding. "This isn''t going to be a typical reading. I expect his mana levels to surpass A-rank, potentially breaching S. You need to monitor the system closely. The last thing we need is for the machine to overload or explode after it hits the upper limit."


    The lead operator, an older man with glasses, glanced at her nervously. "Explode ma''am?"


    Selene''s eyes narrowed. "It''s not a joke. The last time an S-rank reading happened, the machine did explode; it''s just that it has been a long time, so most people forgot about it. Even though we reinforced the system for this test, there''s always a risk when dealing with S-rank mana output. Do you all understand?"


    She let her gaze sweep across the room, taking in the tension on each technician''s face.


    "Yes, ma''am!" they shouted in unison, straightening their postures like soldiers under inspection.


    Satisfied, Selene nodded. ¡°That¡¯s all from me. The hunter being tested is Teo Amanar, so be prepared.¡± Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and left the room.


    The technicians watched her go, the tension in the room shifting as soon as the door closed behind her.


    ¡°The butcher?¡± One of them mumbled under his breath, his voice barely audible over the noise of the machines.


    ¡°Will he really become S-rank?¡± The lead operator muttered, his brow furrowed. ¡°This cannot be good. Someone like him at that level... it¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    A junior technician, barely out of training, shrugged dismissively. ¡°Who cares about that butcher or whatever? As long as we have Lady Karmov, all is well. Did you see her? She was so cool!¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± another chimed in, a hint of admiration creeping into her tone. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, she¡¯s S-rank as well. She¡¯ll handle whatever happens.¡±


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, and the atmosphere gradually lightened. Feeling reassured by Selene''s presence, the staff refocused on their tasks, the earlier unease buried beneath their shared respect for the woman who had just left.


    After leaving the technicians, Selene made her way to the arena, her mind shifting gears. The assessment would begin soon, and there was still so much to do. She had to ensure everything was in place, especially with the involvement of the extermination squad.


    The squad was an elite squad compromised of a select few that would do missions that were either very dangerous or no other people would want to do. As she reached the arena, she spotted a few familiar faces seated on the judge seats, exchanging words.


    "Captain!" A tall, broad-shouldered giant waved her over. Ashura, one of the older members of the extermination squad, offered her a nod of respect as she approached. His short black hair framed piercing gray eyes, and he wore the squad''s standard black combat uniform, its short sleeves exposing arms covered in battle scars, a testament to years of conflict. The red snake insignia on his chest marked him as one of the extermination squad''s elite. "Everything ready to go?"


    "Everything''s in order," Selene replied, her tone calm. "We''re just waiting for Teo to arrive."


    She then turned toward the others. Two more members of the squad sat next to Ashura, arms crossed, waiting patiently. One of them, a wolf woman with striking blue eyes and long blue hair tied back in a ponytail, leaned forward with a knowing smile.


    "You''re the same as always, Captain. Nervous?" She asked, her tone playful as her sharp gaze met Selene''s.


    Selene returned the smile and offered a firm handshake. "You''re the same as well, Valena. But it¡¯s a relief that you¡¯re here."


    Valena chuckled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "No problem, even though I had to rush back right after my mission. Can¡¯t have a reassessment without a healer, right?" she said with a teasing smile. "You really do enjoy working us to the bone," she added, her voice light but warm.


    Selene turned toward the last member of the group, a young man with long purple hair and sharp, delicate features that gave him a pretty boy appearance. His violet eyes gleamed with quiet composure, but the squad knew better; despite his youthful looks, Corvus was one of the oldest and most experienced members of the team.


    "Corvus?" Selene''s brow furrowed in surprise. "I thought I asked Zarek to join us as the third. Why are you here?"


    Corvus stood gracefully and offered a slight bow, his tone polite. "Captain Zarek sends his apologies. He had some urgent family matters to attend to and asked me to fill in for him. I hope I¡¯m an acceptable substitute."


    Selene sighed but quickly smirked, crossing her arms. "Fine. But you can tell Zarek he¡¯ll owe me for this. I¡¯ll make sure he makes up for it later."


    The other three exchanged knowing looks. They didn¡¯t dare speak, but a silent understanding passed between them. Poor Zarek. They each offered a brief mental prayer for their absent comrade.

 Chapter 12: S-rank 3

    Valena leaned back in the chair, hands behind her head, shooting Ashura a sly grin. "I''m just saying, if anything breaks or goes wrong, it''ll be Ashura''s fault. He can''t touch anything without denting it."


    Ashura snorted, flexing his scarred arms for emphasis. "You''re just jealous I''ve got actual muscles, Valena. Not everyone needs to rely on magic to carry them."


    "Careful now, Ashura," Corvus interjected, his voice dry. "Insulting the healer right before your fight with that monster might not be the wisest move."


    Selene stood beside them, a soft smile on her face. If only it could stay like this, she thought.


    Valena nearly fell out of her chair at Corvus''s comeback. "Pfft, how does that feel, Ashura?" she asked, avoiding eye contact.


    Snorting, Ashura shot back, "Well, at least I didn''t get roped into this by Zarek, falling for his weak excuses."


    Corvus blinked, looking genuinely puzzled. "What do you mean, weak excuses? He said his wife had some trouble."


    Valena completely lost it, bursting into laughter and nearly toppling off her chair. "Pfft, his wife? That guy''s been single his whole life! He doesn''t have a wife. You''re way too gullible, Corv."


    "Seriously?" Corvus turned to Selene, disbelief written all over his face. But when he saw her chuckling too, he realized he''d been had by Zarek.


    As Valena finally managed to catch her breath from her fit of laughter, the light atmosphere shifted. The sound of boots echoing down the hall broke their lighthearted moment, signaling the arrival of the moment they''d been preparing for. The reassessment was about to begin.


    Selene''s smile faded, her expression turning more focused as she glanced toward the door. "Alright, enough of the jokes. It''s about to begin; time to get serious."


    The group straightened for the task that awaited them. Ashura leaned forward; his posture straightened. Corvus stood up as well, the playful glint gone from his eyes.


    Valena wiped a tear from her eye, but she too sobered quickly. "Right, I''ll go check on the healers station," she said, her tone back to the professionalism they all knew.


    Selene nodded, her gaze lingering on each of them for a moment. "Let''s head to the observation room. Everything needs to go smoothly; it''s not for no reason that I called three members back."


    The two standing behind her saluted her, silently acknowledging her words. They all knew what was at stake here. Teo''s reassessment could change a lot for him and for the squad.


    As they went to their assigned positions, Selene felt a flicker of doubt. The teasing had helped lighten the mood, but now, as the clock ticked down, she couldn''t push away the thoughts she had buried earlier. Will he become S-rank or will he stay in A? What will the Amanar''s reaction be? What will the populace think after it is announced if he becomes S-rank?


    The door to the testing room opened with a soft creak, and Selene''s attention snapped toward it. Snapping her out of her thoughts. And then she saw him. Teo had entered.


    Teo stepped into the room, his posture relaxed as usual. He scanned the room silently, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. The technicians paused momentarily when they noticed him but quickly resumed their work, aware that Selene and the others were present.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Selene grabbed the microphone and cleared her throat. "You know how this works, Teo. Do you need me to explain it again, or can we just start?"


    "Let¡¯s get it over with. I can¡¯t wait to get through the boring parts," Teo replied, smirking in Ashura¡¯s direction. Although the special glass prevented Teo from seeing him directly, he knew Ashura shared his sentiment.


    Selene sighed and addressed the technicians. "Get everything ready for the mana measurement. And make sure the machine doesn¡¯t explode if his reading exceeds S+."


    "Yes, ma¡¯am!" the technicians shouted in unison, quickly hurrying to their posts to complete their tasks. Meanwhile, Teo stood before the machine, his nonchalant demeanor making it clear this whole process felt like a chore to him.


    As preparations continued, Valena returned from the healer¡¯s station to inform Selene that everything was set for the reassessment to proceed smoothly. However, when she noticed Ashura grinning, she frowned and asked, "What¡¯s with that stupid grin?"


    Corvus interjected, "Why do you think? Teo got him riled up, of course."


    Realization dawned on Valena¡¯s face. "Ah, that makes sense. But Ashura, be careful. Teo¡¯s no pushover. Even before awakening, he could hold his own against you."


    "Yeah, yeah, I know," Ashura replied, still grinning. "But I can¡¯t help being curious. How much stronger will he be now?" His anticipation was palpable as he silently wished the other tests would finish quickly, eager to face Teo during the final reassessment.


    "Alright, that¡¯s enough," Selene snapped. "This is serious. Everyone needs to focus on the details." Her gaze shifted to Corvus. "Corvus, you¡¯re watching the entrance, right?"


    "Yes, Captain. No one from the Amanar family will get past the ground floor, nor will they have the chance to disrupt the process," Corvus affirmed.


    Satisfied with his response, Selene turned her gaze back to the testing room, where Teo now stood before the mana-measuring machine. His posture radiates nonchalance.


    The head technician approached Teo hesitantly. Clearing his throat, he began in a slightly shaky voice, "You will need to place your hand on the ball atop the machine, and then¡ª"


    Teo rolled his eyes, cutting him off mid-sentence. "I know how it works, old man. Just get it over with," he said, his tone filled with impatience.


    The technician flinched but nodded quickly, stepping back to his console. A few other staff members exchanged nervous glances, while Selene pinched the bridge of her nose.


    "Teo," she said over the intercom, her voice firm. "Try not to scare the staff before we even start. They¡¯re here to help, not to annoy you."


    Teo smirked, glancing briefly at the observation window. "Sure, Captain. I¡¯ll be good. Just as long as they don¡¯t start reciting the entire instruction manual."


    Selene sighed but decided to let it go, gesturing for the technicians to proceed. "Start the measurement," she instructed.


    Immediately, Teo began channeling his mana into the machine. A low hum filled the room as the machine absorbed his mana, and the technicians scrambled to adjust the settings, their eyes wide with nervousness. The readouts on the machine shot up at an alarming rate, jumping from D to S+ within seconds. Teo¡¯s grin widened as he watched their frantic movements, noting how their hands shook while trying to keep up with his output.


    His gaze moved toward the observation window, where Selene stood; he couldn¡¯t see her. But he could imagine the disapproval in her eyes.


    Feeling playful, Teo pushed the boundaries even further, feeding the machine more mana. The gauge shot upwards like a rocket, reaching the S+ limit in the blink of an eye. He saw the technicians exchange panicked glances as they frantically typed on their consoles, trying to stabilize the readings. A loud alarm blared as the machine neared its breaking point.


    Teo smirked. He held the flood of mana just long enough to make things interesting before cutting it off sharply. The machine¡¯s hum stopped as the output fell back to manageable levels, but not before the system gave a final protest with a series of alarming beeps.


    From behind the glass, Selene was furious. Imbuing her voice with magic, she slowly said, "Teo!"


    The entire room shook as the technicians all froze in fear. Realizing what she had done, Selene signaled for Valena to cast a soothing spell, calming the technicians and getting them back on task to manage the machine once again.

 Chapter 13: S-rank 4

    The loud hum of the mana-measuring machine had barely died down when Selene''s voice cut through the speakers in the testing room. "You''ve had your fun, Teo. Next is the dungeon simulation."


    Teo put his hands lazily back into his pockets, rolling his eyes with a smirk. "It better not disappoint, captain."


    Selene sighed, ignoring his provocation. "Proceed to the next stage. The simulated dungeon has been set to be S-rank." Hearing that, Teo couldn''t help but grin.


    The door at the far end of the testing room slid open, revealing a dark corridor. Flickering lights danced along the edges of the walls.


    In the observation room, Valena leaned forward, her chin resting on her hand. "S-rank? Shouldn''t it be A-rank for the S-rank test? you only need to clear an A-rank dungeon solo no?"


    Selene, without turning around, just bluntly answered. "Well, he got on my nerves, and I supervise this assessment, so I might have made some minor adjustments."


    The three squad members just looked at her dumbfounded, and then they remembered Selene was always like this. People that annoy her or get on her bad side always suffer the consequences.


    "Oh, and I also added some hazards, a time limit, and a hidden boss." She added without batting an eye.


    "Hahaha, perfect! now this is getting interesting!" Ashura exclaimed his grin widening. "Let''s see what type of familiars he has awakened and if he awakened some special abilities."


    Valena and Corvus exchanged uneasy glances before their gazes returned to Selene''s back. A chill seemed to run down their spines as they remembered just how ruthless their captain could be when crossed. It wasn''t fear exactly, more like a sharp reminder of why no one dared to test her patience unnecessarily. Well, no one except Teo, of course.


    "Yes, I am also curious how many familiars he awakened and how strong they are," Selene said, her tone calm but carrying a subtle edge of anticipation. Picking up the microphone, she spoke over the speakers, "Teo, are you ready?"


    Teo stretched dramatically, cracking his neck before replying with a smirk, "Ready? Always, ma''am. After all, your ''special touches'' are the highlight of my day." Without waiting for a response, he dashed into the simulated dungeon, leaving Selene glaring at the empty space he had occupied.


    Selene set the microphone down with a sigh, muttering, "He¡¯s insufferable."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Valena stifled a laugh, while Ashura shook his head. "Classic Teo," he remarked, a faint smile appearing on his face.


    "He¡¯s lucky this is an official test," Selene said sharply, her tone half-serious. "Otherwise, I¡¯d make sure he¡¯d learn some manners the hard way." Despite her words, there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "Let¡¯s see how long that cocky attitude lasts."


    "Now that he¡¯s in the dungeon, interference is no longer an option," Selene continued, her voice regaining its edge of authority. "Valena, be ready in case anything goes wrong. Corvus, Ashura, you¡¯re on monitoring duty; don¡¯t miss a single detail."


    "Yes, Captain," they echoed in unison, their earlier lightheartedness replaced by sharp focus as they took their positions.


    Selene''s voice lingered in the air, sharp and commanding, but her team had already moved with precision. Beyond the observation room, the simulated environment of the dungeon activated with a low hum, pixels merging seamlessly into a majestic volcanic landscape.


    Teo''s eyes narrowed slightly as the world around him solidified. The acrid smell of sulfur filled his nostrils, mingling with the fiery wind that burned his skin. Shadows of massive monsters loomed in the distance, their roars barely audible over the rumble of the volcano dominating the horizon, a colossal peak that stretched thousands of meters into the sky, its molten veins glowing ominously. This wasn¡¯t just a typical S-rank dungeon.


    For a moment, his surprise was visible, but it quickly morphed into excitement. His lips curled into a smirk as he muttered to himself, "Maybe I pushed Selene a bit too far this time. Oh well, not like I can undo it now. Might as well enjoy this to the fullest."


    Reaching into the subspace, he pulled out Sorazaki Ken?. Teo rested the sword on his shoulder and started forward, his strides casual despite the infernal heat radiating from the ground.


    "Master," Sorazaki¡¯s voice resonated in his mind, "why am I the only one you¡¯ve summoned?"


    Teo shrugged, his tone blunt and unapologetic. "Because I want to have some fun first. Wiping everything out too quickly would ruin it."


    The sword seemed to sigh in response, but Teo ignored it, whistling idly as he strolled through the volcanic wasteland. For anyone else, the environment would have been overwhelming, waves of fiery wind, the constant tremors, and the oppressive heat, but for Teo, it was barely an inconvenience. As a vampire, his magic power and regenerative abilities made him indifferent to the heat, and in truth, he relished it. The faint sting of the scorching air on his skin only made him feel more alive.


    Still, as minutes stretched into what felt like hours, even he began to grow bored. "This place is all bark and no bite," he muttered, kicking a stray piece of molten rock. His thoughts wandered to the monitoring room. He could almost see Selene¡¯s stern face, her eyes fixed on the screen, waiting for the smallest mistake. He chuckled under his breath. Bet she¡¯s dying for me to mess up just once so she can lecture me about being cautious.


    The ground shook violently, snapping him back to reality. Ahead, a massive figure emerged from the molten terrain, a towering golem wreathed in flames, its molten core pulsing like a heartbeat. It turned to face him, molten eyes locking onto him with murderous intent.


    Teo¡¯s smirk widened into a grin as he gripped Sorazaki Ken? with his right hand. The air around him grew charged with anticipation, his earlier boredom forgotten in an instant.


    "Finally," he said, his voice dripping with exhilaration. "Showtime."

 Chapter 14: S-rank 5

    The flaming golem charged forward with a deafening roar, each step sending shockwaves through the molten ground. Teo stood his ground, the ground trembling beneath his feet; his katana was held loosely at his side. He tilted his head slightly, observing the lumbering mass of flame and stone with a calm curiosity.


    "You''re a big one, aren''t you?" he said, his voice barely audible over the chaos.


    The golem responded with a massive swing of its fiery arm, the molten stone leaving a blazing arc in its wake. Teo''s smirk didn''t falter. In a blur of motion, he sidestepped the strike, the oppressive heat grazing his cheek. His katana flashed as he moved, carving a streak of silver through the fiery arm.


    The result was underwhelming. The blade cut cleanly, but the severed chunks of molten rock simply reformed, the creature''s core pulsing brighter as if mocking his efforts.


    "Ah, self-healing. Of course," Teo muttered, twirling the sword in his hand. "Guess you''re not just some oversized campfire."


    In the monitoring room, Selene and the others were watching Teo; Ashura burst out laughing at Teo''s remark. "He really doesn''t change, huh? This fire golem is an A+ ranked monster, and he''s basically toying with it."


    Selene silently shook her head. "I should really educate him better; this attitude is gonna be the end of him." Seeing Selene like that, Valena tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Don''t worry about it too much; he has been through a lot; this is just his way of dealing with that."


    Selene nodded, but she still felt uneasy about it. Why did he not talk to her about it? She felt like she had not done enough for him. Turning around, she steeled her resolve. "After this is over, I''ll try even harder to make him feel at home in the association," she muttered while clasping her hands in front of her.


    Back on the battlefield, Teo was dancing around the golem''s relentless attacks. As he kept slashing the golem everywhere except its weak point, the big red core in the middle of his torso.


    Dodging all the golems attacks as they kept getting closer and closer, yet his expression remained indifferent, almost bored. "I''m losing interest; it was nice in the beginning, but it''s just a huge pile of rocks that can''t even touch me." Teo said to no one in particular, the next moment the katana flashed in a swift horizontal stroke, cutting cleanly through the core.


    As the core was cut in half, the golem just fell forward like a huge stone that lost its strings. Landing right in front of Teo.


    ¡°Very handy indeed,¡± Teo muttered, glancing at the halved core. He gave the blade a small shake. ¡°Guess you¡¯re not just for show.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Sorazaki¡¯s voice rang in his mind, sharp and haughty. ¡°Hmph, of course I¡¯m not. Do you have any idea how rare it is to find a sword familiar of my caliber? Consider yourself lucky, master.¡±


    "Onto the next enemy." Teo said dryly, walking toward the huge volcano in the center.


    "Next enemy? Or next victim?" Sorazaki''s voice bristled with pride. "With me in hand, you could take down even a dragon without breaking a sweat."


    "A dragon, huh?" Teo¡¯s smirk widened as he firmly grabbed the katana. "Is that a promise, or just you running your mouth?" Without waiting for a reply, he tossed Sorazaki into the subspace with a flick of his wrist.


    Inside the subspace, Sorazaki tumbled through the air before landing on the ground. "Hah!" A deep, rumbling laugh echoed as Atlas Ursus slapped a massive paw on the ground. "Got thrown out like trash, did you?"


    "That¡¯s what you get for running your mouth, Sora," Yuurei added with a sharp tone, folding his wings. Nearby, Somniroth stretched lazily on the grass, his voice a low murmur. "Maybe buttering up the master isn¡¯t your strong suit. Try silence for once."


    Sorazaki seethed but stayed silent, his blade gleaming faintly as if sulking.


    Meanwhile, Teo glanced into the subspace, observing the endless greenery within. Lush trees, sparkling lakes, and¡ªhis eye twitched¡ªa shabby storage shed stood awkwardly to one side. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Didn''t I tell you all to build a proper house? What the hell is that thing? Ugh, whatever. I¡¯ll deal with it after this trial is over," he muttered.


    Shaking his head, Teo turned back to the task at hand. "Yuurei, Somniroth, you¡¯re up." His tone was calm but commanding. "As much as I¡¯d like to handle this solo, it¡¯s a rank-up exam. I¡¯ll help Selene out and show off a little."


    Teo''s smirk deepened as he turned his back to the subspace. And then right after him, Yuurei and Somniroth appeared next to him.


    Yuurei stretched her wings confidently, and Somniroth just stood next to Teo yawning, like he would rather just laze around in the subspace.


    "Alright, what''s next?" Somniroth asked while yawning. Teo just looked at him with a smile. "Well, of course I will be standing on your back while you fly full speed ahead to that huge volcano." Without waiting for a reply, he just jumped on Somniroth''s back and lay down, supporting his head with his arms.


    Yuurei looked at Somniroth and then immediately jumped on his back. sitting cross-legged close to where Teo''s head was lying. "I''ll stay with master here. You do the transporting, Somni."


    Somniroth could only loudly sigh as he took off flying towards the huge volcano.


    "Take notes, Corvus. He has at least 4 familiars. And they seem rather high-ranking ones as well." Said Selene as she paced around the room in a frenzy to keep everything operating smoothly.


    Ashura, who was monitoring Teo''s movements closely, heard Selene pace around the room like a maniac. "Chill out, Selene; he''s already seventeen years old, and he knows it''s a test; he acts carefree, yeah. But he''s showing more familiars to make our job easier, so chill out, please!"


    Stopping in her tracks, Selene sat down at her spot. "You''re right, Ash, my bad. I''ll try to tone it down, but still, why is he still acting like that? Ugh, I would really like to give him a proper beating right now!" she exclaimed in pure frustration.

 Chapter 15: S-rank 6

    "You know," Yuurei said, watching the volcanic landscape blur beneath them, "most people would be a bit more concerned about flying straight into an active volcano."


    Teo didn''t even open his eyes, still lounging comfortably on Somniroth''s back. "Most people aren''t me."


    "Most people aren''t insufferable show-offs either," Somniroth grumbled, though there was no real bite to his words. "You don''t even ask how long I can fly before getting tired."


    "That''s because I know you won''t let me fall," Teo said with absolute certainty. "Because I would work you to death then, besides Yuurei would catch me."


    "Bold of you to assume I would," Yuurei retorted, but her amused tone betrayed her.


    Their banter was cut short as Somniroth suddenly tensed beneath them. His casual flight pattern shifted, becoming more alert. "Something''s coming," he growled, his earlier laziness vanishing instantly.


    Through the volcanic haze, a massive shape began to materialize. The air itself seemed to distort with heat as the creature emerged, its wingspan casting enormous shadows through the smoke.


    "Well," Teo said, finally opening his eyes as he sat up. "Looks like Sorazaki might get his dragon after all."


    But when they saw the creature after it left the volcanic haze, Teo just sighed and went back to lazing on Somniroth''s back. "It''s just an overgrown wyvern. You two can finish this one off," he said dismissively.


    "Somni, you wanna do this one?" asked Yuurei as she went to sit down beside Teo again.


    "Haaah, fine, but the next one is your job, Yuurei." He answered slightly annoyed that he was left to deal with this pest. "But what kind of wyvern is this big?" he wondered.


    "It''s a mutated species," Teo remarked, eyes still closed. "I¡¯m guessing Selene tossed it in the dungeon to punish me for how I was acting."


    "Ohh, that makes a lot of sense," said Somniroth, nodding as if enlightened. "I''ll just finish this quickly. It shouldn''t be a challenge¡ªI''m a true dragon, not a wannabe overgrown reptile."


    "Hold on tight," Somniroth growled, his lazy demeanor vanishing, replaced by a predatory focus. Without warning, he surged forward, closing the distance to the wyvern in a heartbeat. The mutated creature froze, its body trembling with fear.


    As Somniroth flew right at it, he mumbled. "Shadow claws," and his long claws elongated, stretching to nearly five meters in length, jet black and razor sharp. With one swift slash, he tore through the wyvern¡¯s body effortlessly.


    The lifeless creature plummeted to the ground. Somniroth didn''t even grant it a second look as he continued flying towards the huge volcano.


    "Why didn¡¯t it dodge?" Teo asked, curiosity flickering in his voice as he opened one eye. "Even if Somniroth is a true dragon, a mutated wyvern should have better instincts than that."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Somniroth rumbled with pride. "I trapped its mind in a nightmare. Don¡¯t forget¡ªmy attributes are shadow and dream. Lower beings can¡¯t handle the magic power of true dragons when we get serious."


    "Oh, that makes sense." Teo replied as he closed his eye again. "Next is your turn, Yuurei. Don''t disappoint me."


    "I won''t master." Yuurei said with a determined look on her face.


    Somnirotth landed gracefully at the edge of the volcano, the heat radiating in waves even from this distance. "This place reeks of trouble," he muttered, folding his wings.


    "Luckily for you, you can go back to the subspace." Teo said as he jumped off its back. Somniroth couldn''t help but show a toothy grin as he entered the subspace again, lying down on his previous spot and falling asleep almost immediately.


    Teo looked dumbfounded at the lazy dragon, shrugged, and turned towards the other familiars. "Ember Tyrant and Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦, come out; you two are next."


    As Ember Tyrant and Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦ jumped out of the subspace, the first thing they felt was the intense heat coming from the volcano.


    "Awesome, this is great. I''m very glad you picked me, master," said Ember Tyrant.


    "Ew, I hate heat. Master, do I have to help now?" Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦ exclaimed, looking pitifully at Teo.


    Teo just shrugged. "Stop acting like a drama queen. Without you, how else will I just walk through the walls?"


    Y¨­ul¨ªng just sighed and turned everyone into mist so they could start exploring the volcano. Teo just started poking himself and feeling his hands go through his body. It was a new experience.


    "This feels weird. Well, no matter, let''s enter and clear this volcano." Teo said, walking straight through the volcano wall.


    As Teo stepped through the wall, the immediate onslaught of heat hit him like a wave, the air thick with the scent of sulfur and the unmistakable burn of molten rock. The ground beneath his feet was uneven, veins of bright orange magma coursing through the volcano.


    "Well, this place definitely doesn''t seem welcoming," Teo mused, adjusting his shirt and glancing around for any abnormalities.


    Ember Tyrant stretched his flame-covered limbs, his fiery form glowing even brighter in the oppressive heat. "I don''t know, master, I think it''s perfect! I feel right at home." His voice was a mix of excitement and pride, clearly unbothered by the temperature.


    Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦, on the other hand, looked less than thrilled. Her once ethereal form was now shifting in discomfort, her mist-like body wisping uneasily in the air. "This place... is an inferno. What kind of dungeon is this? Are we supposed to roast alive before we even find anything worth fighting"?


    Teo gave him a half-smirk, eyes gleaming with an amused yet indifferent light. "You''ve been complaining a whole lot, Y¨­ul¨ªng. Just think of it as a training opportunity. You''ll get used to the heat."


    "Training? In this furnace?" Y¨­ul¨ªng whined, her mist swirling more tightly around her form as if trying to cool herself. "I''ll melt before I can help you, master!"


    Teo laughed, the sound light and easy. "You''ll be fine. You might not like it, but it''s important to overcome your own weaknesses. And I don''t need useless familiars."


    Y¨­ul¨ªng looked shocked. Would she be cast aside for complaining a little bit? Seeing Y¨­ul¨ªng''s expression change so drastically, Yuurei stepped in. "Don''t worry too much about it. Y¨­ul¨ªng master might sound harsh, but that''s his way of encouraging us."


    Ember Tyrant nodded, clearly enjoying himself. "I agree with the master on this. Being weak as a familiar is a sin. So get your act together, Y¨­ul¨ªng, because it seems we have company."


    "So you noticed as well, Tyrant. Good, ok, Tyrant will take the middle Y¨­ul¨ªng, the left, and you Yuurei the right. I will just spectate because these guys are small fries." Ordered Teo, sitting down on a big rock.


    Ember Tyrant cracked his knuckles, flames flickering along his body in anticipation, while Y¨­ul¨ªng took a deep breath, her mist swirling anxiously around her. Yuurei, always calm in the face of a challenge, adjusted her stance and gave a small nod.

 Chapter 16: S-rank 7

    Hundreds of flaming centipedes crawled from the huge magma lake, their burning bodies casting an eerie glow across the battlefield. Y¨­ul¨ªng shuddered at the sight but steeled herself; she would not disappoint Teo, who lounged casually on his rock as if watching a mere performance.


    The trio flinched as the horde approached. Though each centipede wasn''t particularly strong on its own, their sheer numbers made them a formidable threat. Yet Teo hadn''t summoned any additional familiars, his confidence in them evident. The centipedes surged forward like a burning tide, charging with unnatural single-mindedness that suggested a controlling force behind their actions.


    When the first centipede arrived near Ember Tyrant, he swung his flaming fist, connecting with a centipede, and it just exploded on impact. Flashing a smile, he charged at the centipedes, blasting one after the other as he kept getting wilder and wilder.


    Yuurei, on the other hand, just killed them cleanly using her blood magic. She controlled the blood that splattered around because of Tyrant''s rampage and created spears, knives, and other weaponry with it to cleanly behead the centipedes.


    Y¨­ul¨ªng watched her companions'' efficiency with a mix of awe and determination. Gathering her mist around her, she faced her own group of advancing centipedes. She wouldn''t let herself fall behind.


    Turning parts of her body ethereal and then, when it''s inside the centipede''s skull, she undid the transformation to let her limbs appear in the centipede''s brains to one-shot them. Even though it might not work on stronger and smarter enemies, for these dumb insects, this approach worked very well.


    Teo lounged on the big rock, just lazily watching his familiars slaughter the centipedes. Impressed by Y¨­ul¨ªng''s way of fighting, he closed his eyes again to wait until all the centipedes were wiped out.


    A massive explosion hit the battlefield, centered on the rock Teo''s perch. The rock he''d been lounging on shattered into a thousand pieces, and through the smoke and debris, Teo''s body flew backwards, a gaping hole in his chest. His familiars froze in horror. None of them had ever seen their master wounded before.


    But then Teo''s laughter echoed across the field as the wound began knitting itself closed. The burned flesh and the fractured bones regenerating at a speed visible to the naked eye. "Now that," he said, cracking his neck as he stood, "was actually impressive."


    Looking around the room to find who had managed to wound him Toe didn''t see anything or anyone that could have harmed him so severely. "Y¨­ul¨ªng, get over here!" he growled.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Y¨­ul¨ªng immediately appeared beside him and turned him into mist. "Tyrant enter the lake the centipedes crawled out of. I have a feeling the big boss will be hiding in there." He said nonchalantly, not hiding the huge grin.


    "Oh, Selene, you¡¯ve really outdone yourself this time." The usual stoicism that defined his features melted away, replaced by a manic gleam in his eyes. His lips twisted into a wide, almost feral grin, baring his teeth as if he were savoring some dark delight.


    "All familiars are to stand ready in the subspace; this battle is going to be an extremely tough one, so be prepared to fight to your heart''s content." he said as he pulled Sorazaki out of the subspace. Resting it against his shoulder, a beautiful cat appeared on his other shoulder.


    "W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o, ugh, what a drag. I''ll just call you M¨¡o; that''s gonna be a lot easier in dire circumstances." He mumbled, "Stay on my shoulder and use your abilities to support me." Ordering her, he slowly walked towards the magma lake in the center.


    In the magma lake, Ember Tyrant was slowly descending towards the bottom. A shiver raced down his spine. And what he saw only made it worse. A towering colossus that must have been at least 50 meters tall was standing in front of him, its body a fusion of molten rock and pure flame, constantly shifting between solid and liquid forms. Jagged obsidian spikes are visible atop its broad shoulders, arms, and back, glowing with fiery veins. Its head crowned with a halo of blazing fire, and its eyes are orbs of searing white heat staring straight at Ember Tyrant.


    A tight swallow betrayed his unease, despite his effort to appear calm, but he was also excited to fight such a formidable opponent. Charging straight at the colossus with his blade formed by destructive energy. slashing at the colossus, his right arm he cut straight through as the arm sank to the bottom of the lake.


    Ember Tyrant looked surprised at the colossus. "Is it just a huge weakling?" looking suspiciously at the arm that had landed on the bottom, he couldn''t see the arm anymore; it had disappeared. Another shiver raced down his spine, and before he could react, a massive force slammed into him head-on.


    He was launched out of the magma lake like a comet, molten rock splashing in all directions as his body hurtled through the air. Smashing into the volcanic wall with a thunderous crash, the impact sending cracks throughout the wall as debris rained down around him.


    Ember Tyrant''s form dimmed, flickering unsteadily as cracks of faint energy rippled across his body. His once radiant flames now sputtered weakly, their brilliance nearly extinguished. Sensing his familiar''s predicament, Teo extended his hand, a torrent of magic power surging forth. The mana enveloped Ember Tyrant, his flickering light steadying as his flames reignited, burning brighter than before.


    "Thanks, master," he muttered as he crawled back up while stumbling a little. Teo just nodded and got straight to the point. "The hell did you see down there, to be slapped around like a dead body?" he asked as his facial features turned even more savage, showing his growing fighting spirit and interest in the formidable enemy looming in the lake.


    "I don''t really know what to call it, but it looked like a colossus made out of pure flame and molten rock. It should at least be 50 meters tall and looks like a serious threat; his healing powers are extraordinary. I cut off its arm, and within a couple of minutes it was completely healed as if it never happened," he explained as he awkwardly scratched his flame-covered head.

 Chapter 17: S-rank 8

    The colossal figure emerged from the magma lake with deliberate slowness, molten rock cascading off its massive form like a waterfall of liquid fire. Steam hissed and writhed around it, creating an otherworldly atmosphere in the volcanic chamber. Standing at its full height, the being''s head nearly brushed against the cavern ceiling. Its body radiating heat that made even Teo flinch and feel uncomfortably hot.


    "Well," Teo muttered, his fingers tightening around Sorazaki, "now I see what you meant by it being impressive." His eyes tracked the way the creature''s body seemed to pulse with internal flame, noting how the magma that made up its form flowed in distinct patterns. Those weren''t random movements. They were more like the circulation of blood through veins.


    "Any idea as to what its weakness could be?" Teo asked as he kept staring at the colossus. "I have no idea, master. Maybe we need to keep wounding it until there is no magma left in the lake?" mumbled Ember Tyrant as he felt a cold shiver race down his spine. If that was the creature''s only weakness, this would be an insanely difficult battle.


    "Nah, I don''t believe it does not have a single weakness. Let''s first engage it and try and find its weakness." Shouted Teo, a savage grin spreading across his face once more as he took a step forward. His magic began to gather around him in visible waves, making the air shimmer with power. "I think it''s time we show this overgrown candlestick what happens when I get serious."


    Before Teo could make his move, the colossus struck first. Its massive fist grabbing a huge molten rock and throwing it straight at Teo. Teo barely had time to channel his mana into Sorazaki to cut the flying rock in half. Still hit by some shards that followed after the huge rock, his face turning ecstatic.


    "Not bad for an oversized pile of rocks," he taunted, his voice laced with arrogance. With a fluid motion, he spun Sorazaki in a complex pattern, weaving strands of spatial energy into a net-like formation. "Tyrant, you charge head-on and try to grab its attention!"


    The familiar shot forward like a meteor, his flame-covered form streaking towards the colossus''s front while Teo jumped into the spatial net. Disappearing from the colossus''s sight. Seeing Teo disappear, the colossus let loose a deafening roar.


    Teo got a bad feeling as he was about to appear behind the colossus and made the split-second decision to enter the subspace. "M¨¡o, open the subspace immediately!"


    Without hesitation, W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o opened the portal, and they jumped inside it. Looking around for all the familiars, Teo saw them all gathered together. "This monster is gonna be a serious challenge, but it should be fine. I want you all to stay ready for anything," he said as he made a cutting movement with Sorazaki, and he jumped back out of the subspace.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    When he landed back in the volcano, Teo gasped at the sight in front of him: absolute destruction. The inside of the volcano looked like a huge magma bomb had just been detonated inside. There was molten rock and magma everywhere, and the heavy stench of acrid sulfur overwhelmed Teo''s senses.


    Biting through, he looked around to see if he could find Tyrant and Yuurei. Those were the only ones not in the subspace. There they were, stuck in the wall, their figures almost completely see-through. Teo immediately sent a huge amount of mana to both to fix them up.


    "Master, are you sure this guy is beatable?" W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o asked, her voice trembling uncontrollably. Teo just looked at her with an unpleasant expression on his face. "M¨¡o, you can go back into the subspace if you don''t want to fight." He said, readying his stance to charge at the colossus.


    W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o was taken aback; why was he so insistent? This is only a test, not a life-or-death match. She couldn''t understand her master; it was like he was walking his own path and she was just standing still, not progressing at all. Even though she wanted to stay, she couldn''t; she was afraid of the giant colossus. So she entered the subspace after taking one last look at her master holding Sorazaki.


    Teo squared his stance as the colossus turned its gaze upon him. Now alone after sending all the familiars into the subspace. He could let loose completely. Sorazaki hummed in his grip, responding to his surge of magic power.


    "Just you and me now, big guy," he muttered, a familiar savage grin spreading across his face. "Let''s see what you''re really made of."


    The colossus stared Teo in the eyes as he just disappeared from his vision again. Feeling magic fluctuations around his back, he preemptively threw a punch toward the place where he felt the magic fluctuating.


    When Teo appeared in that spot, he was hit by the colossus''s full-powered punch. Having been had twice by this formidable enemy, he couldn''t help but show a crazed smile. "Hahahaha, this is awesome! Thanks a bunch, Selene! I will gladly accept this present!" he shouted as he smashed into the volcanic wall.


    Spitting blood and breaking almost every bone in his body. He shot up as the injuries healed even faster than before. They were completely gone within a minute.


    Cracking his neck, tightening his grip around Sorazaki, he grumbled. "Blood wings." And two magnificent blood-red wings appeared behind him as he kept staring straight at the colossus.


    "Now the real battle begins." saying that he vanished again, but this time not due to Sorazaki''s space abilities, no. Now he was flying so fast that the colossus couldn''t follow his movements.


    The colossus''s massive form suddenly stilled, its burning eyes trying desperately to follow the challenger''s movements.


    But before it could find Teo, it had lost both of its arms. Teo, landing not far from it, looked at the limbless colossus with a taunting gaze. "Is that all you''ve got?" he said mockingly.


    The colossus just roared again and reformed its arms immediately after. And it conjured multiple giants about a fourth of its own size. Teo just looked at the smaller monsters with a ferocious grin. "This is going to be fun." As he disappeared again, moving so fast that none of the monsters could follow him.

 Chapter 18: S-rank 9

    In the subspace, W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o lay on Somniroth''s back, her ears and tail drooping, her beautiful eyes watering. "Does Master hate me now?" she whimpered to herself.


    Somniroth opened one of his eyes, looking around, hoping any of the others would jump in, but it seemed like they were all expecting him to comfort her. He let out a long, exaggerated breath, his discontent evident.


    "What is the problem, M¨¡o?" he asked the little cat lying on his back. W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o curled into a tight ball, tucking its paws beneath its body, its tail wrapped closely around itself as though trying to disappear.


    "I disappointed master. By running away from the battle," she mumbled as she bit her lip, desperately trying to hold back her tears.


    Somniroth sighed heavily, and with his tail lightly patted M¨¡o on the back. "Don''t worry too much about it; that is just how he is. I was once like that too. Just try your best; you are not useless," he said in a gentle tone. "He just hadn''t found the proper way to best utilize your abilities," he stated as he kept patting her back lightly with his tail.


    Sniffling, the little cat felt a little better, her ears perking up a little. Then Atlas Ursus interjected, "That''s right. He himself is also going through a lot, and fighting is his only escape right now, so that''s why he judges everything by its usefulness when fighting for now."


    Yuurei just nodded along, just like the others; they were all in agreement and hoped that their master would overcome his trauma soon for his own sake and for their sake. Then Atrum Spectre said, "Fighting constantly is fine in the beginning, but as time passes, it becomes an exhausting burden that weighs heavily on everyone involved." The other familiars fell silent, each knowing the truth in those words.


    Clearing his throat loudly, Somniroth nodded along. "So M¨¡o, don''t worry too much about it. Just do your best; master will surely realize your true value soon." After saying that, he closed his eye again and laid his head down again.


    The others could only sigh collectively, "He''s way too lazy," stated M¨¡o. And the others couldn''t stop laughing.


    "Puhahaha! She got you there, you overgrown lizard!" cackled Altas Ursus.


    "Whoa!" Then M¨¡o was flung off Somniroth''s back, landing gracefully. Next to Yuurei, she pouted with a "Hmph!" stomping away menacingly, or as menacingly as a small cat could manage.


    "And you watch out, you fat bear; I''ll eat you next before my next nap," quipped Somniroth while still lazily lying in his cozy spot.


    "Ha! "You can try; I don''t mind eating some overgrown lizard for dinner," answered Atlas Ursus, trying his best not to burst out laughing.


    "Ok, that''s enough. Remember, Master is fighting that flame colossus right now, so be prepared to be summoned." said Yuurei, as she stood completely still looking at the spot where Teo had left earlier.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ***


    Teo stood in front of the huge colossus after finishing off the little ones for what felt like the hundredth time. "This sucks! But at least I''ve found its weakness now¡ªa small core is floating around somewhere in that gigantic body, huh," he said as he crushed the final core of the little monsters with his teeth.


    "Ready, Sora?" He asked, smiling crazily, his appearance looking like he was a homeless man. His clothes were torn almost completely apart, his skin covered in blood and constantly healing the burn wounds he received.


    "I am ready, master. This battle is exhilarating!" Teo heard. His grin growing even wider, almost like he was a feral beast that had just found easy prey.


    "Here''s the plan," he mumbled, swinging his blade in a wide arc. "We will first make an opening to the subspace where they will all jump out to frontally attack the colossus. Then when they''re trying to destroy it frontally, we will attack from all kinds of different angles to try and destroy its core."


    "Attack frontally!" he ordered as he started moving at such high speeds that the colossus couldn''t follow it. So instead it focused its attention on the new enemies that appeared out of the portal.


    "You heard him; let''s kick some ass." Atlas Ursus charged forward, unleashing a devastating roar. He looked unstoppable, like the epitome of physical force.


    The others weren''t idling around. Ember Tyrant summoned his destruction blade again and also charged forward. Y¨­ul¨ªng ¨¦ stayed more toward the back, but she wasn''t idle¡ªshrouding the battlefield in mist to make the colossus miss his attacks and obstruct his vision.


    And all the way at the front was none other than Testudo Aegis, using his earth magic to reshape the volcanic terrain. He made it almost impossible for the colossus to attack without smashing through multiple layers of strengthened earth walls.


    Cutting off an arm each, Ursus and Tyrant turned around and went for the next best target¡ªits legs. Cutting those off easily as well, what followed was a massacre with all of them attacking simultaneously. They destroyed every centimeter of its body, and finally, after almost an hour of destroying, dodging, healing, and a ruthless beatdown, they finally saw the core.


    The colossus sensing imminent danger let out a deafening roar, and then it happened. It started gathering magical energy atop its huge crown.


    "Oh no! Everyone dodge!" screamed Yuurei. "This is the same attack as he did earlier when the master went into the subspace!"


    Hearing that, Teo jumped into action, appearing behind the familiars; he opened a subspace entrance. "Everyone, retreat now!" He ordered. And they all entered swiftly.


    Closing the entrance, he started forming a huge spear with his blood magic. Hurling the spear with all his might, the crimson weapon streaking through the air like a comet. It struck the core dead center, shattering its defenses. But the attack triggered the colossus¡¯s final act¡ªa desperate, cataclysmic surge of power.


    The moment the spear struck, the colossus let out a deafening screech, as though the very essence of its being was being torn apart. The ground beneath them trembled, shaking violently. A blinding flash of light erupted from the crown, the raw energy radiating outward in a devastating shockwave. Pushing Teo back as the flames that accompanied it consumed everything.


    Teo gritted his teeth, raising a shield of blood magic just in time to deflect the worst of the blast. But even that wasn''t enough to shield him completely. The shockwave slammed into him with the force of a mountain, sending him crashing into the debris-ridden ground. His body burned with searing heat, and he could feel his healing struggling to keep up as the wounds spread across his skin.


    Through the smoke and chaos, he could see the colossus''s form crumbling, its massive body disintegrating into nothingness.


    "That was intense," mumbled Teo as he felt his skin constantly tearing and regenerating.

 Chapter 19: Conclusion 1

    There was only silence in the room; Selene and the others just stood there frozen, staring at the screen. They couldn''t comprehend what they had just seen.


    "Did he just solo that thing?" Valena mumbled, her mouth agape. "But that''s an S+-ranked calamity."  When it appeared, the whole world was in turmoil. Back then we barely managed to defeat it with multiple S-rankers."


    Selene also stood there nailed to the ground, staring at the screen. "How does he have 10 familiars? Isn''t the highest number recorded only five, and that is for royal vampires? Then what the hell is he?" Standing there, she mumbled to herself.


    She shook her head sharply, forcing herself out of her stupor. Now wasn''t the time to stand gawking around. Her voice, firm and commanding, cut through the heavy silence.


    "Enough standing around," she said, her tone regaining its edge. "Valena, come with me; we will check on Teo. Corvus, you close the dungeon; Ashura, you stay with Corvus and make sure everything goes smoothly."


    Valena blinked, her shock dissipating as Selene''s words registered. "Y-Yes, coming!" she stammered, jumping out of her chair and following Selene.


    Selene hurried to Teo''s side, her piercing gaze looking around to find him as fast as possible. "This is going to get messy. If the council finds out about this, they will probably try and control him by any means," she muttered.


    Valena silently nodded along. ''Indeed, if people find out that he''s that capable, it might also cause unrest because of how he is.'' Shaking her head, to rid herself of any unnecessary thoughts, she focused on the task at hand: finding and healing Teo.


    "That was intense, huh? What do you think, Corvus?" Ashura asked while stopping all the running programs to deactivate the dungeon.


    "Yeah, but how did that thing even appear?" Corvus said, then paused mid-thought. His eyes widened, and his hand froze over the console, as if struck by a sudden revelation.


    "It can''t be... did Selene really put that thing as the hidden boss?" Ashura looked at him in shock. "She must have been really pissed, but she probably thought Teo would try fighting it. See how strong it is and just leave it?"


    The two nodded in unison as they efficiently shut down the dungeon, and then, exiting the room, they went to the entrance where Selene and Valena entered the dungeon.


    ***


    The faint hum of the dungeon''s mechanisms faded, replaced by an unnatural stillness. Teo sat on the cold metal floor, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady his breathing.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    He wiped the blood trickling down from the corner of his mouth, his gaze fixed on the dissipating remnants of the calamity he''d just defeated. "Tsk, finally a battle I could go all out in. And then they had to shut it down right after." He mumbled, "I''ll just wait here till she arrives then."


    As the door creaked open, light spilled into the room, and two figures emerged from the shadows, Selene, her expression worried, and Valena, clutching some healing potions with evident urgency.


    "There you are!" Selene''s voice was a mix of relief and exasperation as her gaze locked onto him. Her steps quickened, and Valena followed close behind.


    *Smack*


    "What were you thinking! Why didn''t you run? I only put it in there to teach you a lesson!" Selene demanded as she looked seriously pissed.


    "Selene," Valena said softly. "He might still be injured; you know it''s better to keep this for another time."


    Selene''s eyes widened. "Sorry, Teo. I don''t know what overcame me," she mumbled apologetically.


    Teo shrugged. "It''s fine; my injuries are mostly healed; I''m just very hungry right now." he said, trying to ease the tension in the room. Valena, however, looked at him suspiciously.


    "You''re saying you already healed from all that, and you''re only hungry right now, no discomfort or anything?" she inquired, as she inspected his whole body.


    "Yep, perfectly fine. I''m not a vampire for nothing. I''m confident in my healing abilities," he said as he walked toward the exit.


    Exiting the corridor, he saw Corvus and Ashura waiting there. Sighing, he couldn''t help but wonder why they were here. "Why are you two here, oh, and Valena as well?"


    "You don''t know? For a reassessment you need multiple judges, and because you are part of our team, we''re the ones that had to do it."


    "Teo, to my office now! And you three stay on standby. Selene hurried after him out of the corridor and pulled him along by the arm.


    "She looks pretty mad. You think he''s gonna survive that?" said Ashura as he looked at the door that just slammed shut after Selene and Teo exited the room.


    "He''ll be fine; she has a soft spot for him after all. If it was anyone else, though, that would be a different story." stated Corvus, with shivers running down his spine; if he was the one in trouble, he would suffer a lot.


    "Well, don''t we all have a soft spot for him?" mentioned Valena with a tender look in her eyes. And they all nodded in unison. Hoping Selene would go easy on him as it was technically partially her fault.


    Teo barely had time to process Selene''s grip on his arm before the door slammed shut behind them. Her pace was brisk, her expression a mix of frustration and something he couldn''t quite place, concern maybe? The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the echo of their footsteps in the corridor.


    "You''re unusually quiet," Teo remarked, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "Technically I didn''t do anything wrong as you put that colossus in the dungeon."


    Selene kept walking forward, not sparing him a glance, as she muttered, "You don''t get it, do you? What you accomplished in there is going to cause problems, big ones."


    Teo arched an eyebrow, his stoic expression shifting slightly. "Problems for who? You or me?"

 Chapter 20: Conclusion 2

    Selene pressed the button on the elevator to go to the top floor, turning to face him. Her grip around his arm tightened, her eyes narrowing. "For both of us, Teo. You''re reckless, and if the council finds out what happened here, they won¡¯t see you as a person¡ªthey¡¯ll see you as a weapon. Something they can control, use for their own ends. And if they can¡¯t control you..." She broke off, leaving the rest unsaid.


    Teo tilted his head, looking at her. Her words harsh, but also contained worry for him. Teo looked at her once more, his bravado slipping.


    "Fine," he said, his voice quieter now. "I''ll hear you out seriously."


    Selene sighed, releasing his arm and entering the elevator with Teo trailing closely behind. "We''ll talk in my office. Can''t have this leaking; the others are also trustworthy, and they''re the only ones who know for now."


    Arriving at the office, they swiftly entered it. "You all can leave and take the day off. Dismissed." Selene ordered the secretaries that were still present. They politely excused themselves as they left the office.


    "Take a seat," Selene said, pointing to the sofa.


    Teo walked over to the sofa. He sank into the plush cushions, leaning back slightly as he watched Selene stride towards her desk. Her usual commanding presence seemed heavier now, as if the weight of the situation pressed on her.


    Selene didn''t sit at her desk. Instead, she perched on the edge, arms crossed, her eyes locking onto him. For a moment, there was only silence between them, the tension in the room palpable.


    "You have no idea how big of a mess you''ve created," she began, her tone firm but tinged with concern. "What you did back there... defeating an S+ ranked calamity, summoning ten familiars. It''s unheard of."


    Teo frowned, tilting his head. "What is so special about ten familiars? and no wonder it was so intense; that guy was S+ huh." His tone was casual, almost dismissive of all the problems Selene mentioned.


    Selene pressed her fingers against her temples with a sigh. "Teo, take it seriously, please; this situation is no laughing matter." She sternly scolded.


    "Yeah, yeah. But do explain what you mean by the familiar thingy," he said, still not taking the situation seriously.


    Selene rolled her eyes. "The highest vampire "Royals" only have 5 familiars, you know. And you have ten, which means you are either a new evolution of a vampire or an exception. And your self-healing is insanely strong compared to royals as well."


    "Oh, now I can see why you would say this situation is serious. Especially since I''m exiled from one of the main clans." Flashing a grin, he couldn''t help but feel good after what Selene said; he had always struggled with feelings of inferiority towards his fellow clansmen.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Teo!" Selene growled. ""This is serious. It''s not just about you; you could implicate the whole squad, you know."


    Teo leaned back on the sofa, hands clasped behind his head. "What do you suggest then? And that must mean I''m S-rank now for sure, so I guess that''s another issue you''re going to have to tackle," he mused, closing his eyes, basking in the moment.


    Selene''s eyes widened as Teo''s words registered, and her expression shifted from frustration to sudden alarm.


    "Oh no," she muttered, her voice barely audible. She placed a hand on her forehead, shaking her head slightly. "How could I forget about that?"


    Teo cracked one eye open, raising an eyebrow at her unusual reaction. "Forget what?" he asked, his tone still casual, though curiosity began to creep in.


    "You just have to keep adding new problems to the already dire situation." Selene snapped, pacing back and forth now, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. "I''m going to have to announce you have become S-rank while dealing with this whole mess. Please just keep a low profile for the next couple of days while I try and fix this situation," she sternly advised him.


    Teo frowned, his casual demeanor cracking slightly. "Fine, I''ll just chill for the next couple of days."


    Selene turned to face him, her expression deadly serious. "Please do. Now you can leave and tell the other three to come here when you leave."


    Teo stuffed his hands into his pockets as he left her office, his mind racing despite his outward calm. ''S-rank, huh?'' he mused. ''Guess I¡¯m really in it now.''


    When he saw the three team members on his way down. "You three, Selene is expecting you in her office ASAP; also, she''s not in a good mood, so I wouldn''t keep her waiting," he teased as he just kept walking, not bothering to wait for a response.


    "Oh shit. This is not good," mumbled Ashura as the three were rushing toward her office.


    A few minutes later, the three sat in Selene''s office, a tense silence hanging in the air.


    Ashura, fidgeting in his seat, risked a glance at Selene, whose sharp gaze felt like it could cut through steel. "Uh... you wanted to see us?" he asked hesitantly.


    Selene''s eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her fingers steepled on the desk. "You''re all aware of the situation Teo has created, correct?"


    The trio exchanged uneasy looks but nodded in unison, none daring to speak first.


    Selene exhaled sharply. "This isn''t just about Teo. His... uniqueness is going to put a spotlight on our entire squad. If this isn''t handled properly, the consequences won''t stop at him. They''ll come for all of us."


    Ashura shifted uncomfortably in his seat, scratching the back of his neck. "What exactly are we supposed to do, then? Teo''s always been... well, Teo."


    Selene sighed heavily. "I will try and do my best to make everything go smoothly, but not a word to anyone about what you all have seen today. That is the most important part. No recordings, no nothing about it."


    They nodded in unison, then Selene leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "I also told Teo to try and keep a low profile. So no new missions for him or asking him for help. For the next couple of days we need to make sure we handle this properly." Selene started looking sternly at all three of them.


    "I will handle the council and association leader. So just never mention this to anyone; I trust you all deeply. Don''t betray that trust."

 Chapter 21: Memories

    Exiting Selene''s office, the three had somber expressions on their faces; they looked deflated. "He always causes trouble. And just when I was looking forward to fighting him, he pulls a stunt like this," complained Ashura.


    "Even though you''re saying that you don''t look all that dissatisfied, Ash," remarked Valena. Looking suspiciously at the grin on Ashura''s face.


    "Well, why would he be dissatisfied? Val, Teo is much stronger than expected, so he''s looking forward to fighting him. If it''s in an official or unofficial setting, that doesn''t matter to Ash," interjected Corvus. "Don''t forget he''s a royal titan; they love fighting; it''s in their blood," he added with a sigh.


    Valena and Corvus shared a look of resignation, followed by a wry laugh, while Ashura was lost in his own world thinking of all the different ways to counter what he had seen Teo do during the battle with the Infernal Sovereign. But he couldn''t really come up with any countermeasures to Teo''s high-speed flight.


    He shrugged and looked at Corvus and Valena, who were now way ahead of him, because he had stopped walking while imagining his fight with Teo. "Oi, wait! You two don''t leave me behind!" he shouted.


    ***


    The morning sunlight filtered through the blinds of Teo''s room, casting faint stripes across the floor. He sat on the sofa gazing out at the bustling city below. For once. There was no chaos, no missions, and no Selene giving new missions. Just silence.


    "Keep a low profile," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. "What should I do all day then?"


    W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o, who was lying down lazily on his shoulder, rubbed her eyes cutely with her paws. "Why don''t you just go and enjoy the city? You could go to a cafe and just laze around while drinking coffee or just walk around aimlessly, no?" She whispered, still half asleep.


    His gaze drifted to the little cat that was lazing around on his shoulder, with a pondering look on his face. "Why not? I don''t have anything better to do, and being inside all day sucks. Alright, let''s go right now, and you, M¨¡o, stay on my shoulder. Selene mentioned only showing 5 familiars to the world to keep it a secret that I''m a unique vampire and you''re one of the five I can safely show," he said.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    After doing his workout, he washed and got dressed, wearing a black suit with black pants and black dress gloves. Now ready to go, he exited the association to see what he could do in the city because he never had the time or urge to actually do it, but now with the circumstances like this, he had nothing better to do.


    As he didn''t know how long he had to lay low, he could do it now.


    From the top floor, Selene saw him exit the association. "So he''s exited. Please, Teo, keep a low profile; it is important right now." She mused to herself, after that going right back to what she was doing.


    Exiting the association building, Teo looked around the bustling city, Zerath, the capital of Zerathis, one of the biggest cities on the planet.


    Strolling through the city Teo was surprised by how lively it was, hunters walking around, shopping for new gear, while civilians wandered the streets. Some enjoying themselves, others rushing off to their jobs. The peacefulness of it all felt foreign to him.


    Clicking his tongue, he kept walking around aimlessly looking for something to do; he did not like this lively atmosphere; it reminded him of how he never had the chance to experience such moments.


    In the Amanar family it''s customary to begin training from a very young age, and because Teo was branded an outcast after killing his mother at birth, he was trained even more harshly before being left in a dungeon after an incident during training. To Teo, it had always felt like they were looking for an excuse to cast him out. Any mistake would have sufficed.


    He sighed in resignation. "Let''s just enter a random caf¨¦; I don''t feel like seeing happy faces everywhere now." He mumbled to himself, turning down a side street.


    Entering the first caf¨¦ he saw, he sat down at a secluded table all the way in the back. As he looked around, it was a cozy place with lots of people laughing and drinking. Souring his mood even further.


    Clicking his tongue, he grabbed the menu and started looking at what he wanted to order and did not see the happy atmosphere around him. W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o, still lying on his shoulder, looked at him with a torn gaze, filled with hesitation.


    "Master? I know why you feel like that, but can you maybe try to loosen up a little and try to enjoy the lively atmosphere instead of trying to go against it? She whispered in his ear while rubbing her head against his to try and cheer him up.


    "Well, that''s not a bad idea, but I have no clue how. My whole life has been about training and fighting. In the association I was allowed to do the other things, but I did not want to change them. Teo replied.


    W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o started tearing up; she felt sad on his part. She had also seen his whole life after becoming his familiar, and she knew what he had been through. Jumping off his shoulder and landing on the table, she turned to look at Teo with a resolute look in her eyes.


    "I will show you how, me and the others master. Don''t forget you''re not alone anymore; you have us!" she exclaimed.

 Chapter 22: Little Girl

    After ordering, Teo was waiting for his order to arrive; he was just lazing in his chair trying to avoid the atmosphere. Even though W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o made that bold declaration, Teo just shrugged; it would still take time for him to actually change. So for now he would just keep doing what he was comfortable with, acting like a bit of an asshole.


    While he was daydreaming about nothing in particular, W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o was lying on the table curled into a ball, sleeping peacefully, unaware that someone was approaching her.


    The chime above the door rang as a mother and daughter entered the cafe. Teo glanced up, noticing the contrast between them¡ªthe mother with her flowing chestnut hair and elegant sundress and her daughter, who looked nothing like her, with bright blonde hair and blue eyes that seemed to sparkle as she clutched a well-loved cat plushie to her chest.


    Looking a little longer, he found the mother pleasing to the eye, but that was also all, closing his eyes again to continue waiting for his order.


    The mother and daughter looked around for a place to sit down; seeing a free spot, the daughter enthusiastically pulled her mom with her.


    "Mom, there is a free table; let''s go." She shouted, smiling brightly as she ran through the establishment toward the free table.


    The mom looked tenderly at the little girl and let her lead the way. After sitting down at the table, the little girl looked around the cafe enthusiastically. Then her eyes lit up.


    "Mom, look at that kitty there; it''s so cute!" she exclaimed, staring straight at W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as a sly smile spread across her lips.


    "Leave that kitty alone, Elena; come here and see what you want," the mother replied, not looking up from the menu.


    But the little girl had already set off toward the cat she had spotted; with a bright smile and the cat plushie clutched in her embrace, she was approaching W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o enthusiastically. But seeing the man sitting beside it, she began to doubt herself.


    ''Will he get mad if I just start petting the kitty? But it''s so cute I need to pet it!'' convincing herself, she decided to just do it, hoping the man wouldn''t get too mad at her.


    Arriving at the table where the cat was resting on, she reached out and started softly petting it. W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o woke up immediately when she felt someone touching her.


    Turning her head to look at who it was, she only saw an adorable little girl petting her while holding a cat plushie. So she just let her be, rubbing her face against the little girl''s.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    A silly grin appeared on Elena''s face; she absolutely adored cute animals, and this cat was super cute.


    "You''re so cute, kitty. Mister, you sure are lucky to have such a cute kitty." But right after finishing her sentence, she froze; she hadn''t asked for permission to pet the cat like her mom had taught her; she just did it.


    Teo opened his eyes after what Elena said, looking straight at her. "What are you doing? Shouldn''t you stay close to your mother?" he said, scrutinizing the little girl that looked terrified.


    Elena stopped petting the cat and started stuttering and mumbling while her hands fidgeted, fingers intertwining and untwisting as she stood there sheepishly.


    Other customers in the cafe wanted to step in, but when they saw who it was, they froze.


    "Isn''t that Teo Amanar?" someone muttered softly.


    When the other people in the cafe heard that, they all took a good look at the man sitting all the way in the back. When they realized who it was, they just turned around and tried to make it seem as if nothing had happened.


    "It''s fine, master; I don''t mind it," said W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o. "Think about what I just said, and please don''t make Selene''s job harder than it already is," she pleaded.


    "Wow, you can talk? That''s so cool! I wish I had a talking kitty." Elena blurted out, her sheepish attitude disappearing like it was never there.


    "Mister, you should take good care of that kitty, or I will adopt her," she declared boldly.


    "What are you doing, Elena!" By now the mom had realized what had happened and rushed to Elena''s side. "That man is a strong hunter, you know. Why would he mistreat his pet? Apologize now and come back to our table." Saying that she grabbed the hand of her daughter, looking nervously at Teo, she had also recognized him.


    Now she could only hope he wouldn''t be too harsh on little children. W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o also looked at Teo, unsure what he was thinking. ''Why is he just sitting there? Do something, master!'' she screamed in her mind.


    Teo just shrugged. "You can keep petting the cat until I leave; just make sure to bring her back to me by the time I leave," he declared, closing his eyes again.


    Elena grabbed W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o forcefully off the table and, with a huge smile, went back to her table. Her mother just stood there dumbfounded.


    "Mom, are you not coming? I''m hungry!" Elena shouted while she sat down petting W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o.


    "Coming, sweetie," she said. Turning around. "Thanks, this means a lot to Elena," she mumbled.


    Teo just shrugged, "Not like I did it for her," he mumbled.


    Elena sat contentedly at her table, running her small fingers through W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o''s fur while her mother ordered their food. The cat''s presence seemed to make the little girl even more energetic than usual, if that was possible.


    "Mom, look! She purrs just like Mr. Whiskers!" Elena exclaimed, referring to her plushie that now sat forgotten on the table. "But she''s so much softer!"


    W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o observed the child''s pure joy with curiosity. Unlike her master''s usually guarded demeanor, this little human radiated warmth without hesitation. She found herself unconsciously matching the girl''s energy, her tail swishing playfully as Elena told her about all the adventures she and Mr. Whiskers had been on.


    From his corner, Teo watched the interaction through half-lidded eyes. Something about the scene left a bad taste in his mouth; this is how his childhood should have been. But it was not meant to be.


    "And this one time," Elena continued, now fully engaged in storytelling mode, "Mr. Whiskers and I found a secret treasure in the backyard! It was just a shiny rock, but Mom said it looked just like a real diamond!" She leaned in close to W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o''s ear, whispering conspiratorially, "I think it might have been magic."

 Chapter 23: Council 1

    Finishing his meal and paying for it, Teo went toward the table where Elena was still petting W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o, clearing his throat. "It''s time, M¨¡o, let''s go," he stated.


    Elena looked devastated. "Do you really need to go already? Can''t you stay longer?" she said, tears forming in her eyes. Grabbing M¨¡o tightly, not wanting the cat to leave.


    Her eyes grew impossibly wide, shimmering with tears as she gazed at her mom, her lower lip trembling in a silent plea for help.


    "Listen to the man, Elena; he already accommodated you by letting you have the cat while he eats. I know you love cats, but be a good girl now." she said, sighing, looking at Teo apologetically; she mouthed. "Sorry, she can be a bit stubborn."


    "How about this then? Give my mom your phone number, mister; that way she can contact you when I want to see  Kitty." Elena suggested.


    Teo looked baffled, while W¨¦id¨´ M¨¡o looked up at him with pleading eyes. Almost as if saying, Please just do this; it might be good for you.


    Sighing, he shrugged. "Is your mom even okay with that? Maybe ask her before asking me." He said dismissively, after all, there was no way she would agree to having Teo''s number in her phone.


    "The name''s Ava and Elena. Please be a bit more discreet. I know you love animals. But you can''t just force other people like that, okay?" Ava replied, looking dotingly at her daughter.


    "Do you really like this kitty that much, sweetie?" Ava wanted to be sure that Elena would not just forget about the cat after she got the man''s number; he was not just anybody but an active A-rank hunter.


    "Yes, mom, I''m sure. This kitty can actually understand me and is so fluffy and cute. I absolutely love it." She responded, her eyes sparkling with expectation, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she leaned slightly forward, clearly waiting for the answer she was sure would be yes.


    "So what do you think? For me it''s fine." Ava said.


    Teo now looked nonchalantly at the little girl and M¨¡o, both with pleading looks on their faces. He sighed and just nodded. "Alright, but don''t expect me to always answer fast; I''m busy with association work." He replied, writing his number down on a coaster.


    Elena was ecstatic hugging M¨¡o tightly. "Now you and Mr. Whiskers will be able to meet more often."


    "Elena, don''t forget your manners. What do you say to the hunter?" Ava reminded her daughter.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Ah!" she turned toward Teo, grasping M¨¡o tightly with both hands, offering it to him. "Thank you, and here is the kitty back."


    Taking M¨¡o from Elena Teo, he placed it back on his shoulder and walked out of the establishment unbothered by the sad look on Elena''s face.


    "What''s next?" he mumbled to himself as he looked around the busy street.


    M¨¡o, who was lying on his shoulder, had a grin on her face. "I like that girl; she wasn''t afraid of your dirty looks and bad attitude. I have a feeling we''ll be seeing her more often," she stated.


    "Nah, I''ll be way too busy after the big news is announced. Speaking of that, I wonder how Selene is doing. Well knowing her, it should be fine." He muttered, shrugging as he entered the subspace.


    ***


    Selene had arrived at the high chamber to brief the council member about the birth of a new S-rank hunter, but this time she was nervous.


    Teo acted as he pleased and did not have a good reputation, so they might just straight up refuse to acknowledge him, but that plan could backfire if something happened and the public found out it could have been prevented. If they just employed every S-rank.


    Breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly, Selene knocked at the huge golden door and entered slowly.


    "Hello, everyone. I am Selene Karmov, the vice president of the hunters association." She began, her voice steady despite the weight of her news. "I come before you to report the emergence of a new S-rank hunter."


    Murmurs rippled through the chamber; the council president looked at Selene with a slight smile. "Finally another S-rank hunter. But Selene, are you a hundred percent sure that he is truly an S-rank hunter?" he inquired. This is a big deal; there are not even thirty S-rank hunters in total, so every single one is a very important asset.


    "Yes, he is undoubtedly S-rank; he solo cleared an S-rank dungeon during his assessment." Selene replied, projecting several data crystals, showing his magical power, physical abilities, and five familiars.


    The council members inspected all the data Selene displayed thoroughly. All impressed by his numbers.


    Selene let out a deep sigh, the weight of the moment heavy on her shoulders, before addressing everyone. "But the identity of the new S-ranker could be a bit of an issue," she declared.


    Now she had all the attention of every council member; they were very interested in the identity of this new S-rank hunter now. The room was dead silent as they all waited patiently for Selene to continue.


    "It''s Teo Amanar; after his awakening, he went from A-rank to S+ rank, because, as you could see in the numbers, we couldn''t measure his full mana capacity, and his physical aspects are also S+ rank. This was judged by Ashura, so the information is definitely accurate." She finished, waiting for the councilman to try and dispute it.


    Which she knew would happen, Teo had always acted without care for his public image. So he has some nasty rumors and nicknames among the common people.


    "What! Miss Karmov, watch out what you say. There is no way that useless murderer is S-rank!" screamed Matthew Amanar.


    Seeing who was screaming so barbarically, Selene just rolled her eyes; she wasn''t surprised in the slightest that the family head of the Amanar family had such a dramatic reaction. He was none other than Teo''s father, the one who had left him to die in that dungeon, where Selene and her squad had found him.

 Chapter 24: Council 2

    "I meant exactly what I said, Mr. Amanar; he is for sure an S-rank." Selene interrupted, glaring at him. She loathed people like him¡ªthose who measured a person''s worth solely by their utility.


    Lucius Vardane, the council president, raised a hand for calm. "Let''s all take a breath. Thank you for the report, Selene. Now, let¡¯s discuss this thoroughly. Do we want to publicly recognize Teo as an S-rank hunter or not?"


    Lucius, a towering figure of authority both as the Hunter Association president and an active S-rank hunter, commanded respect from all walks of life.


    Turning to the council''s vice president, he asked, "Liam, what¡¯s your take?"


    Liam adjusted his glasses, his words measured as always. "I¡¯ve been keeping tabs on public sentiment, and with the right approach, I believe we can frame this in a way that gains public acceptance."


    Unlike the nobles and elite hunters on the council, Liam represented the common people. Years of navigating political minefields had made him adept at voicing opinions that tread the fine line between diplomacy and advocacy.


    Lucius nodded, then, looking at two other members, he started. "What do you two think?"


    Epeli Arzaloth stood up, bowing politely. "It will likely be complicated to explain this to the neighboring countries. An S-rank is a symbol of immense power and responsibility, tied directly to our nation''s security. However, if we have him take on missions that benefit them as well, it could help ease their concerns and shift their perspectives."


    An older woman stood up, her voice steady and authoritative. "Indeed, Epeli. But let¡¯s not forget¡ªbeyond reputation, his power makes him a critical asset. We cannot afford to overlook how recognizing him as S-rank could strengthen our own defenses and deter potential threats."


    The other council members nodded silently, sharing their sentiment, all except one, Matther Amanar. He stood up furiously.


    "Do you really believe the nonsense you''re spouting, Yoshikawa?" he shouted, then looking at Lucius. "Lucius, you are the association president; you must know how uncontrollable and dangerous he is. Have you not seen the reports of how the dungeons he clears look?" He finished, staring at Lucius.


    "With my council work, I barely have time to manage the hunter''s association. I leave that responsibility solely to the vice president, Selene Karmov." replied Lucius, "Now that we''re talking about her, let''s ask her opinion. She is Teo''s boss in the elite squad, so her opinion is going to be crucial in making this decision."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Now all eyes were on her, everyone curious as to what she would say. Some were in favor of making Teo an official S-rank hunter as it would benefit the nation. Others were leaning more towards not letting him become one because of his behavior.


    Clearing her throat, Selene stepped forward. "I have heard all of your opinions, and hear me out first before interrupting me," she said sternly, glaring at Matthew.


    "I think the correct decision is to announce Teo becoming S-rank for the following reasons." saying that she grabbed a couple more data crystals. Projecting their contents for everyone to see.


    "His behavior has been improving, and I heard someone mention it being a problem how he leaves dungeons after clearing them. But I think that''s nonsense. What does it matter how a dungeon looks after being cleared? Is it not most important for it to be cleared? So it doesn''t break," saying that she projected his dungeon clearing record.


    Murmurs rippled through the chamber, a wave of disbelief and astonishment washing over the council. Some leaned forward in their seats, their eyes wide as the glowing projections reflected off their stunned faces. A few exchanged hushed whispers, their voices a mix of awe and skepticism. Others stiffened in silence, their furrowed brows betraying their struggle to process the impossible record before them.


    "Not a single failure; he cleared every dungeon he entered. That''s insane," mumbled Yoshikawa Mitsuru.


    Epeli, who was seated beside her, nodded his head, "If we show this at the press conference, it''s going to be a lot easier to reassure the civilians and other countries."


    Selene paused, letting the weight of the revelation settle over the council before she cleared her throat, gaining their full attention once more. "And that¡¯s not all. As you all know, Teo is a vampire, but not just any vampire¡ªhe¡¯s a royal, just like his father." She projected the details of the five familiars they had decided to reveal.


    Matthew¡¯s gaze snapped to the projections, his disbelief turning to fury. "Impossible!" he spat. "His mother wasn¡¯t a vampire¡ªhe should have been a filthy half-breed. How can he possibly be royal? Are you telling me he doesn¡¯t carry a single trait from his mother?"


    How could he accept this? His wife might have died for nothing, not even leaving any of her traits behind in her child.


    Selene looked at Matthew with a serious expression. "Do tell me what race his mother was; as far as I''m aware, you''ve never shared it publicly. Or where she''s from even; it''s like she just appeared in your life and then died after giving birth," she inquired.


    Matthew stiffened, his knuckles white as they gripped the edge of the table. "It¡¯s not that I¡¯m keeping it a secret," he muttered, his voice strained. "I don¡¯t know. I found her on one of my adventures. We... fell in love. Then she got pregnant and just... disappeared, only to show up nine months later right before giving birth. When I asked her about it, she refused to answer."


    "And she died while giving birth to that monster." he said disdainfully, "I will never agree to him being recognized as an official S-rank hunter."


    "Ok, that''s enough this is not about Teo''s past." Lucius interrupted. "I have a proposition, let''s exclude Matthew from this decision due to his biased look on it. Which is understandable but we need to think about what''s best for the country."

 Chapter 25: Council 3

    The other council members were whispering to each other, but Liam shut that down quickly.


    "Let''s vote right now; this matter is of utmost importance, so we need to come to a decision today," he echoed, looking at Lucius.


    Who nodded with a smile, grateful to the vice president for his quick wits. If they let everyone discuss too long, Matthew could try and spin it in his favor, and he might use that to let him stay in this discussion. He is a very influential man governing the educational institutions and magical artifacts.


    "Okay, now then, everyone who agrees with Matthew being excluded from this decision, raise your hand." Lucius said, looking around the room.


    One after the other, they slowly started raising their hands, and by the end, almost everyone had raised their hands.


    Lucius started counting. "Okay, so the verdict is in favor of excluding Matthew from this decision; it''s ten against four." Turning toward Matthew, he continued, "Thank you for your input, Matthew, but I will have to ask you to leave the room now."


    Matthew''s hands clenched into fists so tight his knuckles turned white. Looking around, his eyes flare, practically glowing with inner fire, infusing magic power into his voice, he snapped. "You all will regret this when that monster goes around killing innocent civilians again! Mark my words!"


    "That''s enough!" Lucius commanded, his tone final and absolute. "Leave now, Matthew; your personal bias is not welcome right now; this is a serious situation."


    Matthew just snorted and left the chamber; after slamming the door, everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    Liam looked around and started. "Now that he has left, go on, Selene. Did you have any other arguments you wanted to present? Or were those two the only two?"


    Selene stood up straight, breathing in and out slowly. She stepped forward again. "I have one more positive argument, and that is the squad he is part of, the elite extermination squad," she said, going to the next slide on the projections.


    "He is a vital member of the squad and is well liked in the squad. So even though he might not be well liked everywhere else in this elite circle, he is, and he is a very important member of it. His skills make him suitable for a wide range of dungeon clears, which lessens the burden on the other members significantly," she finished.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    The council members were whispering to each other, discussing what they had heard and seen.


    Malika Yerachmiel, a young woman wearing a white suit with a black skirt, was scrunching her brows. "Uh, madam Selene, so these are the positives. Are you now going to mention negatives? Or are there none?" she inquired, gazing at Selene suspiciously.


    "Because if you say there are no negatives, I believe you are not being very professional," she finished.


    "Of course I am going to mention those Malika," Selene replied, then clearing her throat, she continued. "After all, I knew you would be present, and as the director of covert operations and gathering intelligence, you would not let me spread false stories. I was just going from positive to negative, and after I will give my honest opinion."


    Malika nodded, seemingly satisfied with Selene''s reply. "Good, because this is a very important decision. Especially with his sensitive identity." she said, sighing.


    The council chamber grew quiet as her words sank in, the members exchanging knowing glances as they recalled Matthew''s outburst.


    "Okay, thanks for your input, Malika," said Lucius, breaking the awkward silence. "Now continue, Selene, with the negative points. The positives were very good, but we''ll have to see how they compare to the negatives."


    Clearing her throat Selene projected some more data in front of the council.


    "As you all know, one detriment is his reputation with the other hunters and populace; he is known as a violent and dangerous hunter among them. And giving him the S-rank could put the association''s and the council''s good reputation at risk if he doesn''t improve his attitude." she said, pointing toward one of the projected screens.


    She stopped talking for a bit to let everything sink in and let them read the projection.


    "So I and my team did a lot of research as to how bad his reputation actually is and asked some lower-rank hunters their opinions. And as you can see, it''s not unfixably bad," she stated, then pointing toward another projection. "It''s mostly the civilians that think he is very dangerous, because they don''t really know much about hunters and dungeons."


    Malika raised her hand. "Can I ask a question?"


    "Yes," replied Selene.


    "So you say it is mostly the civilians that give him a bad reputation and not so much the hunters. How so? Like, what proof do you have to back up that claim?" She inquired, looking Selene straight in the eyes.


    "That is a good question," Selene said with a smile. "Because Teo has never failed a dungeon clear, and he wants to enter as many dungeons as possible, he has made a name for himself among the hunters. They still fear him quite a bit for his violent temper and uncontrollable attitude, but they know they can depend on him in times of emergency or if there are dungeons that need to be cleared that no one else wants to take on."


    Saying that she turned toward all the council members, "And for the civilians, because they only see his violent temper and fiery behavior and don''t know anything about his achievements or how he is seen as one of the most reliable hunters, they lean more toward fearing him," she finished, showing some statements of hunters and civilians on the projections.


    "Thank you, that makes sense," said Malike, thoroughly reading all the statements.


    And the others were also thoroughly reading the statements. Murmurs were heard throughout the room as they started forming opinions on if Teo should become S-rank or not.

 Chapter 26: Council 4

    Lucius clapped his hands, grabbing everyone''s attention. "We will now do a preliminary vote to see the sentiment right now. So everyone who is in favor of Teo Amanar officially becoming an S-rank hunter"


    As he looked around the chamber, he saw that about half of the members raised their hands, including himself and the vice president.


    Taking note of some important figures, he started. "Now, Miss Yerachmiel, Mitsuru, and Uxesse, the ones that are in favor of him becoming an S-rank hunter, will explain their viewpoints, and then Mr. Grigori, Matsui, and Bengrolon will explain why they are against it," saying that he stepped aside to let the three make their speeches.


    As the three stood at the center of the room, Malika Yerachmiel cleared her throat. "The reason I agree with Teo becoming an S-rank hunter is. Even though he has a bad reputation and image right now, that is something we can fix by working on it," saying that she looked around the room and winked at Selene.


    "But the combat prowess to become an S-rank is very rare; right now there are not even twenty S-rankers in the world, so that is something we can''t change."


    An older man wearing a black suit looked sternly at Malika and cleared his throat while raising his hand.


    Malika could only sigh when she saw who it was that had raised his hand. "Yes, what is it, Madiyar?" she remarked, rolling her eyes.


    "Miss. Malika Even though you say that according to my data, he has been a part of the association for more than ten years at this point, and his behavior hasn''t changed a single bit." as he pushed back his chair and stood up, the fluidity of the motion matching the unwavering conviction of his voice, commanding the room''s attention.


    "And now you say that we will be able to change his reputation and public image. How are you going to do that? He clearly doesn''t have it in him to change. Are you just going to lie? If that''s the plan, I advise you against it; the hunters in the association will surely reveal the truth to the public." After finishing his speech, he looked around haughtily, his head held high.


    Malika looked at Selene for an explanation, as she had no defense against Madiyar''s critique; he had a point. Teo had been in the association for a long time. Even though he is still young, he hasn''t changed a bit.


    Selene stepped forward again, grabbing everyone''s attention. "Excuse me, I will answer in Miss Yerachmiel''s stead." She interrupted, bowing politely. "You make a good point, and that is a valid concern, but saying there has been no change feels a bit misleading. He did change maybe not his attitude but his reputation among hunters became a lot more favorable." She explained, showing the hunter''s statements on the projectors again.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "As you can see, in the beginning he was hated and feared for his reckless and battle-loving personality. But now he is more respected, and while he is still feared, they know he won''t just attack other hunters or civilians with no reason."


    Madiyar looked around to see all the council members their reactions, and he felt like they were starting to see more value in appointing Teo as an S-rank hunter than leaving him at A-rank.


    He snorted, "That makes sense, but what if they lightly annoy him or get in his way? Can he stop himself from doing anything then?" he inquired.


    "That is something we are still working on; there have been incidents like that in the past, but those relate mostly to his family, the Amanars." That is of course no excuse, so if it is decided that he will become an S-rank, I will make sure to educate him and the extermination squad as well. We will not let anything happen." She stated resolutely.


    Madiyar looked around with a slight grin on his face; clearing his throat, he started. "That is unacceptable; an S-rank hunter is a symbol of power. They cannot do something as outrageous as that. If that comes out, with his reputation, I cannot see the other nations accepting him becoming an S-rank. Instead why don''t we just keep him A-rank and make him do S-rank work? saying that he looked around the chamber again.


    The room filled with murmurs; some were surprised by how audacious he had become. And others were horrified, bracing themselves for what was about to come, but before they could.


    A dreadful aura filled the room; everyone had shivers running down their spine, and Madiyar had it the worst as the pressure was focused on him. He fell to his knees, gasping for air, his complexion paling rapidly.


    "Madiyar, what did you just say?" Lucius demanded, as he floated in the middle of the room, his earlier charisma gone, replaced by a dreadful aura. His form had shifted from a normal human to a true demon.


    His body covered in pitch-black skin, two majestic pitch-black wings on his back. And on his head there were two golden horns.


    Gasps filled the room; everyone was taken aback. On the opposite side of the room, a young man felt like he could pass out at any moment.


    "When was the last time Lucius showed that form?" he mumbled, still gasping for air.


    "I think it was with the great purge," an older man slowly responded.


    The younger man quickly shut himself up and focused on trying to withstand Lucius''s rage. But then he felt his body break free of a part of the dreadful aura.


    He bowed politely to the older man, even though he had no idea how he was so strong now; it was not the time to think about that. Turning back to Lucius and Madiyar, he kept quiet and observed the situation.


    As Madiyar was coughing uncontrollably, trying to steady his breathing, the pressure was so intense. His skin had become white, and he was on the verge of losing consciousness. Then he suddenly felt the pressure lessen significantly.


    Sighing in relief, he was about to stand up and answer Lucius; however, Lucius was having none of it.


    Appearing right before Madiyar, he grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up in the air, looking him straight in the eyes.


    He spoke through gritted teeth, each letter carved out with precision that made his anger feel like a tangible force. "What did you just say, Madiyar! I dare you to say that once more!"

 Chaoter 27: Council 5

    Madiyar looked around to see if anyone would back him up, but it seemed he was on his own; Lucius''s dreadful aura was overwhelming for everyone, and they were all trying to overcome it.


    "Calm down, Lucius. It was just a suggestion. If you don''t like it, you can just forget about it." He said, trying to stay composed and act like it wasn''t that big a deal.


    Lucius looked at Madiyar with disdain, then turned around, looking at Selene. "After hearing that, what do you think should happen to this insect?" he calmly asked Selene.


    Selene looked at Madiyar with a slight smile on her face. "Last time something like this happened, we wiped them out, no? But times have changed, so just tear off his arms, and that should do, I guess," she said, shrugging nonchalantly.


    The whole room froze; everyone was dumbfounded. Especially Madiyar, he began sweating profusely after hearing Selene''s answer. He turned back to Lucius and witnessed a moment he would never forget.


    The always calm and charismatic Lucius had a devilish grin on his face; he looked like the embodiment of a devil.


    Madiyar, not wanting to lose his arms, realized that talking wasn''t an option anymore, and he started to struggle with all his might trying to escape from Lucius''s grasp, but to no avail; Lucius''s hand didn''t budge.


    When Madiyar tried to invoke his racial abilities or magic powers, nothing happened as if Lucius''s hand was a seal, cutting off his connection to his powers. "What did you do, Lucius? Why can''t I do anything?" he exclaimed, sweating profusely as he kept trying to escape his grasp.


    "Just making sure you don''t go around causing more trouble," he replied without even looking in his direction.


    "So I have to tear both his arms off; that''s what you''re saying, Selene?" he asked.


    Selene nodded, with a big smile on her face. She had never liked Madiyar because he always took stances that were disadvantageous to hunters. Luckily, Lucius always shut him down.


    "Don''t you think that''s a bit light? There are plenty of ways as to how he can regain his arms, like potions or even just healing magic." Lucius sighed, "I need something better; what he just said is unacceptable, and I need him to serve as an example. We run the country not for our own benefit but to improve the country," he declared, looking at everyone else that was in the room.


    The whole room fell dead silent; no one dared to move a muscle, afraid they would anger Lucius and be his next victim.


    "Hunters are a very important part of this country. If word of this comes out, it might spark a civil war or worse; all the hunters could leave. Then the dungeons would overflow, and this country would be ruined. So never suggest something like that, even as a joke, or I will have to repeat the past tragedy."The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Now we will decide on Madiyar''s punishment. Is anyone against this idea? Speak up now." he said, looking around and focusing on the people Madiyar had close relations with. But no one spoke up. This was his own fault; he knows Lucius is the council president and the association president and still made that insane suggestion. He could only blame himself for becoming too cocky.


    After waiting for a while, Lucius then continued. "Ok, no one is against it; now we need to decide what punishment is fit for him, and don''t hold back. Anyone got a suggestion?"


    Selene immediately raised her hand; not waiting for Lucius to say anything, she started. "Kick him off the council and tear off his arms with your hellfire."


    Madiyar looked at Selene with horror in his eyes; getting kicked off the council was a big issue, but not as bad as his arms getting burned with hellfire. "Are you insane! You know how dangerous his hellfire is. Don''t you think that''s taking it too far?" he screamed at her.


    "Silence!" Lucius snapped, smashing Madiyar face-first into the floor, putting his foot on it. "I don''t need your input. Ok, there we have suggestion one. Anyone else got another idea?" He asked, his demeanor shifting back to his charismatic self.


    Selene could barely contain her laughter; this was the Lucius she had always known: ruthless and kind at the same time. But this was hilarious, his switching personalities being polar opposites.


    Everyone else, however, was terrified, and they all took a mental note to be careful around him in the future. And it seemed hunters were a very sensitive topic.


    But it finally clicked in their heads; it seems he''s the reason the treatment of hunters improved so much after that tragedy a hundred years ago.


    Then an older man stood up and cleared his throat. "I agree with Miss Selene''s suggestion; it''s not too harsh and not too mild¡ªa perfect punishment for what he did."


    After he said that, everyone else seemed to agree as well, and they didn''t want to oppose two of the most powerful figures in the country.


    "So it''s decided, thanks, Draven." Lucius said, looking at the ground where Madiyar lay, he removed his foot and grasped his collar again, holding him up again.


    "Any last words?" he asked, that same devilish grin appearing on his face again.


    Madiyar looked completely defeated, his appearance disheveled, his spirit broken, and all this because he was trying to help Matthew. ''Damn you, Matthew, I won''t forget this. Saying things like they won''t be too ruthless.''


    "Guess not, huh. Ok, that''s fine as well; I don''t want to hear your voice anymore after that little stunt. Hereby Madiyar Harut, overseer of research and innovation, is kicked off the council; someone else from the Harut family will be elected soon, and he will have both his arms burnt off by my hellfire."


    Hearing that Madiyar didn''t even try to defend himself, he just accepted it; there was nothing he could do about it anyway. The whole council had agreed to it, and most importantly, even Draven had agreed to it.


    Lucius looked at him with dissatisfaction. ''No fun either, huh? He already gave up. It''s much more fun when they actually fight back and crush them like that. Oh well. Let''s just get it over with.''


    Invoking his hellfire, a blue flame appeared above both of Madiyar''s arms, and when they made contact, it went so fast that he didn''t even have the time to feel pain. His arms were gone within a second. Everyone was dumbfounded; they had heard stories about Lucius''s hellfire but never seen it.


    Now they knew why everyone feared Lucius and why their parents warned them about him.


    Lucius let go of Madiyar''s collar, letting him drop to his knees. "Call security and kick him out. I''ll go to the Harut estate and make sure a new member is elected fast. After we finished the decision about Teo Amanar becoming an S-rank or not."

 Important Announcement!!

    Hello everyone,


    I hope you''re having a good evening or morning depending on where you are.


    I will be working on rewrites as I have found some things I would like to improve on in my story. And will notify you all of a relaunch date when it''s decided.


    Thanks for reading till now.


    Apparently a chapter needs to be 500 words long so well here goes nothing.


    words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words words.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.