《The Ultimate Skill System: Absorb, Upgrade, Create, Transfer [LitRPG]》 Chapter 1: Keiran Graywood Keiran Graywood saw himself as an ordinary guy. He wasn''t the type to stand out in a crowd, nor did he think he was special in any way. But at just 19 years old, he was already one of the most popular RPG gamers in the country. He lived alone, earning a comfortable income by streaming his gameplay to thousands of viewers. His setup was the envy of many¡ªa top-tier PC, a high-resolution monitor, and a chair that felt like sitting on a cloud. Life was good. But deep down, Keiran often dreamed of something more. He wanted to experience the worlds he played in, to be the hero he controlled on the screen. To live a life of adventure, danger, and glory. That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Keiran realized he hadn''t eaten anything since breakfast. His fridge was empty, as usual. Cooking wasn''t his thing¡ªhe barely had time for it between streaming sessions and grinding in his favorite RPGs. So, he threw on his red tracksuit, grabbed his wallet, and headed out to the convenience store down the street. Keiran was tall and lean, standing at 6 feet with a skinny frame that made him look older than he was. His black hair was messy, and his dark eyes always seemed to carry a bored expression, no matter what he was feeling. Known to his fans as the Nonchalant Hero, he remained unfazed no matter the chaos unfolding on-screen¡ªhis expression unreadable, his voice effortlessly monotone. It was this calm indifference that set him apart, drawing viewers in with a mix of admiration and amusement. Whether facing impossible odds or achieving stunning victories, he never wavered, his detached demeanor making even the most intense moments feel strangely surreal. He walked into the store. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as he made his way to the instant noodle aisle. He picked up a cup of noodles, paid the cashier, and stepped back outside. But as he pushed open the glass door, something strange happened. The world around him shifted. The convenience store, the streetlights, the cars¡ªeverything vanished in an instant. Keiran blinked, and suddenly, he was no longer holding the door handle. Instead, he stood in an open space bathed in a soft, golden light. The ground beneath his feet was smooth and glowing, like polished marble. In front of him, a grand throne sat atop a set of wide, stone steps. The throne was ornate, carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light. Keiran looked around, his expression calm despite the surreal situation. His eyes, always half-lidded and unreadable, scanned the area. He wasn''t panicking¡ªhe was more curious than anything. Before he could process what was happening, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the space. "Welcome, Keiran Graywood." Keiran turned his gaze upward to the throne. Sitting there was an old man dressed in a flowing white robe. His long white hair and beard gave him a wise, almost mythical appearance. The man''s eyes were kind but carried an air of authority. He introduced himself with a gentle smile. "I am Bequeathal, the God of Power and the ruler of the world of Eteria." The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Keiran nodded slowly. "Okay," he said simply, his voice calm and even. Bequeathal raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Keiran''s lack of reaction. He cleared his throat and continued. "You are here because I have summoned you for a great task. The world of Eteria is in grave danger. A demon king is rising to power, the Dark Dragon stirs from its slumber, and the Malevolent Witch has been reincarnated. These threats could bring about the end of everything." Keiran tilted his head slightly. "Why me?" he asked, his tone casual, as if they were discussing the weather. Bequeathal leaned forward, his expression serious. "I chose you because your soul is strong enough to withstand the journey to another world. You have the potential to wield the power I will grant you. I will give you four blessings¡ªabilities that will allow you to grow stronger faster than anyone else. You will be able to absorb, upgrade, create, and transfer skills. In essence, you will become a living weapon, capable of saving Eteria from destruction." For the first time, a flicker of interest crossed Keiran''s face. His bored eyes seemed to sharpen slightly as he processed the god''s words. Bequeathal took this as a sign to continue. He stood from his throne, his white robes flowing around him like a cascade of light, and began his speech. "Keiran Graywood, the world of Eteria is a land of beauty and wonder, but it is also a land on the brink of ruin. For centuries, the balance of power has held firm, but now, darkness stirs. The Demon King, once sealed away, gathers his strength in the shadows. The Dark Dragon, a beast of unimaginable destruction, awakens from its ancient slumber. And the Malevolent Witch, whose very name strikes fear into the hearts of mortals, has returned from the void. These forces threaten to tear Eteria apart, to plunge it into an age of endless night." Bequeathal''s voice grew louder, echoing through the vast, glowing space. "But you, Keiran, have been chosen to stand against this tide of darkness. You will be the beacon of hope, the shield that protects the innocent, and the sword that strikes down evil. With the powers I grant you, you will rise above all others. You will become a legend, a hero whose name will be sung for generations to come." He paused, his piercing gaze locking onto Keiran''s. "This will not be an easy path. You will face trials that will test your strength, your courage, and your resolve. But know this: you do not walk alone. The people of Eteria will look to you for guidance, and I will watch over you as you fulfill your destiny. The fate of an entire world rests in your hands. Will you take on this mantle and become the hero Eteria needs?" Keiran listened quietly, his hands still in his pockets. When Bequeathal finished, there was a moment of silence. Then Keiran shrugged. "Okay." Bequeathal blinked, taken aback by the simplicity of Keiran''s response. "You agree just like that? No questions, no doubts?" Keiran shoved his hands deeper into the pockets of his tracksuit. "Going to another world to be a powerful hero is something I''ve always dreamed of. Now it''s coming true. Why wouldn''t I say yes?" Bequeathal stared at him for a moment, then chuckled softly. "You are an interesting one, Keiran Graywood." With a wave of his hand, a swirling portal appeared beside the throne. The portal shimmered with hues of blue and gold, its edges crackling with energy. "This will take you to Eteria. Remember, the fate of the world rests in your hands. Grow stronger, face the challenges ahead, and stop the destruction that looms on the horizon." Keiran stepped toward the portal without hesitation. As he reached the edge, he glanced back at Bequeathal. "I''ll save the world," he said simply, his voice steady. Then he stepped through. The world around him shifted again. The golden light faded, replaced by the cool, dim glow of a forest. Keiran found himself standing on a dirt path surrounded by towering trees. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth. The forest was eerily quiet, as if holding its breath. The first thing Keiran noticed was a floating, almost transparent screen in front of him. It looked like a status board from one of his RPG games. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 1 HP: 10 MP: 10 SP: 10 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 1 INTELLIGENCE: 1 STRENGTH: 1 DEXTERITY: 1 AGILITY: 1 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 12 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Quick Step, Enduring Spirit. ????? Keiran reached out, his fingers brushing against the screen. It felt solid yet weightless, like touching glass. He scanned the information, his eyes lingering on the four blessings Bequeathal had mentioned. A small smile tugged at the corner of Keiran''s lips. "This is going to be fun," he murmured to himself. Chapter 2: Divine Blessing Keiran stood still, his eyes fixed on the glowing Status Board floating in front of him. It was a familiar sight, reminiscent of the RPG games he had spent countless hours playing. The layout was simple, with clear labels and numbers, making it easy for him to understand. He reached out and tapped on the information icon, curious to see what each stat meant. A new set of text appeared, explaining the functions of each status point. [Constitution: Each point adds 10 HP, increases HP regeneration, and improves resistance to status ailments, crowd control, and debuffs.] [Intelligence: Each point adds 10 MP, increases MP regeneration, enhances magical attacks, and improves memory, problem-solving, and observation skills.] [Strength: Each point adds 10 SP, increases SP regeneration, enhances physical capabilities and attacks, and improves appearance.] [Dexterity: Each point improves body maneuver, weapon proficiency, reaction time, and sleight of hand.] [Agility: Each point increases movement, dodging, and attack speed.] Keiran nodded as he read through the descriptions. It all made sense to him, thanks to his gaming experience. He then shifted his attention to the skill section. This was where the blessings Bequeathal had mentioned were listed. His eyes scanned the list, taking in the details of each skill. [Divine Inheritance (Active): Absorbs all skills from a corpse within 24 hours of death. Skill power scales with the user''s stats. Some abilities require partial or full transformation into the original owner''s form to activate. This skill allows transformation at will as long as the user possesses the skill of a certain form. The user gains experience points for each unique skill name absorbed. Each unique skill name can only be absorbed once. MP Cost: 1] [Sacred Elevation (Active): Sacrifice 10 skills of the same rarity to upgrade one skill to the next rarity tier. The user earns experience points for each skill upgraded. MP Cost 1.] [Arcane Creation (Active): Sacrifice 20 skills of the same rarity to create a fully customized skill of the next rarity tier. The user can define its attributes, effects, and mechanics, but its maximum power and capabilities are restricted by its rarity. The user earns experience points for each skill created. MP Cost 1.] [Blessing of Bequeathal (Active): Allows the user to transfer their skills to others. The recipient gains experience points based on the rarity of the transferred skill. MP Cost: 1] Keiran felt a sense of satisfaction as he read through the skills. They were powerful, and he could already imagine how he might use them in the future. He then looked at the skills he currently had. There were three of them, all of Common rarity. These were the standard skills that every human was born with, and they were nothing special, but they were a start. [Iron Fist (Active): A well-trained punch that focuses on proper form and technique, allowing the user to deal slightly increased damage with their fists. Can cause minor bruising and pain to opponents. MP cost 1] Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. [Quick Step (Active) A short burst of speed that allows the user to quickly reposition or dodge an incoming attack. MP Cost 1] [Enduring Spirit (Passive): Through sheer determination, the user can withstand slightly more pain and exhaustion than the average person, allowing them to fight a little longer before succumbing to fatigue.] As soon as he acquired these skills, they connected with his instincts, making him feel as though he had been using them for years. There was no need for training or practice; he could use them naturally. Keiran took a moment to think about where he should allocate his stat points. He understood that performing physical activities, such as running and basic attacks, relied on SP, while casting skills relied on MP. After some consideration, he decided to distribute his points evenly, putting 2 points each into Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 3 points each into Intelligence and Strength. With his stats allocated, Keiran began to explore the forest. The trees were tall and thick, their leaves forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of earth and vegetation. He moved cautiously, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. He spotted a few horned rabbits darting through the underbrush, but they were too fast for him to catch. Instead, his attention was drawn to a slower-moving creature nearby. It was a brown slug, about a foot tall, slowly munching on algae. A small notification appeared above it. [Common: Earth Slug Level 1.] This creature was supposed to be nocturnal, yet here it was, wandering around in broad daylight. He decided it would be a good target to test his abilities on. He clenched his fists, feeling the energy of his Iron Fist skill coursing through them. He took a deep breath and rushed toward the Earth Slug. The slug noticed him almost immediately. It reared back and spat a glob of mud in his direction. Keiran activated Quick Step, dodging the attack with ease. He closed the distance between them and swung his fist, activating Iron Fist as he struck the slug''s body. The impact was harder than he expected; the slug''s body was surprisingly tough. The creature wriggled violently, causing the ground around it to tremble. Keiran stumbled slightly but managed to keep his balance. He knew he couldn''t let the slug continue to shake the ground like that. Keiran''s fists pounded against the slug''s stone armor, each hit barely making a difference. His knuckles throbbed, and the creature hardly reacted, its jagged hide grinding as it moved. It swung at him again, forcing him to step back. His punches weren''t enough. He grabbed a sharp stone from the ground and slammed it into a crack. A small chip broke off. Gritting his teeth, he struck again and again until the crack split wide. The slug shuddered, its armor giving way to the soft, unprotected flesh beneath. Wasting no time, Keiran drove the stone deep into the exposed spot, twisting and tearing until the creature convulsed one last time before falling still. [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran stood up straight, breathing heavily. The fight had been tougher than he expected, but it had gone more smoothly than he had imagined. He looked down at the corpse of the Earth Slug and activated Divine Inheritance. A white, glowing essence emerged from the slug''s body and was absorbed into Keiran''s own. A series of notifications appeared in front of him. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Mud Spit (Active) The Earth Slug spits a glob of sticky mud at a target, reducing their movement speed and accuracy for a short duration. The mud hardens over time, making it difficult for the enemy to move freely. MP Cost 1] [Tremor Wiggle (Active) The Earth Slug wriggles violently, causing small tremors in the ground around it. Enemies standing nearby may trip or lose their balance, making them vulnerable to attacks. MP Cost 1] [Stone Skin (Passive) The Earth Slug''s body is naturally reinforced with a rocky outer layer, reducing damage from physical attacks. Though not impenetrable, it makes the slug more resilient to weak blows.] Keiran smiled as he read through the new skills. They weren''t the most powerful, but they were a start. He could already see how they might be useful in future battles. [For acquiring three common unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] Chapter 3: Horned Rabbits Keiran sat quietly on a large, moss-covered boulder in the middle of the forest. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, and the faint chirping of birds echoed through the trees. The sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. It was a peaceful scene, but Keiran''s mind was far from calm. He was focused on the task at hand¡ªallocating his stat points. He opened his status screen, a translucent interface that only he could see. The numbers and options floated before him, waiting for his decision. After a moment of thought, he decided to distribute his points carefully. He added 4 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 6 points each to Intelligence and Strength. As soon as he confirmed his choices, he felt a strange sensation ripple through his body. His once skinny frame began to change. Muscles grew and tightened, giving him a lean, athletic build. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound strength coursing through him. "Neat," he said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. But there was more to check. He looked down at his hands, noting that his skin was still human. That meant his new passive skill, Stone Armor, hadn''t activated yet. He closed his eyes and focused, letting his instincts guide him. Slowly, his skin began to change. It hardened and transformed, becoming jagged and rough like stone. Within moments, his entire body was covered in a layer of natural stone armor. It wasn''t smooth or polished¡ªit was rugged and uneven, as if it had been ripped straight from the earth itself. Keiran examined his new form, turning his arms over and running his fingers along the rough surface. "A little gross," he muttered in his usual monotone voice, "but cool." With his transformation complete, Keiran stood and began walking deeper into the forest. The ground beneath his feet was soft and yielding, covered in a thick layer of fallen leaves. The forest grew denser as he ventured further, the trees towering above him like silent sentinels. He moved cautiously, his stone-covered body blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The jagged edges of his armor made him look like a walking boulder, and he used this to his advantage, staying low and quiet. It wasn''t long before he spotted movement ahead. A group of Horned Rabbits was grazing in a small clearing. These creatures were about a foot tall, with soft fur and a single sharp horn protruding from their foreheads. They looked harmless at first glance, but Keiran knew better. He counted five of them¡ªfour at level 1 and one at level 2. The level 2 Horned Rabbit was noticeably larger than the others, its horn gleaming in the sunlight. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. [Common: Horned Rabbit: Level 2.] Keiran crouched behind a bush, his stone armor making him nearly invisible against the forest backdrop. He focused his gaze on the level 2 Horned Rabbit, the leader of the group. His plan was simple: take out the strongest one first. The others would likely scatter once their leader was down. He waited patiently, his body completely still. The Horned Rabbits hopped closer, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. When they were within range, Keiran acted. He opened his mouth and activated his Mud Spit skill. A thick glob of mud shot out, hitting the level 2 Horned Rabbit square in the face. The creature let out a startled squeak, its movements slowing as the mud clung to its fur. The other Horned Rabbits froze for a moment, their ears twitching in alarm. But before they could react, Keiran fired another barrage of Mud Spit. The mud splattered across the level 2 Horned Rabbit, further immobilizing it. Keiran wrinkled his nose at the smell¡ªit was unpleasant, to say the least¡ªbut he couldn''t deny the effectiveness of the skill. The other Horned Rabbits finally realized what was happening and charged at Keiran, their horns aimed at his stone-covered body. But their attacks were useless. The sharp horns scraped harmlessly against his armor, leaving no damage. Keiran didn''t even flinch. He stepped forward, his stone fists clenched, and activated his Iron Fist skill. With a powerful punch, he struck the level 2 Horned Rabbit in the face. The force of the blow sent the creature tumbling to the ground. It tried to get up, but Keiran didn''t give it a chance. He punched it again, and then once more for good measure. The Horned Rabbit let out a final, pitiful squeak before going still. The moment it died, the other four Horned Rabbits turned and fled, disappearing into the underbrush. Keiran watched them go, then shrugged. "I only needed one," he said to himself. He turned his attention to the fallen Horned Rabbit. Kneeling beside it, he activated his Divine Inheritance skill. A soft, white essence began to rise from the creature''s body, swirling in the air before flowing into Keiran. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Horn Thrust (Active) The Horned Rabbit lunges forward with surprising speed, aiming to pierce its target with its small but sharp horn. Deals minor physical damage and has a low chance to stagger smaller enemies. Mana cost 1] [Rapid Hop (Active) Utilizing its strong hind legs, the Horned Rabbit quickly hops in any direction to evade an attack or reposition itself. Grants a brief burst of speed and slight evasion against incoming attacks. Mana Cost 1] [Skittish Nature (Passive) The Horned Rabbit is naturally alert and quick to flee. When its health drops below a certain threshold, it gains a temporary speed boost and a slight increase in evasion, making it harder to catch. Mana Cost 1] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran felt a surge of energy as his body absorbed the new skills and experience. He opened his status screen once again, ready to allocate his newly acquired stat points. After a moment of consideration, he added 2 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 3 points each to Intelligence and Strength. The changes were subtle but noticeable¡ªhis muscles felt more defined, his movements smoother, and his mind sharper. As he stood there, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the forest, Keiran couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He was growing stronger, more capable. The forest, once intimidating, now felt like a place of opportunity. There were more creatures to fight, more skills to acquire, and more secrets to uncover. With a determined look in his eyes, Keiran turned and continued deeper into the forest. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 4 HP: 90 MP: 130 SP: 130 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 9 INTELLIGENCE: 13 STRENGTH: 13 DEXTERITY: 9 AGILITY: 9 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Quick Step, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Tremor Wiggle, Stone Skin, Horn Thrust, Rapid Hop, Skittish Nature. ????? Chapter 4: White Wolves Keiran wandered through the dense forest, the fading light of the day casting long shadows across the ground. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. In his hands, he carried the limp body of a Horned Rabbit, its once-proud horns now drooping lifelessly. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird. Night was approaching, and the darkness seemed to creep in from the edges of the trees, swallowing the light bit by bit. He had been walking for hours, and the weight of the rabbit was starting to tire his arms. Keiran decided it was time to set up camp. He found a small clearing, surrounded by tall trees that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The ground was soft, covered in a layer of fallen leaves and moss. It was as good a spot as any to rest for the night. Keiran set the Horned Rabbit down and began gathering wood for a fire. He moved quickly, his hands deftly picking up dry branches and twigs. The forest was full of them, and soon he had a small pile ready. He arranged the wood in a neat stack. The fire crackled to life, its warm glow pushing back the encroaching darkness. He skewered the Horned Rabbit on a stick and held it over the fire, the meat slowly roasting and filling the air with a savory aroma. Keiran sat cross-legged by the fire, his expression calm and content. The forest around him was dark and dangerous, but he didn''t seem to mind. In fact, he found the experience oddly enjoyable. The solitude, the sounds of the forest, the flickering fire¡ªit all felt strangely peaceful. As he sat there, his sharp senses picked up on something. A faint ripple of energy, like a disturbance in the air. His high Intelligence stat allowed him to sense the presence of mana, and he could feel it now¡ªa group of creatures approaching. Their mana signatures were strong, and they were moving quickly. From the shadows of the trees, five white wolves emerged. Their fur gleamed in the firelight, and their eyes glowed with a predatory gleam. They were massive, their bodies muscular and powerful. The leader of the pack, a particularly large wolf, stepped forward, its lips pulled back in a snarl, revealing sharp, glistening fangs. [Common: White Wolf: Level 4.] The other wolves followed closely behind, their growls low and menacing. They were lower in level¡ªone at level 3, one at level 2, and two at level 1¡ªbut together, they were a formidable force. To them, a lone human in the middle of the forest was an easy meal. Keiran, however, didn''t seem fazed. He glanced at the wolves, then at the meat roasting over the fire. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. With a casual motion, he raised the skewer and offered it to the wolves. "Want some?" he asked, his voice monotone and unbothered. The leader of the pack didn''t hesitate. It lunged at Keiran, its powerful legs propelling it forward with terrifying speed. But Keiran was faster. With a quick hop, he activated Rapid Hop, his body moving with such agility that he seemed to blur. He landed a few feet away, the skewer still in his hand. "You''ll ruin the meat," Keiran said, his tone almost bored. He seemed more concerned about his food than the pack of wolves surrounding him. One of the wolves, a level 3, darted forward and sank its teeth into Keiran''s arm. But instead of the satisfying crunch of flesh, the wolf''s fangs met something far harder¡ªKeiran''s stone skin. The wolf''s eyes widened in shock as its teeth failed to penetrate. It let out a whimper, its jaw trembling from the force of the bite. Keiran didn''t even flinch. "Not even a tickle," he muttered. He activated Iron Fist, his hand glowing with a faint metallic sheen. With a swift, powerful punch, he struck the wolf square in the head. The impact was devastating, the combination of his stone skin and iron fist sending the wolf crashing to the ground. The wolf let out a pained cry, but Keiran didn''t stop. He punched it again and again, each blow landing with brutal precision. The wolf''s cries grew weaker until, finally, it fell silent and still. As the wolf''s life faded, Keiran activated Divine Inheritance. A faint glow surrounded the wolf''s body, and its essence flowed into Keiran. [You have received 3 Skills.] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [Ferocious Bite (Active): The White Wolf delivers a powerful bite to its target, dealing physical damage and causing a minor bleeding effect that lasts for a short duration. Mana Cost: 1] [Predator''s Rush (Active): The White Wolf dashes toward an enemy, closing the distance instantly. If the attack lands, the wolf''s next basic attack deals increased damage. Mana Cost: 1] [Pack Instinct (Passive): When near allies or other wolves, the White Wolf gains a slight boost to its attack speed and awareness, making it more effective in group combat.] The level 4 White Wolf, the leader of the pack, snarled and charged at Keiran, its fangs bared. Keiran stood his ground, his expression calm. He removed his red tracksuit, revealing his lean, muscular frame. As the wolf closed in, Keiran''s body began to change. His skin hardened, taking on the texture of stone, and his form shifted, transforming into that of a White Wolf covered in stone armor. The two wolves clashed, their bodies colliding with a loud thud. Keiran''s stone armor protected him from the worst of the impact, and he quickly gained the upper hand. He lunged at the leader''s neck, his powerful jaws clamping down. The wolf struggled, but Keiran''s grip was unyielding. He shook his head violently, the motion tearing into the wolf''s flesh. The other wolves, seeing their leader in trouble, joined the fray. They attacked Keiran from all sides, their teeth and claws scraping against his stone armor. [You are now taking damage from multiple simultaneous attacks.] Keiran''s voice was calm, almost detached. "Will this kill me?" he asked. [Not if you eliminate your enemies quickly enough.] Keiran focused on the strongest wolf first, his jaws tightening until the creature''s struggles ceased. Once the leader was dead, he turned his attention to the others. Using Predator''s Rush, he darted toward the nearest wolf, closing the distance in an instant. His attack was swift and brutal, his stone-covered fangs tearing into the wolf''s flesh. The forest was filled with the sounds of growls, snarls, and the sickening crunch of bone. Keiran moved with precision, his stone armor protecting him from the wolves'' attacks. One by one, the wolves fell, their cries growing weaker until, finally, the forest was silent. Keiran stood amidst the bodies, his form shifting back to human. He activated Divine Inheritance once more, but this time, no new skills came. [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran noticed that it was getting harder to level up as he grew stronger. He shrugged, his expression indifferent. The forest was quiet once more, the only sound the crackling of the fire. Keiran returned to his meal, the Horned Rabbit now cold but still edible. Chapter 5: Black Scale The first light of dawn crept through the dense canopy of the forest, casting long, golden streaks across the damp earth. Keiran stretched his arms, feeling the cool morning air brush against his skin. The forest was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, but his mind was elsewhere. He had just acquired a fresh batch of stat points, and it was time to put them to use. With a focused mind, Keiran began allocating his newly earned points. He decided to distribute them evenly, adding two points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility. These would help him endure more damage, move faster, and react quicker in combat. For his Intelligence and Strength, he added three points each. Satisfied with his choices, he closed his stat window and took a deep breath. The forest stretched endlessly before him, its towering trees and thick underbrush hiding countless secrets. Keiran decided to explore further, his curiosity piqued by the unknown. As he wandered, the terrain began to change. The ground grew softer, and the air carried a faint, earthy scent. Soon, he stumbled upon a dark cave nestled at the base of a rocky hill. The entrance was wide enough for a person to walk through, but the darkness inside was impenetrable. What caught Keiran''s attention was the absence of weak monsters nearby. Usually, the forest was teeming with low-level creatures, but here, there was an eerie silence. It was as if the weaker monsters were avoiding this place. Keiran tilted his head, considering the possibilities. After a few seconds of thought, he shrugged nonchalantly and stepped inside. The cave was damp, with water dripping from the ceiling and pooling on the uneven floor. The walls were slick with moisture, and the air was cool and heavy. Keiran moved cautiously, his footsteps echoing softly in the confined space. The cave wasn''t particularly deep, and within minutes, he reached its end. There, he found a nest made of twisted tree branches and dried leaves. At the center of the nest were two large, black eggs, each about a foot tall. [Black Scale Snake Egg.] Keiran raised an eyebrow. "Giant sunny side ups," he muttered to himself, a small smirk playing on his lips. There were broken eggshells next to the eggs, meaning others had already hatched. He wondered where the hatchlings¡ªor their mother¡ªmight be. As if on cue, a low hiss echoed from the cave entrance. Keiran turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he saw a massive black snake slithering toward him. Its scales glistened in the dim light, and its forked tongue flicked in and out as it tasted the air. The snake''s eyes locked onto Keiran, and a notification appeared in his vision. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. [Common: Black Scale Snake: Level 8.] Keiran raised a hand in a casual greeting. "Yo," he said in a monotone voice. The snake didn''t appreciate the gesture. It hissed loudly and lunged at him, its fangs bared. Keiran activated Stone Skin, and a layer of stone armor instantly covered his body. The snake''s fangs sank into his arm, but the venom couldn''t penetrate the stone. Frustrated, the snake bit down harder and thrashed its head, slamming Keiran against the cave wall. Keiran grunted as he stood up, brushing off the debris from his red tracksuit. "I''m starting to feel like an exhibitionist," he commented dryly, removing his jacket and tossing it aside. The snake coiled itself, ready to strike again. This time, Keiran didn''t wait. He activated his transformation ability, his body shifting and growing until he stood as a giant white wolf covered in stone armor. The snake lunged once more, but Keiran met it head-on, his powerful jaws clamping down on the snake''s face. The scales were tough, and the snake thrashed violently, slamming Keiran into the walls in an attempt to free itself. The battle was fierce. The snake was strong and agile, its movements unpredictable. It managed to break free from Keiran''s grip and disappeared into the shadows. Keiran''s heightened senses strained to detect the creature, but the snake was skilled at hiding its presence. Even his sense of smell couldn''t pinpoint its location. Keiran focused on the faint traces of mana essence in the air, trying to track the snake. It was difficult, but he was determined. Suddenly, the snake emerged from the shadows above, its fangs aimed directly at him. Keiran reacted instantly, activating Horn Thrust. A sharp horn sprouted from his forehead and stabbed deep into the snake''s mouth. The snake writhed in pain, its body coiling around Keiran in a desperate attempt to crush him. Keiran felt the pressure building as his stone armor began to crack. He quickly retracted the horn from the snake''s mouth. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his powerful jaws clamping down on the snake''s lower head. The snake hissed in agony, its body tightening around Keiran in a final, desperate attempt to overpower him. But Keiran bit down harder, his fangs sinking deeper into the snake''s flesh. The snake thrashed violently, slamming Keiran against the cave walls, but he refused to let go. His grip only tightened as the snake''s movements grew slower and more erratic. [Your HP is dropping rapidly.] "I know," Keiran said calmly, his voice steady despite the situation. He bit down harder, his fangs sinking deeper into the snake''s flesh. The snake''s body tightened around him, but Keiran refused to let go. It was a battle of endurance, and neither side was willing to back down. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the snake''s movements slowed. Its grip loosened, and its body went limp. Keiran stood, his stone armor crumbling away. Blood dripped from his fur, a mix of his own and the snake''s. [HP: 19.] Keiran sighed, looking at the two giant eggs in the nest. "All of this," he muttered, "for two giant sunny side ups." [You leveled up 2x.] [You have received 24 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran activated Divine Inheritance, and the essence of the Black Scale Snake flowed into him. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Venomous Bite (Active): The Black Scale Snake sinks its fangs into its target, injecting a mild venom that causes minor poisoning. The venom weakens the target''s stamina and slightly reduces movement speed for a short duration. Mana Cost 1.] [Shadow Slither (Active): Utilizing its dark scales, the Black Scale Snake blends into shadows, increasing its stealth for a brief period. While in this state, it moves more swiftly and is harder to detect by predators and prey. Mana Cost 1.] [Scale Resilience (Passive): The Black Scale Snake''s tough scales grant it slight resistance to physical attacks and environmental hazards, reducing minor damage from cuts, bites, and rough terrain.] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran looked at the two eggs again, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Sunny side up it is," he said, his tone light despite the ordeal he had just endured. Chapter 6: Hearty Meal Keiran stood in the middle of the dense forest, the sunlight filtering through the thick canopy above. The air was fresh, carrying the faint scent of earth and greenery. It was a far cry from the fast-paced, screen-filled life he had left behind on Earth. Back there, he was known as a popular RPG game streamer, spending hours in front of his computer, entertaining thousands of viewers with his skills and strategies. But here, in this strange new world, he was no longer just a player behind a screen. He was living the game. He had decided to prepare lunch, something he rarely had the chance to do back home. His days on Earth were filled with streaming sessions, editing videos, and interacting with fans. Cooking was a luxury he seldom indulged in, often relying on quick meals or takeout. But here, in this world, he found himself with the time and the need to do things differently. He glanced around, taking in the towering trees and the soft rustling of leaves. The forest was alive, and so was he. Keiran had found a giant flat rock, smooth and wide enough to serve as a makeshift pan. He gathered dry wood and tinder, using stones to spark a fire. It wasn''t something he was used to¡ªbeing an outdoor person was never his forte¡ªbut his years of gaming had taught him a thing or two about survival mechanics. The fire crackled to life, and he smiled faintly. It was a small victory, but it felt good. Keiran pulled out the fatty part of the Black Scale Snake he had hunted earlier. He had set aside this piece specifically for cooking, knowing it would serve as the perfect oil. As he placed the fat onto the giant flat rock he was using as a pan, it began to sizzle and melt almost immediately. The rich, savory aroma filled the air. The fat spread across the surface of the rock, creating a thin, glistening layer that would prevent the food from sticking and add flavor to his meal. Keiran cracked open the giant eggs he had collected, their yolks a deep golden yellow. He cooked them sunny side up, the edges crisping slightly as the heat worked its magic. The smell was mouthwatering, and his stomach growled in anticipation. As he ate, he couldn''t help but notice the lack of salt. "No seasoning," he muttered to himself, a slight frown on his face. "But it''s not bad." He devoured the eggs quickly, surprised by how much he could eat. His body had changed since coming to this world. It required more energy to sustain the superhuman feats he had been performing¡ªrunning faster, jumping higher, and fighting stronger. This wasn''t just a game anymore; it was his reality. After finishing his meal, Keiran decided to allocate his available stat points. He distributed 6 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, enhancing his endurance, speed, and reflexes. Then, he added 9 points each to Intelligence and Strength, boosting his mental acuity and physical power. The changes were subtle but noticeable. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. With his stats updated, Keiran decided to explore the forest further. He wandered through the trees, his senses alert. The forest was beautiful but dangerous, and he knew better than to let his guard down. As he walked, something caught his attention¡ªa faint rustling above him. Before he could react, a small stone whizzed past his head, narrowly missing him. Keiran dodged instinctively, his body moving faster than his mind could process. He looked up, scanning the trees for the source of the attack. There, perched on a high branch, was a strange creature¡ªa white monkey with spider-like legs protruding from its back. Its eyes gleamed with mischief as it chittered loudly, calling others to join. [Common: Spider Monkey ¡ª Level 5.] Soon, more of them appeared, their spider legs skittering across the branches. There were about ten of them now, all staring down at Keiran with curious yet hostile expressions. They began throwing stones, their aim surprisingly accurate. Keiran dodged again, his movements swift and precise. The Spider Monkeys laughed, their high-pitched voices echoing through the forest as they leaped from tree to tree, their spider legs allowing them to move with unnatural speed. Keiran sighed, a bored expression on his face. "Really?" he muttered. He removed his red tracksuit, revealing a lean but muscular frame. He activated Rapid Hop, a skill that allowed him to leap great distances in an instant. With a burst of energy, he launched himself into the trees, closing the gap between him and the Spider Monkeys. As he ascended, he activated Stone Skin, his body hardening to protect him from the barrage of stones. The rocks bounced harmlessly off his toughened skin. The Spider Monkeys panicked, their laughter turning into frantic screeches. They scattered, jumping from branch to branch in an attempt to escape. But Keiran was faster. He used Mud Spit and spat a glob of sticky mud at one of the fleeing monkeys. The mud hit its target, slowing the creature down. Seizing the opportunity, Keiran rushed toward the trapped Spider Monkey. In an instant, he transformed into a Black Scale Snake, his body elongating and his skin turning into thick, dark scales. He struck with Venomous Bite, his fangs sinking into the monkey''s flesh. The creature cried out in pain, its spider legs stabbing at Keiran''s face. But the sharp, poisonous legs couldn''t penetrate his thick scales. Keiran released the monkey, letting it fall to the ground. The venom took effect quickly, the monkey''s skin turning a sickly purple. Keiran returned to his human form, standing calmly as he watched the creature writhe in pain. But the fight wasn''t over. The forest echoed with the sounds of more Spider Monkeys approaching. They had called for backup, and it seemed like an entire army was on its way. Keiran could hear their chittering growing louder, the trees shaking as they moved closer. "Neat," Keiran said softly, a small smile playing on his lips. He transformed again, this time into a giant white wolf. With a powerful bite, he ended the suffering of the poisoned Spider Monkey, its body going still. Its head rolled on the ground. Then, he activated Divine Inheritance. [Skittering Rush (Active): Utilizing its spider legs for extra propulsion, the Spider Monkey dashes at high speed in an unpredictable pattern, making it harder to hit while closing the distance or escaping danger. Mana Cost: 1.] [Venomous Strike (Active): The Spider Monkey delivers a precise stab with one of its spider legs, injecting a mild venom that weakens the target''s movements and reflexes for a short time. Mana Cost: 1.] [Wall Crawler (Passive): The Spider Monkey can cling to and move effortlessly along vertical surfaces and ceilings using its spider legs, allowing it to traverse terrain others cannot.] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] Keiran absorbed the skills, feeling a surge of new energy and knowledge. He looked up as the sounds of the approaching Spider Monkeys grew louder. They were coming, and there were a lot of them. "Should I run?" he asked himself aloud, his tone calm and almost indifferent. He listened to the cacophony of screeches and the rustling of leaves. Then, he shrugged. Eight sharp spider legs sprouted from his back, a result of the skills he had just acquired. "Nah. I''d win." Chapter 7: Predator The forest was alive with sound. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot filled the air. But suddenly, a new sound emerged¡ªa chorus of high-pitched howls that sent shivers down the spine. Keiran stood still, his eyes scanning the treetops. He knew what was coming. A mob of Spider Monkeys arrived, their grotesque forms moving with unnatural speed. They were not ordinary monkeys. Each one had eight spider-like legs protruding from their backs, allowing them to leap from tree to tree with terrifying agility. Their howls echoed through the forest, a cacophony of hunger and rage. The sound was deafening, a mix of screeches and guttural growls that seemed to vibrate through the very air. The Spider Monkeys moved as one, their glowing eyes fixed on Keiran, their prey. Keiran watched them with a calm expression, his face betraying no fear. The Spider Monkeys were dangerous, but he was confident in his abilities. His body was tense, ready to spring into action at a moment''s notice. His eyes darted from one monkey to another, calculating their movements, their numbers, their weaknesses. He could feel the weight of their stares, the rage in their eyes. They were predators, but so was he. [Common: Spider Monkey ¡ª Level 5.] [50 Spider Monkeys.] The notification appeared in his mind, cold and mechanical. Keiran didn''t need the reminder. He could see the swarm of monsters closing in. Without hesitation, he spread the spider legs that emerged from his own back. They were sleek and sharp, glinting in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the trees. The legs twitched slightly, as if alive, responding to his thoughts. They were an extension of his body, a weapon. Keiran activated Skittering Rush, a skill that allowed him to move at incredible speeds in random directions. It was a difficult skill to control, but his high Dexterity stat gave him an edge. He darted through the forest, his movements a blur. The ground beneath him seemed to vanish as he leaped from one spot to another, his spider legs propelling him forward with incredible force. The Spider Monkeys lunged at him, their spider legs stabbing the air where he had just been. But Keiran was faster. He twisted in mid-air, his spider legs slicing through the bodies of the nearest monkeys. The sharp tips skewered them effortlessly, and their screams of pain filled the forest. Blood sprayed through the air, splattering against the trees and the ground. The smell of it was sharp and metallic, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest. More Spider Monkeys rushed in, their eyes glowing with fury. Some of them picked up stones and hurled them at Keiran with surprising accuracy. Keiran didn''t flinch. His human skin hardened and transformed into thick, jagged stone. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The stones thrown by the Spider Monkeys bounced harmlessly off his new armor. He was a living statue, impervious to their attacks. The stone skin was rough and uneven, like the surface of a boulder, and it gave him an imposing, almost monstrous appearance. The Spider Monkeys screeched in frustration, their attacks useless against his hardened form. But the Spider Monkeys were relentless. They swarmed him, their numbers overwhelming. They crowded around him, their spider legs stabbing at his stone armor, trying to find a weak spot. Keiran felt the pressure building. He couldn''t hold them off forever. The sound of their legs scraping against his stone skin was like nails on a chalkboard, grating and unbearable. He could feel the vibrations through his body. [Your HP is decreasing.] The notification flashed in his mind, a warning he couldn''t ignore. Keiran gritted his teeth and activated Tremor Wiggle. His body began to shake violently, the vibrations radiating through the ground. The Spider Monkeys lost their balance, tumbling to the forest floor. The earth itself seemed to tremble beneath them, the trees swaying as if caught in a sudden storm. Keiran seized the opportunity. He transformed again, this time into a massive wolf. His jaws snapped shut on the nearest Spider Monkeys, crushing them in an instant. The taste of blood filled his mouth, warm and metallic. He shook his head violently, sending the limp bodies flying. But he knew he couldn''t take them all head-on. There were too many. Instead, he adopted a hit-and-run tactic, using his speed and agility to pick them off one by one. Keiran activated Rapid Hop and leaped into the trees, where some of the Spider Monkeys were hiding. As he closed the distance, he transformed into a Black Scale Snake, his body elongating and his scales glistening like obsidian. He struck quickly, swallowing one of the monkeys whole before reverting to his human form. The transformation was seamless. His body moved with fluid grace, each form complementing the next. The remaining Spider Monkeys lunged at him, but Keiran was ready. He activated Iron Fist, his fists glowing with a metallic sheen. His punches were devastating, each one breaking skulls and sending bodies flying. The sound of bone crunching under his fists was sickening, but Keiran didn''t hesitate. He moved with precision, each strike calculated and deliberate. The Spider Monkeys screeched in terror, but they didn''t retreat. They were too driven by their primal instincts. Eight spider legs sprouted from Keiran''s back once more, and he used them to fend off the monkeys that got too close. The legs moved with precision, stabbing and slashing with deadly efficiency. They were like whips, cutting through the air with a sharp hiss. The Spider Monkeys that came within range were impaled instantly, their bodies writhing in agony before going still. Despite the chaos, Keiran''s voice remained calm as he asked, "How many are left?" [20.] The number appeared in his mind, and Keiran nodded. He transformed again, this time into a monstrous hybrid¡ªa giant wolf with stone skin covered in thick black scales. Eight massive spider legs extended from his back, and a sharp horn protruded from his forehead. He was a creature of nightmares, a predator at the top of the food chain. His presence alone was enough to send a chill through the forest, the air growing heavy with tension. A group of Spider Monkeys leaped at him, their spider legs poised to strike. Keiran activated Horn Thrust, charging forward with his horn. It pierced through the monkeys effortlessly, their bodies impaled like insects on a pin. The force of the charge sent them flying, their bodies crashing into trees and rocks. Those that managed to dodge were met with his fangs, which tore through them with brutal efficiency. The sound of flesh ripping filled the air, a gruesome symphony of violence. [9.] The number of remaining Spider Monkeys was dwindling. Keiran activated Predator''s Rush, a skill that enhanced his speed and strength. He moved like a shadow, hunting down the remaining monkeys one by one. His jaws snapped shut in Ferocious Bites, ending their lives in an instant. The forest, once filled with the war cries of the Spider Monkeys, was now eerily silent. The few monkeys that remained tried to fight back, hurling rocks or attempting to flee. But Keiran was unstoppable. He swallowed some whole and used Predator''s Rush to chase down those who tried to run. When the battle finally ended, Keiran stood alone in the clearing. The bodies of the Spider Monkeys lay scattered around him, their spider legs twitching in their final moments. The forest was quiet once more, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. Keiran took a deep breath, his body slowly reverting to its human form. Chapter 8: Uncommon Keiran stood amidst the aftermath of his earlier battle, his chest rising and falling steadily as he caught his breath. The ground around him was littered with the bodies of spider monkeys, their lifeless forms sprawled across the forest floor. He had thought the fight was over, that he could finally rest. But the forest had other plans. A deep, guttural roar shattered the silence, echoing through the trees like a thunderclap. The ground beneath Keiran''s feet trembled, and the trees swayed as if caught in a storm. He froze, his senses sharpening as he scanned the surroundings. The roar was unlike anything he had heard before¡ªit was raw, primal, and filled with rage. Keiran''s instincts screamed at him that the battle was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning. [You leveled up 10x.] [You have received 120 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] The notifications flashed before his eyes, but Keiran barely had time to process them. His focus was entirely on the massive surge of mana he could feel approaching. It was overwhelming, like a tidal wave crashing toward him. Whatever was coming, it was far more powerful than the spider monkeys he had just defeated. Keiran took a deep breath and steadied himself. He opened his status screen and began allocating the stat points he had just earned. He needed to be ready. Without hesitation, he distributed the points: 20 to Constitution, 20 to Dexterity, and 20 to Agility. These would enhance his durability, speed, and reflexes. Then, he added 30 points to Intelligence and 30 to Strength, boosting his magical capabilities and physical power. As the points were assigned, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body, his muscles tightening and his mind sharpening. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath as the source of the massive mana pool finally revealed itself. The trees parted, and a monstrous figure emerged. It was the leader of the spider monkeys¡ªor rather, what the leader had become. This was no ordinary monster. It was a Berserker Spider Monkey, a creature far more dangerous than its lesser kin. The Berserker Spider Monkey was a terrifying sight. Its body was massive, covered in thick, matted black fur. Eight spider-like legs protruded from its back, each one tipped with razor-sharp blade. Its eyes glowed a fiery red, burning with uncontrollable rage. Its mouth was twisted into a snarl, revealing rows of jagged teeth. The creature let out another roar, and the sound was so powerful that it sent birds scattering from the trees. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. [Uncommon: Berserker Spider Monkey ¡ª Level 20.] Keiran''s eyes narrowed as he read the notification. This was no ordinary foe. Berserker Spider Monkeys were born, not made. They were rare, far superior to their common counterparts in every way. Many species of monsters evolved to become more powerful, growing stronger over time through battles and survival. But creatures like the Berserker Spider Monkey were different¡ªthey were born this way, already at the peak of their potential. Their stats were higher, their skills more potent, and their growth potential far greater. This was a monster that could easily wipe out a group of unprepared adventurers. But Keiran wasn''t unprepared. He stood his ground, his expression calm and focused. There was no trace of fear in his eyes, only determination. He had faced powerful enemies before, and he knew how to adapt. The Berserker Spider Monkey lunged at him, its spider legs and claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. Keiran dodged to the side, his enhanced agility allowing him to move just in time. The monster''s claws missed him by inches, tearing through a tree trunk instead. Keiran didn''t waste a second. He activated his transformation ability, his body shifting and contorting as he took on the form of a Black Scale Snake. His sleek, scaled body coiled around the Berserker Spider Monkey, tightening like a vice. The monster roared in frustration, thrashing wildly as it tried to free itself. Its spider legs and powerful arms flailed, but Keiran held on, his grip unyielding. The Berserker Spider Monkey''s body suddenly glowed a deep red as it activated a skill. Its muscles bulged, and its strength increased dramatically. With a mighty heave, it managed to pry Keiran''s mouth open, trying to dislocate his jaw. Keiran didn''t panic. He shifted forms again, this time becoming an Earth Slug. His slimy body slipped free of the monster''s grasp, and he launched himself toward its face. As he landed, he transformed once more, this time into a giant wolf. His powerful jaws clamped down on the Berserker Spider Monkey''s face, his teeth sinking deep into its flesh. The monster howled in pain, its claws and spider legs flailing wildly. Keiran jumped away. The Berserker Spider Monkey thrashed violently, its attacks destroying everything in its path. Trees were uprooted, and the ground was torn apart. Realizing he needed to slow the monster down, Keiran shifted back into his Earth Slug form and used Mud Spit. A thick glob of mud shot from his mouth, hitting the Berserker Spider Monkey square in the face. The mud spread quickly, covering its eyes and mouth. The monster roared, its movements becoming sluggish as the mud hardened. Keiran didn''t stop there. He fired multiple Mud Spits, each one coating the monster''s body in more of the sticky substance. The Berserker Spider Monkey stumbled, its movements growing slower and more labored. It tried to jump into the trees to regain its composure, but Keiran was relentless. Transforming back into his Black Scale Snake form, Keiran lunged at the monster''s neck. His fangs sank deep, injecting venom into its bloodstream. The Berserker Spider Monkey''s skin began to turn purple as the venom took effect. It tried to fight back, but the dried mud had paralyzed its limbs, leaving it vulnerable. Keiran shifted once more, this time sprouting a sharp horn from his forehead. He charged at the monster, driving the horn into its stomach with all his strength. The Berserker Spider Monkey let out a final, agonized cry as Keiran pushed the horn deeper, twisting it to ensure the kill. With a final, shuddering breath, the monster collapsed, its massive body hitting the ground with a thud. Keiran transformed into his giant wolf form one last time. He bit down on the Berserker Spider Monkey''s neck, ensuring it was truly dead. The forest fell silent once more, the only sound the faint rustling of leaves in the wind. Keiran stood over the monster''s lifeless body, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The battle had been intense, but he had emerged victorious. Chapter 9: Rank Advancement The battle was over. The forest, once filled with the chaotic sounds of clashing claws and guttural roars, now lay eerily silent. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and the ground was littered with the remains of the Spider Monkeys Keiran had defeated. Their twisted bodies lay sprawled across the forest floor, their once-menacing forms now lifeless and still. Keiran stood amidst the carnage, his breathing steady, his expression unreadable. A faint chime echoed in his mind, soft and melodic, like the ringing of a distant bell. It was a sound he had grown accustomed to¡ªa notification from the system that governed his abilities. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran''s lips twitched slightly, the closest thing to a smile he ever showed. The Berserker Spider Monkey was a rare creature, far stronger than the common monsters he usually encountered. Its defeat had granted him a significant boost in experience, far more than he had anticipated. Without hesitation, he activated Divine Inheritance. The air around him shimmered faintly as the energy from the Berserker Spider Monkey''s corpse flowed into him. The process was quick, almost seamless, and when it was done, another series of notifications appeared before him. [You have received 5 Skills.] [Common Skills:] [Wild Pounce (Active): The Berserker Spider Monkey lunges at its target with incredible speed, striking with both its claws and spider legs. The attack deals moderate damage and has a chance to knock smaller enemies off balance. Mana Cost: 1] [Blood-Crazed Swipes (Active): Unleashes a rapid series of claw swipes, targeting the enemy''s weak points. If the enemy is bleeding, each hit deals slightly increased damage. Mana Cost: 1] [Backlash Stab (Passive): When attacked from behind, the Berserker Spider Monkey instinctively lashes out with its spider legs, stabbing at the enemy. Deals minor damage but interrupts enemy attacks if it lands.] [Uncommon Skills:] [Rending Frenzy (Active): Enters a berserk state, wildly slashing at everything in range with its claws and spider legs. Attack speed and damage increase significantly, but the monkey becomes reckless, taking slightly more damage during the frenzy. Mana Cost: 5.] [Skittering Nightmare (Passive): The Berserker Spider Monkey moves with unnatural agility, using its spider legs to cling to walls, ceilings, and even move erratically in combat. Its unpredictable movement makes it harder to hit, increasing evasion against melee and ranged attacks.] Keiran scanned the list of skills, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the information. These were powerful abilities, each with its own unique utility. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] [Congratulations on acquiring your first Uncommon skills! You are now an Uncommon entity. Your tier rank is determined by the rarity of your highest-tier skill.] [Because of your advancement in rank, you can now gain more growth in every stat point you allocate. Your HP, MP, and SP will now increase by 11 points instead of 10, including the stat points you have already allocated.] [Your stats will be recalculated.] Keiran nodded. "Neat." The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ????? By the time he reached a small clearing, the stars had begun to dot the sky. Keiran gathered some dry wood and lit a campfire, the flames crackling softly as they danced in the cool night air. The warmth was comforting, a small reprieve from the harshness of the world around him. He sat cross-legged by the fire, his expression calm and focused. As the firelight flickered across his face, Keiran opened his status board. He had 120 stat points to allocate, a significant amount that could greatly enhance his abilities. Without hesitation, he began to distribute the points. He put 20 points each into Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, strengthening his body and improving his speed and reflexes. Then, he allocated 30 points each to Intelligence and Strength, boosting his mental acuity and raw power. The changes were immediate. He felt stronger, faster, more alert. His muscles seemed to hum with energy, and his mind felt sharper, more focused. As he finished, another notification appeared. [Your huge mana is creating a massive aura around you, making hunting much more difficult. Would you like me to conceal your true mana aura to improve your hunting?] Keiran considered the offer for a moment. His mana was indeed immense, a byproduct of his high Intelligence stat. But it also made him stand out, like a beacon in the dark. Predators and prey alike would sense his presence from miles away, making it harder for him to move unnoticed. "Okay," he said simply, his voice low and even. [Your true level is also hidden to prevent your prey from fleeing at the sight of it.] "Thanks," Keiran replied, his tone unchanged. He appreciated the system''s efficiency. It was always looking out for him, even in the smallest ways. With his stats allocated and his aura concealed, Keiran lay down by the fire. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the flames lull him into a deep, restful sleep. ????? When morning came, the forest was bathed in a soft, golden light. Keiran woke up feeling refreshed, his body and mind fully restored. He extinguished the remains of the campfire and set off, his footsteps light and purposeful. After a short walk, he came across a river, its waters clear and sparkling in the sunlight. Keiran knelt by the bank, cupping his hands to drink the cool, refreshing water. He splashed some on his face, the chill waking him up fully. As he stood, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye¡ªa small, bouncy creature hopping along the riverbank. [Common: Water Slime ¡ª Level 1.] It was a Water Slime, a harmless little creature that posed no real threat. Without a second thought, Keiran reached out and chopped it with his hand. The slime burst apart, its gelatinous form dissolving into nothingness. Keiran activated Divine Inheritance once, absorbing the essence of the Water Slime. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Aqua Spit (Active): The Water Slime spits a small glob of water at a target, dealing minor water-based damage. The attack has a slight chance to drench the target, making them more susceptible to electric attacks. Mana Cost: 1] [Fluid Body (Passive): Due to its semi-liquid form, the Water Slime has increased resistance to physical attacks, reducing impact damage by a small percentage. However, it is slightly weaker to freezing effects.] [Moist Absorption (Passive): The Water Slime passively regenerates a small amount of HP when in contact with water, allowing it to recover slowly in moist environments or after rain.] Keiran stood up, his expression as calm as ever. These skills were simple, but they had their uses. He stored them away, adding them to his growing collection. As he walked away from the river, a new thought crossed his mind. "Change of plan," he said in his usual monotone voice. "I am going to collect skills today." He could feel the faint movements of mana nearby, a telltale sign of monsters in the area. Keiran followed the sensation, his steps silent and deliberate. It didn''t take long for him to find his next target. [Common: Spike Boar ¡ª Level 2.] The creature was small, only about a foot tall, with sharp spikes covering its back. It was busy grazing on some grass, completely unaware of Keiran''s presence. Without hesitation, Keiran used Iron Fist, a basic but effective skill. His fist glowed faintly as he struck the boar, the impact sending it flying through the air. It landed with a dull thud, dead before it even hit the ground. Keiran activated Divine Inheritance once more, absorbing the essence of the Spike Boar. [Boar Charge (Active): The Spike Boar dashes forward in a straight line, dealing damage to enemies in its path and knocking them back. If the charge collides with an obstacle, the boar takes minor recoil damage but causes a shockwave that slightly stuns nearby enemies. Mana Cost 1] [Thorny Hide (Passive) The Spike Boar''s body is covered in sharp, hardened spikes that slightly reduce incoming melee damage. Any attacker that strikes the boar with a physical attack takes minor damage in return.] [Territorial Instinct (Passive): When fighting in familiar territory, the Spike Boar gains a small boost to movement speed and aggression, making it more likely to attack enemies relentlessly.] ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 28 HP: 627 MP: 935 SP: 935 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 57 INTELLIGENCE: 85 STRENGTH: 85 DEXTERITY: 57 AGILITY: 57 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Quick Step, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Tremor Wiggle, Stone Skin, Horn Thrust, Rapid Hop, Skittish Nature, Ferocious Bite, Predator''s Rush, Pack Instinct, Venomous Bite, Shadow Slither, Scale Resilience, Skittering Rush, Venomous Strike, Wall Crawler, Wild Pounce, Blood-Crazed Swipes, Backlash Stab, Aqua Spit, Fluid Body, Moist Absorption, Boar Charge, Thorny Hide, Territorial Instinct. UNCOMMON: Rending Frenzy, Skittering Nightmare. ????? Chapter 10: Living Water Keiran walked along the riverbank, his footsteps soft against the damp earth. The air was thick with the scent of wet grass and the faint tang of the river. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water, which shimmered like liquid fire. He had been hunting in the area for hours, his senses sharp and his movements deliberate. The river was a good spot for prey¡ªmonsters often came here to drink, and Keiran had already taken down a few weaker creatures. But he was always on the lookout for something more challenging. As he rounded a bend in the river, something caught his eye. A large, dark shape rested on the bank, partially submerged in the water. Keiran slowed his steps, his eyes narrowing as he approached cautiously. The creature was a turtle, but unlike any he had seen before. Its shell was jagged, lined with sharp, blade-like edges, and its mouth was filled with rows of needle-like fangs. It was about a meter long, and its beady eyes locked onto Keiran as soon as he came into view. [Common: Razor Turtle ¡ª Level 3.] Keiran''s mind processed the information quickly. Before he could decide his next move, the creature suddenly lunged at him, its movements surprisingly fast for a turtle. Keiran''s instincts kicked in, and he sidestepped just as the turtle began to spin, its shell whirling like a deadly top. The sharp edges of its shell sliced through the air. He didn''t hesitate. As the turtle slowed its spin, Keiran stepped forward and activated his Iron Fist skill. His fist glowed faintly as he drove it into the turtle''s face with precision. The impact was brutal¡ªthe creature''s skull crumpled under the force, and it collapsed onto the ground, lifeless. With a thought, he activated Divine Inheritance, absorbing the skills of the fallen turtle. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Razor Spin (Active): The Razor Turtle withdraws into its shell and rapidly spins, dealing slashing damage to all enemies in a small radius. The spinning motion also deflects weak projectiles.] [Hardened Shell (Passive): The Razor Turtle''s shell is naturally tough, reducing incoming physical damage by a small percentage.] [Bladed Edges (Passive): The Razor Turtle''s shell is lined with sharp, jagged edges, causing minor recoil damage to melee attackers when struck.] "Neat," Keiran muttered under his breath. The skills were useful, especially the defensive ones. He was about to turn and leave when a strange sound reached his ears¡ªa low, gurgling noise, like water being churned violently. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. He turned toward the river. Rising from the water was a massive, gelatinous creature. It was translucent, its body a swirling mix of blues and greens, and it towered over Keiran, easily three times his height. Its form rippled and shifted as it moved, and its eyes¡ªif they could be called that¡ªglowed with an eerie light. This was an evolved version of the Water Slime. [Uncommon: Giant Water Slime ¡ª Level 30.] Before he could react, the creature fired a massive ball of water straight at him. Keiran dove to the side, the water ball crashing into the ground where he had stood moments before, sending mud and debris flying. The slime didn''t stop there. It leaped out of the river, its body stretching and contorting as it landed on the bank. Its mouth¡ªa gaping, swirling vortex¡ªopened wide, and a powerful suction force began to pull everything toward it. Keiran felt the tug immediately, his feet sliding across the wet ground as he struggled to resist. Thinking quickly, Keiran removed his red tracksuit. His body shifted, his limbs elongating and his skin darkening as he became the Berserker Spider Monkey. His claws and spider legs extended, and he activated Blood-Crazed Swipes, slashing at the slime with all his might. But his attacks passed harmlessly through its watery body, leaving no visible damage. The slime retaliated, firing another water ball. This one hit Keiran square in the chest, sending him flying backward. He landed hard, the breath knocked out of him. As he struggled to his feet, he noticed something strange¡ªthe slime wasn''t focused solely on him. It was attacking other monsters too, sucking them into its vortex and consuming them whole. The riverbank had become a battlefield, with creatures of all kinds fighting for their lives. Keiran''s mind raced. The slime was immune to physical attacks. He needed a different approach. As he scanned the chaos, he saw a small, black mouse darting between the monsters. It was no ordinary mouse¡ªits fur crackled with electricity, and it released small bursts of lightning at the slime. [Common: Electric Mouse ¡ª Level 3.] The slime flinched as the electricity coursed through its body, but it quickly recovered. With a sudden leap, it landed on the mouse, flattening it instantly. Keiran''s eyes slightly widened. Electricity¡ªthat was the key. The slime was vulnerable to it. Without hesitation, Keiran rushed to the fallen mouse and activated Divine Inheritance. [You have received 3 Common Skills.] [Static Jolt (Active): The Electric Mouse discharges a small burst of electricity at an enemy, dealing minor shock damage and briefly paralyzing the target for 1 second. Mana Cost 1.] [Thunder Dash (Active): The Electric Mouse charges up electricity and dashes forward in a straight line, dealing damage to all enemies in its path and leaving a brief electric trail that slows opponents for 2 seconds. Mana Cost 1.] [Conductive Fur (Passive): The Electric Mouse''s fur naturally builds up static electricity over time. Each basic attack has a small chance to deliver an additional shock, dealing extra electric damage and slightly reducing the enemy''s movement speed.] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran felt a surge of energy as his body transformed once again. Black fur sprouted across his skin, and electricity crackled around him. His eyes locked onto the Giant Water Slime, which was now fully focused on the other monsters, its vortex spinning wildly. "Let''s dance," Keiran said calmly, a small smile playing on his lips. He activated Thunder Dash, his body surging forward in a blur of electricity. He passed through the slime''s watery form, leaving a trail of yellow lightning in his wake. The slime shuddered violently, its body convulsing as the electricity coursed through it. But it wasn''t enough¡ªthe creature began to regenerate, its form stabilizing once more. Keiran knew he had to get it out of the water. The slime''s Moist Absorption ability would make it nearly invincible as long as it was near the river. He needed to lure it away, to a place where it couldn''t heal itself. With his new skills and a plan forming in his mind, he prepared for the next move. The dance of lightning and water had only just begun. Chapter 11: Giant Water Slime Keiran stood at the edge of the river, his black fur glistening under the faint light filtering through the dense trees. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint tang of electricity. His eyes narrowed as he observed the Giant Water Slime, a massive, gelatinous creature that floated lazily in the water. Its translucent body shimmered with an eerie glow, and its core pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat. Keiran knew this wouldn''t be an easy fight, but he had a plan. He took a deep breath, focusing his energy. His fur began to bristle, and tiny sparks of electricity danced across his body. With a low growl, he activated Static Jolt. The air crackled as a surge of yellow lightning erupted from his body, arcing through the air and striking the Giant Water Slime with a loud zap. The slime shuddered violently, its gelatinous form rippling from the impact. Though Static Jolt was typically a weak skill, Keiran''s high Intelligence stats amplified its power. The Giant Water Slime, now agitated, turned its attention fully on Keiran. Its core glowed brighter, and with a sudden, fluid motion, it launched itself out of the river and onto the bank. The ground trembled slightly under its weight as it landed, its massive body quivering with each movement. The slime opened its mouth, revealing a swirling vortex of water. The vortex grew rapidly, pulling in everything around it¡ªleaves, twigs, even small rocks. Keiran felt the tug of the vortex, but he remained calm. He knew better than to let himself get caught in the center of the slime''s body. With a quick motion, he activated Thunder Dash. His body became a blur of motion, surrounded by a trail of sparks as he darted forward in a straight line. He aimed for the side of the slime, avoiding its core. As he passed through its gelatinous form, he unleashed another Static Jolt. The lightning surged through the slime, causing it to shudder and release a massive water ball in retaliation. Keiran didn''t hesitate. He activated Rapid Hop, leaping away with incredible speed just as the water ball crashed into the ground where he had been standing. The force of the impact sent droplets flying in all directions, soaking the surrounding area. Keiran landed lightly on his feet, his fur damp but his focus unwavering. The Giant Water Slime roared, a deep, gurgling sound that echoed through the forest. It was clearly angry now, and its attacks became more aggressive. Multiple water balls formed around its body, shooting toward Keiran in rapid succession. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Keiran dodged and weaved, using Rapid Hop to position himself perfectly. He knew he couldn''t afford to make a single mistake. Once he was in the right spot, he activated Thunder Dash again. This time, he didn''t stop at one dash¡ªhe used the skill four times in quick succession. Each dash left a trail of sparks, and with each pass through the slime''s body, he unleashed another Static Jolt. The Giant Water Slime''s form began to crumble, its gelatinous body shrinking with each hit. But the slime wasn''t done yet. It fired another barrage of water balls, faster and more precise than before. Keiran gritted his teeth, using Rapid Hop to evade the attacks. Keiran''s body surged with electricity, his fur bristling as sparks danced across his form. With a low growl, he activated Thunder Dash, shooting forward like a bolt of lightning. The first dash tore through the slime''s gelatinous body, sending ripples across its form. He didn''t stop¡ªeach subsequent dash was faster, more precise, leaving trails of golden sparks in his wake. By the fifth dash, the air was thick with ozone, and the ground scorched beneath him. The slime shuddered, its core flickering as it tried to recover, but Keiran was relentless. On the tenth dash, Keiran''s body became a blur of light and sound, a living storm tearing through the slime''s weakened form. The forest echoed with the crackle of electricity and the slime''s gurgling cries. When he finally stopped, the slime''s body was trembling, its core dim but still intact. The slime, now significantly smaller, tried to retreat by leaping back into the river. But Keiran wasn''t about to let it escape. With one final burst of energy, he used Thunder Dash to close the distance between them. The slime turned to face him, its mouth opening wide to create another water vortex. This time, Keiran was too close to avoid it. He was sucked into the slime''s body, surrounded by its gelatinous form. Inside the slime, the pressure was immense. The water vortex swirled around him, threatening to suffocate him. But Keiran remained calm. His passive skill, Conductive Fur, continuously released electricity, harming the slime from within. He could feel the slime shuddering around him, its form weakening with each passing second. With a final effort, Keiran activated Static Jolt once more. A powerful burst of lightning erupted from his body, surging through the slime''s gelatinous form. The Giant Water Slime let out one last, gurgling cry before it disintegrated completely. Keiran fell to the ground, landing in a puddle of slime residue. He lay there for a moment, catching his breath. His fur was covered in the slime''s sticky remains. He had won. The Giant Water Slime was defeated. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran sat up, wiping the slime from his face. He activated Divine Inheritance, absorbing the essence of the Giant Water Slime. [You have received 2 Uncommon Skills.] [Aqua Devour (Active): The Giant Water Slime engulfs its target in a swirling vortex, trapping them inside its gelatinous body. While inside, the target suffers continuous suffocation and water pressure damage. If the target drowns, the Giant Water Slime absorbs a portion of their mana, temporarily increasing its size and power. Mana Cost 5.] [Elastic Fluid Body (Passive): The Giant Water Slime''s gelatinous body can absorb and disperse physical impacts, reducing damage from non-magical attacks. Blunt attacks are significantly less effective, and piercing attacks may become trapped within its body, preventing weapons from being easily retrieved.] [For acquiring 2 unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 48 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran sighed, rubbing his face. The Giant Water Slime was an evolved version of the Water Slime, so he hadn''t gained any new skills beyond the Uncommon ones. He had already acquired the other skills by absorbing them from regular Water Slimes. Still, the fight had been worth it. He had leveled up significantly, and the new skills would come in handy. As he stood, he glanced at the river. The water was calm now, the surface reflecting the faint light of the forest. Keiran took a moment to appreciate the quiet. There was still much to do, and he couldn''t afford to rest for long. But for now, he allowed himself a small smile. Chapter 12: Mystic Convergence The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the riverbank where Keiran stood. The gentle rush of the water provided a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. He placed a hand on his chin, his brow furrowed in thought. "Elastic Fluid Body is just an upgraded version of Fluid Body," he muttered to himself. With a decisive nod, Keiran bent down to pick up his tracksuit, which lay on the riverbank. He slipped it on, the fabric still slightly damp from the earlier chaos of the river. As he walked away, his footsteps were light, almost as if he were gliding over the ground. To anyone watching, it would seem as though nothing unusual had happened. By the time he reached his makeshift campsite, the sky had darkened, and the first stars began to twinkle above. Keiran quickly set about building a campfire, the crackling flames casting flickering shadows on the surrounding trees. He had hunted a boar earlier in the day, and now he skewered the meat on a stick, holding it over the fire to cook. The aroma of roasting meat filled the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. As the boar meat sizzled, Keiran turned his attention to his stats. He had 120 Stat points available, and it was time to allocate them. After a moment of consideration, he decided to distribute them evenly, focusing on balancing his strengths. He assigned 20 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, ensuring his body could endure, move swiftly, and react quickly. Then, he added 30 points each to Intelligence and Strength, boosting his mental acuity and physical power. For now, this allocation felt right. He didn''t feel lacking in any particular area, but he knew he could always adjust later if needed. With his stats sorted, Keiran turned his gaze to the long list of skills he had acquired. There were so many of them, each with its own unique utility. He scanned through the list, his eyes flickering over the names: [COMMON: Iron Fist, Quick Step, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Tremor Wiggle, Stone Skin, Horn Thrust, Rapid Hop, Skittish Nature, Ferocious Bite, Predator''s Rush, Pack Instinct, Venomous Bite, Shadow Slither, Scale Resilience, Skittering Rush, Venomous Strike, Wall Crawler, Wild Pounce, Blood-Crazed Swipes, Backlash Stab, Aqua Spit, Fluid Body, Moist Absorption, Boar Charge, Thorny Hide, Territorial Instinct, Razor Spin, Hardened Shell, Bladed Edges, Static Jolt, Thunder Dash, Conductive Fur.] Keiran understood the trade-off. If he sacrificed certain skills to create something new, he would lose the ability to transform into specific forms. It was a difficult decision, but growth often required sacrifice. He couldn''t afford to cling to every ability if it meant stagnating. His eyes lingered on Moist Absorption. It was a passive skill, one that allowed him to absorb moisture from his surroundings to heal and sustain himself. It had potential, but it felt incomplete, as if it were missing something crucial. Keiran''s mind began to race with possibilities. What if he could create a new skill inspired by Moist Absorption but far more powerful? A skill that could harness not just moisture but the very essence of the world around him? Determined, Keiran made his decision. He would sacrifice a number of his current skills to create something entirely new. The list was long: Moist Absorption, Skittish Nature, Pack Instinct, Territorial Instinct, Hardened Shell, Skittering Rush, Aqua Spit, Fluid Body, Boar Charge, Razor Spin, Wall Crawler, Tremor Wiggle, Wild Pounce, Quick Step, Thorny Hide, Horn Thrust, Backlash Stab, Scale Resilience, Bladed Edges, Blood-Crazed Swipes. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Each of these skills had served him in some way, but now they would serve a greater purpose. Taking a deep breath, Keiran activated Arcane Creation. His hands began to glow with a soft, ethereal light as he focused his mind on the task at hand. The process was intuitive, as if he had been doing it his entire life. Runes and symbols floated before his eyes, each representing a different aspect of the skill he was about to create. He could feel the power surging within him, waiting to be shaped. Keiran''s imagination was the driving force behind this creation. Keiran tried to create a skill that was as overpowered as possible, pushing the boundaries of what he could imagine. However, he quickly realized that the flexibility and power of the skill he could create were restricted by its rarity. The runes and symbols floating before him seemed to have limits, as if the universe itself were imposing rules to maintain balance. Though he wanted to create something truly limitless, he understood that, for now, he had to work within the constraints of an Uncommon-tier skill. Still, he dialed it to the maximum, ensuring that the skill would be as potent as possible within those boundaries. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the process was complete. A notification appeared before him, glowing brightly in the dim light of the campfire: [Congratulations, you have created a new skill.] [Mystic Convergence (Passive): Harnesses the ambient mana in the surroundings, enhancing both magical and physical attacks. This continuous absorption also boosts HP, MP, and SP regeneration, allowing for sustained combat prowess. The effects scale with the density of mana in the environment, providing greater benefits in areas rich with magical energy.] Keiran''s eyes widened as he read the description. This was exactly what he had hoped for. The skill was powerful, versatile, and perfectly suited to his needs. [For creating one Uncommon skill, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] Mystic Convergence was a game-changer. Mana was everywhere. It flowed through the air like an invisible river, seeped into the earth like roots of an ancient tree, and pulsed within every living being like a heartbeat. It was the lifeblood of the universe, a force so fundamental that even the smallest pebble or the tiniest blade of grass held traces of it. Keiran could feel it now, more intensely than ever before. The mana in his immediate surroundings was dense, almost tangible, as if he could reach out and grasp it. It swirled around him, brushing against his skin like a gentle breeze, filling him with a sense of boundless energy. He closed his eyes and focused, letting the sensation wash over him. The mana in the air was warm and vibrant, while the mana in the earth felt steady and grounding. Even the river nearby seemed to hum with its own unique rhythm, a cool, flowing energy that complemented the others. Keiran realized that this small area alone was teeming with power, and he was only scratching the surface. If he could harness this energy, he would have an endless source of fuel¡ªa connection to the very essence of the world itself. That was why he had created Mystic Convergence. It was a skill designed to tap into this omnipresent force, drawing mana from his surroundings to enhance his abilities. The concept was simple yet profound: the world itself would become his power source. Whether he was in a dense forest, a barren desert, or a bustling city, mana would always be there, waiting to be utilized. But Keiran was acutely aware of the limitations. The skill''s rarity¡ªUncommon¡ªmeant that it wasn''t as flexible or potent as it could be. He had pushed it to its absolute limits during the creation process, but there were still boundaries he couldn''t cross. For now, Mystic Convergence could only absorb and convert a certain amount of mana at a time. It was powerful, yes, but not limitless. In areas with sparse mana, its effects would be weaker, and even in mana-rich environments, there was a cap to how much it could enhance his abilities. Still, Keiran couldn''t help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was just the beginning. The skill was like a seed, one that had the potential to grow into something extraordinary. With time, experience, and a few upgrades, he knew it could become a cornerstone of his strength. The thought filled him with a sense of anticipation. He had the entire world as his fuel, and that was no small thing. As he sat by the campfire, the weight of this realization settled over him. The crackling flames seemed to dance in harmony with the mana around him, their light reflecting in his thoughtful eyes. He was no longer just a wanderer trying to survive. He was someone who could shape the very forces of nature to his will. And that knowledge, more than anything else, made him feel truly alive. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 43 HP: 847 MP: 1265 SP: 1265 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 77 INTELLIGENCE: 115 STRENGTH: 115 DEXTERITY: 77 AGILITY: 77 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 60 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Ferocious Bite, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Shadow Slither, Venomous Strike, Static Jolt, Thunder Dash, Conductive Fur. UNCOMMON: Rending Frenzy, Skittering Nightmare, Aqua Devour, Elastic Fluid Body, Mystic Convergence. ????? Chapter 13: Infernal The morning sun rose gently over the dense forest, its golden rays filtering through the thick canopy of leaves. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and earth. Keiran stood at the edge of a clearing, his mind focused on the task at hand. He had just allocated his 60 available stat points, carefully distributing them to enhance his abilities. He had placed 10 points each into Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility. Another 15 points went into Intelligence and the remaining 15 into Strength. Keiran''s journey into the forest was aimless for now, but his goals were clear. He needed to collect more powerful skills from the monsters he encountered, and leveling up quickly was his priority. However, before he could focus on gaining strength, he had to address a more immediate need¡ªfood. His stomach growled softly, a reminder that survival came first. As he ventured deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and the underbrush thicker. The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air, creating a serene yet eerie atmosphere. Keiran''s sharp eyes scanned his surroundings, searching for anything that could serve as a meal. It wasn''t long before he spotted something unusual¡ªa massive, branchless tree towering above the others. At its very top, he could see a large nest, its structure visible even from the ground. Curiosity piqued, Keiran approached the tree. He tilted his head back, squinting against the sunlight to get a better look. The nest was enormous, made of thick, burned branches that looked as though they had been scorched by fire. His instincts told him that something valuable¡ªor dangerous¡ªwas up there. Either way, it was worth investigating. Without hesitation, Keiran activated one of his skills. His body began to shift and transform, his limbs elongating and his skin taking on a rough, textured appearance. Within moments, he had transformed into a Berserker Spider Monkey. His new form granted him spider-like legs, perfect for climbing. With a deep breath, he began his ascent, scaling the tree with ease. As he neared the top, the nest came into full view. It was even larger up close, its burned branches forming a sturdy, circular structure. Inside, Keiran spotted three giant red eggs, each one glowing faintly with a warm, fiery light. His eyes widened in recognition. [Infernahawk Eggs.] Keiran nodded to himself, a small smile forming on his lips. These eggs would make for an excellent meal. He could already imagine cooking them over a fire, the rich yolk spilling out as he took his first bite. But just as he reached out to pick up one of the eggs, a sharp, piercing cry echoed through the air. Keiran froze, his senses immediately on high alert. He could feel the mana in the air shifting, growing more intense. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. His eyes darted around, searching for the source of the sound. Then, he saw it¡ªa massive bird, its feathers ablaze with fire, soaring through the sky with incredible speed. It was heading straight for him. [Uncommon: Infernahawk ¡ª Level 45] The Infernahawk circled above, its fiery wings casting an ominous glow over the nest. This was no ordinary bird¡ªit was a powerful monster, and it was clearly protective of its eggs. He needed to act fast. Without wasting a second, Keiran activated his Stone Skin skill. His body was instantly covered in a layer of stone armor, providing him with much-needed protection. The Infernahawk let out another ear-piercing cry before diving toward him, its talons extended and ready to strike. Keiran leaped to the side, using his Rapid Hop skill to evade the attack. The Infernahawk''s talons slashed through the air where he had just been, narrowly missing him. The bird flapped its wings, creating a powerful gust of hot wind that sent Keiran stumbling backward. He gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan. "I just wanted some sunny side-up eggs," Keiran muttered under his breath, his tone dry. "Not a hardboiled fight with flaming wings." Knowing he couldn''t risk damaging the eggs, Keiran decided to lure the Infernahawk away from the nest. He backed up slowly, keeping his eyes locked on the bird. The Infernahawk followed, its fiery gaze never leaving him. Once he was a safe distance away, Keiran stopped and prepared for battle. The Infernahawk had the advantage of flight, making it difficult for Keiran to land a hit. He tried using his Mud Spit skill, launching a glob of sticky mud toward the bird. But the Infernahawk dodged with ease, its movements swift and precise. Next, Keiran unleashed a Static Jolt, sending a bolt of electricity crackling through the air. The bird simply flew higher, avoiding the attack entirely. Frustration began to creep in, but Keiran remained calm. He knew he needed to wait for the right moment. The Infernahawk, growing impatient, soared high into the sky, its body glowing brighter as it gathered fire energy. Keiran''s eyes narrowed as he realized what was coming next. The bird dove toward him like a meteor, its body engulfed in flames. The heat was intense, even from a distance, and Keiran knew that being hit would be disastrous. But this was also his chance. If he could time it just right, he might be able to land a decisive blow. Keiran focused, feeling the mana in the surrounding area. His passive skill, Mystic Convergence, amplified his power, making him stronger than he normally would be. He clenched his fist, activating his Iron Fist skill. His hand glowed with a metallic sheen, ready to deliver a devastating punch. As the Infernahawk hurtled toward him, Keiran stood his ground, his eyes locked on the fiery bird. The heat grew unbearable, and the air around him seemed to shimmer. "This is gonna hurt," Keiran said in a flat, almost bored tone. But he wasn''t talking about himself. His gaze was fixed on the Infernahawk, his voice calm and steady. "But not to me¡ªto you." At the last possible moment, he swung his fist with all his might. The collision was explosive. Fire erupted in every direction, engulfing the area in a searing inferno. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the ground, and the sound of the blast echoed through the forest. For a moment, everything was chaos. When the flames finally subsided, Keiran was still standing. His stone armor was cracked and scorched, but he was unharmed. In his hand was the lifeless body of the Infernahawk, its bones crushed by the sheer force of his punch. The fire that had once surrounded the bird had died out, leaving behind only the faint smell of smoke. [You leveled up 2x.] [You have received 24 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran let out a slow breath, his body relaxing as the adrenaline faded. He glanced at the Infernahawk''s body, then at the nest in the distance. The eggs were still there, untouched. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Guess I''ll have my eggs after all," he said quietly. Keiran couldn''t help but notice something. The experience points he gained from defeating the Infernahawk were lower than he had expected. It seemed that leveling up was becoming more difficult, a natural restriction imposed by the world to prevent entities from growing too powerful too quickly. But Keiran wasn''t worried. Unlike others, he didn''t rely solely on killing monsters to grow stronger. The experience points he gained from using his ability to absorb, upgrade, and create skills gave him an edge¡ªone that would carry him far in this unforgiving world. Chapter 14: Rare Keiran stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, his eyes scanning the scene. The nest of the Infernahawk was now a smoldering ruin, its once-proud structure reduced to ash and charred wood. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and burnt feathers, but Keiran paid little attention to the destruction. His focus was on the three giant eggs nestled in the remains of the nest. Miraculously, they were unharmed, their smooth, fiery shells gleaming in the sunlight. These eggs would be his next meal, and he couldn''t help but feel a small sense of satisfaction. He activated his Divine Inheritance. As the power flowed through him, he felt a surge of energy. [You have received 5 Skills.] [Ember Slash (Active): Infernahawk swipes with its fiery talons, dealing minor fire damage and slightly reducing the target''s defense for a short duration. Mana Cost: 1.] [Flame Gust (Active): Infernahawk flaps its wings, releasing a small burst of hot wind that pushes enemies back and deals light fire damage. Mana Cost: 1.] [Heated Feathers (Passive): Infernahawk''s body emits a constant warmth, making it resistant to cold-based attacks and slightly increasing its movement speed.] [Hellflare Dive (Active): Infernahawk launches into the sky before crashing down like a meteor, creating a fiery shockwave that scorches the ground and leaves enemies burning in hellfire. This fire persists for a short time, damaging anyone who steps into it. Mana Cost: 5.] [Eternal Blaze (Passive): Infernahawk''s body is wreathed in an eternal, unquenchable blaze. Its flames cannot be extinguished or weakened by water-based attacks; instead, water-based moves create steam bursts that grant it a temporary speed boost. Any foe that makes direct contact with Infernahawk suffers burn damage over time.] [For acquiring 5 unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 3x.] [You have received 36 Stat points.] Keiran smiled to himself. The Infernahawk had been a formidable opponent, but its defeat had granted him incredible new abilities. He felt stronger, faster, and more attuned to the element of fire. His body hummed with power, and he couldn''t wait to test his new skills. He walked over to the three giant eggs. As he approached, a pair of fiery red wings burst from his back, the flames flickering and dancing in the air. The wings were a manifestation of his new abilities, and they felt natural, as though they had always been a part of him. He flexed them experimentally, feeling the heat radiating from the feathers. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. With a powerful beat of his wings, he lifted off the ground, the world falling away beneath him. Flying was a new experience for Keiran, but his high Dexterity stat made it easier than he expected. His body moved with precision and grace, and he quickly adapted to the sensation of being airborne. The forest stretched out in all directions, a vast sea of green broken only by the occasional clearing or river. From this height, he could see the full extent of the land, and it was breathtaking. He soared through the air, the wind rushing past him as he tested his limits. He darted and spun, his movements fluid and controlled. Flying was exhilarating, and for a moment, he forgot about the battles and the dangers that lay ahead. He was free, untethered from the ground, and it felt incredible. After a few minutes of flying, Keiran returned to the nest. Using his wings, he carefully lifted each of the giant eggs and carried them down to the ground. Once all three were safely on the ground, he set about preparing his meal. Thanks to his Eternal Blaze, starting a fire was effortless. His wings ignited with a thought, and he used the flames to heat a massive flat stone he had found nearby. He cracked the eggs open, their contents sizzling as they hit the hot surface. The smell of cooking eggs filled the air, and Keiran''s stomach growled in anticipation. When the eggs were done, he ate them sunny side up, savoring each bite. The meal was simple but satisfying. As he rubbed his full stomach, he turned his attention to the stat points he had gained from leveling up. He put 10 points each into Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility. The remaining 30 points he split between Intelligence and Strength. As the points were assigned, he felt a surge of energy, his body growing stronger and more capable. With his stats increased and his hunger sated, Keiran decided to explore the forest further. His wings made travel much faster, and he was eager to see what else this vast wilderness had to offer. He took to the skies once more, the world unfolding beneath him as he flew. From his vantage point high above the trees, Keiran could see the mana of the monsters below. Each creature glowed with a faint aura, their energy signatures visible to his enhanced senses. Hunting would be easier now, as he could spot his prey from a distance and plan his approach. As he flew, something caught his attention. In the distance, a massive swirl of mana was visible, a swirling vortex of energy that stood out against the natural flow of the forest. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, and his curiosity was piqued. He changed course, flying toward the source of the disturbance. When he reached the area, he circled silently, staying high in the trees to avoid detection. Below him, he saw the creature responsible for the immense mana. It was a colossal raccoon, its muscular body towering over the trees. It carried a massive tree trunk on its shoulder, using it as a weapon or a tool. The creature''s fur was thick and dark, and its eyes glowed with aggression. Keiran watched the colossal raccoon from his perch high in the trees, his expression calm. "I mean, I''ve seen weirder," he said casually, his tone almost bored. [Rare: Raccolossus ¡ª Level 50] The Raccolossus was a rare and powerful monster, a feared predator that ruled this part of the forest. It was at the top of the food chain, and few creatures dared to challenge it. Keiran watched it carefully, noting its movements and the way it carried itself. It was a formidable opponent, but Keiran felt no fear. If anything, he was intrigued. The Raccolossus suddenly turned its head, its glowing eyes locking onto Keiran''s position. It had sensed him, and it let out a deafening roar that shook the trees. Unlike the high-pitched chittering of a normal raccoon, this roar was deep and thunderous, a sound that could strike fear into the hearts of lesser beings. Keiran tilted his head, unfazed by the display. "Neat," he said simply, his voice calm and steady. He had faced many monsters before, and this one, while impressive, was just another challenge to overcome. He prepared for battle, his wings spreading wide as flames flickered along their edges. Chapter 15: Raccolossus Keiran soared through the sky, feeling the cool wind rush past him as he removed his tracksuit. He carefully folded the fabric and tucked it away in a hidden crevice within a rocky hill. This wasn''t just a matter of convenience¡ªit was a precaution. A battle at this scale would bring destruction, and he didn''t want his clothes caught in the chaos. Now free from unnecessary weight, Keiran flexed his body, feeling his muscles loosen. His flaming wings stretched out, flickering in the daylight like twin infernos. Heat radiated from them, distorting the air around him. As he ascended higher, his gaze locked onto his target¡ªthe Raccolossus. The Raccolossus was a beast of sheer power, a creature that embodied raw physical strength. Its body was covered in thick skin, resembling a living mountain of muscle. Each step it took left deep craters in the earth, and its massive hands, each larger than a grown man, clutched a fallen tree like a club. As Keiran''s shadow moved across the ground, the Raccolossus noticed him. Its glowing eyes followed his movements with intense focus. It wasn''t just a mindless brute¡ªit could sense danger. Then, without warning, the Raccolossus lunged. The sheer speed of its leap caught Keiran off guard. The beast propelled itself into the air with such force that the ground beneath it shattered, sending dirt and debris flying in all directions. Keiran barely managed to avoid the attack, twisting his body mid-air to dodge. The Raccolossus, now suspended in the sky, hurled its tree-club at him with terrifying speed. The massive log spun like a giant spear, its rough bark whistling through the wind as it shot toward him. Keiran acted quickly, spinning in the air to avoid the incoming projectile. The tree barely missed him, passing by so close that he could feel the wind pressure against his skin. But there was no time to breathe. From the ground below, the Raccolossus landed with an explosive impact, shaking the earth violently. The shockwave sent rocks and dust flying outward, creating a cloud of debris. And from within that smoke, multiple trees suddenly shot out like missiles. Keiran''s eyes sharpened. It had used its immense strength to launch the trees at him while still hidden in the dust cloud. He maneuvered expertly, dodging the incoming barrage. But the monster wasn''t stopping¡ªmore trees kept flying toward him, relentless and precise. Realizing he needed a more decisive response, Keiran unleashed Flame Gust. A wave of scorching wind surged from his wings, cutting through the air and blasting toward the Raccolossus. The attack should have seared its skin, but the beast crossed its thick, muscular arms in front of its body, absorbing the brunt of the flames. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. When the firestorm cleared, Keiran saw the result. The Raccolossus was unharmed. Its durability was beyond anything he had faced before. The beast let out a guttural snarl before slamming its feet into the ground. The force created another shockwave, launching even more trees into the air toward Keiran. Realizing that dodging forever wasn''t a solution, Keiran ascended higher into the sky, flames intensifying around him as he charged fire energy into his body. Then, he dove. Like a meteor, he hurtled downward, his body surrounded by a blazing aura. The sheer heat from his descent burned away the incoming trees before they could even reach him. As he neared the ground, he could see the Raccolossus''s mana¡ªa massive reservoir of energy swirling within its core. It was like a beacon, guiding his strike. Keiran''s skin hardened into Stone Skin, fortifying his body just before impact. The moment he crashed into the ground, an explosion of searing flames erupted outward, engulfing everything in its radius. The earth cracked beneath him, and all nearby trees turned to ash. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. The air itself wavered from the sheer heat. And yet, as the smoke cleared, Keiran''s eyes narrowed. The Raccolossus was still standing. It hadn''t even sustained major injuries. The monster''s eyes glowed a deep, ominous red, and its muscles swelled even larger, as if its body was adapting to the battle. Then, it charged. The Raccolossus moved like a force of nature, tearing through the land with frightening speed. Trees were crushed beneath its feet, boulders shattered into dust. It wasn''t just an attack¡ªit was devastation in motion. Keiran took a deep breath and shifted forms. His body became a Giant Water Slime, a translucent, gelatinous creature that wobbled slightly upon landing. His flaming wings disappeared, replaced by a semi-liquid form that absorbed impact with ease. The Raccolossus, mid-charge, swung its powerful claws at him, expecting to land a decisive blow. Instead, its attacks passed through his gelatinous body, causing no harm. The beast skidded to a stop, staring in shock. Keiran''s voice resonated from within his slime form. "This form is a bad matchup for you." Frustrated, the Raccolossus roared and launched a relentless flurry of strikes. Each impact created shockwaves, shaking the battlefield. A normal Giant Water Slime would have been obliterated by such power. But Keiran was different. Using Mystic Convergence, he absorbed the monster''s immense mana. His wounds healed almost instantly, the energy replenishing him faster than the Raccolossus could harm him. "As long as the level difference isn''t too high," Keiran thought, "I''ll always be stronger in a one-on-one fight." It was time to finish this. He used Aqua Devour, forming a powerful vortex inside his mouth. The swirling water pulled the Raccolossus toward him. The massive beast struggled, its limbs thrashing against the current, but the pull was too strong. Its legs, then its torso, were completely submerged inside Keiran''s watery form. The Raccolossus was drowning. It roared in defiance, its body convulsing as it fought desperately to escape. Keiran tightened his hold, expanding his form to engulf it entirely. The monster had no way out. Or so he thought. In a final act of desperation, the Raccolossus released a deafening roar. The sound wasn''t just noise¡ªit carried a shockwave so powerful that it ruptured Keiran''s body, sending chunks of water flying in all directions. The Raccolossus burst free, leaping high into the air, its body drenched but undefeated. Keiran''s scattered slime reformed within seconds, his body pulling itself back together. But he could already sense it¡ªthe Raccolossus was diving toward him again. Shifting back into human form, Keiran unfurled his flaming wings and shot into the sky. The monster landed with an earth-shattering impact, sending another shockwave outward. Hovering high above, Keiran observed the battlefield below. The forest was in ruins, the ground torn apart. The Raccolossus, despite all his attacks, remained standing. Yet, his face remained calm. "It became a little harder than I thought." The battle wasn''t over yet. Chapter 16: All Out Keiran hovered in the sky, his flaming wings casting a warm glow against the deep green of the forest below. His sharp eyes remained locked onto the Raccolossus, a massive beast that prowled the ground with steady, deliberate steps. The creature''s golden eyes followed his every movement, its breath coming out in deep, thunderous huffs. The Raccolossus was not just any predator¡ªit was a terror of the wild. Towering over the tallest trees, its dark fur reflected the light of Keiran''s flames. Its muscled limbs were thick with power, built for crushing anything in its path. The long, jagged claws at the ends of its massive hands gleamed as if they had been sharpened by years of battle. This was a creature that ruled by brute strength alone. Keiran knew the beast was powerful, nearly unstoppable. But he also knew something else. It couldn''t truly hurt him, but he also couldn''t hurt it much. Or at least, that was what he had first thought. He descended slowly, landing with a soft thud on the dirt. As soon as his feet touched the ground, the flames of his wings flickered and vanished. A quiet stillness settled between him and the Raccolossus for only a moment. Then, the creature let out a deep growl, its muscles tensing. Keiran watched, unimpressed. "Let''s end this," he said simply. At the sound of his voice, the Raccolossus reacted instantly. It roared, a sound so loud that the trees around them trembled. Its eyes burned a fierce red, and the air around it seemed to thrum with raw energy. It had activated one of its innate abilities¡ªboosting its strength, speed, and aggression all at once. Without hesitation, it charged. The ground quaked beneath its sheer weight as it stormed forward, leaving a trail of destruction behind. Trees cracked and splintered. Rocks shattered under its massive feet. Dust and leaves exploded into the air as it bulldozed toward Keiran. Keiran remained calm. He took a deep breath and activated Mud Spit. A thick glob of dark, sticky mud shot from his mouth, splattering directly onto the Raccolossus''s face. The creature let out a snarl, momentarily slowed as it struggled to blink away the mess. But it didn''t stop. Keiran was already moving. He activated Predator''s Rush, his body blurring as he dashed toward the beast at an incredible speed. He moved like a streak of wind, the ground beneath him cracking from the force of his acceleration. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. The Raccolossus sensed the attack and reacted swiftly. It swung its massive claws around in wide, sweeping arcs, trying to catch him mid-charge. Keiran anticipated the attack. At the last second, he leaped high into the air. As he soared, his body shimmered and shifted. His form lost its solidity, transforming into a Giant Water Slime. The gelatinous mass of his new body expanded, stretching out midair before crashing down onto the Raccolossus''s back. Like a liquid trap, he spread over the creature, wrapping around its thick neck and shoulders. The Raccolossus roared in frustration, shaking its body violently to throw him off. But Keiran had already changed form again, his fluid body condensing and solidifying into a Black Scale Snake. His long, powerful form coiled tightly around the beast, locking its movements. Then, he struck. His fangs sank into the Raccolossus''s thick, armored neck, delivering a Venomous Bite. The impact wasn''t as deep as he would have liked¡ªthe creature''s hide was nearly impenetrable¡ªbut it was enough. Keiran didn''t need to break through. He only needed the poison to spread. Immediately, the effects began to show. Dark purple veins spread across the Raccolossus''s neck, a clear sign that the venom was taking hold. The monster howled in rage, clawing at its own body in a desperate attempt to grab him. But its efforts were useless. Keiran''s body, composed mostly of water, allowed its attacks to pass through like slicing through mist. Only his fangs remained tangible¡ªsharp and unmoving as they pumped more venom into the beast. Frustration turned to desperation. The Raccolossus began to thrash wildly, throwing itself against trees, smashing into rocks, slamming into anything solid in hopes of dislodging its attacker. Each impact sent Keiran''s body splattering apart, but he simply reformed, absorbing the mana around him to repair any damage. Again, he struck. His fangs found the opposite side of the creature''s neck, delivering another dose of venom. The Raccolossus howled again, but this time, it wasn''t just anger¡ªit was pain. In a final act of defiance, it unleashed a devastating shockwave. The sheer force of the attack caused most of Keiran''s long, coiled body to explode into droplets. The Raccolossus panted heavily, its once-bright red eyes dimming slightly. Keiran''s body, however, quickly reformed once more. The beast was weakening, but it wasn''t done yet. With a final burst of strength, the Raccolossus leaped high into the air. Its massive shadow loomed over the battlefield for just a moment before it came crashing down with earth-shattering force, using Keiran as a cushion for the landing. The impact created an enormous crater, sending dirt and debris flying in every direction. Keiran''s body was almost completely obliterated. But almost wasn''t enough. A single fragment of his form remained, and from that piece, his body began to knit itself back together, absorbing mana to heal. The battle continued. But the longer they fought, the clearer the outcome became. The Raccolossus, once a mighty and nearly unstoppable force, was slowing down. The poison had seeped deep into its system, sapping its strength. Its movements became sluggish, its once-ferocious roars turning into weak growls. Keiran watched as the monster tried, one last time, to swipe at him. But its arm barely lifted before falling limp. Then, with a heavy, final breath, the Raccolossus collapsed. Its once-powerful body was now still. Its thick, armored hide had turned a sickly shade of purple, completely overtaken by the venom. The battle was over. Keiran uncoiled himself, his form shifting back into his human shape. His dark hair swayed slightly in the wind as he stood over the fallen creature. He let out a slow breath. "That was hard," he muttered, his voice completely devoid of emotion. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran glanced at the glowing text, then at the lifeless body of the Raccolossus. "That was a good fight," he said simply. Chapter 17: Powerhouse Keiran stood still, staring at the enormous carcass of the Raccolossus he had just defeated. The massive beast, once a ferocious predator, now lay motionless before him, its thick, fur-covered body beginning to dissolve. The venom he had injected into it was working rapidly, breaking down the flesh and turning it into a dark, sludgy substance that sank into the cracked earth beneath it. A low, faint hissing sound filled the air as steam rose from the dissolving corpse, carrying the sharp, acrid scent of decay. The surrounding battlefield bore clear signs of their intense battle¡ªdeep claw marks gouged into the ground, scattered stones shattered from the force of their blows, and broken branches littering the area where their struggle had uprooted trees. Keiran took a deep breath, feeling the lingering energy of combat still coursing through his veins. Then, without hesitation, he activated Divine Inheritance. Suddenly, a powerful essence erupted from the Raccolossus''s remains. A swirling, ghostly light emerged from the dissolving flesh, forming into a massive current of energy that surged toward Keiran like a tidal wave. He stood firm as the energy wrapped around him, sinking into his skin, bones, and muscles. His body tensed as the raw power of the Raccolossus flowed into him, its strength, instincts, and abilities fusing with his own. It was overwhelming, like being filled with a raging storm, yet exhilarating. His mind tingled as the knowledge of new skills imprinted themselves deep into his consciousness. [You have received 7 Skills.] [Common Skills] [Wild Flurry (Active): Raccolossus unleashes a rapid series of attacks, striking enemies in a chaotic yet powerful flurry. Each hit deals moderate damage, with a chance to stagger smaller foes. Mana Cost 1.] [Raccoon Rampage (Active): Raccolossus dashes forward, bulldozing through enemies with sheer brute force. Deals damage and knocks back all foes in its path. If it collides with an obstacle, it rebounds, causing another shockwave of damage. Mana Cost 1.] [Iron Pelt (Passive): Raccolossus''s thick hide grants natural resistance to physical attacks, reducing damage taken from slashes and blunt strikes. [Uncommon Skills.] [Predator''s Maul (Active): Raccolossus leaps high into the air before crashing down with a devastating strike. Enemies at the center of impact are crushed into the ground, immobilizing them for a few seconds, while those in the shockwave radius are knocked back and staggered. Mana Cost 5.] [King of the Wilds (Passive): Raccolossus''s predatory instincts heighten its awareness of enemies, allowing it to detect foes even through stealth or invisibility. Additionally, if surrounded, it temporarily gains a boost to agility and damage resistance.] [Rare Skills.] [Colossal Frenzy (Active): Raccolossus taps into an unstoppable primal fury, greatly increasing attack speed, movement speed, and raw strength for a short duration. While in this state, every attack causes shockwaves, and damage taken is significantly reduced. When the effect ends, Raccolossus lets out a deafening roar, stunning nearby enemies. Mana Cost 10.] [Titan''s Resilience (Passive): When Raccolossus''s health drops below a critical threshold, it becomes nearly unkillable for a short duration, gaining immense regeneration and damage resistance. During this state, any attack it lands on an enemy restores a portion of its health.] As the rush of power settled within him, Keiran let out a slow breath, feeling the transformation in every fiber of his being. [You leveled up 5x.] The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. [You have received 60 Stat Points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] [Congratulations on acquiring your first Rare skills! You are now a Rare entity.] [Because of your advancement in rank, you can now gain more growth in every stat point you allocate. Your HP, MP, and SP will now increase by 13 points instead of 11, including previously allocated stat points.] Keiran flexed his fingers, testing the changes in his strength. He could feel it¡ªhis body was far more resilient, his reactions sharper, his instincts more refined. He extended his wings and, with a single powerful beat, launched himself into the sky. The wind rushed against him as he ascended, cool and refreshing after the battle''s heat. Below him, the forest stretched endlessly, a sea of green with specks of vibrant colors from wildflowers and rivers cutting through the landscape like silver veins. He landed on a stone hill, retrieving the red tracksuit he had left behind before the fight. With a swift shake, he dusted it off and pulled it on. He sat atop the hill, gazing at the serene beauty around him. The sun hung high in the sky, bathing the world in golden light, casting long, soft shadows across the land. The wind was gentle as it brushed through his wavy black hair, carrying with it the scent of blooming trees and fresh earth. For the first time in a while, Keiran allowed himself to rest. After some time, he opened his status board. His recent promotion to a Rare entity had significantly boosted his stats. Keiran allocated his 120 stat points: 20 each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 30 each to Intelligence and Strength, then confirmed his choices. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 58 HP: 1,521 MP: 2,275 SP: 2,275 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 117 INTELLIGENCE: 175 STRENGTH: 175 DEXTERITY: 117 AGILITY: 117 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Ferocious Bite, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Shadow Slither, Venomous Strike, Static Jolt, Thunder Dash, Conductive Fur, Ember Slash, Flame Gust, Heated Feathers, Wild Flurry, Raccoon Rampage, Iron Pelt. UNCOMMON: Rending Frenzy, Skittering Nightmare, Aqua Devour, Elastic Fluid Body, Mystic Convergence, Hellflare Dive, Eternal Blaze, Predator''s Maul, King of the Wilds. RARE: Colossal Frenzy, Titan''s Resilience. ????? The moment he confirmed the distribution, his body reacted. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened, and his energy surged with newfound potency. Satisfied, Keiran flared his wings once more and took off. Nightfall approached, and Keiran searched for a good place to camp. As he flew over the dense forest, he kept his eyes open for both shelter and prey. Spotting a group of Horned Rabbits, he descended swiftly, eliminating three of them with precise strikes. Their horns gleamed in the fading light, but their meat would be his true prize. He gathered firewood, striking a flame and setting up a campfire. The rabbits sizzled over the fire, their rich aroma filling the air. As he ate, the heat of the meal spread through his body, relaxing him after the exhausting day. The night was peaceful. He leaned against a sturdy tree, gazing up at the starry sky. The forest whispered with the sounds of insects and distant rustling leaves, but none of it was a threat. Keiran allowed himself to sleep, letting exhaustion take over. At dawn, he awoke refreshed, extinguished his fire, and stretched his wings once more. It was time to hunt again. This time, he wasn''t looking for any ordinary fight. He wanted a challenge. As he soared, his senses suddenly tingled. He detected something¡ªsomething massive. A mana signature unlike anything he had encountered before. It flickered in and out of his perception, distorting the air around it like a storm. It wasn''t just strong¡ªit was unnatural. Keiran slowed, tracking its shifting presence. It moved erratically, appearing in different locations before vanishing. Instead of rushing in blindly, he hovered above the treetops, carefully observing the pattern of its movements. Each time the mana flickered, he noted the direction it reappeared in, piecing together its path like a hunter trailing elusive prey. He descended, moving swiftly through the forest, following the faint disturbances left in its wake¡ªthe crushed grass, the torn branches, the deep, narrow cuts along tree trunks where its bladed limbs had scraped past. Every trace it left behind painted a clearer picture of its movements. It took time, patience, and precision, but soon, the erratic flickers of mana no longer confused him. He anticipated its next appearance, maneuvering into position. Then, his eyes finally locked onto the creature as it emerged once more, its massive form hunched over the torn body of a Spike Boar. Thanks to King of the Wilds, the moment his eyes locked onto it, it no longer escaped his sight. What he saw was a monstrous mantis. The creature''s emerald-green exoskeleton shimmered under the morning light. Its razor-sharp scythe-like arms were stained with fresh blood as it feasted on the corpse of a Spike Boar. Its compound eyes flickered with intelligence, scanning the area for threats. Keiran smirked. [Rare: Aethermantis ¡ª Level 61.] A formidable opponent. Its blades gleamed with deadly precision. Its legs, built for swift movements, hinted at terrifying speed. Keiran tilted his head slightly, amused. "Cute." He unfurled his wings, embers sparking at their edges. The hunt was on. Chapter 18: Aethermantis The forest was eerily quiet, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of distant birds. The wind carried the scent of damp earth and fresh vegetation, but Keiran barely noticed. His focus was locked onto the invisible presence lurking ahead¡ªthe Aethermantis. It was a formidable creature, a predator that thrived in ambush. Its advanced invisibility made it nearly impossible for the untrained eye to detect. However, Keiran wasn''t just anyone. His King of the Wilds ability allowed him to perceive it, no matter how well it blended into its surroundings. With his target confirmed, Keiran pulled off his red tracksuit, tossing it to the side. The fabric made a soft rustling sound as it landed on the forest floor. He stretched his arms slightly, rolling his shoulders. His body thrummed with energy, a mix of fire and water coiling within him, ready to be unleashed. Then, he moved. A burst of flames erupted from his back, forming immense wings of fire. The heat they generated caused the air around him to shimmer, distorting the scenery like a mirage. Without hesitation, Keiran used Hellflare Dive and launched himself into the sky, his body shooting upward like a blazing comet. The sheer force of his takeoff sent a shockwave through the trees, bending branches and scattering leaves in all directions. The higher he ascended, the more the world below shrank. The dense forest stretched out like a vast sea of green, broken only by the occasional clearing. Above him, the sky was a brilliant shade of blue, with the sun hanging high, casting golden light across the land. Then, upon reaching a specific altitude, he stopped mid-air. His wings flapped once, stabilizing his position. The heat radiating from them caused the nearby clouds to wisp and dissipate. Keiran smirked to himself. "Superhero landing." And with that, he dove. The wind howled around him as he plummeted, the sheer velocity making his surroundings blur. Flames intensified around his body, turning him into a streak of fire hurtling toward the earth. The Aethermantis sensed him coming, its instincts warning it of imminent danger. It tensed, ready to evade. But Keiran was too fast. The moment he struck the ground, an explosion erupted from the impact. Fire roared outward in a blinding sphere of destruction. The sheer force of the blast sent shockwaves rippling through the forest, reducing trees to ash in an instant. The air filled with the scent of burning wood and scorched earth. As the flames died down, Keiran stood at the center of the devastation. Smoke curled around him, the ground beneath his feet blackened and cracked. He surveyed the area, his King of the Wilds ability already pinpointing the Aethermantis''s location. It had survived. The creature was fast¡ªfast enough to react just before impact, minimizing the damage it took. But Keiran could tell¡ªit was slightly weakened. Its exoskeleton, though still intact, had taken minor burns. Not enough to cripple it, but enough to show that it wasn''t invincible. Keiran surged forward, wings flaring behind him. His body blurred with speed, flames trailing in his wake. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The Aethermantis reacted. Its scythe-like arms, shimmering with concentrated aether energy, swung toward him in a deadly arc. Aether was a rare and powerful energy, accessible only to those with a natural affinity for it. It could enhance attacks, ignore defenses, and push physical abilities beyond natural limits, making its wielders far stronger than ordinary beings. The attack connected. Keiran''s body split cleanly in half. For a moment, there was silence. Then¡ªhis body reconstructed itself instantly, shifting into something new. His form expanded, growing larger. His body became that of a giant, muscular raccoon, its fur replaced with a stone-like armor that gleamed under the sunlight. His eyes burned a deep, glowing red, and his sheer presence exuded raw power. His lips curled into a snarl. He activated Colossal Frenzy. His muscles expanded further, his already formidable strength surging beyond its normal limits. The ground beneath him cracked from the sheer force of his presence. Then came the attack. Keiran pulled back his massive fist, the air around it distorting from the sheer power he was about to unleash. He used Iron Fist. He threw his punch forward with titanic force. The impact didn''t just create a shockwave¡ªit sent a blast of compressed air hurtling forward, tearing through the landscape. The Aethermantis barely managed to leap away in time. But even escaping the direct hit wasn''t enough. The shockwave alone was powerful enough to knock it off balance. The force sent it tumbling, its body slamming into a tree with a sickening crunch. The Aethermantis recovered quickly, its instincts kicking in. Without hesitation, it swung its aether-infused scythe once more. This time, instead of a direct slash, the blade released a crescent-shaped energy wave. The attack sliced through Keiran effortlessly, ignoring his stone armor entirely. More than half of his giant raccoon form was destroyed in an instant. His body splattered into water, droplets spraying across the battlefield. But instead of panic¡ªKeiran smirked. As his body reconstructed itself, the Aethermantis vanished once again¡ªthis time using its most advanced invisibility technique. It moved fast. Faster than before. It was going for the kill. But Keiran saw everything. He let out a thunderous roar¡ªthe final phase of Colossal Frenzy. The roar wasn''t just noise. It created a physical shockwave, sending the invisible creature flying backward. The Aethermantis tumbled across the ground, its camouflage flickering as it struggled to maintain its stealth. Keiran transformed back into his human form, wings still blazing. He wasted no time¡ªhe charged forward. The Aethermantis, desperate, lashed out again. Keiran''s body was sliced in half again¡ªbut before it could reform, he shifted into a massive wolf. His powerful jaws clamped onto the creature''s head, fangs sinking deep into its exoskeleton. The Aethermantis thrashed wildly, its blades cutting into him repeatedly. But Keiran felt no pain¡ªhis body, now entirely water, simply absorbed the attacks. Keiran activated Colossal Frenzy and slammed the Aethermantis against the ground, over and over again. His muscles swelled with power, his grip tightening like an unbreakable vice. Each impact sent shockwaves through the earth, cracks spreading beneath them as the sheer force of his assault shook the battlefield. The Aethermantis refused to give in. It clung to a massive tree, its sharp limbs digging deep into the bark, anchoring itself with all its remaining strength. The tree groaned under the force, cracks spreading along its trunk. It was a battle of endurance, a deadly tug-of-war between two powerful beings. Keiran snarled, his glowing red eyes burning with determination. He braced himself, spreading his massive paws across the ground, claws sinking into the charred earth for extra leverage. His muscles tensed like coiled steel, energy surging through his body as he jerked his head back with incredible force. The Aethermantis refused to let go. It twisted its body, attempting to swing its scythes again, but its movements were becoming sluggish. Keiran could feel it weakening. He pulled again. The creature''s grip faltered. The tree it clung to creaked under the pressure, the bark splitting as the force of Keiran''s strength threatened to rip the Aethermantis away. Keiran growled deep in his throat, flames briefly flickering around his body as he put everything into one final, monstrous yank. The Aethermantis''s body lurched forward uncontrollably¡ªand then, with a sickening tear, its head ripped free from its body. The sheer force of Keiran''s own strength sent him hurtling backward. He tumbled through the air before landing in a crouch, claws digging into the dirt to steady himself. His massive wolf form panted, steam rising from his water-infused body. Slowly, he opened his jaws, and with a dull, wet thud, the severed head of the Aethermantis dropped onto the ground. Keiran lifted his gaze to the lifeless body, which was still clinging to the tree. Even in death, the creature''s instincts refused to let go. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. A worthy opponent¡ªfast, powerful, and nearly untouchable. But it had relied too much on one trick. Once invisibility became useless, the battle was already over. It was an easy win. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran smirked. A well-earned victory. Chapter 19: Assassin Keiran stood amidst the dense forest, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint metallic tang of blood. The head of the Aethermantis lay discarded at his feet, its lifeless eyes staring blankly at the canopy above. The creature''s body, still pinned to the tree by its own momentum, twitched faintly as if resisting the finality of death. Keiran stepped closer, his feet crunching softly against the forest floor. He placed a hand on the Aethermantis''s carapace, feeling the faint hum of energy still lingering within its form. The texture was smooth yet ridged, like polished stone, and it radiated a faint warmth despite the creature''s demise. With a deep breath, Keiran activated his Divine Inheritance. A soft, golden glow emanated from his palm, spreading across the Aethermantis''s body like liquid light. The creature''s essence began to dissolve into a shimmering mist, swirling in the air before being drawn into Keiran''s body. He felt a surge of power coursing through him, a familiar sensation that always accompanied the absorption of a strong foe''s abilities. [You have received 7 Skills.] [Common Skills:] [Phantom Strike (Active): The Aethermantis rapidly dashes forward, delivering a razor-sharp slash with its forelimbs. This attack deals moderate damage and slightly reduces the target''s perception of the user for a short duration.] [Ghost Cloak (Active): The Aethermantis turns fully invisible for a short duration. Any attack or sudden movement immediately breaks the effect. While invisible, enemies cannot see it, but they may still detect it through sound or other senses. Mana Cost: 1.] [Silent Predator (Passive): The Aethermantis'' natural movements are eerily quiet. It generates significantly less noise while moving, making it harder for enemies to detect it through sound.] [Uncommon Skills:] [Spectral Rend (Active): The Aethermantis slashes through the air with aether-infused claws, creating an invisible blade that travels forward. The attack phases through armor and leaves a lingering distortion, reducing the target''s ability to perceive invisibility for a short time. Mana Cost: 5.] [Wraithbound Reflexes (Passive): The Aethermantis'' body instinctively reacts to danger, enhancing its reflexes while invisible. If an enemy attacks it while unseen, the Aethermantis automatically evades the first strike and gains a brief burst of speed, allowing it to reposition or counterattack.] [Rare Skills:] [Abyssal Execution (Active): The Aethermantis disappears into the void, becoming completely undetectable by low-rank detection skills. After a short delay, it reappears behind its target and delivers a critical strike that bypasses armor and deals devastating damage. If the target is unaware, the strike has a high chance of instantly killing them. Mana Cost: 10.] [Sovereign of the Unseen (Passive): The Aethermantis is the undisputed master of stealth. While invisible, its movement speed and physical damage are greatly increased, and it can remain unseen for a short duration even while attacking. If it eliminates an enemy while in stealth, its invisibility is instantly refreshed, allowing for consecutive assassinations without detection.] [For acquiring 7 unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 5x.] Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his newfound abilities settle into his being. He flexed his fingers, testing the subtle changes in his body. The forest around him seemed quieter now, as if the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation of his next move. He glanced at the Aethermantis''s remains one last time before turning away. The creature''s once formidable form now lay broken and lifeless. His flaming wings burst into existence, their fiery glow casting flickering shadows on the trees around him. The wings were a manifestation of his power, their feathers made of pure flame that danced and shimmered with every movement. With a powerful beat, he took to the air, soaring above the treetops. The wind rushed past him, carrying the scent of pine and the distant calls of unseen creatures. He flew toward the spot where he had left his tracksuit, the fabric now crumpled and forgotten on the forest floor. He landed gracefully, his wings dissipating into embers as he picked up the garment and slipped it on. The tracksuit was simple, black with red accents, but it bore the marks of countless battles¡ªscorched edges, small tears, and faint stains that refused to wash out. With his tracksuit secured, Keiran took to the skies once more. The forest stretched out endlessly below him, a sea of green broken only by the occasional glimmer of sunlight on water or the jagged outline of a rocky outcrop. He flew for what felt like hours, his eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of a worthy opponent. The forest was vast, and despite his speed, he could see no end to it. The trees below formed a dense carpet, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Occasionally, he spotted movement¡ªa flock of birds taking flight, a deer darting through the underbrush, or the shimmering form of a river winding its way through the landscape. As he flew, Keiran allocated the 120 stat points he had gained from his recent level-ups. He distributed them carefully, knowing that each choice would shape his abilities in the battles to come. He assigned 20 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, bolstering his endurance, precision, and speed. The remaining 60 points he split evenly between Intelligence and Strength, enhancing his magical prowess and physical power. He felt the changes immediately¡ªhis muscles grew denser, his reflexes sharper, and his mind clearer. It was as if his body had been fine-tuned, every aspect of his being optimized for combat. The forest below began to change as he ventured deeper. The trees grew thicker, their trunks massive and gnarled, their branches intertwining to form a dense canopy that blocked out much of the sunlight. The air grew heavier, charged with an almost palpable energy. Keiran''s senses tingled as he detected a powerful mana signature ahead. It was unlike anything he had felt before, a swirling vortex of energy that pulsed like a heartbeat. The mana was so dense that it was visible, a faint blue glow that illuminated the surrounding trees. He descended, landing silently on a sturdy branch of one of the massive trees. Below him, the source of the mana signature came into view. It was a bear, but unlike any bear Keiran had ever seen. Its fur was a deep, earthy brown, but its eyes glowed with an unnatural green light. The creature was massive, its shoulders broad and muscular, its claws long and razor-sharp. A faint blue aura surrounded it, swirling like a miniature tornado. The bear''s presence was overwhelming, its sheer size and power radiating an aura of dominance. [Rare: Cyclobear ¡ª Level 72.] The Cyclobear lumbered through the forest, its movements slow and deliberate. It paused, sniffing the air, before turning its glowing eyes in Keiran''s direction. For a moment, their gazes locked, but the bear quickly dismissed him, turning away with a low growl. To the Cyclobear, Keiran was nothing more than a minor disturbance, a weakling unworthy of its attention. The bear''s arrogance was evident in its posture, its head held high as it continued its slow, deliberate pace through the forest. Keiran smirked. The bear''s arrogance would be its downfall. He activated Ghost Cloak, his body fading from view as he became invisible. He moved silently through the trees, his movements fluid and precise, thanks to his Silent Predator skill. The ground beneath him was a patchwork of fallen leaves and moss, each step carefully calculated to avoid making a sound. The Cyclobear''s massive form loomed ahead, its glowing eyes scanning the area with a lazy indifference. "I want to try something," Keiran whispered to himself, his voice barely audible even to his own ears. He circled the Cyclobear, studying its movements, looking for an opening. The bear was powerful, but it was also slow and overconfident. Keiran''s mind raced as he formulated a plan, his new skills offering a wealth of possibilities. The forest around him seemed to fade into the background, his focus narrowing to the task at hand. Chapter 20: Invisible Ghost The forest was alive with the sounds of nature. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs weaving through the rustling leaves as sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air was warm and carried the earthy scent of moss and pine. It was a peaceful noon, but Keiran was not here to enjoy the scenery. He moved through the trees like a ghost, his footsteps silent, his presence unnoticed. The forest was his hunting ground, and today, his prey was a Cyclobear. Its muscular frame was intimidating, and its claws, each as long as a sword, gleamed faintly in the sunlight. The beast lumbered through the forest, its heavy paws crushing twigs and leaves underfoot. It was a predator, a ruler of this part of the forest, but today, it was unaware of the danger that stalked it. Keiran didn''t attack immediately. He was patient, his movements calculated. Thanks to his new passive ability, Sovereign of the Unseen, he gained both speed and strength as long as he remained invisible. The skill was a perfect fit for his current situation, allowing him to close the distance between himself and the Cyclobear without alerting it. He crept closer, his body blending seamlessly with the shadows cast by the trees, until he was within range of his next ability¡ªMystic Convergence. With a quiet focus, Keiran began to absorb the Cyclobear''s mana. The process was subtle, almost imperceptible, but the effects were immediate. A surge of energy flowed into him, enhancing his physical and magical capabilities. He felt stronger, faster, and more attuned to the world around him. The Cyclobear, oblivious to the theft of its mana, continued to lumber through the forest, its massive form casting a long shadow in the noon light. Keiran had played enough RPGs to understand how assassins operated. Stealth, precision, and timing were everything. Unlike the Raccolossus he had faced before, the Cyclobear didn''t possess the King of the Wilds passive, which allowed it to detect invisible units. That was a significant advantage for Keiran, but he knew better than to underestimate his prey. The Cyclobear''s lack of detection skills likely meant it excelled in other areas¡ªstrength, endurance, or perhaps even devastating magical abilities. Keiran wasn''t interested in finding out the hard way. He continued to siphon the Cyclobear''s mana until he reached his limit. The energy coursed through him, amplifying his abilities to their peak. His hands began to change, morphing into sharp, green scythes that glinted like polished jade. With a thought, he activated Colossal Frenzy, further enhancing his physical attacks. The combination of buffs created a devastating force, one that could tear through even the toughest defenses. Keiran crouched low, his body coiled like a spring, ready to strike. The Cyclobear was still unaware of his presence, its eyes scanning the forest for threats. To the beast, Keiran was nothing more than an insignificant insect, unworthy of its attention. That was its mistake. With a silent breath, Keiran activated Abyssal Execution. The skill was a perfect tool for an assassin¡ªit ignored armor and had a high chance of instantly killing an unaware target. Keiran''s body blurred as he surged forward, his movements so fast they were almost imperceptible. The Cyclobear didn''t even have time to turn its head. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Keiran''s scythe-like hand slashed through the air, a green arc of energy extending far beyond his physical reach. The blade struck the Cyclobear''s thick neck, cutting through flesh and bone with terrifying ease. The attack was over in an instant. The Cyclobear''s head toppled from its shoulders, hitting the forest floor with a dull thud. Its massive body followed, collapsing in a heap as blood gushed from the severed neck. Keiran stood over the lifeless body of the Cyclobear, his invisible form flickering back into visibility. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as he surveyed his handiwork. "I didn''t even need to take off my tracksuit this time," Keiran muttered to himself, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His scythe hands reverted to their normal human form, the green energy dissipating into the air. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran glanced at the messages, his mind already calculating his next move. The way of the assassin was about winning without fighting, and he had done just that. He had never been a fan of assassin classes in RPGs, but he couldn''t deny their effectiveness. Stealth, precision, and overwhelming power¡ªthose were the tools of his trade now. He raised his hand and activated Divine Inheritance. A faint glow enveloped the Cyclobear''s body as its essence was drawn toward Keiran. [You have received 7 Skills.] [Common Skills.] [Wind Claw (Active): Cyclobear slashes with claws infused with slicing winds, extending the range of its physical attacks slightly and dealing minor wind damage. Mana Cost 1.] [Gale Charge (Active): Cyclobear rushes forward with a burst of wind, increasing movement speed temporarily and knocking back smaller enemies. Mana Cost 1.] [Stormhide (Passive): Cyclobear''s fur constantly generates a faint breeze, reducing incoming ranged damage slightly by deflecting weak projectiles.] [Uncommon Skills.] [Cyclone Crash: Cyclobear leaps into the air, twisting its body to gather wind energy, and slams down with explosive force. The impact sends out a shockwave of slicing winds that strikes all enemies in a wide radius, shredding weaker foes and destabilizing the footing of sturdier ones. Mana Cost 5.] [Wind''s Favor (Passive): The winds themselves guide Cyclobear''s movements, granting it enhanced agility and reflexes. Cyclobear gains a constant boost to movement speed, and when attacked, there is a chance the wind will divert or deflect incoming projectiles or spells, especially in outdoor environments.] [Rare Skills.] [Howling Tempest (Active): Cyclobear summons a raging storm centered on itself, with winds powerful enough to uproot small trees and throw enemies off their feet. The storm also sharpens into dozens of cutting wind blades, randomly slashing everything within range. Visibility drops to near zero, making it difficult for enemies to track Cyclobear''s movements. Mana Cost 10.] [Windborne Regeneration (Passive): As long as Cyclobear stands beneath the open sky, it passively draws strength from the wind itself. This accelerates the healing of wounds, restores stamina at an incredible rate, and even slowly builds up resistance against elemental attacks that harm it, temporarily boosting its defense. This makes it extremely difficult to wear down in prolonged battles.] Keiran studied the new skills with a mixture of relief and satisfaction. "It''s a good thing I didn''t fight it head-on," he said quietly. "This skill set looks tough to deal with." He had dodged a potentially catastrophic battle. The Cyclobear was a powerhouse, and facing it directly would have been a risky move. But Keiran wasn''t one to take unnecessary risks. He preferred to stack the odds in his favor, and today, he had done just that. [For acquiring 7 unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] Keiran allocated his newly acquired stat points with care. He distributed 20 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 30 points each to Intelligence and Strength. The adjustments were subtle, but they brought him one step closer to his goal. "Just a little more," Keiran murmured, his voice barely audible. "Soon, I''ll be ready to take on the role of the hero and save this world." The world of Eteria was a dangerous place, filled with monsters, magic, and untold challenges. But Keiran was no ordinary man. He was chosen by Bequeathal, a hero sent to save this world from destruction. And though the road ahead was long and fraught with peril, he was determined to see it through. As he stood in the sunlit forest, the body of the Cyclobear at his feet, Keiran allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. The world of Eteria would soon meet its hero, and Keiran would be ready. Chapter 21: Shadowcarver The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving the forest cloaked in a deep, velvety darkness. Keiran had spent the day hunting for strong monsters, testing his skills and pushing his limits. Now, as the night settled in, he decided to make camp. The clearing he chose was small but open, surrounded by towering trees that swayed gently in the cool night breeze. Keiran knelt by the campfire he had built, the flames crackling softly as they danced in the night. He skewered a piece of boar meat on a stick and held it over the fire, the fat sizzling and dripping into the flames. The aroma of roasted meat filled the air, a comforting contrast to the eerie stillness of the forest. As he waited for the meat to cook, he glanced around, his sharp eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of movement. He was alone¡ªor so he thought. Unbeknownst to him, something had taken notice of his presence. A monster, drawn by the scent of human flesh, was making its way toward the clearing. This creature was a fearsome predator with a taste for humans. Its massive form moved silently through the forest, its dark aura blending seamlessly with the shadows. Keiran, ever alert, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He paused, his senses sharpening as he detected a massive surge of mana approaching from a mile away. The energy was overwhelming, far stronger than anything he had encountered recently. He quickly finished the last bite of his meal and stood, his body tense and ready for action. Without wasting a moment, Keiran activated Ghost Cloak, a skill that rendered him invisible. His form shimmered briefly before fading from sight, leaving no trace of his presence. He moved swiftly, climbing up a nearby tree and settling on a thick branch. From his vantage point, he could observe the approaching threat without being seen. The forest grew unnaturally quiet, as if the creatures of the night sensed the danger and had gone into hiding. The only sound was the faint crackling of the campfire below. Then, the hunter arrived. The monster emerged from the shadows, its massive form towering over the trees. Its body was covered in a thick, shadowy aura that seemed to swallow the light around it. Its exoskeleton was a deep, glossy black, and its multiple eyes glowed with a malevolent red light. Its claws were razor-sharp, and its tail ended in a stinger that dripped with venom. The creature moved with an eerie grace, its movements almost too fast to follow. [Rare: Shadowcarver ¡ª Level 83.] This was no ordinary monster. It was a rare and powerful foe, one that could easily end his life if he wasn''t careful. He remained still, watching as the Shadowcarver circled the campfire, its glowing eyes scanning the area for its prey. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The monster''s claws clicked against the ground as it moved, the sound sending shivers down Keiran''s spine. It seemed to sense that something was nearby, but it couldn''t pinpoint his location. Keiran took a deep breath. He knew he had to act quickly. Using Mystic Convergence, Keiran began to absorb the Shadowcarver''s mana, drawing it into himself. The energy surged through his veins, empowering him. His hands transformed into sharp, scythe-like blades, glowing faintly with a aether energy. He activated Abyssal Execution, a skill that enhanced his speed and lethality, and leaped from the tree, aiming for the Shadowcarver''s neck. But his attack passed through the monster as if it were made of smoke. Keiran landed gracefully on the ground, his eyes widening in surprise. The Shadowcarver roared, its voice a deep, guttural sound that echoed through the forest. Its stinger glowed with a void-black energy, and it launched a massive, spear-like projectile toward Keiran. Keiran dodged the attack with ease, his invisibility still intact. The projectile struck a tree behind him, exploding on impact and obliterating everything in its path with dark energy. The force of the blast sent debris flying, but Keiran remained unharmed. The Shadowcarver''s claws slashed through the air, trying to hit the invisible enemy. Keiran retreated, climbing back up the tree to reassess the situation. He quickly realized that physical attacks were useless against this creature. It was immune to them, its shadowy form allowing it to phase through any direct strike. Keiran''s mind raced as he formulated a new plan. He needed to use magic. Summoning Howling Tempest, he created a raging cyclone that centered around him. The winds howled, tearing through the forest and uprooting trees. The cyclone stripped away his invisibility, revealing his location to the Shadowcarver. The monster screeched and charged toward him, but the powerful winds of the cyclone slowed its advance. The storm battered the Shadowcarver, but its hard carapace protected it from significant damage. Keiran watched closely, noting that the creature was resistant to physical attacks but vulnerable to magic. "Come to papa," Keiran muttered under his breath, a small smirk playing on his lips. He deactivated the cyclone, leaving himself defenseless. The storm had served its purpose¡ªit had cleared the area of trees, creating an open space. This was a requirement for his new passive skill, Windborne Regeneration, which allowed him to heal rapidly in open areas. The Shadowcarver, now free from the cyclone''s grasp, rushed toward Keiran with terrifying speed. Its claws were covered in dark particles, ready to tear him apart. Keiran stood his ground, his expression calm and focused. At the last moment, he removed his tracksuit and threw it aside. Keiran''s body transformed into that of a Giant Water Slime, his gelatinous form shimmering in the moonlight. He activated Aqua Devour, creating a powerful water vortex within his body. The Shadowcarver, unable to stop its momentum, was sucked into the vortex with ease. Inside Keiran''s slime body, the Shadowcarver struggled violently. Its stinger glowed with dark energy as it fired multiple shadow spears, each one exploding as it exited Keiran''s body. The attacks caused damage, but Keiran''s regenerative abilities, enhanced by Mystic Convergence and Windborne Regeneration, quickly healed the wounds. The Shadowcarver''s attacks grew weaker as Keiran''s resistance to its dark energy increased, which was another effect of Windborne Regeneration. Every sting inflicted a temporary blindness, but Keiran remained unfazed. He knew the monster''s strength was fading. He simply waited, allowing the Shadowcarver to exhaust itself. Finally, the Shadowcarver stopped moving. Its body went limp, its energy drained. Keiran, still in his slime form, spat the creature out onto the ground. The monster lay motionless, its once-menacing aura now gone. [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Chapter 22: Infernal Arcana The forest was quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the night breeze. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale silver light over the clearing where Keiran stood. His body, once a towering mass of translucent, shimmering water, began to shift and shrink. The giant slime form dissolved into a swirling pool of liquid, and from it emerged Keiran in his human form. His dark hair clung to his forehead, damp from the transformation, and his sharp eyes scanned the area with calm precision. Before him lay the lifeless body of the Shadowcarver, its black, scorpion form glistening under the moonlight. The creature''s exoskeleton was slick with moisture, a remnant of Keiran''s earlier attack. Its massive claws, once razor-sharp and deadly, now lay limp at its sides. The tail, tipped with a venomous stinger, was curled awkwardly beneath its body. Keiran stepped closer, his bare feet pressing into the soft earth as he approached the fallen beast. He walked over to where his tracksuit lay discarded on the ground. Picking it up, he shook off the dirt and leaves before slipping it on. Once dressed, he returned to the Shadowcarver''s body, his expression unreadable. "You came here to hunt me," Keiran said, his voice low and steady. "But in the end, you became my prey." He knelt beside the creature and placed a hand on its carapace. Closing his eyes, he activated his Divine Inheritance. A faint, dark energy began to rise from the Shadowcarver''s body, swirling like smoke before being drawn into Keiran. [You have received 7 Skills.] [Common Skills.] [Shadow Sting (Active): Coats its stinger in dark energy, injecting a venom that weakens the target''s vision and reduces movement speed for a short time. Mana Cost 1.] [Carapace Cloak (Active): Briefly blends into surrounding shadows, reducing visibility to enemies and lowering chances of being targeted. Lasts for a few seconds. Mana Cost 1.] [Umbral Fortitude (Passive): The Shadowcarver''s body passively absorbs a small amount of dark energy from the environment, slightly increasing resistance to dark-based attacks.] [Uncommon Skills.] [Carver''s Grasp (Active): The Shadowcarver''s claws become coated in razor-sharp shadow energy, allowing it to tear through magical barriers and armor with ease. When striking a foe, tendrils of shadow bind the target''s limbs, reducing their speed and making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Mana Cost 5.] [Shadowforge Carapace (Passive): The Shadowcarver''s exoskeleton passively absorbs ambient darkness, gradually hardening into an obsidian-like armor. This carapace reduces physical and magical damage taken, especially from non-light-based attacks, and slightly reflects damage back at melee attackers. The darker the environment, the stronger the effect.] [Rare Skills.] [Eclipse Shatter (Active): The Shadowcarver channels condensed shadow energy into its tail, forming a spear-like stinger of pure void. When launched, the stinger pierces through multiple enemies and detonates in a massive eruption of cutting shadows, dealing severe magical and dark-elemental damage in a wide area. This can obliterate weaker enemies instantly. Mana Cost 10.] [Umbral Sovereignty (Passive): Darkness itself bends to the Shadowcarver''s will. In areas of complete darkness, the Shadowcarver''s body partially merges with the shadows, making it untouchable by physical attacks. Its attack power, speed, and regeneration are dramatically enhanced, allowing it to fight entire squads without pause. Even light-based physical attacks struggles to fully penetrate its shifting, shadow-cloaked form, making it a near-untouchable force within the abyss.] If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Keiran''s eyes flickered as he processed the new abilities. One of his eyebrows raised slightly, the closest thing to surprise he ever showed. "Neat," he muttered under his breath. [For acquiring 7 unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 5x.] [You have received 60 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] The notifications faded, and Keiran turned his attention to his surroundings. The campfire he had lit earlier was now nothing but a pile of cold ashes. He walked over to it and picked up a stick of meat that had fallen to the ground. Brushing off the dirt, he held it in one hand while his other hand ignited with a small flame. Using his Eternal Blaze ability, he lit the campfire once more, the flames crackling to life and casting a warm glow over the clearing. Keiran sat down by the fire, the stick of meat in hand. He began to eat, his movements calm and unhurried, as if he hadn''t just defeated a powerful enemy moments ago. The meat was tough and slightly charred, but he didn''t seem to mind. His mind was already elsewhere, focused on the next steps. As he ate, he opened his status board and began assigning his newly acquired stat points. He distributed 20 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 30 points each to Intelligence and Strength. The changes were subtle but noticeable¡ªhis body felt stronger, his movements more precise, and his mind sharper. Once he was done, he lay down beside the campfire, the warmth of the flames lulling him into a deep sleep. The night passed quietly, the forest undisturbed by any further threats. When Keiran woke the next morning, the first rays of sunlight were filtering through the trees. He sat up, stretching his arms as he glanced at his status board. His eyes lingered on the list of common skills, a long catalog of abilities he had accumulated over time. [COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Ferocious Bite, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Shadow Slither, Venomous Strike, Static Jolt, Thunder Dash, Conductive Fur, Ember Slash, Flame Gust, Heated Feathers, Wild Flurry, Raccoon Rampage, Iron Pelt, Phantom Strike, Ghost Cloak, Silent Predator, Wind Claw, Gale Charge, Stormhide, Umbral Fortitude, Carapace Cloak, Shadow Sting.] Keiran''s expression remained neutral, but his mind was already working. Many of these skills were useful, but they were scattered and unrefined. He needed something more versatile, something that could adapt to different situations. Physical attacks were effective, but he had noticed a growing number of monsters immune to them. He needed to address that weakness. With a deep breath, Keiran activated Arcane Creation. The process required sacrifices¡ª20 skills to create a single, more powerful one. Without hesitation, he selected the skills he was willing to part with: [Silent Predator, Wind Claw, Gale Charge, Stormhide, Umbral Fortitude, Carapace Cloak, Shadow Sting, Heated Feathers, Wild Flurry, Raccoon Rampage, Iron Pelt, Phantom Strike, Shadow Slither, Venomous Strike, Static Jolt, Thunder Dash, Conductive Fur, Ember Slash, Flame Gust, Ferocious Bite.] As the skills were consumed, a series of glowing runes and ancient tomes materialized around Keiran, floating in the air as if guided by an unseen force. The process was quick, taking only a few seconds, but the result was undeniable. A new skill had been created. [Infernal Arcana (Active): Unleashes a surge of ancient fire elemental magic, engulfing all enemies in range in searing flames. Deals moderate fire magic damage to all enemies, with bonus damage against enemies with physical immunity. Additionally, it deals increased damage to water and rock-type defenses or armor. Upon hit, all affected enemies are afflicted with Weakened Ward, reducing their physical and magical resistance for a short duration. The caster also gains Blazing Surge, which increases their magic attack power for a brief period. This skill doesn''t harm entities the user perceives as allies. Mana Cost 5.] [For creating one Uncommon skill, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] Keiran''s lips curled into a small smirk, the closest thing to satisfaction he ever showed. "Exactly what I wanted," he said quietly. The new skill was perfect¡ªa versatile, area-of-effect attack that could handle multiple enemies at once. It addressed his need for a reliable magic-based ability, and the added effects made it even more potent. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 89 HP: 2,301 MP: 3,445 SP: 3,445 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 177 INTELLIGENCE: 265 STRENGTH: 265 DEXTERITY: 177 AGILITY: 177 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 12 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Ghost Cloak. UNCOMMON: Rending Frenzy, Skittering Nightmare, Aqua Devour, Elastic Fluid Body, Mystic Convergence, Hellflare Dive, Eternal Blaze, Predator''s Maul, King of the Wilds, Spectral Rend, Wraithbound Reflexes, Cyclone Crash, Wind''s Favor, Carver''s Grasp, Shadowforge Carapace, Infernal Arcana. RARE: Colossal Frenzy, Titan''s Resilience, Abyssal Execution, Sovereign of the Unseen, Howling Tempest, Windborne Regeneration, Eclipse Shatter, Umbral Sovereignty. ????? Chapter 23: Luminizard The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the dense forest. Keiran soared through the air, his flaming wings leaving a trail of embers behind him. The forest below was a blur of green and brown as he sped past, his invisibility making him nearly undetectable. The wind rushed past his ears, and the warmth of the flames on his back kept him steady as he flew. He had been traveling for hours, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªthat could challenge him. But so far, the forest had been disappointingly quiet. The monsters he encountered were weak, barely worth his time. He sighed, his sharp eyes scanning the treetops for any sign of movement. As he flew, Keiran decided to assign the 12 stat points he had been saving. He distributed the points carefully: 2 to Constitution, 2 to Dexterity, and 2 to Agility. These would make him tougher, faster, and more agile. Then, he added 3 points to Intelligence and 3 to Strength, boosting his mental and physical power. His body felt lighter, his mind sharper, and his muscles more powerful. He clenched his fists, testing his newfound strength, before continuing his search. The hours dragged on, and the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Keiran was about to call it a day when he felt it¡ªa massive surge of mana. It was unlike anything he had sensed before, powerful and radiant. His heart raced as he turned toward the source, his flaming wings propelling him forward at incredible speed. The forest below grew darker as night fell, but the mana signature was like a beacon, guiding him through the shadows. When he finally reached the source, he stopped mid-air, hovering above the treetops. Below him was a sight that made his breath catch in his throat. A giant golden lizard, its scales glowing like molten gold, stood in a small clearing. Its body radiated light, illuminating the dark forest around it. On its head was a glowing crown, pulsing with energy. The creature was majestic and terrifying all at once, its presence commanding respect and fear. [Rare: Luminizard ¡ª Level 95] He landed silently on a nearby tree branch, his invisibility still active. He observed the Luminizard carefully, noting its movements and the way its light flickered like a flame. For a split second, his invisibility flickered, and the Luminizard''s head snapped toward him. Its glowing eyes locked onto his position, and it let out a deafening roar that shook the trees. [Warning: This monster can see through illusions. Your true mana and level are visible.] The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Keiran''s lips curled into a faint smile. "I see," he muttered under his breath. "So that''s why." The Luminizard''s body flared brighter, its light intensifying until the clearing was as bright as day. The heat radiating from its body was unbearable, like standing too close to a bonfire. Keiran''s invisibility shattered completely, revealing him to the monster. The Luminizard''s fangs and claws extended, forming sharp, glowing weapons made of pure light. It was clear that this creature was not only powerful but also highly aggressive. Keiran tilted his head, his neck making a soft clicking sound as he stretched. He removed his tracksuit. His voice was calm and monotone as he said, "It looks like I''m fighting it head-on." As soon as the words left his mouth, darkness began to swirl around him. The Umbral Sovereignty, his passive skill, activated, and his body merged with the shadows. He became one with the night, his form shifting and blending into the darkness. The Luminizard, undeterred, charged toward him, its light cutting through the shadows like a blade. Keiran leaped into the air, his flaming wings carrying him higher. He positioned himself above the Luminizard, his hand outstretched. With a thought, he activated Infernal Arcana. A massive burst of fire erupted from his palm, engulfing the Luminizard and the surrounding area. The flames were intense, reducing trees and rocks to ash in seconds. The heat was overwhelming. From within the inferno, a spear of light shot out, aimed directly at Keiran. He dodged just in time, the spear grazing his shoulder before embedding itself in the ground. The impact caused a blinding explosion of light, forcing Keiran to shield his eyes. He didn''t have time to recover before the Luminizard emerged from the flames, its body glowing brighter than ever. Keiran activated Hellflare Dive, propelling himself higher into the sky before diving back down with incredible speed. He crashed into the ground where the Luminizard stood, the impact creating a shockwave that sent debris flying. The Luminizard roared in pain, its body burning from the hellish flames. But it wasn''t defeated yet. It lunged at Keiran, its golden fangs aimed at his throat. Keiran jumped back, narrowly avoiding the attack. As he landed, a black scorpion stinger grew from his back, its tip glistening with dark energy. He activated Eclipse Shatter, and the stinger absorbed the surrounding darkness before releasing a spear of pure shadow. The spear struck the Luminizard, exploding into a cloud of dark particles that clung to its body. The creature roared in agony, its light dimming slightly. But the battle was far from over. The Luminizard''s body grew hotter, the heat becoming almost unbearable. Keiran knew he had to end the fight quickly. He activated Colossal Frenzy, his eyes turning a deep red as his muscles expanded, increasing his strength and speed. Then, he activated Predator''s Rush, his hands transforming into black scorpion claws. He charged at the Luminizard, his movements a blur. Using Carver''s Grasp, Keiran climbed onto the Luminizard''s head, his claws digging into its glowing scales. He stabbed repeatedly, each strike infused with dark energy. The Luminizard fought back, its claws slashing through the air and creating arcs of light that traveled toward Keiran. But the Umbral Sovereignty protected him, his shadowy form shifting to avoid the attacks. It was as if the light couldn''t touch him, like a shadow always escaping the sun''s rays. The Luminizard tried to escape, but tendrils of darkness erupted from its body, pinning it in place. This was the effect of Carver''s Grasp, and it gave Keiran the opening he needed. He continued to stab the Luminizard''s head, each strike weakening the creature further. Without the sun to fuel its power, the Luminizard was no match for Keiran, who thrived in the darkness. Finally, with one last strike, the Luminizard stopped moving. Its light faded, and its body collapsed to the ground. Keiran stood over it, his breathing heavy but steady. The forest was silent once more, the only sound the crackling of flames and the soft rustling of leaves. [You leveled up 6x.] [You have received 72 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Chapter 24: Arcane Nexus The battle was over. Keiran climbed down from the massive body of the Luminizard, his feet crunching softly against the charred ground. The once-gleaming beast now lay lifeless, its radiant scales dimmed to a dull gray. As the light from the Luminizard faded, the forest plunged into complete darkness, the night sky above shrouded by thick clouds. The air was heavy with the scent of burnt wood and ash. The silence that followed was almost deafening, broken only by the occasional crackle of dying embers and the faint rustle of wind through the scorched remains of the trees. Keiran took a moment to survey the aftermath. The once-lush section of the forest was now a barren wasteland. The trees had been reduced to blackened stumps, their leaves and branches turned to dust. The ground was scorched, and small embers still glowed faintly in the darkness, like tiny stars scattered across the earth. The Luminizard''s attacks had been devastating, a brilliant explosion of light and heat that had consumed everything in its path. Yet, despite the devastation, Keiran remained calm, his expression unreadable. His gaze shifted to the lifeless body of the Luminizard. The creature had been a formidable opponent, its mastery over light making it a dangerous foe. Its scales had shimmered like molten gold, and its eyes had burned with an intensity that could pierce through the darkest night. But Keiran had prevailed, as he always did. He knelt beside the beast, his hand resting lightly on its still-warm hide. The Luminizard''s body was still radiating a faint heat. Keiran activated his Divine Inheritance. A bright golden light began to emanate from the Luminizard''s body, swirling and condensing into a stream of energy that flowed into Keiran. The process was mesmerizing, the light dancing like fireflies before being absorbed into his skin. He could feel the power coursing through him, a warm, tingling sensation that spread from his fingertips to the very core of his being. [You have received 7 Skills.] [Common.] [Gleam Burst (Active): Releases a quick flash of light to temporarily blind nearby enemies for a few seconds, reducing their accuracy. Mana Cost: 1.] [Sunflare Dash (Active): Dash forward covered in light, dealing minor light damage to enemies in the user''s path and slightly increasing their movement speed for a few seconds.] [Luminous Scales (Passive): The user''s body shimmers with light, making it harder to detect in bright environments, slightly increasing evasion in daylight or well-lit areas.] [Uncommon.] [Solar Lance (Active): Condense sunlight into a blazing spear of light, hurling it at a target with explosive force. The lance pierces through enemies in its path, detonating on impact and releasing a shockwave of searing light that burns nearby enemies. Mana Cost: 5.] [Living Prism (Passive): The user''s body refracts incoming light, creating shifting afterimages that make it harder to hit. When struck by light-based attacks, The user can absorb a portion of the energy, using it to temporarily increase their speed and sharpen their next attack.] [Rare.] [Solarfang Overdrive (Active): The user''s fangs and claws become infused with the raw fury of sunlight, extending into searing blades of condensed light energy. Every slash and bite releases a cutting arc of light that travels outward, slicing through enemies at range. The longer the Overdrive is active, the brighter and hotter the user''s body becomes, causing nearby enemies to suffer burns just from proximity. Mana Cost: 10.] [Crown of the Dawn (Passive): The user is constantly wreathed in a majestic corona of light, making them immune to blindness, illusions, and most dark-based curses. Allies standing near them feel invigorated, their weapons glowing with light energy that allows them to cut through magical barriers and spectral foes with ease.] If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Keiran allowed himself a small smile as he processed the new skills. The Crown of the Dawn, in particular, caught his attention. He activated it, and a bright golden crown materialized above his head, its light casting a soft glow around him. The crown was ethereal, made entirely of arcane light, and it gave him an almost regal appearance. The light it emitted was warm and comforting. "I look like a king," Keiran muttered in his usual monotone voice. "Now that I think about it, being a king must be nice." He paused for a moment, considering the idea. A hero couldn''t be a king, could they? Or perhaps¡­ a hero emperor? The thought intrigued him, though he quickly dismissed it. There were more pressing matters to attend to. Keiran left the Luminizard''s corpse behind and made his way through the darkened forest. The ground beneath his feet was uneven, littered with debris from the battle. He moved with purpose, his steps steady and deliberate. The forest was quiet, the usual sounds of wildlife absent. It was as if the creatures of the forest knew something powerful had been defeated, and they were keeping their distance. He soon found a small clearing, untouched by the battle, and decided to set up camp there. The clearing was surrounded by tall trees, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. The ground was soft and covered in a thick layer of moss, and a small stream ran along the edge of the clearing, its waters clear and cool. Keiran gathered some dry wood and started a fire, its warm glow pushing back the night''s chill. As the flames crackled, he pulled out the Horned Rabbit he had caught while collecting woods. It was a small creature, but its meat was tender and flavorful. He skewered it on a stick and began roasting it over the fire. While he waited for the meat to cook, Keiran opened his status board. He had 120 stat points to allocate, a reward from his recent level-ups. After a moment of consideration, he distributed the points evenly: 20 to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 30 to Intelligence and Strength. The changes were immediate, his body feeling stronger and more agile, his mind sharper. He could feel the power coursing through him, a sense of readiness and anticipation building within him. As he bit into the roasted rabbit, his eyes scanned the list of his Uncommon skills. There were many to choose from, each with its own unique utility. But one skill stood out to him: Mystic Convergence. It was a skill he had created himself, and he had always felt it had untapped potential. Now was the time to unlock it. Keiran activated Sacred Elevation, an ability that allowed him to upgrade a skill by sacrificing ten others of the same rarity. He selected Mystic Convergence as the skill to upgrade and chose ten others to sacrifice: Rending Frenzy, Skittering Nightmare, Predator''s Maul, Spectral Rend, Cyclone Crash, Solar Lance, Living Prism, Wind''s Favor, Shadowforge Carapace, and Aqua Devour. The process began, a surge of energy flowing through him as the skills merged and transformed. Keiran felt a deep connection to Mystic Convergence, understanding its intricacies and potential like never before. The energy swirled around him, a kaleidoscope of colors and light. Because Keiran had created this skill himself, he had full control over determining which growth path it would follow. After carefully reviewing the available options, Keiran ultimately selected one of the possible paths and finalized the process, locking in his choice for the skill''s future development. [Congratulations! You have upgraded a skill from Uncommon to Rare.] [Arcane Nexus (Passive): The user becomes a living conduit of magical power, passively absorbing ambient mana and magic essence from the surroundings, as well as from nearby spells cast or magical attacks that strike the user. This absorbed energy enhances both the user''s magical and physical attacks while significantly boosting HP, MP, and SP regeneration, enabling sustained combat performance. The continuous flow of mana and essence also temporarily increases the user''s magical affinity and resistance, allowing adaptation to hostile magic. All effects scale with the density of mana and the potency of magic essence in the environment, granting far greater benefits in areas rich with magical energy or during intense spellcasting battles.] Keiran smiled faintly at the result. Arcane Nexus was a powerful skill, one that would make him a formidable opponent against any mage. He was now, in essence, an anti-mage. [For upgrading a skill from Uncommon to Rare, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 2x.] [You have received 24 Stat points.] "Not bad," Keiran said aloud, his voice calm and measured. [You are now strong enough to face the final challenge of the Forest of Fiora ¡ª the strongest monster in this forest.] Keiran''s interest was piqued. He had been wandering the forest for weeks, honing his skills and growing stronger. The idea of a final challenge excited him. "Tell me where to find it," he said. [Very well, Master.] ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 101 HP: 2,587 MP: 3,874 SP: 3,874 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 199 INTELLIGENCE: 298 STRENGTH: 298 DEXTERITY: 199 AGILITY: 199 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 24 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Ghost Cloak, Gleam Burst, Sunflare Dash, Luminous Scales. UNCOMMON: Elastic Fluid Body, Hellflare Dive, Eternal Blaze, King of the Wilds, Wraithbound Reflexes, Carver''s Grasp, Infernal Arcana. RARE: Colossal Frenzy, Titan''s Resilience, Abyssal Execution, Sovereign of the Unseen, Howling Tempest, Windborne Regeneration, Eclipse Shatter, Umbral Sovereignty, Solarfang Overdrive, Crown of the Dawn, Arcane Nexus. ????? Chapter 25: The Ruler of Fiora The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. The forest of Fiora, usually alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, was eerily quiet this morning. Keiran stood at the edge of the forest, his flaming wings shimmering faintly in the early light. He stretched his arms, feeling the cool breeze brush against his skin. Today was the day he would face something far beyond the ordinary. Something that even he, with all his power, couldn''t take lightly. As the sun rose higher, Keiran spread his wings wide. The flames that danced along their edges flickered brighter, casting a warm glow around him. With a powerful beat, he lifted off the ground, soaring into the sky. The forest below grew smaller and smaller until it was nothing more than a sea of green beneath him. The wind rushed past his face, and for a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the freedom of flight. But this wasn''t a leisurely journey. Keiran had a purpose. As he flew, he focused on the system interface. It was time to allocate his stats. He had 24 points to distribute. After a moment of thought, he assigned 4 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility. These would ensure his body could withstand the coming battle and allow him to move swiftly. The remaining 12 points he split evenly between Intelligence and Strength. He would need both to outthink and overpower his opponent. With his stats set, Keiran turned his attention to the path ahead. He didn''t need to search for his next prey; the system had already marked it for him. The system guided him, a faint glowing line visible only to his eyes, leading him toward his destination. His destination was the tallest volcano in the forest, a place shrouded in legend and fear. The mana signature emanating from it was unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was massive, overwhelming, and for the first time in a long while, Keiran felt a flicker of genuine admiration. It was subtle, but it was there. The volcano loomed in the distance, its peak piercing the clouds. As Keiran approached, the air grew hotter, and the landscape below began to change. The lush greenery of the forest gave way to barren, rocky terrain. The ground was cracked and dry, and the scent of sulfur filled the air. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Keiran landed gracefully on the edge of the volcano''s mouth, his wings folding behind him. He peered down into the depths, but all he could see was a sea of bubbling lava. The heat was intense, even for him, but he stood firm. He knew the monster was there, hidden beneath the molten surface. It was waiting, biding its time. Keiran smirked. If it wouldn''t come to him, he would force it out. He activated one of his skills: Mud Spit. A thick blob of mud formed on his mouth, and he launched it into the lava. It sizzled and dissolved almost instantly, but the message was clear. [It seems it doesn''t see you as a worthy enemy. Should you reveal your real mana and level?] Keiran tilted his head, considering the suggestion. "Let''s do that," he said nonchalantly. With a thought, the system removed the concealment that had been hiding his true power. His mana surged, a visible aura of energy radiating from his body. The ground beneath him trembled, and a deep, guttural roar echoed from the depths of the volcano. It was a sound that could shake the very earth, a declaration of power from the creature below. Keiran shrugged, unfazed. "Now he sees me as a worthy enemy," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. The tremors grew stronger, and the lava began to churn violently. Suddenly, with a deafening roar, a massive entity burst forth from the molten depths. It was a wyvern, but unlike any Keiran had ever seen. Its body was made of magma and lava, its scales glowing with an intense heat. Massive wings, each the size of a house, beat the air, sending waves of scorching heat in every direction. The creature soared high into the sky, its shadow blotting out the sun and plunging the area into darkness. Keiran watched as it circled above him, its eyes burning with an ancient, primal intelligence. The heat radiating from its body was overwhelming, instantly melting everything in its vicinity. Trees, rocks, even the ground itself turned to liquid under the sheer intensity of its aura. If not for Keiran''s multiple regeneration skills, he would have been reduced to ash in an instant. [Super Rare: Vulcarion ¡ª Level 110.] Vulcarion was a catastrophic being, born only once every few hundred years. It wasn''t a creature that had evolved from weaker forms; it was a Super Rare rank from the moment it hatched. An ancient, living disaster capable of shaping the very earth. It was so powerful that it had its own name, a title that struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it. Vulcarion circled the volcano, its massive wings creating fissures in the ground with each powerful flap. It was a display of dominance, a way of saying it had accepted Keiran''s challenge. The fact that Keiran was still standing, unharmed despite the unbearable heat, was enough to earn its acknowledgment. Keiran, however, seemed unbothered. He glanced down at his body, noting that his tracksuit had been completely incinerated. He sighed, shaking his head. "I should have taken it off before coming here," he muttered. "Now I don''t have any clothes." Vulcarion roared again, a sound that shook the very foundations of the earth. In response, multiple small volcanoes erupted around the forest, their molten lava reshaping the landscape in an instant. The forest of Fiora, once a place of life and beauty, was now a hellish wasteland. Keiran looked up at Vulcarion, his expression calm but determined. "A literal living calamity, huh?" he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "This should be fun." The battle was about to begin, and Keiran knew it would be unlike anything he had faced before. But he was ready. Vulcarion might have been a living disaster, but Keiran was no ordinary opponent. He was a force of nature in his own right, and he wasn''t about to back down. The clash of titans was about to begin, and the forest of Fiora would never be the same again. Chapter 26: Vulcarion The forest, once a serene expanse of towering trees and lush greenery, had transformed into a nightmarish landscape. The ground trembled violently as volcanoes erupted one after another, spewing molten lava and thick plumes of ash into the sky. The air was thick with heat and the acrid smell of sulfur, making it difficult to breathe. Rivers of lava snaked through the charred remains of the forest, devouring everything in their path. The once-vibrant ecosystem had become a hellish terrain, a battlefield fit for gods¡ªor monsters. Yet, amidst the chaos, Keiran stood unfazed. His expression was calm, almost bored, as if he were performing a mundane task rather than facing a living calamity. His flaming wings stretched out behind him, radiating an intense heat that rivaled the surrounding inferno. The air around him shimmered, distorted by the sheer energy he exuded. Despite the relentless heat from Vulcarion, the colossal wyvern that ruled this fiery domain, Keiran remained unscathed. His body was a testament to resilience, a perfect blend of arcane mastery and natural regeneration. The heat from Vulcarion''s attacks was relentless, a constant barrage of fire that would have reduced any ordinary being to ashes. But Keiran was no ordinary being. The combined powers of Arcane Nexus and Windborne Regeneration worked in perfect harmony, healing his wounds almost instantly. Windborne Regeneration did more than just heal; it built up his resistance to fire damage with every attack he endured. The more Vulcarion struck, the weaker its flames became against him. Keiran was adapting, growing stronger with every passing moment. Vulcarion, the living calamity, was a sight to behold. Its massive form loomed over the landscape, its scales glowing like molten metal. Each scale was the size of a shield, reflecting the fiery light of the erupting volcanoes. Its wings, each the size of a small mountain, beat the air with a force that sent shockwaves rippling through the ground. The sound was deafening, like the roar of a thousand thunderstorms. Its eyes burned with an ancient, primal fury, a reminder that it was the undisputed ruler of this fiery realm. But even this titanic beast seemed to sense that its opponent was unlike any it had faced before. With a deafening roar, Vulcarion surged forward, its massive body moving with surprising speed despite its size. The ground cracked and splintered beneath its weight, and the air itself seemed to ignite as it closed the distance between itself and Keiran. The wyvern''s roar unleashed a shockwave of pure heat, a devastating attack that turned everything in its path into a pool of molten lava. Trees, rocks, and even the air itself seemed to melt under the intensity of the blast. The shockwave radiated outward, creating a wave of destruction that left nothing but scorched earth in its wake. Keiran, however, was ready. With a swift motion, he spread his flaming wings and shot into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack. The shockwave passed harmlessly beneath him, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Keiran hovered in the air, his wings beating steadily as he surveyed the battlefield. The ground below was a sea of lava, dotted with countless small volcanoes that Vulcarion had summoned with its magic. The entire area was saturated with magical energy, a chaotic storm of power that would have overwhelmed anyone else. But Keiran was different. His Arcane Nexus passively absorbed the magic essence and mana that filled the air, converting it into raw power. The sheer amount of energy was overwhelming, far beyond what any normal being could handle. Keiran could feel it coursing through his veins, a torrent of power that made him stronger with every passing second. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. His body glowed with an otherworldly light, and his movements became faster, more precise. The magic essence in the area was so dense that it was almost tangible, a living force that seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat. Keiran allowed himself a small smile. "I messed up," he muttered to himself. "I created a ridiculously overpowered skill." He was referring to Arcane Nexus, a skill that had grown far beyond his original intentions. What was meant to be a simple way to absorb mana had become something far greater, a source of nearly limitless power. But even as he marveled at its potential, he knew he had to focus. Vulcarion was still a threat, and the battle was far from over. The wyvern roared again, this time unleashing a barrage of molten lava balls toward Keiran. Each one was the size of a boulder, glowing with an intense heat that could melt through steel. The lava balls streaked through the air like fiery comets, leaving trails of smoke and ash in their wake. Keiran didn''t flinch. With a wave of his hand, he activated Howling Tempest, a skill that summoned a massive cyclone of wind and magic. The tempest roared to life, its winds so powerful that they engulfed the entire area. The lava balls were caught in the vortex, their trajectories thrown wildly off course. Even Vulcarion, with its immense size, was pulled into the cyclone. The wyvern struggled against the winds, its massive wings beating furiously, but it was no use. The tempest was too strong. Keiran didn''t waste any time. With a burst of speed, he flew toward Vulcarion, his body a blur of motion. The wyvern didn''t even see him coming. In an instant, Keiran was upon it, his fist glowing with the power of Iron Fist. He punched Vulcarion square in the face, the impact sending a shockwave rippling through the air. The wyvern let out a pained roar as it was sent crashing to the ground, its massive body creating a crater upon impact. The ground shook violently, and a cloud of dust and ash billowed into the air, obscuring the battlefield for a moment. Keiran landed gracefully, his wings folding behind him as he approached the fallen beast. "It looks like you are no longer the living calamity," he said calmly. "I am." Vulcarion struggled to rise, its wings battered and broken. The wyvern roared again, this time unleashing a shockwave of pure heat that melted everything around it. The ground turned to liquid fire, and the air itself seemed to ignite. But Keiran didn''t even flinch. His Windborne Regeneration had built up enough resistance to fire that the attack barely affected him. He stood there, unscathed, as the molten ground cooled around him. The heat was intense, but it was nothing compared to the power surging through his body. The battle was far from over, but the tide had turned. Keiran was growing stronger with every passing moment, his power increasing at an exponential rate. Vulcarion, despite its immense strength, was no match for him. The wyvern slammed its claws into the ground, creating fissures that spewed molten lava. But Keiran simply walked through the flames. The lava hissed and bubbled as it touched his skin, but it did no damage. His resistance to fire was now absolute. Keiran activated Colossal Frenzy and Solarfang Overdrive, unleashing a surge of overwhelming power that radiated from his very core. His once black eye gradually shifted, turning into a glowing crimson red that pulsed with a fierce intensity, almost as if it were alive with the sheer force of his awakened abilities. Keiran''s entire body became enveloped in a brilliant golden light, illuminating the surroundings like a miniature sun. The radiance was especially concentrated around his golden crown, which shone even brighter, as though it were a symbol of his dominance and the limitless energy now coursing through him. Keiran stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he looked up at the massive wyvern before him. His voice was calm, yet carried both authority and respect as he said, "Stand proud. You are strong." The wyvern, Vulcarion, let out a deep, rumbling growl that echoed across the battlefield. Its powerful wings, though battered and torn, trembled slightly at its sides, while its scarred scales caught the dim light, reflecting a faint shimmer through the blood and dirt that clung to them. Wounds marred its body, deep gashes cutting through its hide, yet even with the pain weighing heavily upon it, the ancient beast''s pride refused to break. Slowly, it dug its talons into the earth, using the strength that still remained in its limbs to push its massive frame upright. Its tattered wings spread wide, the edges torn and frayed, yet still imposing. Its fiery eyes burned with unwavering determination ¡ª the same fire that had carried it through countless battles. Even injured, even on the brink of collapse, it stood tall, unwilling to surrender to pain or weakness. With a final burst of speed, Keiran rushed toward Vulcarion, his fist raised high. The wyvern tried to fight back, slashing at him with its massive claws, but Keiran dodged effortlessly. He punched Vulcarion in the chest, the impact creating a shockwave that lit up the sky. The wyvern coughed up molten blood, its body trembling from the force of the blow. But it wasn''t enough to bring it down. Keiran didn''t stop. He punched again, and again, each blow more powerful than the last. His body glowed brighter with every strike, the golden light of Solarfang Overdrive illuminating the battlefield. The air crackled with energy, and the ground shook with each impact. Finally, with one last punch, he targeted Vulcarion''s heart. The explosion that followed was massive, a shockwave that shook the very earth. Slowly, the wyvern''s massive body crumpled to the ground, its fiery eyes dimming as it took its last breath. The living calamity had been defeated. [You leveled up 10x.] [You have received 120 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran stood over Vulcarion''s lifeless body, his breathing steady despite the intensity of the battle. He looked down at the fallen wyvern, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Farewell, ruler of Fiora," he said softly. Chapter 27: Super Rare The battle was over. The once-thundering roars of Vulcarion, the ruler of the Forest of Fiora, had faded into silence. The giant lava wyvern lay motionless on the cracked magma floor, its massive body still radiating heat. Keiran stood amidst the devastation, his breath steady, his expression unreadable. The noon sun hung high in the sky, its golden light casting long shadows over the ruined landscape. What was once a lush, vibrant forest had been transformed into a hellish expanse. Small volcanoes dotted the terrain, their peaks still smoking. Rivers of molten lava snaked through the ground, pooling into glowing lakes. Fissures hissed with steam, and the air was thick with the scent of sulfur and ash. Vulcarion had truly lived up to its name as a calamity, leaving behind a scarred and burning wasteland. Keiran stepped closer to the fallen wyvern, his feet crunching on the brittle, charred ground. He activated his Divine Inheritance. From Vulcarion''s lifeless body, a stream of lava-colored energy flowed toward him, swirling around his figure before merging into his being. [You have received 9 Skills.] [Common.] [Magma Spit (Active): Vulcarion spits a small glob of molten lava at a target, causing minor burn damage over time. Effective for softening enemies before close combat. Mana Cost 1.] [Ember Glide (Active): While flying, Vulcarion releases small bursts of heat from its wings, slightly increasing flight speed and scorching anything directly below. Mana Cost 1] [Heat Scales (Passive): Vulcarion''s scales radiate constant heat, reducing minor physical damage from non-magical attacks and making prolonged melee contact uncomfortable for enemies.] [Uncommon.] [Lava Surge (Active): Vulcarion slams into the ground, triggering a chain reaction that opens fissures spewing molten lava in multiple directions. The lava spreads rapidly, turning the battlefield into a burning hazard zone, melting weaker enemies and severely hindering movement. Mana Cost 5.] [Molten Blood (Passive): Vulcarion''s blood is molten rock itself. Whenever it takes damage, a spray of molten blood bursts outward, dealing severe burn damage and briefly forming pools of lava where it lands. Enemies standing in the lava suffer increasing burn stacks.] [Rare.] [Pyroclastic Roar (Active): Vulcarion unleashes a deafening roar infused with primal volcanic fury. The roar sends a shockwave that triggers lava geysers in a wide radius, while a cloud of superheated ash blankets the area, blinding enemies, burning their skin, and reducing their movement speed drastically. Mana Cost 10.] [Magma Core (Passive): Vulcarion''s heart is a miniature volcanic core. Its body temperature is so extreme that physical weapons melt on contact unless they are heavily enchanted. Vulcarion''s fire and lava abilities deal greatly increased damage, and water-based attacks instantly evaporate unless they are of rare quality or higher.] [Super Rare.] [Cataclysmic Eruption (Active): Vulcarion channels the ancient wrath of the earth, summoning a catastrophic eruption beneath its feet. A massive volcanic fissure splits the battlefield, launching torrents of lava, molten boulders, and pyroclastic flows in all directions. The environment is permanently altered, turning into an infernal wasteland. Enemies caught within suffer continuous environmental damage and have their resistances to heat-based damage temporarily reduced. Mana Cost 50.] If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. [Volcanic Soul (Passive): Vulcarion''s body is directly linked to the volcanic forces of the planet itself. Whenever it uses a lava or fire-based skill, there is a chance that a volcanic pulse erupts from beneath the ground, triggering spontaneous lava bursts, magma vents, or molten spikes around Vulcarion. Additionally, any nearby volcanic activity (lava pools, fissures, magma lakes) feeds power directly into Vulcarion, gradually restoring its health and amplifying its destructive abilities the longer it remains in such areas.] Keiran felt the surge of power coursing through him, a subtle satisfaction flickering in his emotionless black eyes. [For acquiring 9 unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up 10x.] [You have received 120 Stat points.] [Congratulations on acquiring your first Super Rare skills! You are now a Super Rare entity.] [Because of your advancement in rank, you can now gain more growth in every stat point you allocate. Your HP, MP, and SP will now increase by 16 points instead of 13, including the stat points you have already allocated.] Keiran took a moment to absorb the information. He had become something far greater than he was before. But with this newfound power came a realization: there were no more formidable enemies left in this forest to challenge him. He had outgrown this place. He spread his flaming wings, the heat radiating from them distorting the air around him. With a powerful leap, he soared into the sky, leaving the smoldering ruins of the forest behind. As the sun began to set, painting the horizon in hues of orange and red, Keiran descended near a small stream. He hunted a few boars, their meat sizzling over a campfire he had built. The flames danced in the growing darkness, casting flickering shadows on the trees. While eating, Keiran focused on his status board. He had 240 stat points to allocate. He distributed them: 40 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 60 points each to Intelligence and Strength. The changes were immediate. His body felt stronger, faster, and more resilient. His mind sharpened, and his connection to his abilities deepened. Keiran was now the strongest being in the Forest of Fiora. But strength came with its own challenges. Without powerful enemies to fight, gaining experience would be difficult. Fortunately, the system provided an alternative. "What is the fastest way to absorb as many skills as possible?" Keiran asked the system. [Wars.] The answer was simple yet profound. Keiran nodded, understanding. Wars would provide endless opportunities to grow stronger, to test his limits, and to acquire new skills. [This system was created by Bequeathal to make you more powerful the more you participate in massive wars, allowing you to gain more skills and level up faster than anyone else in this world.] Keiran stood up, his gaze fixed on the starry sky. The constellations seemed to shimmer with promise. He had spent enough time in isolation. It was time to step into the wider world. "Tomorrow morning, I''ll travel to the nearest civilization. Show me the way," he said. [As you wish, Master.] The night passed quietly. When dawn broke, Keiran was already awake, his mind focused and his body ready. He spread his wings once more and took to the skies, following the system''s guidance. The wind rushed past him as he flew, the landscape below a blur of green and brown. Hundreds of miles lay ahead, but Keiran was undeterred. He was no longer just a wanderer in the wilderness. He was a force to be reckoned with, a hero in the making. The hero of Eteria was coming out. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 121 HP: 3,888 MP: 5,824 SP: 5,824 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 243 INTELLIGENCE: 364 STRENGTH: 364 DEXTERITY: 243 AGILITY: 243 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Ghost Cloak, Gleam Burst, Sunflare Dash, Luminous Scales, Magma Spit, Ember Glide, Heat Scales. UNCOMMON: Elastic Fluid Body, Hellflare Dive, Eternal Blaze, King of the Wilds, Wraithbound Reflexes, Carver''s Grasp, Infernal Arcana, Lava Surge, Molten Blood. RARE: Colossal Frenzy, Titan''s Resilience, Abyssal Execution, Sovereign of the Unseen, Howling Tempest, Windborne Regeneration, Eclipse Shatter, Umbral Sovereignty, Solarfang Overdrive, Crown of the Dawn, Arcane Nexus, Pyroclastic Roar, Magma Core. SUPER RARE: Cataclysmic Eruption, Volcanic Soul. ????? Chapter 28: First Encounter Keiran soared high above the dense forest of Fiora, his flaming wings leaving a faint trail of heat in the air. The forest stretched endlessly below him, a sea of green treetops swaying gently in the breeze. From this height, the world seemed peaceful, almost serene. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Birds chirped in the distance, their songs blending with the rustling of leaves. But Keiran was not here to admire the scenery. He was a man on a mission, moving faster than sound itself, his presence marked only by the faint sonic waves that rippled through the air in his wake. His flaming wings, a brilliant mix of orange and gold, shimmered faintly even in the daylight. As he flew, his sharp eyes scanned the forest below, searching for any signs of weak monsters he hadn''t yet encountered. Each time he spotted one, he would dive down with precision, his movements swift and silent. A single punch was all it took to end the creature''s life, and with a touch, he absorbed its skills. Though most of these skills were of Common rarity, they still added to his growing arsenal. The forest was teeming with life, and Keiran encountered a variety of creatures. A flock of brightly colored birds scattered as he descended, their wings flapping frantically as they tried to escape. A rock deer, its hide as gray and rough as stone, grazed peacefully until Keiran''s fist shattered its skull. A fire cat, its fur flickering with tiny flames, hissed and lunged at him, only to be extinguished in an instant. Poisonous plants that moved like living creatures lashed out with thorny tendrils, but they were no match for his speed and strength. Black wolves, white elephants, and leaf rhinos¡ªall fell before him, their skills absorbed into his being. By noon, Keiran had accumulated a considerable number of new skills, though most were of little significance. He paused in a small clearing, the soft grass cushioning his feet as he landed. The clearing was quiet, save for the occasional chirp of a bird or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Keiran gathered some dry wood and started a fire, using a flick of his finger to ignite the flames. The fire crackled softly, its warmth a comforting contrast to the cool forest air. He prepared a simple meal of deer meat, roasting it over the fire until it was golden brown and fragrant. The smell of cooked meat filled the air, a reminder of the simple pleasures of life. As he ate, Keiran took a moment to review the skills he had acquired. Most were Common, with only a few Uncommon ones mixed in. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. [COMMON: Iron Fist, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Stone Skin, Rapid Hop, Predator''s Rush, Venomous Bite, Ghost Cloak, Gleam Burst, Sunflare Dash, Luminous Scales, Magma Spit, Ember Glide, Heat Scales, (60.)] [UNCOMMON: Elastic Fluid Body, Hellflare Dive, Eternal Blaze, King of the Wilds, Wraithbound Reflexes, Carver''s Grasp, Infernal Arcana, Lava Surge, Molten Blood, (6).] He frowned slightly, realizing that he needed more powerful abilities. He began to think about creating new skills, sacrificing the ones he had to form something stronger and more versatile. But before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, he felt a disturbance in the air. A group of mana signatures was approaching. Keiran immediately activated Ghost Cloak, rendering himself invisible once more. He moved swiftly, climbing into the branches of a nearby tree to observe the newcomers without being seen. His sharp eyes meticulously swept across the landscape, analyzing every shadow and movement. Before long, the source of the fluctuating mana signatures came into view. Contrary to his initial suspicion, it was not a horde of monsters prowling through the undergrowth but a disciplined band of humans. They marched through the dense forest with deliberate strides, their polished armor catching the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. Each warrior bore the distinct regalia of knights, their attire meticulously maintained, and their weapons¡ªsheathed at their sides¡ªready to be drawn at a moment''s notice. Their movements were precise, each step measured and controlled, showing the discipline of seasoned warriors. They maintained formation as they advanced, their senses sharp and their gazes constantly shifting, searching for any sign of danger. Yet, despite their awareness of their surroundings, they remained completely oblivious to Keiran''s silent presence in the shadows. This was the first time Keiran had encountered humans since arriving in this world. A part of him wanted to approach them, to reveal himself as the hero sent by Bequeathal. But as he looked down at his naked form, he quickly dismissed the idea. ''If I show myself now,'' he thought, ''I''ll be labeled as the naked pervert hero. That''s not the first impression I want to make.'' He remained hidden, watching the group closely. One of the knights, a tall man with a stern expression, approached the woman who appeared to be their leader. "If Vulcarion is really behind those earthquakes," the knight said, his voice filled with concern, "what kind of insane lunatic would fight a literal living calamity like him?" The female leader removed her helmet, revealing a strikingly beautiful face. Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her blue eyes sparkled with determination. Her fair skin glowed in the sunlight, and her presence commanded respect. She looked at the knight who had spoken and replied, "Someone or something crazy enough." As she spoke, her gaze shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, her eyes locked onto the spot where Keiran was hiding. Though he was invisible, he could feel her piercing stare, as if she could sense his presence. The connection lasted only a second before she looked away, shaking her head slightly. "Miss Catherine?" the knight asked, noticing her momentary distraction. "Is there something wrong?" Catherine Desmond, the leader of the knight order of the Kingdom of Rojan, shook her head. "No, it''s nothing," she said, though her tone suggested otherwise. She glanced once more in Keiran''s direction, but this time, she felt nothing. Keiran had already moved, his silent footsteps carrying him away from the group. Once he was a safe distance away, Keiran took to the skies once more, his flaming wings propelling him forward. He flew faster than before, his mind racing with thoughts of the encounter. For the first time since arriving in this world, he had come face-to-face with its inhabitants. Though the interaction had been brief, it left a lasting impression on him. As he continued his journey toward civilization, Keiran couldn''t shake the feeling that this was not the last time he would cross paths with Catherine. There was something about her¡ªher strength, her presence¡ªthat intrigued him. He didn''t know what the future held, but he was certain that their paths would cross again. And when they did, he would be ready. The forest blurred beneath him as he flew, the wind rushing past his ears. The sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the land. Chapter 29: Wrapped in Mystery, Not in Clothes The forest of Fiora was a place of ancient beauty, where towering trees stretched their branches toward the heavens, their leaves forming a canopy that filtered the morning sunlight into a soft, golden glow. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, and the distant calls of birds echoed through the woods. But today, the serenity of the forest was shattered by the sounds of chaos and despair. Loud cries pierced the air, carrying with them the weight of fear and suffering. A raid was underway in a small village hidden deep within the woods, and the attackers were Hyenakin¡ªhumanoid creatures with the faces of hyenas and red fur running down their backs. They were known for their cruelty, and today, they had set their sights on a village of Lionkin. The Lionkin were a rare and noble breed of beastkin, their kind teetering on the edge of extinction. Their golden fur and majestic manes made them highly sought after by wealthy nobles who prized exotic slaves. The village was small, its people peaceful and close-knit, but they were not defenseless. As the Hyenakin descended upon them, the Lionkin fought back with whatever they could find¡ªsticks, stones, and sheer determination. Men, women, and even children joined the fray, their roars of defiance echoing through the forest. But their efforts were no match for the Hyenakin''s superior weapons and armor. The invaders wielded sharp blades and wore thick, metal armor that gleamed menacingly in the sunlight. The Lionkin were being overwhelmed, their courage no substitute for the cold, brutal efficiency of their attackers. Amid the chaos, a young Lionkin girl was being urged to flee. "Run, Leina!" a male Lionkin shouted, his voice desperate and hoarse. Tears streamed down Leina''s face as she stumbled out of the village, her golden hair catching the sunlight as it bounced with each step. Her lion ears, usually perked with curiosity, were flattened against her head in fear. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, her heart pounding in her chest. The sounds of battle grew fainter behind her, but the sound of laughter followed close behind. A Hyenakin was chasing her, his laughter cruel and mocking. "You can''t escape, young lady!" he called out, his voice dripping with malice. Leina''s breath came in ragged gasps as she pushed herself to run faster, but her energy was fading. She kept glancing back, her fear of the Hyenakin driving her forward, but in doing so, she failed to notice the cliff ahead. Her scream pierced the air as she tumbled over the edge, her body plummeting toward the ground below. The wind rushed past her ears, and for a moment, everything seemed to slow down. She could see the forest canopy above her, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the distant figures of the Hyenakin standing at the edge of the cliff. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Then, everything went black. High above, at the cliff''s edge, the Hyenakin stood with his clawed hands resting on his hips. His sharp eyes peered down into the abyss, his ears twitching at the distant echo of Leina''s final cry. He scratched his head. "Boss ain''t gonna like this," he muttered, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation. "We''re losing a lotta profit ''cause of that girl''s death." With a final glance into the ravine, the Hyenakin simply shrugged. "Well, not my problem." Turning away, he walked back into the forest, disappearing into the shadows as if nothing had ever happened. ????? When Leina opened her eyes, she expected to find herself in the afterlife, or at the very least, broken and battered from the fall. Instead, she was lying on the ground, unharmed, next to a crackling campfire. The warmth of the flames brushed against her skin, and the smell of roasting meat filled the air. Two boars were skewered on sticks, slowly cooking over the fire. The meat sizzled and popped, its rich aroma making her stomach growl despite the fear and confusion swirling in her mind. "I''m alive?" Leina whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. A monotone voice responded from beside her. "Yeah. I managed to catch you before you hit the ground." Leina turned her head to see a young man sitting nearby. He looked to be about her age, with black hair that fell in messy strands over his forehead and dark eyes that held no emotion. His face was expressionless, matching the flat tone of his voice. On his head rested a glowing golden crown, but it wasn''t made of metal or jewels¡ªit was pure magic, shimmering faintly in the firelight. The crown seemed to pulse with a soft, golden glow, casting faint shadows on his face. [Common: Human ¡ª Level 10.] The man gestured toward the roasting meat. "Want some?" Leina''s eyes darted to his attire¡ªor lack thereof. He was wearing nothing but a large leaf draped over the front of his body, leaving his back completely exposed. The leaf was broad and green, its edges slightly curled from the heat of the fire. She blinked, momentarily distracted from her panic. "You''re only wearing a leaf," she said, her voice a mix of confusion and disbelief. The man didn''t seem bothered by her observation. He picked up one of the skewers and handed it to her. "Here. Eat." Leina hesitated, but the smell of the meat was too tempting. She took the skewer and began to eat, her mind racing. The meat was tender and flavorful, its warmth spreading through her body and easing some of the tension in her muscles. As she ate, she remembered the horrors she had just escaped. Her village was under attack, her people were in danger, and she was sitting here, safe but helpless. "My village," she said suddenly, her voice urgent. "It''s being attacked by enslavers. They''ll take everyone¡ªkill those who resist. I need to find someone strong, someone who can help. Do you know anyone nearby who can save them?" The man''s expression didn''t change. He looked bored, almost disinterested, as he stared into the fire. The flames reflected in his dark eyes, but there was no emotion in them¡ªno anger, no fear, no urgency. "I see," he said simply. Leina''s shoulders slumped. She had hoped for some kind of reaction, some sign that he cared. But he just sat there, his face blank, his tone flat. She felt a wave of despair wash over her. But then he spoke again. "Eat your food. We''ll save them later." Leina''s head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?" The man didn''t elaborate. He just continued to stare at the fire, his expression unchanging. Leina studied him, trying to make sense of his words. He couldn''t possibly be serious. He was just one person, and a low-level human at that. But there was something about the way he said it¡ªso matter-of-fact, so calm¡ªthat made her wonder. "My name is Leina," she said after a moment. "Leina Alfira. I''m a Lionkin." The man finally turned to look at her, his dark eyes meeting hers. "I''m Keiran Graywood," he said. "I''m a hero." Leina blinked, unsure of how to respond. A hero? He didn''t look like any hero she had ever heard of. His appearance was far from heroic¡ªhis messy hair, his expressionless face, his lack of proper clothing. But as she sat there, the warmth of the fire and the food in her belly giving her a small sense of comfort, she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this strange, emotionless man could help her save her village. But deep down, she knew the odds were against them. There was no way a level 10 human could take on an army of Hyenakin. He was probably just saying things to comfort her, to ease her pain. Chapter 30: Enslavers The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, a symphony of nature that seemed almost too serene for the tension that hung in the air. The midday sun hung high in the sky, its golden rays filtering through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. Keiran stood up from the makeshift camp, stretching his arms as he basked in the warmth of the sun. The heat felt good against his skin, a comforting contrast to the cool shade of the trees. He took a deep breath, inhaling the earthy scent of moss and pine, letting the tranquility of the moment settle over him. But he knew it wouldn''t last. The peace of the forest was a fragile thing, easily shattered by the chaos that lay ahead. Beside him, Leina finished her meal, her golden fur glinting under the sunlight. She was a Lionkin, her tanned skin and brown eyes giving her a fierce yet graceful appearance. Her clothing, made of wolf pelts, clung to her athletic frame. The pelts were stitched together with care, the seams reinforced with sinew, showing the skill of her people. Her hands, calloused from years of working the land, rested on her knees as she sat cross-legged on the ground. Her tail flicked idly behind her, a sign of her unease. [Common: Lionkin ¡ª Level 7.] Keiran glanced at her, noticing the doubt in her eyes. She wasn''t convinced he could save her village. He couldn''t blame her. After all, he was a stranger, someone who had appeared out of nowhere offering help. But Keiran wasn''t one to waste time explaining himself. He had already located her village by sensing the flow of mana in the area. The village wasn''t far, but the journey would be quicker if they didn''t walk. He could feel the faint traces of mana emanating from the village, a chaotic swirl of energy that spoke of conflict and despair. It was a beacon, drawing him closer. "Let''s go," Keiran said simply, his voice calm and steady. There was no urgency in his tone, no hint of fear or hesitation. He spoke as if they were going for a leisurely stroll, not heading into a battle. Leina hesitated, her brow furrowing. She looked up at him, her brown eyes searching his face for some sign of reassurance. "Are you really going to fight alone?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. She couldn''t help but wonder if this man was overestimating himself. The Hyenakin who had attacked her village were numerous and strong. How could one person, no matter how confident, stand against them? Her mind raced with doubts, but she kept them to herself, not wanting to seem ungrateful. Keiran turned to her, his expression unreadable. His face was calm, almost serene, as if the weight of the world didn''t touch him. "Don''t worry," he said. "I am the strongest." Before Leina could respond, Keiran''s body began to change. His form shimmered, and in an instant, he transformed into a massive hawk wreathed in flames. The heat radiating from his body was intense, but it didn''t burn. Instead, it felt like the warmth of a hearth on a cold night. His feathers were a brilliant mix of red and gold, each one glowing as if lit from within. The flames danced around him, flickering and twisting in the air, but they didn''t consume him. Leina gasped, her eyes widening in shock. She had never seen anything like it. The transformation was seamless, almost beautiful in its fluidity. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Without warning, Keiran''s talons gently but firmly grasped her shoulders. Before she could protest, they were airborne, soaring through the sky at an incredible speed. The world below blurred into a mosaic of greens and browns as the wind whipped past her face. Leina let out a scream, more out of surprise than fear. She clung tightly to Keiran''s talons, her heart pounding in her chest. The speed was overwhelming, and she could barely process what was happening. The ground rushed by in a blur, trees and rivers passing beneath them in the blink of an eye. She felt weightless, as if she were floating, yet the grip of Keiran''s talons kept her grounded. In mere seconds, they reached the boundary of her village. Keiran descended gracefully, his flaming feathers dissipating as he returned to his human form. He landed softly on the ground, his bare feet touching the earth. Leina stumbled slightly as she was released, her legs wobbling from the sudden stop. Her golden hair was a tangled mess, and she quickly tried to smooth it down, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She glanced around, taking in the familiar sights of her home, now marred by the presence of the Hyenakin. Keiran, now naked, didn''t seem bothered by his lack of clothing. He casually reached for a nearby bush, plucking some leaves and vines to fashion a makeshift covering for himself. The leaves were broad and green, providing just enough coverage to preserve his modesty. He worked quickly, his movements efficient and practiced, as if he had done this many times before. Leina averted her eyes, her face turning even redder. She had never seen a human up close before, let alone one so¡­unconcerned with modesty. She focused on the ground, trying to push the image from her mind. As they approached the village, three Hyenakin emerged from the shadows, their laughter echoing through the air. Their hunched forms and sharp teeth made them look menacing, but Keiran didn''t flinch. The Hyenakin were a grotesque sight, their fur matted and patchy, their eyes gleaming with malice. They moved with a predatory grace, their claws clicking against the ground as they circled Keiran and Leina. [Common: Hyenakin ¡ª Level 13.] One of the Hyenakin sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Well, well, look what we have here. A prey walking right into our claws. But why are you naked, huh? Lost your clothes running away?" His laughter was harsh and grating, a sound that set Leina''s teeth on edge. Another Hyenakin chuckled, his eyes narrowing as he studied Keiran. "You''ve got two choices, human. Fight us and get hurt real bad, or come quietly and maybe we''ll go easy on you." His tone was taunting, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He couldn''t quite figure out why this human seemed so calm. Keiran''s expression remained blank, his eyes cold and unfeeling. Without a word, he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Sure," he said simply. The Hyenakin exchanged confused glances. Leina, too, stared at Keiran in disbelief. Was he serious? Was he really just going to let them capture him without a fight? The Hyenakin shrugged, deciding to play along. They bound Keiran''s hands loosely and gestured for him and Leina to follow. As they entered the village, the scene that greeted them was grim. Small wooden houses stood in disarray, some of them damaged from the recent battle. The thatched roofs were torn, and the walls bore deep gouges from claws and weapons. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and blood. At the center of the village, a group of Lionkin knelt on the ground, their heads bowed in defeat. Some of them bore fresh wounds, their fur matted with blood. One of the Hyenakin approached a larger, more imposing figure¡ªthe boss of the group. "Boss," he said, grinning widely, "we found these two wandering around like idiots outside. Thought you might want to have some fun with them." The boss Hyenakin turned, his eyes gleaming with malice. [Common: Hyenakin ¡ª Level 15.] He was taller and bulkier than the others, his fur a darker shade of red. His presence was intimidating, but Keiran didn''t seem fazed. The boss''s claws were longer and sharper, his teeth yellowed and jagged. He exuded an aura of cruelty, his every movement calculated to inspire fear. One of the captured Lionkin, a male with a strong build and a deep scar across his chest, tried to stand up when he saw Leina. "Leina!" he shouted, his voice filled with anguish. "I told you to run! Why are you here?!" Before he could say more, the boss Hyenakin kicked him hard, sending him sprawling to the ground. The Lionkin groaned in pain, clutching his side. [Common: Lionkin ¡ª Level 17.] Keiran''s eyes flicked to the fallen Lionkin, then back to Leina. "Is that the brother you mentioned?" he asked, his tone calm. Leina nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "Yes," she whispered. "That''s Greon." The boss Hyenakin let out a cruel laugh. "Greon, huh? He''s going to make a fine gladiator. Fighting his own kind to survive, day after day. His life will be nothing but pain until he dies a miserable death." Keiran''s gaze shifted to the boss Hyenakin, his eyes locking onto the larger creature. There was no anger in his expression, no fear¡ªjust a cold, unyielding stare. The boss Hyenakin faltered for a moment, his laughter dying in his throat. Something about Keiran''s gaze made him uneasy, though he couldn''t quite place why. "I hate many things," Keiran said, his voice low and steady. "But there''s nothing I hate more than bullies. Those who enjoy causing suffering to others." The boss Hyenakin tried to laugh it off, but the sound was hollow. Keiran''s presence was like a storm brewing on the horizon, silent but full of power. The village fell into an uneasy silence, every eye fixed on the strange human who had walked into their midst.