《I Am a Hero With A Hundred Abilities》 Chapter 1 - 1: Prologue: The Heist "Everybody on the ground¡ªNOW!" The deafening roar of the armed robber''s voice echoed through the bank, shaking everyone to their core. Before anyone could even think of resisting, he pulled the trigger¡ªBANG! BANG! BANG!¡ªfiring several warning shots into the ceiling. The sharp crack of gunfire sent people screaming and scrambling, their hands instinctively shooting into the air. Fear took hold instantly. The bank, once filled with quiet chatter and the rustling of paperwork, now drowned in panicked gasps and terrified whimpers. On the floor, the two security guards lay bleeding, their bodies twitching weakly as they gasped for breath. Blood pooled beneath them, staining the pristine marble floor. But at this moment, no one cared about dying men¡ªsurvival came first. There were seven of them, masked and armed, moving with deadly precision. One of them, carrying a large black duffel bag, began making his way through the trembling crowd. "Valuables! In the bag! Now!" His voice was laced with authority, and no one dared to hesitate. Watches, wallets, jewelry, and phones were dropped in hurriedly, hands trembling as they complied. Then, the bag reached a young man¡ªearly twenties, black hair, golden eyes. His hands clenched tightly as he hesitated, his gaze flickering between his belongings and the masked robber. With a deep breath, he dropped his smartwatch, headset, and his brand-new Phone into the bag. His heart ached as he let go of his phone, the screen briefly flashing his name on the wallpaper¡ªEthan Cross. Damn it¡­ he thought bitterly. He had come here for one simple task¡ªpaying his school fees. Who would''ve thought that today of all days, a bank robbery would occur? As the masked men continued their looting, a sudden commotion erupted from the front counter. "WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO SOMETHING SO FOOLISH?!" a robber screamed in pure rage, his gun aimed at the trembling female banker behind the counter. Ethan and the other captives snapped their heads toward the source of the commotion. The banker, a young woman in her late twenties, had tears streaming down her face, her entire body trembling like a leaf in the wind. "I-I''m sorry! It was a mistake! Please don''t kill me!" she sobbed. Another robber rushed over. "What happened?!" "This idiot pressed the alarm!" the first one growled. There was a long, chilling pause. Then¡ªwithout warning¡ªthe second robber''s face twisted in fury, and he sent a brutal kick into the woman''s stomach. She hunched over, gasping as she crumpled to the ground, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. "Why''d you have to be stupid, huh?!" The man kicked her again. "Before, nobody had to die! But now¡ªbecause of you¡ª" His hand reached into his belt. Everyone froze. "Everybody''s gonna die." He pulled out his pistol and aimed it directly at the kneeling woman''s head. As the robber''s chilling words echoed through the bank, the rest of his crew raised their guns, pointing them at the terrified hostages. Gasps and sobs filled the air as people shrank back, their hands trembling. Some shut their eyes tight, praying for a miracle. Others simply froze, paralyzed by fear. Then, suddenly¡ª "WAIT!" The robbers all snapped their heads toward the voice. It was Ethan. For a brief moment, there was silence. The robbers, already frustrated beyond belief, gritted their teeth. "Why the hell are there so many damn wannabe heroes in one bank?!" one of them growled. But before anyone could pull the trigger¡ª Ethan opened his mouth and began to sing. They stared at him in pure bafflement. Had this guy lost his mind?! Was he¡­ seriously singing?! Their fingers hovered over their triggers, but none of them pulled. A single thought ran through their heads: Has the fear broken him? Is this some kind of twisted last-ditch survival instinct? Their hesitation lasted only a few seconds. But that was all the time Ethan needed. From outside, the unmistakable wail of police sirens shattered the air. WEEEOOO! WEEEOOO! WEEEOOO! The sound grew louder. A voice boomed through a megaphone. "CRIMINALS INSIDE! COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP! YOU ARE SURROUNDED!" Ethan let out a shaky breath of relief. He had stalled just long enough. Thank God for the new initiative to improve police response time. The robbers, now cornered, had one way out¡ªhostages. That meant, ironically, everyone was technically safe. But then¡ª BANG! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A bullet pierced Ethan''s chest. Then another. Then another. Three bullets slammed into his body, his golden eyes widening in shock. Blood bloomed across his shirt like crimson flowers, staining the fabric. His knees buckled, and he collapsed backward, his body hitting the cold, hard floor. Blood spilled from his mouth, warm and metallic, pooling beneath him. Above him, the gunman muttered under his breath. "Fucking bastard." One of the other robbers whipped around, eyes wide. "Boss, why the hell did you do that?!" "If no hostages died, we might''ve found a way out of this! Now our chances are even lower!" The leader merely scoffed, lowering his smoking gun. "I hate people who act like heroes the most." Then he said. "Get ready to fight." Ethan, barely hanging onto consciousness, heard the explosion of gunfire. Bullets tore through the air. Screams. Shouts. Chaos. Then, after what felt like an eternity¡ª Silence. Heavy footsteps approached. A firm, authoritative voice rang out. "Secure the area! Make sure the hostages are alright!" More footsteps were heard. Then one of the officers reported. "Chief! We have a wounded civilian!" A pause. Followed by a sharp, commanding reply. "What the hell are you waiting for?! Get the medics on him¡ªNOW!" Ethan''s lips curled into a weak smile. The police had handled the situation. The moment the order was given, the medics rushed in, their boots slapping against the cold marble floor of the bank. "We''ve got a critical! Three gunshot wounds to the chest! We need to stabilize him¡ªNOW!" one of them barked, kneeling beside Ethan. "He''s losing too much blood! Start an IV¡ªget me a pressure bandage!" another medic shouted, pulling a sterile gauze pad from his trauma kit. With practiced hands, they ripped open Ethan''s blood-soaked shirt, exposing the bullet wounds. "Damn it, the bullets are still inside! We can''t remove them here!" "We just need to keep him alive until we reach the hospital!" One medic pressed hard on Ethan''s chest, trying to slow the bleeding. Another hooked up an oxygen mask, his voice urgent. "Stay with us, buddy! Keep breathing!" But Ethan could barely hear them. His body felt cold¡ªso cold. A strange numbness crawled through his limbs, like his very essence was slipping away. Then¡ª His mind unraveled. Like a dam breaking, his life flashed before his eyes. ¡ªLaughter at the dinner table, his mother''s warm smile as she placed his favorite dish in front of him. ¡ªHis father''s strong arms, lifting him up when he was little, telling him, "One day, you''ll be a good man, Ethan." And then¡ª The worst memory of all. That night. The night his entire world shattered. They had just left the cinema, his small hand clasped tightly in his mother''s. His father was laughing, joking about how Ethan had gotten scared at a jump scare in the movie. Then¡ªa shadow stepped out from the alley. A man. A gun. "Wallets, jewelry, now!" His father had tried to talk the man down. But the robber¡ªpanicked. A flash. A gunshot. His father crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from his chest. "NO!" his mother had screamed. Then another gunshot. His mother fell next to his father, her eyes wide in shock¡ªthen empty. The man ran. And Ethan was left alone. A boy, kneeling in his parents'' blood, screaming until his voice broke. ¡ª Back in the present, Ethan felt his lungs failing. His vision was blurring, but he forced himself to speak. "Mom¡­ Dad¡­" he whispered, his voice barely audible beneath the frantic shouts of the medics. A single tear slid down his cheek. "Looks like¡­ I''ll be joining you guys¡­" The beeping of the portable heart monitor stuttered. Then¡ª A flatline. The medics froze. "We''re losing him! Charge the defibrillator¡ªNOW!" One of them grabbed the paddles, pressing them to Ethan''s chest. "CLEAR!" A jolt. His body jerked. Nothing. "Again! CLEAR!" Another jolt. The flatline continued. Then¡ª Silence. One of the medics lowered his head, his hands trembling. "Time of death¡­ 3:47 PM." Ethan Cross was dead. Chapter 2 - 2: Ch 1. Sophia Lancaster Darkness. That was all Ethan could see. He felt nothing. Heard nothing. Just an endless void, stretching in every direction. Is this death? Time didn''t exist here. Seconds, minutes, hours¡ªit all blurred together. Then¡ª A light. Blinding. Warm. Inviting. Pulled him in, and he didn''t resist. ¡ª And the first thing he heard was¡ªA loud moan. Followed by a long, shuddering gasp of pleasure. Then¡ª His senses slammed back into him. A rush of sensations, almost overwhelming. Something tight clenched around his length, warm and wet, pulsing as if trying to milk the very essence from his body. A deep pressure built up inside him, and before he could process anything¡ª It forced something out. His muscles locked up, his breath hitched, and an intense release surged through him, leaving him lightheaded and breathless. His vision sharpened. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, a wild, frantic rhythm that only barely began to settle. Then, his eyes landed on the figure beneath him. A young woman¡ªher long, golden hair fanned out across the white silk pillows, strands clinging to her damp skin. Her deep blue eyes were half-lidded, still hazy with the aftershocks of pleasure. A soft shuddering breath escaped her lips before she collapsed unconscious, her chest rising and falling in slow, even motions. Ethan froze. His brain short-circuited. Not only was he alive, but¡ª He was naked. And he had just witnessed a woman orgasm. His virgin mind could not process this information. What the Hell?! His heart pounded as he quickly scanned the room. Fancy wallpaper. A massive bed draped in silk sheets. A chandelier hanging overhead. This looks like¡­ a hotel room?! His gaze landed on a mirror across the room. The reflection stunned him. He still had his black hair and golden eyes, but his face¡ª Was sharper, smoother and younger. Like he had just turned eighteen. Ethan''s breathing quickened. His mind raced. Then it clicked. He was an avid reader of web novels. This was a trope he had seen before. "I¡­ reincarnated." The words left his lips in a whisper. It was the only explanation. He had died. He had tried to save those hostages and got shot for it. And now¡ª He was here. A second chance at life. His chest tightened. Thoughts of his parents filled his mind. He had been ready to see them again. But now¡ª He exhaled deeply. "Guess my reunion with Mom and Dad will have to wait." He sat up, rubbing his face, trying to process everything¡ª Then his eyes flicked to the TV mounted on the wall. A news broadcast was playing. He frowned, grabbing the remote from the nightstand to turn up the volume. A serious-looking news anchor spoke: "¡ªan incredible achievement. The Silverfang Clan, a rising D-rank hero clan, successfully destroyed a Dread Beast Den and closed a Black Pit in the outskirts of City X. Footage of the battle has just been released." The screen changed¡ª Explosions. Massive, grotesque creatures howling in rage. Heroes wielding powers beyond human limits, unleashing blades of energy, torrents of fire, and barriers of light. Ethan''s entire body went rigid. His lips parted as shock overtook him. He could barely breathe as he whispered¡ª "Where the hell did I reincarnate into?!" **** There was a slight movement behind him. His body tensed. Slowly, he turned his head toward the source of the disturbance. It was Sophia Lancaster. He knew her name because he hadn''t slept the entire night. And somewhere between his panic attack and trying to make sense of his reincarnation, he had found a small diary in her bag. Curiosity had gotten the better of him. From what he had gathered, Sophia Lancaster came from a wealthy family, but she was having serious family issues¡ªmostly disagreements with her father. Typical rich family drama. But what truly shocked him was¡ª How the hell did he end up sleeping with someone so high-class?! There were only two possibilities: Either He was also high-class or He had kidnapped her. Ethan prayed it was the first option. The last thing he needed was a powerful family hunting him down. But a powerful family hunting him down will just be one of his problems because there was another crucial detail Ethan discovered last night. Normally these reincarnations come with the memories of the previous owner. But Ethan didn''t get anything. He was flying blind and that feeling scared him. Without the bodies memories how was he going to blend in and adapt in this new world. Initially he wanted to get faraway from Sophia afraid that his lack of memory might tip her of that something was wrong. But he discarded that plan quickly, because after reading Sophia''s diary he understood her personality a little. And him leaving without saying a word was clearly going to piss her of. And at this point he didn''t want to piss her of. So he could only pray for the best. His thoughts were suddenly cut short as Sophia stirred awake. She shifted slightly, her golden-blonde hair spilling over the pillows. Her long lashes fluttered as she rubbed her eyes, adding an unintentional cuteness to her already stunning features. The silk blanket barely covered her chest, revealing just enough to make Ethan gulp. Then, finally¡ª She looked at him. Her blue eyes met his. Silence. But instead of the gentle morning smile that lovers usually shared¡ª She screamed. Sophia''s body shook as she whispered repeatedly, "This is not possible¡­ this is not possible¡­" Then, with a sudden sense of urgency, she threw off the blankets and looked beneath them. It wasn''t the fact that she was naked that made her panic¡ªshe was searching for something else. Something she prayed wouldn''t be there. But then¡ª Her blue eyes widened in horror. A red stain on the bed sheets. Her breath hitched. Her pupils trembled. And then¡ª She screamed again. A choked, guttural scream, as if reality had just collapsed around her. She even slapped herself¡ªas if trying to wake up from a nightmare. Meanwhile, Ethan sat there in silence, watching the entire scene unfold. He had no idea what was going on. And he definitely wasn''t about to say anything that might dig his grave deeper. This was Sophia Lancaster¡ªa girl from a powerful family. A girl who was clearly struggling to process what had happened. Then, as if whispering to herself, she muttered, "No one should know of this¡­ Should I kill him to keep it a secret?" Ethan''s entire body tensed. His heart pounded. Did she just say what I think she said?! But before he could react, she shook her head. "No¡­ That would just tarnish my family''s name even more." She frowned, deep in thought, before saying, "And¡­ he doesn''t seem like a villain¡­ though he has the tendency to become one. Only villains take advantage of drunk girls." Then, after another pause, she shook her head again. "No, Sophia¡­ He was also drunk. I can''t put all the blame on him." Ethan sat there, completely flabbergasted. What the hell is going on?! Then¡ª She looked directly at him. And for some reason¡ª His heart skipped a beat. Her expression had completely changed. Calm. Composed. Authoritative¡ªlike someone used to giving orders. Then, in an icy tone, she asked, "What is your name?" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The pressure of her gaze made him subconsciously reply, "Ethan." He had already found out that he shared the same name as the body he had reincarnated into. Sophia crossed her arms. "What happened here shouldn''t leave the four corners of this room. If I hear any rumors¡­ I will have your head." Ethan gulped. It wasn''t an empty threat¡ªhe could see it in her eyes. She had the power and influence to actually do it. Then, without hesitation, she got out of bed and began dressing herself. She wasn''t shy about changing in front of him. To her, it was a minor inconvenience compared to the massive issue of losing her v-card. She slipped on a black lace bra and a silk blouse, swiftly buttoning it up. Then she slid into a tight-fitting skirt, straightened her hair with her fingers, wore her handbag and fixed her cold, unreadable expression. Before leaving, she took one final glance at Ethan. "Remember, I will be watching." Then, she walked out, closing the hotel room door behind her. Ethan stared at the door for a long time. What the hell did I do in my last life to end up in this mess? Was this secretly hell? Was he being tortured? Then, suddenly¡ª A notification pinged on his phone. Last night, it had been dead, so he had plugged it in. Now, it was fully charged. Ethan grabbed the phone and looked at the screen. Luckily, it was Face ID unlocked. Then, he saw who the message was from. His eyes widened. "I have a little sister?!" Chapter 3 - 3: Ch 2. For Future Me Ethan stared at his phone screen, his mind still sluggish from the chaos of the morning. The message was simple: I won''t be home early. The planning committee has a meeting, but I left food for you in the fridge. Love you. His eyes lingered on the last two words. Love you. Another surprise. Another thing he hadn''t expected. He had a sister. In this new world, in this new life, he wasn''t alone. But without the memories of the original Ethan, how was he supposed to act around her? If he slipped up, if he acted differently, she would notice. And if she started asking questions¡­ what if she thought he was an imposter? Worse¡ªwhat if she thought he was some evil spirit possessing Ethan''s body? His stomach twisted. He needed an excuse. I could say I lost my memories¡­ but who would believe that? Memory loss isn''t something that just happens randomly. And I''m too young to be having dementia. The thought made him groan, rubbing his temples. The reality of his situation was crushing. If he walked out of this room and made even one mistake, it could doom him. I just died. I am not ready to die again. His grip tightened around the phone as if it were the only thing keeping him tethered. Then it chimed. A new message. Ethan''s breath caught in his throat as he looked at the sender. It was from him. His fingers trembled slightly as he tapped the notification. A video file popped up with the title: "For Future Me." A shiver ran down his spine. What the hell is going on? He hesitated before pressing play. The screen flickered to life, and there he was¡ªor rather, the previous Ethan. The man on the screen looked the same as him, but there was something different¡ªhis posture, the way his eyes carried a hollow weight, as if he had been shouldering something unbearable. Ethan felt an odd guilt creep in. This was his body, yet the soul that belonged to it was gone. Then, the recording spoke. "Since you opened this video, that means the ritual worked." Ritual? Ethan''s breath caught. The original Ethan had planned this? He hadn''t died by accident¡ªhe had summoned him here. His heart pounded as the old Ethan continued. "You know, it''s surprising that it actually worked¡­ I mean, I just found the steps online." The Ethan in the video let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh. It was dry, empty¡ªlike someone who had already given up. "I know you''re probably wondering why I would do a ritual to erase my own memories. Well¡­ It was to forget about Emily." Emily? The name meant nothing to Ethan, but before he could dwell on it, the past Ethan continued, his voice carrying the weight of something deeply personal. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I know you''re thinking, ''Who the hell is that?'' right now." Ethan tensed. It felt like the video had read his mind. "Emily¡­ was my girlfriend. Well, I guess my ex-girlfriend now." A flicker of emotion crossed the old Ethan''s face¡ªnostalgia, pain and regret. He lingered on the words, like they physically hurt to say. "We met at the academy. And you know what the funny part is? She approached me first." " I never thought I had the qualities to get confessed to, but for two years, we were together. Two years, I loved her, and I thought she loved me too. She always said we''d face the world together, that she''d be by my side no matter what¡­" "What a joke." "The moment I awakened as a Forsaken E-Rank Hero¡­ she started acting differently." A sharp pang hit Ethan''s chest as he listened. He didn''t just say E-Rank. He said Forsaken. "I ignored the signs at first. Told myself she must have her reasons. Maybe she was stressed. Maybe she was busy. But deep down, where reason lives and my heart couldn''t reach¡­ I knew why she was avoiding me." "All those false promises. All those lies." "She swore she''d stand by me, that nothing could change how she felt. But the moment she realized I was stuck at the bottom, she pulled away¡ªlike I was nothing. And I¡­ I still hoped she would come back." "I was a fool." "And my fantasies? My delusions? They shattered completely the day I went to her apartment." "I wanted to fix things. I thought maybe we just needed to talk. I thought maybe if I told her how much she meant to me, how much I was willing to fight for us, things would be okay." "But instead¡­ I found her in bed with Alex." The way he said the name Alex was drenched in loathing. "Alex, our classmate. Alex, the guy who awakened as a Valiant C-Rank Hero. Alex, who had always been around, but I was too blind to see it." His voice grew sharper, angrier. "She never even noticed I was there. She was too busy, too¡­ engrossed." His next words came out in a whisper, filled with disbelief. "She never even let me kiss her." Silence. The weight of those words hit like a hammer. "For two years, she always told me she ''wasn''t ready,'' that she wanted to take things slow. And yet¡­ there she was, moving her hips like a damn professional for him." Ethan felt a sharp chill crawl down his spine. The betrayal. The sheer humiliation. It wasn''t just heartbreak. It was a complete and utter shattering of everything he believed in. "Since then, I wasn''t myself anymore. I went through the motions, pretended I was fine. Every time my sister asked me what was wrong, I''d just smile and say ''nothing.'' But inside? Inside, I was drowning." His voice cracked again, but he pushed through. "And to top it all off? While they got recruited into top-ranking clans, I was left waiting¡ªsending applications, hoping for a response that never came." "I knew I would heal¡­ eventually. That one day, the pain would be a bad memory. But I didn''t want to wait. I didn''t want to carry this weight any longer. So when I stumbled upon the ritual¡­ I took the chance." He looked directly at the camera now, his eyes hollow yet determined. "And now, here we are." The video cut off. Ethan sat there, phone in hand, his mind blank. What the hell did I just watch? Chapter 4 - 4: Ch 3. New World Ethan sat frozen, staring at the darkened phone screen. His thoughts were a chaotic storm, disbelief mixing with frustration. So the reason I was brought here¡­ was because of a lover''s quarrel? A harsh scoff escaped his lips. The previous Ethan had his heart broken, got cheated on, and decided the best solution was to erase himself. Fine. That was his choice. But why the hell did he have to drag Ethan''s soul into this mess? Ethan clenched his fists. He didn''t care that the guy got cucked¡ªthat was his problem. But his soul? That was his. He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to calm down. Getting annoyed wouldn''t solve anything. The damage was done. The real issue now was figuring out how to move forward. His brow furrowed. The old Ethan hadn''t even bothered to leave any information for him. No notes, no hints, nothing about the world he was now stuck in. Not even a basic explanation. At first, Ethan was irritated by that. But after a moment, he realized¡ªit actually made sense. If a person on Earth lost their memories, they wouldn''t forget how to walk, speak, or use a phone. The old Ethan must have assumed the same thing. He thought that even if he forgot his past, he''d still retain basic common sense about the world. What he didn''t realize¡­ Was that he wouldn''t just lose his memories. He had ripped his own soul out and replaced it with someone from another world. To the previous Ethan, leaving general knowledge seemed unnecessary. To the new Ethan? It was a critical mistake. Luckily, he had the internet. Ethan sat on the edge of his bed, his phone glowing in his hands as he scrolled through article after article, absorbing every detail he could find about this world¡ªthe "New World." The name sounded almost ironic. New? Maybe 300 years ago, before everything went to hell. But now? It was a world built on the ashes of catastrophe. Three centuries ago, this world was just like Earth. A place of nations, governments, and ordinary people living their lives. Until it wasn''t. The change came without warning. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From the depths of black pits¡ªvast, yawning portals with no discernible end¡ªemerged the Dread Beasts. They weren''t just monsters. They were walking calamities. Some were towering horrors, with twisted limbs and soulless eyes that devoured anything in sight. Others were shapeless masses of writhing flesh, constantly mutating as they tore through entire cities. Some took humanoid forms, but their bodies were grotesque distortions of life, with chitinous armor, bone-like protrusions, and too many eyes watching from unnatural places. They poured out like a plague, forming Dens¡ªterritories they claimed as their own, where the land itself rotted and twisted under their presence. Their invasion was absolute. No army could stand against them. Cities burned. Continents fell. What had taken centuries to build crumbled in a matter of three years. Humanity was on the brink of extinction. Until they fought back. The turning point came with the discovery of Aether-Factors¡ªa rare genetic anomaly present in only one year of a person''s life: their 16th year. Scientists worked desperately, creating the Super Serum¡ªa formula that, when injected into someone with an Aether Factor, could awaken latent abilities. Thus, the first Heroes were born. And they pushed back. Dens were destroyed. Territories were reclaimed. Slowly, the tide of war shifted. And after 20 years of brutal conflict, the war reached a point where humanity was no longer fighting for survival¡ªbut for dominance. With governments all but destroyed, a new power rose to take their place¡ªthe Hero Association. It became the absolute authority, overseeing everything related to heroes, from their training to their deployment. Hero Academies were built in every major city, designed to find 16-year-olds with Aether Factors and train them before they awakened their Aethermarks at 18. Because the moment someone awakened, their future potential was locked. When a person fully absorbed the Super Serum, their Aethermark formed¡ªa mystical symbol that acted as both a status interface and a power limiter. Their rank at awakening determined everything. E-Rank (Forsaken) ¨C 1 Ability D-Rank (Aspirant) ¨C 3 Abilities C-Rank (Valiant) ¨C 5 Abilities B-Rank (Champion) ¨C 7 Abilities A-Rank (Paragon) ¨C 9 Abilities S-Rank (Mythic) ¨C 12 Abilities Legendary-Rank (Ascendant) ¨C 15 Abilities Mystic-Rank (Transcendent) ¨C 18 Abilities The higher the rank, the more abilities you could wield, the stronger your potential, and the greater your future. Those who awakened at Legendary or Mystic ranks were treated as walking gods. They became the backbone of human civilization. Those who awakened at E-Rank? Discarded. Their potential was crippled from the start. No matter how hard they trained, they could never reach the heights of higher-ranked heroes. And Ethan? He had awakened as an E-Rank. A Forsaken. Thrown Into a World on "Hell Difficulty." Ethan let out a slow breath, rubbing his temples. This was worse than he thought. Reincarnating into another world? Sure, he could deal with that. He''d seen enough anime and novels to roll with it. But getting reborn into a world where humanity was constantly at war with monstrosities? And on top of that¡ªbeing stuck with the worst possible awakening rank, doomed to be powerless? That was straight-up Hell Difficulty. **** Ethan sat motionless on the bed, staring at the glowing screen of his phone, still digesting everything. The world he now lived in, the war, the hierarchy, the fact that his future potential had already been decided the moment he awakened¡ªit was a lot. Then, suddenly¡ªa sharp ringing sound. It wasn''t his phone. He turned his head towards the source¡ªthe hotel landline. The old-fashioned wired phone sat on the desk, its small screen flashing with an incoming call. Ethan hesitated for a moment before picking it up. "Hello?" "Mr. Ethan, this is the front desk," a polite voice said on the other end. "We''re calling to inform you that your stay is scheduled to end in one hour. Will you be extending your booking?" Ethan blinked. Right. The old Ethan had only booked one night. That meant he had to leave. For a second, an image of Sophia flashed in his mind¡ªthe warm, intimate feeling of her beside him last night. His face heated up slightly, but he quickly shook it off and cleared his throat. "No, I won''t be extending," he said. "Understood. We hope you enjoyed your stay." With a soft click, the call ended. Ethan put the receiver back down and let out a slow breath. Guess it was time to go home. He pushed himself off the bed and headed straight for the bathroom. By the time he stepped out of the shower, his mind was clearer. He quickly dried off, dressed, and grabbed his phone. A few taps on his phone led him to an address saved under "Home" in the maps app. An apartment complex in the city. Not bad. Pocketing his phone, he slung a jacket over his shoulders and headed out the door. The moment Ethan stepped out of the hotel, he froze. His eyes widened as he took in the breathtaking sight before him. The city stretched out in every direction, filled with massive, sleek skyscrapers that seemed to reach into the clouds. But unlike the concrete jungles of Earth, these buildings were lined with glowing blue circuits, their surfaces pulsing softly like living veins of energy. The roads were completely free of old-fashioned cars¡ªinstead, the air buzzed with Hover Taxis, private levitating vehicles, and streamlined public transports gliding soundlessly above the streets. At the sidewalks, people moved with ease, some walking normally, while others used gravity skates that let them hover just above the ground. Holographic signs flickered in the air, advertising advanced tech, Hero Academies, and Aether-enhancing supplements. Ethan let out a low breath. This was his new life now. A world that had suffered catastrophe, yet advanced to levels far beyond anything he had seen on Earth. He had no choice but to get used to it. Snapping out of his awe, he raised his hand and signaled a Hover Taxi. A sleek, metallic vehicle descended smoothly from above, its doors sliding open automatically. Ethan stepped inside, sitting on the soft, synthetic leather seats that molded to his form the moment he sat down. "Destination?" the driver asked, turning slightly to look at him. Ethan quickly read the address from his phone. "250 Skyward Towers." The driver nodded, inputting the coordinates. "That''ll be 200 credits." Ethan''s eyes flicked to the scanner on the dashboard¡ªa biometric payment system. He leaned forward slightly, and the scanner registered his face. Payment complete. "Alright, we''re off," the driver said, gripping the controls. With a gentle hum, the Hover Taxi lifted into the air and shot forward, merging into the stream of floating vehicles. As the city rushed past him, Ethan exhaled deeply. For better or worse¡ª He was finally going home. Chapter 5 - 5: Ch 4. Guardian initiative Ethan stepped out of the hover taxi, his gaze lingering on the sleek, futuristic house before him. It was nothing like what he had expected. The exterior was constructed from smooth, reinforced meta-glass that shimmered under the artificial streetlights, reflecting the soft glow of hovering street drones. The structure''s design was both clean and modern, its sharp edges accentuated by glowing blue lines tracing along the building''s frame. Beside the entrance, a security panel blinked to life, scanning his face before the door slid open with a soft, mechanical hiss. As he stepped inside, he couldn''t help but be amazed. "Was the old me from a rich family or something?" he muttered, his eyes drinking in the high-end interior. The floor was covered in sleek, polished tiles that reacted to his footsteps, emitting faint pulses of blue light beneath him. The sitting room was spacious, featuring a large meta-screen mounted on the wall, a black leather couch that looked both stylish and comfortable, and a transparent coffee table embedded with holographic display capabilities. The air was perfectly conditioned, adjusting to his presence without a sound. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moving deeper into the house, Ethan explored its various high-tech features. The bathroom and toilet were equipped with state-of-the-art fixtures¡ªautomated water temperature controls, self-cleaning functions, and even a mirror capable of displaying real-time news updates. The kitchen was equally impressive, stocked with voice-activated cooking appliances, a smart refrigerator, and a sleek countertop capable of generating holographic recipe displays at a single command. Then he found the two bedrooms. One glance was enough to tell him which belonged to him and which was his sister''s. His was slightly messy, with a few scattered clothes and an empty energy drink can left on the desk, while his sister''s was pristine, every item in its place. As he stood in the doorway, a thought crept into his mind. "If these two rooms belong to me and my sister¡­ where are my parents staying?" His frown deepened as possibilities raced through his mind. Had something happened to them? Were they simply living elsewhere? Before his thoughts could spiral any further, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw a notification¡ªan encrypted file from the previous Ethan. [Personal Data File ¨C Ethan Cross] With a tap, he opened the file, eager to uncover the details of his predecessor''s life. Minutes later, Ethan leaned back, exhaling slowly. He now had a much clearer picture of the old Ethan''s past. First and foremost, his parents were dead. That much, at least, he could relate to. In his previous life, a mugger had taken them from him. Here, however, they had been killed by a powerful villain''s rampage. Yes, this world had villains¡ªindividuals who, after awakening their abilities, chose to use them for personal gain rather than for the protection of humanity. They sowed chaos, destruction, and suffering wherever they went. That loss had been the driving force behind the old Ethan''s determination to become a hero. He had already lost his parents once, and he had vowed never to stand by while others suffered the same fate. If he could prevent even one tragedy, it would be worth it. Another crucial revelation in the file was that becoming a hero was a choice, not an obligation. Even those who developed an Aether Factor at sixteen were given the option to awaken or not. The Hero Association had implemented this system deliberately. While Dread Beasts remained a constant threat, forcing people to fight could lead to resentment, rebellion, and even more villains. It was better to allow only the truly willing to step forward. Ethan''s sister had developed an Aether Factor as well, but she had chosen not to awaken. The file didn''t provide much detail on her reasoning, but he respected her decision. As for the house, the answer lay in something called the Guardian Initiative. A program created by the Hero Association, it provided accommodation and financial support to young individuals who developed an Aether Factor and chose to become heroes. It served both as a recruitment strategy and as a means of ensuring that those willing to fight had the resources to do so. With all this newfound information, Ethan felt more grounded in his new reality. He wouldn''t be stumbling through this life completely blind. His next course of action was clear¡ªhe needed to head to the Hero Association. While applying to different clans, he had also signed up for an E-Rank mission. Unfortunately, with so many low-ranking heroes scrambling for assignments, he had been placed on a waiting list. It had taken three days, but he had finally been assigned a task. And now, there was no turning back. Rejecting a mission at this stage meant a fine, and he couldn''t afford to waste credits. The Guardian Initiative only provided support while heroes were in the academy and for two months after graduation¡ªafter that, they were expected to fend for themselves. The Hero Association provided resources, but it didn''t hold anyone''s hand. If he wanted to survive, he needed to start earning his way. After grabbing a quick meal¡ªleftovers his sister had stored in the fridge¡ªhe placed the dishes into the automated washer and grabbed his jacket. Stepping outside, he hailed another hover taxi. The sleek vehicle glided to a smooth stop in front of him, its doors sliding open. He climbed in and gave the driver his destination: City X - Hero Association HQ. The vehicle lifted off the ground, its engines humming as it sped toward the heart of the city. **** The City X Hero Association HQ was an awe-inspiring sight. A massive skyscraper, its exterior gleamed with reinforced glass and metal, reflecting the neon glow of the futuristic skyline. A giant, glowing "X" was embedded into the structure¡ªa symbol of heroism and duty. All around the building, heroes in battle suits moved in groups, some reviewing mission details on holographic interfaces while others adjusted their weapons. Massive energy swords, high-tech firearms, and floating drones were common sights. The atmosphere buzzed with activity¡ªthis was where real heroes operated. Ethan took a deep breath and walked through the large, automatic doors. Inside, the interior was just as grand¡ªhigh ceilings, sleek marble floors, and glowing holo-screens displaying mission updates, hero rankings, and reports of recent Dread Beast attacks. He approached the front desk, where a woman stood behind the sleek, futuristic counter. She was tall and elegant, her platinum-blonde hair styled into a sharp bob. Piercing blue eyes regarded him with professional detachment. Her form-fitting navy uniform bore the Hero Association insignia on her chest. A sleek, holographic interface hovered above the desk, casting a cool blue glow onto her perfectly manicured fingers. As he stepped forward, she looked up, offering a polite yet neutral nod. "How can I help you?" she asked, her tone smooth and professional. Ethan didn''t hesitate. "I''m here to accept the mission I was assigned." For low-ranking heroes, missions had to be formally accepted in person to ensure they fully understood their objectives before deployment. The woman nodded and tapped the holographic screen in front of her. "Name?" "Ethan Cross." Her fingers moved swiftly over the interface, pulling up his details. After a moment, she read them aloud to confirm: "Ethan Cross, age 18, Rank E. Assigned mission: ''Hunt and Cleanse.''" Ethan listened as she continued. "Target: Lesser Dread¡ªGobkar." Ethan frowned slightly. Gobkar? "Mission details: A Gobkar den was recently destroyed, and the Black Pit in the area has been sealed. However, some Gobkars managed to escape into the nearby forest. Your task is to eradicate any remaining threats before they can regroup and form a new den." Chapter 6 - 6: Ch 5. Innate Talent After listening to the mission details, Ethan nodded firmly. "I accept." The woman behind the counter acknowledged his response with a slight nod before finalizing the process with a few more taps on her holographic screen. "Your mission details and coordinates have been sent to your phone," she informed him. A faint vibration in his pocket signaled the arrival of the notification. Ethan retrieved his phone, watching as a holographic map projection of the mission''s location materialized above the screen. He studied it briefly, committing the route to memory before slipping the device back into his pocket. "I''d also like to rent battle armor and a Striker-V1," he added. The woman arched a brow but made no comment, efficiently processing his request. During his research on this world, Ethan had uncovered a crucial fact¡ªheroes didn''t rely solely on their abilities. They wielded Battle Tech, highly advanced weapons and gear forged from the remnants of Dread Beasts and their dens. These resources were invaluable, shaping the very foundation of modern technology. And the most significant advancement was Battle Tech¡ªequipment that drastically increased survival rates against Dread Beasts. Fortunately, the Hero Association provided such gear to its members, even low-ranked ones like himself. Even if what he was getting was Rank 1, he wasn''t about to complain. As an E-Rank himself, it was better than nothing. After transferring the required credits, the woman motioned toward a hallway. "Proceed to the weapons room. They''ll issue your gear there." Ethan gave a curt nod and followed her directions. Upon entering the weapons room, he was met with a grizzled man clad in a dark combat uniform¡ªundoubtedly the one in charge. The man gave Ethan a quick once-over before confirming the transaction. "Here''s your gear," the man said, handing over a sturdy black suitcase. "Changing rooms are to your right." Ethan accepted the case and stepped into the designated room. As he unlatched the case, his eyes widened slightly in appreciation. The battle armor was sleek yet durable, resembling reinforced leather. Running his fingers across the material, he could tell it was far stronger than anything from his previous world. The design featured a jet-black base with elegant gold linings tracing along the chest, arms, and legs¡ªalmost regal in appearance. Despite its sturdy build, it was surprisingly lightweight, allowing for full mobility. The gloves and boots were reinforced, ensuring better grip and impact absorption. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once suited up, Ethan stepped out, feeling more like a hero than ever before. At his side, the rented Striker-V1 was securely holstered. The Rank 1 Tech Pistol had a sleek, ergonomic design, its black frame adorned with subtle silver engravings. The barrel emitted a faint energy glow, a sign of its specialized rounds designed to pierce through Dread Beast''s hides. Ethan adjusted the pistol''s holster and flexed his fingers. "Alright," he muttered to himself. "I''m all set." With that, he left the weapons room, ready to embark on his mission. ¡ª Ethan stepped out of the hover taxi, his boots crunching against the dry earth beneath him. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp soil and vegetation. Before him stretched the Blackwood Forest, a vast and ominous expanse bordering the Outlands of City X. Towering trees with twisted, darkened bark loomed over the landscape, their gnarled branches weaving together to form an almost impenetrable canopy. The deeper regions of the forest were notorious for harboring escaped Dread Beasts¡ªremnants of destroyed dens or failed extermination missions. This was where his mission would begin. Before proceeding, Ethan activated his Aethermark Interface for the first time. A faint glow flickered in his eyes as a translucent holographic screen materialized before him. [ Aethermark Interface ] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 1 (Novice) Ability Limit: 1 Abilities: [None] Meta Essence: 0/10 Ethan exhaled sharply, studying the interface. His level was still at 1¡ªNovice. In this world, heroes ascended through nine distinct levels, each demanding increasing amounts of Meta Essence to progress: Level 1 ¨C Novice (The Starting Point) Level 2 ¨C Adept (Enhanced Physical Capabilities) Level 3 ¨C Warrior (Battle-Honed Proficiency) Level 4 ¨C Elite (Superhuman Combatant) Level 5 ¨C Champion (Peak Mortal Strength) Level 6 ¨C Master (Legends Among Heroes) Level 7 ¨C Grandmaster (Unrivaled Power) Level 8 ¨C Overlord (Walking Cataclysm) Level 9 ¨C Ascendant (Transcendent Being) Each advancement required a growing amount of Meta Essence, the fundamental energy that fueled abilities and progression. The cruel irony? Meta Essence was needed to unlock abilities. Yet Meta Essence could only be obtained by slaying Dread Beasts. And to slay Dread Beasts effectively, one needed abilities. A brutal paradox¡ªone that separated the weak from the strong. Fortunately, at lower ranks, this limitation wasn''t absolute. The awakening process granted a noticeable boost in physical attributes, making even ability-less heroes stronger, faster, and tougher than normal humans. Battle Tech further bridged the gap, providing a fighting chance against the horrors of the world. That was why Ethan had rented the battle armor and Striker-V1. He couldn''t afford to rely on raw physical strength alone, not against creatures like the Lesser Dreads. Closing his interface, he steadied his breathing. "Alright... time to get started." With his battle armor secured and his Striker-V1 holstered at his side, he took his first step into Blackwood Forest¡ªhis first true step as a hero. ¡ª Ethan moved carefully, his steps slow and deliberate. The atmosphere was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. The lack of wildlife sounds¡ªno birds, no insects¡ªsent a chill down his spine. His fingers hovered near his holster, ready to draw his Striker-V1 in an instant. His senses sharpened, body tense as instinct took over. The academy training of his past life melded seamlessly with the cold pragmatism of his new existence. He wasn''t just relying on reflexes¡ªhe had done his research. Gobkars. Low-tier Dread Beasts resembling twisted, emaciated goblins with leathery, pale-green skin. Their elongated claws were sharp enough to tear through flesh, their serrated teeth designed for ripping apart prey. Their glowing yellow eyes provided exceptional night vision, making them deadly hunters in darkness. They had distinct behaviors that made tracking them easier: Gobkars rarely lingered in one place unless they had a den or a steady food source. Even in groups, they were constantly on edge, wary of stronger predators. They marked trees with deep gashes, warning others of their claimed territory. Ethan scanned the ground, noticing small, clawed footprints pressed into the dirt. Nearby, a tree trunk bore fresh scratch marks, three long grooves deeply etched into the bark. The tracks led deeper into the forest, converging at what looked like a natural cave formation. Ethan''s pulse quickened. It was a den. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and stepped inside. --- Inside the Gobkar Den The air grew thick with the stench of rotting meat and damp earth. The cave sloped downward, its rough, uneven walls glistening with moisture and moss. Ethan moved carefully, his footsteps silent, his breath controlled. Then, he froze. Right on the path he was walking stood a Gobkar sentry¡ªa lone creature posted to guard the entrance. Its hunched posture and slow, rhythmic breathing suggested boredom, but Ethan knew better than to assume carelessness. Gobkars were naturally skittish, but when backed into a corner, they became vicious. Slowly, Ethan lowered himself behind a cluster of jagged rocks, peering over the edge. His hand moved to his Striker-V1, his finger resting lightly on the trigger. He lined up the shot, aiming for the creature''s temple. Then¡ªhe fired. The silenced projectile zipped through the air, striking the Gobkar cleanly in the head. Green blood splattered against the cave wall as the creature slumped lifelessly to the ground. Ethan didn''t waste time celebrating. His mind immediately focused on his surroundings, checking for any reactions¡ªsilence. No alarm was raised. But then¡ªsomething unexpected happened. --- [System Notification] +1 Meta Essence Conditions Met ¨C Innate Talent Unlocked! Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts --- Ethan''s breath caught in his throat. Innate Talent? His Aethermark Interface flickered to life once more, displaying a new section under his abilities. He frowned. What the hell is an Innate Talent? Chapter 7 - 7: Ch 6. Sanctum Of Beasts [Aethermark Interface] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 1 (Novice) Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) Abilities: [None] Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 1/10 ----- Ethan''s Aethermark Interface flickered into view before him, the transparent holographic display casting a dim glow across the cave walls. His eyes gleamed slightly, reacting to the activation of his status screen. But his focus locked onto the new addition¡ªInnate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts. Innate Talent? That wasn''t supposed to be part of the system. Heroes had abilities, but an Innate Talent wasn''t something included in the Aethermark Interface. It was unheard of. His chest rose and fell as he steadied himself, pushing aside his shock. After a moment, he tapped on the talent, and a new information window materialized before him. [Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts] A unique domain accessible only to the user. Upon activation, the user is transported into a separate dimension, a hunting ground where they can slay beasts to acquire abilities. Each slain beast grants an Ability Fragment to the user. Abilities acquired in the Sanctum do not require Meta Essence to cultivate. Abilities gained in the Sanctum immediately reach ''Peak Mastery,'' reducing Meta Essence consumption by 99%. Time is completely frozen in reality while the user is inside. Entry Limit: 100 Uses Remaining. Ethan''s heartbeat accelerated. A personal hunting dimension? A way to acquire 100 abilities instantly? No need for cultivation? His mind reeled at the implications. Normally, heroes had to cultivate abilities¡ªa slow, tedious process requiring Meta Essence. The longer one cultivated, the stronger the ability became. The Ability Evolution Path followed a strict order: Common ¡ú Uncommon ¡ú Rare ¡ú Epic ¡ú Legendary ¡ú Mythic ¡ú Divine And yet¡­ there was a restriction. A Novice (Level 1) could never cultivate a Divine ability. It was impossible. But Sanctum of Beasts ignored that rule entirely. Not only would he gain 100 abilities without spending a single drop of Meta Essence, but each one would start at Peak Mastery¡ªa level of control that even veteran heroes took years to attain. With Peak Mastery, ability energy consumption would drop by 99%, allowing him to fight longer without exhausting his Meta Essence reserves. And the entry limit? 100 uses. Ethan''s lips parted as a shaky exhale escaped him. "This¡­ this is my golden finger." It wasn''t just broken¡ªit was game-breaking. No one in the world would be able to contend with him. His grip on the Striker-V1 tightened. He was still just Level 1, but with 100 abilities in his arsenal, level restrictions wouldn''t even matter. Without hesitation, he activated the talent. The world around him shattered. Colors bled away, leaving everything in muted, lifeless gray, as if time itself had frozen. A heavy pressure pressed down on his shoulders, an invisible force that seemed to crush the air from his lungs. A deep, low hum reverberated through his body¡ªnot a sound, but a sensation, rattling him to his core. Then¡ªdistortion. A pulse of energy rippled through reality, and suddenly, everything fractured. The ground beneath him shattered into floating shards of black glass, suspended in the void. His vision blurred as something unseen yanked him inward, dragging him through the abyss. His body twisted and folded, spinning through an endless tunnel of golden glyphs and shadowy mist. Symbols of ancient power flashed past him faster than his mind could process. The pressure built up until¡ª Light exploded. Ethan gasped sharply, his feet landing firmly on solid ground. His vision swam as he adjusted to his new surroundings. He stood atop a circular stone platform, glowing faintly with an ethereal blue light before dimming into silence. Around him, four towering stone arches loomed over the altar, ancient yet unbroken. Their surfaces were engraved with unknown runes that seemed to whisper as he looked at them. Beyond the altar, the world stretched into an endless plain. The terrain was a grassland, with massive rock formations jutting out the ground¡ªeroded statues of forgotten deities. Above him, the sky was a deep twilight, neither day nor night, with two colossal moons hanging in the heavens, their silver glow casting an eerie luminescence across the land. Ethan took a slow breath. He felt lighter¡ªand when he looked down, he realized why. His battle armor was gone. His Striker-V1? Gone. Instead, he wore a sleek, black long-sleeve shirt, snug against his form like a combat suit. His legs were covered in ash-colored Taki pants, flexible yet durable, and wrapped around his waist was a dark scarf, fluttering slightly despite the still air. On his feet? Black loafers. Completely impractical for battle. And in his right hand? A dagger. A simple, worn blade with a blackened steel edge, barely a foot long. Ethan stared at it, his grip tightening in frustration. "You''ve got to be kidding me." No armor. No guns. No advanced weaponry. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How was he supposed to hunt monsters with just a dagger? Before his irritation could settle, a new interface materialized before him. But this wasn''t the usual Aethermark Interface. [Sanctum Interface] Welcome to Zone 1 of the Sanctum: The Riftborn Expanse. Zone 1 Beasts: Horned Skervel ¨C A rabbit-like beast with a single spiraling horn, known for its agility and erratic movement. Duskfang Lupir ¨C A wolf-like predator with ashen fur and glowing red eyes, capable of coordinated pack attacks. Graven Mawler ¨C A quadrupedal beast with armored scales and a massive, crushing jaw, extremely territorial. Fellstrider Rykir ¨C A bird-like reptilian with long talons, known to strike from above with precise aerial dives. Hollow Goremite ¨C A golem-like creature formed from petrified bones, slow but nearly impervious to basic attacks. Killing a beast grants Ability Fragments. Each kill rewards 0.001 Ability Fragments. 1000 kills are required to form a complete ability. The Sanctum cannot be exited until an ability is acquired. If the user dies, they will respawn at the Rebirth Altar. The Rebirth Altar doubles as a Store, where weapons, armor, and consumables can be purchased using Points. ---- Ethan read through the information carefully, his jaw clenching. 1000 kills? Even for a Level 2 Adept, that would be insane. Still, two things gave him hope. The Respawn System. Dying here wouldn''t be permanent¡ªhe would always return to the Rebirth Altar. The Store System. If he could earn points, he could buy better gear. Ethan exhaled, shaking his head. "It seems I''ll be stuck here for a while¡­ but it''s understandable. Power doesn''t come easily." He rolled his shoulders, adjusting to his new attire. No point in complaining. One thousand kills. That was the goal. Glancing at the vast expanse before him, he took one last look at the Rebirth Altar, making sure to memorize its position. Then, gripping his dagger tightly, he stepped off the altar¡ª ¡ªready to begin his hunt. Chapter 8 - 8: Ch 7. Mothers Instinct In Ebonreach District, the beating heart of City X, the rich, elite, and powerful lived in a world apart from the struggles of the common people. The streets were lined with hovercars, their sleek forms gliding noiselessly along the private lanes designated for the upper class. Among these luxurious vehicles, a jet-black hovercar moved smoothly through the streets, cutting through traffic with an aura of silent authority. This car wasn''t just a display of wealth¡ªit was a statement. And the driver? He was a Level 5 Champion, a warrior powerful enough to command respect in any circle. Which begged the question¡ªwho inside the car was important enough to be chauffeured by such a fighter? The answer was simple. Sophia Lancaster. The Prodigy of the Lancaster Family. As the only child of one of the most powerful families in City X, Sophia Lancaster had been born into greatness. She was a prodigy in every sense of the word¡ªbrilliant, ruthless, and powerful. The moment she awakened as a Legendary Hero, her destiny had been set in stone. At 25 years old, she had already reached Level 6 Master, an accomplishment that placed her among the elite. She was the envy of countless women and the subject of countless men''s fantasies¡ªa woman who had everything: power, beauty, and prestige. As the hovercar approached the Lancaster Estate, its sheer grandeur became visible. The Lancaster Estate wasn''t just a mansion¡ªit was a city within a city. Spanning hundreds of acres, it housed gardens, training grounds, personal research labs, and private buildings for various family operations. The main building alone was a fortress of elegance, towering over the rest of the estate like a monument to the Lancaster family''s dominance. The hovercar pulled into a private entrance, stopping smoothly before the main building''s entrance. The moment the car halted, the front doors of the mansion swung open, and a butler stepped forward with precise, practiced movements. With a slight bow, he opened the door for Sophia. "Young Miss, your mother is expecting you in the dining hall." Sophia simply nodded, stepping out of the car and making her way into the building. As Sophia entered the dining hall, she saw her mother already seated at the head of the table, waiting. Amelia Lancaster was a woman of poise and power, her presence commanding even in silence. Sophia greeted her with a respectful nod before taking her seat. "How are you feeling?" Amelia asked, her voice smooth but probing. Sophia paused briefly, noting the way her mother''s sharp emerald eyes studied her. It was a look that had dissected kings and broken rivals¡ªbut Sophia was used to it. She forced a small smile. "I''m fine." "Are you sure?" her mother pressed, tilting her head slightly. "You didn''t seem fine yesterday evening." At those words, Sophia''s expression faltered. Her fingers clenched slightly against the fabric of her dress before she quickly masked it, frowning. "I don''t want to talk about it." Her mother''s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before she leaned back, as if considering whether to push the issue. Instead, she simply asked, "Where were you last night?" Sophia''s breath hitched, but only for an instant. Her training kicked in, and she answered smoothly, "I was at an associates meeting." A clear lie. But her mother didn''t challenge it. Instead, she merely nodded and picked up her glass of wine, saying nothing more as they began to eat. But Sophia knew. She knew her mother was still going to investigate further and it will be a matter of time before she found out. Sophia''s years of experience started formulating plans to avoid future trouble with her mother. If she wanted to get out of this she had to outsmart her mother and the queen of tactics¡ªAmelia. ''What the hell did I get myself into'' After finishing her meal, Sophia excused herself and left the dining hall. As Amelia Lancaster sat at the dining table, she took a slow sip of her wine, deep in thought. Sophia was not herself. She was always composed, always in control¡ªbut today, she had been shaken. And something had happened last night. Something that had made her distracted. Amelia sighed internally, hoping her instincts were wrong. **** The moment Sophia entered her room, she exhaled deeply. Her fingers ran through her silky blond hair, frustration and unease swirling inside her. Her mother had noticed. Of course, she had. That woman missed nothing. And the way Sophia had reacted would only make her more suspicious. But there was nothing she could do about it now. She slowly walked to the edge of her bed, her mind drifting to the reason for all of this. Him. Ethan. His dark hair, his golden eyes¡ªthat sharp, defiant gaze that looked like the world itself was against him. She had seen herself in those eyes. And maybe that''s why she had done it. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was the thrill of rebellion. Or maybe it was because, for the first time in a long time¡­ she had seen someone who understood. And that had terrified her. Sophia let out a slow, shaky breath, her hands tightening into fists. Damn him. Her jaw clenched. She needed to handle this before it became a problem. Reaching for her phone, she dialed a number. The moment the line connected, she spoke, her voice sharp and to the point. "Remember that favor you owe me?" A pause. "I found a way for you to pay me back." **** Ethan moved through the vast, open flatlands, his body low as he navigated the treacherous terrain. There was no real cover, only large, scattered rocks that provided little protection. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Worse still, the distance between each was far too great, making it nearly impossible to rely on them for a proper cover. But difficulty wouldn''t stop him. He had set out with a goal, and no matter the obstacles, the risks, or the pain, he was going to achieve it. As he ascended a gentle hill, his sharp eyes caught movement in the distance. Below, standing amid the tall, wind-swept grass, was a Horned Skervel. At first glance, the creature looked almost harmless. Its round, furry body was compact, no larger than a small calf. Its big, beady black eyes gave it an innocent, almost adorable expression as it lazily nibbled on the grass. Its short, sturdy legs and soft brown fur made it seem more like a docile farm animal than a monster. But Ethan wasn''t fooled. The single, spiral horn jutting from its forehead wasn''t just for show¡ªit was a lethal weapon. Ethan steadied his dagger, gripping it tightly. Killing this monster was the first step in a thousand¡ªthe first necessary kill on his path to power. His golden eyes burned with determination. "You should be honored," he muttered under his breath. "You are the first to support my rise to power." And with that, he lunged forward. In an instant, the Horned Skervel''s ears twitched. The moment Ethan''s dagger stabbed forward, the creature twisted its body, dodging with unnatural speed. What? Ethan''s eyes widened¡ªbut it was already too late. The Skervel sprang off its back legs, its movements shockingly fast, and before Ethan could react¡ª SHLK! The horn drove straight into his chest. Pain exploded through his body. His breath hitched, his vision blurred, and his strength vanished. His fingers twitched weakly, his dagger slipping from his grasp as blood spilled onto the dry grass beneath him. The Skervel yanked its horn free, and Ethan collapsed onto the grass, gasping for breath as his world turned black. --- Light flooded Ethan''s eyes. The sensation of cold stone beneath him sent a shiver down his spine. He blinked rapidly, his chest heaving as he processed what had just happened. He was no longer in the flatlands. Instead, he stood before a faintly glowing altar, a massive, circular platform engraved with ancient runes. The Rebirth Altar. His heart pounded, his mind racing. He looked down at himself¡ªhis chest was whole again, no trace of the fatal wound. A second passed in stunned silence before a single thought escaped his lips. "What the hell?" A/N: Any ideas for an ability can be given in the comments and it may be used as an ability Ethan will awaken in future chapters. Chapter 9 - 9: Ch 8. The Hunt Ethan stood in silence, his hands clenched into fists as he processed what had just happened. He had just been manhandled by a rabbit. A damn rabbit!!! Sure, it had a horn and unnatural speed, but that didn''t change the fact that he''d been impaled and discarded like a rookie on his first hunt. He exhaled sharply, frustration and embarrassment boiling inside him. At least nobody was around to see this. Still, his pride stung. He had underestimated the creature, believing that just because death wasn''t permanent in this space, he could afford to let his guard down. That was a mistake. Ethan straightened his back, shaking off the shame. This wasn''t the time to sulk. "I have all the time in the world," he muttered to himself. "No matter how many times I fail, I will still achieve my goal." And with that, he left the altar once more. Ethan moved through the flatlands, heading in the same direction as before. Just as expected, the Horned Skervel was there, grazing lazily as if it hadn''t just skewered him moments ago. This time, Ethan was calm. He crouched low, watching its movements carefully, making sure not to rush in blindly. He controlled his breathing, moving at a steady pace, dagger in hand. When he finally struck, the Skervel didn''t dodge backward like last time. Instead, it leaped sideways, spinning midair before kicking him square in the face with its powerful hind legs. CRACK! Ethan felt his nose break, stars exploding in his vision before he collapsed backward, and the world turned black again. Ethan materialized at the altar, groaning as he instinctively touched his now fully healed nose. "What the fuck? I thought I had it that time!" Yet, the Skervel had noticed him again. No matter how careful he had been, the damn thing was one step ahead. His frustration flared, but he forced himself to remain focused. Failure doesn''t break a man. Refusing to try again after failing¡ªthat''s what breaks a man. With renewed determination, he set out again. Each time Ethan went after the Horned Skervel, it adapted. Each time, it defeated him. He tried a feint, but the Skervel saw through it, dodging low and sweeping his legs out from under him before impaling him. He aimed for its legs to stop its mobility, but it jumped over his attack and slammed its weight onto his chest, crushing his ribs. He threw a rock to distract it¡ªit dodged the rock and countered his lunge with a devastating headbutt. Ethan circled behind it, only for it to rear up and kick backward, launching him down the hill. He climbed onto a rock for an aerial strike, but the Skervel rammed the rock, knocking him off-balance before goring him mid-fall. He moved as slowly and quietly as possible. The Skervel acted unaware, then suddenly turned and impaled him without hesitation. Ethan tried different tactics, each ending in failure, leading him to die ten more times, but despite that, he kept going, never giving up. And it paid off because now he was adapting. Ethan materialized at the altar for the eighteenth time, breathing hard, his hands clenched into fists. Then suddenly¡ªhe froze. Something clicked in his mind. Every time, the Skervel had used a different evasion method. That''s why he kept failing. But now, after dying eighteen times, he finally understood. The patterns weren''t random. They were structured, deliberate reactions to his own movements. And now that he knew how it reacted¡ªhe could finally beat it. Ethan exhaled slowly, his golden eyes gleaming with something new. This time, it would be different. This time, the hunt truly began. Ethan stood before the Horned Skervel once more. The creature''s eyes regarded him with the same blatant disregard as before. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was no recognition, no caution¡ªonly mild curiosity as if it were seeing yet another foolish intruder stumbling to his death. Ethan smirked. It didn''t recognize him. To the Horned Skervel, all those times it had impaled, trampled, and outmaneuvered him, it had simply been killing a different idiot each time. That mistake would be its downfall. It never once saw him as a threat, and Ethan would use that to his advantage. Ethan wasn''t stronger than the Skervel. He wasn''t faster than the Skervel. But he had something the beast didn''t¡ªintelligence. Through his many deaths, he had studied it. Every time he fought, every time he failed, he had noticed something: The Skervel''s attacks followed a strict pattern. If it started with a specific movement, the next attack was always predictable¡ªif you paid close attention. And Ethan had been paying attention. He had also noticed that the Skervel always attacked the area that was not in his line of site and he was going to use that against it. This time, Ethan didn''t charge blindly. He didn''t lunge forward like he had before. Instead, he turned his back to the beast¡ªand ran. To the Skervel, it was instinct. The moment Ethan''s back was exposed, the creature lunged¡ªaiming to impale him once more. But Ethan was waiting for this exact reaction. Just as the Skervel pounced, Ethan heard the telltale rush of movement behind him. His golden eyes snapped open. He turned instantly, locking onto the Skervel mid-air. His continuous deaths had steeled his mind against the fear of death so he didn''t falter when he saw the Skervel attacking him. The beast flinched, instinctively adjusting its attack to avoid his gaze, shifting its horn to strike his right side instead. That was its biggest mistake. The Skervel was so focused on avoiding Ethan''s gaze that it failed to notice his right hand¡ªthe one already gripping his dagger, held low and waiting. Like a moth to a flame, the Skervel dove straight into Ethan''s trap. With a single, precise motion, Ethan thrust his dagger forward¡ªplunging it deep into the creature''s neck. A wet gurgle escaped from the Skervel as warm blood splattered against Ethan''s hand. At the last second, Ethan sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the horn meant to skewer him once more. The Skervel collapsed, its body twitching before finally going still. The hunt was over. A notification flashed before Ethan''s eyes. [You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragment.] Another message followed. [You have obtained 50 Points.] Ethan''s smirk widened. He had gotten his revenge. And he had gotten rewards as well. Ethan exhaled sharply, the rush of victory still thrumming through his veins. But as he stared down at the dead Horned Skervel, he felt a new realization settle in¡ª This was only the beginning. If a single Skervel had forced him to die eighteen times, then what about the stronger creatures lurking in this world? He needed to adapt. He needed to become a true hunter. And a good hunter always had good gear. With that thought, Ethan retraced his steps, making his way back to the Rebirth Altar¡ªhis personal checkpoint in this strange new realm. The altar pulsed faintly, its eerie glow reflecting in his golden eyes. Taking a deep breath, he summoned the shop interface. A transparent menu appeared before him, filled with lists of items, weapons, armor, and tools. His fingers instinctively swiped through the options, scanning for anything useful. He didn''t have a lot of points yet, so he had to be smart about what he bought. Weapons? His dagger was still usable, but maybe an upgrade would help. Armor? He had nothing protecting him. Even a light chest guard could prevent him from getting instantly impaled again. Consumables? Healing items could keep him in the fight longer. His gaze flickered to his current balance¡ª50 Points. It wasn''t much, but it was a start. Now, he just had to spend wisely. Chapter 10 - 10: Ch 9. Food Chain Ethan ran through the vast, open grasslands, his breath steady, his golden eyes sharp. Behind him, seventeen Horned Skervel gave chase, their small, powerful bodies bounding across the terrain with relentless bloodlust. Their clawed feet kicked up dirt, and their sharp horns gleamed under the dim light. The beasts were fast¡ªtoo fast for him to simply outrun. Each time one lunged at him, he sidestepped just in time, feeling the rush of air as its horn barely missed him. He kept moving, his heart pounding, his mind focused. Then, he saw it¡ªa patch of disturbed land ahead. Perfect. With a final push, he leapt over it. The Skervel, blinded by their bloodlust, followed without hesitation¡ª Only to plummet into the hidden pit below. The sound of shrieks and squelching filled the air as they were impaled by the iron spikes at the bottom. One Skervel, however, managed to cling to the edge, its beady eyes locking onto Ethan''s¡ª Begging for mercy. Ethan stared at it, expression cold and unyielding. "Sorry," he murmured, lifting his dagger. "I''m all out of mercy." With a swift motion, he plunged the blade into its skull, ending its life instantly. System Notifications A familiar ding echoed in his mind. [You have obtained 0.001 ability fragments.] (17 times) [You have obtained 50 points.] (17 times) He exhaled, feeling the satisfaction of progress. It had been over a month since he entered Zone 1 of the Riftborn Expanse, and the changes were visible. Ethan was no longer the helpless wanderer he had once been. Now he was fully equipped. His armor was a full-body black suit, plain yet durable, crafted from a special alloy that absorbed impact, protecting him from glancing blows. (Cost: 500 Points) Over it, he wore a camouflage cloak¡ªa gray-green fabric designed to blend with his surroundings, equipped with a presence-reducing function to help him stalk his prey. (Cost: 550 Points) His dagger was no longer the cheap, standard blade he had started with. His new one was razor-sharp, dark steel, with a reinforced hilt for better grip and a slight curve to enhance cutting power. (Cost: 350 Points) But the most valuable item in his possession was the golden ring on his finger. A storage ring¡ªwith unlimited space. A true treasure, worth 1,000,000 points. But thanks to his newbie coupon, he had gotten it for a fraction of the price. Without it, he wasn''t sure how he''d survive here. It was where he stored: Food Potions Traps Spare weapons Everything he needed to keep hunting. Opening his system interface, he checked his stats: Ability Fragments: 0.32 He needed 680 more kills to unlock his first ability¡ª And leave this place. The isolation was beginning to wear on him. He hadn''t spoken to another soul in a month. That thought ate away at him, but he pushed it aside. If he wanted to escape, he had to increase his efforts. He clenched his dagger, eyes burning with determination. "There''s nothing you can''t achieve with maximum effort." With that, he set off to continue his hunt. **** Ethan lay hidden among the tall grass, his black cloak blending into the terrain. He raised his binoculars, focusing on the pack of seven Duskfang Lupir feasting on the Horned Skervel carcasses they had hunted. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Lupir were wolf-like predators, each standing at least five feet tall at the shoulder. Their fur was dark gray, almost black, with streaks of deep crimson running along their spines. Their claws were curved and razor-sharp, their fangs glistened with fresh blood, and most striking of all¡ª Their eyes glowed a piercing red, burning like embers in the dim light. Ethan had been avoiding them for a long time. Because in the Riftborn Expanse, there was a clear food chain hierarchy: Horned Skervel ¨C Lowest rank, prey to almost everything. Duskfang Lupir ¨C Cunning pack hunters with heightened senses. Graven Mawler ¨C Larger, monstrous creatures that lurked in the shadows. Fellstrider Rykir ¨C Apex speed hunters, that attack from the sky. Hollow Goremite ¨C The undisputed king of Zone 1, an unstoppable juggernaut of raw destruction. Previously, Ethan had been at the bottom¡ªjust another weakling below even the Skervel. But after relentlessly hunting them, earning points and fragments, and purchasing better gear, he had moved up the chain. And now, it was time to take the Lupir''s place in the food chain. If he had a choice, he wouldn''t have bothered. He had been fine where he was, hunting the Horned Skervel at his own pace. But the system had different plans. After nearly driving the Skervel to extinction, his rewards stopped coming. No points. No fragments. The system never told him that overhunting a species would cut off his progress. So for the past week, he had been tracking the Lupir, trying to learn their habits and traits. And he had died for it. The Lupir''s heightened senses made it nearly impossible to observe them unnoticed. Every time he got too close, they would detect his presence, hunt him down, and tear him apart. But death was a good teacher. He had learned. To increase the stalking distance¡ªfarther than his instincts told him. He also bought a scent-erasing potion from the store to erase his presence, even though it cost 3,000 points per bottle. And with his point supply running low, he had to ration the potion carefully. But it worked. For the first time, he could follow the Lupir unnoticed. When the Lupir finished their feast, they began moving back to their den¡ª And this was the most dangerous part. During the journey back, their instincts heightened, their senses sharpened, and they became hyper-alert. It was a way to ensure no predators followed them home. But Ethan had prepared. He moved slower, kept farther away, and minimized his presence to an almost undetectable level. Because death had taught him well. And he had finally accomplished his goal after seven days. Through his binoculars, he saw it¡ªthe Lupir''s den. A dark cavern, hidden beneath a rocky outcrop, surrounded by thorny vegetation. A smirk crept onto Ethan''s face. "Bingo." But before he could react¡ª A shadow moved behind him. A single Lupir, completely silent, had crept up on him. A flash of red eyes. A blur of fangs. Pain. Darkness. Death. Ethan''s vision snapped back to light, and he found himself standing at the Rebirth Altar. He was alive again. And he was smiling. He had found their den. Now, it was time for revenge. **** Ethan crouched outside the Lupir''s den, his cloak blending into the vegetation. The night was eerily silent, save for the occasional growl or snarl from inside the cavern. He waited, motionless, as the pack prepared for their hunt. One by one, the seven adult Duskfang Lupir emerged, their crimson eyes burning like embers in the dim moonlight. Their massive, muscular forms moved with deadly grace as they disappeared into the darkness, leaving only the faint scent of blood in their wake. Ethan exhaled slowly. Now was his chance. Stepping into the cavernous den, the first thing Ethan noticed was the stench¡ªa mixture of blood, damp fur, and raw meat. The walls were lined with deep claw marks, and bones¡ªsome animal, some human( his dead bodies)¡ªwere scattered across the uneven floor. Further in, Ethan spotted a large pit, dug into the ground and lined with soft animal pelts. This was the nesting area, where the Lupir cubs were kept safe while the adults hunted. But what caught Ethan''s attention was what was happening inside the nest. Chapter 11 - 11: Ch 10. Slaughter Stepping into the cavernous den, the first thing Ethan noticed was the stench¡ªa mixture of blood, damp fur, and raw meat. The walls were lined with deep claw marks, and bones¡ªsome animal, some human(his bodies)¡ªwere scattered across the uneven floor. Further in, Ethan spotted a large pit, dug into the ground and lined with soft animal pelts. This was the nesting area, where the Lupir cubs were kept safe while the adults hunted. But what caught Ethan''s attention was what was happening inside the nest. A group of five Duskfang Lupir cubs huddled together, tearing into a bloody carcass¡ªthe leftovers from the adults'' hunt. The cubs were smaller versions of the adults, their fur still soft but already dark gray. Their fangs were just beginning to grow in, and their claws, though shorter, were still deadly. Their eyes weren''t fully red yet but tinged with a deep, sinister crimson glow. But one cub was different. Ethan''s gaze locked onto a frail, weak-looking Lupir cub¡ªmuch smaller than the others. Its fur was patchy, its frame thin and malnourished. Unlike the rest, its eyes weren''t red but a dull amber, lacking the predatory fire of its siblings. The stronger cubs bullied it mercilessly. Whenever the frail cub tried to approach the carcass, one of the larger cubs shoved it back with a vicious snarl. The cub whined, ears flattening, but tried again¡ª Only for another cub to bite down on its paw, sharp little fangs piercing flesh. The frail cub yelped in pain, but before it could react, a third cub slammed into it from the side, sending it sprawling across the nest. It landed with a thud, its thin body trembling as bruises formed along its ribs. The pack continued feasting, ignoring the whimpers of their weaker sibling. Ethan clenched his fists. He wasn''t one for sympathy¡ªhe had long since abandoned such things in this merciless world. But something about the cub''s desperate struggle struck a chord within him. It reminded him of himself. Weak. Helpless. Abandoned. And he knew one thing¡ª The weak didn''t survive unless they fought back. Ethan steadied his mind, pushing aside any unnecessary thoughts. The Ruinborn Expanse was a place where compassion got you killed. In the past month, he had died more times than he could count, and each death had drilled one lesson into him¡ª The weak are nothing but prey. And the moment he saw the cubs, an idea solidified in his mind. He would use this opportunity. Ethan exhaled, gripping his dagger as he strode forward. Immediately, the five cubs'' noses twitched, sensing him despite his silent approach. The scent-erasing potion had worn off, but Ethan didn''t care. They were no threat to him. Their crimson-tinged eyes snapped toward him. Fur bristling, they let out low, guttural growls, their tiny fangs bared. Claws scraped against the stone floor, their predatory instincts kicking in. The weak cub, still curled up on the ground, used what little strength it had to lift its head. Its dull amber eyes flickered with confusion and fear as it gazed at the approaching stranger. Ethan didn''t hesitate. The moment the five cubs lunged at him, he moved. Slaughter. As the first cub leaped for his throat¡ªEthan sidestepped and drove his dagger straight through its skull, killing it instantly. The second tried to clamp onto his leg, but before its teeth could sink in, Ethan whipped his blade around, severing its spine. The third and fourth cubs attempted to flank him from both sides, but he ducked low, his cloak billowing as his dagger flashed in the dim light¡ªone clean slash ended them both. The final cub hesitated for a fraction of a second¡ªjust enough time for Ethan to pierce its heart. Silence fell over the den. Ethan exhaled, flicking the black blood off his blade as he put one of the cubs severed head into his ring. No ability fragment or point was gained, which was to be expected. They were too weak to provide any. His eyes then shifted back to the last remaining cub. The frail cub trembled, its bruised body instinctively shrinking away as Ethan approached. Its thin frame shuddered, eyes wide with pure terror. Then, as Ethan''s dagger glinted in the low light, the cub shut its eyes tightly, its tiny body stiffening. It had resigned itself to death. But it never came. Instead¡ª Something warm slid into its mouth. The cub''s eyes snapped open as a strange liquid rushed down its throat. A cool sensation spread through its body, and suddenly, the pain and exhaustion¡ª All of it vanished. The cub looked up, confused, only to see Ethan pulling an empty vial from its mouth. The bitter taste of healing potion still lingered on its tongue, but more than that¡ª It felt alive. For the first time, it''s body didn''t ache. Ethan watched as the cub processed what had just happened. Then, he reached into his storage ring and pulled out a chunk of leftover steak¡ªstill fresh, wrapped in thin parchment. The cub''s nose perked up, but instead of immediately lunging for the food, it hesitated, glancing between the meat and Ethan. Its expression¡ªif it could be called that¡ªwas one of doubt. It didn''t trust him. As if expecting the food to be a trap. Ethan sighed. "If I were you, I''d eat," he said flatly. "No need to worry about poison." Then, he gestured toward the slain cubs, their lifeless bodies strewn across the den. "I don''t need poison to handle a little cub." For a moment, the cub stared at him. Ethan didn''t know why he was explaining himself to an animal¡ªone that likely didn''t understand a word he was saying. Maybe spending an entire month alone had messed with his head more than he realized. But then¡ª The cub moved. It cautiously sniffed the steak, taking a tentative nibble. Then, as soon as the flavor exploded in its mouth¡ª It devoured the meat in seconds, tearing into it as if Ethan would snatch it away at any moment. Ethan watched, mildly amused, as the cub ravenously ate. And when it was finally done¡ª It hiccuped. The sudden noise startled the cub, making it jump slightly. Ethan chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled out a small metal canister from his storage ring and handed it over. "Here. Drink." The cub tilted its head but took a few cautious sips¡ªenough for the hiccups to stop. Then, after a moment, the cub looked up at Ethan. And before he could react¡ª It rubbed its head against his leg. A simple, gentle gesture of gratitude. Ethan froze. For the first time in a long while, something unexpected stirred in his chest. But his thoughts were soon interrupted. A new notification appeared before his eyes¡ª [System Notification] Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Pet Found!] A true hunter does not rely solely on skill and weaponry. The wild is a battlefield where survival is dictated by more than just strength¡ªa hunter must possess instinct, patience, and above all¡­ a loyal companion. [New Companion Detected: Duskfang Lupir Cub] Chapter 12 - 12: Ch 11. New Pet [System Notification] [Pet Found!] A true hunter does not rely solely on skill and weaponry. The wild is a battlefield where survival is dictated by more than just strength¡ªa hunter must possess instinct, patience, and above all¡­ a loyal companion. [New Companion Detected: Duskfang Lupir Cub] [Companion Information] Name: [Unregistered] Species: Duskfang Lupir (Cub) Age: 3 Months Current Strength: Extremely Weak Position in Food Chain: 4th (Above Horned Skervel, Below Grave Mawler) Evolution: Possible [Requires Points] Traits: None [To Be Unlocked] [Background] This Duskfang Lupir Cub was once brimming with potential. Born to the Alpha of the Pack, it carried the bloodline of a leader. However, when its father fell in battle, the pack underwent a brutal shift in power. The new Alpha saw the cub as nothing more than a burden. Neglected. Abandoned. Rejected. While the rest of the new alpha''s cubs grew strong, it was left starving, barely able to fight for scraps. It was beaten, ridiculed, and cast aside¡ªan outcast among its own kind. But potential is never truly lost. Though weak now, its blood still remembers the power it once held. Through proper training, nourishment, and care, it may yet reclaim its rightful strength¡ªperhaps even surpass those who once cast it aside. [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution is locked. Evolution requires allocated points. Unique Traits and Abilities may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. Would you like to register this companion? [YES] ¨C [Confirm Companion Bond] [NO] ¨C [Release] Ethan''s eyes flickered as he processed the notification. A pet system. He hadn''t expected that. And yet, as he glanced down at the small cub still rubbing its head against his leg, he felt something he hadn''t in a long time¡ª Companionship. Ethan took a deep breath and selected [Yes] to confirm the companion bond. The moment he did, a surge of warmth spread through his chest, like a thread connecting his soul to the frail cub. The cub, suddenly let out a soft whimper as a golden glow enveloped its body. Ethan took a step back, watching in shock as the radiance grew brighter, engulfing the entire den in a soft, pulsing light. Then, just as abruptly as it began, the light dimmed¡ªand the cub was gone. In its place lay a large egg, its dark surface etched with faint, pulsating runes. Ethan''s eyes widened. "What the hell?" He crouched, poking the egg with his finger. It was warm, almost alive, a slow rhythm pulsing through its shell. Before he could make sense of what happened, a system notification appeared before him. [System Notification] Your companion is undergoing evolutionary advancement. Due to its extreme malnourishment and weak state, the bond ritual has triggered a full metamorphosis. Estimated time for completion: 1 week. During this time, the egg must remain protected. Ethan stared at the notification, then at the egg. His expectations had been high¡ªhe thought he''d walk out of the den with a loyal companion by his side. Instead, he was stuck with a damn egg. He picked it up, holding it under one arm. "Seriously? I have to wait a whole week for this little guy?" He sighed, already resigning himself to the delay. But just as he was about to put the matter aside, another notification appeared. [System Notice] Would you like to shorten the evolution time? Time reduction is available using Points. 1 hour = 100,000 points. Full week reduction = 1,680,000 points. Ethan''s momentary excitement vanished. His expression darkened as he read the ridiculous cost. "100,000 points for a single hour? That''s robbery!" He checked his current points¡ªnowhere near enough. Not even close. With a defeated sigh, he tucked the egg into his storage ring. "Looks like you''ll be waiting a week, little guy." He shook his head. "Oh well, I''ve been hunting alone this whole time anyway. Nothing really changes." With the pet situation set aside, Ethan turned his attention back to his mission. He needed to move deeper into the den. But just as he took a step forward¡ª A deep, guttural growl echoed through the cave. Ethan froze. From the shadows ahead, glowing red eyes emerged, one pair after another. Heavy footfalls thudded against the stone floor. The pack was back. The Lupir wolves had cut their hunt short, sensing something was wrong within their den. Now, as they took in the sight of their slaughtered cubs, their usual bloodlust twisted into something far darker¡ªan unrelenting fury. Their leader, a massive Lupir Alpha, stepped forward. Its silver fur bristled, its muscles coiled tight like a drawn bowstring. Then its sharp gaze landed on the headless corpse of one of its cubs. The beast''s lips curled back into a vicious snarl. Ethan smirked. "Oh, are you looking for this?" With a flick of his wrist, he pulled the severed head from his storage ring and held it up. The Alpha''s growl cut off, its eyes burning with unrestrained rage. Ethan twirled the head between his fingers. "I was thinking of keeping it as a souvenir." He shrugged. "Hope you don''t mind." Whatever control the pack had left snapped. With a chorus of enraged howls, the Lupir wolves charged, their only intent: to tear Ethan apart. But Ethan only smiled. This was exactly what he wanted. The Lupir pack lunged toward Ethan¡ªtwenty snarling, bloodthirsty beasts moving as one. Their glowing red eyes locked onto him like a pack of demons, their claws carving deep trenches into the stone floor as they pounced. Ethan tightened his grip around his dagger, steadying himself. He had no chance in a direct fight¡ªnot yet. But he didn''t need to fight them head-on. Just as the first Lupir closed in¡ª PSSSHHHH! Thick, dark smoke exploded into the air as Ethan threw down a handful of smoke bombs. The fume expanded instantly, consuming everything in its path like a living shadow, dragging the pack and Ethan into an inescapable abyss. PSSSHHHH! sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The air thickened with the bitter scent of burning resin, the world around them vanishing in the black haze. The Lupir pack howled in alarm, their glowing eyes flickering in and out of the dense fog. Ethan didn''t stop there. With swift hands, he uncorked his last remaining Scent-Erasing Potion and smashed it against the ground. The mist-like vapor spread, merging into the smoke, completely erasing his scent. The effect was immediate. The Lupir wolves stumbled in the darkness, their noses twitching aggressively. The air, once thick with Ethan''s scent, was now empty¡ªas if he had ceased to exist. But Ethan knew better. Even if they couldn''t see him¡­ even if they couldn''t smell him¡­ The moment he attacked, they would sense him. So, he stayed hidden. Low to the ground, he moved silently, his breath shallow, his heart pounding in sync with the frustrated growls around him. The Lupir pack grew wild with rage. Their howls turned into enraged snaps, their claws scraping across the cave floor as they blindly searched for him. Ethan maneuvered through the smoke like a shadow, keeping his distance from the rampaging beasts. This was his playground now. But he wasn''t perfect. Just as he took a careful step to reposition¡ª A sudden prickle of cold ran up his spine. Something was behind him. Before he could react¡ª BAM! A massive paw slammed into his back, sending him flying forward. Ethan crashed against the ground, pain exploding across his ribs. His armor absorbed part of the impact, but the sheer force still rattled his bones. He gritted his teeth, rolling instinctively, coming up fast, dagger raised¡ª His eyes met the Alpha Lupir. The massive beast stood before him, its silver fur rippling in the smoke, its glowing red eyes locked onto Ethan with a chilling intensity. It hadn''t needed sight. It hadn''t needed scent. It had felt him. Ethan''s fingers clenched around his dagger as he exhaled sharply. "¡­Shit." Chapter 13 - 13: Ch 12. Ethan vs Alpha The Alpha Lupir had not always been a ruler of the pack. Once, it had been nothing more than a wandering beast¡ªroaming the lands, feeding when it could, fighting when it had to. Then came the day it challenged an old, fading Alpha. The previous Alpha had once been strong, but age had dulled its claws and slowed its fangs. It could no longer defend its place at the top. The battle was over quickly¡ªthe young challenger tore out the old wolf''s throat and howled its victory to the skies. From that moment on, everything belonged to it. The pack. The territory. The females. Everything. Yet, for reasons unknown even to itself, it spared a frail cub¡ªthe offspring of the former Alpha. A decision that made no sense in the world of beasts. Perhaps pity? Perhaps instinct? But when the Alpha sired its own offspring, it ensured they would never be outdone. It hunted tirelessly, bringing back the finest cuts of meat for its cubs. It watched them grow strong and fierce. One day, they would inherit its strength and its rule. Yet now¡­ The cubs it had meticulously raised, the ones it had fed the best meat, had been slaughtered. And the weak, pathetic creature responsible stood right before it. For the past month, the Alpha and its pack had noticed these strange, frail creatures that had begun appearing out of nowhere. They had been hunting them, killing them, ripping them apart for sport. But now, it realized these creatures were not prey. They were vermin. Filth. A lesser species that did not know its place. The Alpha''s eyes burned with pure, unfiltered rage. The only thing in its primal, underdeveloped mind was how to tear Ethan apart, how to make his death slow and agonizing. Ethan, standing firm with his dagger outstretched, exhaled steadily. "Alright..." he muttered. He just had to hold out long enough. Then it would be his win. Reaching into his storage ring, he pulled out a small, round pill and popped it into his mouth. Instantly, a cool mint flavor spread across his tongue. An Endurance Enhancement Pill. Exactly what he needed. Because this fight... was about to get ugly. The Alpha Lupir lunged with a blur of muscle and claws. Ethan barely had time to react before the first swipe came for his legs¡ªaiming to cripple his mobility. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the Alpha was relentless. Another clawed strike carved through the air, this time at his other leg. Ethan jumped back just in time. Then came a barrage¡ªeach swipe meant to tear muscle, break bones, rip tendons apart. Ethan dodged, ducked, sidestepped¡ªhis reflexes sharpened by the Endurance Pill. It didn''t just boost his stamina, it heightened his senses, increased his speed, and strengthened his muscles. But even with those boosts, he was barely keeping up. Why isn''t the full effect kicking in yet? The Alpha snarled as its frustration grew. It wanted blood. And then¡ª S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It tilted its head back and howled. But this wasn''t just a howl. This was Predator''s Dominion. A rare trait of Apex Beasts. It took time to charge, but when released, it paralyzed any creature lower on the food chain¡ªa command written into the very fabric of nature. Ethan''s entire body locked up. His limbs froze mid-movement, his breath hitched, and his heartbeat pounded in his ears. Then the Alpha attacked. It started with his arms¡ªa deep gash tearing through his left forearm, then another across his right. His legs came next¡ªrazor-sharp claws slicing through flesh and muscle, leaving jagged wounds. Each strike was measured, and deliberate. Not to kill. To torture. Ethan had died countless times since coming to the Ruinborn Expanse, but each death had been quick. This wasn''t quick. This was pain. Raw, merciless pain. His own blood coated him, dripping onto the stone floor, and pooling beneath him. His vision blurred, and his breath came ragged. If not for the Endurance Pill, he would have died ten times over. Instead, the pill was keeping him alive¡ªjust long enough to suffer. Why the hell isn''t it taking effect yet?! The Alpha snarled, stepping back to deliver the final blow¡ªits fangs bared, ready to rip out Ethan''s throat. Then¡ª It froze. Its body convulsed. Blood gushed from its mouth. Its muscles locked, and its breath hitched. Ethan, barely holding on, managed a weak smirk. "Finally..." he muttered. Ethan had always had a way of defeating the Lupir. Poison. It was a simple truth¡ªthe weak had always used it to bring down the strong. But the Lupir weren''t so easily fooled. Their keen sense of smell had always allowed them to detect the threat in time, avoiding the poison before it could take effect. They would retreat, wait for it to disperse, and then return to finish the job. But this time was different. This time, the beasts were blind¡ªor more like sensory-drunk on the sheer rage and bloodlust they felt toward Ethan. It was a gambit¡ªa reckless one. But one that had paid off. The thick smoke from earlier finally began to fade, revealing the battlefield. Scattered across the ground were barely breathing beasts, their powerful bodies weakened and twitching. The Alpha''s gaze flickered, realization setting in. Why hadn''t the rest of the pack joined the attack? It was because they were fighting their own losing battle. The Alpha turned back to Ethan¡ªthe source of all this. A single creature had brought them all to this state. It had underestimated him. And now, it was about to pay the price. Yet, despite the rage that should have consumed it, a small relief settled in. At the very least, it had avenged its offspring. But that relief shattered when it met Ethan''s eyes. There was no despair. No regret. Only pure satisfaction. The kind of satisfaction that came from finally achieving a goal¡ªone that had been denied over and over again. The Alpha did not understand. And that lack of understanding left it feeling... unsatisfied. Then, its breath stilled. Its body slumped. And it died. ¡ª [System Notification] You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragments (x19). You have obtained 1,000 points (x19). ¡ª The Alpha''s body went cold. And then¡ª [System Notification] You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragment. You have obtained 5,000 points. ¡ª Ethan grinned through the pain. With these rewards, he wouldn''t stagnate. He would continue growing. But his victory came at a cost. The adrenaline that had kept him standing finally faded. His body¡ªriddled with wounds, torn apart, bleeding out¡ªcollapsed. As the world darkened, he managed a weak chuckle. "Hope I don''t get used to constantly dying." Then, everything faded to black. Chapter 14 - 14: Ch 13. Predators Fang Ethan''s consciousness stirred as he felt the familiar sensation of being pulled back into existence. A moment later, he stood once more upon the Altar of Rebirth. The eerie stone platform hummed beneath his feet, glowing faintly with pulsing runes¡ªremnants of the mystical forces that resurrected him. He let out a slow breath, stretching his arms as he took in his surroundings. Then, with a smirk, he muttered, "Finally¡­ I can get what I need." The Altar of Rebirth Store was vast, a seemingly endless void filled with floating, glowing artifacts and weapons. Each item was a potential lifeline or a game-changer. But the best gear? That wasn''t available from the start. Access had to be earned through points¡ªa system designed to reward those who persevered. And now, Ethan had done just that. [System Notification] Total Points: 24,000 Ability Fragments: 0.34 Navigating through the store''s interface, Ethan scrolled past the items he previously couldn''t afford. But now? Now, he had enough. His eyes landed on exactly what he wanted. [Purchase Confirmed] Points Deducted: 24,000 Points. His point balance dropped to zero, but he didn''t care. Because this was worth it. Item Purchased: Predator''s Fang (Advanced Repeating Shotgun) The Predator''s Fang was no ordinary shotgun. Its functions were phenomenal. +7% Increased Accuracy ¨C A subtle but lethal edge in battle. Range: 70 meters ¨C Perfect for mid-range combat, eliminating threats before they got too close. High Damage Power ¨C Strong enough to tear through most beast hides with a single well-placed shot. Self-Reloading Mechanism ¨C No need to waste time reloading¡ªit was always ready to fire. It was every hunter''s dream weapon. With this, Ethan wouldn''t have to rely on his previous strategy¡ªhunting cubs to anger the pack before dealing with them. Now, he could simply eliminate them from a distance before they even saw him coming. And that... was far more efficient and honorable. Ethan grinned as he slung the weapon over his shoulder, feeling its perfect weight settle against his back. Then, without hesitation, he stepped off the altar and headed back into the wild. **** A pack of Lupir lay in wait, their sleek bodies pressed low against the tall grass. The night was bright, illuminated by the twin moons, yet their dark fur blended seamlessly with the shadows, making them nearly invisible. Their prey¡ªa lone Skervel¡ªcontinued to graze, unaware that its life was about to end. The pack remained still, waiting for the perfect moment. Then¡ª One of the Lupir lunged, its powerful muscles propelling it forward in a blur of death. The Skervel froze, its instincts failing it, knowing it was as good as dead. But before the Lupir''s jaws could sink into its neck¡ª BANG! A single gunshot ripped through the air, and the Lupir''s skull exploded in a spray of blood. It collapsed, lifeless. The Skervel, miraculously spared, blinked in stunned relief. Then¡ª BANG! A second shot. This time, the bullet pierced the Skervel''s head, killing it instantly. Ethan, from his vantage point, lowered his weapon and muttered, "Uh¡­ that was a misfire." But who could really tell? The remaining Lupir were instantly on high alert. Their ears perked up, their keen senses scanning the night. Then, they moved¡ªslipping through the grass, stalking toward Ethan''s position. But Ethan wasn''t about to be snuck up on so easily. The moment five of them stepped too close A sharp mechanical snap echoed. Spikes shot up from hidden traps, impaling the five unsuspecting Lupir. Their bodies twitched, then fell motionless, blood soaking into the soil. The remaining twenty Lupir stumbled back in panic, their formation breaking apart. Ethan smirked. There was no need to worry about Predator''s Dominion¡ªthe alpha was already dead. The 5000 points he received earlier confirmed it. The Lupir quickly regained their composure, their heads lowered, eyes scanning the surroundings. They weren''t as foolish as before. This time, they detected where the other traps were. Then, preparing themselves, they charged toward Ethan. But Ethan wasn''t going to give them a chance. The closest Lupir barely took a step before¡ª BANG! A bullet tore through its eye, burrowing deep into its brain. It collapsed, dead before it hit the ground. The remaining 19 instantly adjusted, surging forward, planning to surround him before he could fire again. But before they could even complete the encirclement¡ª Ethan was already moving. A Lupir lunged, its jaws snapping inches from his arm¡ª BANG! Ethan''s gun roared, sending a bullet straight through its open mouth, shredding its skull from the inside. The lifeless body crashed to the ground. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One by one, the Lupir fell. Each time they tried to corner him, Ethan outmaneuvered them. Each time they lunged, a bullet met them first. The final Lupir, the last survivor, tried to retreat¡ªbut it couldn''t. A bullet had already pierced its leg, crippling it. Ethan raised his gun for the finishing shot¡ª Then¡ª [SYSTEM ALERT: Predator''s Fang requires 10 minutes to reload.] Ethan''s eyes widened in shock. "What?! Since when?!" The system hadn''t mentioned a cooldown. But there was no time to be annoyed. He drew his dagger, the blade gleaming under the moonlight. Then, without hesitation, he rushed forward, closing the distance between him and the wounded beast. The Lupir snarled, attempting one last defiant growl¡ª But Ethan plunged his dagger into its neck, twisting the blade. The Lupir shuddered, then collapsed, dead. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragments (X26). You have obtained 30,000 points. Ethan stared at the notification. Then, he grinned. He was getting closer to his goals. After that, he turned away from the battlefield, making his way back toward the Rebirth Altar. Tonight, he would rest. **** For seven days, Ethan had done nothing but hunt. The Lupir population had thinned in his hunting grounds, and he had earned more points than ever before. But today¡ªtoday was different. Because today¡­ the egg would hatch. Ethan sat cross-legged inside the altar, a small fire flickering nearby. With a thought, he reached into his Storage Ring, and the egg appeared in his hands. It was warm¡ªwarmer than before. A low hum pulsed from within, like a heartbeat. Then¡ª A faint crack formed along the surface. The crack spread, slowly at first, then faster, like lightning crawling across a dark sky. Crack. A piece of the shell broke off. Crack. Another. A soft glow began to leak from within. Then¡ª CRACK! The egg burst open, shards scattering in all directions. A blinding light engulfed the area, forcing Ethan to shield his eyes. When the light faded¡ª He looked down. And froze. It was no longer a frail, helpless cub. No. The creature that emerged¡­ was something else entirely. Its grey fur gleamed under the firelight as if woven from shadows. Its limbs were lean yet powerful, every muscle coiled with latent strength. Its eyes¡ªglowing a deep amber-red¡ªheld an intelligence far beyond what a mere beast should possess. A pair of sharp fangs protruded slightly from its upper jaw, promising savagery in battle. And along its spine, faint runic markings shimmered briefly before fading. This was no ordinary Lupir cub. It had skipped the fragile stage entirely. It was already¡­ a predator. Just then, a system notification flashed before Ethan''s eyes. [Companion Information] Name: [Unregistered] Species: Duskfang Lupir Age: 3 Months Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 4th (Above Horned Skervel, Below Grave Mawler) ¡ª [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution: 0/600,000 Evolution requires allocated points. Unique Traits and Abilities may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. ¡ª [Traits: None] To Be Unlocked. ¡ª Chapter 15 - 15: Ch 14. Evolution Begins [Companion Information] Name: [Unregistered] Species: Duskfang Lupir Age: 3 Months Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 4th (Above Horned Skervel, Below Grave Mawler) [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution Requirement: 0/600,000 Evolution requires allocated points. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unique Traits and Abilities may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. [Traits: None] (To Be Unlocked) Ethan''s eyes flickered over the companion status screen, analyzing the information before him. The cub¡ªno, the predator¡ªwas no longer weak. Where its strength rating had once been "Extremely Weak," it had now become "Stable." The evolution process must have corrected all its deficiencies, transforming it into a true apex hunter. Ethan''s gaze then moved to the evolution pathway. [Evolution Requirement: 0/600,000 Points] A hefty price. But if this evolution was anything like the first transformation, the power gain would be more than worth it. Ethan nodded. "Expensive, but worthwhile." His fist clenched slightly but it wasn''t noticable. His gaze then shifted to the name section. [Name: Unregistered] Right. It needed a name. Ethan frowned slightly, rubbing his chin as he examined his new companion. Calling it "little fella" felt¡­ wrong. The beast was already over two meters tall, its sleek grey fur rippling over solid muscle. There was nothing "little" about it. After a moment of thought, Ethan smirked. "From now on, you''ll be called¡­ Gray." The Lupir''s ears perked up, amber-red eyes locking onto Ethan''s. It didn''t speak, but the look it gave him¡­ almost felt like approval. A moment later, the name section changed [Name: Gray] Ethan grinned. "Alright, Gray¡­ Let''s see what you can do." **** One month later... Time had passed, and Gray had become an invaluable partner in Ethan''s hunts. Together, they had perfected their synergy, with their teamwork honed through countless battles. But along the way, Ethan had discovered something crucial¡ª The Sanctum did not follow conventional logic. Here, strength was determined by one thing: Position in the Food Chain. When Ethan first arrived, he had been at the bottom, weaker than even the most feeble creatures. But through adaptation, equipment upgrades, and relentless hunting, he had begun climbing the chain. Currently, he had reached 4th place, surpassing both the Horned Skervel and the Duskfang Lupir. However, the most interesting part was Gray''s position. Gray''s strength was tied to Ethan''s. Unlike other beasts, Gray did not rank separately¡ªhis status as Ethan''s companion meant his power was linked to Ethan''s standing and vice versa. And since Ethan had climbed to 4th place, Gray had surged to 3rd place in the food chain. Because Ethan had not been included in the chain for Gray since Ethan was his master and not his enemy. That is why the moment Gray ascended the chain, something within him awakened. [New Trait Unlocked: Predator''s Dominion] As a natural alpha, Gray could now lock down enemies, forcing them into submission. Ethan wasted no time in exploiting this new power. Their strategy became flawless: Ethan would snipe the Alpha first, killing it instantly. Gray would then activate Predator''s Dominion, freezing the rest of the pack in place. Ethan would move in for the kill. It was absolute domination. But good things never last forever. After weeks of hunting Lupir packs, the system stopped awarding points and ability fragments. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] You have exceeded the threshold for hunting lower-ranked prey. No further rewards will be granted for killing Duskfang Lupir. It was time to move up the chain. Ethan opened his system interface, checking his accumulated resources: [System Interface] Points Available: 149,000 Ability Fragments: 0.56 He was more than halfway there. Ethan smirked. "I can practically taste the ability." Without hesitation, he turned away from his former hunting grounds, setting his sights on the next beast in the chain. **** The Graven Mawler was a nightmare in the shadows. Ethan had faced many predators, but none were like the Graven Mawler. A quadrupedal beast, its body was covered in armored scales, making it nearly impervious to most attacks. But its true terror lay not in its defense¡ª ¡ªbut in its jaw. The Graven Mawler was named for its massive, crushing maw, capable of snapping bones like twigs. And it was extremely territorial, meaning it always moved alone. But the worst part? It had an affinity with shadows, blending into its surroundings so seamlessly that it might as well not exist. It was a predator that attacked when you least expected it. For two whole months, Ethan suffered. His usual tactics of stalking a creature, learning its habits and weaknesses, were useless against a beast he couldn''t even see. And every time he failed, he was met with death. But there was one small mercy¡ª Whenever he respawned at the Altar of Rebirth, Gray was always right there beside him. That was the one thing that kept him sane. But after two months of endless suffering, Ethan finally managed to kill one. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] You have obtained 0.001 ability fragments. You have obtained 50,000 points. Ethan stared at the notification. Then, slowly, he grinned. "I don''t believe it worked." Ethan''s breakthrough came when he realized something critical: Every time he died, his corpse never disappeared. His plan was built around three crucial factors: The Mawler was a carnivore¡ªall high-ranked predators ate their kills. Ethan''s corpses remained after every death, meaning they could serve as bait. Gray had an incredible sense of smell, allowing him to detect which Mawler had eaten Ethan''s body. So instead of trying to fight the Mawler head-on, Ethan did something insane: He poisoned himself. Every time he entered Mawler territory, he would ingest poison, ensuring that when the Mawler killed and ate him, it would unknowingly ingest the poison as well. Since gaseous poison had already proven ineffective, the poison had to be ingested directly. And what better way than through his own corpse? The cycle repeated: Ethan dies. His corpse is left behind. A Mawler eats him, unknowingly ingesting poison. Gray tracks the poisoned Mawler. Ethan respawns and finds the poisoned beast. Ethan feeds it more poison. Repeat. It was a war of attrition¡ªEthan''s sacrifice for victory. And finally, after countless deaths, he had his first kill. But the Hunt was Far from Over He patted Gray''s side, climbing onto his back. "Hope I get poison immunity after all this" He joked. Then, with a sharp command, he and Gray left the altar, heading back into the Mawler''s hunting grounds. He still had more Mawlers to kill. **** Ethan''s hunt had finally reached its turning point. For months, he had sacrificed, died, and adapted, all for this moment. After another successful kill, he respawned at the Altar of Rebirth, greeted by the now familiar system notification¡ª ¡ª [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] You have obtained 0.001 ability fragments. You have obtained 50,000 points. ¡ª Ethan exhaled, feeling the exhaustion of hundreds of deaths weighing on him. But this time, his suffering had brought results. He opened his Companion Interface, his gaze locking onto Gray''s stats. ¡ª [Companion Information] Name: [Gray] Species: Duskfang Lupir [Alpha] Age: 8 Months Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 3rd (Above Duskfang Lupir, Below Graven Mawler) ¡ª [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution Requirement: 580,000/600,000 Evolution requires allocated points. Trait:Predator''s Dominion Traits and Abilities may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. ¡ª Ethan''s eyes narrowed. He was only 20,000 points away. And he had more than enough points now. Without hesitation, Ethan allocated the remaining 20,000 points. [EVOLUTION COMMENCING] A sudden pulse of energy erupted from Gray''s body. The ground rumbled beneath them. Ethan stepped back, watching as Gray''s form began to distort, his body trembling as the evolution began. A blinding crimson light engulfed the Duskfang Lupir, turning the surrounding air dense with energy. Gray let out a deep, guttural growl, his muscles twisting and expanding as his body began to change. Ethan clenched his fists. This was it¡ª Gray was evolving. Chapter 16 - 16: Ch 15. Stormfang Lupir The blinding crimson light finally faded, and when Ethan''s vision cleared, what stood before him was no longer the same Gray. Gray''s once sleek, grey fur had grown thicker and more defined, with a majestic silver mane flowing down his back. His body had become more muscular, his limbs denser with power, and his canines sharper, exuding an aura of absolute dominance. Atop his forehead, a single, curved horn jutted out¡ªjet black with silver streaks running along its length. But the most striking change was in his eyes¡ªthey now gleamed with a golden glow, the same radiant hue as Ethan''s own. Gray let out a deep, resonant growl, his massive frame radiating power that hadn''t been there before. Ethan grinned as he pulled up Gray''s status screen. [Companion Information] Name: [Gray] Species: Stormfang Lupir Age: 8 Months Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 2nd (Above Grave Mawler, Below Fellstrider Rykir) [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution Requirement: 0/20,000,000 Evolution requires allocated points. Unique Traits may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. [Traits] Predator''s Dominion (Lock enemies in place with sheer presence.) Windrazor Fang (New Trait ¨C Allows Gray to send sharp wind blades to attack the enemy.) Ethan''s grin faltered as he stared at the new evolution requirement. "Twenty million points?!" He slowly turned his gaze toward Gray. Gray, standing tall and regal, exuded the aura of a true apex predator. His silver mane flowed majestically in the wind, his golden eyes were sharp and intelligent, and his muscles rippled with latent power. A true beast of the wilds. Ethan, however, was not impressed. Instead, he crossed his arms, looking at Gray like a man staring at his financial ruin. "You... you''re a damn point-drainer, you know that?" Gray tilted his head. "Twenty million? Are you trying to bankrupt me? You think points grow on trees?!" Gray huffed, exhaling a strong gust of wind that sent Ethan stumbling back. "Oh, so now you''ve got attitude too, huh?" Ethan grumbled. Then, his eyes landed on the new trait¡ªWindrazor Fang¡ªand his annoyance melted into a slow, evil grin. His mind raced with possibilities. "Wait... sharp wind blades? This... this is actually perfect." He could already picture it¡ªGray standing at a distance, sending invisible wind slashes at enemies while Ethan cleaned up the rest. "Oh, I am going to abuse this." Ethan''s sinister chuckle echoed through the forest, his thoughts already brimming with creative destruction. Ethan patted his companion''s massive shoulder. "Come on, partner, let''s go hunting. We''ve got some ''experiments'' to run." And with that, the two vanished into the wilds¡ªone a reborn predator, the other an opportunistic madman, both ready to wreak havoc. **** The Graven Mawler was a solitary beast, but even the most territorial of creatures had an instinct that overrode their nature¡ªthe need to mate. Mating season was the only time when these elusive predators came together, but they didn''t fight for dominance through brute force like other beasts. Instead, they competed in the art of disappearance. The males had to prove their mastery of their unique trait¡ªPerfect Erasure¡ªby vanishing from sight. The Mawler that could erase its presence the most would be the one to secure a mate. But this season¡­ something was different. The usual fierce competition was absent. The number of male Mawlers had plummeted. And the cause of this was Ethan. He had done an outstanding job in thinning their numbers, unknowingly becoming the greatest wingman for the surviving males. And one of those lucky male Mawlers stood before a female, showcasing his skill. He vanished, blending into the surroundings¡ªhis scales absorbing light, his presence fading into nothingness. The air barely shimmered, a sign of near-perfect concealment. But the female remained unimpressed. She had seen better performances in past mating seasons¡ªmales who could erase themselves so thoroughly that she would forget they were even there. Still¡­ There were no other contenders. With a reluctant grunt, she turned around, accepting the only option left. The male, excited beyond measure, stepped forward. His body trembled as he positioned himself. He was mere moments away from achieving what every Mawler lived for¡ª SHINK! Suddenly a wind blade tore through the air. And the male''s head flew off his shoulders before he could even react. His face, frozen in shock and deep, soul-crushing regret, reflected a single thought: "Why now?....It could have been better if I died after I put it in." His severed head thudded against the ground, rolling lifelessly. The female Mawler immediately activated her camouflage, fading from sight. Something that could kill a male in one strike was not something she wanted to challenge. But it didn''t matter. Gray didn''t need to see her. The entire battlefield was a flat plain, broken only by large, protruding rocks. Gray, standing tall, lifted his head¡ªgolden eyes gleaming¡ªand unleashed Windrazor Fang. Invisible blades of wind erupted in every direction, slicing through stone and air alike. The landscape was torn apart. And then¡­ the air itself seemed to bleed black blood. The female reappeared, her once perfect camouflage failing as a ghastly wound ran across her torso. She let out a weak, pained grunt before her body split in half, her upper body slumping forward as her lower half collapsed. She was dead. [System Notification] [You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragments x2.] [You have obtained 50,000 Points x2.] Ethan grinned, pleased with the results. "Finally¡­ I don''t have to kill myself just to take down a Mawler." Before, he had to die repeatedly, using his corpses as a tool to poison these creatures. But now? Now he could hunt them straight up. And with mating season in full swing, he had the perfect opportunity to wipe out the remaining Mawlers. A smile that was not meant for a hero stretched across his face. He climbed onto Gray''s back, and together, they vanished into the wilds, ready to butcher more desperate Mawlers before they could fulfill their life''s purpose. **** It was not a hunt. It was a massacre. Ethan and Gray were out for blood, and the Graven Mawlers had no place to hide. No matter what they were doing¡ªcourting, eating, or even sleeping¡ªthey were all cut down mercilessly. A Mawler attempting to court a mate? SHINK! A wind blade would slice through both before they could even begin. A Mawler feasting on its kill? SHINK! Its head would separate from its body, mouth still chewing as its lifeless corpse slumped to the ground. A Mawler sleeping peacefully, unaware of its impending doom? SHINK! A wind blade would wake it up¡ªbut only for a moment¡ªbefore sending it into an eternal slumber. This was all possible due to Gray''s evolution. It had enhanced his senses to an unnatural level. He could smell them. He could hear them. He could feel their presence, even when they were hidden from sight. And once Gray locked onto them¡ªit was over. He would unleash a barrage of Windrazor Fang, the destructive wind blades tearing through flesh, bone, and terrain alike. Entire sections of land were left scarred, rock formations shattered, and blood-soaked winds howled through the battlefield. The Graven Mawlers, once feared as apex predators, had become nothing more than fodder for Ethan''s slaughter. And after Two weeks. Ethan finally stopped. Not because he was tired. Not because he had mercy. But because the system no longer rewarded him. [You have obtained 0 Ability Fragments x0.] [You have obtained 0,000 Points x0.] He had reached the threshold for hunting mawlers. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Opening his status, he checked his progress: [Points Available: 9,000,000] [Ability Fragments: 0.799] Ethan let out a slow exhale, staring at the horrific battlefield of butchered corpses and shattered terrain. Then, he turned to Gray, his golden eyes gleaming. ... ... ... ... A/N: Got an idea for an ability? Just write it down in the comments. The sanctum arc will soon come to an end so I need to get a lot of abilities at least A hundred to keep to story moving. ... ... ... ... Chapter 17 - 17: Ch 16.Rulers of the sky Ethan sat atop the altar of rebirth. The silver light of the two moons reflected off his armor, but there was no satisfaction in his expression. He glanced at Gray, his companion, whose golden eyes shone with quiet intensity. "It looks like hunting Mawlers is no longer profitable," Ethan muttered, his voice laced with frustration. He hated it¡ªthe threshold that dictated when he stopped receiving points and fragments. All the pain, all the deaths he had endured, just to take down a single monster, meant nothing now. Every kill, every hard-earned victory¡ªwasted. And now, to grow stronger, he had to start from scratch again. A thought crept into his mind, a whisper of doubt that had been festering deep inside him for a while. "Should I just give up?" Ethan clenched his fists. The sheer mental exhaustion of dying over and over again was beginning to weigh on him. No normal human could endure what he had endured. He had lost count of how many times he had felt his own body break, felt his own breath stop, only to wake up at the Altar of Rebirth as if nothing had happened. It wasn''t just physical pain¡ªit was the slow, creeping weariness of a man being crushed by an unrelenting fate. He wasn''t even supposed to be here. Just days ago, he was a normal guy on Earth. A nobody. Now, he was locked in a brutal cycle of life and death, fighting monsters that could crush him with a single bite. Who would blame him if he stopped? Who would criticize him if he walked away? For the first time since arriving in this world, Ethan hesitated. Then, without warning¡ªhe blew himself up. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. BOOM! Gray yelped, his ears flattening in shock. He stared at the altar, confused, his tail flicking in agitation. His master had just self-destructed¡ªwhy? A moment later, Ethan respawned at the Altar of Rebirth, gasping as he reoriented himself. He let out a slow exhale, shaking off the lingering pain of death. Then, he laughed. "It''s too early to be giving up now." Ethan looked down at his hands. He was still here. He had made it this far, hadn''t he? That alone was proof that he could keep going. If he gave up now, everything he had endured¡ªall the suffering, all the sacrifices, all the pain¡ªwould have been for nothing. "I can''t just throw it all away," he murmured. This was a second chance¡ªa new life, a new world. And in this world, power was everything. He clenched his fists. Power to protect himself. Power to protect those he cared about. Power that would ensure no one could ever look down on him again. Power to bend fate itself to his will. The sanctum had given him the opportunity to obtain that power. How could he give up now? "A thousand deaths? Ten thousand? Even a million?" Ethan smirked, his golden eyes burning with renewed determination. "I''ll experience them all. Because being weak is not an option. I would rather die than remain weak." Gray''s ears perked up as Ethan approached, his usual smirk back in place. The hesitation, the doubt¡ªit was gone. In its place was the unyielding resolve of a man who had already died a hundred times yet refused to break. Ethan swung himself onto Gray''s back, gripping the fur of his silver mane. "Let''s go, Gray." His voice was steady, unwavering. "It''s time to hunt." The Graven Mawlers were finished. Now, it was time for their next prey¡ªthe Fellstrider Rykir. **** A Graven Mawler stalked through the flatlands, its massive frame moving with a deceptive silence. Its claws scraped against the rocky terrain as it marked its territory, dragging deep gashes into the earth. The air was thick with the stench of blood and dust, a claim of dominance among its kind. But then¡ªa shadow loomed over it. Something large blocked out the sun, and the Mawler instinctively froze, its primal instincts screaming at it to run. As it slowly lifted its gaze¡ªonly for sharp talons to fill its vision. Before it could react, the beast above snatched it from the ground, powerful claws piercing deep into its flesh. The Mawler thrashed, snarling, its limbs flailing wildly as it fought to break free¡ªbut the grip was unrelenting. The predator was stronger. Higher and higher they ascended, the wind howling past, the ground shrinking below. The air thinned, making it harder to breathe. The Mawler''s struggles grew weaker, more desperate¡ªbut the beast knew this dance well. The Rykir had done this countless times. When it reached a height where even the strongest beast would suffocate, it finally let go. The Mawler plummeted. It tumbled through the sky, its body twisting in the air, its powerful limbs clawing at nothing. The world spun around it as the ground rushed closer and closer¡ªuntil finally¡ª CRACK! Its massive frame smashed into the rocky plains, bones shattering on impact. A final, gurgling snarl escaped its throat before silence took over. It was dead. The Rykir swooped down, its leathery wings spread wide as it landed beside its kill. With a sharp, reptilian screech, it dug its beak into the carcass, tearing into the fresh meat. The Rykir we''re Masters of the Sky. They were fearsome, bird-like reptiles, their bodies covered in a mix of dark, scaled skin and sleek, feathered wings. Their razor-sharp talons could rip through flesh with ease, and their hooked beaks were designed to tear apart prey. They were fast, efficient hunters, striking from above when their prey least expected it. The land belonged to many beasts, but the sky was their domain. As one Rykir soared through the sky, its black eyes scanning the Ruined Expanse below, searching for its next victim. It glided effortlessly, riding the warm air currents, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Then¡ªa flash of light. For a moment, its vision blurred as something reflected in its eye, disrupting its focus. And then¡ª BANG! A bullet pierced through its skull. The Rykir jerked mid-air, its wings twitching violently as it lost control. Blood sprayed from the clean hole in its head, and its lifeless body spiraled downward before crashing into the ground with a dull thud. Down below, Ethan sat on a rocky outcrop, his predator fang still smoking. His eyes widened in disbelief as a system notification appeared before him. [You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragments.] [You have obtained 100,000 points.] Ethan stared at the notification, then at the dead Rykir below. "...That was way too easy." Ethan then realized a crucial fact. The Rykir were apex predators of the sky, reigning over the Ruinborn Expanse. But the creatures of this land were mostly land-dwellers¡ªthey had no natural threats from above. Nothing had ever challenged them from the ground before. But Ethan wasn''t from this world. He was a new species that had entered the Ruined Expanse¡ªone that could snipe them from below. A grin spread across Ethan''s face, excitement surging through his veins. "This just made my hunt a whole lot easier." ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 18 - 18: Ch 17.Hollow Goremite The sky wept with the bodies of the fallen. One after another, the Rykir plummeted, their lifeless forms spiraling toward the earth like shattered comets. The first shot had been a clean execution¡ªswift and merciless. The second ripped through bone and sinew, leaving nothing but a tattered corpse freefalling into oblivion. The third was almost poetic, a single bullet piercing through two Rykir at once, sending them both crashing down in a tangle of broken wings and crimson rain. Ethan stood motionless, his rifle¡ªFang¡ªstill smoldering from the relentless onslaught. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, tracked the final body as it hit the ground with a resounding thud. Not a single Rykir had survived. Three shots, three deaths, three more predators erased from existence with surgical precision. It was, without a doubt, the easiest hunt Ethan had ever undertaken. Gray didn''t even need to lift a claw. He merely watched in silent awe as his master rained destruction upon the skies, his golden eyes reflecting the carnage like a mirror. But what pleased Gray the most wasn''t the sheer display of power¡ªit was the rare, unrestrained smile stretching across Ethan''s face. A true, unfiltered expression of joy. For the first time, Ethan had completed a hunt in just three days. Three days. That was all it took to cull enough Rykir and reach the threshold. When he finally paused to check his progress, his eyes widened in disbelief. [Ability Fragments: 0.99] [Points: 27,000,000] He exhaled sharply. "That many¡­?" He had been so engrossed in the hunt, so lost in the rhythm of death, that he hadn''t even noticed the absurd amount of points he had amassed. It was understandable. This hunt had been more than just a means to grow stronger. It had been therapeutic. Every pull of the trigger, every precise kill, had given him the understanding of what it felt like to be in control. And to be powerful. And with that wealth of power came a realization¡ªhe had more than enough points to evolve Gray. His gaze inevitably returned to the last, unfinished number. [Ability Fragments: 0.999] One more kill. One last hunt. And this final prey¡­ would be the hardest one yet. Before the hunt began, Ethan made a decision. If Gray was to stand a fighting chance against what they were about to face, he needed to evolve. The battle ahead would be unlike any they had fought before, and he knew that intelligence alone wouldn''t be enough he needed raw power. And with a thought, he pulled up Gray''s status. --- [Companion Information] Name: [Gray] Species: Stormfang Lupir Age: 9 Months Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 1st (Above Fellstrider Rykir, Below Hollow Goremite) [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution Requirement: 0/20,000,000 (Evolution requires allocated points.) *Unique Traits may manifest upon evolution. *Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. [Traits] Predator''s Dominion (Locks enemies in place with sheer presence.) Windrazor Fang (Allows Gray to send sharp wind blades to attack the enemy.) --- Without hesitation, Ethan allocated 20 million points into Gray''s evolution. His balance plummeted from 27 million to just 7 million, but he didn''t regret it. The power surge was immediate. A storm of energy crackled around Gray, his silver fur bristling as his body absorbed the influx of raw strength. Unlike his first evolution, this time the transformation was swift¡ªalmost seamless. The process barely lasted a minute before the energy dissipated, leaving Gray standing taller, his muscles denser, his presence heavier. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ethan''s gaze flickered back to the updated status screen. --- [Companion Information] Name: [Gray] Species: Stormborn Lupir Age: 9 Months Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: Pseudo Prime (Competing with Hollow Goremite) [Evolution Pathway Available] Evolution Requirement: 0/100,000,000 (Evolution requires allocated points.) Unique Traits may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength Affects Growth Potential. [Traits] Predator''s Dominion (Locks enemies in place with sheer presence.) Windrazor Fang (Allows Gray to send sharp wind blades to attack the enemy.) Stormpiercer Horn (Channels lightning through its horn, firing devastating arcs of electricity.) --- Ethan''s lips curled into a smirk. Now we''re talking. Gray''s evolution had been subtle, but the addition of a new trait¡ªStormpiercer Horn¡ªwas a game changer. It meant his companion could now strike from a distance with devastating force. That alone increased their odds of survival against the Hollow Goremite. Ethan closed the interface and climbed onto Gray''s back. His mind was sharp, focused. He had a clear goal. "Let''s go," he murmured, gripping Gray''s mane. With a powerful leap, Gray took off, bounding toward the battlefield where their final prey awaited. The Hollow Goremite was waiting. And this time, Ethan planned to end it in one try. **** The Hollow Goremite was the undisputed king of Zone 1 ¨C The Runeborn Expanse. It stood as an immovable colossus, a being forged from ancient, petrified bones. Unlike the fragile skeletons of the undead, its form was seamless, its structure unbreakable¡ªblackened bones fused together into an impervious mass. No openings marred its surface apart from the cavernous maw and the twin emerald flames that flickered within its sunken sockets, staring with an unshakable will. It was power incarnate. The Fellstrider Rykir, apex predators of the sky region, couldn''t even budge its colossal frame. The Grave Mawler, a creature known for devouring hardened rock, had once dared to test its fangs against the Goremite''s exterior¡ªonly to leave nothing but faint scratches upon its darkened surface. The king of the expanse had ruled unchallenged, untouchable, indomitable. And yet, at this moment, something dared to defy its reign. Ethan sat atop Gray''s back, eyes sharp as they sped across the jagged terrain, rushing headfirst into the Hollow Goremite''s domain. The air was thick with the scent of decay and ancient magic. The ground beneath them trembled¡ªnot from their movement, but from something deeper, something waking. Then Ethan felt it. A shift followed by a presence and a tremor that rolled through the earth like a death knell. "Hold on, buddy." Ethan''s voice was steady, but his grip on Gray''s mane tightened. Gray''s ears twitched, his sharp instincts already warning him of impending danger. Suddenly, the ground erupted. A giant, blackened hand¡ªformed entirely of fused bone¡ªburst from below, moving with terrifying speed. It swung sideways, intending to swat them from existence like mere insects. Gray reacted instantly. With a sharp turn, he leaped, narrowly dodging the monstrous strike as the colossal hand smashed into the earth, sending a shockwave that shattered stone and sent debris flying in every direction. Without hesitation, Gray pivoted mid-air, landing upon the very arm that had sought to crush them and began running up the arm. And then, the true king emerged. With a deep, thunderous groan, the Hollow Goremite rose from the depths, its second massive hand reaching toward them, trying to grasp and crush. But Gray was faster. The wolf twisted, dodging the incoming blow with a burst of speed, his fire-hardened legs propelling him forward. He scaled the behemoth, claws scraping against its blackened chest before launching himself into the air. For the first time in centuries, something stood above the Hollow Goremite. And then¡ªthe storm answered. The sky darkened, clouds forming in an instant, crackling with an ominous, divine fury. Lightning gathered at the tip of Gray''s horn, coiling like a living beast, hungry for release. The pressure in the air became suffocating, the sheer force of the charge making the very atmosphere hum with power. Then¡ª KA-THOOM!!! A blinding bolt of lightning ripped through the sky, surging downward with explosive force¡ªa strike meant to kill kings. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 19 - 19: Ch 18. Battle of the Primes The sky still crackled with residual energy from Gray''s thunderous strike, but the battle was far from over. As the lightning bolt crashed into the Hollow Goremite, a deafening boom echoed across the battlefield, shaking the ground beneath them. Gray landed swiftly, paws skidding across the broken terrain. He exhaled sharply, his fur bristling with residual static, but there was no sign of fatigue¡ªonly the unwavering drive to fight. Ethan''s eyes narrowed as he watched the thick smoke consuming the Hollow Goremite''s massive frame. For a moment, silence reigned. "Did that do it?" Ethan asked, his voice calm but expectant. Then¡ª A guttural, earth-shaking roar. The smoke ripped apart as the Goremite stood tall, unscathed, save for a single scorch mark on its chest¡ªits dark bones now charred blacker than night where the lightning had struck. The emerald flames in its eyes burned with newfound rage as it lurched forward, its steps sending out shockwaves, carving deep craters into the ground with every stomp. Ethan leaped down from Gray''s back. "Hold it back. while I get ready." Gray let out a low growl of understanding, his stance shifting, claws sinking into the ground as he braced for the assault. The Goremite did not slow. With terrifying speed, it reached Gray and swung its colossal fist downward. The impact detonated the ground, sending a thick shockwave of dust and rubble in all directions. A dust cloud engulfed the battlefield. But Gray was already moving. A streak of silver and storm, he burst out of the dust, horn crackling with power once more. Thunder rumbled overhead as the sky answered his call, and with a sharp jerk of his head¡ªhe unleashed another bolt of lightning. Ethan moved swiftly through the battlefield, weaving between scattered debris and deep craters left in the wake of the Hollow Goremite''s rampage. His mind was razor-focused¡ªevery second counted. After a brief sprint, he reached a clearing. "This place will do." From his storage ring, he retrieved a rhomboid-shaped device, its smooth, metallic surface etched with faint, glowing runes. The Celestial Ruin Array. It had cost him 5 million points¡ªa price so steep that he had no way to replenish his resources if this failed. It was a One shot one chance scenario. Ethan quickly knelt, digging a shallow hole in the dirt before placing the device inside. As he covered it, he murmured, "Three more to go." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Celestial Ruin Array required its four components to be buried at the cardinal points before activation. Once fully deployed, it would summon an obliterating beam from the sky, a strike of unparalleled destruction. The catch? It could only be used once. He wasted no time, moving to the next location. As he ran, he cast a quick glance toward the battle. Gray was locked in a deadly dance with the Hollow Goremite. With Stormpiercer Horn on cooldown, Gray had resorted to pure agility. The massive construct''s bone fists tore through the battlefield, its strikes leaving gaping craters where they landed. But Gray was always one step ahead, his movements fluid and untamed¡ªdodging, weaving, anticipating each attack with feral precision. Ethan clenched his jaw. "Just a little longer." He reached the second position, dug quickly, and buried the device. The battlefield rumbled violently, a result of the two pseudo-prime beasts clashing with unrelenting force. Ethan didn''t falter. He sprinted to the third location, digging in record time before setting the third piece of the Celestial Ruin Array into place. Now, the final piece. The ground quaked beneath his feet, but he pushed forward, ignoring the destruction unfolding around him. Gray had done his part, holding back the Goremite. Ethan reached the final location. With precise movements, he buried the last piece. Now, all that was left¡ªwas to lock the Goremite in place. Ethan raised his hand, signaling Gray. The moment had arrived. Gray caught the signal instantly, his eyes flashing with understanding. The battle''s momentum shifted, his movements subtly guiding the Hollow Goremite toward the striking point. The massive bone construct didn''t realize it was being maneuvered¡ªits blind aggression playing right into their hands. Ethan positioned himself, his fingers hovering over the activation rune. All he needed was the perfect moment. As the battle reached its climax. The Goremite was frustrated and enraged as it swung its colossal fist at Gray, but the Stormborn Lupir was already moving. He leapt, twisting mid-air, his horn crackling with power. Stormpiercer Horn activated¡ªthe sky boomed as a bolt of lightning, bright as a falling star, slammed into the Goremite''s chest. A crackling explosion of light engulfed the battlefield. The Goremite stiffened, its body locked in place, tendrils of electricity dancing across its blackened bones. Now. Ethan pressed the rune. A satisfying hum echoed through the air as the Celestial Ruin Array activated. In an instant, intricate golden arrays unfolded, their symbols interlocking at impossible speeds, forming a glowing geometric prison around the stunned Goremite. The construct''s green eyes flickered, its instincts sensing danger¡ªbut it was too late. A single, blinding pillar of light shot skyward. Then¡ªsilence. For a fraction of a second, the battlefield held its breath, the world frozen in eerie stillness. Then¡ª A cataclysmic beam, fifty times the size of the initial light, descended from the heavens like divine judgment. It crashed down like lightning, engulfing the Goremite entirely. A blinding explosion followed, its sheer force sending a concussive shockwave rippling outward. Ethan and Gray were hurled backward, the force of the impact tearing up the ground, carving deep trenches into the battlefield. The air roared with energy, the sky momentarily splitting apart from the sheer intensity of the blast. Dust and debris swirled violently, the aftermath of power beyond mortal means. As the light began to fade, Ethan forced himself upright, his heart hammering in his chest. As the light fully faded, a single object remained¡ªa green core, floating in the sky. It pulsed with an ominous glow, no larger than a tennis ball, yet exuding an unsettling presence. Ethan''s gut twisted with unease. Something was wrong. The shattered remains of the Hollow Goremite began to stir. One by one, the colossal bone fragments lifted off the ground, moving toward the core, seeking to reassemble. Ethan acted instantly. He whipped out his rifle, firing precise shots at the core, but the bullets bounced off harmlessly, leaving no mark. "Damn it!" he hissed. Gray, breathing heavily, stood still, completely exhausted from the battle. Stormpiercer Horn was still on cooldown. He couldn''t unleash another strike. The Goremite''s reconstruction was slow but inevitable¡ªits body knitting itself back together as the core remained untouched. Time was running out. Ethan burst into a sprint, his boots kicking up dust as he rushed toward the floating debris. Without hesitation, he latched onto a reassembling piece, gripping its jagged surface before leaping to the next one. Piece by piece, he climbed, propelling himself upward toward the core as the skeletal titan attempted to rebuild itself. He made the final jump. And snatched the core mid-air, its surface burning cold in his grip, then immediately he kicked off a floating rib fragment, using the momentum to descend. The ground rushed toward him. Rolling upon impact, he barely absorbed the force, his fingers still clutching the pulsating core. But the reattaching bones were relentless¡ªthey now shifted toward him, fast. Ethan didn''t hesitate. With a single motion, he threw the core into his mouth and swallowed. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 20 - 20: Ch 19. A Thousand Deaths As soon as Ethan swallowed the Hollow Goremite''s core, the battlefield fell silent. The towering remains of the Goremite¡ªmassive blackened bones that once exuded an overwhelming presence¡ªcollapsed all at once. They crashed to the ground in a chaotic heap, no longer bound by the core''s power. But Ethan was not faring any better. A searing agony erupted within him, his entire existence rejecting the core. The Hollow Goremite had been forged from the remains of all the dead creatures within the Runeborn Expanse. Its core was not simply an energy source¡ªit was a condensation of countless deaths. A paradox. A being whose life was derived from death itself. And now, that very essence was flooding Ethan''s mind, drowning him in an ocean of suffering. Then, it began. A thousand deaths. He was suddenly Impaled. He felt the sensation of a blade tearing through his chest, his breath stolen as blood poured from his mouth. His head was then crushed. His skull caved in like a melon, the sheer pressure obliterating his senses in an instant. He was also burned alive. The fire consumed him, his flesh peeling away as the flames devoured him whole. Then he was skinned alive. Every inch of his body was stripped, layer by layer, until only raw nerves remained. When he came back to live he was immediately buried alive. Darkness pressed in from all sides, the suffocating weight stealing every last breath. Each death was more excruciating than the last. It was not physical¡ªhis body remained intact. But his mind was being assaulted relentlessly. Any normal person would have been reduced to nothing more than a hollow shell. A mere spectator in their own lifeless body, forever broken by the sheer torment. But Ethan was different. To him, this was nothing but a test. A game. A lesson in understanding death. The pain was real, yes. The suffering, undeniable. But it was not enough to break him. Not now. Not ever. One death. Ten. A hundred. A thousand. And then, it ended. The trance shattered. The suffocating aura of death vanished, the lingering whispers of the countless souls within the core fading into nothingness. The first thing Ethan felt was warmth. A weight pressing against him. A familiar presence. Gray. The wolf''s rough tongue was lapping at his face, trying desperately to wake him. Ethan''s eyes fluttered open. A look of relief crossed Gray''s face, his ears perking up before he resumed licking Ethan even more fervently, his tail wagging wildly. A small, tired chuckle escaped Ethan''s lips as he weakly reached up, ruffling Gray''s fur. "It''s alright, boy¡­" he muttered, voice hoarse. "I''ve been through worse. I won''t let a little food poisoning take me out." But if anyone else had experienced what he just went through, they wouldn''t have called it ''food poisoning.'' Then, a notification appeared before his eyes. [You have obtained 500,000 points.] [You have obtained 0.001 Ability Fragments.] As Ethan was still recovering from the ordeal of consuming the Hollow Goremite''s core, another system notification flashed before his eyes. [You have killed a thousand beasts.] [You have obtained 1 Ability Point.] The fragments he had gathered from his previous kills had all combined to form an Ability point¡ªa tangible resource that allowed him to acquire a new ability. The conventional method of obtaining abilities was through Meta Essence accumulation¡ªa slow and unreliable process where one would sit in place, absorb energy, and hope that it formed an ability cortex. But this? This was different. Fragments could be gathered through battle, so he no longer needed to waste time in meditation, hoping for a breakthrough. Then, another notification appeared. [You can now exit the Sanctum of Beasts once you select an ability.] [Good luck.] The system fell silent. Before him, a list of abilities materialized, resembling the shopping function of the Altar of Rebirth. Ethan''s gaze sharpened. He knew exactly what to look for. As he recalled his knowledge of abilities¡ªhow they were categorized into three distinct classifications. 1. Area of Effect Classification Intrinsic: Affects only the user''s body or internal state. Extrinsic: Influences the surrounding environment or external targets. 2. Usage Type Classification Instant: Activates briefly, performing a single action before deactivating. Constant: Stays active for an extended period, continuously affecting the user or surroundings. 3. Function Type Classification Physical Enhancement ¨C Strengthening the body beyond natural limits. Energy Manipulation ¨C Generate or control of various forms of energy. Elemental Abilities ¨C Fire, lightning, water, and beyond. Space-Time Abilities ¨C Warping dimensions, bending time itself. And countless more. Ethan took a deep breath, sorting through his priorities. All his experience gotten in the sanctum shaping his choice to pick a suitable ability. Then, his eyes landed on something. A smirk formed on his lips. "This one..." Without hesitation, he selected it. As soon as Ethan confirmed his ability selection, a final system notification appeared before him. [You have 1 minute before you are ejected from the Sanctum of Beasts.] His heart clenched. His eyes shifted to Gray, the massive wolf that had fought alongside him, bled beside him, and survived the brutal trials of the Sanctum together. For the first time, Ethan truly processed what this meant. He was leaving. But Gray would remain. The two had spent months fighting, growing, and evolving together. And now, after all that, Ethan would simply vanish, leaving Gray behind in this world. Gray sat in silence, his golden eyes locked onto Ethan''s. Though the beast couldn''t speak, his thoughts raced¡ªa storm of emotions crashing against one another. Ethan wasn''t just his master. He was family. After his father had died and the new alpha took over, no one had cared for him the way Ethan had. It wasn''t just the meals Ethan provided. It was more than that. Ethan had given him purpose. A reason to grow stronger. A reason to keep fighting. And now, he could sense it¡ªhis only family was about to leave. Ethan slowly stepped forward, pressing his forehead into Gray''s thick mane. Gray responded by rubbing his head against Ethan''s cheek. A silent farewell. A bond unbroken. "No matter what," Ethan murmured, his voice steady despite the emotions surging inside him. "Just know I''m going to come back. Don''t think I''ll abandon you." Gray didn''t reply. He understood the words, but deep down, he didn''t care. He didn''t want Ethan to leave. He wanted them to keep hunting. To keep defying the odds. To keep growing stronger together. But he knew he was being greedy. Ethan had his own path to walk. And it wasn''t like he''d be gone forever. Slowly, Gray pulled away, distancing himself. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His golden eyes held acceptance. He would wait. He believed in his master. Ethan exhaled sharply, his chest tightening, but he smiled. Then, Gray threw his head back and howled¡ªa deep, powerful sound that echoed across the Sanctum. And without hesitation, he turned and sprinted into the distance, disappearing into the wild. Ethan clenched his fists, watching until his companion was gone. "Thank you, Gray," he whispered. Then¡ªhis body vanished. --- The moment he reappeared, a wave of disorientation hit him. His vision blurred for a split second before he steadied himself, suddenly feeling the familiar weight of his battle armor around his body. In his right hand, the Striker-V1 rifle was back in his grip. His senses recalibrated. The cold, air of the real world replaced the wild, untamed atmosphere of the Sanctum. Then¡ªhe exhaled. A smirk formed on his lips as he adjusted his grip on the firearm. "I''m back." ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 21 - 21: Ch 20. Duality Pit A woman sat behind a sleek metallic desk, her fingers swiftly moving through a glowing holographic interface. She was deep in her work, sorting through the missions heroes had accepted, approving clearances, and ensuring proper documentation. The soft glow of the interface illuminated her platinum-blonde bob, neatly framing her face. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the floating text with efficiency, betraying no emotion. If Ethan were here, he would have immediately recognized her as the person that approved his mission. As she continued her work, a loud alert chimed on her screen. Her posture straightened immediately, and with a quick motion, she tapped the incoming transmission. A holographic figure materialized above her desk¡ªa man appearing from the chest up. He had a bald head, a well-groomed goatee, and an expression that made it clear he was a man of authority. The moment she saw him, she sat up even straighter. Her actions made it obvious¡ªhe was her superior. "Any problem, sir?" she asked, her voice measured but professional. The man''s expression remained serious, his tone carrying an urgent weight. "Yes there is. The mission to eradicate the remaining Gobkars in Blackwood Forest has been elevated to Rank D. There was an error in the Black pit Detection System." Her eyes widened in shock. That meant only one thing. The man continued. "The pit was actually a Duality pit." Her heart skipped a beat. A Duality pit, this was the bane of many heroes. It was a rare, unpredictable black pit that initially presented itself as a low-ranked pit. Heroes would clear it with ease, leading to a collapse, making it appear resolved. But after a specific period, the rift would reawaken, this time as a much higher-rank. The problem? By the time the second phase activated, low-ranked heroes were usually in the middle of post-mission cleanup. And when that happened¡­ The mortality rate was 90%. The man''s voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Make sure to deny any low-rank hero from accepting this mission. We can''t afford casualties. Other guides will also be informed to do the same." She froze for a second before quickly replying. "But, sir¡­ it''s too late." There was a pause. A long, heavy pause. Then, the guide spoke. "An E-Rank has already accepted the mission." Silence filled the space between them. Before the man exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple as he spoke. "A task force has already been set up to handle the situation." His tone was clipped. "But it''s up to the hero to see how long he can survive before they arrive." The Guide nodded, but deep down, she knew the truth. An E-Rank surviving a Duality Pit? It was nearly impossible. The few who had lived through one were never the same. Some lost limbs. Others were too traumatized to continue hero work. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And Ethan¡­? She had no personal attachment to him. He was just another hero in the system. But this wasn''t just about him. She would be the one to take the blame. If an E-Rank hero died due to an improperly classified mission, someone had to take responsibility. And in a world like this, it was never those at the top who suffered the consequences. It was people like her. She leaned back in her chair, letting out a long, exhausted sigh. "I should have taken a sick leave today." *** The den reeked of rot and damp earth, its tunnels winding like a maze beneath the forest floor. Five Heroes had entered from a separate entrance, unaware of Ethan''s route, only to find themselves surrounded by hordes of Gobkars. The emaciated, yellow-eyed creatures snarled as they swarmed from the shadows, sharp claws glinting in the dim torchlight. "Elara, how long till the buff?!" Dante''s voice boomed over the chaos, his energy mace crushing a Gobkar''s skull as another leaped at him. "When I''m done healing Garrick, I''ll be right on it!" Elara shot back, her hands glowing as she mended a deep gash across Garrick''s side. Garrick grinned through the pain, gripping his radiant battle axe¡ªDawnbreaker, its twin blades humming with luminous energy. "That''s right, Dante. Be patient. You''re big enough to hold them back." Dante clicked his tongue in frustration but didn''t argue. Instead, he roared, activating his ability¡ªIronhide. His skin hardened to a metallic sheen, turning aside the Gobkars'' desperate claw strikes. With renewed vigor, he swung his mace, sending creatures flying as their bones shattered under the force. From the backline, Reo stood firm, his twin blasters firing shot after shot. Each bullet found its mark, heads exploding as his ability¡ªDeadeye Penetration¡ªamplified the force of every headshot. For each lethal hit, his next shot gained increased penetration power, ensuring none of the creatures'' frail skulls could withstand his assault. But the Gobkars were cunning. One managed to slip past the chaos, lunging toward Reo with a shriek. Before it could land a blow, a blade flashed. A deep emerald line appeared on the creature''s neck, and a heartbeat later, its head tumbled to the ground. Aiden stood behind it, flicking blood from his dagger. His Phantom Step ability granted him supernatural agility, allowing him to dash in quick bursts, leaving afterimages in his wake. His role was clear¡ªprotect the backline and ensure Reo and Elara remained untouched. Elara exhaled, finishing her healing. "Try not to get hurt too much," she warned. "I need to have enough Meta Essence to heal and provide buffs for the others." "No promises," Garrick laughed, wiping the blood from his side before charging in. His ability¡ªBlood Surge¡ªignited. Each wound he took fueled his strength, enhancing his speed and power in brief bursts. He hacked through Gobkars with reckless abandon, stacking his strength up to the limit. But he knew the trade-off¡ªwhen the surge faded, blood loss would take its toll. With the team now fully coordinated, the battle turned in their favor. The Gobkars fell one after another until the den was silent once more. Garrick rolled his shoulders as he walked towards the others. "That was easy. At this rate, we''ll be done before evening." But as if mocking his words, their communicators buzzed with an alert. Warning: Duality Pit Detected. Dante''s expression darkened. "We need to retreat. Now." Before they could move, a pressure unlike anything they had ever felt crashed over them. It wasn''t physical. It was instinctual. Their bodies screamed at them¡ªthey had never felt so close to death before. From the shadows, a figure emerged. A Gobkar¡ªbut not like the lesser creatures they had fought. Normal Gobkars were hunched, weak, and rabid, their thin bodies barely holding together. This one was a warrior. It stood taller than Dante himself¡ªover two meters of raw, battle-forged muscle. Its body was riddled with old scars, each one a mark of countless victories. Its crimson-red eyes burned with an eerie, intelligent malice. In its hands, it wielded a black blade with deep cracks running along its surface, pulsing with dark energy. The only garment it wore was a simple loincloth, leaving its body fully exposed¡ªa declaration that it needed no armor, that no strike had ever felled it. This was no Lesser Dread Gobkar. This was a Greater Dread Gobkar. And it was blocking their only exit. Dante''s grip tightened around his mace his heart palpating before he said. "I''ll hold it off while You guys escape." Garrick let out a scoff. "Nice try. You really think we''ll just leave you to die so you can dodge your responsibilities? Either we all fight together, or we get out of here together." Dante turned to him. Garrick had always been like this¡ªthe firebrand and reckless one, while Dante was the stern and unwavering one. They were opposites in every way, yet bound by something stronger than blood. Dante sighed, then smirked. "Fine. But don''t come complaining to me afterward." Garrick cracked his neck. "I hardly complain." No more words were needed. As the five Heroes lunged forward, weapons outstretched, ready to carve their way through death itself. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 22 - 22: Ch 21. Too Much Force Ethan stood in the dimly lit cavern, the air thick with the familiar stench of Gobkar filth. He had returned to the very spot where he originally left, the eerie silence of the den contrasting sharply with the chaos he had endured in the Sanctum of Beasts. His golden eyes gleamed as he scanned his surroundings, ensuring nothing had changed in his absence. Suddenly, a system message materialized before him, the glowing text hovering in the air like an immutable decree. --- [SYSTEM ALERT] Sanctum of Beasts Access Remaining: 99 Next Entry Available: 30 Days (Time may be shortened by increasing strength.) --- Ethan exhaled sharply, as he read the message. "So, I won''t be going back until next month, huh?" His gaze softened slightly. "I hope Gray will be okay without me." He suddenly shook his head. Now wasn''t the time for sentiment. He centered his focus on the task ahead. With a thought, he brought up his Aethermark Interface, scanning through his status. Everything was in order¡ªhis newly acquired ability from the Sanctum was listed, confirming the power he had gained. Satisfied, Ethan prepared to move deeper into the den when another notification flashed in his communicator. --- [WARNING] DANGER: Duality Pit Detected. --- Ethan''s brows furrowed in curiosity. "Duality Pit?" He swiftly navigated to the Heroes Handbook, on his communicator pulling up the entry on the term. The moment he read it, his eyes widened in shock before narrowing in irritation. "What the hell is the Heroes Association thinking?" he muttered, shaking his head. He didn''t care that The duality pits were difficult to detect. The hero association were in charge of all the heroes they should have measures in place for this. Although Ethan was complaining he didn''t feel any fear. And after cursing the hero association to his satisfaction a small smile formed on his lips. "I was disappointed at first, I thought this mission would be too easy... but at least now, it''s somewhat challenging." He strode forward, deeper into the den, his golden aura flickering around him like living fire. Ethan didn''t realize it yet, but the Sanctum had changed him. The relentless battles, the life-or-death struggles, the unending bloodshed¡ªit had all reshaped his mind, hammering his will like a blade on an anvil. The once-ordinary human now craved combat. His heart beat not in fear, but in anticipation. And the Gobkars would be the first to feel the full wrath of the new Ethan. *** The cavern trembled as the battle raged on. The five heroes, each battered but unyielding, clashed against the Greater Dread Gobkar, a creature far beyond their rank. Dante lunged forward first, his energy mace crackling with raw power as he swung it downward with enough force to shatter stone. But the Greater Gobkar moved like a phantom, effortlessly deflecting the strike with its black-cracked blade, the clash of weapons sending sparks flying in the dimly lit den. Before Dante could recover, a monstrous kick crashed into his chest, sending him skidding backward, his feet carving trenches into the dirt. Garrick saw the opening. The beast''s leg was still outstretched, leaving its center of balance compromised. With a battle-hardened grin, he swung his light-forged battle axe straight for its head. But the Gobkar was no mindless brute¡ªit spun on its single planted leg with unnatural grace, evading the strike before twisting mid-air and delivering a brutal dropkick to Garrick''s face. The impact was bone-crushing, enough to break concrete, but Garrick barely flinched. Pain was his fuel. His face was disfigured, blood dripped from his nose, but none of that mattered he could heal it later. But if any of them died here, it would be for good. With a deep breath, he activated [Blood Surge], his veins pulsing with unnatural vitality as the damage he took converted into raw power. With newfound strength, he swung his axe with full force, a crimson arc slicing through the air. The Greater Gobkar raised its blade, blocking the strike, but the sheer force sent it hurtling backward. Before it could recover, Reo opened fire. Blaster shots rained down, each one aimed for a kill shot. But the Gobkar moved like a specter, its blade a blur, deflecting each bullet mid-air. The precision was unreal¡ªit twisted and spun, knocking each shot aside with the mastery of a seasoned warrior before landing gracefully. Then¡ªa chill ran down its spine. Danger. Instinct screamed at it to move, and just as it shifted, a flash of steel sliced past where its throat had been. Aiden had arrived. [Phantom Step]. His afterimages flickered in the shadows, his blade weaving a deadly dance. The Greater Gobkar retreated step by step, dodging each swift strike, displaying flawless footwork as it maneuvered around the relentless assault. But just as it sidestepped another blade thrust, a blaster barrel was pressed against its throat. Before Alden could pull the trigger, a clawed hand snatched his wrist, twisting it violently. The Gobkar moved with surgical precision, preparing to carve Alden apart¡ª BOOM! A mace crashed down, forcing the Gobkar to disengage as it dodged the attack. The impact sent shockwaves through the cavern, creating a thick cloud of dust. From the haze, Garrick and Alden emerged, their blades flashing in sync. Their movements were sharp, practiced¡ªone high, one low, a deadly dual strike aimed at the beast''s vitals. The Gobkar barely had time to block before both weapons connected. It staggered. This was their chance. Elara, standing at the back, had finished her buffing sequence. Dante''s body shimmered with golden energy, his muscles surging with newfound power. A fully buffed Dante charged. The cavern shook as he swung his mace with everything he had, aiming directly for the Gobkar''s skull. CRACK! The impact resounded like thunder. The Greater Gobkar was hit, its massive frame crashing into the cavern floor, a cloud of dust rising around it. Silence. There was no cheer, no sigh of relief. Only the unnerving calm before the storm. The tension in the cavern reached its peak.But Alden saw nothing but the Meta Essence. It was right there¡ªso close. He had been stuck in level 2 Adept for two years, scraping by, and drowning in debt. A Greater Dread Gobkar''s core was worth more than he could ever hope to find again. Plus the meta essence was a chance for him to advance. And How many people had the chance to take down a monster of this caliber? Dante''s voice rang out, "Alden, wait!" But it was already Too late. Alden surged forward, his blade flashing¡ª Then, the air shifted. A black streak¡ªtoo fast to see. SLASH! A deep gash tore across Alden''s chest, a spray of blood painting the ground as his momentum stopped instantly. His body trembled before collapsing, his breathing undetectable. "ALDEN!!!" Dante roared. A sickening silence followed as blood pooled beneath Alden''s unmoving body. Dante''s vision blurred with rage. This was bad. They needed to get him out of here¡ªnow. "Garrick! Reo! Support me! We''re pushing the beast away!" They nodded without hesitation. "Elara, the moment we push it back, go and heal Alden. Do whatever it takes to keep him alive!" Elara clenched her fists, her face pale but determined. "Understood." They charged¡ª But something was different this time. The Greater Gobkar''s aura shifted. Gone was the sadistic amusement it had shown earlier. Gobkars had a tendency to toy with their prey¡ªbut they also knew when to be serious. And now? It was done playing. The battle turned brutal. Garrick swung his axe with everything he had, but the Greater Gobkar ducked, a precise slash slicing deep into his abdomen. His knees buckled, and he crumpled to the ground, out cold. Reo tried to get a shot in¡ªbut the beast was already there, its blade piercing his shoulder, and followed up by knocking him unconscious before he could even scream. Then, Dante the last one standing fought with desperation, forcing his broken body to swing his mace one last time. But the Gobkar dodged with ease and struck, a devastating slash cutting deep into his torso. As Dante hit the ground hard. His fingers twitched, trying to move¡ªbut nothing responded the greater Gobkars blade was lined with paralyzing toxins and it had taken effect. Elara knelt beside Alden, her hands glowing as she poured everything into keeping him alive. She knew the Greater Gobkar was right behind her. She could feel it¡ªits breath, its killing intent. But she didn''t stop. They had all known each other since they were young. She couldn''t bear to let Alden die. Even as the Gobkar raised its blade above her, she stayed. Dante, still conscious but unable to move, watched in horror. "Move... Come on, body... MOVE!" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But his wounds were too deep. His body refused to listen. And then¡ª The blade came down. BOOM! A fist, carrying the weight of a mountain, smashed into the Greater Gobkar''s face. The shockwave shattered the cavern walls as the Gobkar''s massive body was sent flying, colliding through the den''s stone walls like a cannonball. Dust and debris rained down. In the settling haze, a figure stood tall. Black hair, golden eyes glowing like embers. Ethan lowered his fist, shaking off the residual force. He tilted his head, studying the crater where the Greater Gobkar lay buried in rubble. Then, with an easy grin, he scratched his cheek. "¡­Was that too much force?" ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 23 - 23: Ch 22. Force Might In the world of heroes, abilities are the foundation of strength. No matter how skilled or physically gifted someone may be, their true potential is determined by the number of abilities they possess and, more importantly, their mastery over them. A hero''s survival in battle isn''t solely dictated by their level¡ªit''s their proficiency in wielding their abilities that decides whether they walk away victorious or become just another corpse on the battlefield. Mastery is the refinement of an ability, increasing both its efficiency and power output while significantly reducing Meta Essence consumption. The higher the mastery, the more devastating and cost-effective an ability becomes. The mastery levels are as follows: Beginner Mastery ¨C 0% Reduction, basic control. Intermediate Mastery ¨C 10% Reduction, minor efficiency increase. Advanced Mastery ¨C 30% Reduction, noticeable improvement. Expert Mastery ¨C 60% Reduction, refined control, significant power boost. Peak Mastery ¨C 99% Reduction, the pinnacle of ability refinement. However, achieving Peak Mastery is an impossible feat for most. Even the most talented heroes¡ªthose who awaken as Legendary or Mystic Rank¡ªcan, at best, push only a single ability to Peak Mastery in their lifetime, with their remaining abilities stuck at Expert or Advanced mastery. This highlights how difficult mastery progression is, requiring relentless training, experience, and an innate connection with one''s power. Yet, Ethan stands as an anomaly¡ªa being who defies the natural order. His innate talent grants him access to 100 abilities, each of them naturally advancing to Peak Mastery as soon as he acquires them. Such a power is unheard of, a game-breaking ability that places him leagues above even the strongest heroes of this world. With such an ability, his rise to the top is inevitable¡ªbut only if he survives the trials ahead. Talent alone does not guarantee victory. In a world where death is absolute and enemies grow stronger with each passing day, Ethan must prove himself worthy of his power, or he will fall like those before him. But he knew that reaching his full potential was a concern for his future self. Right now, none of that mattered¡ªbecause in front of him stood a Greater Dread Gobkar, and it was clear that this was one of the reasons for the emergency alert. His eyes flicked to the scene before him. The monster was poised to strike down a woman, its dark blade raised for a fatal blow. Ethan didn''t know who she was. And it wasn''t some romantic moment of fate¡ªthis was simply what it meant to be a hero. Someone was about to get killed, and he couldn''t just stand by and let that happen. Of course, the fact that the monster looked strong was just an added bonus. Without hesitation, Ethan activated his newly acquired ability. A shockwave burst from the ground beneath him, forming a small crater where he once stood. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared beside the Greater Gobkar, his fist already swinging. The resulting impact was devastating. The Gobkar''s body was launched like a cannonball, smashing through the stone walls of the den, sending rubble and dust flying everywhere. Ethan scratched his cheek, watching the destruction unfold. "Was that too much force?" It wasn''t that he couldn''t control his new ability¡ªhe had complete mastery over it. If anything, the Gobkar was just too weak to react. But maybe he was also at fault for choosing such an exaggerated ability. --- [Ability Information] ¡ª Ability Name: [Force Might] ¡ª Ability Type: Intrinsic / Instant / Manipulation ¡ª Mastery Level: peak ¡ª Tier: Common ¡ª Ability Description: Harnesses an overwhelming force that amplifies the user''s strength exponentially upon activation. The ability manipulates raw kinetic energy, allowing for devastating strikes that can shatter defenses and overwhelm opponents with sheer physical power. Effects: ¡ª Instantly increases physical force output based on the user''s base stats. ¡ª Can be channeled into attacks to enhance impact damage. ¡ª Enhances punches, kicks, weapon strikes, and grapples, turning ordinary attacks into crushing blows. ¡ª Mastery Bonuses (Peak Level): ¡ª Meta Essence Cost Reduction: -99% ¡ª Increased Output Efficiency: Force amplification is enhanced significantly. ¡ª Additional Notes: This ability scales with the user''s physical stats, making it a devastating tool in close combat. With Peak-level mastery, its efficiency has reached a point where the user can unleash terrifying power without significant Meta Essence drain. However, [Force Might] isn''t just about attack power. At Peak Mastery, the ability unlocked an additional effect. --- [System Message] [Peak Mastery Effect Unlocked: Force Drain] The user can absorb and nullify a portion of incoming force, reducing the damage taken from attacks. The stronger the attack, the more force is absorbed. --- This was the true reason Ethan had chosen this ability. Not only could he hit harder, but he could also tank damage. He was not just an offensive powerhouse¡ªhe was becoming an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Additionally, by manipulating force in specific ways, Ethan could also increase his movement speed, making him a well-rounded fighter. He lacked other things like a support ability for healing and also long distance abilites for ranged attacks¡ªbut he could make do with healing medicine for now and Battle tech could handle the range problem. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the rubble interrupting Ethan''s toughts. The Greater Dread Gobkar stirred, pushing itself free from the debris. Its crimson eyes burned with rage as they locked onto Ethan. Its slightly developed mind twisted with hatred and bloodlust. Ethan had humiliated it. Now, it was going to torture him before giving him the most gruesome death imaginable. *** Dante lay motionless, his body battered and weak. The pain from his wounds barely registered anymore. What truly consumed him was helplessness. He was supposed to be the leader. He was supposed to protect his team. And yet, he could only watch in horror as the Greater Dread Gobkar raised its wicked blade over Elara. Elara wasn''t moving. She was too focused on saving Alden, pouring everything she had into healing him. Dante clenched his fists, his vision blurring. This was it. This was how it ended. Then, it happened. A deafening boom shook the air. The Greater Gobkar''s massive body vanished, only to explode through the stone walls of the den, shattering rock and debris in its wake. What?! Dante''s breath caught in his throat. His mind struggled to comprehend what had just happened. His eyes darted toward the source of the attack¡ªand what he saw shattered his self-esteem completely. Standing there, calmly scratching his cheek, was a boy. No, a young man. He didn''t even look twenty. Eighteen? Dante thought, his stomach twisting. Did a newly awakened eighteen-year-old just send a Greater Gobkar flying like a ragdoll? The young man had raven-black hair, sharp features, and piercing golden eyes that held a detached arrogance, as if he were looking down on the world itself. He exuded the kind of confidence that only absolute power could provide. Then, the stranger spoke. "Was that too much force?" Dante''s chest tightened. That question wasn''t asked with boastfulness or mockery¡ªit was genuine. This teenager had just obliterated the same monster that nearly killed all of them, and he was worried about using too much force? Dante couldn''t fathom it. What kind of monster had just stepped onto this battlefield? His gaze flickered back to Elara and Alden. Elara had managed to stabilize him. A sigh of relief escaped Dante''s lips. At least one disaster had been averted. But as he turned his attention back to the stranger, his heart nearly stopped. The Greater Gobkar was already back on its feet. It was seething with fury. The monster that had toyed with them before now radiated pure killing intent, its crimson eyes filled with hatred. With a roar, the Gobkar lunged forward¡ªand this time, it moved faster than before. Dante barely had time to process the movement before he heard it. Sching! A black blur slashed through the air, its deadly arc aimed directly at the stranger''s head. Dante''s heart froze. The attack was too fast for him to see. Then¡­ nothing happened. No blood. No impact. No explosion of force. Nothing. Dante''s eyes widened as he focused on the scene before him. The Gobkar''s massive blade had been stopped¡ªmid-swing¡ªby the boy''s bare hand. Not only that¡­ but the boy looked bored. No wounds. No strain. Not even a scratch. He had caught the Gobkar''s full-powered attack like it was nothing. Dante''s mind reeled. What kind of monster had just come to save them? ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... ... ... Chapter 24 - 24: Ch 23. Beat down Ethan had long since stopped relying solely on his eyes to track an opponent''s movements. He had died too many times, fought too many battles, and suffered through countless ambushes. That His body had developed an instinct, an unnatural foresight¡ªnot of the future, but of intent. He could feel where an attack was going to land before it even began. That was why, when the Greater Gobkar surged forward with blinding speed, Ethan didn''t flinch. The black blade came down in a deadly arc, slicing through the air with a whistling sound. A normal Level 1 hero wouldn''t even be able to see the attack. But Ethan? He simply moved his hand. With perfect precision, his palm met the descending blade¡ªbut there was no impact. [Force Drain] activated. The moment Ethan made contact, all the kinetic energy from the attack vanished. The force behind the Gobkar''s swing was simply erased, leaving it utterly harmless. As Ethan caught the blade with his bare hand. The Gobkar''s crimson eyes widened in shock. It had been toying with its prey before, but now¡ªfor the first time¡ªit felt true fear. Ethan let out a small sigh. Guess I should end this quickly. Before the Gobkar could react, Ethan''s foot slammed into its solar plexus. Thud! But instead of sending the monster flying, it stayed in place. Ethan controlled the force, compressing it into a single point. He wasn''t about to waste time chasing after his opponent after every attack. If he wanted to demolish something, he would do it right here. His hands became a blur, his legs a storm of motion. Each strike was precise, every punch and kick landing with the power of a wrecking ball. The den trembled with every impact. Boom! Boom! Boom! The sound of flesh breaking, bones snapping, and force colliding filled the air like a relentless drumbeat of destruction. Dante and Elara could only watch in horror as Ethan systematically dismantled the Gobkar, its body jerking and convulsing under each attack. The Gobkar couldn''t move, couldn''t escape. It could only stand there as Ethan ripped it apart¡ªstrike after strike after strike. Then, after the final blow, Ethan stopped. As he turned around and walked away. The Gobkar''s body behind him stood frozen¡ªits arms spread wide, its legs trembling. And then¡ª BOOM! All at once, the force stored inside its body erupted. The Gobkar''s form twisted unnaturally, its limbs jerking as if being struck all over again. The aftershock of each blow replayed itself in a brutal sequence, its body forced to relive the pain all at once. Its blade slipped from its grasp. A gurgling sound escaped its throat as green blood poured from its mouth. Its organs had been pulverized beyond repair. With one final shudder, its crimson eyes lost their light, and it collapsed backward¡ªlifeless. --- Ethan walked toward Dante, crouching down with his elbows resting on his knees. He studied the man for a moment before speaking. "You look beat up, big fella." His tone was casual. Too casual. Dante just stared at him, unable to process what had just happened. The ease with which this young hero had obliterated the monster that nearly killed them was unreal. For a moment, the words Ethan spoke didn''t even register in Dante''s mind. His thoughts were spiraling elsewhere. What kind of life had this boy lived? What had he gone through to become this strong at such a young age? The shock was so overwhelming that Dante blurted out the first thing on his mind. "¡­What hero rank are you?" Ethan blinked, then let out a small chuckle. "I''m a forsaken E-rank hero. Hope that answers your question." Dante''s mind short-circuited. ¡­What? E-rank? That was impossible. Even if Ethan had claimed to be C-rank, it would have been more believable. But E-rank? His mind was still reeling when Ethan''s voice cut through his thoughts again. "Hey, big fella, I need you to watch over the unconscious ones. I assume they''re your teammates?" Dante nodded absentmindedly, still processing everything. Ethan then stood up and turned to Elara, who was standing nearby, still shaken from what she had just witnessed. "Hey, healer. Your teammates need healing." Elara snapped out of her daze, quickly rushing over. "O-Okay! I''ll be on it!" As she reached Dante to heal him, she stole a quick glance at Ethan, then quickly looked away, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. Ethan, meanwhile, was already walking deeper into the den. Dante snapped out of his thoughts and called after him. "Where are you going?" Ethan didn''t even look back. "There''s a black pit that needs closing. I plan to do just that." With those words, he vanished into the shadows. Elara watched him go, as she was healing Dante. "Do you know who that was?" she asked. "He looked so young¡­" Dante, still staring at the spot where Ethan disappeared, shook his head. "I don''t know¡­ But after what happened here, I''m sure we''ll find out soon enough." After that He looked at his remaing teamates Garrick and Reo. Their injuries weren''t to bad they were just unconcious and Elara could stabilize them before they could receive proper treatment after leaving here. He was relieved that they all survived this calamity before he realized something. "I didn''t even thank him" **** Through the cloud-covered sky, a figure streaked forward at high speed, the wind whipping against his body as he soared effortlessly. This was Radiant Striker, a Level 3 C-Rank hero and the leader of the task force dispatched to handle the Duality Pit anomaly. Behind him, an advanced combat aircraft¡ªthe Hawkstorm VTOL¡ªroared through the air, its sleek black frame cutting through the sky like a predator. Inside the VTOL were seven other Level 3 heroes, their Hero Ranks ranging from E to D. They had been sent as an emergency response unit after the Association detected an increase in the pit''s rank. A Duality Pit always released Lesser Dreads when it first appeared. And released dreads with higher ranks when it reformed. This one had surged two ranks higher¡ªskipping Lower Dreads entirely and instead released Greater Dread beasts. Only Level 3 heroes could be expected to handle such monsters. As Radiant Striker and his team neared the den, the Hawkstorm VTOL began its descent, deploying the task force onto the rocky terrain outside. Radiant Striker hovered in place, scanning the dark cave entrance below. His brow furrowed. Something''s wrong. At this point, Dread Beasts should have already started leaving the den, spreading their corrupting influence and expanding the pit''s size. But there was no movement, no monstrous roars, no signs of an advancing horde. It was¡­ silent. Radiant Striker turned to his team. "Stay sharp. This isn''t normal. Either the Association miscalculated the rank increase... or something else happened here." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without hesitation, the heroes moved in, their boots echoing through the cave''s cold, damp corridors. Then, they heard footsteps¡ªbut not from behind them. It was from inside the den. Everyone instinctively tensed, readying their weapons. And then they saw him. Emerging from the darkness, Dante walked forward, his massive frame burdened by three unconscious teammates¡ªGarrick, Reo, and Alden¡ªall slung over his shoulders. Behind him, Elara followed, her face tired but determined. Radiant Striker''s eyes narrowed in surprise. Dante was injured, but still standing. His teammates, however, were clearly in critical condition. "Raptor, help him carry them." One of the heroes immediately rushed forward, taking Garrick and Reo from Dante''s grasp. "Valkyrie, get back to the Hawkstorm VTOL and bring more advanced recovery pills. The ones we have won''t be enough." Another hero nodded and took off at high speed, heading back toward the aircraft. As the heroes moved the wounded to a stable area for treatment, Elara quickly joined them, offering her healing abilities to stabilize their conditions. Meanwhile, Radiant Striker stepped closer to Dante, his gaze firm. "Tell me¡ªwhat exactly did you and your team fight that left you in this state¡­ and yet let you walk out alive?" ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 25 - 25: Ch 24. Strongest Of This Generation "Tell me¡ªwhat exactly did you and your team fight that left you in this state¡­ and yet let you walk out alive?" Dante wasn''t offended by Radiant Striker''s question. His teammates were injured, and he himself was in rough shape, yet he understood the necessity of this conversation. In situations like these, protocol came first¡ªStriker needed full intelligence on the situation before making any decisions. So, despite the exhaustion weighing on him, Dante steadied himself and explained everything. How they had been battling a group of Lesser Gobkars when the alert about the Duality Pit''s abnormal rank increase came through. And how after recognizing the danger, they had begun to retreat¡ªonly for a Greater Gobkar to emerge before them. That was where Striker''s curiosity deepened. A Greater Gobkar was no ordinary threat. None of Dante''s team had the strength to take one down. The fact that they had survived meant something unusual must have happened. Striker''s thoughts sharpened. Was it a Dread Beast with abnormal traits? If so, this mission might be more dangerous than expected. But Dante''s next words shattered his suspicions. "I thought all hope was lost," Dante admitted, his voice steady despite the weight of his memories. "The monster took down Alden, Reo, and Garrick. I was still conscious, but I couldn''t move. It was about to kill Elara¡­ and then, he appeared." Striker''s brows furrowed. He let Dante continue. "The way he handled the beast¡­" Dante hesitated, exhaling slowly. "I don''t want to say this, but¡­ it made me feel sympathy for it." A cold chill ran through Striker. Sympathy? A Greater Gobkar was a ruthless killer, yet Dante¡ªwho had watched his team get brutalized¡ªfelt sympathy for it? There was only one explanation. Absolute dominance. The Gobkar must have been so thoroughly, one-sidedly crushed that even a battle-hardened warrior like Dante felt a sliver of pity. Striker''s mind raced. To dominate a Greater Dread Beast, one had to be at least a level higher than it. And if they were the same level, then their mastery over their abilities had to be exceptional. Striker''s instincts screamed at him¡ªwhoever this was, they were far beyond ordinary. But then Dante added something else. "I don''t know if this is important, but¡­ the hero told me he was an E-Rank. And he looked 18." Striker''s eyes widened slightly. Not because of the E-Rank¡ªthat was almost certainly a lie, a simple way for the young hero to avoid unnecessary attention. But his age. If this hero was truly 18, defeated a Greater Gobkar, and walked away alive¡­ That meant he had awakened as a high-ranked hero¡ªperhaps even an A-Rank or higher¡ªand had the potential to become one of the strongest of this generation. Excitement thrummed through Striker''s veins. This mission had changed. He quickly issued orders, leaving one of his heroes behind to oversee Dante and his team''s recovery. Then, without hesitation, he led the rest of his squad deeper into the den. Now, this wasn''t just about clearing the Duality Pit. There was a high-priority candidate inside¡ªone that might just be a future powerhouse. And Radiant Striker intended to find him. So He could recruit him to join his clan. **** The ground was mired with corpses, the remains of Greater Gobkars scattered like discarded refuse. The once-ferocious beasts lay broken, their twisted bodies a silent testament to the massacre that had unfolded. At the center of the carnage stood Ethan. Four Greater Gobkars surrounded him, their grotesque forms taut with tension. Their black blades dripped with the blood of past kills, yet they had not dared to make a move. Because they knew. They had seen it. The way Ethan had torn through their kin, not with desperation, not with struggle¡ªbut with ease. Like a god of slaughter, he had reduced their numbers to nothing, his movements effortless, his power absolute. And that realization had seeped into the core of their being, embedding a fear deeper than the instinct for survival. They were prideful creatures, the Gobkars. Foolish, perhaps¡ªbut never cowards. And yet, none of them dared to be the first to attack. Because there were things worse than death. To be slaughtered like an insect without even being taken seriously¡ªthat was worse. Ethan exhaled, his patience waning. "If you won''t come to me¡ª" His body tensed. "¡ªthen I''ll come to you." And in the next breath¡ªhe moved. A surge of energy erupted from his form as he lunged forward, his presence turning from a waiting predator to a storm of destruction. The Gobkars, forced to react, finally tried to strike. Their bloodlust ignited, but it was too late. Ethan was already upon them. He pounced on the closest Gobkar, driving an uppercut straight into its brutish chin. Unlike before, he didn''t concentrate the force¡ªhe let it expand, sending a shockwave through the beast''s skull. Its entire body lifted off the ground, soaring into the air, stunned. Ethan''s hand shot out, grabbing its thick leg before it could react. Then, with brutal efficiency, he swung¡ª Using the massive Gobkar as a battering ram, he slammed it into another. The impact was catastrophic. Flesh tore. Bones snapped like twigs. Their combined mass imploded, crushed by the sheer force of the blow. A thick explosion of green blood painted the cavern walls, pieces of bone and sinew scattering like shattered glass. And yet¡ªnot a single drop touched Ethan. Now, only two remained. The moment their stunned gazes met the ruin before them, all pride dissolved. Survival overtook instinct. They turned and ran. Their black blades were thrown away, discarded in blind panic. But Ethan did not allow them the luxury of escape. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His eyes flickered to the discarded weapon, one of the slain Gobkars'' wicked blades lying nearby. Without hesitation, he reached down, gripping the hilt. Then¡ªhe crouched. His stance shifted¡ªblade by his waist, body tensed like a coiled spring. For a brief moment, there was only silence. Then¡ª He erupted. The air split apart as Ethan shot forward, his movement akin to a meteor tearing through the atmosphere. His body became a blur, his form cutting through the cavern like a streak of death itself. He passed between the escaping Gobkars¡ª And in the same breath, he spun. A single arc of black steel sliced through the air¡ª As Ethan landed several meters ahead¡ªthe blade once again at his waist, his back still turned. The Gobkars came to a sudden halt. Then¡ª Their heads slid from their shoulders. As a fountain of green blood erupted into the air from were their heads had previously been, spraying wildly for a moment before stopping. As their bodies collapsed. Lifeless. Ethan didn''t spare them a glance. His gaze remained forward, deep into the darkened depths of the den. His path was clear. He would eradicate every beast that stood in his way. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 26 - 26: Ch 25. The Guardian Mass annihilation. That was the only way to describe what Ethan brought to the Gobkar den. He tore through it like a natural disaster, and not a single beast¡ªlesser or greater¡ªwas spared. His fists, elbows, knees, and the occasional stolen blade became instruments of destruction. Each blow broke bodies, shattered bone, and smeared the cavern walls with green blood and shattered pride. He didn''t discriminate. Weak or strong, small or massive¡ªevery Gobkar received his wrath equally. Because there was enough of Ethan''s fury to go around. The only downside? He was getting bored. His steps didn''t falter, but his eyes had long lost their light. No beast had managed to land a blow, no challenge had made his blood boil the way it did in the sanctum. Even as he drove his arm through the chest of a Greater Gobkar, ripping out its still-pulsing heart, he couldn''t help but sigh. "How long will it take till I reach the pit?" he muttered, letting the steaming organ fall to the ground like garbage. As he moved forward. Through stone corridors littered with twitching limbs and severed heads. Through slaughtered patrols and clusters of Gobkars too terrified to flee or fight. He just kept walking. Because Ethan knew¡ªthe pit would be at the center. Every den was built around one. The moment a black pit opened and began spewing out Dread beasts, the den formed itself like a parasite wrapping around a wound. So he headed for the heart. And then¡ªhe found it. The moment he stepped into the epicenter, he knew. The air shifted. It was heavier, thicker and alien. The aura here was chaotic, and the very air felt like it was pressing down on his skin like wet cloth soaked in poison. It was like stepping into a different realm¡ªone that rejected his very existence. A silent tension clung to everything, a pressure that made even Ethan pause. Then¡ªhe saw it. The Black pit. A silent black pond, resting calmly on the den floor like a pool of living void. It didn''t ripple, didn''t pulse, didn''t move¡ªand that was the problem. Ethan''s instincts screamed. He didn''t know why. But he knew¡ªthat thing should not exist. His hand twitched. His eyes narrowed. "Tch... I really wanna destroy it." Then¡ª "Wait... how do I even destroy it?" His brow furrowed. His mission had only been to clean up the den and eliminate the remaing Dreads. Closing the pit wasn''t part of the job. He sighed. "Now I feel embarrassed for what I said earlier." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a flick of his wrist, he tapped his communicator, pulling up the Hero Guidebook. A few swipes later¡ªhe found it. Black Pit Closure Protocol: Requires Collapser. He blinked. "A collapser?" He paused, then scoffed. "Where the hell am I supposed to get one of those?" A collapser was a bomb like device used by heroes. when it was Thrown into a pit, it compressed the dimensional rift until it collapsed on itself, sealing the breach. As he was contemplating if there was another way to close the Black Pit. His Instinct suddenly kicked in. As He vanished from his spot just as a massive shadow dropped like a meteor. The impact shook the den, kicking up dust and rubble in a violent shockwave. Ethan landed cleanly, his eyes focused. And then he saw it. The Guardian. Every den had one. A final gatekeeper. The strongest beast of them all, tasked with protecting the pit at all costs. This one was a behemoth. As large as an elephant, its frame was dense with corded muscle and lined with battle scars. It had long, filthy black hair draped over its shoulders and back, and from its lower jaw, two enormous tusks jutted out like curved daggers. Its eyes burned red and it''s skin was green, just like the others¡ªbut deeper and older. It wore a helmet fashioned from the skull of some ancient beast and its body was covered only by a tattered loincloth. But what truly caught Ethan''s attention was the weapon. A massive battle axe, too large for most creatures to even lift¡ªyet the Guardian held it with ease. It snarled, eyes locking on Ethan. It could smell the blood of its kin on him¡ªhundreds of them. And because of that it didn''t just want to kill Ethan. It wanted to erase him. Ethan grinned. The first real smile in hours. "Hope you''re not just big for nothing¡­" he said, his tone almost excited. "Because the others were Total disappointments as they Couldn''t even last a minute." His hands curled into fists. That familiar battle-hungry grin stretched across his face. Then he charged. As the Guardian roared, lifting its massive axe and charging back¡ª Two monsters, one born of muscle, the other of madness¡ªcolliding like titans at the heart of the pit. **** Radiant Striker led his unit through the winding tunnels of the Gobkar den, the soft hum of his radiant armor casting golden light along the jagged stone walls. The deeper they went, the more unsettling the silence became¡ªuntil it was broken not by screams, but by the evidence of devastation. Everywhere they looked, there was carnage. Headless corpses. Crushed skulls. Severed limbs. Blood soaked the ground like spilled paint, and the walls were painted with viscera in ways that made even veteran heroes hesitate. Then one of the younger heroes broke the silence. "Was¡­ was this done by a human?" Nobody answered. They couldn''t. Because the thought alone was disturbing. The way these Dread beasts had been killed¡ªit didn''t feel like the work of a trained professional. No elegance. No precision. This was something else. This was animalistic. Savage. The way a rabid beast would tear through prey just for the thrill. Radiant Striker narrowed his eyes. He didn''t respond to the question either. Instead, he said: "Stay at high alert. We''re almost at the center." His tone was steady, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his concern. The heroes all drew their weapons, cloaks swaying, eyes scanning every shadow. They moved forward in practiced formation¡ªuntil they reached the epicenter. And then, they froze. Every jaw dropped. The scene before them looked like something out of a twisted legend. A young man, barehanded, was locked in deadly combat with a beast ten times his size. The creature¡ªthe Guardian¡ªwas a monstrous titan, swinging a massive battle axe that could level a building. And yet¡­ The young man was smiling. No¡ªhe was grinning like a mad barbarian, every muscle in his body moving with brutal grace. Each time their blows met, shockwaves erupted, shaking the very structure of the den and cracking the stone beneath their feet. The Guardian''s face was twisted¡ªnot with bloodlust, but with frustration. It couldn''t understand why this smaller creature wouldn''t just die. The heroes stood frozen in awe. One of them, still glued to the battle, finally spoke. "Sir¡­ what should we do?" Radiant Striker didn''t respond at first. He, too, had been stunned into silence, caught between disbelief and admiration. Then, he finally composed himself, voice calm but firm: "For now¡­ we watch. If anything goes wrong¡ªwe offer assistance." But in his mind, thoughts swirled faster than his composed tone would suggest. "This is far beyond what I expected¡­" His eyes gleamed with new interest as the battle raged before him. "No matter what¡­ I must make him join our clan." ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 27 - 27: Ch 26. Battle Tendency The den quaked under the sheer weight of two titans colliding. The Guardian, a beast of terrifying magnitude, thundered toward Ethan, its massive battle axe cleaving through the air with a howl of death. The arc of the swing was vast, wide enough to split a small building in two¡ªbut Ethan met the charge head-on, his eyes gleaming, his smile wide and wild. At the final moment, he sidestepped with graceful precision, the axe slamming into the floor where he once stood, sending dust and rubble flying. Ethan''s body then twisted mid-air, a blur of motion as he spun into a brutal kick, activating Force Might just as his foot connected with the Guardian''s gut. But the Guardian was no mindless beast. With reflexes that defied its enormous size, it jerked its axe up in time to deflect the blow, the force still enough to shove the creature several meters back, its heels gouging deep scratch marks into the floor of the den. As Ethan landed lightly, his eyes narrowing in interest. "Not bad¡­" he muttered. "You''ve got some fight in you." The Guardian snarled in response, its gaze burning into Ethan''s very soul. Then, red aura began to seep from its body like a slow-burning fire, coating its limbs, its weapon, its breath. The air became thick¡ªcharged with primal energy. Ethan''s smile widened. "So you''re using your Guardian''s Authority, huh?" He wasn''t surprised. He had read about it¡ªhow the Black Pit bestowed that power upon the strongest beast to protect it. A power fueled by the pit itself¡­ a power made to kill heroes like him. The ground shattered beneath their feet as they launched at each other again. Each Clash creating shockwaves and Dust storms. Ethan weaved through the battlefield with a dancer''s rhythm, toggling between Force Drain to sap energy and redirect attacks, and Force Might to return blows with crushing strength. Each time the Guardian swung, Ethan deflected or dodged¡ªleaving a counterstrike like a hammer of retribution. And the Guardian? It endured. It retaliated. It fought with the ferocity of a world on the brink of collapse. Every swing of its axe cracked the air like thunder, every roar echoed with wrath. Then¡ª Clash. Push. Distance. They separated, both panting slightly, muscles tense, eyes locked. That was when Radiant Striker and his unit arrived. The heroes looked around in awe, stunned by the devastation¡ªand more so by the sight of a young man locked in battle with a creature ten times his size. The air was thick with tension and death. Striker narrowed his eyes, silently watching the fierce combat, then said, "Stay alert. We''ll step in if needed¡­ but for now, we watch." Neither Ethan nor the Guardian spared the newcomers more than a glance. This battle was personal. This was man versus beast. Invader versus guardian. And neither intended to fall. With primal fury and unrelenting force, they charged once more, their clash erupting into a spectacle of chaos and carnage that would be remembered by all who witnessed it. **** Far beyond the chaos raging within the den, deep in the shadow-drenched expanse of Blackwood Forest, a lone figure stood beneath the twisted boughs. Cloaked in a dark robe, their presence barely disturbed the forest''s eerie stillness. In their hands, they held a device¡ªnot quite a communicator, but something far more intricate. Cables, rune-like etchings, and a pulsating core suggested it was built to transmit through layers of interference and perhaps even mask its signal from detection. The figure worked swiftly, pressing symbols along the device''s surface until it clicked into activation, emitting a low hum. A few seconds later, a holographic projection emerged¡ªmurky, crackling with static. The image it displayed was a shadowed figure, completely obscured, only the silhouette of a hooded head visible. The robed agent took a step back and pressed a clenched fist over their chest in solemn salute. "Agent 66¡ªMireveil¡ªreporting in." There was no immediate response. The projection remained still, the only sound being the wind through Blackwood''s haunted trees. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tension tightened the air like a noose. Finally, the figure in the projection spoke. "¡­Carry on." Mireveil exhaled slightly. "The task is complete. The core has been inserted into the den and everything is proceeding as planned. After the den passes through its Duality Phase, it will give birth to an Abyss Dread." The shadowed figure said nothing for several seconds, as if weighing the statement. Then, in a tone as cold as death: "That is good. Just remember¡­ failure will not be tolerated." Mireveil visibly gulped, a bead of sweat tracing down their temple beneath the hood. "Understood, sir." The projection cut out with a sharp hiss of static. Mireveil stared at the device for a moment, then crushed it in their hand. With a brief shimmer of dark energy, the shattered pieces turned to ash, dissolving into the wind like they had never existed. They whispered to themself, "There''s no reason to panic. The task has a hundred percent chance of success. The intel said only Level 3 heroes were sent and they won''t be enough to stop what''s coming." And then¡ªthey were gone. No footsteps. No sound. No trace. Just the whisper of wind, and the dark promise of something monstrous about to awaken. **** Back in the den, the feral symphony of war between Ethan and the Guardian raged on. Each clash of Ethan''s empowered strikes against the Guardian''s colossal axe resounded like a thunderclap through the cavernous domain. Dust shook from the ceiling with each blow, the den echoing with the raw, unfiltered violence of man versus monster. Then it happened. Thump. A dull sound reverberated beneath their feet¡ªnot from the clash, but from something deeper. Ethan''s foot slid slightly on the rocky floor, his instincts twitching. But He shook it off. As the Guardian snarled and charged again. Thump¡­ Thump. Two heavy beats this time. The den responded, a gust of foul wind sweeping in from the black pit at the center. Ethan narrowed his eyes mid-motion, landing a vicious knee into the Guardian''s shoulder, only for it to block with the haft of its axe and shove him back. Thump¡­ Thump¡­ Thump. Three beats. Louder, Closer and Unnatural. Ethan''s expression shifted. He could feel it. A wrongness blooming like rot beneath the ground. His body moved on instinct¡ªhe let the Guardian''s axe strike his side, and instead of resisting, he activated Force Drain, siphoning the blow''s kinetic energy to hurl himself backward. His boots scraped across the stone, sparks flying. He muttered, low and tense, "Something''s not right¡­" Striker, observing with sharp eyes from the edge of the den, felt it too. Decades of experience screamed in his bones. He clenched his fists and snapped to his team, "Everyone, get ready. We''ll be stepping in soon." But before they could even move¡ª THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. Ten consecutive thumps shook the den like the heartbeat of a god waking from slumber. The ground split. The ceiling cracked. Massive chunks of rock and jagged debris rained from above. The air turned to fire¡ªthick, hot, choking with a pressure that made everyone''s knees buckle. Striker and his team struggled to stay on their feet, some shielding their heads, others casting protective barriers to keep from being crushed. At the center of it all, the Guardian suddenly let out a deafening roar, its body trembling, flesh bubbling, bones cracking. A scarlet aura surged around it, and its muscles began to swell grotesquely, its tusks stretching longer, eyes glowing brighter. It was undergoing a metamorphosis¡ªit was evolving. Ethan''s eyes widened. "You think I''ll let you get a power-up mid-fight?!" he growled. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, Force Might surging through his veins like liquid fire. But just as he neared the Guardian, his instincts screamed¡ªa primal warning too loud to ignore. In that instant, he saw it¡ªthe flicker of amusement in the Guardian''s eye. The look of a creature that had already won. From across the battlefield, Striker''s voice rang out, strained and frantic: "Wait! It''s dangerous¡ª!" Too late. The Guardian erupted in a blinding flash of red light, a supernova of energy that pulled everything inward¡ªrocks, dust, even Ethan, caught mid-charge. Then¡ª BOOOOOOOOM!!! A colossal explosion tore through the center of the den, engulfing the area in fire, shockwaves, and chaos. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones. ... ... ... ... Chapter 28 - 28: Ch 27. King of Force As the scarlet explosion erupted around him, time slowed for Ethan. To everyone else, it was cataclysm¡ªa furious, blinding shockwave consuming everything. But to him, inside the eye of the storm, his senses exploded into overdrive. Every nerve was lit with electricity, every instinct honed like a predator on the edge of death. Ever since returning from the Sanctum, nothing had made his blood boil like this. No opponent, no Trial, no thrill had come close to the raw exhilaration he felt now. This was it this was the edge. The feeling of being overwhelmed¡ªof facing a foe stronger, of standing before impossible odds¡ªand still daring to win. "God, I missed this¡­" he thought, grinning like a madman, eyes gleaming with fire. But he had only one chance and he intended to utilize that chance well. As the burning wave crept toward him, a realization clicked like puzzle pieces snapping into place. Force Drain. Its purpose was to reduce incoming force, yes¡ªbut energy, as every law of physics stated, could not be destroyed. so the force had to go somewhere. And now, with his instincts beyond their limit, he found it. A space¡ªimaginary, boundless, hidden. Not physical, not magical¡ªjust real in the most primal way possible. His body trembled. His core opened. And from it, a wellspring burst forth. [Force Store]. Tucked inside that conceptual reservoir was every ounce of force he''d drained since awakening this power. Stored like ammunition. Waiting. And Ethan wasn''t going to be a miser. With no hesitation, he pulled. And pulled harder. He pulled everything. The raw kinetic pressure, the trembling weight of a thousand blows, the stored agony of every clash¡ª And then he poured Force Might into it, amplifying it like fuel doused in oil. To him, the explosion around him moved like molten honey¡ªthe embers dragging through the air in slow, fiery arcs, the expanding pressure folding like ripples in water. And in that moment, as the burning tide threatened to swallow him¡ª He punched. BOOOOOM!!! A single fist, glowing white-hot with condensed force, met the explosion¡ªand repelled it. The impact cracked the very air, forming a concussive barrier that held the inferno back. Shockwaves tore through the den, upending stone and air alike. Through the haze, the beast let out a deep exhale, its grotesque body continuing to evolve, morphing, adapting. It believed the vermin that challenged it was finally gone. Until it heard a sound. "Zzzmmm-KAWW!!" A whip-crack of wind being cleaved at high velocity Its eyes shot upward. And there he was¡ªEthan. Torn armor. Bloodied body. And a smile like he was born to kill. Hovering midair, his eyes narrowed, and his voice rang with ruthless intent. "Let''s see how you like the taste of your own medicine." He activated the newly awakened form of his ability¡ª[King of Force]. Everything in Force Store, every ounce of force from the Guardian''s explosion, was pulled into his body. Then he Amplified and Multiplied it. His veins surged with power. His skin glowed like molten gold cracked by white lightning. And he struck. His fist came down with divine wrath, slamming into the Guardian''s skull with a sound like a star collapsing. CRRRRRK-THROOOM!!! The force didn''t just hit¡ªit flooded. It erupted downward, shattering bone, rupturing flesh, and spreading through the creature''s entire body in violent ripples. Its limbs spasmed, its core twisted. The red aura shattered like glass. The entire Guardian exploded from the inside out, torn apart by the overwhelming power it had once wielded. Chunks of the beast scattered through the den. A final, choking roar was lost in the shockwave. And above the wreckage, Ethan''s body floated for just a second longer before gravity reclaimed him. He plummeted, all strength spent, and crashed onto the den''s floor with a solid thud, landing on his back, chest heaving, vision blurred¡ªbut alive. He''d won. **** As the Guardian released the cataclysmic explosion, a blinding red flare swallowed the heart of the den. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From a distance, Striker and his unit stood on high alert, their instincts screaming as the shockwave rushed toward them like a tidal wave of death. But unlike Ethan, who was at the very epicenter, Striker had time. A heartbeat of opportunity¡ªjust enough. "Activate¡ªTitan Veil." Golden energy surged from his core, coiling and expanding in an instant. It erupted outward, manifesting into a massive, glowing construct: a towering golden avatar, shaped in his image but cloaked in ancient armor, its form radiating divine-like brilliance. The Titan Veil loomed protectively over the unit, its arms crossed in front as the explosion collided with it. BOOOOOOM! Dust, fire, and debris washed over them like a flood, but the avatar stood firm¡ªcracks appearing on its glowing arms, its golden form flickering¡ªbut it held. It held long enough. When the storm finally subsided, the avatar faded into motes of light, and Striker stood there¡ªhis cloak billowing in the fading heat. He looked forward, eyes scanning the ruins. The battlefield was annihilated. Charred stone. Shattered earth. Scorch marks webbing the ground like an apocalyptic mosaic. Striker''s brows furrowed. "It can''t be... Such a young Talent... lost like that?" But he clenched his jaw, pushing down the grief. There wasn''t time. The Guardian was evolving, and that wasn''t normal. This wasn''t a creature adapting to survive¡ªit was something planned. But any investigations could wait. Right now, they needed backup¡ªbecause whatever came out of that metamorphosis, will be beyond their current ability to contain. He turned, opening his comm to call for reinforcements¡ª And then he stopped. His eyes wide. Above the dust and ruin, a silhouette hovered¡ªtattered, bloody, broken¡­ but undeniably alive. Ethan. Striker whispered, almost disbelieving, "He''s alive...? How... is he...?" Before the question even finished, Ethan''s fist came down like a meteor, slamming into the Guardian''s skull with earth-splitting force. The blow rippled through the battlefield, obliterating the dust, shattering the evolved monster in a single, resounding impact. The Guardian didn''t even have time to scream. BOOOOOOOM!!! Striker was stunned silent. This boy... this young Talent... kept shattering everything he thought he knew. The raw power, the unrelenting will, the timing, the instincts¡ªit was all far beyond what someone at this stage should have. And then a thought crept into his mind: "Can our clan¡­ even nurture this kind of talent?" As Ethan''s body fell from the air, all strength spent, Striker''s focus returned. "Recovery pill, now!" he snapped. A hero behind him tossed a small vial forward, and Striker caught it mid-sprint, racing toward Ethan''s unconscious form. But then¡ªa hush. A soundless, unnatural stillness like the world was holding its breath. "No¡­ it can''t be." Strikers instincts screamed. A dark wave shot toward him without warning. Striker spun on instinct, activating Titan Veil again. The golden avatar erupted in front of him, shielding him just as the shadowy energy collided with the barrier, shaking the air like thunder. And then¡ªa figure emerged from the smoke. Mireveil. The robed figure from the Blackwood Forest. The orchestrator. Striker narrowed his eyes, fists clenched. "Who are you?" But Mireveil didn''t answer. He was muttering¡ªtalking to himself, pacing erratically. "The plan¡­ it was foolproof. It should''ve succeeded. The duality phase¡­ the Abyss Dread... It can''t fail. No¡­ no, no, no¡­ this can''t be true." Striker stood cautious, watching the robed villain unravel in real time. But then Mireveil''s gaze fell upon Ethan. His voice dropped into a venomous growl. "You. This is all your fault. Now¡­ you have to die." A violent violet glow surged in his hand as he stepped forward, rushing toward the unconscious hero. Striker snarled. "You can ignore me. You can even attack me by surprise¡­ but I won''t let you lay a hand on that boy!" The Titan Veil''s golden hand slammed down between them, cutting off Mireveil''s path. The robed figure''s tone turned cold, eyes narrowing. "Do not stand in my way." Striker didn''t blink. "Make me." Mireveil''s head snapped up dramatically. And then they vanished. Striker''s eyes widened. "Wha¡ª?!" Too fast. Mireveil appeared inches from him, hand glowing with dark violet force, already swinging as his cloak rippled in the aftershock. "Tch¡ª!" The last thing Striker saw was Mireveil''s eyes¡ªwild, hateful, and burning with madness. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones or 25 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 29 - 29: Ch 28. Broken Chains Striker had never believed in talent. Not once. In his eyes, it was just a convenient word used by those too afraid of effort¡ªan excuse for failure, or worse, arrogance. To him, power was earned. Through blood. Through grit. Through relentless, unforgiving work. And if anyone needed proof, they only had to look at his journey. Striker had risen from nothing. No noble background. No rare awakening. No sudden miracle. Just a raw, burning desire to never be weak¡ªand the discipline to turn that desire into power. That was how he carved his name into the ranks of the strongest in his clan. A self-made weapon. But all of that changed... the day he met him. Just a new recruit at the time¡ªbarely awakened. But the moment he did, the whole clan knew. Why a Mythic S-Class Hero was one in ten million. Striker hadn''t thought much of it at first. He thought hard work would still win. But the recruit didn''t just rise¡ªhe ascended, leaving the rest of them in the dust. Breaking records, defying logic, and surpassing veterans who had fought for decades. So Striker did what he always did¡ªhe trained harder. If one workout didn''t do it, he did three. If he broke, he healed. Then broke again. But reality was cruel. The gap between them only widened. Worse¡­ that recruit never even saw him as a rival. Striker was nothing more than another name. Another speck behind him. That''s when the truth hit him like a blade to the gut: Talent beats hard work. Always. But Striker didn''t quit. Instead, he changed his purpose. If he couldn''t be the strongest, then he''d become the shield for those who could. He would protect the future. Nurture the next generation¡ªso when their talent fully bloomed, they could protect humanity in ways he never could. That''s why, when he saw Ethan, everything changed again. He didn''t even know his name. But the talent he saw in him¡­ was greater than anything he had ever witnessed. Greater than even that mythic recruit. And so he made a vow. He would protect Ethan. No matter what. --- Now, with Mireveil lunging toward him, that vow roared to life. Striker''s instincts surged as a violet strike aimed for his chest. "Aegis Bloom!" he roared. Golden light burst forth, instantly forming a dome-shaped radiant barrier around him. The attack collided¡ªbut was absorbed with a shimmer of golden light. Then, in the next breath¡ª "Titan Veil!" The golden avatar exploded into existence once more, and this time it acted without mercy¡ªits massive hand swinging with blinding speed. SLAAAAAM! Mireveil was sent flying, crashing into the den wall with a deep crack, lodged into the stone. Striker didn''t hesitate. "Unit! Shield the boy! Now!" He instructed. As He blasted off the ground, a golden blur, streaking toward the villain. He reached the cratered wall where Mireveil was stuck and unleashed a storm of golden fists, each one hammering into the robed figure with ferocious speed. BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. But as he prepared to land a final blow¡ªMireveil vanished. "Teleportation ability¡ª!" Striker cursed, instantly calling up his barrier again, eyes scanning. Silence. Then¡ªscreams. He turned sharply. Mireveil stood among his team all battered but alive regardless. One hero¡ªVarnel¡ªbarely reacted before Mireveil''s hand clamped around his face. Dark violet energy surged. And just like that¡ªhis head turned to ash. The hero fell. Dead. Another hero, Flint, roared in rage, hurling fire at the killer¡ªbut Mireveil dodged easily, weaving through the flames with unnatural grace. "You bastard!" Flint screamed. "You killed Varnel! You''ll pay for that!!" The others followed, faces twisted in pain and fury, activating their abilities. Striker rushed in from the side, his expression hard. But grief seeped through his cracks. Varnel was one of them. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A comrade and a friend and he was gone like that. The villain had to pay. Mireveil looked to Ethan once more, eyes hateful. "It''s not worth it now." "But I''ll be back for you." And just as a massive golden palm slammed down where he stood¡ªhe vanished. Striker''s fist clenched. "Damn it¡­ he got away." He turned slowly, gaze falling on Varnel''s lifeless body. The others were solemn¡ªsome trembling. Some crying silently. Striker stood over the fallen hero for a moment longer. But he couldn''t break. Not now. Later, he''d mourn. Right now, he had to lead. He turned to the team. "Cover Varnel''s body. We''ll bring him home. He deserves a proper burial." He pointed to another. "Flint¡ªcollapse the pit. We''re sealing this place." Then to a healer. "You¡ªcheck on the boy. He''s still breathing, but barely. He needs immediate treatment." The team snapped into action¡ªa rhythm born from pain and duty. Striker stood at the center, his golden aura flickering low. He looked up, gaze distant. "The life of a hero¡­ it''s filled with loss. With risk. But it''s the people we protect that give us the will to keep fighting." "And we won''t be stopping anytime soon." With Ethan''s unconscious body secured, and Varnel''s body wrapped for honor, the team boarded the VTOL, rising from the blackened den. Their destination: The Hero Association HQ. **** The warehouse was silent. Too silent. The kind of silence that made your heartbeat sound like thunder in your ears. It was the middle of the night, the moonlight barely bleeding through the broken windows above. Dust floated in the stale air, undisturbed, timeless¡ªuntil Ethan appeared. He blinked. One moment, he had just felled the Guardian, a beast of overwhelming power. Victory should''ve meant rest¡­ clarity¡­ anything but this. Now, he stood in the middle of this abandoned warehouse, disoriented and unnerved. His boots made no sound against the cold concrete. Then he looked down at his hands. His heart skipped a beat. Transparent. "What the hell¡­?" he whispered, barely audible. He could see through his arms¡ªveins shimmering faintly like glass soaked in light. Was he a ghost? That''s when he heard it. A sound. Chains clinking. Ethan''s head snapped toward the source. And what he saw nearly shattered him. His breath caught. His chest constricted. Even though he was transparent, his blood boiled. His pulse surged. And above all else¡ªrage. Pure, feral rage erupted in his soul. There, tied to a chair, bruised but alive, was a man. A man with a face Ethan could never forget. The face that haunted his darkest nights. The face that ripped away his joy, leaving only ashes. The face that painted his childhood in shadows and carved grief into his soul. The man who murdered his parents. His world tilted. His hands trembled. He could still remember the screaming. His mother''s last cry. The gurgle of his father''s breath as it was torn from him. He was just a boy then. Helpless. And this man¡ªthis monster¡ªhad smiled as he did it. His grief, long buried beneath trials and blood, came surging back. Like a storm. "Why¡­ why are you here?!" Ethan whispered, voice cracking, even though no one seemed to hear him. Was this a dream? A trick? Had he returned to Earth? Had time rewound? Why was the killer tied up? Then¡ª A voice. Calm and Familiar. "You were really hard to find." Ethan froze. He turned slowly. And there he saw something that made his stomach twist into knots. Himself. His past self. The version of Ethan from Earth. Still Young and innocent, but his eyes were hollow and burdened by pain. "What is going on?!" Ethan said¡ªbut his voice was an echo in a void. Then¡ªagony. A searing pain bloomed in his skull. He clutched his head, stumbling, vision splitting. Memories¡ªones he didn''t recognize¡ªcame flooding in. Faster. Sharper. Louder. Laughter¡­ tears¡­ a hand reaching for him¡­ blood. He dropped to his knees. A voice, smooth and powerful, echoed through the warehouse¡ªnot from any one place, but from within: > "For you to Passover¡­ your memories must be remodeled¡­ to ensure a smooth transfer." Ethan screamed. Light. Blinding light exploded in his mind as the voice continued. And then¡ªdarkness. Followed by the slow, agonizing awakening of even more memories¡ªpieces of him he didn''t even know were missing. Still clutching his head, eyes wide and bloodshot, Ethan knelt in that warehouse. And for the first time in a long time, he felt like a boy again. Afraid. Angry. And alone in a world that had always been too cruel. But even through the pain, he knew one thing¡ª This was no dream. This was something deeper. And whatever waited on the other side¡­ It wanted all of him. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones or 25 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 30 - 30: Ch 29. Silent Past The flickering fluorescent lights in the small interrogation room buzzed faintly. A lone detective stood over a table, frustration clinging to his every breath as he looked down at the ten-year-old boy seated quietly across from him. The child, Ethan, looked hollow¡ªtoo still, too quiet for someone his age. "So you''re telling me¡­ you can''t remember the face?" the detective asked, voice firm but edged with disbelief. Ethan, small and pale, slowly shook his head. His lips didn''t move. His eyes didn''t flinch. Just a slight shake. The detective''s hands slammed the table, startling the boy. "How can you not remember the face of your parents'' killer?!" The words hit Ethan like a bullet. His body flinched involuntarily, but his expression didn''t change. Inside, though, something cracked deeper. "Detective, that''s enough!" another officer said sharply, stepping forward. "He''s just watched his parents die tonight. Do you think shouting is going to fix that?" The detective let out a slow breath, regret flashing across his face. "You''re right¡­ I''m sorry. It''s just frustrating knowing that a murderer''s walking free, and we'' can''t do anything to catch him" He said Before He turned away, rubbing his temple, and quietly exiting the room, leaving the second officer with the boy. The officer knelt, bringing himself to Ethan''s level. "Hey¡­ Ethan. Today''s been a long day, huh? How about we get you home so you can rest?" He paused. "Do you have any relatives nearby?" Ethan looked at him, then slowly shook his head again. "No one''s¡­ alive," he whispered¡ªhis first words since arriving. The officer blinked, caught off guard by the sudden sound of his voice. "Alright," he said softly, "I''ll arrange for someone to take you home for now, okay?" Ethan didn''t respond. He simply stood when prompted and followed the officer out of the room. --- Later that night, Ethan stood alone by a window, the pale moonlight cutting across his face. He watched as the red and blue lights of the police car faded into the distance. Only once they were gone did his posture loosen¡ªhis mask slipping. He wasn''t afraid. He wasn''t traumatized. He was angry. There was a reason he hadn''t told them what the killer looked like. It wasn''t fear that kept his mouth shut. It was choice. He didn''t want justice from others. He didn''t want law and mercy. What he wanted was revenge¡ªraw and personal. He wanted to be the one to find that man. To make him suffer. To show him what it felt like to lose everything. Ethan clenched his fists, his nails digging into his skin. Most wouldn''t understand. They''d think he was too young to think this way. But Ethan had never been like most kids. He''d always been quiet and Withdrawn. Never speaking to anyone and only showing his true self around his parents because they were his entire world. There was a reason for this. When Ethan was younger he had been diagnosed with selective mutism his parents tried all means to cure him but no treatment worked. In the end, his parents simply accepted him, loved him, and never forced him to change. They were his voice. They were his warmth. They were¡­ everything. So when he watched them die, something inside Ethan broke¡ªcompletely. The light in his heart was extinguished that night. And from the ashes, something darker took root. He wasn''t a child anymore. He was the weapon their killer unknowingly forged. And that man would come to regret ever leaving Ethan Cross alive. **** Luckily for Ethan, his parents had set aside a decent sum of money for him in case of emergencies. A life insurance policy, a savings account, and a small inheritance his father had quietly built up. It wasn''t enough to live lavishly, but it was more than enough to survive without being thrown into the foster system or sent to an orphanage. And that was for the best. What Ethan planned to do¡­ wasn''t something he could afford to do while being surrounded by others. He needed solitude. He needed freedom. He needed space. After the funeral¡ªquiet, with barely any attendees. Ethan returned to the house that once rang with warmth and laughter. It was silent now. Hollow. But he didn''t cry. He didn''t scream. He simply resumed life. To the outside world, Ethan remained the same: quiet, reserved, and distant. No one thought much of it¡ªhe had always been that way. So when he returned to school shortly after the burial, there was no alarm. No red flags. He passed through the days unnoticed. His life followed a simple routine. School during the weekdays. Trips to the local supermarket every couple of days to restock on food. He paid bills using the funds left for him, kept the house clean, and maintained his grades well enough to stay under the radar. But at night¡­ he became someone else. After his homework was done, after the dinner dishes were washed, Ethan would sit alone in the dark with his laptop glowing against his pale face. Every night, he scoured the internet¡ªforums, public databases, facial recognition tools, obscure social media accounts. He was hunting a ghost. Searching for a name to match the face etched into his memory like fire. He had seen the man. He had memorized the man. And all he needed was a name. Seven long years passed like that. Each one quietly sharpening Ethan''s will into a blade. Until one night¡ªat 17 years old¡ªhe found it. A newly created account. Just a few friends. Barely any posts. But the profile picture was unmistakable. That smug, hateful face that haunted his dreams. Ethan stared at the screen, breath frozen in his throat. A whisper escaped his lips like a curse finally uttered: "I finally found you." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He clicked into the profile. Scrolled through every detail. Then he found what he needed¡ªa careless post tagging a location. It led to a local bar, and from there, he followed the trail. And finally got a home address He copied the home address into a separate notebook¡ªhis revenge journal, the one no one ever saw. Name: Christopher Michael. Ethan stared at the name. A small smile curled at the edge of his lips¡ªbut there was no joy in it. Only cold satisfaction. He wasn''t going to act yet. Not now. The hunt was about patience. He needed to understand his prey. He needed to learn everything about Trumple Donaldson¡ªhis habits, his schedule, his weaknesses. The time for justice wasn''t here yet. But soon¡­ It would be. **** A loud crash echoed through the quiet street as the bar doors burst open, and a man was hurled out like garbage. He tumbled across the pavement, groaning as he clutched his ribs, the stench of cheap liquor clinging to him like a second skin. From the doorway, a burly man with sleeves rolled up and fury in his eyes shouted after him, "I don''t want to see your face here ever again¡ªgot that?! You show up one more time, and you''ll be going home with one leg!" Without waiting for a reply, the man spat on the ground and slammed the door behind him. Micheal, still sprawled on the cold sidewalk, groaned and rolled onto his side. He sat up, swaying, and dusted off his stained jacket with a shaky hand. "Hell!" he slurred, rising to his feet. "You''ll see me dead before I ever come back to this dump. Your drinks taste like shit anyway¡­" He staggered down the street, muttering curses to himself, tripping over his own feet with every step. His gait was clumsy, almost pitiful. Clearly drunk beyond sense or reason. Eventually, he reached his small, dilapidated house. He fumbled through his pockets, pulling out his key, only for it to slip from his fingers and clatter to the ground. "Why can''t anything go right?!" he shouted, his voice cracking in frustration. He dropped to one knee, snatched the key off the floor and after several failed attempts, finally managed to unlock the door. The moment it creaked open, the foul stench of stale booze, sweat, and rotting leftovers washed over him. The interior was a disaster¡ªbottles scattered across the floor, furniture stained and broken, walls yellowed with grime. It was less a home and more a pigsty that reeked of decay. Just as he was about to take a step inside, a voice drifted out of the darkness behind him¡ªquiet, cold, and chilling. "There is no peace for the wicked." Micheal froze. Before he could turn around, a blunt object slammed into the back of his head with bone-jarring force. His eyes rolled back instantly as he collapsed to the floor like a puppet with its strings cut, unconscious before he even hit the ground. The door creaked slowly shut behind him. And the silence that followed was heavier than before. ... ... ... A/N will release an extra chapter if I get 50 power stones or 25 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 31 - 31: Ch 30. June 6th 2006 The warehouse was silent except for the creaking of rusted metal in the wind. Located far off in a forgotten part of town, it was the kind of place no one visited, where even the rats avoided nesting. The air was thick with dust and the faint scent of oil and rust. A single overhead bulb swung slowly, its dim light casting twisted shadows across the room. Micheal was slumped in a metal chair, his arms and legs bound tightly with chains that scraped against his skin every time he moved. His dirty blond hair was matted and wet, clinging to his wrinkled forehead. Though only thirty-five, the years had not been kind to him¡ªsubstance abuse had hollowed him out, leaving behind an aged husk of a man. His sunken eyes, jaundiced and glassy, barely stayed open. His beer belly strained against the stained fabric of his shirt, completing the image of a man long past redemption. Suddenly, a splash of ice-cold water hit him full in the face. He jolted upright with a choked gasp, coughing violently as water rushed up his nose and down his throat. His eyes darted around in a panic, trying to make sense of where he was. He saw the chains. The concrete floor. The table next to him lined with unfamiliar, menacing tools¡ªpliers, blades, clamps. Then his eyes landed on a boy standing a few feet away¡ªEthan. Young, expressionless, but with an unsettling calm in his gaze. Micheal''s mind, scrambled by fear and confusion, immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion. "Please!" he blurted out, his voice cracking. "Give me more time! I swear I''ll get Pablo his money! Just¡ªjust tell him I need a week!" He didn''t even stop to consider that Ethan was too young to be a debt collector¡ªpanic had replaced reason. The only thing he knew was that he was chained, helpless, and facing someone with clear intent. Ethan tilted his head slightly, unblinking. His voice was calm but heavy with suppressed rage. "June 6th, 2006." Micheal froze. The name Pablo was gone from his mind now. "Wh-what?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Ethan took a step forward. "In an alley near Genesis Theatre. Do you remember what happened on that day?" Micheal blinked, confusion twisting his features. 2006? That was long before he got involved with Pablo. Long before the gang life fully took over. What was this kid talking about? Then, a sick realization began to creep into his mind. Why would a teenager be collecting money for Pablo? Pablo had more than enough grown men to do that work. His confusion deepened¡­ until the pit in his stomach turned to dread. Ethan''s voice cut through his spiraling thoughts. "I can see that you''re distracted. Let me help you focus." Without warning, Ethan grabbed the chain, yanked Donaldson from the chair, and dragged him across the concrete floor to the far corner of the warehouse. There, a basin filled with murky water sat waiting. Floating inside were red pepper seeds¡ªhundreds of them. A burning concoction for pain. "This might jog your memory," Ethan said coldly. Micheal''s eyes widened. "Wait¡ªno, please¡ª!" His protest was silenced as Ethan shoved his head into the basin. Water bubbled violently as Micheal thrashed, the spicy mixture searing into his eyes and nose. He struggled wildly, coughing and gagging. After twelve seconds, Ethan yanked him up. Donaldson screamed. "My eyes! My eyes! They''re burning¡ªplease¡ª!" "You''re not trying hard enough to remember," Ethan replied, and pushed his head back in. Again. And again. Each time, Micheal came out red-eyed, crying, coughing, mucus and tears streaming down his bloated face. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Micheal broke. "I remember!" he screamed. "I remember what happened!" Ethan paused, standing over him, watching. Micheal sobbed, barely able to speak. His face was red and puffy, nose leaking, lips trembling. "It¡­ it was supposed to be simple. Just a robbery. Scare a couple, take their money, that''s all." he was struggling as he spoke. "I found my targets so I followed them, and waited until they were alone¡­ But it was my first time. I was nervous. When the man stepped toward me, I panicked¡ªI didn''t mean to shoot, I swear I didn''t mean to!" He broke down in heavy sobs, guilt finally clawing at his chest. "I just¡­ I just wanted to scare them¡­" Ethan stared at him in silence, his voice low and cold. "Do you take me for a fool?" Micheal looked up, dazed. "What?" "One bullet might be panic. But you didn''t just shoot my father. You aimed and fired at my mother, too. You didn''t run. You chose to finish the job." Ethan stepped closer, shadows crawling across his face. "Don''t lie to me." Micheal held his breath, frozen. Ethan leaned in. "So unless you''re ready to tell me why you really did it... I''ll continue to make every single day of your life worse than death." He grabbed Micheal by the hair, dragging him back toward the basin. "No¡ªwait¡ªplease! You have to believe me¡ªit was a mistake¡ªI didn''t want to kill them!" But Ethan didn''t respond. His grip tightened, and he shoved Micheal''s head into the burning water again. The muffled screams filled the warehouse, bubbling with every second. The night had only just begun. **** It became routine. A dark, twisted ritual that Ethan performed with unwavering precision. Every day, he stepped into that desolate warehouse tucked away in a forgotten corner of the world. For Micheal, each day was a cycle of pain and despair. For Ethan, it was something close to therapy. He didn''t mind the screams¡ªthey were background noise, a symphony of guilt and anguish. The smell of blood, sweat, and urine didn''t bother him. If anything, it grounded him. Each flinch, each sob, each plea was another brushstroke on a canvas painted with retribution. His seven years of searching hadn''t been in vain. During that time, Ethan had studied anatomy, pain thresholds, and the psychology of suffering. If the CIA had ever witnessed the talent he honed, they''d have begged to recruit him. For three long months, Ethan asked the same question, again and again: "June 6th, 2006. An alley near Genesis Theatre. What happened that day?" Micheal always gave an answer. Ethan always called it a lie. Then the session would begin. Today was no different¡ªat least on the surface. As Ethan entered the warehouse, the light flickered above, revealing the shell of a man chained to a chair. Micheal looked like death wrapped in skin¡ªbarely alive, barely human. Stripped to his boxers, his body was a grotesque canvas of brutality. His skin was bloated with bruises, his limbs covered in lash marks. Some of his fingernails and toenails were gone. His mouth, missing a few teeth, quivered at the sound of approaching steps. Branding iron scars across his body spelled the same word, over and over: GUILTY. Ethan walked in slowly, briefcase in hand, footsteps echoing across concrete. Micheal didn''t even lift his head. He had no strength left for fear. The gag was yanked from his mouth with a harsh tug. "Please¡­" Micheal whispered, lips trembling. "Just kill me¡­" But the plea fell on deaf ears. Ethan''s voice was cold. "June 6th, 2006. An alley near Genesis Theatre. Do you remember what happened that day?" Micheal flinched, the words digging into his brain like shards of glass. But something was different today. He didn''t scream. He didn''t panic. His eyes, once wild, were now dim. There was no fear left¡ªonly bitterness. "You sick bastard," he spat, surprising Ethan. Ethan blinked. That was new. Micheal raised his head slowly, something twisted behind his pain¡ªa smile. A smile Ethan had seen once before. "What do you want to hear?" Micheal hissed. "I told you already I killed your parents." "And you know what? I enjoyed it." That smile¡ªthe same cruel grin worn by the man who had slaughtered his family¡ªstretched across Micheal''s bruised face. "It gives me joy," Micheal said. "Joy to know I dragged someone else down into the filth with me. That I made you fall as low as I did." Ethan''s hands clenched, trembling for a moment before he let out a breath and released them. "So," he said calmly, "you finally decided to be honest." Micheal frowned. "That smile," Ethan continued, stepping forward, "was the same one you wore the night you killed them." He set the suitcase on the table, flicking the clasps open with practiced ease. "You didn''t kill for money," Ethan said as he opened it. "That night, you were hunting something else." "You were hunting for power because killing made you feel like a god." From the briefcase, he pulled a file and tossed it onto Micheal''s lap. Pages spilled out¡ªphotos, reports, names. "July 7th, 2005. Abigail Grace, 32. Schoolteacher. Found dead." "March 20th, 2000. Mark Gabriel, 23. Delivery driver. Vanished." "And May 20th, 1998¡­" Ethan''s voice dropped. "Daniella Bright. Twelve. Her body was found in a gutter." He stepped closer. "There are sixty-six more. Sixty-six." Micheal''s smile vanished. His blood drained. He was exposed¡ªcompletely naked under the weight of truth. Ethan chuckled. "You didn''t drag me down. I''m still human, but you''re a monster beyond saving." He reached into the case again. Slowly, deliberately, he pulled out a pistol. The same gun that had taken his parents from him. Michael''s eyes widened. "Wait¡­ no. Please don''t. Please¡ª" Ethan stared at him. "I hope you burn in hell." The gunshot rang out. Micheal''s head snapped back, a hole between his eyes. His lifeless body slumped in the chair. His face was twisted in pain, sorrow, and the realization that he''d thrown his life away for a fleeting sense of power. Ethan placed the gun down on the table and stood there, breathing. "What now?" he muttered to himself. Revenge had been his reason to exist. And now that it was done¡­ the silence was deafening. Then, a voice echoed in his mind. "You''re perfect." His vision blurred. The warehouse spun. And everything went dark. ... ... ... A/N: Wow I was so surprised to wake up and see 50 power stones so I had to deliver on my promise and release an extra chapter today but I will increase the thresh hold for the the nest bonus chapter. I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets. ... ... S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... ... Chapter 32 - 32: Ch 31. The Voice Ethan drifted in an endless void. No ground. No sky. No sound. Only stillness¡ªabsolute and suffocating. The darkness wasn''t just the absence of light¡ªit was the absence of everything. A space where existence itself seemed to have unraveled. Then it struck him¡ªlike a bolt of lightning cracking through the fog of oblivion. "I¡­ I remember everything now," he whispered, eyes widening as memory surged into him with startling clarity. A voice followed. It didn''t echo in the air¡ªthere was no air to carry it. It reverberated in his soul, deeper than sound could ever reach. Ethereal. Ageless and Overwhelmingly powerful. > "Welcome back, Ethan." His breath caught. His eyes darted through the black. There was no source, no figure, just a vast presence bearing down on him from every direction. "Wh-who are you?" he asked, voice fragile against the infinite dark. The voice answered slowly, its tone both ancient and unmeasurable. > "I am a forgotten soul¡ªone that existed before existence itself. I bore witness when time still slumbered, when light had yet to be born. I watched stars ignite and die like flickers of breath, listened to the dreams of dead gods, and drifted through the thoughts of slumbering titans. I have seen the first heartbeat of creation... and the last sigh of annihilation." Ethan stood frozen, awestruck. What is this being...? Is it some kind of god? > "I am no god," the voice replied, as if the thought had been spoken aloud. "Merely¡­ an overseer." Ethan''s chest tightened. "So¡­ you can read my mind?" > "Not your mind," it said with eerie calm. "Your soul''s essence. It speaks louder than thought. That¡­ is one of my divine abilities." Ethan was struck silent. One of its divine abilities? Just how many did it have? Suddenly, the voice shifted¡ªfirmer and urgent. "We are running out of time. I sense your confusion and your questions. Ask them quickly. For this moment is rare." The weight of those words gripped Ethan like chains. This wasn''t just a fleeting encounter. It was the opportunity. A chance to understand why he had come to this world. Why he had been reborn. Why he had been chosen. He inhaled, steeling himself. "¡­Why was I brought here?" There was silence. Heavy and Measured. Then the voice responded. > "You were brought here for a sole purpose¡­ to defend this world from the [ENEMY]." Ethan blinked. "What enemy?" > "Not an enemy," the voice corrected. "The [ENEMY]." A flicker of irritation crossed Ethan''s face. What kind of vague nonsense is that? What''s the difference? > "There is a difference," the voice answered smoothly, brushing his thought aside like wind over still water. "An enemy is something you can see¡ªsomething with a form. You can strike them, outmaneuver them, chain them. But the [ENEMY]¡­ it is not bound by such things. It does not obey the laws of nature. No weapon can touch it. No scheme can ensnare it. Against the [ENEMY], every superficial act is as meaningless as shouting into the void." Ethan clenched his jaw. "Then how the hell am I supposed to defend anything from that?!" > "Hah¡­ Hahaha¡ª" the voice suddenly laughed. The laugh wasn''t warm. It was a rupture in reality itself, like the creak of an ancient universe groaning beneath its own weight. It didn''t comfort¡ªit chilled but it did not affect Ethan in the slightest way. "What the hell''s so funny?" Ethan demanded, unamused. > "It''s just¡­" The voice exhaled something close to nostalgia. "Amusing. That you''re not afraid. It''s been so long since someone dared speak to me like this. You¡­ remind me of them." Them? Ethan was confused but it looked like the voice was no longer going to shed light on that topic. > "And as for how to defeat the [ENEMY]¡­" the voice continued, "Even I do not know." "What?!" Ethan shouted. "Then how am I¡ª" > "That¡­ is why you were chosen." Ethan paused. "What?" > "You like that word a lot," the voice teased, cutting him off again. "But no¡ªI don''t speak of your class, or your form, or your fate. I speak of your will." > "Your will to fight. Your will to survive. Your refusal to kneel, even as the world crumbles. Your obsession with overcoming, regardless of the cost. That indomitable force within you¡­ that is why I chose you." The words struck Ethan deeper than he expected. He stood silent, turning them over in his mind. > "I do not know how you will succeed," the voice admitted. "But I know you can. Your will is unlike anything I''ve witnessed in ages. Whether it becomes your blade or your shackle¡­ is up to you." Ethan lowered his head, lost in thought. Then, as if reaching a decision, he looked up. His silence was answer enough. The voice seemed¡­ pleased. "I need to know," Ethan said, his voice firm now. "This [ENEMY] I''m supposed to face¡­ can''t I know what it is? Or its name?" The voice grew solemn again. > "Your mind is not strong enough to bear such knowledge. And even if it were¡­ the [ENEMY] can sense when one thinks of it. That, too, is one of its divine abilities." Ethan nodded slowly. "Then I guess¡­ I need to become strong enough just to think about my enemy." He let out a long sigh. "¡­This is going to be difficult." There was a reason Ethan hadn''t hesitated to accept the mission. Back on Earth, he had nothing left. No dreams. No family. No connections. After achieving his revenge, the fire that once kept him moving had burned everything else with it. He hadn''t formed any bonds¡ªhadn''t wanted to. The world felt dull, grey¡­ meaningless. So with the opportunity to start anew in a world where he would matter¡ªwhere he had a purpose¡ªhe took it without flinching. A fresh beginning. A clean slate. A chance to carve meaning out of chaos. Ethan glanced into the black, the presence of the Voice still looming unseen. "Why were my memories altered at first?" > "They served as a buffer," the Voice replied. "A resonance, perfectly aligned with the Ethan of this world. That Ethan¡­ had died in spirit. And you, Ethan, had died in body. The memories you received weren''t false¡ªthey were reflections, designed to synchronize your soul with his vessel." Ethan''s brow furrowed. "So¡­ I would''ve ended up here either way?" > "Yes," the Voice said. "Even if you had never recovered your true memory, your will would remain untouched. And your path¡­ would still lead you to the [ENEMY]." He nodded slowly, digesting the revelation. His eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Then that ritual¡­ the one that started all this. You sent it, right?" A brief pause. > "No." That stopped Ethan cold. His mind reeled. "What?" > "The ritual merely alerted me to his existence. It gave me the window I needed. His body was the vessel¡ªbut he was the one who chose to go through with the ritual. Willingly. It was his own hand that carved the circle. His own voice that spoke the invocation. I only came after and did not have anything to do with how he acquired it" A strange discomfort settled in Ethan''s chest. The moral weight of it wasn''t lost on him. A life had been replaced¡ªswallowed up by something greater. Was it right? Did it matter? Hearing his thoughts, the Voice added: > "He chose that path, Ethan. He gave up everything¡ªnot for power, but for freedom. In doing so, he made way for you." The atmosphere changed then. He could feel the void tightening, pulsing unnaturally. > "There is no longer any time. The longer you remain here, the more likely the [ENEMY] becomes aware of you." The edges of Ethan''s form began to shimmer¡ªlike smoke unraveling into the dark. > "Take these final words¡­" The Voice grew distant as Ethan''s vision blurred. > "Your talent is a phenomenon unseen by even me. It will be your greatest weapon against the [ENEMY]." The light¡ªor absence of it¡ªbegan to fold in on itself. > "And remember: the Sanctum is real. It is as real as you are. So do not be foolish." Ethan nodded, committing the words to memory. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, just before he was about to vanish completely, something flickered in his mind. A question. Small, strange, but stubborn. He looked up, even as his body was nearly gone. "¡­Why did you make me sing?" The Voice was silent for a moment. And then, just as Ethan''s presence teetered on the edge of total disappearance, the Voice spoke. > "I thought it would be funny." Ethan''s eyes widened in genuine surprise. He couldn''t help it¡ªa smile broke across his fading face. "Yh it kind of was¡­" And with that, he was gone. The void returned to silence. ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets and I appologize for the late release. ... ... ... ... Chapter 33 - 33: Ch 32. Only Family Ethan awoke suddenly, his breath catching in his throat as his eyes snapped open. The ceiling above him was sleek and metallic, embedded with soft ambient lights that mimicked natural daylight. The room around him felt sterile yet strangely serene¡ªa private hospital ward, but not like any he had ever seen. Advanced monitors hummed quietly, casting pulses of blue and green light across the walls. Holographic screens floated silently above sleek consoles, displaying his vitals in real-time. The bed he lay in was high-tech, contoured to his body, with integrated support systems and nanofiber blankets that adjusted to his temperature. It was immediately clear¡ªno expense had been spared in treating him. Suddenly, the door slid open with a quiet hiss, and a nurse stepped in, her eyes scanning the monitors casually¡ªuntil she saw him sitting upright, alert and conscious. Her tray clattered to the floor, sending metal tools scattering. She gasped, wide-eyed. "Y-you''re awake!" Without hesitation, she bolted out of the room, to call the doctor. A few minutes later, the door burst open again, this time with a man in a pristine white coat, flanked by two more staff. The doctor wasted no time¡ªhe moved quickly, checking Ethan''s vitals, running diagnostics, and speaking rapid orders to the assistants. After a tense few minutes, he froze, staring at the data on his tablet. "How¡­ is this possible?" the doctor murmured. Ethan tilted his head, raising a brow. "What''s wrong, doc?" "That''s the thing. There''s nothing wrong with you." The doctor turned toward him, disbelief in his eyes. "When you were brought in, your body was in critical condition. You had severe myofibrillar disintegration, complete musculoskeletal trauma, and multiple bone fractures. Your entire muscular structure was borderline necrotic. Even in superhuman cases, it would take a month in intensive care and regeneration chambers to reach baseline stability." He looked down at his screen again. "But now? You''ve fully healed. In two days. This kind of recovery is¡­ medically unprecedented." The doctor continued talking, marveling at the phenomenon, but Ethan wasn''t listening anymore. His mind turned inward. So¡­ it really did heal me. "The voice". It must''ve repaired my body¡ªprobably to keep me from wasting time in recovery. Looks like my mission starts now, whether I''m ready or not. Just then, the door creaked open again. And a girl stepped in. She wore a simple white t-shirt and fitted blue jeans, but there was a certain softness to her look¡ªa warmth that contradicted the sterile room. Her long black hair shimmered under the lights, cascading down her back like silk, and her golden eyes¡ªshining with both fear and hope¡ªlocked onto Ethan the moment she saw him. Her hands trembled, and whatever she was holding slipped from her arms, hitting the floor with a muffled thud. Guess people in this hospital really have something against holding stuff properly, Ethan mused dryly. As She rushed to him, voice cracking, "Ethan, you''re awake!" Her arms wrapped tightly around him as she collapsed into his shoulder, her tears soaking into his gown. "I didn''t know if you''d ever open your eyes again¡­ I thought I lost you." Ethan stiffened, stunned. He didn''t recognize her at all¡ªyet her voice, her presence, the way she embraced him¡ªit was clear. She knew him. They were close. Then it clicked. Her eyes¡­ and that hair. A document from the previous data files flashed in his mind. Lisa. She''s¡­ my sister in this world. The long months in the Sanctum, and the shock of regaining memories from his past life, had dulled his connection to the life he now inhabited. But this moment¡ªher trembling form against his chest¡ªmade everything come rushing back. He gently lifted a hand, placing it on her head, softly stroking her hair. Lisa slowly pulled away, brushing her damp bangs aside. Her golden eyes were red and swollen from crying. The sight stirred something deep in Ethan¡ªsomething long buried. In his past life, after losing his parents, there was no one left. No love given. None received. But now¡­ Now I have someone who cares. And in that moment, his resolve solidified. If I''m meant to protect this world¡­ then I swear¡ªno tear will ever fall from her eyes again. He smiled¡ªconfident, calm, and full of fire. "Lisa¡­ you might not know this but I''m tougher than I look." Lisa blinked, then pouted. "Idiot," she muttered, before lightly punching his chest. "Just promise me you''ll be more careful next time." Ethan gave a small chuckle. "Don''t worry. I will." **** Inside the grand study of a lavish mansion, the soft ticking of an antique clock echoed against the quiet hum of air circulating through the vents. Sophia sat alone in her room, perched elegantly on a high-backed leather chair beside a wide, polished mahogany desk. The dim glow from her desk lamp cast warm light over a spread of files and papers meticulously arranged before her. At the center of it all was a photograph of Ethan, clipped to a thick manila folder. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the details like a hawk. The documents beneath the photo were filled with everything her network of informants had uncovered¡ªhis address, date of birth, school records, medical history, and even old family records. Nothing had escaped her reach. She tapped her nails thoughtfully against the desk. "So¡­ an E-Rank," she whispered, her tone unreadable. But she didn''t sneer. She never mocked someone for being born weak. One''s rank was, after all, something beyond their control. What she did despise were those who resigned to weakness¡ªthose who wallowed in it instead of fighting to rise above it. And Ethan¡­ he wasn''t like that. She could see it. It was in his eyes. There was something beneath that calm gaze. Something unyielding. Her brows furrowed as she caught herself staring too long at the photo. She suddenly shook her head, breaking the spell. "Sophia, what the hell are you thinking about¡­" she muttered under her breath. Just then, her phone buzzed sharply on the desk, its screen lighting up with a name: "Watcher #3 ¨C Subject Ethan." She answered instantly. "Speak." A hesitant voice came through the line. "Lady Sophia¡­ there''s bad news." Her posture straightened. "What happened?" The informant hesitated. "The target¡­ Ethan¡­ he''s been hospitalized. Condition appears critical." Sophia shot up from her chair, the photo slipping off the desk unnoticed. Her eyes went wide, and a strange, sharp emotion clawed at her chest. "What?!" she snapped. "What happened to him?" Silence. The voice on the other end wavered. "We don''t know, ma''am. We couldn''t get close enough to gather details." Her jaw clenched. "What do you mean you don''t know?! What are you being paid for?" "There''s been a lockdown," the informant stammered. "The hospital''s under tight security. High-level heroes are stationed all around it. We couldn''t breach without alerting them." Sophia''s fingers curled tightly around the phone. "Which hospital?" "Silverpine Central Medical Tower." She ended the call with a sharp flick of her thumb, not bothering to hear another excuse. She didn''t understand it¡ªthe anger, the frustration that boiled in her chest. Why do I care this much? she asked herself, but she shoved the thought away before it could root too deep. Instead, she hit another number on speed dial. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Mr. Henry, prepare one of the cars. I''m heading out." The butler''s voice came through, calm and composed. "As you wish, my lady." As the call ended, Sophia grabbed a black fitted jacket from the back of her chair and slid it on with practiced grace. She took one last glance at the scattered documents¡ªat the photo of Ethan¡ªand then turned away. She opened the door, her expression unreadable, and stepped into the hall, pulling it shut behind her with a soft click. ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets and I appologize for the late release. ... ... ... ... Chapter 34 - 34: Ch 33. Worries Ethan stood beside the hospital bed, peeling off the pale-blue gown he''d been wearing for two days straight. The sterile scent of antiseptic still lingered in the room, but the advanced monitors and sleek glass panels gave the place more of a sci-fi lab vibe than a hospital. His new clothes¡ªa dark t-shirt and black jeans¡ªwere neatly folded on a chair, courtesy of his sister, Lisa. She sat across the room, legs crossed, watching him unapologetically as he changed. Ethan shifted uncomfortably. Does she not understand the concept of privacy? Or is this just how the old Ethan and Lisa were? Just as he reached for the shirt, Lisa''s voice cut through the silence. "You seem different." He froze, one arm halfway through the sleeve, and forced a casual smile despite the alarm bells in his head. "What do you mean?" Lisa tilted her head, thoughtful. "You just feel... different. And I think I know why." What the hell is happening? Ethan tensed internally. Was she a secret telepath or something? She didn''t have abilities last I checked. I might just be overthinking¡ªbut I should ask to be sure. "So... what do you think changed?" he asked. She leaned back, smirking. "You look happier and more confident. It''s obvious. You finally got over Emily." Emily...? Relief washed over Ethan''s face like a wave. Thank God... I thought she''d figured something out. Lisa grinned, catching his expression. "See? That look confirms it. You''re finally over that bitch. I never liked her anyway. What did you even see in her?" Ethan blinked. Wait¡­ who is Emily? "Who''s Emily?" he asked aloud, genuinely confused. Lisa stared at him for a moment¡ªthen burst into laughter. "Exactly! Who is she!" she gasped between giggles. "You really did move on. God, that''s hilarious!" Truth was, Ethan really didn''t know. Whether it was due to his reincarnated memories or his rejection of anything useless from his past life, the name Emily had no weight in his mind anymore. As Lisa''s laughter echoed off the pristine walls, the door slid open with a soft whoosh. The nurse from earlier stepped inside, holding a tablet. "Mr. Ethan, you have a visitor." Lisa''s laughter stopped instantly, her expression tightening. Ethan raised an eyebrow, curious. A visitor? Who the hell would come see me now? **** A few minutes after the nurse left, the automatic doors slid open once more with a soft mechanical hiss. A presence entered before the man even took a step inside¡ªEthan felt it in his bones. His instincts screamed danger, but not hostile it was controlled, precise and overwhelming. Like a blade kept in a silk sheath. The man who stepped in wore advanced battle armor that shimmered subtly under the artificial lights. The design was sleek and refined, laced with golden lines of energy coursing through blackened alloy, more advanced than anything Ethan had seen. Draped over his shoulders was a flowing navy cape with silver trims, swaying slightly with each step. He was tall, well-built, and carried himself with the calm, refined intensity of a seasoned warrior. His hair was a neatly combed mane of gold, and though his face bore a few lines of age, there was a youthful sharpness in his ice-blue eyes that refused to dull. A man in his prime¡ªRadiant Striker. The nurse had informed Ethan beforehand who the visitor was, but he had already felt him long before that. As soon as the man approached the door, his battle instincts flared. This guy is strong, Ethan thought. Striker''s voice was calm but held power in every syllable. "You never stop amazing me," he said, eyeing Ethan from head to toe. "You have unnatural strength for battle¡­ and your recovery speed is exceptional. It makes me wonder¡ªif you really are an E-rank?" By now, Striker had confirmed that Ethan hadn''t lied about his rank when he''d spoken to Dante. And still, what Ethan had accomplished in the den couldn''t be ignored¡ªhis feats rivaled or even surpassed those of some S-ranks. Striker narrowed his eyes slightly. Ethan was clearly hiding something, but there was no hostility in it. It wasn''t the deception of someone with something to gain¡ªit was the caution of someone with something to protect. And after what he''d witnessed, Striker wasn''t about to disrespect that. Ethan smiled faintly, shrugging. "I guess I''ve got good genes." What a load of crap, Striker thought silently, amused but respectful. He didn''t say it aloud. Lisa, still seated in the room, was growing more curious by the second. Extraordinary strength? What are they talking about? Her mind raced. Wait... I never did ask about what exactly happened in that den. I was just too happy he made it out alive. I''ll ask him when we get home. Then Striker''s tone shifted. He turned serious, glancing briefly at Lisa. "Ethan... can we speak in private?" Ethan looked at Lisa, then back at Striker. "No. She''s family. She stays." Striker studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. He understood the weight behind Ethan''s words¡ªand chose to respect it. "Very well. We''ve figured out what happened in the den," Striker began. "Why the Guardian mutated. It was orchestrated... by a villain named Mireveil." Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Mireveil?" The name meant nothing to him. He had been unconscious when the villain appeared. This was the first he''d heard of it. Striker explained everything¡ªthe manipulation, the corruption of the den, and how Mireveil had planned to eliminate Ethan after his interference. Lisa''s eyes widened the longer he spoke. Her brother had nearly died, and she hadn''t even known why. Striker concluded, "That''s why we need your help." Ethan''s voice was calm. "So... you want me to lure him in." Striker nodded. Lisa''s voice snapped through the air, sharp and concerned. "Won''t that be dangerous? My brother is still an E-rank. Isn''t that too risky?" Dangerous? Striker nearly scoffed inwardly. There''s no one more suited for this than him. It amazed him how even Ethan''s own sister didn''t realize the power he carried. Ethan turned to her with a soft smile. "Don''t worry, Lisa. The villain''s not that strong. If they were¡­ I wouldn''t be standing here right now, would I?" Lisa paused, then nodded, convinced. "That''s true. If they couldn''t even kill you while you were unconscious, they must be weak." Striker''s lips twitched slightly. Bullshit, he thought, amused at the sheer absurdity of that logic¡ªbut impressed at how smoothly Ethan sold it and how easily Lisa bought it. After they discussed the operation further and laid out the preliminary plan, Striker finally turned and exited the room. As he walked down the pristine hospital corridor, another hero¡ªone of the observers assigned to monitor Ethan¡ªfell in step beside him. "Sir," the hero asked, "why didn''t you recruit the young hero when you had the chance? Did his rank change your mind?" Striker didn''t answer at first. "I know talent when I see it," he finally said. "I''m not foolish enough to judge someone based on rank alone." The hero frowned. "Then why didn''t you offer him a spot?" Striker''s voice lowered, and his eyes sharpened as he answered: "Because I felt it." "Felt what, sir?" "The will to be unbound. The will to dominate. I felt it the moment I stepped into that room." Striker exhaled, voice almost reverent. "Our clan could never raise someone like him. His nature won''t allow it. All we can do is partner with him¡­ and hope we''re not left too far behind." The hero was stunned silent. Striker was one of the veterans¡ªrespected, wise and powerful. For him to say such a thing meant only one thing: Ethan was a storm waiting to break. "And what will you tell the clan leader?" the hero asked softly. Striker smiled, calm and resolute. "Don''t worry. I''ll handle it." And with that, the two heroes disappeared around the corner, the sound of their footsteps echoing down the hall. **** After Striker left, the room felt noticeably quieter. The weight of his presence lingered like the echo of a storm. Ethan and Lisa, both cleared for discharge, began gathering their things. The hospital staff had already prepared everything, and now, it was finally time to leave. As they stepped into the parking area under the soft glow of evening lights, Ethan glanced at his sister. Lisa was unusually quiet, her brows slightly furrowed, lips pressed into a faint line. She was deep in thought, troubled. Ethan nudged her gently with his elbow. "Hey, Lisa," he said with a soft voice, "don''t worry, alright? I''ll explain everything when we get home. No more secrets. Just¡­ trust me a little longer, okay?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lisa blinked, then turned to him, her gaze softening. "Okay," she said with a small nod, though concern still lingered in her eyes. Ethan offered a faint smile. Having a sister like her¡­ someone who cared this much, who stuck by him even without knowing the full story¡ªit was a feeling he hadn''t realized he missed. It felt good. As they walked toward the edge of the hospital zone, Ethan raised his hand to flag down a hover taxi. But before one could respond, a sleek, black hover car suddenly glided in front of them, descending smoothly with a low hum. The passenger-side door lifted upward with a hydraulic hiss, revealing the interior. Ethan''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw who was in the driver''s seat. Lisa''s jaw dropped slightly, not from recognition, but admiration. "She''s¡­ really pretty¡­" she whispered, momentarily stunned. Behind the wheel, with casual grace and a confident smirk, sat Sophia Lancaster¡ªthe rising star among heroes, and one of the most talented prodigies in the entire city. Sophia arched a brow and smirked as she leaned slightly toward the open door. "Stop staring and hop in," she said coolly. "We have a lot to talk about." ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 35 - 35: Ch 34. Sweet Suprise As the hover car glided smoothly through the city''s skyline, Ethan sat in the front passenger seat while Lisa lounged in the back, eyes flicking between him and Sophia with growing curiosity. The silence was peaceful¡ªuntil Lisa leaned forward slightly and whispered just loud enough for Ethan to hear. "Now I see why you got over your old relationship so fast... she''s a real keeper." Sophia''s face remained calm and unreadable, eyes focused on the road ahead. Not a single flicker of emotion betrayed her thoughts. Ethan, on the other hand, dragged a hand down his face with a groan. "It''s not what you think, Lisa," he muttered. Lisa tilted her head, golden eyes twinkling with mischief. "But you are sleeping with each other, right?" This time, Sophia''s cold expression cracked¡ªjust a little. Her eyes shifted toward Ethan with the subtle sharpness of a blade. "So you told your sister?" Her voice was smooth, but Ethan could sense the disappointment under it. A quiet thought crept through her mind. ''Should I have captured him back then instead of letting him go?'' "No!" Ethan quickly shook his head, waving a hand defensively. "I swear I didn''t tell her anything!" He looked over his shoulder at Lisa, suddenly unsure. Wait... could she actually be a secret telepath or something? Before the tension could rise any further, Lisa burst into loud laughter. She wiped away a nonexistent tear, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh my god! You guys really are sleeping together! I just said that to see your reactions¡ªand it was totally worth it!" Ethan stared at her, exasperated. That was devious absolutely devious. Sophia blinked once, then looked at the girl in the rearview mirror with a rare flash of amusement. Is this girl some kind of secret genius? She really got me. "I''ll deal with you later when we get home," Ethan muttered, narrowing his eyes. "What did I do?" Lisa said in a mock-innocent voice, feigning a pout. Before their sibling banter could continue, Sophia smoothly cut in. "You won''t be going back to that home." Both Ethan and Lisa turned to her, startled. "What?" they said in unison. Sophia didn''t take her eyes off the road. "Because I got you two a new place." **** The car hovered to a smooth stop in front of a sleek, two-story house nestled within a gated estate. As the engine cut off, Ethan and Lisa stepped out, their eyes drawn to the surroundings. The house was modern but elegant¡ªsoft beige walls trimmed with obsidian black accents, a wide glass balcony on the upper floor, and well-tended hedges bordering the path to the entrance. The other homes nearby, though equally luxurious, gave the entire area a uniform sense of refinement. It was clear¡ªthey were in a private estate, and not just any estate. Sophia stepped out last. "This is my family''s estate," she said plainly. Lisa''s mouth parted slightly, awe painting her face as the realization sank in. "Wait¡­ your family''s estate? As in... all of this?" Sophia didn''t bother to answer. The quiet confidence in her posture said it all. Ethan glanced around, then turned to her with a furrowed brow. "Why are you letting us stay here?" he asked, voice low and curious. "I figured after everything¡­ you''d want nothing to do with me." Sophia met his gaze coolly. "I heard you got hurt during a mission and because of that a villain has their eyes on you." She paused, her blue eyes flicking to Lisa. "You have a family to protect. And there''s nowhere safer than here." Ethan blinked, momentarily touched. She actually¡­ cared? But then her voice sharpened like a knife''s edge. "After all, someone as weak as you¡ªpassing out in a lesser den¡ªcan''t protect his sister." A vein twitched on Ethan''s forehead. "For your information it was a Duality Den," he muttered, irritation bubbling in his voice. "And there was foul play involved. If it were just a lesser den, I would''ve handled it easily." Sophia tilted her head, unbothered. "Handling a lesser den is nothing to brag about." Is she just trying to piss me off? Ethan thought, jaw tightening. Before he could fire back, Sophia continued, tone shifting. "Also... for allowing you to stay here, I''ll need your help with something." Her words were laced with arrogance, yet there was something in her voice¡ªan edge of vulnerability, carefully hidden under pride. Ethan''s annoyance faded as he studied her face. Whatever she needed¡ªit wasn''t something small¡ª For her to show this side of her. "As long as it doesn''t hurt Lisa or me," he said, "or make me cross a line I''m not willing to cross¡­ I''ll help you." Sophia blinked, surprised. She hadn''t expected him to agree so quickly. After all, he could''ve found a safe house elsewhere, or asked someone else. Yet he agreed to help¡ªno hesitation. Maybe¡­ I was wrong about him. "Good," she said simply. "You two should head inside. The guards at the gate won''t stop you from coming or going. And if you need anything¡ª" She extended her hand. Ethan looked at it, puzzled. "What¡­ are you asking for?" Lisa, still present throughout this whole conversation, sighed dramatically. "Sometimes you can be so dense. She''s asking for your phone, dummy." Ethan blinked, a little embarrassed. "Right... I wasn''t being dense," he mumbled, pulling out his device and handing it to her. Sophia calmly added her number and passed it back. "Call if you need anything." With that, she turned and slipped back into the car, starting the engine once more. As the vehicle pulled away toward the heart of the estate, Ethan and Lisa stood in silence, staring after her. **** It took a while, but Ethan and Lisa finally settled into their new home within the sprawling Lancaster Estate. To be honest, Ethan was grateful that Sophia had allowed them to stay at her place. It was only a matter of time before the Guardian Initiative program ended, and then Ethan and his sister would be forced to leave their home. It wasn''t that Ethan didn''t have any money; the Duality incident had resulted in the Hero Association paying him more than the initial reward for the mission. He also had the strength to earn more if needed. However, even with money, he wasn''t sure he could find a place as secure as the home Sophia provided them. The house itself was modest compared to the grandeur they had glimpsed earlier¡ªclean, minimalist, and surrounded by well-maintained walkways and hedges. But what intrigued Ethan most wasn''t the house itself¡ªit was how the entire estate was designed. The Lancaster Estate was arranged in a circular format, almost like a living, breathing fortress. Three distinct rings, or "circles," made up its structure. The inner circle was the most protected zone¡ªwhere the Lancaster main family resided. Towering walls and a private security network made it almost impenetrable. It radiated power, wealth, and a sense of distance from the rest of the world. The middle circle housed those close to the family¡ªtrusted allies, high-ranking staff, and elite bodyguards. Everything about it was clean, efficient, and subtly fortified. The outer circle, where Ethan and Lisa now stayed, was designed for visitors, auxiliary workers, and those considered "temporary residents." Despite its designation, the security was nothing to scoff at. Guards patrolled discreetly but efficiently, their auras radiating calm strength. Even from a distance, Ethan could feel it¡ªthe sheer pressure they emitted was leagues above his own. He watched one of them walk past the gate, and a cold realization settled in his chest. Sophia was right. He was weak. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If someone came after Lisa¡­ could I stop them? The question echoed in his mind, bitter and accusing. No, he couldn''t¡ªnot like this. Not at Level 1. He needed to get stronger. Fast. With a deep breath, Ethan opened his interface. --- [Aethermark Interface] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 1 (Novice) Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) Abilities: [Force Might] Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 10/10 --- He stared at the screen, focusing on the last line. 10 out of 10 Meta Essence. He had enough to level up. But still, he remained at Level 1. He clenched his fists. "I need a trigger." In this world, meta essence alone wasn''t enough to advance. Heroes needed something more¡ªan emotional or physical catalyst. A moment that would break them... or shape them. Some awakened their strength through intense meditation. Others found it during harsh training. But most? Most needed to be pushed¡ªforced into life-or-death situations where instinct took over, and something within them snapped, evolving them. There was a theory whispered around elite academies and battle units: one could force a trigger by hunting powerful monsters or dread beasts, pushing their meta essence into overflow. It was risky. It could burn out your essence and leave you stuck. But there were those who succeeded regardless. Ethan looked out the window. The estate''s walls might have been safe, but he couldn''t afford to hide behind them. Not when his future¡ªand Lisa''s safety¡ªdepended on his strength. "I have to find a way," he muttered to himself. "I have to force it. Somehow." If he was going to protect anything¡ªLisa, the world, himself¡ªthen he had to grow. Even if it meant stepping into the jaws of death to do it. ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 36 - 36: Ch 35. Rank Surge? As Sophia stepped into the inner circle of the Lancaster Estate, the grandeur of the main house loomed ahead like a silent titan. Ornate pillars framed the mansion''s structure, and elegant sculptures lined the walkway leading to the grand oak doors. The air felt heavier here¡ªcarried by the weight of legacy, power, and expectation. She didn''t pause as she reached a familiar door down the east corridor¡ªher father''s private study. Mounted just beside it was a sleek, silver scanner. She leaned in as it glowed softly, reading the contours of her face. A faint click followed. The door slid open silently. Inside, the scent of old leather, fine whiskey, and scorched ozone filled the air. Books lined every wall, neatly ordered in polished mahogany shelves. Behind a wide blackwood desk sat Richard Lancaster, otherwise known in the world of heroes as Detonatus¡ªa Level 8 Overlord renowned for his ability explosive energy manipulation. His presence was commanding. Short silver hair swept back, chiseled jaw tense with constant thought, and blue eyes that carried the weight of a city on their shoulders. Despite being dressed in a tailored three-piece suit, Richard radiated power like a dormant volcano¡ªone that could erupt at any moment. He didn''t look up from his work, but his voice came firm and clear. "I assume you''re here to talk about the visitors you brought in." Sophia wasn''t surprised. Of course he knew¡ªthey were on his estate, and nothing happened here without his knowledge. "Yes, Father. They''re my guests. They needed a place to stay." Richard finally looked up, his sharp gaze piercing. "It must have to do with the villain after the boy. Ethan Cross, correct?" Sophia gave a small nod. Her father''s network was vast¡ªgovernmental, private, and even underground. He likely knew more than she did about the threat Ethan faced. "They can stay. As long as they don''t cause trouble," Richard said, returning his gaze to his work. Sophia felt a small wave of relief. She opened her mouth to thank him when¡ª "And what of Jonathan Drexel?" he asked without lifting his eyes. "I trust you''ve smoothed things over after your... public outburst?" Sophia froze for a second, her expression tightening. There it is, she thought. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The politics. The expectations. Her father''s obsession with alliances and appearances always came before her emotions. She answered coolly. "I haven''t had the chance to meet with him yet." Richard''s eyes flicked up again, unreadable. "Make sure you do. You know how important this is for our family." Sophia''s jaw clenched ever so slightly, but she gave a measured nod. "Good." He turned back to his desk, clearly dismissing her. Sophia stepped out of the office without another word, her heels clicking softly down the marble hallway. As she walked through the lit corridor, she stared at her own reflection in a glass window, blue eyes flickering with quiet resolve. "Guess there''s no other choice," she murmured under her breath. "I''ll have to go ahead with the plan." **** The dining room was quiet. Too quiet. Ethan and Lisa sat across from each other at the long, polished table, the faint beeping of the digital wall clock the only sound cutting through the silence. The air was thick with unspoken thoughts, the weight of recent events pressing down on both of them. In just two days, their lives had changed dramatically¡ªand her brother was at the center of it. She stared at him, eyes wide with a mixture of worry and curiosity. She needed answers. She deserved them. Ethan exhaled slowly. "Where do I even start¡­" he muttered. Lisa leaned in slightly, her tone gentle but firm. "Just start from when the change happened." Ethan gave a faint nod, his thoughts racing. He''d already decided what he would and wouldn''t say. There were truths too dangerous to reveal¡ªespecially what the voice had warned him about. If he so much as thought about certain beings, the [ENEMY] might sense it¡­ and the last thing he wanted was to paint a target on Lisa. So, he decided to stick to a believable version of the truth. "Okay," he began. "Have you ever heard of something called a Rank Surge?" Lisa blinked. "Rank Surge?" "It''s a rare phenomenon I read about on a few obscure hero forums. They say it happens when someone goes through extreme conditions and suddenly awakens into a much higher rank than what they started with. It''s not officially recognized, but some people swear it happened to them." He looked at her, trying to gauge her reaction. She nodded slowly, absorbing every word. Ethan continued, "That''s what happened to me. In the Den, we discovered too late that it was a Duality Pit. That''s how I ended up fighting a Guardian. Striker was there, so he witnessed the whole thing, which is why he got the impression that I was strong." The moment the words left his mouth, Lisa stood up abruptly, her voice rising in disbelief. "Wait¡ª what?! A Duality Pit? You fought a Guardian?! What the hell, Ethan!" Ethan winced. "Okay, maybe I should''ve eased into that part..." He quickly got up and tried to calm her down, guiding her back into her seat. He explained everything he could¡ªthe ambush, the monsters, the surge of power, the feeling of something awakening inside him during the battle. His words were cautious, carefully omitting anything related to the Sanctum or the mysterious voice. Lisa sat in stunned silence for a moment, trying to process it all. Then, finally, her expression softened. "So you had a Rank Surge," she said, her tone quiet, almost reverent. Ethan nodded, relieved she believed him. He half expected her to call him crazy. And then, with no warning, Lisa jumped out of her chair and practically tackled him in a hug. "I''m so happy for you!" she beamed. "I know how frustrated you were with being a low rank, but now¡­ now things can change. What rank are you now?" Ethan had prepared for this moment. "A-Rank." There was a pause. Then¡ª "WHAT?!" Lisa shouted, stumbling back. "You awakened as an A-Rank Paragon?! Ethan, that''s insane! We have to celebrate!" Before he could stop her, she was already racing into the kitchen. A few clinks and rustles later, she returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses. "This is a celebration!" she grinned, pouring for both of them. Lisa raised her glass proudly. "To a perfect future." Ethan chuckled and raised his as well. "Cheers." Clink. And just as she brought the glass to her lips¡ªsnatch! Ethan deftly plucked the wine from her hand. "You''ve got school tomorrow. And you''re too young for alcohol." "Oh, come on!" Lisa groaned. "You''re only older than me by a year!" "Exactly. That means I''m old enough to be responsible¡ªfor both of us." "I wasn''t even gonna drink much¡ªjust a sip!" But no matter how much she argued, Ethan stood his ground, pouring her wine back into the bottle and replacing her drink with soda. Grumbling under her breath, Lisa finally gave in. "Party pooper." Ethan smirked as he took a sip of his own drink, a warm feeling settling in his chest¡ªnot from the wine, but from the realization that despite everything¡­ they were still together. And for now, that was enough. **** In a dimly lit room, the soft sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Alex sat on the edge of the bed, shirtless, brown eyes fixated on the fogged glass of the semi-transparent door. Behind it, the silhouette of a woman moved gracefully beneath the shower stream¡ªa fleeting glimpse of curves and shadows that teased the imagination. The water stopped, a moment later, Emily stepped out, a towel clinging to her petite figure, her long black hair damp and clinging to her shoulders. A small black beauty mark under her right eye only added to her striking aesthetic. She caught Alex staring and smirked faintly. "You should stop looking at me like that, Alex," she said playfully, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "It makes me feel embarrassed." Alex leaned back slightly, his voice smooth and teasing. "It''s not my fault you make it so hard not to look, Emily. Feels like you wanted me to watch." He tapped his lap, and with a roll of her eyes, she sauntered over and sat on him, adjusting her position with subtle purpose. He rested his head on her shoulder, inhaling the scent of her freshly washed hair. "I heard some news," he murmured. "What is it?" she asked, her voice still light. "Ethan was hospitalized." Her expression shifted instantly, her brows furrowing. "Really, Alex? You had to ruin the moment by bringing that loser up?" He chuckled. "That''s a bit harsh. He was your boyfriend, after all." "Don''t remind me. I still don''t understand why you even told me to approach him in the first place. He had nothing and worst of all he awakened as a low-rank hero. What was the point of me acting like I cared?" Alex went silent for a long moment, eyes distant. "Guess I just wanted to see the loser suffer," he said eventually, his tone more casual than sincere. Emily frowned. She had heard this excuse before, but it never sat right with her. If Alex wanted to humiliate Ethan, there were easier ways. The role she played¡ªthe false affection, the emotional manipulation¡ªand worst of all, the drug... Her thoughts darkened. It wasn''t just emotional. That drug¡ªDevotia¡ªwasn''t something to be used lightly. Once ingested, it latched onto the subject''s emotional patterns, deepening their fixation on the person they spent the most time with. It wasn''t just cruel¡ªit was deliberate. Too calculated for something as simple as spite. As she stared at the wall, Alex tilted her chin toward him, smirking. "Hey. What are you thinking about while I''m right here?" ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets and I appologize for the late release. ... ... ... ... Chapter 37 - 37: Ch 36. Hidden Agenda Alex rested his head on Emily''s shoulder, inhaling the scent of her freshly washed hair. "I heard some news," he murmured. "What is it?" she asked, her voice still light. "Ethan was hospitalized." Her expression shifted instantly, her brows furrowing. "Really, Alex? You had to ruin the moment by bringing that loser up?" He chuckled. "That''s a bit harsh. He was your boyfriend, after all." "Don''t remind me. I still don''t understand why you even told me to approach him in the first place. He had nothing and worst of all he awakened as a low-rank hero. What was the point of me acting like I cared?" Alex went silent for a long moment, eyes distant. "Guess I just wanted to see the loser suffer," he said eventually, his tone more casual than sincere. Emily frowned. She had heard this excuse before, but it never sat right with her. If Alex wanted to humiliate Ethan, there were easier ways. The role she played¡ªthe false affection, the emotional manipulation¡ªand worst of all, the drug... Her thoughts darkened. It wasn''t just emotional. That drug¡ªDevotia¡ªwasn''t something to be used lightly. Once ingested, it latched onto the subject''s emotional patterns, deepening their fixation on the person they spent the most time with. It wasn''t just cruel¡ªit was deliberate. Too calculated for something as simple as spite. As she stared at the wall, Alex tilted her chin toward him, smirking. "Hey. What are you thinking about while I''m right here?" "Nothing," she said softly, looking away. "And don''t get any ideas. I just showered." "Shame. I was just thinking how funny it''d be if that loser could see us now," he said with a wicked grin. "Weirdo." But despite her words, she let him pull her onto the bed. Inside the room, the air grew heavier, the tension giving way to passion as soft moans and whispered names echoed against the walls¡ªan intimate symphony that filled the room, fueled by lust, control, and a twisted sense of satisfaction. **** The next morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Emily lay sprawled across the bed, the sheets tangled around her petite frame, her breathing slow and even¡ªclearly exhausted from the night before. Outside on the balcony, Alex stood shirtless, a cigarette between his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the crisp morning air. His expression was calm but distant, lost in thought. His phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he glanced at the caller ID before answering. "Did she know anything?" the voice on the other end asked, sharp and demanding. "No," Alex replied flatly. "She didn''t know anything about the matter." A frustrated click of the tongue followed. "Tch. Useless. I don''t even know what you see in her. I could find you a dozen women better than her in this city, yet you keep refusing." Alex exhaled smoke slowly, unfazed. "She''s just a pet. When I get bored, I''ll move on to the next." There was a pause. Then the voice¡ªhis father¡ªspoke again, colder now. "Fine. Just don''t embarrass the family." Alex didn''t bother responding to that. His tone sharpened instead. "Any news about that loser?" A rustle of papers on the other end. "It wasn''t easy, but we found something. He and his sister are staying at the Lancaster estate." Alex''s eyes widened in shock. "The Lancaster estate? Are you saying they found out something? That''s not possible¡ªhe was completely normal at the academy." "Maybe he was," his father said. "But something must have changed. That''s the only explanation." Alex stood in silence, his mind racing. If Ethan was now under the Lancasters'' protection, things were far more complicated than he''d expected. "So... what now?" Alex asked quietly. "Now, we watch," his father replied. "If he shows any signs of possessing what we''re looking for, we act. Immediately." The line went dead. Alex lowered the phone, his cigarette burning low between his fingers. His gaze drifted over the city skyline, but his thoughts were far from the view. He stood there silently, smoke curling around him, eyes narrowed and mind deep in thought. **** Ethan stepped through the tall glass doors of City X Hero HQ, his presence drawing subtle glances from those nearby. He wasn''t here for fame, nor for the mission rewards. What he needed¡ªdesperately¡ªwas a path to grow stronger. His boots echoed faintly against the polished floor as he made his way to the mission counter. Behind the sleek reception desk stood the same guide from before. Her platinum-blonde hair was tied into a neat bun, and her form-fitting uniform hugged her figure with professional elegance. The moment she spotted him, her eyes widened in surprise. Ethan''s name had made waves in recent reports¡ªafter all, he had been involved in a Duality Incident, a scenario that usually left most heroes in critical condition... or worse dead. She had heard rumors, but no details¡ªno one ever bothered to update a low-level mission guide on what really happened. "You''re... back?" she asked softly, almost to herself. Ethan didn''t acknowledge her astonishment. He had no time to entertain shock or sympathy. His gaze was firm, his voice even. "Are there any dread beast elimination missions available?" The guide blinked, slightly taken aback by the directness. "Um... no, none right now," she said, hesitating. Then she seemed to remember something. "Actually... there''s a low-priority tracking assignment. It''s not dangerous. Might be suitable, considering¡ª" she stopped herself. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ethan narrowed his eyes, immediately sensing the patronizing undertone. He didn''t blame her, though. From an outsider''s perspective, he should be recovering in a clinic somewhere, not standing here requesting battle missions. Still, he frowned inwardly. A tracking mission wasn''t what he needed. He was trying to trigger an overflow potentially leading to instant level growth. A glorified recon job wouldn''t help him reach that edge. If he had a choice, he would''ve just hunted Dread Beasts on his own. But the Hero Association forbade unauthorized monster extermination, citing vague reasons. It was frustrating. Because heroes Were supposed to fight dread beasts Why regulate that? But Ethan bit back his annoyance. He wasn''t strong enough¡ªyet¡ªto challenge the system openly. "I''ll take it," he said finally. The guide smiled, relieved. "That''s good to hear." She pulled up the mission data on her terminal before transferring it to his communicator. "Your target is a Level 1 villain, known as Veilspur. Last seen in the Duskline district, near the abandoned metro tunnels." Ethan accepted the information with a nod. His expression remained unreadable, but internally he was already calculating how fast he could complete this and return for something more worthwhile. "Hope there''s a better mission waiting after this," he thought grimly. Without another word, he turned and left the Hero HQ, as he made his way toward the shadows of Duskline¡ªready to begin the hunt. **** At Asterveil Academy, nestled in the bustling heart of District 7, the students of the Humanitarian Relief Committee gathered in their usual meeting room¡ªa spacious, sunlit hall lined with posters, donation boxes, and photos from past aid missions. The walls told stories of tragedy and resilience, of destroyed neighborhoods and the people trying to rebuild them. At the center of the group sat Lisa, Ethan''s younger sister. With her calm composure and unwavering sense of duty, she had become the heart of the committee. As president, she had spearheaded dozens of relief projects, managed outreach programs, and worked tirelessly to restore trust between the academy and their mission. Today''s meeting had been about finalizing plans for the upcoming "Light Against Shadows" Festival, a fundraising event meant to support families displaced by villain attacks and Dread Beast rampages. Their world was in constant turmoil¡ªno week passed without some new incident, some new scar carved into the city''s structure. While the Hero Association focused on containment and combat, it was groups like Lisa''s that provided solace and support to those caught in the aftermath. The meeting had technically ended thirty minutes ago, but the room still buzzed with light chatter and laughter as the committee members lingered. "I''m really going to miss you, prez," one girl sighed, leaning against the edge of the table with a smile. "Yeah," another added. "Ever since you took charge, this committee actually means something." "I remember how the school used to ignore us," someone else chimed in. "They thought we were just a bunch of soft-hearted idealists. Now? We''re practically partners with the admin." "Well, what did you expect?" said a boy near the window. "There''s no one more stubborn than our president. I still remember the time she cornered the vice principal just to get a funding approved!" That earned a round of laughter, and Lisa chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I wish you were staying an extra year," someone murmured. Then, a quieter voice asked, "Hey, prez¡­ is it true? Your brother got discharged from the hospital?" Lisa nodded. "Yeah. He was discharged yesterday." "It must''ve been serious if you missed school for it," another said gently. She nodded again, her expression sobering slightly. "It was¡­ but he''s okay now. He''ll be more careful moving forward. I''m sure of it." Just as a warm silence fell over the group¡ª --- BANG! An explosion rattled the ruins of a collapsed building in the outskirts of Duskline District, dust and debris scattering in all directions. Ethan stood at the center of a war-torn alley, breathing heavily, his shirt torn at the shoulder, blood trickling from a fresh gash across his arm. Around him, five villains emerged from the shadows¡ªeach one flaring with dangerous power. One''s fists were encased in molten metal. Another''s body flickered like a mirage. A third radiated cold so intense the air shimmered. They were circling him like wolves scenting weakness. Ethan clenched his fists, grit his teeth, and hissed under his breath. "...Shit." ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets. Sorry for the late release just got released from the station. ... ... ... ... Chapter 38 - 38: Ch 37. Unleash the power!!! Duskline District¡ªthe fractured edge of City X. A place where the skyline was broken by jagged ruins and flickering neon signs barely clung to life on rusted poles. Cracked pavement, graffiti-splattered walls, and the faint scent of scorched metal defined this rundown district. It was a common site for villain rampages, and there was a reason for that. To the west, beyond the electrified barrier that barely held together, loomed the Scarhollow Expanse¡ªa desolate stretch of land outside human territory, infamous for being a breeding ground of Dread Beasts. It was said that if the barrier ever failed, Duskline would be the first to fall. Ethan stood at the district''s entrance, eyes scanning the decayed streets. "So¡­ where do I even start looking for this guy?" he muttered, pulling up a holo-image on his wrist communicator. "Last known sighting of Veilspur was around here¡­ but this place is a maze of trash and ruin." He grumbled, annoyed. "How is a Level One villain giving me this much trouble?" Clenching his fists, he hissed under his breath. "When I find him, I swear, he''s going to regret making me waste this much time." After pacing for a while, he came to a conclusion¡ªthe best place to get information in a place like this? A bar. He headed toward one of the few still operating in the district: "The Cracked Core". The moment he stepped inside, a wave of mixed tech and grime greeted him. The bar had a sci-fi feel¡ªsleek chrome counters, glowing wall panels, and a hovering jukebox crackling static from old songs. But here in Duskline, even future tech looked worn-down. Flickering lights buzzed, a couple of screens sparked now and then, and the seats were patched with a mix of duct tape and old synthetic leather. The crowd turned to look at him. Rough types¡ªmercs, washed-out heroes, low-level villains, and info brokers. Some gave Ethan odd looks. Others simply stared. What''s a kid doing in here? their eyes seemed to ask. A bulky man rose from his stool and stepped in front of Ethan. Towering and scarred, he looked like a living wall. "Hey, kid," he growled, "you might not know this, but this place ain''t for children." Laughter rippled through the room. "Hey!" someone called. "Why don''t you give the kid a break? He might report you to his mummy!" More laughter exploded. Ethan didn''t even blink. These people weren''t worth his irritation. He moved to walk around the man¡ªbut the brute shoved his arm out to block him. "Didn''t your parents teach you to be respectful to your elders?" the man sneered. Ethan''s patience cracked. He looked up, voice dropping into a deadly whisper. "You have three seconds to move your arm¡­ or I''ll break it." A hush fell. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The bar watched, half-expecting the kid to back down. Instead, the man''s hands shifted¡ªspikes protruded from his knuckles as he grinned. "You got some fire, brat," he said. "But you should learn your place¡ª" CRACK! Before anyone could blink, Ethan vanished from where he stood. The next sound was a body crashing through the bar''s front doors. The brute lay sprawled outside, screaming in agony. His arm, the one he raised to block Ethan, was bent in a way no limb should ever bend¡ªshattered and twisted, the spikes retracted, and the arm useless. The bar was silent. It was a cold, heavy silence. Everyone now saw Ethan for what he truly was. He was not a kid. No he was a monster wrapped in flesh. They parted without a word as he walked toward the bar counter, not sparing them a glance. The bartender didn''t flinch as Ethan approached him. He''d seen far worse. Ethan took a seat, calm as ever. "I need some information," he said. The bartender raised a brow, cleaning a glass. "You got to buy a drink first." Ethan didn''t argue. He tapped his wrist once and paid. The bartender slid him a glowing amber liquid, nodding. "Now¡­ what do you need?" Ethan brought up a holographic image of a masked figure¡ªVeilspur, draped in a tattered cloak with a shifting pattern of black veins and violet mist. "Seen him?" The bartender squinted, but before he could answer¡ª Click. Ethan tensed as four men surrounded him. One of them, smirking with an artificial eye glowing red, said, "You. Come outside." Ethan sighed, already irritated. "Why¡­ are there always idiots trying to bite more than they can chew?" One of them opened his mouth to retort¡ªbut before he could speak. Ethan had already moved. BANG! An explosion rattled the ruins of a collapsed building on the outskirts of the Duskline District. Dust and debris erupted outward in a violent cloud, obscuring the moonlight and casting chaotic shadows across the torn alleyways. At the center of the chaos stood Ethan, his chest rising and falling with each sharp breath. His shirt was torn at the shoulder, revealing a fresh gash running along his arm, blood trickling in a thin red line. The metal plating on his boots was scorched, and smoke curled off a chunk of the wall he had just slammed into. From the shroud of smoke and rubble, five figures emerged¡ªvillains, each one crackling with dangerous energy. The first''s fists were encased in molten metal, glowing with a dangerous heat. The second''s body shimmered like a heat mirage, flickering in and out of visibility. The third walked in slow, measured steps, each one dropping the temperature further¡ªthe very air shimmered with frost around him. The fourth crouched low with cybernetic goggles over his face, fingers twitching with electric anticipation. And the fifth¡­ Ethan hadn''t even seen the fifth at first. He was surrounded¡ªboxed in by wolves that had scented blood. "¡­Shit," Ethan muttered, clenching his fists. He''d had the situation under control¡­ until that fifth one appeared. A sudden slice of pain had torn through his arm. And Ethan had barely dodged in time¡ªhe hadn''t sensed the attacker''s intent, no presence, no warning. Just the cold glint of a dagger and the shimmer of a figure phasing into view. The bastard could turn invisible¡ªand from the difficulty in sensing him, he was damn good at it. Ethan glanced at the bleeding wound on his arm. "This is embarrassing," he muttered, disgusted with himself. "Can''t believe I let them get a hit¡­ reminds me of my early days in the Sanctum." He lifted his eyes, now cold and sharp, toward the invisible one¡ªnow visible, standing with a bloodstained dagger in hand. The man''s expression was smug, and confident he could strike again. But Ethan had already pegged him as the real threat. He reminds me of the Mawlers¡­ Ethan thought. Gray would be perfect for this guy¡ªhe wouldn''t be able to hide from Gray''s nose. But Gray was back at the Sanctum. For now¡­ Ethan would have to handle this himself. He took a step forward, golden eyes narrowed. "Are you guys working with the man from earlier?" he asked. They didn''t answer. They just watched him, circling, ready to strike¡ªbut cautious now. None of them made the mistake of taking their eyes off him. Finally, the one with molten fists snorted. "Who the hell do you think you are, asking us questions?" Ethan took his stance, calm returning to his expression. "That''s fine," he said coldly. "I''ll just make you answer¡­ after I beat you." Until now, he hadn''t used his ability. He hadn''t needed to. But that was about to change. Under his breath, he whispered: "{Force Might}" The air around him shimmered¡ªthen exploded outward as a violent surge of energy erupted from his body. His muscles tensed, golden light flickered at his limbs, and his figure blurred. Then he vanished. In a blink, Ethan charged directly at the one with the ability to turn invisible. But just as he was about to land the strike¡ª Crack! Fwoosh! The air around him dropped in temperature. Instinct screamed at him¡ªhe dove to the side just as jagged ice spikes erupted from the ground where he''d just stood. A close call. But there was no time to breathe. As the man with molten fists came at him, arm swinging like a flaming wrecking ball. Ethan ducked, the heat singing his hair, and countered with a brutal uppercut that lifted the man off his feet. No pause¡ªonly movement. From the side, beams of red light streaked toward him¡ªlasers fired from the man with the goggles. Ethan rolled, narrowly avoiding being burned to a crisp, and saw the laser-gunner preparing another volley, his hand pressed against his temple. He was surrounded. But Ethan didn''t back down. Instead, he turned¡ªand with perfect precision, delivered a savage kick to empty air. Except it wasn''t empty. The invisible assassin suddenly flickered into view, gasping as Ethan''s foot connected squarely with his ribs. The momentum sent him stumbling out of stealth. "You think I''d fall for the same trick twice?" Ethan growled. The follow-up kick landed like thunder¡ªstraight to the side of the man''s head. CRACK! The assassin dropped like a sack of bricks, all the force concentrated into his head as he fell unconscious before he hit the ground. The remaining four froze. As The air grew heavier. Ethan stood in the center, his shirt flapping slightly from the lingering shockwave. His golden eyes glowed, pulsing with raw force. "¡­Now," he said, voice low and lethal, "I can fully focus on you four. No more distractions." ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets and I appologize for the late release. ... ... ... ... Chapter 39 - 39: Ch 38. Old Grudges As The air grew heavier. Ethan stood in the center, his shirt flapping slightly from the lingering shockwave. His golden eyes glowed, pulsing with raw force. "¡­Now," he said, voice low and lethal, "I can fully focus on you four. No more distractions." **** The air crackled with tension as Ethan stood tall, golden eyes ablaze with power. Across from him, the remaining four villains regrouped, forming a loose perimeter around him. Each of them bore signs of the escalating battle¡ªburnt edges and bruises forming under their clothes. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The man with molten fists clenched his jaw, his gauntlets glowing hot with seething magma. His mind raced. How is he this strong? This kid¡ªthis freshly awakened¡ªwasn''t just holding his own. He was dismantling them. We''re Level 3s. We have years of experience from countless battles. We''ve killed, we''ve survived, we''ve trained. Even Verec, the invisible dagger-wielder, with his intermediate mastery, had fallen first. He was the ace up their sleeve. And yet¡­ He couldn''t even last two minutes. A chill ran down the molten-fist man''s spine, sweat beading despite the heat radiating off him. What kind of monster are we dealing with? Should we have brought more men? No time for that. Regret wouldn''t save him now. He had one option left¡ªfight. The street lit up with chaos as the clash resumed. Ethan surged forward like a bullet, weaving between the attacks of the ice user and the laser-eyed sharpshooter. A concentrated beam of energy barely grazed his side, but he used the momentum to flip mid-air and retaliate with a brutal spinning kick that sent the heat mirage user crashing into a broken pillar. Before Ethan could land, the ice manipulator moved¡ªhis fingers curled and ice spread across the alley floor, slick and glassy. Ethan''s foot slid¡ªjust enough. As He began to fall backward. Now! thought the molten-fist villain. This is my shot! He charged, flame-coated fists ready to crush Ethan where he dropped. But as he closed in, Ethan''s lips curled into a grin. "Got you." In the blink of an eye, Ethan twisted mid-fall, planting a hand against the cold ground. With a burst of Force Might, his momentum reversed, accelerating unnaturally. His leg rocketed upward. CRACK! The kick smashed into the molten-fist villain''s jaw. The man raised his arms too late¡ªthe force bypassed his guard and rattled his skull, snapping his head back violently. Ethan spun with the motion, landing on his feet with predator''s grace. He didn''t stop. In the same motion, he drove forward, fists flying. One, two, three¡ªcountless blows slammed into the man''s chest. Each one thundered with kinetic force enhanced by his ability, breaking bones and breaking ribs. The villain tried to swing back, but his arms were sluggish¡ªhis vision swimming. The other three villains watched, too winded to react in time. They''d spent too much energy trying to keep up. Then¡ª BOOM! Ethan landed a final, devastating punch to the gut. The molten-fist villain''s body lifted off the ground before crashing through a crumbling wall behind him. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he slumped, unconscious, eyes rolled back. Ethan straightened, cracking his knuckles. Three left. Their breathing was ragged. Their stances shaky. He took a step toward them, power radiating off him like a storm ready to break. The three remaining villains stood no chance. Wounded, winded, and wide-eyed with fear¡ªthey barely got their guard up before Ethan descended on them like a reaper. He moved with ruthless efficiency. A snap-kick to the ribs crumpled the ice manipulator. A brutal elbow to the jaw silenced the mirage user. The laser-eyed man¡ªalready disoriented and blinded¡ªbarely managed a grunt before Ethan''s fist met his stomach, folding him like a chair. He didn''t hold back. And as the dust settled and bodies littered the cracked street, Ethan crouched beside the last conscious one¡ªthe man with the damaged laser eyes. His goggles had been shattered in the chaos, and now he could barely open his bloodied lids. Ethan grabbed him by the collar, hoisting him slightly. The man groaned, weakly trying to struggle, but he didn''t have the strength anymore. SLAP. The sound echoed off the broken walls. Ethan''s voice was cold. "Why did you come after me?" The man trembled. "W-We just¡­ just wanted to ask you some questions¡­" Ethan''s golden eyes narrowed, unimpressed. "Questions?" he repeated, his voice laced with venom. "Is that why you showed up with this much bloodlust? Be honest with me." He pressed his thumb on a broken bone on the man''s shoulder¡ªjust enough to make it hurt, not enough to cripple. The man clenched his teeth, but the pain broke his resistance. He screamed. "Alright! Alright! I''ll talk!" Between pained breaths and panicked words, he spilled everything. When he finished, Ethan let him slump to the ground¡ªand with a sharp chop to the neck, knocked him unconscious. He stood up, brushing dust from his clothes, and pulled out a sleek black communicator from his pocket. "Ethan Cross," he spoke into it. "Five hostile villains taken down. Get a clean-up team here." The device buzzed, confirming receipt. But Ethan''s thoughts were already elsewhere. What the man had said kept replaying in his head. Alex. So he hadn''t let go. Ethan''s expression darkened, a flicker of something dangerous brewing beneath his calm exterior. "I was going to leave him alone," he muttered to himself. "He never had a problem with me in particular¡­ but now?" "He just stepped on the dragon''s tail." "And he''s going to get burnt." With that, Ethan turned and walked back toward the bar¡ªthe quiet clink of glass and low music now audible again. He stepped inside. The bartender was still behind the counter, visibly tense but composed. Ethan approached him slowly. "Sorry about the trouble earlier." The man didn''t respond. Instead, he shoved a folded slip of paper across the counter. "This is the info you wanted," the bartender said, voice curt. "So now you can leave." Ethan looked at the paper, then at the man. He could see it¡ªthe fear under the tough exterior. Ethan had only been there less than an hour, but already violence and destruction had followed. He didn''t blame the guy. "¡­Thanks," Ethan said quietly, pocketing the note. He stepped out into the cool duskline air, the sky above darkening to indigo. Unfolding the paper, he read the address: "23, Black Hollow, 7th Sector, Duskline District." He exhaled. "Let''s hope there won''t be more trouble on the way there." But knowing the way things had been going lately¡­ He wasn''t counting on it. **** The Green Serpents were no ordinary clan in City X. They were a pillar of power, influence, and prestige¡ªboasting a roster of high-ranking heroes, resource magnates, and elite combat units. Their stronghold loomed over the city like a fortress of glass and steel, a symbol of their dominance. And at the top of that chain, just beneath the clan leader, sat Lyon Tusk¡ªa Level 7 Grandmaster, feared and respected by allies and enemies alike. Inside his private office¡ªwalls lined with different weapons, accolades, and surveillance feeds¡ªLyon''s furious voice shattered the silence. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" His son, Alex Tusk, flinched at the thunderous yell. He stood stiffly across the ornate desk, clearly confused. "I don''t understand¡­ What did I do?" Lyon glared at him like he wanted to slap the ignorance off his face. With a sharp wave of his hand, a holographic projection flickered to life above the desk¡ªdisplaying the battered, unconscious bodies of five villains. The same five Alex had discreetly sent after Ethan. Alex''s eyes widened. "W-What happened¡­?" Lyon let out a laugh¡ªbut it was hollow and venomous. Not a shred of amusement. "Oh, now you''re shocked?" he growled. "You sent out men to do a job, and didn''t think it was wise to monitor them? To follow up? I thought I trained you better than this." Alex stumbled over his words. "But it was just Ethan! He''s just a recently awakened! Sending five level 3s was already overkill¡ª" "Overkill?" Lyon''s voice cracked with contempt. "You fool. He''s staying with the Lancaster family. That alone should''ve made you tread carefully." Alex blinked. "You mean¡­ they''re that close? Close enough to hire someone to guard him?" Lyon narrowed his eyes, voice dropping to a dangerous calm. "I don''t know. Maybe he has something they want. Maybe there''s something deeper going on. But you just brought their attention on us, and in the worst way possible." Alex''s expression shifted¡ªpanic creeping in. "So¡­ what do we do now?" Lyon exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I''ve already sent my men to detain the five before they can talk. But if that bodyguard¡ªwhoever took them down¡ªgot any information out of them¡­" He looked up at his son, voice like a blade. "Then we may be heading to war with the Lancasters." The words hit like a sledgehammer. Alex gulped audibly, his face going pale. He knew what war with the Lancaster family meant. Power, Influence and Bloodshed. And in a city like this¡­ a single misstep could bring the whole clan crumbling. ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets and I appologize for the late release had some trouble with the police. ... ... ... ... Chapter 40 - 40: Ch 39. Counter Ability The building loomed like a corpse at the edge of Duskline District, its concrete walls stained with age, weather, and neglect. Wires hung like veins from its broken facade, and at the entrance, a flickering neon sign barely clung to life. The original words were supposed to read "Black Hallow," but with half the letters failing to light up, it simply read: BLOW. Fitting, Ethan thought grimly as he stepped inside. The stench hit him first¡ªa cocktail of piss, rot, and cheap smoke. The lobby was more a graveyard than a hallway. Bodies littered the floor, slumped against the walls¡ªvictims of overdoses, mind-numbing substances, or sheer despair. Some moaned quietly, others lay still, eyes vacant, souls long gone. Above the doors, he saw the markings¡ª01 to 10 on the ground floor. Apartment 23 was on the third floor. As Ethan climbed the creaking staircase, temptation crawled from the shadows. Men with bloodshot eyes offered glowing powders and strange pills. A woman with trembling hands whispered, "I can make you forget everything, sweetie. Just step into my room." Ethan didn''t break stride. He didn''t care. He wasn''t here for pleasure he was here to complete his mission and he intended to do just that. When he reached the third floor, he stopped at door 23. This time, he wouldn''t underestimate anyone. Whatever was inside¡ªfriend or foe¡ªhe''d meet it at full strength. With a breath, he activated Force Might, his limbs thrumming with compressed power. The aura around him shifted, becoming heavier, more lethal. He pushed the door open. And froze. There, on the blood-soaked floor, lay Veilspur¡ªhis once-eerie confidence now a pale corpse. Blood pooled beneath him, thick and dark. It was hard to tell how long he''d been dead. But someone stood above him. A man vibrating so fast Ethan couldn''t even see his face clearly. And then¡ªmovement. The figure struck. Ethan couldn''t see the motion, but he didn''t need to¡ªhe felt the murderous intent, sharp and precise. His body moved instinctively, catching the incoming hand with Force Drain. The air trembled from the impact. Vibrating hands¡ªtrying to pierce through his chest like a drill. But Ethan''s mastery of Force Drain slapped the attack away, and with Force Might, he countered with a devastating punch¡ªonly for it to be deflected just in time. Both fighters blurred through the room, bouncing off walls, breaking furniture, leaving only afterimages in their wake. Punches, counters, kicks, redirection¡ªthe apartment barely held up to the strain. It was a duel not of brute force, but of pure technique and precision. Ethan gritted his teeth. He had faced stronger foes¡ªhigher levels, deadlier powers¡ªbut he always overcame them with his peak mastery of Force Might. That was the problem. His talent deceived people. They assumed he had ascended beyond his level too quickly, that he was a monster born of rapid evolution. But now¡ªsomeone was keeping up. And for one reason. --- The Law of Ability Counterbalance. --- A foundational truth in the world of abilities was that some powers were superior to others, naturally designed to counter, resist, or overwhelm them. And speed, especially at such extreme levels, was a natural predator to force-based abilities like Ethan''s. That law was why multi-ability users were so feared. They had options¡ªthey could switch tactics, break the balance, bend the rules. Right now, Ethan was the prey. But mastery was a weapon of its own¡ªand for now, it was enough to keep him alive. --- The speedster clicked his tongue mid-fight. "This is a waste of time." Before Ethan could respond, his next blow connected¡ªsending the man crashing through the window in a shatter of glass and motion. Ethan rushed to the edge¡ªbut when he looked outside there was nothing. The man was gone. "Damn it¡­ he got away." Turning back to the room, Ethan approached Veilspur''s body. He knelt beside him, checking for a pulse. Nothing. "I can''t believe my mission led me to a corpse" He was about to call it in¡ªuntil he noticed the man''s hand was clenched. Curious, Ethan pried it open. Blood smeared across his fingers, soaking a crumpled scrap of paper hidden in his grip. The speedster must''ve missed it. Ethan unfolded it slowly. Just one name. Raven Spawn. His eyes narrowed, and his instincts screamed. This wasn''t random. There was something far deeper happening beneath the surface. But for now¡­ He stood, pocketed the note, and reached for his communicator. "Mission complete. Target''s dead. I''ll file the report." But his mind stayed on that name. Raven Spawn¡­ He had a feeling this was only the beginning. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. **** The sirens didn''t wail when they arrived¡ªthey never did when Agents were involved. Ethan stood near the broken window of the apartment, the body of Veilspur still lying behind him, blood drying into the cracked floorboards. He watched as a black unmarked vehicle pulled up outside the crumbling building. A few seconds later, footsteps echoed through the stairwell¡ªdisciplined, measured, purposeful. Leading the group was a man in a sleek black suit¡ªnot the typical armored exo-rigs or plated gear most field heroes wore. But Ethan could tell at a glance: this wasn''t just a suit. It was armor. High-grade. Elite-class. Concealed in plain sight. The man moved with casual confidence, but Ethan''s instincts¡ªhoned in too many life-and-death encounters¡ªcould feel it. The subtle hum of defense runes and the faint magnetic pull of integrated tech. The man stopped in front of him and spoke with clipped precision. "I''m Agent 777 of the Hero Association. Can you tell me what happened here?" His tone was neutral, his expression unreadable. But Ethan caught it¡ªthe slight flicker of surprise when the agent saw how young he was. Barely eighteen, yet standing amidst corpses, blood, and wreckage. Still, professionalism buried the reaction quickly. Ethan respected that. As the other agents fanned out, inspecting the scene, scanning the room with forensic drones and evidence sweepers, Ethan gave a full account¡ªminus one detail. He didn''t mention who was responsible for sending the men from earlier¡ªthe ones sent after him outside the bar. If the Association didn''t already know who sent them, he wanted to handle it his way. When Ethan finished, he reached into his pocket and handed over the bloodied paper with the name "Raven Spawn" scribbled on it. Agent 777 unfolded it, scanned it with sharp eyes, and gave a subtle nod before handing it off to one of the investigators behind him. "Evidence. Catalog it." The agent turned back to Ethan. His voice held a touch more weight now¡ªapproval, perhaps. "You''ve done well, young hero. Your reward will be transferred shortly." Ethan nodded in acknowledgment. The agent offered a final nod in return, then turned and walked out without another word, his team following like shadows¡ªefficient, clean, and silent. Just like ghosts. Once they were gone, the apartment suddenly felt Quiet and Empty. Ethan glanced down at himself¡ªhis clothes were torn and burned, patches of blood on his sleeve, a long gash across his shoulder from the earlier fight. The rented battle armor he''d used at Duality Den had been wrecked¡ªand the Association, though they didn''t charge him for the damages, had clearly decided they weren''t lending him another. Not that they told him outright. They''re just afraid I''ll keep breaking them, Ethan thought with a humorless smirk. Can''t say I blame them. He exhaled, taking one last look at the scene before muttering: "Guess it''s time to head home¡­" But as he stepped toward the door, he paused and looked down at his shredded hoodie. "Though, maybe I should fix my cloth first. Last thing I need is to give Lisa a heart attack the second I walk in." With a tired grunt, Ethan exited the apartment, vanishing into the night. **** As Ethan stepped into the quiet warmth of his home, his ragged clothes shimmered faintly¡ªthe effect of the newly purchased low-tier restoration chip embedded in the collar of his shirt. In moments, the torn fabric restitched itself into a clean, casual black hoodie paired with dark jeans. It wasn''t exactly battle-ready, but it was definitely more presentable¡ªand more importantly, it wouldn''t alarm his sister. The moment he entered the scent of something savory hit him first. The soft clatter of kitchen utensils followed, mixed with the low hum of a song playing from an old speaker. He relaxed slightly. But then he heard a voice¡ªnot from the kitchen. "Took you long enough," said a calm, familiar tone. Ethan''s eyes flicked toward the dining table, and there she was¡ªSophia. Sitting like she owned the place, arms crossed, expression unreadable, a single glass of water untouched in front of her. The white gown she wore hugged her frame gently, modest yet elegant, and her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like moonlight. It was the kind of scene that could''ve stopped time for any guy who walked in¡­ But Ethan wasn''t any guy. Before he could say a word, his sister emerged from the kitchen with a steaming pot of stew, setting it on the table. She glanced up¡ªand lit up in that mischievous way only she could. "Oh, Ethan, you''re back!" she chirped, pretending surprise. "I was just about to call you¡ªyour girlfriend came to visit." Ethan shot her a glare sharp enough to cut steel. He didn''t say anything. He didn''t have to. He was used to her antics already. Sophia, for her part, gave the faintest smirk at the exchange but didn''t rise to it. Ethan''s gaze returned to her, taking in the casual yet graceful way she sat, her demeanor composed yet undeniably radiant. The way she carried herself, calm but commanding, would make most guys stumble over their own names. Before he could speak, she finally did. "Remember how you promised to assist me earlier?" she said, tone smooth. Ethan blinked. Promised? He distinctly remembered her asking for help. Still, he didn''t bother arguing. He knew Sophia''s personality well enough. She continued, calmly but firmly: "I need that assistance now." Ethan let out a low sigh. Of course she did. He walked further into the room, brushing a hand through his slightly messy hair. "Fine," he muttered, glancing from Sophia to his sister. "Let me eat first after all I cant help you on an empty stomach." ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 41 - 41: Ch 40. Ascendant and Overlord families "I was just about to call you¡ªyour girlfriend came to visit." Ethan shot Lisa a glare sharp enough to cut steel. He didn''t say anything. He didn''t have to. He was used to her antics already. Sophia, for her part, gave the faintest smirk at the exchange but didn''t rise to it. Ethan''s gaze returned to her, taking in the casual yet graceful way she sat, her demeanor composed yet undeniably radiant. The way she carried herself, calm but commanding, would make most guys stumble over their own names. Before he could speak, she finally did. "Remember how you promised to assist me earlier?" she said, tone smooth. Ethan blinked. Promised? He distinctly remembered her asking for help. Still, he didn''t bother arguing. He knew Sophia''s personality well enough. She continued, calmly but firmly: "I need that assistance now." Ethan let out a low sigh. Of course she did. He walked further into the room, brushing a hand through his slightly messy hair. "Fine," he muttered, glancing from Sophia to his sister. "Let me eat first after all I cant help you on an empty stomach." **** As they sat around the table, the warm aroma of the meal still lingering in the air, Sophia took another bite of the dish and, almost unconsciously, muttered, "This is so good." Ethan chuckled. "Don''t you guys have five-star chefs living in the main house? Pretty sure their food tastes even better." Lisa''s eyes narrowed as she turned to him. "What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say I''m a bad cook?" Ethan raised his hands defensively. "No, no, that''s not what I meant¡ª" Before he could finish, Sophia chimed in, cutting the tension. "Yes, we have great chefs... but this just tastes different." Ethan paused, watching the way her blue eyes gleamed each time she brought another spoonful to her lips. She looked genuinely captivated by the food¡ªan honest reaction. And honesty, he''d come to learn, wasn''t something Sophia wasted on sparing someone''s feelings. Once they''d finished eating, Lisa stood and gathered the plates, heading toward the kitchen to clean up. That left Ethan and Sophia alone at the table. "So," Ethan started, leaning forward slightly, "what do you need my help with?" Sophia''s gaze sharpened. "It concerns the Drexel family." Ethan blinked. "Huh?" Confusion settled on his face. Sophia frowned slightly, noticing his reaction. "You can''t be serious¡­ You mean to tell me you don''t know about the Drexel family?" "Am I supposed to?" he replied with a raised brow. That answer made Sophia hesitate. Doubt flickered in her eyes, as if she were beginning to question whether she made the right choice coming here. But after a moment, she let out a breath and met Ethan''s gaze. "I''m only going to say this once, so make sure you pay attention." Ethan nodded, posture straightening as he gave her his full attention. "There''s more than just the Hero Association when it comes to power in this world," she began. "There are elite bloodlines¡ªfamilies who pull the strings from behind the scenes. They''re split into two categories: Overlord families, and above them, Ascendant families. Each one produces at least one powerhouse of terrifying rank." "You''re from an overlord family right?" Ethan asked. "Yes. The Lancaster family is classified as an Overlord family because of my father''s rank." She tilted her head. "I''m actually surprised you knew he was an Overlord. For a second, I thought you were living under a rock." Ethan shot her a mildly annoyed look. "I have to know about the family that took me in." Sophia smirked. "At least you''re smart." Before Ethan could fire back, she continued, "My family is one of the nine Overlord families in City X. We hold tremendous authority. But above us are the Ascendant families¡ªeach one capable of leveling an entire city through just one of their champions." Ethan wasn''t shocked¡ªhe''d seen enough of the world to know what the high-ranked heroes were capable of. Even Sophia, who downplayed herself, was a Level 6 Master¡ªno joke by any measure. He thought silently, I still have a long way to go. Sophia pressed on. "There are three Ascendant families in the city. The Drexel family is one of them." Ethan''s brows lowered in understanding. "So¡­ what do you want from me? Don''t tell me this has something to do with offending the Drexels?" Sophia looked at him with a straight face¡ªbut in her eyes was a flicker of guilt. Ethan groaned. "I was really hoping I was wrong¡­" He let out a sigh, folding his arms. "Alright, let''s hear it. Just don''t say you want me to fight an Ascendant." Sophia shook her head. "No. I wouldn''t ask you to do the impossible. I only want you to fight¡­ one of their champions." Ethan blinked, then let out a quiet laugh. "Well, that''s definitely less impossible. But let me remind you¡ªI''m a newly awakened Level 1 novice. You can''t seriously expect me to fight a Level 5 champion without a damn good reason." "You''ll be helping me," she said plainly. "¡­What?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You asked for a reason. That''s it¡ªyou''ll be helping me." Ethan stared at her. "That''s not a reason. That barely counts as an excuse." "But you promised to help." "I did." Ethan exhaled slowly. "As long as it doesn''t bring harm to my family. And this? This smells like trouble. Big trouble." He looked away for a moment, brows furrowed. If it was just him, he might''ve considered it. But he had a sister. And risking her safety for someone else''s wasn''t something he could do lightly. Sophia seemed to notice the weight of his silence. Her voice softened just a little. "You have my word. No harm will come to your family if you help me." Ethan looked back at her. "And why are you so confident in that?" She hesitated¡­ then answered, "Because the person you''ll be fighting is the family''s outcast." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Outcast?" Sophia nodded. "The black sheep of the Drexel family. He''s strong¡­ but he''s fallen out of favor. Taking him down won''t start a war." Sophia sat back in her seat, her expression firm but slightly weary. "Jonathan Drexel," she began, "was born out of wedlock. Because of that, he didn''t receive the same attention¡ªor resources¡ªas the other children in the Drexel family." Ethan listened quietly, arms folded. "While his siblings were breaking records and achieving breakthroughs, Jonathan was left behind. Ignored. Overlooked. And that resentment¡­ it grew. He developed a foul attitude. He didn''t respect anyone and he used the Drexel name to get away with whatever he wants." Ethan leaned forward slightly. "So¡­ what problem does he have with you?" Sophia''s lips pressed into a thin line. "He''s my fianc¨¦." Ethan blinked. "Oh. So it''s him." Sophia squinted, suspicion flaring in her gaze. "What do you mean by that?" "Nothing," Ethan said quickly, waving it off. But inwardly, he cursed himself. I really hope I didn''t make it obvious I went through her diary. Sophia stared at him for a few seconds longer than was comfortable, clearly studying him. Then she let it slide with a subtle exhale. "That''s why I need you to fight him," she said. Ethan tilted his head. "And how exactly does me fighting your fianc¨¦ help the situation?" "In Ascendant and Overlord families, there''s a rule," she explained. "Power makes right. If there''s a disagreement, it''s not settled with words¡ªit''s settled with fists. A fight determines who''s right." Ethan nodded slowly. "Okay¡­ but why don''t you fight him? You''re strong enough." "I can''t," Sophia replied, crossing her arms. "Not when it''s my fianc¨¦. It''s part of the tradition¡ªif someone objects to the union, someone else has to fight in their place." Ethan blinked, eyebrows raised. "So I''m the secret boyfriend challenging the arranged marriage, huh?" Sophia didn''t laugh. The silence stretched just long enough to make Ethan cough awkwardly. "Right¡­ not funny. Got it." He shifted in his seat. "Okay, but how am I supposed to fight this guy? First, will your family even allow this? And second¡ªwhat about the massive level gap?" Sophia smirked, tilting her head. "Leave my family to me. I''ll handle them." She then looked him up and down, assessing him silently for a moment. "As for the level gap... with a little training, you''ll be able to handle him." Ethan frowned. "Seriously? You think I can just train and catch up?" Truth was, Sophia had already seen enough to believe it. From the moment Ethan survived the Duality Den¡ªa Trial that should''ve killed him¡ªand the way he faced down five Level 3 villains and lived to talk about it, she knew he wasn''t ordinary. But she wasn''t about to feed his ego. Instead, she said simply, "Yes. I do." "¡­Okay, then. Who''s supposed to train me?" She raised an eyebrow, like the answer was obvious. "Me, of course." Ethan stared. "¡­Of course it''s you." ... ... ... A/N I will release an extra chapter if I get 90 power stones or 30 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 42 - 42: Ch 41. No Experience He shifted in his seat. "Okay, but how am I supposed to fight this guy? First, will your family even allow this? And second¡ªwhat about the massive level gap?" Sophia smirked, tilting her head. "Leave my family to me. I''ll handle them." She then looked him up and down, assessing him silently for a moment. "As for the level gap... with a little training, you''ll be able to handle him." Ethan frowned. "Seriously? I''m Level 1. He''s a Level 5 champion. You think I can just train and catch up?" Truth was, Sophia had already seen enough to believe it. From the moment Ethan survived the Duality Den¡ªa Trial that should''ve killed him¡ªand the way he faced down five Level 3 villains and lived to talk about it, she knew he wasn''t ordinary. But she wasn''t about to feed his ego. Instead, she said simply, "Yes. I do." "¡­Okay, then. Who''s supposed to train me?" She raised an eyebrow, like the answer was obvious. "Me, of course." Ethan stared. "¡­Of course it''s you." **** The morning sun cast a soft golden hue across one of the many private training grounds of the Lancaster estate. The grass shimmered with dew, but the stillness of dawn was quickly broken by two figures preparing for an intense session. Ethan wore a grey tank top that clung to his well-built frame, black shorts that allowed for fluid movement, and crisp white sneakers. Beside him, Sophia adjusted her posture, dressed in a white sports bra and black joggers. Her hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, keeping it from interfering with her focus. Her black sneakers were light, made for speed and control. As they stretched in sync, Sophia glanced sideways and asked, "Did you take your sister to school?" Ethan gave a quick nod, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Yup. And I didn''t accept any missions today. So I''m all yours." Sophia rolled her eyes at his theatrics. "Lucky me," she replied dryly. "Today, I''ll observe how you fight. That way, I can pinpoint where you need improvement." Ethan nodded. He was ready. "I''ll be using one of my common-tier abilities to keep things fair," Sophia continued. "No need to go overboard." "How many abilities do you have now?" Ethan asked, curious. "Eight established. Seven more before I hit my limit." Ethan''s eyebrows twitched slightly. Eight? Meanwhile, he only had one. But that would change soon. With the Sanctum of Beasts, his future arsenal would make fifteen look like child''s play. Sophia took a stance, her expression sharpening. "Let''s begin." In perfect synchrony, both muttered their abilities. {Force Might} Ethan said, his body surging with kinetic energy, invisible ripples flowing around him. {Blade summon} Sophia whispered, a slender sword materializing in her grip with a flash of Essence. The spar began. Sophia lunged in with a wide horizontal swing. As Ethan leaned back, dodging it narrowly. But Sophia''s swordplay wasn''t amateurish¡ªshe twisted mid-swing, redirecting the blade faster than expected. Ethan barely pulled away, creating distance with a backstep before charging again. This time, Ethan launched a barrage of blows, his fists glowing faintly from the force-enhancing ability. Sophia blocked each one, her footwork measured, her parries precise. Then, seeing an opening, she diverted one of Ethan''s punches just enough to slip in close. With one swift move, she elbowed him in the stomach. The hit connected¡ªbut instead of staggering back, Ethan stood his ground, having used Force Drain to absorb and redirect the momentum. Gritting his teeth, he raised his fist to strike again¡ªbut Sophia''s blade slid into position, halting his blow with a loud metallic clang that echoed across the training ground. "That''s enough for now," she said, stepping back. Ethan exhaled sharply, a hint of disappointment in his tone. "Damn. I was just getting in the mood." Sophia, however, was still analyzing him with sharp eyes. "You fight purely on instinct. No formal training." "Yeah," Ethan replied, scratching the back of his head. "I wasn''t exactly a model student at the academy." A half-truth. Better than revealing he wasn''t from this world. She crossed her arms. "Your instincts are sharp, and your ability control is incredibly refined¡ªtoo refined. It''s like you just awakened the skill, but your mastery is already high. That doesn''t happen normally." Ethan said nothing, but she had hit the nail on the head. The Sanctum had gifted him his ability at peak mastery. His instincts weren''t human¡ªthey were carved from hundreds of deaths, of battles against monstrosities. He didn''t fight like a man¡ªhe fought like a beast. Or, if one were feeling generous, a hunter. Sophia continued, "To improve your fighting style, we need to do three things. First, give you a weapon. Your force ability will become stronger and more focused with a medium. Second, teach you proper technique. Your movements are too wild. And third..." She paused, her eyes gleaming. "I''ll teach you something called Flow." "Flow?" Sophia walked over to a nearby bench, grabbing a towel before answering. "Flow is the act of circulating Meta Essence throughout your body in a specific pattern. It''s not just about fueling your ability¡ªit''s about enhancing your entire physical and mental state. When done right, it sharpens your focus, strengthens your body, and significantly increases the effectiveness of your abilities." Ethan raised a brow. "Doesn''t mastery already do that? I mean, my ability is already operating at peak efficiency. I can output more than most people at my level." Sophia nodded. "Yes¡ªability-wise, your output is impressive. Your understanding of your power allows you to use less Meta Essence while producing more impact. But that''s entirely due to your mastery, not your control." Ethan blinked, clearly processing. "What''s the difference?" Sophia stepped closer, her tone more instructive now. "Think of your ability as a high-end appliance. Your Meta Essence is the electricity powering it. The higher your mastery, the better the appliance performs. It becomes more efficient, using less power to do more." She paused, watching to make sure he was following. "But now imagine improving the quality, not the quantity, of the electricity itself. Not just feeding power into the appliance, but refining it so that the performance goes beyond its specs." Ethan''s eyes lit with realization. "So¡­ even an already-efficient appliance becomes even better when the power source is enhanced." Sophia smiled slightly. "Exactly. Flow is about refining your Meta Essence¡ªlearning to move it, shape it, and cycle it through your body like a perfected current. Once you master that, your strength, speed, reflexes, even perception¡ªthey''ll all climb to a level that pure mastery alone can''t touch." Ethan folded his arms, clearly intrigued now. "So¡­ where do we start?" Sophia gave a light shrug, but her gaze was sharp. "First, you need to learn how to enter the state of Flow. It''s not easy. It requires patience, focus, and a deep understanding of your own essence." She turned, walking back toward the center of the training field. "But once you get it¡­ we''ll be one step closer to making you useful." Ethan scoffed, shaking his head with a smirk. "I''m starting to think you enjoy insulting me." Sophia didn''t turn around, but he could hear the amusement in her voice. "Only because you make it too easy." **** Agonized screams echoed through the cold, sterile corridors of the facility¡ªraw, guttural, and laced with a pain that defied description. Inside a dimly lit chamber, the source was revealed. Mireveil sat slumped in a steel chair, limbs bound tightly by a white restraint coat stained with sweat and blood. A black bag covered their head, robbing them of sight, breath shallow and ragged beneath the fabric. Thick cables ran from the arms of the chair to their body, pulsing with high-voltage electricity¡ªeach surge ripping through muscle, nerve, and soul. It was the kind of torture no normal human could endure. Then, without warning, the current ceased. The silence that followed was almost deafening. The heavy door creaked open, and a figure cloaked in dark robes stepped inside, boots echoing against the cold floor. His presence brought with it a suffocating dread, the temperature in the room seeming to drop. He stood before the broken figure of Mireveil, his voice low, emotionless¡ªlike frost scraping against glass. "For such a simple task," he said, "I find it difficult to comprehend how you failed so spectacularly." Mireveil twitched, too drained to speak. Their body trembled, still twitching from residual currents. The robed figure leaned in slightly, his tone colder, but deliberate. "Fortunately for you, failure does not have to be the end." He paused. "The boy¡ªthe one responsible for your disgrace¡ªhas been located. He''s within the Lancaster estate. The organization has labeled him a threat¡­ and threats must be erased." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He straightened. "You''ll be deployed with one of the Sentinels. Eliminate the boy and crush anyone who dares to protect him." The figure turned, walking slowly toward the door. Just as the room was about to be plunged back into silence, his final words spilled from his lips in a chilling whisper. "¡­But your punishment is far from over." The moment he exited, the hum of energy returned. The cables lit up once more¡ªand the screams resumed. Cold. Endless. Unforgiving. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 120 power stones or 50 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 43 - 43: Ch 42. Flow Sophia stood frozen, her mouth slightly ajar, as she stared at Ethan seated calmly in the center of the training ground¡ªlegs crossed, posture steady, his breathing slow and rhythmic. Meta essence pulsed around him in a gentle, perfect circulation. "How is this possible?" she muttered under her breath. She had just explained the fundamentals of entering the State of Flow. The process was intricate, involving fine-tuned control of meta essence, deep mental discipline, and precise bodily synchronization. Even among elite heroes, mastering the first stage took years¡ªsome never achieved it at all. But here Ethan was, moments after hearing her explanation, achieving it like it was second nature. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She had always known Ethan was gifted¡ªhow could she not? His talent practically radiated from him. But this¡­ this was something else. ''Is he even human?'' The tought flashed in her mind. He awakened as a Forsaken. An E-rank. That label should have doomed him to mediocrity, but Sophia never believed he was average. Something had changed in that den¡ªsomething she couldn''t begin to understand. She expected him to eventually master Flow, maybe in a month if he pushed himself. But she had grossly underestimated him. She herself had taken a month to grasp it, but Ethan had surpassed her in that aspect and to be honest her ego was hurt a little because of it. Meanwhile, Ethan sat blissfully unaware of the existential crisis he had just caused. His thoughts were focused, but not on his accomplishment¡ªrather, on what he had overlooked for far too long. ''How was I so foolish:, he thought. ''I believed my ability was already at its peak because of the mastery granted to me. So I stopped seeking improvement in it, thinking the only path forward was leveling up.'' ''But why should my ability dictate my limits?'' ''If I started at the peak¡­ then that should only be my foundation.'' ''There should be no limit.'' As that thought settled into his soul, his aura erupted. A wave of invisible pressure rippled outward, startling Sophia even more. Her eyes widened as she took an involuntary step back. "I haven''t even taught him the second part yet¡­" she whispered, stunned. There were two parts to mastering Flow. The first was entering the state¡ªallowing meta essence to circulate through the body in perfect harmony, enhancing strength, speed, perception, and resilience. But this state came with a major flaw: once an ability was activated, it disrupted the circulation. The essence would follow the preset pattern of the ability, breaking the Flow. And so came the true mastery¡ªsyncing Flow with Ability. To use an ability while remaining in the state of Flow required something most couldn''t comprehend. You had to let it FLOW. Not force the two energies to work separately, but allow them to complement one another. To unify control, not compete for it. Even veteran heroes struggled with this. Many never succeeded. But Ethan¡­ He stood up. And He drew his arm back slowly, the air around him swirling, compressed by the sheer pressure of his controlled essence. Then he whispered under his breath: "{Force Might}." He punched forward. At first¡ªnothing. Then the world caught up. BOOM. A sonic shockwave split the air, tearing through the training ground with a whirlwind of dust and energy. The sheer force of it knocked pebbles into the air and made the floor beneath his feet groan. Sophia raised her arm instinctively to shield herself, eyes wide with disbelief. When it all settled, Ethan was calmly examining his fist. "That was easy," he said with a faint smirk. Sophia just stared, stunned. She felt something crack inside her. A piece of her pride¡­ maybe her sanity. Before she could respond, Ethan''s phone began to buzz. He casually answered, his posture relaxed. His face darkened within seconds. "What!!!?" he barked. The tension returned like a wave. Sophia narrowed her eyes, stepping closer to Ethan as she sensed the sudden shift in his aura. "What happened?" she asked, her voice calm, but with an undercurrent of urgency. Ethan didn''t look at her. His eyes were cold and focused. "A villain''s attacking Lisa''s school." His tone was emotionless¡ªbut beneath it, fury simmered. Sophia''s heart dropped. --- Asterveil Academy, once filled with the light chatter of students and the warm hum of daily life, was now unrecognizable. The once pristine halls were littered with shattered glass, cracked tiles, and broken walls, debris scattered like corpses after a battle. Walking through the chaos was a man clad in a black singlet, his long, unkempt hair swinging with every step. His mouth curled into a grotesque grin as his twisted laughter echoed through the ruined corridor. "Don''t hide," he called out with a sickening joy. "I just want to show you what it means to be an adult." He dragged out the last word, licking his lips slowly like a predator savoring the hunt. Behind him, jagged rocks floated midair, orbiting his body, each humming with unstable kinetic energy¡ªhis ability, a terrifying force of destruction. Deeper within the school, a reinforced steel door sealed the emergency shelter. It was designed to withstand low-level villain or Dread Beast attacks, but Asterveil was not a high-class academy¡ªit lacked the funding for elite defenses. Inside the shelter, a small group of students and a handful of teachers huddled together, trying to stay calm. Most of the school had already evacuated, but some¡ªthose in mid-lesson, or members of the Humanitarian Relief Committee like Lisa¡ªhadn''t been so lucky. Panic was thick in the air. As Students were crying, some whispering to each other, with their voices trembling. A teacher tried to calm the situation, standing in front of the group. "Stay calm. The heroes will arrive soon and we will all return to our homes safely." But before her words could offer comfort, a loud metallic bang rang out. BOOM. The steel door shuddered under a violent impact. From outside came a manic voice. "So this is where you''re all hiding? Perfect. I don''t even have to hunt you down. Since all of you are in one place." There was a brief moment of silence before a giant boulder slammed into the door again. BANG. A massive dent appeared, and the screams inside multiplied. The teachers shouted over the chaos, trying to keep order, but the fear was too great. The villain laughed again, louder now, almost unhinged. BANG. BANG. With each blow, the dents grew deeper. It was obvious now¡ªthis was no low-level villain. This was someone far beyond what the shelter could withstand. And then¡­ suddenly, the banging stopped. A new voice echoed faintly through the hallway outside. "Who are you?" the villain asked, confused. There was no answer. Only the crashing sound of a body being launched through multiple walls. Inside the shelter, silence reigned for a brief second¡ªthen came the faint shhhhk of metal being cut. Sword slashes began to form on the reinforced surface, sharp and deliberate, until¡ª CRASH! The door fell apart, sliced into clean fragments. The students screamed and backed away, and the teachers shielded them instinctively. But the threat never came. Instead, a breeze swept into the room, stirring the dust. A figure stepped through the remnants of the door, the very air seeming to part for her. She wore a striking set of sleek, blue battle armor adorned with golden plates that shimmered like polished sunlight. Her long blonde hair flowed gently with the breeze, and her piercing blue eyes burned with intensity and focus. Her presence radiated authority and power¡ªa beacon amidst the fear. From the back of the shelter, a familiar voice gasped. "Sophia?!" Lisa called out, her eyes wide in disbelief. Sophia gave her a small, confident smile. "It''s not just me," she said coolly. "Your brother will be here soon¡­ he''s just taking care of a pest." **** From the wreckage of shattered walls and dust-choked air, the villain began to rise, rubble sliding from his back as he staggered upright. His body trembled slightly, disoriented, blood trickling from the side of his mouth. With a sickening crunch, he snapped his dislocated jaw back into place, eyes now gleaming with a twisted rage. Then, he saw him¡ªthe source of his agony. Standing amidst the destruction, untouched by the chaos, was Ethan. His black hair swayed slightly in the breeze that slipped through the broken corridor. Golden eyes, sharp and unwavering, locked onto the villain with cold detachment. He wore newly issued black battle armor¡ªsleek, reinforced, forged in the Lancaster armory, a gift from Sophia before the mission. On his hands were massive metal gauntlets, humming with energy, powered by a visible core of concentrated Meta Essence, designed to amplify his strength and deliver earth-shattering blows. The villain''s expression twisted with hatred as veins bulged across his temples. "How dare you¡ªHOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT ME!" he screamed, his voice cracked with fury. "I was going to teach these beautiful children what it means to be an adult! But no¡­ now I''ll have to kill you first." Ethan didn''t speak. He didn''t flinch. Because in his mind, this wasn''t a conversation. It was a sentence. His gaze was void of empathy¡ªjust pure resolve. The man before him wasn''t a challenge. He was a problem that needed to be erased. Without fanfare, Ethan whispered a single word under his breath: "{Flow}." In that instant, the air changed. The gauntlet hummed louder. His aura surged outward like a crashing tide. The execution had begun. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 120 power stones or 50 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 44 - 44: Ch 43. Overkill "How dare you¡ªHOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT ME!" The villain screamed, his voice cracked with fury. "I was going to teach these beautiful children what it means to be an adult! But no¡­ now I''ll have to kill you first." Ethan didn''t speak. He didn''t flinch. Because in his mind, this wasn''t a conversation. It was a sentence. His gaze was void of empathy¡ªjust pure resolve. The man before him wasn''t a challenge. He was a problem that needed to be erased. Without fanfare, Ethan whispered a single word under his breath: "{Flow}." In that instant, the air changed. The gauntlet hummed louder. His aura surged outward like a crashing tide. The execution had begun. **** The reason Ethan and Sophia had been called to Asterveil Academy instead of any other hero was simple¡ªthey were the closest heroes available when the emergency alert was triggered. Despite Asterveil being located in District 7, it sat dangerously close to the border of Ebonreach, a high-class district known for its elite institutions and powerful defenders. The school''s location had long been a subject of quiet whispers and political maneuvering. Many knew the real reason Asterveil wasn''t part of Ebonreach¡ªit didn''t meet the standards. It wasn''t prestigious enough, its facilities weren''t top-tier, and its student body came from more modest backgrounds. But none of that mattered now. Sophia was focused, moving quickly through the crumbling halls, guiding students and staff out of the building. Her voice was calm but firm. "Don''t rush¡ªeveryone will get out of here safely." As she helped usher out a group of frightened teens, a sonic boom echoed in the background, causing some of the students to flinch. Lisa, still catching her breath, turned to Sophia. "Will Ethan be alright?" she asked, anxiety etched across her face. Sophia gave a reassuring smile, her blue eyes soft. "You already know how strong your brother is. So don''t worry¡­ now go. Get to safety." Lisa nodded, clutching her school bag tightly as she followed the last group of students heading out the east wing. The sounds of battle¡ªexplosions, shockwaves, crumbling stone¡ªgrew louder behind them. Sophia glanced back toward the epicenter of the noise and smirked faintly. "Hope he doesn''t scare the guy too much." --- Back at the battlefield, the villain¡ªhis body covered in stone armor, jagged and sharp¡ªcharged forward, screaming in frustration. But Ethan was already prepared. He reeled his arm back, the energy in his gauntlet humming violently before he unleashed a punch. The blow shattered the stone plating and sent the villain flying across the corridor like a ragdoll, smashing through a support pillar and slamming into a wall. Bruised, bloodied, and breathing heavily, the villain tried to rise again. His cocky arrogance had completely vanished. Now, there was only fear. He stared at Ethan¡ªnot as an opponent, but as a monster. Those golden eyes, devoid of emotion, staring at him like an insect. They made his spine crawl. "I... I need to get out of here," the villain thought, his heart racing. "Anywhere but here¡­ anywhere away from him." Desperate, he scrambled to his feet. But just as he began to rise, Ethan''s foot slammed into his chest, knocking him flat on his back again with a heavy thud. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The villain, now gasping and panicked, planted his hands into the floor and summoned a ring of rock spikes, launching them at Ethan in a last-ditch effort. But Ethan dodged with ease, his eyes never leaving the villain. In a panic, the villain leapt onto a levitating rock, using his ability to escape. He shot upward, bursting through the damaged roof and rising into the sky. Ethan didn''t follow¡ªnot immediately. He stood still not making a sound. Because this wasn''t just about beating him. This was about traumatizing him. Giving him hope... only to snatch it away. Finally, Ethan spoke for the first time since the fight began. His voice was low and dangerous. As he used his ability In this fight for the first time. "{King of Force}." The air turned heavy, like gravity itself was being pulled in his direction. The ground began to tremble, cracks spidering across the floor beneath his feet. All the stored-up force since his previous use of the skill surged into his limbs. Ethan crouched slightly, force building in his legs, the gauntlet pulsing with unstable energy. Then¡ª Boom. He vanished, moving like a living bullet, piercing the sky in pursuit of the villain. The villain looked back mid-flight, sensing something... a presence behind him. But it was already too late. A devastating punch landed directly in his solar plexus, the sheer impact creating a deafening sonic boom. The villain''s eyes rolled back as his body went limp. But Ethan wasn''t done. He followed through, swinging his arm down, smashing the unconscious villain back down to earth. The impact created a massive crater, dust and debris erupting into the air. Around the school, civilians, students, and teachers who had escaped the building watched the scene in awe and shock. "Who is that hero?" someone asked. "He must be new¡­ maybe an up-and-coming ranker." "He''s so¡­ handsome." a girl whispered, blushing. Above them, gravity reclaimed Ethan, his damaged leg making the descent painful. The gauntlet on his right arm was sparking, cracked and overheated from the overload. Just before he could hit the ground¡ªSophia appeared, gracefully levitating him with one hand extended. He looked at her, catching his breath. "Thanks." She rolled her eyes playfully. "No problem. Just find a way to replace that gauntlet you destroyed." Ethan let out a soft groan, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah¡­ no problem." **** The reason Ethan went all out against the villain was simple¡ª He wanted to make sure scum like that would never dare to commit a crime again. Not just because it was his duty as a hero, but because this one made the mistake of scaring his sister. And for that, he had to pay. By the time the fight ended, the Association''s cleanup crew had arrived. They quickly secured the area and placed the villain in a containment stretcher, strapping him in with heavy restraints. Though honestly¡­ it wasn''t necessary. Every bone in his body was broken. His limbs were twisted unnaturally, his face bruised beyond recognition. His body would take years to recover¡ªif it ever did. And even then, a year or more of psychiatric rehabilitation would be needed before he could function like a normal person again. But perhaps worst of all, he would always remember those golden eyes, and the feeling of pure, helpless terror. Meanwhile Ethan sat quietly behind a hover ambulance, his right leg wrapped in a nano-cast, elevated slightly. It would take two hours and some Class-C medicine before it fully healed. His right arm was untouched, thanks to the protection of his reinforced gauntlet. An agent from the Hero Association stood in front of Ethan and Sophia, notepad in hand, going over a debriefing of the battle. The moment the agent closed his notebook and left, Lisa came rushing over. The moment she saw Ethan, she covered her mouth in shock. Ethan gave her a look. "Stop over-exaggerating," he said with a small sigh, wiggling his injured leg slightly. "See? Hardly hurts." Lisa stared for a second... and then kicked the cast. "Ow¡ª! What was that for?!" Ethan grunted. She glared at him. "That was for breaking your promise." Ethan blinked, then winced¡ªnot just from pain, but realization. He had promised her he''d be more careful whenever he went on missions. He leaned back slightly, thinking to himself, "Note to self: be more careful whenever Lisa''s watching¡­ but go all out when she''s not." Then, without warning, Lisa wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Her voice trembled slightly, filled with relief. "And this... this is for saving me. Thank you, Ethan." Ethan paused for a beat¡ªthen smiled softly, returning the hug. "Anything for you, Lisa." His voice was gentle and sincere. It was a moment that didn''t need anything else. Sophia, standing a few feet away, crossed her arms and watched the scene with a small smile. "Well, since we''re done here, let''s head home," she said. Then she looked at Ethan, her expression unusually warm. "You did good today, Ethan." Both Ethan and Lisa looked at her, blinking in confusion. "Who are you and what have you done with Sophia?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Big sister Sophia... are you feeling okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Lisa added, mock-concerned. A vein popped on Sophia''s forehead. She slowly raised her fist. "I know a good way to check if I''m the real Sophia or not..." she growled. Ethan immediately tensed, a bead of sweat forming. "N-no need! I know you''re the real Sophia!" he said quickly. Sophia smirked, satisfied. "Thought as much." --- Meanwhile, in a hidden location, far from the ruined school grounds, another scene was unfolding. In a dimly lit underground chamber, surrounded by humming monitors and flickering arcane tech, the speedster villain¡ªthe one Ethan had faced earlier¡ªstood before a tall figure cloaked in a dark, feathered mantle. His face was hidden, but his presence was unmistakable. Raven Spawn. The speedster reached into his satchel and pulled out a metal sphere, the size of a tennis ball. Faint runes glowed on its surface. He handed it over with a trembling hand. Raven Spawn took the sphere gently, almost reverently. He stared at it for a moment before whispering, "Finally... the rumbling can commence." His laughter echoed through the chamber like the calm before a coming storm. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 120 power stones or 50 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 45 - 45: CH 44. Count Down BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! The shrill sound of the alarm echoed through the room like an angry siren. BZZT! BZZT! BZZT!¡ª SLAM! A groggy hand fumbled around, trying to blindly smack the source of the noise. Ethan, wrapped in his blanket like a burrito, groaned as he half-lifted his head, eyes still shut. "Ughhh¡­ off already¡­" He pressed the snooze button once. Nothing. Pressed it again. Still blaring. Ethan''s eyebrow twitched. BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! His patience snapped. CRACK! With a burst of annoyed strength, he smashed the alarm clock with one firm hit, silencing it permanently as shattered bits slid off the nightstand. "Finally¡­" he muttered, turning around and burying his face back into the pillow. He wasn''t planning to get up early today. He refused to. It had been three exhausting days since the Asterveil incident¡ªthe near-disaster that rocked his sister''s school. As a result, classes were canceled for a full week to give students and staff time to rest and recover. But rest? Ethan didn''t get much of that. Thanks to Lisa. Because he broke his promise of "being more careful," she made him pay. And by pay, that meant: Fancy restaurants with absurdly small food portions and absurdly large prices. Amusement parks that were more mentally than physically draining. And the worst of all¡­ Shopping. Endless hours of browsing, trying clothes, comparing fabrics, and repeating the process. If villains ever wanted to break him, they didn''t need torture. Just drop him in a mall with two shopaholics. Ethan groaned just remembering it. He still didn''t understand what girls saw in shopping. It was worse than facing a villain any day of the week. And let''s not even talk about his wallet. Due to all the excessive spending, Ethan had reluctantly approached Sophia earlier this week to ask for a little more time to pay back the gauntlet she gave him. To his surprise, Sophia just blinked, then said: "I wasn''t serious, idiot. You''re helping me with my goals¡ªthat alone is worth more. Also, it''s just a Rank 3 Battle-Tech. We''ve got plenty of those lying around." Then she turned and walked away. Ethan stared after her, deadpan. "She really didn''t need to flex that hard¡­" Still, the guilt stayed with him, so he made a mental note: Work extra hard and earn more credits. ...But that could wait. It was Saturday. He deserved the morning sleep. He will start working in the afternoon. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. RIIING! RIIING! He''s phone rang. As Ethan let out a long, tortured groan, burying his face deeper into the pillow. "Not again¡­" He reached for his phone blindly, squinting at the screen as he answered. The voice on the other end was sharp and professional. "Ethan. This is Agent 777. Report to the Association HQ. The reason will be explained when you arrive please be fast." Click. Ethan stared at the phone for a moment. Then sighed, voice muffled against his sheets. "Guess there''s no rest for a hero¡­" --- After a quick shower and half-dressed breakfast, Ethan stepped outside, locking his front door. Lisa wasn''t home¡ªshe had somehow convinced Sophia to go out with her on a girl''s day. Ethan still didn''t know how she did it¡­ but all he could do was mutter to himself: "Good luck, Sophia. You''re gonna need it." --- Meanwhile, somewhere inside a crowded shopping center¡ª Sophia stood behind Lisa, watching as she picked through the eighth rack of clothes. "How many do you need...?" she mumbled. Then¡ªACHOO! She sneezed suddenly, rubbing her nose. "...Someone''s talking about me." A chill ran down her spine. --- Back in the estate, Ethan slid into his newly acquired black hover car. Sleek, silent, and stylish¡ªit had cost him a chunk of his savings, but after all the annoying hover taxi calls while escorting Lisa, he decided to stop suffering. He grinned a little as the engine purred to life. "Worth every credit." And with that, he hit the accelerator, the hover car lifting off the ground smoothly before zipping off toward the Hero Association HQ¡ª Another mission waiting, and maybe¡­ another mess to clean up. **** As Ethan arrived at the Hero Association headquarters, the usually buzzing lobby was quieter than usual. The moment he stepped in, a stern-looking staff member waved him over without a word, gesturing for him to follow. "Agent 777 is expecting you. Right this way." Ethan didn''t even get a chance to ask questions. He was briskly led through a series of sleek, polished hallways until they reached a reinforced sliding door. It opened with a soft hiss, revealing a cold, minimalistic office. Inside, there was nothing flashy. Just a single HoloDesk¡ªa high-tech surface capable of projecting 3D holograms, displaying files, and functioning as a full computer suite. One plain black chair sat behind it. A bookshelf sat at the far wall, barely filled. No plants. No pictures. No color. Just empty, sterile efficiency. Behind the desk sat Agent 777, fingers flicking through a series of holographic images that floated in front of him¡ªmaps, files, live feeds. Without even looking up, he said flatly, "You can have a seat." Ethan pulled the chair opposite the desk and sat down, slouching slightly as he waited. He rested his elbow on the armrest, eyes scanning the dead room. ''Told me to be fast like it was urgent¡­'' He glanced at the agent, still busy. ''¡­Yet here I am watching a guy scroll through blue lights.'' His mind wandered for the reason he was called as he tapped his finger against his thigh. Was this a mission? or was it a briefing about the Asterveil aftermath? He thought through possibilities¡ªuntil¡ª "Duskline District is about to be destroyed." The words came so casually, so nonchalantly, that it took Ethan a solid three seconds to register them. "What?" he finally blurted, shooting up from his chair. His eyes were wide, body alert, confusion painted across his face. "What do you mean by ''Duskline District is about to be destroyed?!''" Agent 777 didn''t flinch. Neither Did he blink. "I mean what I mean." He looked up, face flat. "It''s about to be destroyed. So, we need to save it¡ªand the people who live there." Ethan stared. This man¡­ was serious. But why the hell was he talking like it was just another Monday morning meeting? He clenched his jaw, then blinked. "Wait¡­ is it just me or¡­" He paused. A realization hit him like a soft breeze across the face. He was overreacting. Way overreacting. This wasn''t like him. His emotions were spiraling a bit too fast, too loud. ''¡­It must be a side effect of his ability,'' Ethan thought, calming his breathing. ''His presence messes with people''s emotional regulation.'' He let out a sigh and slowly sat back down. "Okay¡­ so why are you telling me this? You don''t actually expect me to save a whole district, do you?" Agent 777 stared at him, unblinking. The silence lasted long enough to make Ethan sweat. He started to regret asking, until¡ª "The Association isn''t that desperate to assign a single hero to protect a district." Ethan slumped in relief. "Thank god. For a second I thought¡ª" "You were called because you had a run-in with someone involved in what''s about to happen in Duskline." Agent 777 said cutting him off. Ethan paused, eyebrows furrowed. "¡­The speedster?" Agent 777 nodded. "Yes. Him. We''ve learned he''s the second-in-command of an organization called Unkindness¡ªled by the person whose name you saw on that paper." Ethan''s eyes narrowed. "Raven Spawn." "Correct." Agent 777 closed the holograms with a flick of his wrist, the light vanishing from the HoloDesk. "We need your help to hold him back during this operation." Ethan asked curiously. "Wait, are there no other heroes that can handle a speedster? You''ve got tons, right?" "They''re all deployed on missions. We have to act now. And You''re one of the few available who''s already faced him and has the capability to hold him back." Ethan rubbed his temple as he thinks. ''That''s fair. A whole district is about to go up in flames¡­ urgency makes sense. But your poker face made me forget how serious this is.'' He sighed again, nodding. "Alright. I''m in. So¡­ who am I working with, and when do we move?" "We''ll receive the target location soon," Agent 777 replied. Ethan raised an eyebrow. "¡­Wait, do you guys have a mole in their organization?" Agent 777 didn''t answer. But his slight pause and vague nod told Ethan all he needed to know. "As for your team," Agent 777 continued, "you''ll be working with a couple of heroes from my unit. I''ll be leading the operation." Ethan wasn''t shocked. After all before being an Agent he was a hero first. Once the briefing was complete and the operation plan laid out, they moved out. --- Duskline District. The hover transport glided silently through the back alleys and landed in a nondescript parking structure. Ethan and the team¡ªfive others in all¡ªwere in civilian clothing, moving low and quiet. No colors. No capes. The goal was clear: avoid detection. They couldn''t afford to spook Raven Spawn into detonating the device before they found him. Agent 777 stood at the center of the squad, voice crisp and low: "Spread out. Strategic positions only. We don''t move until we get the exact location." Everyone nodded silently, dispersing into shadows and vantage points. Ethan took position near an alley rooftop, glancing down at the lively street. Children laughed, old vendors sold noodles, people went about their lives¡­ ¡­completely unaware that their world was on the brink of annihilation. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 120 power stones or 50 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 46 - 46: Ch 45. Raven Spawn In a dim, cold room lit only by a flickering ceiling light, a man sat bound tightly to a metal chair, thick anti-break fibers coiled around his wrists, ankles, and chest. These restraints were strong enough to hold even a trained hero¡ªan unmistakable sign that whoever had tied him up wasn''t taking chances. The silence was broken by the creak of a door slowly swinging open. In stepped a tall, imposing figure draped in a mantle of black feathers that seemed to ripple like smoke with every movement. His presence was chilling, regal in a twisted way. Raven Spawn had arrived. Trailing just behind him was Crash, the speedster Ethan had previously clashed with¡ªlean, sharp-eyed, and brimming with untamed energy. The moment the man tied to the chair, Smole, laid eyes on them, panic lit up in his expression like a flare in the night. "Boss! You gotta believe me!" Smole screamed, his voice cracking. "I''m not a mole! I would never betray the organization, I swea¡ª" In a flash Crash was suddenly in front of him. As His fist connected with Smole''s face in an instant, the sound of the impact echoing through the room like a gunshot. Blood sprayed from Smole''s mouth as his head snapped sideways, silencing him. Crash stepped back, eyes cold. "Don''t talk without the boss''s permission." Smole whimpered, nodding as best as he could, the taste of blood fresh on his tongue. He shivered in his seat as Raven Spawn finally spoke, his voice smooth but sharp like a blade. "Smole... I''ll ask you one last time. Who did you tell about the Rumbling? And what exactly did you say?" Tears streamed freely from Smole''s eyes now, desperation leaking from every word. "Boss¡­ please¡­ I didn''t tell anybody anything¡ªI swear! I swear I didn''t¡ª" Before he could finish, a thin glowing line traced itself across his neck. Time seemed to stop as his eyes widened in shock. Then, with a sickening wet thud, his head slid off his shoulders and dropped to the floor, lifeless eyes still wide with horror. In Raven Spawn''s hand was a long, obsidian-black feather, slick with fresh blood. It evaporated into the air like smoke as he casually let it go. "I told you," Raven murmured, calm as ever. "I was asking for the last time." Without another glance, he turned and exited the room, Crash falling into step beside him. Outside the door stood a masked member of Unkindness. Raven paused only briefly to deliver an order. "Clean it up." The door shut again. As Raven and Crash made their way through the concrete halls of the hideout, Raven''s tone shifted from a cold executioner to a pragmatic strategist. "We don''t know what Smole might''ve leaked," he said. "To prevent any accidents... we initiate the Rumbling immediately." Crash gave a simple nod. "Understood." They disappeared down the corridor, their silhouettes swallowed by shadows. Back in the execution room, the Unkindness member who had been assigned to clean the mess knelt beside the corpse, expression hard to read under the mask. But behind the disguise, his thoughts were racing. ''That was close... too damn close.'' This was no ordinary member. This was Mystique¡ªAgent 777''s undercover operative. A Level 3 hero whose ability, {Form shift}, allowed him to take the physical form of anyone he touched. Before infiltrating the organization, they had captured a low-ranking thug after a lengthy investigation. They extracted everything the man knew, then eliminated him while Mystique took his form and place. It had seemed foolproof. The real member was a nobody. Someone no one would notice¡ªuntil recently. Mystique hadn''t anticipated the attention his quiet probing would attract. He glanced down at Smole''s severed head and sighed. Good thing I planted evidence in his room, he thought grimly. He took the fall perfectly. He resumed cleaning the blood off the floor, more careful now than ever. His cover was still intact¡ªfor now. But one wrong move, one wrong step¡­ and he''d end up just like Smole. I need to be more careful, he reminded himself. Or I''ll jeopardize the entire mission. **** Raven Spawn sat alone in his office, shrouded in the cold silence that came before chaos. The dim lighting barely illuminated the metallic walls, and the only sound was the beeping of a nearby digital clock. He sat with his hands clasped in front of him, eyes closed, mind sharpening like a blade. The Rumbling was about to begin¡ªand once it did, the world would never be the same. But as the moment neared, a memory clawed its way back to the surface. A time when he wasn''t Raven Spawn. A time when he was Reignfall¡ªa beloved hero. He had once stood on the golden pedestal of the public''s admiration, saving lives, slaying dread beasts, and stopping villains with grace and power. Children wore masks shaped like his helm. Crowds would cheer his name. Hope followed in his shadow. Then came that day. The Duskline District emergency beacon had gone off¡ªa greater dread beast was on a rampage. Reignfall was the closest on patrol. Without hesitation, he responded, soaring over the smog-ridden skyline toward the chaos. The fight was brutal. The dread beast was stronger than the intel had suggested¡ªits hide thick, its blows savage. As Reignfall clashed with the monstrosity, civilians looked on from behind barricades, cheering as he pushed the creature back. His blade cracked bone, his powers scorched the air¡ªand just when he was about to finish it¡ª It went berserk. In its final death throes, the beast released a devastating shockwave, smashing through barriers, buildings, and bone. Five civilians died in the blast. A tragic loss. But what truly shattered everything was one name. Rurik Alton. A young man caught in the chaos. Dead in the rubble. Son of High Marshal Alton¡ªa senior figure within the Hero Association. Reignfall didn''t need to be told. He knew. The trial came almost instantly. Faster than any hero had ever been processed before. Negligence in civilian safety. Gross misconduct during combat. Insubordination by engaging without requesting back-up. Voluntary manslaughter. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They built the charges like a monument to blame. The verdict: Expelled from the Hero Association. The news hit the airwaves like wildfire. The headlines branded him a monster in disguise. The civilians whose lives he once saved turned their backs on him. The heroes he fought beside? They looked away. And the Hero Association¡ªthe very institution he had bled for¡ªabandoned him without a second thought. It wasn''t the deaths that broke him. It was the injustice. Casualties occurred in hero battles every day. Others lost control. Others made mistakes. But none of them faced trials. None were expelled. None were ruined. So what made that one man''s son so special? Raven Spawn''s eyes opened, cold and clear as steel. This world is broken. Its system is blind, corrupt, and steeped in gold. And I will burn it all down¡ªstarting with Duskline. He stood from his chair, his dark feathered mantle swaying like the wings of death. The door behind him opened without a knock. Lined up were the members of Unkindness, eyes sharp, resolve unshakable. They were ready. Without a word, Raven Spawn led them out of the office and into the corridor. They walked with purpose, heading toward the launch bay where the Colossus awaited¡ªthe doomsday device that would begin the Rumbling. There would be no turning back. No room for mercy. Among the ranks, unnoticed, was Mystique, the Level 3 Hero in deep cover. His features masked under borrowed flesh, his expression unreadable. He walked with the others his body calm and his mind racing. ''Once I see the Colossus,'' he thought, ''I''ll signal Agent 777 and we''ll take Raven Spawn down for good.'' But even Mystique could feel it in the air. This wasn''t just a mission anymore. This was war. **** Ethan crouched silently on the edge of a rusted rooftop. Below him, in the dimly lit alley, a lone civilian moved¡ªoblivious to the shadow of doom looming over Duskline District. The man walked with tired steps, probably heading home after a long shift, humming quietly to himself. He didn''t know. None of them did. Ethan''s eyes narrowed as Agent 777''s warning echoed in his mind: "Duskline District borders the Scarhallow Expanse. If the barrier falls¡­ the dread beasts will pour in. And the casualties will be worse than Ash veil district. Much worse." He clenched his fists. Ash veil district... The video of that disaster still haunted him. Screams. Smoke. Blood on shattered pavement. And now, this district¡ªfull of lives just trying to make it through the day¡ªwas standing on the edge of the same abyss. The Hero Association had already begun recalling its heroes from missions across the regions. But Ethan knew the truth. They would be too late. By the time reinforcements arrived, Duskline would be in ruins, and the dread beasts would have already had their feast, leaving the heroes to deal only with the aftermath. ''That''s why we have to succeed,'' he thought, ''no matter the cost.'' Suddenly, his communicator buzzed. He tapped it, and the clear voice of Agent 777 came through, tense and low: "We have received the location, Outpost Theta-9. No delays." Click. The line went dead. Ethan looked down at the civilian one last time¡ªthis man who knew nothing of the horrors that stalked the night. A father, a brother, maybe just a tired worker. The thought hit Ethan like a blade to the heart. "I have to protect this." His eyes burned with resolve. With a burst of raw power, Ethan launched from the rooftop, a blur of motion vanishing into the skyline. The wind screamed past him as he leapt from building to building, heart pounding like war drums. A war was coming. And Ethan didn''t intend lose. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 120 power stones or 50 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 47 - 47: Ch 46. The Battle Begins Sophia and Lisa strolled down the quiet street, arms full of bags after a long afternoon of shopping. The sky was beginning to dim, casting a soft orange hue across the well-kept roads of the Lancaster estate. As they approached the large, modern home nestled at the end of the lane, Lisa''s eyes darted to the driveway. "¡­Ethan''s hover car isn''t here," she said, voice tinged with concern. Sophia glanced in the same direction, then gave a small smile as she adjusted the bags in her arms. "You don''t have to worry about him," she said calmly. "Your brother is big enough to take care of himself." Lisa exhaled and nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah. You''re right." They entered the house, placing the bags on the marble countertop, beginning to unpack the things Lisa had bought. The atmosphere was calm¡ªalmost peaceful¡ªuntil suddenly, a sharp, blaring alarm erupted through the estate. "Alert. Alert. Perimeter breach. Hostile entities detected. All residents evacuate to the safe zones immediately." A red light pulsed along the walls as the alarm continued to repeat its grim message. Sophia instantly straightened, eyes narrowing with instinctive awareness. Lisa, on the other hand, froze mid-motion, eyes wide. "S-Sophia, what''s happening?" Sophia didn''t answer right away¡ªher head was tilted slightly, listening. A second later, a thunderous sonic boom echoed across the estate. BOOOOM!!! Windows trembled, and even the floor vibrated slightly beneath them. Then, a commanding voice rang out across the entire estate. "How dare you attack the territory of the Lancasters!" It was Sophia''s father. His voice, deep and full of restrained fury, boomed with enough force to silence the air. A moment later, another voice rang back, this one raspy and filled with malice: "Bring me the one named Ethan, and I will grant you a quick death." Sophia''s father didn''t even hesitate. "I have no time for your jokes. Begone." Then came the explosion. KA-KRAKKK!!! A shockwave tore through the air as an earth-shaking blast rocked the estate, the sky outside flashing with light. The battle had begun. Lisa stumbled back, clutching the edge of the counter for balance. Sophia''s wrist device pinged¡ªher mother was calling. She tapped it. "Mother? What''s happening?" Her mother''s voice was quick and steady, but grim. "We''re under attack. A villain and a strange creature breached the walls. The creature..." she hesitated. "it''s on par with your father." She finally said. Sophia''s eyes widened. "Is it¡­ a Dread Beast?" "We don''t know. It doesn''t emit the same energy signature as a Dread Beast. Otherwise, our sensors would''ve detected it before it crossed into the estate. And it''s not alone¡ªthere are more of them, smaller but still dangerous." Sophia gritted her teeth. "Understood. I''ll be there after I secure Lisa in a safe location." "Make it quick." "Affirmative." She ended the call. Turning, Sophia saw Lisa''s face pale with dread. "That villain¡­ the one Ethan said wasn''t a big deal¡­ he''s actually threatening your family?" Lisa''s voice was small. Regretful. "I''m sorry¡­ for all the trouble we brought." Sophia stepped forward and placed a hand on Lisa''s shoulder. "Don''t apologize. I brought you here knowing full well the risks. And don''t forget¡ªthe Lancasters aren''t so weak that we''ll be taken down by a surprise attack." That reassurance brought a glimmer of calm back to Lisa''s face. "Come on," Sophia said. "Let''s get you to safety." Lisa nodded silently and followed her. A few minutes later, at the entrance to a fortified underground safehouse built into the estate, Sophia turned to Lisa. "Stay here. You''ll be safe. The defenses are designed to hold out against much worse than this." With a soft whoosh of compressed air, the armored door slid shut, sealing Lisa inside. Sophia took a deep breath, then activated her battle armor. With a flick of her wrist, the sleek plating materialized over her body, dark-blue with silver linings, glowing faintly with energy circuits. Her eyes steeled. And then¡ªshe flew. Like a streak of silver lightning, she shot into the sky, soaring across the Lancaster estate toward the battle. Her home was under attack. Her family was in danger. And Sophia Lancaster would not let it fall. Not today. Not Ever. **** In the heart of a crumbling warehouse buried deep within Duskveil District, the Unkindness stood in a loose circle, shadows flickering around them from the faint red glow of the device at the center. Despite its ominous name¡ªThe Colossus¡ªthe machine was no larger than an office water boiler. Squat and metallic, it stood about waist-high, its dark alloy surface covered in glowing etch-runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. Thin cables coiled out from its core like veins, connecting to odd, crystalized conduits scattered around the space. Raven Spawn stepped forward, his feathered cloak brushing the floor, eyes gleaming behind his mask. He raised a gloved hand, admiring the quiet thrum of the Colossus as it prepared to awaken. "This," he said, his voice thick with conviction, "is the first step to destroying the system." His hand descended. CLICK. The Colossus hummed to life. At the edge of the room, Mystique stood silent, arms crossed as he glanced at the jagged skylight above. His thoughts swirled with one question: Where is Agent 777¡­? When will they get here? The machine''s low whine grew louder, and the air began to shimmer as energy was siphoned from the atmosphere. Dust lifted from the ground. Crates shifted. The concrete beneath their feet cracked slightly as the first shockwave rippled outward, casting tremors across all of Duskveil District. Most residents simply grumbled about another minor earthquake, but those attuned to the arcane and mechanical systems of the city could sense something else, something cataclysmic. Raven Spawn threw his arms wide, voice rising. "This is the dawn of a new age!" But before the Colossus could release its second pulse, the warehouse roof exploded open in a cascade of shattered metal and light. BOOM!!! Seven figures dropped through the dust and debris, clad in armor that shimmered with unique sigils and plating. Weapons in hand. Faces set with grim purpose. The heroes had arrived. Mystique whipped around, eyes sharp, his voice loud over the noise. "Sir! We have ten minutes before full detonation!" Raven Spawn''s expression shifted from triumph to fury. "It was You¡ª!" He threw a feather like a bullet toward Mystique. But it struck nothing. In that same breath of time, Ethan appeared, skidding to a halt some meters away, Mystique carried effortlessly in his arms like a knight saving a princess. The wind from his movement stirred the dust around them. Mystique''s eyes widened in surprise. His cheeks warmed behind his mask, though no one could see. Ethan''s eyes locked onto Raven Spawn. "Not today." A snarl tore from Raven''s throat. "Crash. Deal with him." A loud sound echoed as Crash, the speedster, appeared in front of Ethan, fists clenched, ready to attack. But Ethan just smirked, energy flaring around him. "I''m not the same as before." With a flick of his heel and the activation of Flow, Ethan blurred from sight, his afterimage barely catching up to his movement. As He reappeared beside Agent 777 and the others, gently setting Mystique down. Crash blinked. Stunned. "What...?" Agent 777 stepped forward, voice filled with conviction and a rare touch of exhilaration. "You all remember the plan." "Let''s bring the storm¡ªMove out!" With that call, the heroes rushed forward, each breaking off toward their chosen foe in synchronized motion. The warehouse erupted into chaos as battle cries echoed and steel clashed with shadow. Time was running out. The Colossus pulsed. But the war to save Duskveil had just begun. **** The warehouse shook with power as the Colossus pulsed again, energy coiling through the air like a heartbeat of destruction. Amid the chaos, Agent 777 locked eyes with Raven Spawn across the shattered battleground, their stances poised¡ªone a living fortress of discipline, the other a man of elegance and madness. Agent 777 rolled his shoulders slowly, the air vibrating around him. The calm mask he wore slipped. His control¡ªhis strange ability known as {Serene Pressure}¡ªhad always kept his volatile emotions in check, stabilizing his mind and body while destabilizing those around him with a silent aura of unease. Now, he deliberately let it go. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A faint crackling sound echoed through the air as his muscles began to bulge unnaturally. His skin gleamed with a faint silver sheen, veins glowing faintly beneath the surface. His transformation¡ª{Overman Form: Berserk Prime}¡ªunleashed the latent fury he always held back. His frame grew broader, taller, thicker. His arms were like slabs of living steel. With a roar, Agent 777 charged forward, the floor cracking beneath each thunderous step. Raven Spawn''s grin twisted, eyes flashing. Feathers whirled around him like blades, converging to form jagged wings of obsidian steel, each feather sharp enough to shear through concrete. "Fall for me, big guy," Raven Spawn cooed mockingly, unfurling his wings and catching the agent''s charge with a bladed fan of feathers, sparks flying as strength met finesse. The force of the blow shoved Raven Spawn backward several feet, his boots gouging deep lines in the floor. He smirked even through the pressure, raising his hand. FWIP! A razor-feather shifted into a sleek sword, its edges pulsating with essence. With a beat of his wings, Raven Spawn launched forward, streaking through the air like a black meteor. His blade came down in a diagonal slash, met instantly by Agent 777''s thick forearms. Steel clanged as they clashed, shockwaves booming outward. Meanwhile, in the blurred backdrop of the warehouse, two blurs of motion collided and vanished again and again, ripping across the walls and through shattered machinery. Ethan and Crash were locked in their own war of speed. Crash skidded into view, zipping to the ceiling and rebounding off a beam. "Learned some new tricks, huh?" Ethan appeared right in front of him mid-motion, smirking. "Hope you like them." BAM! Their fists collided mid-air, the explosion of force flattening crates and sending a ripple through the dust. The warehouse flickered with flashes of their battle, red and black streaks spiraling in a dance only speedsters could follow. Crash snarled, his eyes blazing. "You''ve gotten faster¡­" "And stronger," Ethan countered, disappearing and reappearing again behind him, delivering a backhand that Crash barely blocked. Crash wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, grin forming. Back at the center, Raven Spawn ducked under one of Agent 777''s massive swings, twisting mid-air to deliver a scissor-kick laced with feather spikes. It caught the agent in the chest, but the behemoth barely staggered, his grin wild and eyes glowing. "You''re not special," Raven Spawn taunted. "No," Agent 777 rumbled, grabbing the winged villain by the leg mid-air and slamming him into the ground, causing a crater. "I''m just pissed off." The battlefield blazed with kinetic force and fury. The Colossus ticked toward detonation. And the war for Duskveil was reaching its crescendo. ... ... ... A/N: Wow you guys surprised me again you did not only give me 120 power stones but you surpassed it so I have to deliver on my promise and release 3 extra chapters today but I will increase the thresh hold for the the nest bonus chapter. I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 48 - 48: Ch 47. I Am A Hero That Can Drain Ethan and Crash moved like blurs through the warehouse, their clash a chaotic symphony of shockwaves and flickers of motion. It was a good call for Ethan to be included in the mission if not Crash alone could''ve turned the battlefield into a slaughterhouse. Though Ethan wasn''t a true speedster, his mastery of Force Might and the skill {Flow} made him more than a match. He didn''t just keep up¡ªhe was slightly suppressing Crash, a feat that would''ve been unthinkable to anyone who knew the kind of terror Crash could be. But Crash wasn''t just fast¡ªhe was pissed. As they collided again, his mind churned with frustration. ''How?'' he thought. ''How can someone without any affinity for speed keep up with me?'' His ability {Speed Zone} was the culmination of years of relentless training, his body refined to harness speed like no other. Yet Ethan, with no affinity, no legacy of speed, moved like a speedster and that made Crash furious. That fury boiled over. With gritted teeth, Crash whispered, "{Boost}." As the ability took effect immediately. The ability enhanced his speed to the point where time seemed to slow down. To him, Ethan was a statue, mid-breath, lips slightly parted as if about to speak. With power coursing through him, Crash darted forward, aiming to punch straight through Ethan''s chest. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One second. That was all he needed. But that second never came. Just as his fist was about to land, the surge of speed drained from his body¡ªcut off in an instant. Time snapped back to normal. "Got you," Ethan said, eyes glowing and his fist already cocked. The punch connected with precision, not blasting Crash away but sinking deep, all the force focused on a single point. Crash''s body shook violently, and before he could recover, Ethan unleashed a barrage¡ªpunch after punch, the force reverberating through the warehouse. The final blow launched Crash across the space, his body slamming into a wall with a loud crack before collapsing. All that raced through Crash''s mind before unconsciousness claimed him was a single question. ''How?'' The answer was simple. Crash''s speed was a type of Force¡ªa high-level, high-consumption one. And Ethan had learned how to drain that type of ''speed Force''. With {Flow}, he could finally synchronize enough to siphon Crash''s energy each time they clashed. Every sprint, every surge of speed, every attack¡ªEthan had been leeching it all. Crash, obsessed with taking Ethan down, never noticed his reserves dwindling¡­ until it was too late. When he activated {Boost}, there simply wasn''t enough Meta Essence left. The power vanished almost as soon as it flared. Ethan stood over him, breathing steady, then turned his gaze toward the center of the battlefield, where Agent 777 and Raven Spawn clashed like titans. "Looks like that fight''s about to end," he muttered, gauntlets sparking as he prepared to move again. **** The warehouse trembled under the weight of clashing titans. Raven Spawn hovered mid-air, black wings unfurled like a shadowed crown, launching razor-sharp feathers that sliced through the air. Below him, Agent 777¡ªmuscles bulging in his buffed-up form¡ªcharged through the storm of feathers, each impact tearing into his reinforced skin, but not slowing him down. He roared as he delivered a series of thunderous punches, forcing Raven back with sheer brute force. Amidst the battle, Raven''s voice cut through the chaos like cold steel. "Why do you protect these people?" he hissed, forming a feathered sword in a flash and lunging forward. Agent 777 raised his enhanced forearm, deflecting the blade with a burst of sparks, but Raven spun with the momentum, coming in for a follow-up slash. "They are weak¡­ worthless¡­ always depending on you to save them. And when you''re broken¡ªwhen you have nothing left¡ªthey''ll turn their backs on you." He flew upward again, wings flaring, and unleashed a flurry of feathers like a hailstorm of black needles. The agent shielded himself, gritting his teeth as the barrage pushed him onto the defensive. "They deserve to perish. The whole system deserves to fall," Raven spat, eyes glowing with malice. Diving again, he went in for a killing blow, feather-sword aimed straight at Agent 777''s heart¡ªbut this time, the agent moved. Just a breath to the side. The blade missed. With terrifying precision, Agent 777 turned, grabbed Raven by the legs, and growled, "You talk too much." With all his strength, he slammed Raven into the ground, cracking concrete. Then again. And again. Each impact left a crater, Raven''s armor denting, blood smearing across the ground. Before the final blow could land, Raven''s body exploded into a swarm of ravens, scattering from the agent''s grasp and reforming several meters away, tattered and breathing hard. "You bastard¡­" Raven hissed, rage etched deep into his features. And then¡ªthe Colossus pulsed. The ground shook violently, far more powerful than before. The entire Duskveil District trembled, buildings collapsing like sandcastles in an angry tide. Windows shattered, foundations cracked, and people poured into the streets in panic. A mother clutched her crying child beneath a crumbling overhang. A father shielded his family with his body, tears in his eyes. "Is this the end?" someone whispered. Others fell to their knees, praying¡ªnot to gods, but to the heroes¡ªpleading for salvation. A girl looked up, her face dirt-streaked and scared. "Will someone save us?" Back in the warehouse, amidst the chaos, Raven turned to Agent 777, smirking. "You can''t stop this. The destruction''s already been written." The agent spoke over his shoulder toward the direction of the Colossus. "Mystique. Status?" From behind scattered debris and half-melted cables, Mystique replied, breathless and frustrated. "No good, boss. Every time I try to override it, the system pushes back. There''s a fail-safe¡ªany more tampering will speed up the countdown." "Damn it," Agent 777 cursed under his breath. Raven''s laughter echoed off the steel beams. "This is destiny." But then¡ªa voice, calm yet resolute, rang out. "I think I can help." Everyone turned. It was Ethan. Raven''s eyes widened. Crash was nowhere to be seen. "Impossible¡­" he muttered. Mystique blinked. "You think you can help?" Ethan nodded. "We don''t have much time, so we need to use every means necessary." Mystique nodded making way for Ethan to do what he wanted to do. Raven will sneer when he sees this. "You think you can stop this? That fist of yours can''t punch through fate." But Agent 777 rushed forward, ready to deliver a blow, with blood still dripping from his arm. "The way you talk, crow would''ve been a better name than Raven." Raven growled, diving back in, sword ready. And the battle¡ªone of fists, feathers, and fate¡ªraged on. **** At the heart of the chaos, Ethan placed his hands on the Colossus¡ªthe massive device humming with unstable, world-shaking energy. But he wasn''t afraid. He had a plan. The moment his palms made contact with the device''s surface, he could feel it¡ªthe thrum of raw Force surging within. It wasn''t just mechanical energy. It was Force in its purest, most volatile form. And Ethan, master of {Force Might}, could feel every strand of it dancing, spinning, roaring like a storm. Because where Force existed¡ªhe could drain it. He narrowed his eyes, muttering beneath his breath, "{Flow}." Meta Essence erupted within him like lightning. His muscles bulged, reinforced beyond their limit, bones groaning under the pressure. With a deep breath, Ethan activated Force Drain, and instantly¡ªa violent hum split the air. The Colossus shuddered, force leaking from its core as streams of pure energy surged into Ethan, his body the only thing standing between salvation and destruction. The tremors across Duskveil District began to slow. A noticeable calm¡ªbrief, yet miraculous¡ªspread outward. Raven Spawn sensed it immediately. "What are you doing!?" he screamed, fury in his voice, wings spreading wide. But Agent 777 was already there, fist cocked back. "It''s me you''re fighting. Focus." His punch collided with Raven''s guard, feathers flaring to absorb the blow. "You fucking pest!" Raven snarled. "Die!" Back at the Colossus, Ethan kept going¡ªveins bulging, Meta Essence coursing wildly, his armor starting to crack under the immense pressure. Sweat poured from his brow. His heart hammered like a war drum, louder with every breath. Mystique, watching anxiously, could see the toll it was taking. But Ethan didn''t scream. He didn''t flinch. He just clenched his jaw, standing firm against a torrent of power meant to bring down districts. Inside, Ethan''s thoughts churned. "This pain¡­ this is the worst I''ve ever felt¡­" Then¡ª The Colossus pulsed again. The violent surge of force hit him like a tidal wave. Blood sprayed from his lips as he stumbled, but he refused to fall. "Are you okay?!" Mystique shouted. Ethan''s body trembled, but in his mind, he growled back, "Do I look okay?" He wasn''t absorbing all of it. That would have killed him. Instead, he was channeling the energy into {Force Store}, a temporary reservoir inside his core¡ªbut the volume was too much. Force spilled over, leaking into his limbs, burning him from the inside out. Still¡ªhe held on. He was using tremendous will to stay conscious. He was using tremendous will to keep his ability active. And he was using tremendous will to keep his hands on the Colossus. His vision blurred. His knees buckled. Then¡ªhe felt it. Something deep inside his core. Something waiting. Something that needed to be pulled. A hidden switch. A trigger. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 120 power stones or 50 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 49 - 49: Ch 48. Force Void In the path of every hero, there existed an unseen wall¡ªa barrier that could not be crossed by training alone. To truly advance, a hero needed a "trigger." It could strike without warning: in moments of peace, or, more often, in the fires of life-or-death battles. But whenever it came, the hero would never be the same again. And now, Ethan had found his trigger. The amount of pain coursing through his body was enough to kill a normal man. His instincts and soul, pressed beyond the limit, had no other choice but to evolve. Suddenly, Meta Essence surged through Ethan''s entire being, igniting every fiber of his existence. His strength began to rise, soaring higher and higher. Mystique, standing nearby, could feel it too. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she whispered, "He''s actually advancing¡­ How old is he to be advancing this early?" Power erupted from Ethan like a dam breaking open. His form grew firmer, his skin looked renewed, his injuries healed as if they had never existed. His eyes, once clouded with pain, now shone with an intense golden light. The excess force from the Colossus no longer tore at him. It bent to him. With a low breath, Ethan muttered, "{Force Void}." Instantly, a soft, harmonious sound echoed around him. An invisible sphere formed around Ethan and the Colossus¡ªa sphere that normal eyes could not perceive. This was no ordinary skill. It was a new attribute of his {Force Might}, born from advancement. The {Force Void} canceled all force within its domain, leaving only Ethan''s own force untouched. The Colossus, once howling with destructive energy, suddenly fell silent¡ªpowerless. It could no longer generate force under Ethan''s dominion. Breathing heavily, Ethan finally let go of the machine. The {Force Void} still thrummed quietly around him. He cocked back his fist, energy gathering with a deafening hum¡ª ¡ªand delivered a titanic blow to the Colossus. BOOM! The device shattered instantly, exploding into useless fragments. Across the warehouse, Raven, who was battling Agent 777, looked on in shock and screamed, "Nooo!!!" Agent 777 seized the opportunity without hesitation. He rushed forward, grabbing Raven in a brutal hold, bending back¡ª ¡ªand slammed him into the ground with a thunderous super suplex, the force of it creating a deep dent in the floor. After the devastating super suplex Agent 777 delivered, Raven''s body collapsed¡ªonly to burst apart into a swarm of ravens, scattering and gathering at a distance from the agent. This ability, though powerful, came with heavy conditions and enormous strain; Raven Spawn''s mastery over it was low, which was why he rarely used it. Reforming his human shape from the swirling birds, Raven Spawn let out a furious scream toward Ethan: "You ruined everything! The world... would have learned the error of its ways! Now they will continue to remain ignorant!" By now, all the other villains of the Unkindness had been taken down by the other five heroes. Raven Spawn stood alone, surrounded, with no escape. Ethan, stepping forward, his eyes like burning gold, spoke calmly: "If you wanted to show the world its errors, there are other ways. What you planned wasn''t salvation ¡ª it was destruction. It wouldn''t have made people less ignorant, it would have only added to the problem." Raven responded his voice laced with hate. "Then let the world burn afterall it didn''t care about me." Ethan''s voice sharpened, anger flashing through him because of the response. "It''s people like you I hate the most. One setback¡ªand you act like the whole world has turned its back on you." Raven Spawn roared, "Yes! The world did turn its back on me! That''s why¡ª" But Ethan cut him off, his voice carrying such power it shook the very air. Raven Spawn staggered slightly, stunned. As Ethan continued. "Even if the world turns its back on you, why should you care?" His voice was filled with conviction. "Let the world go fuck itself if it can''t appreciate your efforts. A hero doesn''t save lives for rewards or recognition. A hero saves lives because it''s the right thing to do. Without needing anything in return." All the heroes around them fell silent, Ethan''s words reigniting a forgotten flame inside them. Agent 777 thought, awe settling in his heart: "This boy¡­ he''s the making of a legendary hero. His name will shake the world." But Raven Spawn''s face twisted with rage. He didn''t care about Ethan''s ideals. He didn''t care about being a hero. All he wanted was vindication ¡ª and if he couldn''t have it, he''d drag everyone down with him. A wicked grin formed on his battered face as he threw off his robe¡ª ¡ªrevealing a deadly device strapped around his body: the Oblivion Heart Bomb. All the heroes'' eyes widened in horror. They knew what that bomb could do: it was capable of easily obliterating Level 4 heroes in an instant. Raven Spawn gripped the detonator tightly, his thumb smashing down without hesitation¡ª ¡ªbut nothing happened. The detonator refused to press. The button, no matter how he tried, simply wouldn''t budge. Unbeknownst to him, the moment Raven exposed the bomb, Ethan had already moved, a golden blur of speed, as he activated {Force Void} once more. With {Force Void} active, all force in the area was nullified¡ªexcept Ethan''s own. And since pressing a button required force, Raven couldn''t even activate the bomb. Before Raven could even process what was happening, a voice¡ªcalm and absolute¡ªcut into his mind: S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "{King of Force.}" And then¡ª WHAM! A colossal fist slammed directly into Raven Spawn''s face. The force from Ethan''s punch traveled through Raven''s entire body, launching him like a cannonball into the warehouse wall. Dust and rubble exploded outward from the impact. Agent 777 stood frozen, stunned beyond words. As a seasoned Level 4 hero, he couldn''t even follow Ethan''s movement. "What¡­ what a monster," he thought. Through the settling dust, Raven Spawn''s broken form could be seen¡ªhis face a bloody wreck, body limp and unconscious, but still alive. Ethan walked toward him, his presence overwhelming. He reached the detonator that had fallen to the ground¡ªand, without even looking down, crushed it under his foot with a sharp crack. The battle was over. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 50 - 50: Ch 49. Sword Domain In the prestigious Lancaster Estate, all hell had broken loose. Guards battled fiercely against the monstrous invaders that had breached their outer defenses. The fighting was focused on the Outer Circle, with the creatures desperately trying ¡ª and failing ¡ª to push into the Middle Circle. Among the defenders, Sophia Lancaster was a whirlwind of motion and destruction. Her sword flashed through the chaos, each swing claiming another twisted beast. She tore her blade free from the throat of a downed creature, only to hear the distant, relentless thunder of explosions ¡ª her father, locked in brutal combat with one of the creatures that had the same strength as an overlord. She clenched her jaw. There was nothing she could do to aid him; intervening between two Overlords clashing was as good as suicide. The best she could do was hold the line here ¡ª where she was needed. Suddenly, her communicator crackled to life. "Sophia!" came her mother''s urgent voice from the command center. "Creatures are attacking the Ruby Staff Quarters. Some civilians failed to reach the safehouses in time." Sophia''s eyes hardened. "Got it," she replied without hesitation, already soaring into the air, a silver blur heading toward the endangered sector. --- At the Ruby Staff Quarters, terror gripped the hearts of a small family barricaded inside a bedroom. A man, his wife, and their young son huddled together, staying far from the door they had desperately reinforced with furniture. The man clutched them close, whispering reassurances he didn''t quite believe himself. A low, guttural growl sounded outside. Wood cracked and splintered. As the boy whimpered just a tiny sound. And yet the house fell into a sudden, deathly silence. But then hope briefly flickered when they heard the steps of the creature leave the house... Only for the bedroom wall to explode inward with a savage crash. Debris rained down as a monstrous being forced its way through, towering and inhuman. It had four elongated arms, each ending in vicious claws. Its black, rubbery skin glistened in the dim light, and from the crown of its head, a grotesque mass of exposed, pulsing brain matter throbbed menacingly. It snarled, exposing jagged fangs. Without thinking, the man threw himself between the creature and his family, shielding them with his body. He knew he had no chance ¡ª but he hoped to buy them a few more seconds... praying, begging that one of the Lancaster heroes would come. As the monster lunged ¡ª ¡ªa voice rang out like a clarion call: "I commend your bravery!" A silver sword shrieked through the air like a meteor, tearing through the walls of the house with sonic force, piercing straight into the monster''s chest mid-leap and pinning it to the floor. Sophia entered the ruined room, her steps sure and commanding. The man immediately hugged his wife and son tightly, tears of relief slipping from his eyes. "Thank you, Lady Sophia," he said, voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much for saving my family." Sophia offered him a look of profound remorse. Her voice was steady but full of regret: "It is my duty to protect. I am sorry I arrived late and allowed you to experience such fear." She bowed her head low in apology. The man shook his head fiercely. "No, Lady Sophia. You don''t need to apologize!" Sophia raised her head, resolve flashing in her eyes. "You are right. I should prove it by my actions." Without hesitation, she strode toward the screeching monster struggling on the floor. It thrashed desperately, trying to wrench the blade from its chest, but the weapon refused to budge. Sophia planted one foot firmly on its chest, locking it in place. Gripping the hilt of her sword, she ripped it free, the creature shrieking in agony. Then, with a fluid, merciless motion, she swung her blade in a gleaming arc ¡ª ¡ªbeheading the beast cleanly. The head hit the ground with a heavy, wet thud. The creature''s body spasmed once before lying still. Sophia turned, blood splattered against her armor like battle medals. She looked over her shoulder at the family, their wide, grateful eyes locked onto her. "Stay here," she commanded. "I''ll clear a path for you." **** The Ruby Staff Quarters had become a nest of death. Strange, grotesque creatures infested the streets, their numbers swelling to over a hundred, many drawn by the noise and chaos around the house where Sophia stood. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Sophia Lancaster felt no fear. Only resolve. Only unbreakable determination to end this threat and protect the lives depending on her. With a flicker of thought, Sophia soared into the air, Meta Essence flaring around her like a living storm. She activated Flow, the battle art that boosted her physical capabilities far beyond mortal limits. Strength surged through her muscles, her mind sharpened to a razor''s edge. The enemies were many ¡ª too many for mere sword swings alone. It was time. Time to unleash the full might of her cultivation. --- In this world, heroes gained abilities by cultivating a Cortex ¡ª a spiritual core formed and nourished with Meta Essence. The longer and deeper the cultivation, the stronger the abilities birthed from it. Abilities were ranked by tiers: Common Uncommon Rare Epic Legendary Mythic Divine However, cultivation wasn''t simply a matter of will. Level restrictions governed how far one could push their Cortex. At Level 1, a hero''s abilities could never exceed Common tier. Only at Level 3 could they cultivate beyond that, opening the doors to uncommon abilities and higher. Thus, the tier of one''s ability was a mark ¡ª a declaration ¡ª of a hero''s strength and advancement. Sophia, standing proud at Level 6 Master and a recognized Legendary-Rank hero, possessed the qualifications ¡ª and the strength ¡ª to wield Epic-level abilities. --- High above the battlefield, Sophia whispered under her breath, a quiet invocation that carried the weight of death: "{Sword Domain.}" Instantly, the very air seemed to shudder. Meta Essence erupted from her body in a violent, controlled detonation, forming hundreds of ethereal swords suspended in the sky around her ¡ª each glimmering with lethal promise. Each blade was locked onto a different target, precise, unwavering. Below her, the creatures stirred in unease. They could feel it ¡ª ¡ªthe primal fear of prey before an apex predator. Their instincts screamed at them to run, to flee... But they couldn''t move. An invisible pressure crushed them in place, locking their limbs, suffocating their wills. Sophia raised her right hand to the heavens. The world seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a sharp motion, she brought her hand down. "Descend." The sky rained death. Each sword fell like a falling star, cutting through the atmosphere with terrifying velocity. The moment the blades struck, it was like comets impacting the earth. Creatures were pinned, impaled, obliterated ¡ª ¡ªeach strike precise, no wasted motion, no mercy. Not a single target escaped. Within moments, the Ruby Staff Quarters were silent once more. Silent but for the stillness of death. Sophia slowly descended from the sky, her presence calm and composed amid the battlefield strewn with the corpses of the fallen beasts. The family ¡ª the man, his wife, and their young son ¡ª watched her with awe written plainly on their faces. The boy''s small hands clenched into fists at his sides, his eyes burning with a new, fierce determination. In that moment, he witnessed what true strength was. "I have cleared the path," she said, her voice firm but kind. "Stay close to me. There may still be surprise attacks." The man and his family nodded instantly, falling into step behind her without hesitation. With Sophia leading them, every step forward was a step toward safety ¡ª and hope. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 51 - 51: Ch 50. Past memories After safely escorting the family into the fortified safe house, Sophia wasted no time. Her figure blurred as she launched herself back into the heart of battle, her heart pounding with urgency. Meanwhile, high above the burning skies of the Lancaster Estate, a titanic clash was underway. Two figures moved like forces of nature: One was Richard Lancaster, patriarch of the Lancaster family ¡ª known across the Main World as the Master of Explosions. The other...was something else. Something different. Something far more dangerous than the swarming creatures below. This Sentinel, as it was called, stood out immediately. It wasn''t a dread beast. It wasn''t mindless. It had two muscular arms, a powerful, almost humanlike frame, and it radiated pure menace. Where the others were savage, this one was calculated. Worse yet, it matched Richard blow for blow. At a distance, standing atop a broken tower, the villain Mireveil watched the clash unfold without lifting a finger. His voice cut across the chaos, mocking and smug: "Bring out the boy, and all this ends! Why fight so hard for someone that does not even carry your blood, Lancaster?" Richard''s face tightened with anger. "Enough." Without hesitation, he hurled a searing explosion at Mireveil. But before it could reach him, the Sentinel teleported, appearing instantly between Mireveil and the attack. The explosion engulfed the creature in smoke and fire¡ª ¡ªonly for the Sentinel to emerge completely unharmed. Richard clicked his tongue in frustration as Mireveil laughed, his voice like nails dragging across iron. "How many times have you tried this tactic?" Mireveil taunted. "You should know by now... your attacks can''t touch me as long as the Sentinel breathes. So bring out the boy, Lancaster. End this foolishness." Richard''s mind raced. The Sentinel wasn''t like the others. It absorbed shock, regenerated wounds, wielded superhuman strength, and worst of all, had a teleportation ability tied directly to Mireveil''s safety. It didn''t feel like fighting a beast ¡ª it felt like battling another hero. A soldier, crafted for war. Why would they deploy something like this just for the boy? It wasn''t just revenge for what happened in the Duality Den. There was something bigger at play, something Richard hadn''t yet pieced together ¡ª but he would. Later. Right now, he had to survive. But his hands... ¡ªhis hands began to tremble. He grit his teeth, refusing to acknowledge the creeping weakness gnawing at him. "I''m running out of time," Richard thought grimly. "I need to end this. Now." Meta Essence surged from within him like a violent typhoon. The ground cracked under the sudden pressure. The temperature around him spiked sharply as he activated one of his most devastating abilities: {Dynamight} In an instant, Richard disappeared ¡ª moving at a speed that shattered the sound barrier ¡ª reappearing in front of the Sentinel. With a roar, he delivered a titanic explosive punch to the creature''s chest. The Sentinel absorbed it ¡ª but Richard wasn''t done. In the span of a single second, he unleashed a barrage of blows ¡ª ten thousand strikes ¡ª each one laced with explosive energy. Blow after blow rained down like a cataclysm. And with the final, devastating hit, he growled: "Detonate!" The Sentinel''s chest erupted, a gaping hole blasted through its body. Without pausing, Richard tackled the creature mid-air, driving it downward, the earth shattering as he slammed the beast into the ground. Dust and rubble exploded in all directions. Richard didn''t let up. He descended upon the downed creature with a relentless rain of explosive strikes, each one booming across the battlefield like cannon fire. The land around them crumbled under the sheer force. But just as Richard prepared to deliver another blow¡ª ¡ªagony flared through his body. A white-hot pain he couldn''t ignore. "Not now," he thought desperately. He pushed through the agony, raising his arm again¡ª ¡ªbut the Sentinel caught his wrist. With inhuman strength, the creature flung Richard through the air like a ragdoll, slamming him into a nearby building, burying him in rubble. The Sentinel''s body shimmered ¡ª its grievous injuries healing before Richard''s eyes. It let out a terrible roar, shaking the ground, before charging into the ruins where Richard lay. Richard opened his eyes wide, barely able to react, as the creature rammed into him with brutal force. It grabbed Richard by the head, dragging him across the shattered ground, tearing up earth and stone in its wake. It slammed Richard''s head into the floor again, and again ¡ª ¡ªthen raised him high, using him as a battering ram to demolish building after building, shattering stone and steel like paper. Finally, it slammed Richard into the ground one last time, pressing its massive foot onto his back. The Sentinel roared in triumph, its voice shaking the ruins of the estate. And in that moment¡ª ¡ªanother voice cut through the chaos, desperate and fierce: "Father!!" It was Sophia. The Sentinel''s head twisted toward her. Richard, his face pressed against broken stone, forced his battered body to move, his eyes wide with panic. "No..." he whispered. Mireveil appeared beside the Sentinel, his grin cruel. "This is good," Mireveil said darkly. "If we cannot get the boy from you, Lancaster... perhaps we can get it from her." He pointed toward Sophia. "Seize her." Obeying the command, the Sentinel began marching toward Sophia, its immense shadow falling over her. **** There was a time when Richard Lancaster and his daughter Sophia were inseparable. Back then, Richard wasn''t the cold, distant man he had become. He was warm, proud, always smiling whenever Sophia entered a room. She had been his world, and he her hero. Whether it was training, working in the family estate, or simply walking through the sprawling gardens, they did everything together. Laughter had once filled the halls of the Lancaster mansion, father and daughter sharing dreams and plans for the future. Sophia had adored her father. And Richard ¡ª he had cherished her above all else. But something changed. It began subtly at first ¡ª small moments of distance, words left unsaid, affection withdrawn. Sophia noticed it immediately. At first, she thought she had done something wrong. She tried harder ¡ª staying late at meetings, excelling in her duties, trying to reclaim the bond they once shared. But nothing worked. Then, one day, Richard called her into his office. She found him seated behind his massive oak desk, a heavy silence weighing over the room. On the desk lay a marriage agreement. Sophia picked up the papers, her heart sinking as she read the names. Drexel Family. Johnathan Drexel. Her hands trembled slightly. Looking up at her father, she asked, her voice tight with confusion: Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Father, I don''t understand. Why would you just agree to a marriage proposal from the Drexel family? If you were forced into it, I''m sure... there would be a way to resolve it." Richard remained silent for a long, agonizing moment. Sophia held her breath. Finally, in a cold, detached voice, he answered: "I was the one who met them for the marriage." Sophia blinked, stunned. "What?" she whispered. Her voice cracked as she asked again: "You asked for the marriage yourself?" Richard''s reply was curt. "Yes." The weight of the words crushed her. "But why?" Sophia asked, desperate to understand. Richard didn''t hesitate this time. "You are twenty-five and still unmarried.So I decided to give you a hand." Sophia took a step back, feeling as if the ground beneath her feet was crumbling. "But I didn''t ask for any help!" she cried. "This should be my decision! You shouldn''t be involved!" Richard''s expression was made of stone. "My decision is final," he said coldly. "You will be marrying Johnathan Drexel." Sophia''s heart shattered. Her hands clenched at her sides, trembling with rage, betrayal, and sorrow. Without another word, she turned, walking away from her father''s office. As she reached the door, a single tear slipped from her eye, falling silently to the polished floor. She clenched her fists tighter, steeling her heart. "I''ll find a way out of this," she promised herself. "No matter what it takes." From that day on, the bond between Sophia and her father was broken. The arranged dates with Johnathan Drexel were awkward, forced ¡ª Sophia would show up late, or not at all. She didn''t care. Each missed meeting sparked another fierce argument between her and Richard, each one further widening the rift between them. Until, one night, after a particularly brutal argument, Sophia stormed out of the estate. --- The neon lights of the city blurred around her as she wandered aimlessly, pain burning in her chest. Eventually, she stumbled into a small, dimly lit bar. Collapsing onto a stool, she waved the bartender over and said bitterly: "Give me your strongest drink." The bartender, used to seeing broken souls, simply nodded, sliding her a glass. Sophia transferred the credits without another word. She drank deep, trying to drown the anguish that refused to leave. And then¡ª Through the hazy air of the bar, she saw him. A boy. Maybe a little older than she was, maybe younger. He sat slumped at the far end of the bar, golden eyes staring into his drink like it held all the sorrow in the world. There was pain in those eyes ¡ª the same pain she felt. The kind that couldn''t be hidden. The kind that tore you apart from the inside. Sophia didn''t know what compelled her. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was the loneliness. Maybe it was fate. Before she realized it, she was on her feet, walking toward him. Leaning slightly against the counter, she offered him a wry, broken smile. "What''s a handsome boy like you doing drinking all alone?" she asked. The boy looked up. And their eyes met. And in that instant, something shifted ¡ª something neither of them understood yet. That night, Sophia met Ethan. A meeting that would forever change the course of her life. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 52 - 52: Ch 51. Last Stand The Sentinel approached Sophia with thunderous steps, each one leaving deep dents in the floor. Sophia immediately shifted into a battle stance, her sword poised over her elbow, ready to fight. Meanwhile, Richard lay on the ground, struggling to get up. He knew Sophia couldn''t defeat the Sentinel¡ªit had the strength of an Overlord, while she was merely a Master. Gritting his teeth, Richard thought desperately, ''Come on... I can''t let it end like this.'' He forced himself up onto one knee, refusing to watch his daughter fight alone. ''How could the great Detonotus stand by while his daughter battles for him?'' With fierce resolve, Richard pushed to his feet, shouting, {"CREPITUS!"} The ground around him exploded with power. Richard had unleashed his Mythic Ability, no longer caring about the backlash on his body. If he had to break himself to win, so be it. Meta essence and explosive aura surged around him like a storm. The Sentinel, its arm outstretched to grab Sophia, suddenly froze as Richard disappeared and reappeared before it in a flash. The Sentinel swung a massive fist, but Richard''s hand moved¡ªslowly, yet impossibly surely¡ªand landed on its chest first. "You''ll remember this in your next life...." Richard said coldly. A contained explosion, stronger than ten nuclear bombs, detonated inside the Sentinel. Its body ruptured, steaming and tearing apart, regeneration unable to keep up. "....Never mess with the Lancasters." Richard''s aura flared as he whispered: "Break." For a moment, everything went still¡ªthen a blinding light erupted from the Sentinel''s wounds, consuming it entirely and leaving no trace behind. The battle was finally over the victor Richard the patriarch of the Lancaster family. From the sidelines, Mireveil shouted in disbelief, "Impossible!" Sophia prepared to capture him, but a desperate cry stopped her. "Richard!" It was Amelia, rushing from the control room. Sophia turned back toward her father. His body looked drained, aged unnaturally, and he spat blood. "I guess... I''ve finally reached my limit," Richard murmured, collapsing. Sophia caught him in her arms, holding him close as she knelt. Mireveil, sensing opportunity, clicked his tongue and vanished before the other Lancaster heroes could stop him. "Dad! Dad, stay with me!" Sophia cried, panic rising in her voice. Amelia reached them, kneeling beside Richard, tears in her eyes. "Why did you push yourself so far?" she whispered. Richard weakly raised a bloodstained hand to Sophia''s face, brushing a strand of her hair aside. "I had no choice," he said. "They would have hurt my Sophie... I couldn''t allow that." Amelia bit her lip in frustration. She knew he was right¡ªany parent would have done the same. Richard continued, voice growing fainter. "I''m sorry... for everything Sophia. I was foolish. Knowing my time was nearly up, I thought marrying you off would protect you and the family." Sophia shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, don''t talk... the healers are coming," she begged. But Richard only smiled softly. "No... I need to say this. I should have trusted you, Sophia. So please forgive me." "I forgive you, Father," she sobbed. "So please, just stay." Richard''s eyes closed. "Good... Protect your mother... okay?" His hand slipped from her face, hitting the ground with a soft thud. That day, something broke in the heart of the Lancaster family. **** Meta Essence Carcinoma was a cruel paradox¡ªheroes, beings once thought impervious to sickness and disease, found their greatest enemy in the very source of their power: Meta Essence. This rare, deadly condition occurred when a hero''s body absorbed more Meta Essence than it could safely contain. A mutation at the core of their abilities caused their internal energies to spiral out of control, slowly poisoning them from within. The disease was relentless. Every time a hero used their abilities, especially powerful ones, the carcinoma worsened¡ªaccelerating the destruction. The stronger the ability, the quicker the body unraveled. And there was no conventional cure. Only a Divine Healing Ability¡ªa miracle so rare that even the mighty Ascendant Families struggled to secure it¡ªcould reverse the damage. For Overlord-level families like the Lancasters, the chance of obtaining such a cure was close to none. Thus, a diagnosis of Meta Essence Carcinoma was a death sentence. All that remained was to prepare for the inevitable. --- In one of the heavily guarded medical rooms deep within the Lancaster Estate, Richard Lancaster, patriarch and once-proud hero, lay motionless on a hospital bed. His body was frail, far removed from the titan who had once stood against the Sentinel. Tubes and devices surrounded him, struggling to keep him breathing. Though the heroes of the estate had dealt with the remaining creatures, the true battle¡ªthe one for Richard''s life¡ªhad only just begun. The news of the invasion had already spread across City X, but the Lancasters moved swiftly to suppress the true severity of Richard''s condition. If their enemies caught wind of the patriarch''s critical state, the family would become vulnerable. Standing vigil by Richard''s bedside were Sophia and Amelia. Sophia''s eyes were bloodshot, her tears refusing to dry after the events of the day. Breaking the heavy silence, she asked, her voice trembling: "Why did you keep it from me?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Amelia, never taking her eyes off her comatose husband, replied softly, "It was your father''s decision. He didn''t want you to panic." Sophia clenched her fists, a bitter feeling swelling in her chest. "I understand... but if he had told me, maybe¡ª" Amelia cut her off sharply, her voice firm yet filled with sorrow. "Maybe you would have what? Cultivate a Divine Ability overnight? Heal him yourself?" Sophia fell silent, the weight of reality crashing down. Amelia''s voice softened as she continued: "He didn''t tell you to protect you. To spare you from the helplessness he knew you would feel. But..." She looked down, her heart heavy. "What he did¡ªtrying to marry you off¡ªwas not right. It wasn''t fair. But... I chose not to stop him. In his mind, it was a father''s last, desperate attempt to protect his daughter." Sophia stepped closer to her mother, shaking her head. "Don''t worry, Mother. That''s in the past now." Her voice hardened with determination. "Right now, we need to find a way to save Father¡ªno matter the cost." Amelia nodded, tears glistening in her eyes, silently promising to stand by her daughter. **** A Few Hours Before Richard''s Final Clash with the Sentinel In the heart of Duskveil District, beneath the cracked skies and crumbling highrises, the aftermath of the Colossus'' rampage was still unfolding. Among the debris and battered streets moved Agent 777 and his team ¡ª shadows of efficiency, tending to the wounded and securing the wreckage. Reinforcements, heroes who had been on standby in case Duskveil''s barrier had failed, had arrived to assist, helping stabilize the district before worse could unfold. The first impact pulses from the Colossus had caused far more devastation than anyone anticipated: buildings shattered, streets ruptured, civilians caught in the chaos. There were injuries ¡ª dozens ¡ª and a handful of fatalities. But if the heroes hadn''t held the line, the entire district would''ve been razed. It could have been a hundred times worse. Now, outside a battered hideout serving as their command post, reporters gathered like vultures, cameras flashing, broadcasting the battered faces of survivors and saviors alike across countless news stations. The Association''s clean-up crews were busy containing and transporting the defeated villains, locking them into specially reinforced prison transports, ensuring no surprises remained. A determined reporter, shoving through the crowd, raised her mic toward Agent 777. "Sir, could we get your side of the story? What exactly happened here?" Agent 777 turned toward her, his demeanor rigid and unreadable ¡ª the telltale sign that his "ability" was active, sealing away his emotions and replacing them with cold, mechanical precision. His voice was flat, measured. "Same as usual. A villain planned to cause chaos. We stopped him. Simple." Unsatisfied, the reporter pressed on. "It''s come to our notice that the villain in question was an ex-hero. What does the Association plan to do about this troubling trend?" Agent 777 stared blankly for a beat before replying: "I don''t know what the higher-ups will decide. But... it will surely be a good response." Without waiting for another question, he added, "That will be all. Further inquiries should be directed to the Association." He turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the reporters scrambling. Watching from the side, Ethan exhaled through his nose and muttered, "Guess he''s back to normal. His ability really does mess with his personality..." His voice trailed off as a new voice, soft and teasing that floated from behind him. "He does... but I hardly notice anymore." Ethan turned, he was finding it difficult to get used to this. Standing there was a woman ¡ª crimson hair cascading past her shoulders, almond-shaped eyes gleaming with an unreadable light, and skin so flawless it almost looked painted on. It was Mystique, the infamous shapeshifter. Ethan''s mind stalled for a moment. When he had first met Mystique, he thought she was a man. Now... he wasn''t even sure if this was her real form. ''No... better not to think about it, he thought grimly. If I start questioning it, I''ll give myself a headache.'' He made a mental note at that moment: Always be cautious around shapeshifters. Suddenly, a sharp BOOM split the air ¡ª a sonic boom cracking across the skies. All heads turned upward as a figure, clad in radiant armor, descended from the clouds, landing with a crash that shook the broken streets. Ethan''s eyes widened in recognition. It had been a long time since they crossed paths ¡ª Radiant Striker, a Level 3 Hero, known for his golden avatar and blinding impact. Ethan rushed forward, grinning. "I didn''t know you were being sent here too¡ª" But he froze when he caught Striker''s expression: grim, tight-lipped, every muscle wound taut. Something was wrong. Before Ethan could ask, Striker spoke in a low, urgent voice. "Our people have been tracking down Mireveil... and we finally got a lock on his location." Ethan blinked. "That''s good news, right? So why the grim face? It can''t be that bad." Striker''s hands clenched at his sides. "He was last seen invading the Lancaster Estate." He hesitated. "And... he wasn''t alone." Ethan felt the blood drain from his face. Striker''s next words dropped like stones. "He brought a creature as strong as Richard Lancaster himself... along with an army of lesser monsters." For a moment, Ethan''s mind simply refused to process it. And then ¡ª "WHAT!?" he exploded, voice cracking with disbelief. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 53 - 53: Ch 52. Ethan to the Rescue As the news hit him like a thunderclap, Ethan didn''t waste a second. He broke away from the crowd and sprinted across the debris-littered street, eyes locked on Agent 777, who was overseeing the containment operations like a sentinel of order. The man''s stoic presence remained unshaken even amidst the controlled chaos around them. "Agent 777!" Ethan called out as he reached him, breath slightly ragged. The emotionless eyes of the agent locked onto him. "What is it?" "I need to go. It''s urgent. The Lancaster Estate is under attack ¡ª Striker and I are heading there now." Agent 777''s voice was flat, almost robotic. "No problem. We can handle everything here." Ethan gave a small nod. "Thanks," he said, about to turn and run¡ª But then Agent 777 spoke again. His voice shifted slightly ¡ª just enough to be noticeable. "...Be careful." Ethan stopped in his tracks, surprised. He turned halfway back, eyes scanning the agent''s neutral face. A small smile crept onto his lips. "Don''t worry. I will." He turned and rushed back toward Radiant Striker, who was already forming a radiant energy barrier around them. Without hesitation, Ethan stepped in, and the barrier launched skyward, piercing the clouds as they raced toward the Lancaster Estate. The city below blurred into streaks of grey and gold. Ethan clenched his fists. ''Mireveil must be attacking the estate... because of me. Dammit.'' His thoughts spiraled as they soared. ''I brought trouble to the Lancasters... I owe them more than I can ever repay. I just hope¡ª Lisa''s okay.'' He gritted his teeth, the wind howling in his ears. Moments later, the grand gates of the Lancaster Estate came into view ¡ª scarred from battle, smoke rising from various parts of the grounds. Striker suddenly slowed, placing two fingers to his earpiece, listening intently. Ethan, tense, turned toward him. "What''s wrong? Don''t tell me there''s more bad news..." Striker looked up and shook his head. "No. Actually... it''s good news. The Lancasters managed to repel the invasion." Ethan let out a deep breath, tension flowing from his shoulders. Relief washed over him like a wave. "Thank god..." Striker added, "Seems I''m not needed here after all. But... Mireveil escaped. I''m needed back at the clan ¡ª the manhunt continues." The Golden Emperor Clan, Striker''s allegiance, was determined to see Mireveil brought to justice. After all, Mireveil had killed one of their own ¡ª and blood demanded blood. Ethan nodded solemnly. "I understand. Thanks for the lift." Striker grinned. "No problem. Anything for a future powerhouse." Before Ethan could respond, Striker shot into the sky like a bullet of light, disappearing into the clouds. Ethan looked up, shook his head, and chuckled. "What a strange guy..." He turned and ran toward the estate. The signs of battle were everywhere ¡ª shattered walls, charred earth, scattered debris. He headed straight for the house he shared with Lisa. His heart skipped a beat when he saw it ¡ª partially wrecked, one wall caved in. Panic immediately surged. She can''t possibly be here... He pulled out his phone, ready to call her ¡ª but paused when he saw someone standing near the ruined path. It was Sophia. She was out of her battle armor, dressed simply in a tucked white shirt and black trousers. Her expression was composed, but her eyes... told another story. Ethan lowered his phone and approached her. "Is Lisa safe?" he asked quickly. Sophia turned, eyes meeting his. She nodded. "Yes. She''s in the main house. She''s safe." Ethan exhaled in relief. "Thank god..." Now that his mind had cleared, he took a good look at Sophia. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her face was clean ¡ª too clean. It looked like she had splashed water over it recently. But even with the fresh face, he could tell. She had been crying. He frowned, stepping closer. "What happened? I thought the invasion was repelled..." Sophia blinked. "What do you mean?" "You look... sad," Ethan said gently. Sophia was visibly stunned, her guard faltering. Then, after a heartbeat, she gave a small, forced smile. "You just keep surprising me, Ethan... I don''t know how you do it." She paused. Then her voice softened, almost cracking. "But you''re right. Something did happen." She looked down for a moment ¡ª then back up, her eyes glistening. "My father... is dying." Ethan''s eyes widened, the words hitting like a thunderclap. "What...?" The noise of the estate, the smoke in the distance, the aftermath of the battle ¡ª it all seemed to fade, leaving only her quiet grief and his stunned silence. **** Ethan sat alone, shoulders hunched in the rubble of a half-collapsed house ¡ª one of the many scarred remnants from the earlier assault on the Lancaster Estate. Dust clung to his clothes and ash coated the air, but his mind was far heavier than the ruin around him. Sophia had left only moments ago. She had told him everything ¡ª about her father, Richard Lancaster, the Overlord-level hero, the symbol of unshakable power... now facing something even he couldn''t fight. Meta Essence Carcinoma. A rare, aggressive, and almost always fatal condition. His body, saturated with high-tier Meta Essence over a lifetime of war and victory, had turned on itself. And after the recent battle, Richard''s condition had worsened dramatically. Ethan exhaled sharply and slammed his fist into a nearby stone, causing it to crack. "Fuck." Guilt twisted in his chest. ''If the Lancasters hadn''t taken me in, hadn''t gotten involved... would Richard still be stable? Maybe. Maybe not. This disease wasn''t caused by him, but...'' He clenched his jaw. "No," he muttered, shaking his head. "I can''t blame myself. That''s... that''s not fair." He looked toward the blackened horizon. "He would''ve still gotten worse eventually. But..." But there must be something I can do. The Lancasters had helped him. Protected Lisa. Given him a place to stay when he needed protection. And now? Sophia ¡ª the usually unshakable, battle-hardened Sophia ¡ª had looked helpless. And that look hadn''t left his mind. If I had some divine healing ability, I''d have used it. But I don''t. yet... His eyes narrowed, a plan slowly forming. I think I know where I can find one or who can direct me to one. He stood, dusted himself off, and glanced toward the manor. "Lisa will be safe here," he murmured. "I mean... what could be safer than the Lancaster Estate?" He let out a dry laugh. The irony wasn''t lost on him ¡ª the estate had just pushed back an attack. Still, with a final look back, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the city. --- The Duskline District. A scarred zone, still recovering from the rampage of a Colossus. Buildings were cracked and half-toppled, streets buckled and filled with debris. But amidst the wreckage, one structure stood relatively intact ¡ª a dim, reinforced tavern with a flickering neon sign above its entrance: The Cracked Core. Ethan approached it, boots crunching over broken glass and dirt. He pushed open the creaky door. The usual noise and clatter of drunken patrons was absent. It was completely empty. No surprise ¡ª most of the district''s residents had fled or were in hiding after what happened. Behind the counter, polishing a glass, was the same bartender who had served Ethan before. A thin man with sunken eyes and suspiciously clean clothes. When he looked up and saw Ethan, a flash of surprise flickered in his eyes ¡ª quickly buried beneath a mask of feigned irritation. "Well, well. Who do I owe the pleasure of serving you again?" he said, voice laced with annoyance. Ethan just gave him a relaxed smile. "Need information." The man raised a brow. "Does this look like a damned information guild to you?" Ethan chuckled. "No. But you can point me to one... or maybe you''ve got a little hidden door in the back?" The bartender was about to scoff, but suddenly went quiet. His eyes glazed ever so slightly ¡ª as if receiving a silent message. A few seconds passed. Then he straightened. "...Yes. I understand." He turned toward Ethan, his tone completely changed. "Follow me." Ethan didn''t flinch. He wasn''t surprised. The first time he came here, his instincts screamed that something was off. The bartender''s ability to dig up Veilspur''s exact location ¡ª down to the floor and building ¡ª had been too fast. Too clean. Now, those suspicions were being confirmed. The bartender walked briskly toward the back. As they moved, he pressed a barely visible button embedded under the counter. A soft click echoed through the bar ¡ª the front door locked itself with a metallic hiss. Ethan remained silent, his senses sharpened. At the end of the hall, they stopped in front of a shelf stacked with liquor bottles. One stood out. A dusty, violet-labeled bottle marked "Oculta." The bartender calmly placed his thumb over the O in Oculta. Ethan instinctively braced himself, expecting the shelf to swing open or rise like a hidden vault. Instead ¡ª a circular teleportation glyph ignited beneath his feet. "Wait, wha¡ª" was all he could say. The disk flared ¡ª and in a blink, Ethan vanished. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 54 - 54: Ch 53. Family tree Ethan instinctively braced himself, expecting the shelf to swing open or rise like a hidden vault. Instead ¡ª a circular teleportation glyph ignited beneath his feet. "Wait, wha¡ª" was all he could say. The disk flared ¡ª and in a blink, Ethan vanished. **** In a dark, silent chamber, light flared with a crackle¡ªthen blinked out, leaving behind two figures. Ethan materialized beside the bartender, immediately raising his guard. His golden eyes narrowed, his body instinctively ready to strike. The bartender caught his posture and let out a light chuckle. "Sorry," he said in an amused tone, "you were expecting a hidden door? We don''t do those. Only teleportation." Ethan scowled, annoyed. "Give a damn heads-up next time." The man only smirked and turned without answering. "Follow me." They exited the chamber into a dim hallway that echoed with silence. As they walked, Ethan''s instincts stirred¡ªeyes were on him. He felt them watching, studying. But there was no malice. Only¡­ interest. They stopped at a plain door. Wooden. A simple knob. Yet the pressure behind it felt suffocating. "My boss is inside," the bartender said simply. "You can go in." Ethan exhaled and turned the knob, stepping in and closing the door behind him. The room radiated elegance. A large semi-circular velvet couch sat at its heart like a throne. On it lounged an old man with a pristine white beard and hair, his posture relaxed, grandfatherly. Behind him stood a woman¡ªstill, quiet, and clearly a guard. She watched Ethan with sharp eyes. "So, you''re the Ethan," the man said, smiling warmly. "You look taller in person." His voice was gentle, friendly and disarming. He tapped the space beside him. "Why don''t you come and sit? I heard you were looking for information." Ethan stayed cautious but moved forward. The moment he stepped closer, a strange pulse brushed against his senses. His brow creased. ''What was that?'' Before he could think further, the old man continued, "So, what questions do you have?" Still on guard, Ethan replied, "I need information on anyone with a divine healing ability." The man didn''t flinch. He simply nodded. "So the rumors are true." Ethan feigned ignorance. "What rumor?" The man continued regardless, "That the Lancaster patriarch is dying." That strange sensation struck again, clearer this time¡ªlike a memory clawing its way up from deep inside. Ethan''s thoughts spun. ''Where have I felt this before?'' "You don''t look surprised that I know," the man said. Snapping back, Ethan answered coolly, "Why would I be? I never said you were right." But in his mind, he was spinning scenarios. ''They''re good. But I can''t trust them fully.'' This wasn''t about spilling secrets¡ªit was about probing possibilities. A chance to help Sophia. The Lancaster network was one of the best. But even the best might fail. He was just casting a wider net. "Well," the man said with a sigh, "if you won''t admit it, that''s fine. But remember¡ªa precious life might be lost." And then it hit him. Like a punch to the gut. That feeling¡ªhe knew it. It was the sensation that had crawled over his skin in the sanctum. The same one he felt when he swallowed the Gormite''s core. The same one that twisted his instincts like a coiled spring. The feeling of death. His eyes widened. His skin went pale. The man speaking to him¡­ was dead. A corpse animated with perfect subtlety, only now unraveling before his eyes. As realization dawned, the figure collapsed to the floor like a puppet with its strings cut¡ªvanishing into shadows. Ethan''s gaze snapped to the woman behind the couch. She hadn''t moved during the entire conversation. But now she chuckled softly, her purple hair catching the room''s glow, her voice smooth and amused. "Ethan Cross," she said, "you really are an anomaly." She walked calmly to the bar at the side, retrieving a dark bottle and one glass. As she poured Ethan a drink. But He didn''t budge. His eyes locked on her. She sat on the couch, took a long sip straight from the bottle, then teased, "You''re looking at me like you''ve never seen a woman before." She paused and slapped her forehead lightly. "Ah¡ªthat''s right. I never introduced myself." She extended her hand. "My name is Natasha. I''m the leader of the Black Widow Clan." Ethan didn''t speak. He just kept staring. Every cell in his body was still on edge. Because whatever Natasha was¡ªshe wasn''t ordinary. **** The Black Widow Clan was unlike any other family or organization Ethan had ever encountered. They didn''t thrive through brute strength, nor did they seek the limelight. Their power lay in silence¡ªin the shadows between whispers, in the truths people desperately tried to keep buried. While other clans groomed warriors and unleashed destructive might across battlefields, the Black Widow Clan forged weapons out of information. If there was a secret, they could find it. If someone had a weakness¡ªemotional, physical, mental¡ªthey would know it. The most dangerous part? They didn''t need to kill you themselves. They would simply pass everything they knew to your enemies, and let fate finish the job. But that hardly ever happened¡ªbecause no one even knew they existed. Their name wasn''t feared¡ªit was unknown. Not even the mighty Overlord Families or the rare Ascendant Clans whispered about them. They might have met a member but they would never trace it back to the Black Widow Clan. It was as though the Black Widow Clan was a myth, a ghost story¡­ or a well-designed illusion. But they were real. And the proof sat before Ethan: Natasha, the clan''s leader. A Level 9 Ascendant¡ªa being on the verge of transcendence. She ruled over the Dead, her power stretching across everything in her vicinity. Everything near her was dead¡ªyet alive. Including the bartender. Including the corpse that had spoken with Ethan just moments ago. As Natasha calmly explained all of this, sipping her drink, Ethan sat stunned. The weight of her revelations struck hard. It was difficult to grasp¡ªher abilities, the clan''s purpose, the terrifying reach they had. Then he finally found his voice. "Why would you tell me all this?" Natasha grinned slyly, lowering her bottle. "Oh, you can talk. I was starting to think you were just pretty and dumb." Ethan stared at her coldly, lips tight. She leaned back on the couch, eyes twinkling with something unreadable. "The answer is simple: because you''re my grandchild." His heart nearly stopped. "What?!" He looked her over¡ªsearching. Searching for even the slightest resemblance. Her features. Her aura. Even her mannerisms. But he saw nothing that connected her to himself¡­ or to Lisa, or to his dead parents. "I can see you''re confused," Natasha said, waving her hand. "You''re not biologically my grandchild. You''re adopted." Ethan blinked, mind racing. "I¡­ I don''t understand." Natasha''s gaze turned solemn. "The Black Widow Clan has a tradition. All our members are raised within the Clan. We find children¡ªorphans, those abandoned by tragedy, Dread Beasts, or villains. We give them purpose. We give them a home." Ethan listened carefully. The direction of her words was becoming painfully clear. "But we don''t take in just anyone. Only those with¡­ potential. Talent. Promise." Ethan''s voice dropped. "So one of my parents¡­ was a member." Natasha paused. Then nodded. "Yes¡­ and no. Not one. Both." Ethan''s breath caught. "Michael and Amanda," she continued, "were two of our best agents. Elite. Precise. Loyal. But during one mission¡­ something happened. They came back changed and wanted to leave the Clan." "What happened?" Ethan asked, his voice low. "They were expecting a child," she said softly. Ethan was stunned as he asked "¡­Me?" She didn''t reply. But her silence confirmed everything. "They kept it hidden. Isolated themselves. It was against our rules¡ªhaving a family creates¡­ liabilities. They knew this. They didn''t want to end your life¡­ so they came to me. I raised them. They were like children to me. So I helped them." She looked at him now with a strange softness. "I faked their deaths. Let them disappear. Set them up far away, in City X, where they could live peacefully. And for a while, they did. But you can never truly escape the past." Ethan''s voice trembled, though he tried to keep it steady. "What happened?" She sighed. "A mission your father once took¡ªyears ago. It involved an ancient ritual. He reported it was a dead end. But the client thought otherwise. They found him. Found Amanda. Found you all." Ethan clenched his fists, but his face remained calm. Inside, he felt something boiling. Something that wasn''t just his¡ªbut also belonged to this body. This blood. "They weren''t ready," Natasha continued. "Too long in peace and far from the shadows. They were¡­ caught. The next thing we heard¡ªwas that they were dead." There was silence. Then Ethan finally asked, "Who was the client?" Natasha''s lips curled into a dark smile. "It was Lyon Tusk¡­ but you might know him better as the father of your former classmate¡ªAlex Tusk." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 55 - 55: Ch 54. Crownspire Ascension Ethan''s voice trembled, though he tried to keep it steady. "What happened?" She sighed. "A mission your father once took¡ªyears ago. It involved an ancient ritual. He reported it was a dead end. But the client thought otherwise. They found him. Found Amanda. Found you all." Ethan clenched his fists, but his face remained calm. Inside, he felt something boiling. Something that wasn''t just his¡ªbut also belonged to this body. This blood. "They weren''t ready," Natasha continued. "Too long in peace and far from the shadows. They were¡­ caught. The next thing we heard¡ªwas that they were dead." There was silence. Then Ethan finally asked, "Who was the client?" Natasha''s lips curled into a dark smile. "It was Lyon Tusk¡­ but you might know him better as the father of your former classmate¡ªAlex Tusk." **** Ethan hadn''t intended to care about Alex. He was just another pawn in a world already filled with threats. But the moment Alex sent people after him, that changed. It put Alex on his radar. And now¡­ now Ethan had learned that the death of his parents was connected to him too. His blood boiled. It wasn''t even his anger¡ªor at least, not originally. He wasn''t the real Ethan of this world. But the rage that burned in his veins now felt real. It felt familiar. He knew what it was like to lose family. And now that pain was alive again, raw and seething. "It''s like fate wants me to go to war with them..." Ethan thought, his fists clenched tight. "Fine. I won''t reject it. They deserve everything that''s coming." But emotions weren''t enough. Right now, he didn''t have the power to challenge the forces behind it all. Not yet. He could kill Alex, sure¡ªbut that would only draw the attention of Alex''s father. And Ethan wasn''t strong enough to fight a war with a monster like that. "I can''t just rely on the Lancasters to fight my battles," he thought grimly. "This is personal. And I''d rather handle it on my own." He turned to Natasha, his voice firm but quiet. "Do you know how they died? And Why after everything they didn''t come after me or Lisa?" Natasha didn''t answer right away. Instead, she finished the whole bottle in her hand with one long pull. Then she sighed. "I have no idea." Ethan went silent. "....." His look said it all¡ªAren''t you guys supposed to know everything? "I don''t know" wasn''t something Natasha was supposed to say. She met his eyes. "Don''t look at me like that. We tried. We couldn''t dig any deeper. But what we did find¡­ was the backer behind Lyon." Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Isn''t it the Green Serpents Clan?" Natasha shook her head. "No. The true backer¡­ is a Saint." Ethan froze. He didn''t even know how to react to that. Saints weren''t just powerful¡ªthey were legends. Heroes with divine abilities. Far beyond ordinary comprehension. It was said that to become a Saint, one had to be chosen by a supreme being. It wasn''t something you could train your way into. And now Ethan was being told that one of them was supporting Lyon? Even more painful was the irony¡ªEthan had hoped to find a Saint to help heal Sophia''s father. The task already felt impossible. But now it was even worse. "If a Saint is behind Lyon," Ethan said slowly, "that gives him more reason to come after me. Even the Lancasters won''t be able to hold him back." "You''re right," Natasha admitted. Then she paused. "But¡­ you can ask him why he didn''t come after you and Lisa yourself." Ethan blinked. "How am I supposed to do that?" She smirked. "Let''s see. You survived a Duality Pit incident with the Guardian evolving into an Abyss Dread. You took down five experienced Level 3 villains. And most recently¡ªyou saved all of Duskveil from collapse. And while still being a Level 1 who just awakened Two months ago." Ethan stayed quiet. "Your feats already rival those of seasoned heroes. Geniuses can''t match what you''ve done. So believe me, if anyone can face Lyon and get the truth, it''s you. If not now¡ªsoon." He considered her words. She had a point. "But," she added, "it makes me wonder¡ªhow can someone who awakened as a forsaken E-rank achieve all this?" Ethan shrugged. "I experienced a rank surge in the Den." Natasha stared at him a little too long. "Fine," she said at last, "I won''t force you to talk. Out of respect for your parents." Ethan exhaled in relief. He knew he couldn''t fool Natasha the same way he did Lisa. But he had to try. "Luckily¡­ she''s a chill grandma." Ethan was amused by that thought. Suddenly Natasha materialized something in her hand and passed it to him. Ethan looked at it¡ªa golden circular token, with the engraved image of a shield pierced by a sword in its center. "What''s this?" "This," Natasha said, "is a participation token for the Crownspire Ascension Tournament." Ethan repeated it, confused. "Crownspire Ascension Tournament? What''s that?" "It''s a prestigious event held once a year," Natasha explained. "Participants between the ages of 18 and 30 gather to compete. The winner earns the title Greatest of His Generation." Ethan frowned. "The title is cool and all¡ªbut what does that have to do with me?" She smiled. "Because there''s a rumor¡­ that the first-place prize is a request granted by a Saint." Ethan''s eyes widened. He looked at the token again, this time gripping it tighter. "When is it?" he asked. "No rush," Natasha said. "It''s in two weeks." Two weeks. That was enough time to prepare. "How''s the tournament structured?" "It''s a fighting tournament," "And the winner takes all. Simple." Ethan nodded at Natasha''s explanation, feigning appreciation. "Thanks," he said dryly, sarcasm lacing his tone, "you explained it so well." Natasha picked up on the sarcasm immediately and shot him a smug smile. "You''re welcome," she replied coolly. Ethan resisted the urge to click his tongue, only to see her extend a small flash drive toward him. He took it with a curious glance, thinking, ''Generous grandma strikes again. Must be trying to make up for all the Christmas and birthday gifts she never sent.'' "This contains intel," Natasha explained. "Names and profiles of those you need to be careful of¡ªespecially the ones expected to make the top ten in the tournament." Ethan was unexpectedly touched by the gesture. Her help had been constant, yet the motive always eluded him. He lowered his voice, a rare hint of warmth in his tone. "Thank you, Grandma." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Realization hit him a second too late¡ªhe had said the G word. The temperature in the room dropped instantly. "What did you just say?" Natasha''s voice was soft, but her smile was anything but comforting. Ethan, knowing better than to fall for the bait, replied quickly and with absolute clarity, "I thanked you." The warmth in the room returned like a switch had been flipped. Natasha nodded, satisfied. Ethan exhaled a sigh of relief, his inner thoughts sharp as ever. ''Why is she so upset? She literally called herself Grandma earlier, whatever it''s not worth overthinking.'' "There''s no need to thank me," Natasha suddenly said, her expression unreadable. "After all, having a future powerhouse owe me a favor is worth more than your gratitude." Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. ''Right. I forgot,''he thought. ''She''s not just an affectionate old lady. She''s the leader of the Black Widows. Sentiment isn''t her style¡ªprofit is and every move she makes is calculated.'' ''But even so,'' a final thought settled in his heart like an ember refusing to die out. ''She helped my parents before. There''s still a little love left in her. Somewhere.'' His reflection was broken as Natasha''s voice sliced back into the moment. "Since you''ve gotten what you came for, we can end this meeting." Ethan nodded. "Okay." "We''ll meet again, Ethan," Natasha said, a cryptic smile on her face. Before he could respond, a faint glow enveloped the ground beneath him. He looked down just as the light surged, and in the next second¡ªhe was gone. Natasha remained in the room, her expression turning pensive, lost in some silent thought. ¡ª Ethan reappeared inside a dimly lit, abandoned building. He glanced around, slightly dizzy from the sudden teleportation. "They really need to stop teleporting people without warning," he muttered, brushing dust off his sleeve. He exited the building and waved down a passing hover taxi. It slid to a smooth halt, the door hissing open. He climbed into the back and gave the driver the coordinates for the Hero Association HQ. As the vehicle hovered across the skyline, Ethan leaned back, arms folded. ''I need to prepare for this tournament, he thought. But how the hell do I even begin?'' Suddenly something flashed in Ethan''s eye. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] >> Sanctum of Beasts cooldown has ended. >> New Feature Unlocked >> Detected: Host has increased in level. Compatibility threshold surpassed. >> Feature now accessible. Ethan''s lips curled into a grin as he read the glowing blue notification in front of his eyes. "Interesting," he murmured. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 56 - 56: Ch 55. Monsters in human flesh. Ethan was just about to open the Sanctum of Beasts interface to explore the newly unlocked feature when the hover taxi gently descended in front of the Hero Association''s headquarters. "Tch. I''ll have to check the new features later," he muttered under his breath. "What was that?" the cab driver asked, glancing back curiously. "Don''t worry," Ethan replied, waving him off with a dismissive hand. "Doesn''t concern you." He stepped out of the cab and made his way toward the parking lot. The reason he had come here in the first place clicked in his mind¡ªhe''d completely forgotten about his brand-new hover car. The taxi ride had reminded him of it. '' If I hadn''t needed a ride, I probably wouldn''t have remembered it at all,'' he thought dryly. As he reached his sleek hover vehicle, he muttered, "Just hope the next ability I get is a mobility one." The guards at the lot didn''t stop him. They recognized both the vehicle and the man. He was a registered hero, after all. Sliding into the driver''s seat, Ethan leaned back, allowing himself a brief moment to breathe. Then, he opened his Aethermark Interface with a mental command. --- [Aethermark Interface] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 2 (Adept) Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) Abilities: [Force Might] Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 0/50 --- ''Haven''t checked this since I leveled up,'' Ethan thought. As expected, his Meta Essence cap had increased¡ªfrom 10 to 50. Not that it mattered much to him. "Ever since I awakened, I''ve never had Meta Essence exhaustion," he mused. "My ability runs at peak performance without draining me. Another cheat-level advantage the sanctum gave me." He mentally tapped the Sanctum of Beasts entry and accessed its page. The first thing that stood out was the cooldown timer: it was now at 0. ''The cooldown period has really ended.'' he thought. ''Did leveling up reduce it? Guess the last tick hit zero back in the cab.'' He then checked the Number of Entries Left: 99. Ethan groaned. "Still the same. This didn''t increase. Wonder if it ever will." Shaking his head, he focused on what really brought him here¡ªthe new feature. He navigated to the updated portion of the Sanctum''s interface and blinked as the new data loaded. --- [Sanctum of Beasts ¨C New Feature Unlocked] Feature: Challenge Stack Description: User can now activate up to 5 Entry Passes simultaneously when entering the Sanctum. Increases the difficulty of Sanctum challenges based on number of passes used. Grants +1 Ability per pass used upon successful clearance. (Current Limit: 5 passes = 5 Abilities) --- Ethan''s eyes widened in genuine surprise. "This¡­ this is what I''ve been waiting for." He leaned back in the seat, a grin creeping onto his face. The previous limitation of one ability per month had been a slow crawl. By that pace, he would only gain 12 abilities in a year. But this changes everything. He knew most people would envy him just for being able to earn one ability per month. If other heroes heard his complaint, they''d probably curse him into the dirt. Even Sophia¡ªwho was considered a genius for acquiring eight abilities over seven years¡ªwould feel the sting of Ethan''s unintentional bragging. ''If it were me, Ethan thought with a smirk, I would''ve gained 84 abilities in the same time frame¡ªand that''s not even counting this new feature.'' The sheer gap in potential was absurd. Satisfied, Ethan closed the interface and pulled out the flash drive Natasha had given him. He slotted it into the car''s dashboard computer with a click. "Alright," he said, eyes narrowing. "Time to see who I''ll be facing." As Ethan inserted the flash drive into the dashboard port, the vehicle''s interior dimmed slightly¡ªits system prioritizing the new data. A low mechanical hum vibrated beneath the surface, and the dashboard screen flickered to life. A progress bar appeared, etched with sleek violet-blue lines, scanning the contents of the drive with rapid precision. "Decrypting data¡­ verifying source¡­ loading profile archive¡­" The screen shimmered before stabilizing into a dark interface lined with glowing hexes. One by one, the profiles loaded with crisp clarity, displaying names, faces, and data like classified hero dossiers from an elite database. At the top, bold white text pulsed: "TOP TEN ELITE HEROES ¨C LEVEL 6 MASTERS & LEVEL 7 GRANDMASTERS" The first profile opened with a soft click. --- 1. Valen Droskar Age: 30 Hero Rank: Legendary Level: 7 (Grandmaster) City: City A Family: Droskar Clan (Ascendant Family ¨C Weapon Forgers of the Obsidian Core) Feats: Led a solo raid against a Rank-5 Dread Beast in the Crimson Expanse. Wields dual molten greatswords forged from ancestral obsidian. Known For: Obsidian Titanform ¨C transforms into a walking war machine of living metal and fire. --- The screen shifted, automatically scrolling to the next name, information pulsing into focus like a living dossier. --- 2. Aria Calvine Age: 28 Hero Rank: S-Rank Level: 6 (Master) City: City Z Family: Calvine House (Overlord Family ¨C Espionage & Infiltration Specialists) Feats: Infiltrated a rogue Hero Association cell and stole a classified artifact. Completed 17 solo S-Class missions undetected. Known For: Shadow Manipulation ¨C feared as the "Whisper Blade." --- 3. Kane Volcrest Age: 30 Hero Rank: Legendary Level: 7 (Grandmaster) City: City S Family: Volcrest Family (Ascendant Family ¨C Bearers of the Bloodstorm Oath) Feats: Annihilated an underground villain organization overnight using Thunder Oath. Known For: Lightning warfare and berserker rage. --- 4. Linyae Sora Age: 27 Hero Rank: S-Rank Level: 6 (Master) City: City E Family: Sora Clan (Overlord Family ¨C Ice Elementalist) Feats: Froze a mountain range to stop a volcanic eruption. Known For: Frozen Sanctuary ¨C ice sorcery and area suppression. --- 5. Drevan Hollowmoor Age: 30 Hero Rank: Legendary Level: 7 (Grandmaster) City: City W Family: Hollowmoor Family (Ascendant Family ¨C Reapers of the Hollow Path) Feats: Entered a Den solo, emerged with the guardian''s head in under 5 minutes. Known For: Necromancy, void arts, and soul-burning powers. --- 6. Rael Vantross Age: 25 Hero Rank: S-Rank Level: 6 (Master) City: City V Family: Vantross Lineage (Overlord Family ¨C Military Strategists) Feats: Defended City V from a Rank-6 Cataclysm Dread Beast for three days without losses. Known For: Battlefield Rewrite ¨C alters local physics to rewrite combat dynamics. --- 7. Nyssa Grell Age: 24 Hero Rank: S-Rank Level: 6 (Master) City: City X Family: Grell Family (Neutral civilian lineage) Feats: Cleared three Dens solo. One of the few citizen-born S-Ranks. Known For: Gravity manipulation, raw merit-based rise through the ranks. --- 8. Kairo Draeven Age: 30 Hero Rank: Legendary Level: 7 (Grandmaster) City: City B Family: Draeven Order (Ascendant Family ¨C High Arcanists) Feats: Reversed a city-wide dimensional collapse. Known For: Spatial control and the devastating spell Stellar Collapse. --- 9. Mila Thornfeld Age: 26 Hero Rank: S-Rank Level: 6 (Master) City: City A Family: Thornfeld Family (Overlord Family ¨C Beastmasters) Feats: Tamed and bonded with an Abyss Dread Beast at 19. Known For: Beast synergy and riding the direwolf Aegon into combat. --- 10. Juno Ashviel Age: 22 Hero Rank: S-Rank Level: 6 (Master) City: City U Family: Ashviel Family (Ascendant Family ¨C Bearers of the Eternal Flame) Feats: Solo-carried her squad through a Rank-5 Duality Pit. Known For: Flame immortality and a rebirth ability that grows stronger with each wound. --- Ethan stared at the screen,his expression was frozen. The profiles were still glowing on the dashboard, each name carrying enough weight to break a mountain. His eyes jumped from Valen Droskar''s molten blades to Kane Volcrest''s thunder-fueled wrath¡­ to Drevan Hollowmoor, whose gaze alone was said to silence entire rooms. His throat dried, and the sheer scale of what he had just seen hit him like a freight train. "What the fuck¡­!" he breathed, stunned. Each of them¡ªevery single one¡ªwas a monster in human form. Masters and Grandmasters with feats that sounded like legends passed down in old war hymns. And now, they weren''t just names in the shadows¡ªthey were his opponents. The ones he''d have to stand against in the tournament. Ethan slammed a hand against the steering wheel, eyes wide in disbelief. "That damn granny made it sound so simple," he growled through clenched teeth. "Like I''d be sparring with a few hot-headed prodigies, not walking into a coliseum full of living disasters!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He exhaled slowly, calming the surge of adrenaline and nerves boiling in his chest. His voice was quieter now, but filled with grim resolve. "There''s no point worrying about that now¡­" he muttered. "Nobody said helping the Lancasters'' Patriarch would be easy." His hand slid over the ignition crystal. With a soft hum, the hover car lifted from the ground, its interior lights flickering to life. The engine''s low drone echoed his thoughts. "Even if I''m not strong enough to take them down now¡­" Ethan said, tightening his grip on the steering. "¡­everything will be different when I return from the Sanctum." His eyes narrowed, a wild spark lighting them up with reckless determination. "But first, I need to prepare." With that, the hover car surged forward, gliding out of the Association''s underground lot and into the neon-lit night. Ethan''s mind churned with a plan so bold, so dangerous, that anyone who caught even a whisper of it would have called him utterly insane. And yet, to him, it was the only way forward. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 57 - 57: Ch 56. Into the Maw Ethan slammed a hand against the steering wheel, eyes wide in disbelief. "That damn granny made it sound so simple," he growled through clenched teeth. "Like I''d be sparring with a few hot-headed prodigies, not walking into a coliseum full of living disasters!" He exhaled slowly, calming the surge of adrenaline and nerves boiling in his chest. His voice was quieter now, but filled with grim resolve. "There''s no point worrying about that now¡­" he muttered. "Nobody said helping the Lancasters'' Patriarch would be easy." His hand slid over the ignition crystal. With a soft hum, the hover car lifted from the ground, its interior lights flickering to life. The engine''s low drone echoed his thoughts. "Even if I''m not strong enough to take them down now¡­" Ethan said, tightening his grip on the steering. "¡­everything will be different when I return from the Sanctum." His eyes narrowed, a wild spark lighting them up with reckless determination. "But first, I need to prepare." With that, the hover car surged forward, gliding out of the Association''s underground lot and into the neon-lit night. Ethan''s mind churned with a plan so bold, so dangerous, that anyone who caught even a whisper of it would have called him utterly insane. And yet, to him, it was the only way forward. **** Ethan''s hover car glided silently into the grand courtyard of the Lancaster estate, the soft glow of moonlight reflecting off the freshly repaired marble walls and ornate iron gates. The battle from before had left the estate in ruins, but now it looked untouched¡ªas if chaos had never visited it. That wasn''t surprising. In a world teeming with heroes and abilities that defied logic, restoration was just another tool in the arsenal of the elite. And the Lancasters were nothing if not elite. For a family of their power and status, rebuilding their estate in under a day was expected. Ethan stepped out of his car and quietly walked toward the small house Sophia had assigned to him and Lisa. As he neared the porch, he saw her¡ªLisa¡ªcurled up on the steps, arms folded over her knees, her head resting lightly on them. She had fallen asleep waiting for him. He paused, a pang of guilt tightening in his chest. "I must have made her worried..." he murmured softly. He approached carefully, knelt beside her, and gently lifted her into his arms. She was warm and light, her breathing steady, but her brow was creased slightly as if she''d been dreaming uneasy dreams. Ethan pushed open the door and carried her inside, moving quietly through the house until he reached her room. He laid her gently on the bed, tucking the blanket around her. As he turned to leave¡ª "Ethan... please be careful..." He froze and turned back. Lisa''s eyes were still closed¡ªshe was sleep-talking. He stood there for a moment, just watching her, before exhaling softly. "Don''t worry... I will." He stepped out, pulling the door closed behind him with a quiet click. Then, reaching into his coat pocket, he pulled out his phone. The screen lit up, casting a cold light across his face. He scrolled through the contacts and tapped on one. After a few rings, Sophia picked up, her voice calm but alert. "Ethan? What is it?" He looked out the window, eyes hardening with determination. "I need your help with something." **** The morning light crept silently across the sky as Ethan slipped out of the house before dawn, the quiet hum of his hover car breaking the early stillness. He had left a neatly folded note on the kitchen counter for Lisa, explaining everything she needed to know once she woke up¡ªnot everything about his plan, but enough to ease her worry. He didn''t want her chasing after him. The reason for his late-night call to Sophia had been clear: access to the Umbravine Maw, the infamous den at the heart of City X. Unlike traditional dens that could be sealed by slaying the guardian and closing the black pit, the Umbravine Maw was something entirely different. It was a living ecosystem, a chaotic labyrinth where Dread Beasts thrived in layers¡ªeach level of descent bringing more monstrous threats. The deeper one ventured, the more unstable the world became, with spatial fractures, dread storms, and mutated apex predators ruling the shadows. To even be considered for access, you had to be at least a Level 2 Adept¡ªand even then, the gatekeepers only opened it for those with the right clout. Most heroes climbed the ranks for months before earning the privilege. But Ethan had just reached Level 2, and he had more than influence¡ªhe had the Lancaster name behind him, and Sophia''s direct clearance. It was the safest insane option for what he planned. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, eyes focused on the city skyline in the distance. His voice broke the silence of the hover car. "For Mireveil to attack the Lancasters just for me... there must be more to it. But I don''t know what yet." His jaw tightened. The hover car accelerated. "Whatever they throw at me next, I have to be ready... The Sanctum will give me new abilities, make me more versatile. But I can''t rely on that alone. I need strength¡ªnot handed to me, but forged and Earned." What Ethan was about to do bordered on madness. He was planning to push for another breakthrough, to level up again¡ªright after he had just advanced. No one in their right mind attempted such a thing. The strain, the risk, the sheer toll on the body and spirit made it virtually suicidal. But Ethan wasn''t in his right mind. He had enemies coming from the shadows, threats clawing at him from every side. He had to help save the Lancaster patriarch. He had to protect Lisa. He had to survive. And survival meant throwing away comfort, hesitation... and sanity. As he passed the security towers guarding the edge of City X, Ethan narrowed his eyes. "To become strong..." he muttered to himself, "you don''t need to be sane to achieve it." And with that, he sped toward the den no sane person dared to enter alone. **** Ethan arrived at the edge of the Umbravine Maw just as the early morning haze lifted off the ground. The entrance to the den was like something out of a war zone¡ªencased within a massive dome-shaped barrier erected by the Hero Association. Reinforced with shimmering runes and energy pylons, the perimeter pulsed with containment energy to prevent any fool from rushing in and keep the horrors within from spilling out. High-ranking heroes patrolled the grounds with sharp eyes, dressed in distinct armor and bearing the insignias of elite city factions. Drones hovered silently above, scanning for anomalies, while automatic turrets tracked even the slightest movement from within the barrier. This wasn''t a place meant for the average hero¡ªit was a front line disguised as a research facility. Ethan approached the fortified metal gates with measured steps, a sleek black suitcase in hand. The guards standing watch immediately raised their weapons, eyes narrowing until he presented his Lancaster-approved entry pass. After a moment of silent verification, they nodded and began a thorough full-body scan. Once cleared, the gates hissed open, revealing the interior. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside the dome was a cavernous landscape centered around a massive sinkhole, at least two hundred meters wide. Built into the slope of the pit was a spiraling metal staircase, supported by thick beams and reinforced plates that shook faintly with every distant roar echoing from below. Other heroes moved in and out of the pit, most in teams of three or more. Some were visibly injured. Others came back silent and shaken. Ethan, however, descended alone, the weight of his suitcase steady in his grip. When he reached the bottom, the temperature dropped. The air was thick and stale, reeking of wet earth and decay. The cavern had five branching paths, each leading deeper into the den''s ecosystem. After a moment of calculation, Ethan moved toward the center path, drawn by instinct and certainty. The silence was eerie. His footsteps echoed faintly off the jagged stone walls. No wind, no distant growls. Just stillness. Until the clattering began. A sharp, rhythmic sound like bones scraping over metal. Then something squelched beneath his boot¡ªa thick, sticky webbing. He looked down, frowning. The trail led forward, glistening faintly in the low light. Then came the hiss. From the shadows ahead emerged a giant arachnid, its carapace black as tar, fangs dripping with venom. Its red eyes gleamed with malevolence. And it wasn''t alone¡ªthree more skittered behind it, crawling across the ceiling and walls like nightmares given flesh. Ethan didn''t flinch. He simply looked ahead¡ªand threw his suitcase into the air. Mid-flight, the suitcase split and shifted, dozens of mechanical components unfolding like blooming petals. The pieces latched onto his arms with magnetic precision, forming sleek, obsidian gauntlets, etched with glowing crimson lines. As the final piece locked into place, Ethan raised his fists and stepped forward. "Let''s begin." And with that, he launched into the attack¡ªno hesitation, no fear¡ªjust the fury of someone who refused to stay weak. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 58 - 58: Ch 57. Rampage!!! Ethan charged forward, the faint hum of his activated gauntlets resonating with the quiet intensity of a predator closing in on its prey. The lead arachnid¡ªlarger than the rest¡ªreacted first, opening its fanged maw to fire a thick glob of webbing aimed straight at him. The sticky substance shot through the air with vicious speed, but Ethan, already anticipating the move, twisted his body and slid low beneath it, letting the web splash harmlessly against the stone wall behind him. He didn''t waste a second. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Using the momentum from his dodge, Ethan blinked forward in a flash of motion. In an instant, he was directly in front of the lead spider, his right arm pulled back, muscles coiled like a spring. With a roar of power, he slammed his fist into the arachnid''s face. The gauntlet-enhanced blow landed with devastating force, caving in the monster''s chitinous skull like a brittle eggshell. A wet crunch echoed through the corridor as the beast dropped lifelessly to the ground. The other three let out sharp, screeching cries that rattled the walls and launched themselves at him in a frenzy. But Ethan didn''t slow down. He sidestepped the first, ducking beneath a slashing claw before delivering an uppercut that launched it into the ceiling. Without waiting, he spun and hammered a blow into the second, cracking open its thorax and sending its legs twitching violently. The last one tried to retreat, sensing the overwhelming difference in strength, but Ethan was already behind it. A single punch to the abdomen split it open, green ichor spraying across the floor. His gauntlets were now drenched in thick, foul-smelling blood, but Ethan didn''t even flinch. He exhaled once, steady and calm, his expression unreadable. Suddenly, a soft chime echoed in his mind¡ªand a translucent blue panel blinked into view: +5 Meta Essence +5 Meta Essence +5 Meta Essence +5 Meta Essence [Total Meta Essence Gained: 20] Ethan''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Thirty more to go," he murmured, flexing his gauntlets. That was the easy part¡ªhe could find and crush six more rank 2 lower dread beasts with little effort. But what came after... that was the real challenge. He was attempting something dangerous¡ªpushing his Meta Essence to the limit, overflowing it, and triggering a forced rank-up long before his body or core should''ve been ready. He didn''t know how long it would take. He didn''t know what toll it would exact on him. But none of that mattered now. With a quiet breath, Ethan turned his gaze to the deeper tunnel winding into the heart of the Umbravine Maw, the air growing colder and darker the further it stretched. His steps were steady, silent. "Let''s see how far I can go before this place breaks me," he whispered to himself. And with that, he marched deeper into the den¡ªtoward madness, monsters, and the cruel threshold of evolution. **** Deep within the twisted corridors of the Umbravine Maw, three figures moved cautiously through the dense, shadow-drenched path. A young man led the way, dressed in sleek, high-end battle tech armor that gleamed faintly in the dim light. He turned back to the two women following close behind with a confident grin. "You guys don''t have to be afraid," he said, his voice light and cocky. "With the battle tech my dad gave us, we''ll farm some dread beasts and rack up enough Meta Essence to level up in no time." The man in question was Park Berg, son of the CEO of one of the largest battle tech corporations in City X. When his Aether factor had been discovered at sixteen, he decided to take the hero route¡ªwhy not? Everything he needed was handed to him: resources, gear, connections. Even his entry into the Maw, a heavily restricted danger zone, had been smoothed over by his father''s influence and his own Level 3 status. The two girls behind him, Rebecca and Sandra, had been charmed by the offer when they met him at a club. A level 3 hero offering top-tier gear and a chance to hunt in the Maw? It was an opportunity too good to pass up. They''d already taken down a few low-rank dread beasts, and things seemed to be going according to plan¡ªuntil the ground beneath them began to tremble. "What was that?" Rebecca asked, pausing mid-step. Park blinked, waving it off with casual dismissal. "Probably just a tremor it''s normal here. Relax, I got this." But he was dead wrong. From deeper within the Maw, a thunderous roar echoed, and suddenly, from the dark ahead, a hoard of dread beasts came surging toward them. Their monstrous limbs tore through the earth, their screeches piercing through the silence. But these weren''t your average monsters. These were Rank 4 Abyss Dreads¡ªbeasts that radiated with overwhelming, crushing auras. A rank few dared to face. Unknown to Park, this was the very tier the Duality Pit Guardian had nearly ascended to before Ethan crushed it. And now a dozen of these creatures were barreling toward them. "P¨CPark, what do we do?!" Sandra screamed, panicking. But Park¡­ froze. He could feel it¡ªthe sheer pressure in the air, the way his legs buckled. He had the gear, but not the courage, not the real battlefield instinct. This wasn''t a test run. This was survival. And he wasn''t ready. Rebecca and Sandra looked at him, their faces twisting into horror as they realized just how badly they had misjudged him. "We should never have followed him¡­" "We''re going to die here¡­" They were preparing to make peace with their regrets¡ªwhen something incredible happened. The hoard of abyss dreads rushed past them¡ªnot even bothering to glance at the three humans frozen in terror. "..." "..." "..." All three stood speechless, unable to comprehend what just happened. Then¡ªan aura, colder and heavier than death itself, flared from the tunnel behind the beasts. It was different from the dread beasts''¡ªrefined, sharp, controlled. Before they could process it, a sonic boom cracked through the air like thunder. BOOM! The abyss dreads exploded mid-run, torn apart by a force too fast to be seen. Flesh, gore, and limbs rained around the trio. And standing there, just behind the carnage¡ªwas a figure in black, a pair of blood-stained gauntlets steaming under the weight of their deadly work. It was a young man. His expression cold, detached. His eyes sharp and distant. Ethan. He barely looked at them. "It''s still not enough¡­ I need to kill more," he muttered under his breath¡ªand with that, he vanished, his body becoming a blur as he disappeared down the tunnel. Too fast for any of them to follow. "..." "..." "..." The silence returned¡ªbut it was suffocating now. Park''s legs trembled. His lips moved without sound until he finally stammered, "We¡­ we need to get out of here. Now." But as he turned, he saw Rebecca and Sandra already sprinting ahead, not waiting for him. "W¨CWait! Wait for me!" Park shouted, scrambling to chase after them, the cold sting of reality burning in his chest¡ªhe wasn''t the strongest. He wasn''t even close. **** Within the cursed depths of the Umbravine Maw, Ethan had become a one-man apocalypse. Abyss Dreads¡ªtorn to shreds. Greater Dreads¡ªobliterated without resistance. Lower Dreads¡ªslaughtered on sight. Every beast that stumbled into his path met the same fate: a brutal, merciless end beneath his gauntlets. Blood sprayed, bones cracked, and Meta Essence poured into his body like a raging tide. Now, surrounded by the thunderous snarls of a hundred Greater Dread Beasts, each one towering and muscular like twisted gorillas from a forgotten nightmare, Ethan stood tall and unyielding. They attacked in synchronized fury¡ªmassive fists crashing down like meteors. But Ethan met them head-on, his own fists cracking through hide, sinew, and skull alike. Boom! Crack! Boom! He moved like a storm given flesh, an unstoppable force of destruction. And as each monster fell, he could feel it¡ªthe pressure in his body, the Meta Essence swirling violently within him. "I can feel it¡­ I''m almost there¡­" Ethan thought, his breathing steady, eyes sharp. This wasn''t just battle¡ªit was a ritual of ascension. His body had reached its limit; now all he needed was one final push. One more overflow and he''d break through to the next level. The last gorilla dread, wounded and trembling, stared at Ethan with wide, primal eyes. But there was no mercy. Ethan stepped forward and with one final blow¡ªCRACK!¡ªhe shattered its skull beneath his gauntlet-covered fist. "Just a little more..." he muttered, blood dripping from his gauntlets. Then¡ªhis instincts flared. A warning. He moved instantly, vanishing from his spot as the air rippled behind him. A sudden pulse¡ªand where Ethan had stood, someone now hovered. She was beautiful, Deadly and Terrifying. A woman with flowing black hair, her eyes a piercing blood-red, stared at him with a chilling calm. Her hand glowed with pulsating purple energy, twisted and void-like in nature¡ªraw, controlled destruction. Ethan''s eyes narrowed. He recognized the signature¡ªthe void aura, the teleportation, the lethal intent. He wasn''t sure if it was truly her, but only one villain fit this level of menace¡ªMirveil. "How did she even get here?" he thought. But the question didn''t matter¡ªnot yet. "I''ll get answers after I take her down." With no more words exchanged, the woman lunged forward, her hand cloaked in swirling purple void, aiming to erase him from existence in one touch. And Ethan¡ªhe welcomed the fight, his gauntlets lighting up once more as he charged to meet her head-on. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 59 - 59: Ch 58. Rage!!! Mireveil had vanished the moment the attack on the Lancaster estate failed. With security in City X pushed to its highest alert and a full-blown manhunt in motion, she knew staying above ground was a death sentence. Her teleportation had range limits¡ªit couldn''t take her beyond the city''s boundaries. She needed to disappear somewhere no one would dare look. And so, she chose the Umbravine Maw. It was a reckless decision. The most guarded den under the Hero Association''s control, crawling with elite patrollers and surveillance. But that''s what made it perfect. No one would expect a wanted criminal to willingly walk into the lion''s den. After slipping past patrol rotations with practiced precision, she entered the den using her remaining credentials¡ªburning the last vestiges of her past cover. Once inside, she discarded her cloak and mask, letting them burn in the dark recesses of the Maw. Without her gear, she was just another deep-ranked freelance hero¡ªfaceless and forgettable in a place like this. Deeper and deeper she traveled, far beneath the lower levels where few dared to tread. She didn''t care how long she had to wait. The meat of dread beasts was enough to keep her alive, and the absence of people kept her sane. Barely. "Better to rot here," she muttered one night, crouched in the dark beside the carcass of a Greater Dread, "than go back to the Organization and let them flay me for failure." Twice now she had failed. Twice now she had tasted the humiliation of being bested. And at the center of it all was him. Ethan. The mere thought of his name made her fingers curl and her jaw tighten. She hated him. Hated how he ruined her missions. Hated how he made her look weak. And then¡ªhe appeared. She saw it from the shadows. The carnage. The destruction. The way he tore through Abyss Dreads like they were nothing but insects underfoot. His aura, savage and overflowing, screamed of a man on the edge of a breakthrough. "You should have stayed out of here¡­" she whispered, eyes glowing red as a twisted grin spread across her lips her fury blinded any logical reasoning she had. Her instincts screamed for caution¡ªbut her hatred screamed louder. She didn''t hesitate. In a single pulse, she surged forward¡ªno warning, no monologue, no theatrics. Her hand crackled with deadly purple void energy, her gaze locked on his heart. But Ethan¡ªever the warrior honed by countless battles¡ªmoved the instant her presence reached him. He dodged in a blur, appearing several feet away, locking eyes with her. There was no fear in them. Only focus. And recognition. He was the source of her humiliation. No more words were needed. With a roar of violet energy and a flash of abyssal light, both Ethan and Mireveil charged at each other, fists drawn and killing intent radiating like fire. A clash between two forces that refused to fall. **** As Ethan stared down the figure who had just tried to ambush him, his mind was already running calculations. "She moves like an assassin¡­ that ability¡ªVoid-based. It has to be her." Mireveil. He remembered the reports. The attack on the Lancaster estate. The failed ambushes. The trail of bodies she left behind. Striker and the Hero Association had been tracking her for weeks. She was one of their most wanted fugitives. "If it''s really her, I can''t let her escape. I''ll put her down first¡ªthen get answers." His strategy was simple: overwhelm her with force. Then, when she was too injured or unconscious to flee, bind her and call in extraction. If he hesitated now, she could vanish. Ethan''s eyes narrowed, locking on to her movements. He could sense her confidence¡ªarrogance, even. That would be her downfall. Mireveil believed she had the upper hand. At Level 3, awakened as a B-rank, she wasn''t weak. With only two cultivated abilities¡ª{Return to Ash} and {Quick Escape}¡ªshe had earned a reputation for deadly efficiency. "Instant disintegration on touch," Ethan noted. "And short-range teleportation. Dangerous combo, but not unstoppable." Still, he didn''t underestimate her. That would be fatal. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they collided, Ethan acted without hesitation. One punch. A massive, gauntlet¡ªcoated with the blood of dozens of slain dread beasts¡ªsmashed into Mireveil''s face before she even realized the battle had truly begun. Time seemed to slow for her. Her pupils dilated. Her instincts screamed. And in that frozen instant, she could''ve sworn she saw her entire life flicker before her eyes. But she didn''t fly back. Ethan focused the full kinetic force of the blow to keep her in place, anchoring her to the ground¡ªso he could follow up. And he did. Blow after blow. Fist after fist. Each punch was a crashing wave of raw force, tearing through her defenses. The air trembled with every impact. Her abilities? Useless. She couldn''t concentrate long enough to activate them. "You picked the wrong day," Ethan thought, his face grim and composed. "I''m one step from a breakthrough. And I''m not stopping now." With a final, devastating uppercut, he sent Mireveil hurtling backward, her body slamming into the wall behind her with a thunderous crack, the impact sending dust and rock cascading. She didn''t move. Unconscious. The silence that followed was heavy. Ethan stood over her limp form, fists clenched, his breathing calm¡ªcontrolled. It was no surprise that he won after all power scaling was on his side. At Level 1, he had taken down Level 3s with ease. Now, as a Level 2, his power was far beyond what Mireveil could handle. "If she''s really Mireveil," he thought, "Striker will want her alive." He reached for his comm unit, ready to report in. But deep inside, something surged¡ªa pulsing pressure in his core. His Meta Essence was overflowing. The breakthrough was close. **** Darkness wrapped around Mireveil''s unconscious body, but within her mind, memories surged¡ªpainful, burning and unforgettable. --- She was back in District 9 of City S¡ªnicknamed "Gutterreach" by the locals. A place where hope died young, and the Hero Association rarely bothered to show up. Slums stacked atop slums. Smoke-choked alleys. Dread beasts prowled just outside the barricades, and villains ran unchecked inside. She never knew her father. And as for her mother... "A whore," Mireveil had always thought bitterly. "One who brought a new man home every night like it was routine." There were no lullabies in Gutterreach. Only the sounds of fists, screams, and broken bottles. Mireveil had stopped caring long ago. Love was a fantasy. Trust was a mistake. Family? A lie. But then came the day of the rampage. A Greater Dread Beast broke through the city''s weakened perimeter. Fire rained and walls collapsed. Mireveil, barely ten at that time, huddled under a table, she was too numb to scream. She didn''t care what happened to her as the roof came down. But suddenly a warm body wrapped around her it was a familiar scent one she could hardly forget it was her mother. She Shielded her from the debries. Blood dripping down her face and arms trembling. Yet she smiled. That smile was a smile Mireveil had not seen before on her mother''s face whenever she brought a man to the house. It was not seductive. But¡­ relieved. "You''re alive," was the last word her mother had whispered, just before she died. --- She never forgot that smile. Even when the heroes finally came¡ªtoo late¡ªand killed the dread beast. Even when they cleared the wreckage and pulled her out. Even when she was tossed into S-District Orphanage, just another lost child in a forgotten zone. She didn''t cry. She never would again. But she raged. She didn''t know why or at who¡ª Until the villains came. --- The raid happened in the dead of night. They weren''t sloppy. They didn''t make noise. They just slipped in, tranquilized the staff, and took ten children¡ªincluding Mireveil. They were taken to an underground facility, far beyond the city''s reach. There, the truth became clear: They were recruited. The organization had a goal: to build a new kind of soldier. Merciless, Adaptable and Disposable. They trained them like animals¡ªcombat, tactics, mental warfare. But everything changed at 15. The "test." They were placed in a circular arena. Only one rule: Kill. Only one could leave. What followed was a massacre of childhoods. Screams. Blood. Bodies. Mireveil didn''t hesitate. She didn''t feel guilt. She didn''t flinch. She survived. And the organization rewarded her. At 16, they injected her with a prototype serum, one that could forcefully awaken an Aether Mark¡ªif it didn''t destroy you first. She screamed for days. Weeks. Her bones cracked. Her blood boiled. She hallucinated entire lifetimes of torment. But she lived. At 18, the Aether Mark finally etched itself onto her body¡ªa deep violet glyph pulsing with Void Energy. And Mireveil was born. Not the child from Gutterreach. Not the girl from the orphanage. But the killer. The assassin. The weapon. --- Present time. Her eyes flickered open. Cold metal wrapped around her wrists. Anti-ability bracelets. Cutting her off from her Aether Mark. She tried to move¡ªonly to feel pain ripple through her weakened body. And then she saw him. Ethan. Towering, Calm and Focused. Everything she despised. He stood a few feet away, arms crossed, expression unreadable. "You don''t have to glare," he said flatly. "You couldn''t beat me when I was Level 2. I doubt you''ll manage it now that I''m Level 3." Her jaw clenched. Rage burned in her chest. She had survived hell. And yet¡­ here she was. Defeated and Captured. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 60 - 60: Ch 59. Guardian Angel Ethan stood still, his gauntleted hands relaxed by his sides, but his entire body hummed with power¡ªnew, refined, and violent if unleashed. Most people would spend decades¡ªa lifetime even¡ªjust to achieve one level up. But he had done it twice¡­ in a single week. It felt surreal. Almost unnatural. Many would call it a miracle, a testament to his talent. But Ethan wasn''t so arrogant. He knew better. "This isn''t just me," he thought. "The Sanctum had a hand in this. It had to." He had leveled up using Overflow¡ªa dangerous, rare method of oversaturating one''s body with Meta Essence far beyond safe limits. For most, it would have meant paralysis¡­ or death. But he was able to survive and level up He could feel it in his muscles, his instincts, his perception. He was sharper. Faster. Deadlier. Still, he didn''t let it get to his head. "This isn''t a gift. This is a responsibility stacked on responsibility. But¡­" He looked over to the restrained woman glaring daggers at him. "¡­today was still a double win." --- There she was. Mireveil. B-rank. Level 3. The one causing Striker and his clan members sleepless nights due to the stress in trying to find her. She was now cuffed, helpless, and glaring up at him with hate-filled red eyes. Her white hair clung to her cheeks, disheveled from their fight. "To think I would be the one to capture the person that''s had Striker and his clan scrambling for months," Ethan muttered with a smirk. He had already called Striker. The man''s voice had practically cracked from joy over the phone. Mireveil''s capture was no small feat. Ethan walked up and crouched beside her, letting his gaze linger. She looked calm. Too calm. "Some people will be here to take you," he said, voice low. "So if you can do us all a favor, why don''t you tell me why you''re after me?" He didn''t expect an answer. But he asked anyway. Mireveil''s lips curled into a sneer. Her crimson eyes narrowed. "You''re gonna die," she hissed. Ethan tilted his head, amused. "Oh? Is it you that''s going to kill me?" "As long as they want someone dead," she replied coldly not bothering to answer his question "that person doesn''t survive." A silence passed between them Cold and Electric. Then¡ªEthan chuckled. And that laugh quickly turned into a quiet storm. Mireveil blinked in confusion¡­ just before Ethan''s hand shot out and grabbed a fistful of her hair, jerking her face upward as his aura exploded. His golden eyes ignited with divine fury. Cold and Unforgiving. "You think I''ll be scared of some secret organization?" he said, voice rumbling with fury. "I''ve experienced what no man should survive. I''ve been tasked with what no mortal should endure. And I carry a gift that even God''s fail to understand." Mireveil''s body trembled. Not from fear¡ª But from pressure. Overwhelming, soul-crushing pressure. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty. Ethan leaned closer, his glare unwavering. "So if some organization wants to come for me¡­" "Let them." "I''ll crush them like anyone else who tries to stand in my way." Silence. Mireveil said nothing. Not a word. She just stared, her breath tight in her chest. Ethan finally released her hair, the pressure fading as he rose to his feet. "Since you don''t want to talk," he said, brushing dust from his gauntlet, "we''ll wait for the professionals." And with that, the room fell quiet¡ªsave for the slow hum of power still radiating from Ethan''s body. **** In the towering spires of the Golden Emperor Clan''s headquarters, Striker moved with purpose. He didn''t take any chances. Not with Mirveil. Ethan had her, yes, but bringing her back was another story entirely. "We do it by the book," he muttered as he rapidly selected elite members from the clan. "Small team with a strong and clean extraction." Once the squad was ready, they were about to head out when a calm but confident voice called out¡ª "Wait." Striker turned, brows furrowed. Standing at the entrance was him¡ª Guardian Angel. A Level 6 S-rank hero who had rocketed past most of the clan despite being a recent recruit. He was a prodigy and now he was a powerhouse. He approached with slow, measured steps, his snow-white cloak swaying behind him. "I want to come," he said simply. "I want to see the person responsible for killing one of ours." Striker considered for only a moment before nodding. With a power like his, they''d be unstoppable. --- Arrival at the Maw The group reached the Maw, one of the most fortified strongholds maintained by the Hero Association. The moment Striker explained the threat, alarms blared. Lockdown initiated. The gates closed as the lights turned crimson and the lockdown protocol kicked in. The team made their way inward, deeper, until they reached the chamber where Ethan waited. He stood calmly, leaning against a wall, one foot braced behind him, Mirveil cuffed beside him, head lowered. As he saw them approach, Ethan raised a brow and pushed off the wall. "Took you long enough," he said with a smirk, grabbing Mirveil by the arm and dragging her to her feet. "Here. All yours." Striker stepped forward. "Good work, Ethan. You really helped us a lot." "No problem. Just doing my part," Ethan replied, keeping his voice casual. "After all¡­ we need to bring her to justice." But as he extended his hand to transfer Mirveil over¡ª ¡ªa sickening sound tore through the air. SHLUK. Striker''s eyes widened. A hand¡ªgloved, bloodied¡ªhad burst clean through his stomach from behind. Blood gurgled in his throat as he staggered forward, eyes wide in pain and disbelief. He turned slightly¡ªjust enough to see the one who''d done it. Guardian Angel. The room froze. "A-Angel?!" one of the heroes screamed. "Why¡ªwhy would you do this?!" But Angel said nothing. He withdrew his hand with surgical precision and, without hesitation, moved like a reaper through the remaining squad. He was Level 6. They were nothing. Within seconds, blood stained the floor. Golden Emperor elites lay fallen. It was their last mission and it was their last breath. --- Ethan stood frozen, his heart pounding. He stared at Striker as he was on the floor bleeding out and dying as he whispered "Why¡­?" Rage. Confusion. Regret. All of it clashed inside Ethan''s chest. His golden eyes locked onto Angel. "Hand her over," the traitor said coldly, no longer bothering with pretenses. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ethan looked down at Striker¡ªhe didn''t know who this man was but he was going to be a dead man. His fingers curled into fists. His aura began to spike. No more questions. Just resolve. He flung Mirveil behind him with a single motion and stepped forward. His voice, once calm, now shook with killing intent. "I''m going to kill you." And then¡ªhe charged. A Few Hours Earlier Inside a dimly lit office deep within the golden emperor''s northern compound, Guardian Angel knelt on one knee. Before him hovered a shadowy holographic projection, crackling with faint static, its shape humanoid but indistinct¡ªcloaked in mystery and authority. Angel''s expression remained calm, but tension undercut his voice. "Sir¡­ all my plans to prevent the Golden Emperors from locating Mirveil have failed. The target¡ªEthan¡ªmanaged to capture her." A moment of dead silence followed. The weight in the room shifted. Sweat trickled down Angel''s brow despite his composure as He waited for the figure to speak. And then¡­ the voice came Deep, Calculated and Merciless. "Mirveil has failed us for the last time." A pause. As the verdict was sealed. "Eliminate her and Eliminate the target. No witnesses." Angel lowered his head further. "Understood." The projection vanished. As the plan was set in motion. --- Present Ethan charged. A golden aura burst around him as Flow and Force Might surged through his body. His speed blurred reality¡ªone moment visible, the next gone. BOOOOM!!! The sound barrier was shattered. As He reappeared at Angel''s side, fist crashing into his face with the might of a warhammer. Angel''s head twisted grotesquely¡ªa full 180 degrees¡ªhis neck snapping like a twig. But Ethan didn''t stop. He followed up with another punch. But Angel''s hand seized it mid-swing. A dark pulse flowed through him, and his neck cracked as it twisted back into place¡ªhealing rapidly, a testament to one of his inhuman abilities. "You pack a punch," Angel said coldly, eyes gleaming. "But now it''s my turn." His fist smashed into Ethan''s gut. Ethan reflexively activated Force Drain and Void, but the sheer impact overwhelmed him. He was launched backwards, crashing into a stone wall with brutal force. Dust filled the chamber. Angel''s right hand shifted grotesquely, growing larger and more monstrous¡ªanother ability activated, adding raw might to his next strike. Ethan emerged from the rubble just as Angel reappeared before him¡ªalready mid-swing. He barely dodged, As Angel''s fist pulverized the spot where he had just stood. The entire floor cracked beneath the pressure. Ethan gritted his teeth. {"King of Force!"} His aura erupted again¡ªan intense pulse of gold and white as he surged forward. Angel met him in kind. As Their fists collided like two titans clashing. BOOM! The shockwave rippled outward, a seismic blast echoing through the sealed Maw chamber. Ethan flew backward once more, this time his body skidding across the floor, bouncing from the momentum until he stopped beside Mirveil''s bound form. He gasped, pain rushing up his arm. His gauntlet was shattered. His fist¡ªbloody and swollen. Angel stood unscathed. Unmoving. Unshaken. He took slow steps forward, expression devoid of emotion like a machine built for war. Ethan sat up, eyes locked on him. "This guy''s tough¡­" There was no fear in his gaze¡ªonly cold, precise analysis. ''There had to be something preventing the noise from reaching outside for no reinforcements to have come up to this point. Angel must have have done something.'' ''But how would he escape with Mirveil? with the chaos he caused it would be difficult.'' Ethan shoved the thought away. "No. Not now." He could think of Angel''s thought process later now there was only one thing to do. He opened the Aethermark Interface, blood dripping from his fingertips. With a thought, he activated the Sanctum of Beasts¡ªits cooldown finally over. "Let''s turn the tide." ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 61 - 61: Ch 60. New Zone He barely dodged, As Angel''s fist pulverized the spot where he had just stood. The entire floor cracked beneath the pressure. Ethan gritted his teeth. {"King of Force!"} His aura erupted again¡ªan intense pulse of gold and white as he surged forward. Angel met him in kind. As Their fists collided like two titans clashing. BOOM! The shockwave rippled outward, a seismic blast echoing through the sealed Maw chamber. Ethan flew backward once more, this time his body skidding across the floor, bouncing from the momentum until he stopped beside Mirveil''s bound form. He gasped, pain rushing up his arm. His gauntlet was shattered. His fist¡ªbloody and swollen. Angel stood unscathed. Unmoving. Unshaken. He took slow steps forward, expression devoid of emotion like a machine built for war. Ethan sat up, eyes locked on him. "This guy''s tough¡­" There was no fear in his gaze¡ªonly cold, precise analysis. ''There had to be something preventing the noise from reaching outside for no reinforcements to have come up to this point. Angel must have have done something.'' ''But how would he escape with Mirveil? with the chaos he caused it would be difficult.'' Ethan shoved the thought away. "No. Not now." He could think of Angel''s thought process later now there was only one thing to do. He opened the Aethermark Interface, blood dripping from his fingertips. With a thought, he activated the Sanctum of Beasts¡ªits cooldown finally over. "Let''s turn the tide." **** As Guardian Angel walked toward Ethan, his monstrous hand twitching with anticipation, a flicker of unease washed over him. Something was wrong. The world felt Too quiet and still. Without warning, he surged forward. But it was too late. Ethan''s voice echoed in the void. "Sanctum of Beasts¡­ activate." The world lost all color. Everything turned to grayscale. Time itself froze¡ªAngel''s charging form suspended mid-step, Mirveil motionless, even the dust in the air locked in place like a painted canvas. A glowing system interface shimmered into existence before Ethan. [SANCTUM OF BEASTS ACTIVATED] Choose number of Entry Passes to use (Max: 5) Ethan didn''t hesitate. "Five." The interface vanished. Suddenly, a suction force wrapped around him, pulling his body upward with tremendous speed. The battlefield remained frozen in time as Ethan vanished from the scene. --- Ethan''s consciousness snapped back. He stumbled forward, vision still swirling, knees buckling slightly. He found himself standing in a dusty old parlor¡ªthe inside of a crumbling, abandoned house. Cobwebs clung to the ceiling corners, old cracked floorboards groaned beneath his feet, and the furniture¡ªwhat little remained¡ªwas overturned or broken. A dusty fireplace sat cold and unlit, its mantle cracked. The air was musty, filled with the scent of age and something¡­ foul. Ethan looked around, eyes wide. "What happened to the altar¡­? This isn''t the usual sanctum¡­" Something was off. Deeply off. He could feel it¡ªan unnatural presence in the air. The sanctum always carried the scent of beasts, the thrill of primal combat. But this¡­ this place felt hollow. Still reeling from the dimensional shift, Ethan staggered to the window. It was night, outside. A dense, fog-covered forest surrounded the house¡ªshadows stretched long and black between dead trees. The moon above was blood-red, casting a sickly glow over the landscape. And then¡ªmovement. A figure walking slowly just outside. Ethan was startled by this. "Wait¡­ someone?" He rushed out of the broken house,.trying to see who it was after all he was supposed to be the only person with access to the sanctum. But the moment he got close, a stench slammed into him like a wall¡ªrotting flesh, bile, and decay. He gagged and covered his face instantly. As the figure turned. It had sunken and rotting eyes. It''s flesh was torn and it''s mouth agape with dripping gore. "It''s a zombie¡­?!" Ethan''s hands sparked with effort¡ªtrying to call upon Force Might. But there was Nothing. "I¡­ I can''t use my abilities!?" Panic surged but Ethan calmed his mind as he was about to defend himself. The zombie lunged at Ethan shrieking. Before it could reach Ethan, something blindingly fast charged from the trees. CRACK! A silver horn speared through the zombie''s skull, lifting it clean off the ground. It was flung away like trash, landing with a thud in the leaves. Ethan looked up. His eyes widened in joy. "Gray!!" The massive gray wolf, sleek and battle-worn, padded up to him. Its golden eyes shone with loyalty and recognition. Gray licked Ethan''s face as he laughed and patted the wolf''s head. "It''s really good to see you, buddy¡­" Suddenly, a system notification flickered into his vision. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. **** The cold night air still clung to Ethan''s skin as Gray stood at his side, fur bristling slightly with unease. Then, like a ripple through reality, a shimmering interface materialized in front of Ethan''s eyes. --- [WELCOME BACK TO ZONE TWO OF THE SANCTUM: ZOMBILAND] --- Ethan blinked. "Zombiland? What a¡­ peculiar name." The interface flickered again, unveiling more information: --- [ZONE DESCRIPTION] Zone Two: Zombiland A forsaken city overrun by the undead¡ªzombies of various forms, strengths, and intelligence roam its crumbling streets. From feral crawlers to cursed colossi, no corner of this zone is safe. Survive. Adapt. Overcome. [ZONE OBJECTIVE] To gain 1 Ability Point: Defeat the Five Primes of Zombiland, located in five distinct regions. Primes Defeated: [0/5] --- Another panel slid into view. --- [IMPORTANT NOTICE] The Store and Rebirth Altar are housed in the central forest cabin (Current location). Your companion (Gray) has been summoned to assist. Warning: All abilities have been revoked for the duration of your stay in Zombiland. The Sanctum must attune your essence with the Rebirth Altar. As only one body may retain your unique ability, and the altar cannot replicate an ability-bound body, the system has revoked your powers to reduce the metaphysical strain. You must survive with skill, instinct, and your beast alone. --- Ethan stared at the notification in silence, everything suddenly making sense. "So that''s why I can''t use my abilities¡­" he muttered, eyes narrowing. "In order to use the altar, my abilities had to be revoked¡­ Makes things a lot harder¡­" He exhaled. "But I didn''t have any powers the last time I was here either. And I survived. Hell¡­ I did more than that." A fire lit in his chest. Determination and Grit. Turning back toward the abandoned house, Ethan and Gray made their way inside. The musty parlor welcomed him again, but now something had changed. His eyes widened. The once-empty ruin now held structures that hadn''t been there before. A glowing, rune-etched stone altar now sat at the back wall, pulsing faintly. A shimmering holographic storefront floated in the air beside it¡ªits shelves filled with weapons, armor, and consumables he''d never seen before. "All of this¡­ wasn''t here last time¡­" The Sanctum of Beasts had evolved. And so had the challenges. --- Ethan stood in front of the floating store interface, eyes narrowing at the outrageous prices that blinked across the spectral shelves. Weapons, armor, tools¡ªall far beyond reach. The cheapest blade: 200,000 points. A reinforced utility kit: 500,000. And the top-tier equipment? They skyrocketed past a million. Even basic food¡ªthough modestly priced¡ªlooked meager and sparse. His eyes shifted down to the ring on his finger, the same storage ring he''d received back in Zone One thanks to the newbie discount. "It''s a good thing I still have this¡­" he muttered, tapping the silver band. Curious, he flicked his interface open and checked his point balance. [Balance: 0 Sanctum Points] A sigh escaped his lips. "Figures. My points from the previous zone didn''t carry over¡­ Not that they could''ve bought anything here, but still¡ªwould''ve been nice not to feel completely ripped off." He stepped away from the store and turned his gaze to Gray, who stood alert nearby, tail swaying gently. Ethan pulled up Gray''s stats: --- [Companion Information] Name: Gray Species: Stormborn Lupir Age: 1 Year Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 3rd out of 6 [Evolution Pathway Available] > Evolution Requirement: 0 / 100,000,000 Points (Points must be manually allocated to evolution.) Unique Traits may manifest upon evolution. > Bond Strength directly affects Growth Potential. --- [Traits] Predator''s Dominion ¨C Locks enemies in place with sheer presence. Windrazor Fang ¨C Launches wind blades with every bite. Stormpiercer Horn ¨C Channels lightning through the horn to fire devastating arcs. --- Ethan couldn''t help but smile. "Gray¡­ it seems all our efforts in the last zone weren''t wasted after all." Though Gray had been a Prime in Zone One, here in this more advanced zone, being third in the food chain was an impressive start. It meant Ethan wasn''t walking into Zombiland at the bottom. He reached out and patted Gray''s sturdy flank, the warm fur bristling with static energy beneath his hand. The bond between them pulsed in quiet understanding. Ethan stepped up and swung himself onto Gray''s back, settling in. "Alright, buddy¡ªjust like old times," he said with a grin. "Why don''t we gather some points¡­ before dinner?" With a powerful lurch, Gray sprinted forward into the moonlit forest, his lightning-charged paws kicking up sparks as they disappeared into the undead night. ... ... ... A/N I will release 3 extra chapters if I get 200 power stones or 100 Golden tickets. ... ... ... ... Chapter 62 - 62: Ch 61.Surrounded Zombiland was a world unlike anything Ethan had faced before. Where Zone One: The Riftborn Expanse had been a chaotic stretch of warped flatlands¡ª with darkened skies, and unnatural terrain¡ªZombiland was something far more haunting: It was a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Abandoned houses and decaying buildings stood in twisted silence, half-swallowed by the forest that had reclaimed them. Vines crept up over rusted cars and shattered windows, while nature and urban ruin mingled in eerie harmony. The world was perpetually bathed in darkness, lit only by the blood-red moon nailed to the sky¡ªunmoving and eternal. The air carried the stench of rot and stagnant fear. Zombies, grotesque in form, wandered the forest-streets in droves. They weren''t mindless¡ªat least not all of them. Zombies here were ranked from Rank 6 (the weakest) to Rank 1, with intelligence, strength, and mobility increasing with each tier. Above them were the Primes, elite variants ruling over different city regions, each with their own horde. But Ethan and Gray had adapted fast. The duo spent days hunting, their teamwork razor-sharp. Gray''s Stormpiercer Horn would blast through clustered zombies with arcs of lightning, while Ethan¡ªunable to use Force Might or Void¡ªreturned to his roots. His old sidearm, Predator''s Fang, had been reliable but now felt outclassed. So when his point count hit the mark, he upgraded¡ªpurchasing a twin-pistol set. Twin Devourers: Grimhollow & Revenant S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Short-barreled, shotgun-powered handguns with brutal stopping power. They could blow through a zombie''s skull at point-blank and still punch through another behind it. Every shot was thunder. Boom! "One down." Crack! "Two." Zombies fell like dominoes. And now¡ªafter countless battles and well-placed headshots¡ªEthan and Gray returned to the forest cabin, their safe haven, the only sanctuary within this hell. Ethan''s interface blinked open. [Sanctum Points: 150,000,000] He turned to Gray, who stood tall, muscles taut and fur sparking with residual energy. Their bond had grown tighter through every hunt. Ethan grinned. "Looks like it''s time for you to evolve, buddy." Gray gave a low, satisfied yelp, tail wagging, eyes burning with anticipation. Ethan didn''t hesitate. He navigated the interface and allocated 100,000,000 points into Gray''s Evolution Pathway. [Confirm Evolution of Companion: Gray?] Warning: Evolution is irreversible. Proceed? [Confirm] The air grew still. A radiant pillar of light erupted around Gray, engulfing the Stormborn Lupir in glowing arcs of wind and lightning. The cabin''s protective barrier shimmered faintly, its power keeping intruders out. Even if they were attacked, Ethan wasn''t worried¡ªdeath wasn''t the end, not for him. And Gray was safe here. Ethan stepped back, shielding his eyes from the brilliance. "Let''s see what you become¡­" As the evolution began, the sanctum itself seemed to hold its breath. As the blinding light of evolution began to recede, the cabin slowly returned to a dim calm. Ethan squinted into the fading glow, watching as Gray''s new form was revealed. And what a transformation it was. The once massive, two-meter wolf had shrunk down to the size of a normal wolf, but paradoxically, his presence had grown heavier¡ªit was more imposing. His fur had turned a pure, radiant white, shimmering faintly with golden markings that pulsed like etched runes. His eyes remained golden, but they now carried a wisdom and awareness that hadn''t been there before. His single Stormpiercer Horn had transformed into a sleeker, more regal structure, crackling with quiet arcs of lightning, its design almost ceremonial¡ªless wild, more divine. Gray stood tall, elegant, and noble. Ethan stared, stunned. "Damn¡­ you don''t even look like a beast anymore. You look like royalty," he muttered. "I really should''ve picked a better name for you¡­" He scratched the back of his head, half-laughing, half-regretful. Now that Gray was no longer, well, gray, the name felt hilariously unfitting. "Too late now," Ethan sighed with a smile. "Maybe your new improvements will make me feel better too." He pulled up the interface. --- [Companion Information] Name: Gray Species: Aetherborne Lupirion Age: 1 Year Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: 2nd out of 6 [Evolution Pathway Available] > Next Requirement: 0 / 400,000,000 Points (Points must be manually allocated to evolution.) Unique Traits may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength directly affects Growth Potential. --- [Traits] Predator''s Dominion ¨C Locks enemies in place with sheer presence. Windrazor Fang ¨C Launches wind blades with every bite. Stormpiercer Horn ¨C Channels lightning through the horn to fire devastating arcs. Lightning Step ¨C Allows Gray to teleport short distances using arcs of lightning, disorienting enemies and repositioning instantly. --- Ethan''s eyes widened in satisfaction. "Gray¡­ you''re now a total unit," he said with a grin. "Lightning Step? We''re gonna be nightmares on the battlefield." He gently patted Gray''s side, who let out a soft huff, sparks crackling faintly across his fur. With Gray''s power skyrocketing and his presence growing more refined, Ethan knew they could now take on tougher enemies. "Let''s go after those Rank 3s tomorrow. We''ve been playing it safe long enough." Truthfully, Ethan hadn''t even touched the Altar of Rebirth yet. He hadn''t needed to¡ªGray had handled every threat while Ethan supported, adapted, and evolved his tactics. After all, just because you can die and come back doesn''t mean you should. "No need to make life harder than it has to be," he mumbled as he stretched, exhaustion settling into his bones. He gave one last look at Gray¡ªnow curled in the corner, regal yet calm¡ªand made his way to his sleeping mat. Tomorrow, the real hunt would begin. **** Zombies swarmed from the shadows like a rising tide, encircling Ethan and Gray as the cold wind carried the scent of rot and copper. Their snarls and dragging feet filled the ruined air of Zombiland''s forested ruins. Some were sluggish and mindless, while others twitched with unnatural speed. The moment felt like something had crawled straight out of a nightmare¡ªand Ethan was in the center of it. Some zombies resembled the classic shamblers, their flesh hanging in strips, eyes glazed over, teeth gnashing mindlessly. Others looked more twisted, their designs echoing horrors from different apocalyptic realms: One was bulky and bloated it resembled a Boomer, with its distended belly sloshing with acidic bile that leaked from its mouth in hissing dribbles. Another was unnervingly fast, crawling on all fours with elongated limbs and twitchy, erratic movements like a Hunter, muscles taut like coiled springs. But at the center of them all¡ªleading the horde with an aura that screamed dominance¡ªwas a Prime. It was massive, easily three meters tall, its body layered in calcified muscle and sinew. Its skull was fused with a warped iron mask, with glowing red eyes burning beneath. Chains hung from its back like torn banners, and from its hand dragged a rusted slab of metal shaped like a cleaver, large enough to bisect a car. Its chest cavity was open, a swirling red mist pulsing within as if something alive stirred inside. Ethan narrowed his eyes as he took in the sight, his fingers tightening around his pistols. "I just had to jinx myself¡­" he muttered, lips pulling into a wry smile. Gray growled low beside him, lightning cracking faintly around his horn. It wasn''t just a random encounter anymore¡ª This was a siege. And the Prime had come to collect. **** After Gray''s evolution, Ethan had been filled with renewed confidence. With Gray now faster, stronger, and even capable of lightning-teleportation, it felt like the perfect time to aim higher. Rank 3 zombies, while tougher, promised greater rewards¡ªand Ethan was hungry for points. So, they hunted. The forest of ruin and shadow echoed with the sound of thunder and gunfire. Gray zipped from one zombie to another, a bolt of white and gold fury, ripping through undead like paper. Ethan moved with precision behind him, dual pistols¡ª"Howlers"¡ªbooming with every shot, each one a skull-cracking blast of force. They were an unstoppable pair. But something was wrong. No matter how many rank 3s they killed, more kept coming. Too many with none of them attacking as desperately as they used to. Because Ethan and Gray were being herded¡ªnot by instinct, but by design. But Ethan noticed it too late. The next thing he knew, they''d broken through a derelict shopping district, its crumbling stores and wrecked streets leading into a sunken valley thick with fog¡ªand there, the scent of decay grew so strong it was suffocating. That''s when the Prime appeared. And now they stood surrounded. Zombies ringed them in complete silence. Some were hunched and drooling, others grotesque and mutated, bearing the marks of dark alchemy and time. But not a single one moved. Their rotting eyes were all fixed on Ethan. Because their master was watching him. The Prime towered at the center of the circle like a war god carved from plague. Bones grew from its back like a broken crown, and chains clinked across the pavement as it took a step forward, each movement calm and controlled. This was no mindless beast. It was intelligent. And worse¡ªit was curious. Ethan''s breath hitched as he realized it. "I''ve been played¡­" he thought grimly. " And the moment he accepted that truth, he started thinking. He wouldn''t escape¡ªno, that wasn''t the point. He would test this Prime, learn from it. If he died, he''d be reborn¡ªbut he didn''t want to die in vain. He wanted to die with insight. Then a cold, guttural voice sliced through his thoughts like a blade. "You have the same scent as us." Ethan''s heart skipped. The voice didn''t come from the air, or from inside his head¡ªit came from the Prime. It had spoken. And for a moment, even Ethan was stunned. A/N: I plan to be releasing two chapters daily but the word count will be reduced also I hope you guys can continue supporting me it keeps me motivated. Chapter 63 - 63: Ch 62. Biting more than you can chew Ethan''s eyes widened, disbelief etched across his face. This was the first time he had ever heard a creature from the Sanctum speak. Not growl, not shriek, not emit guttural noises¡ªspeak actual words. Even Gray, despite their deep bond, had never formed words. Their connection was strong, yes, but limited to shared instinct and emotion. They could feel each other''s intent, but never thoughts. Never language. And yet, this Prime had just spoken. In full, intelligible sentences. "Did you just speak?" Ethan asked before he could stop himself, momentarily forgetting the horde of zombies that surrounded him on all sides. The Prime didn''t answer his question. Instead, it stared at him, those decayed yet intelligent eyes scanning his body like a machine running diagnostics. "You have our scent," the Prime rasped. "But you are not one of us." The voice sent chills crawling down Ethan''s spine¡ªnot because it was threatening, but because it sounded too human, too aware. Like the monster in front of him was something more¡­ or something that remembered being human. Ethan was still stunned by the very fact that it could form coherent thought, but the Prime gave no room for contemplation. "I will understand better when I turn you into one of us." That''s when all the zombies charged at once. The silence shattered like glass. The horde surged forward in unison, rotting limbs clawing and snarling with ravenous hunger. Ethan''s expression changed in an instant¡ªcalm turning into cold determination. "Gray¡ªnow!" Lightning exploded in a shower of sparks around Gray as his body vanished with a crack of thunder. Using his newly gained trait¡ªLightning Step¡ªhe warped through space, reappearing in a blink right in front of the Prime. The Prime didn''t even flinch. Gray''s body surged with energy as Ethan, still riding on his back, shouted: "Hit him with everything!" Windrazor Fang activated¡ªrazor-sharp blades of air spun outward, shredding the very ground beneath them¡ªfollowed by Stormpiercer Horn, which called down a furious bolt of lightning from above. Both attacks landed simultaneously, erupting into a massive explosion. BOOM! The shockwave blasted back the first wave of zombies, and a dense cloud of smoke blanketed the battlefield. Even the ruined buildings nearby shook under the impact. But the zombies¡­ did not move. They didn''t flinch. They stood absolutely still. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Every rotting eye was locked on the direction of the Prime, their stillness unnerving. As if they already knew the outcome. Ethan narrowed his eyes, heart pounding. "I knew it wasn''t going to be easy¡­" The smoke slowly began to clear. And there it was¡ªthe Prime, standing tall, completely unharmed. Its long, jagged cleaver was raised high above its head, crackling slightly from the residual lightning. Not a single scratch marked its body. > "But not even a scratch¡­?" Ethan muttered. "That''s disheartening." The cleaver came crashing down like judgment itself. There was no time to dodge. No room to escape. As soon as the cleaver landed the world went black. In the next instant¡ª Ethan gasped as he found himself back at the cabin, lying at the base of the Altar of Rebirth, Gray beside him, panting lightly but alive. He sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his head, wincing slightly. "I almost forgot what that felt like¡­" **** Ethan sat at the base of the Altar of Rebirth, a cold shiver running down his spine as the sensations of death slowly faded. His body had been restored, his wounds gone¡ªbut the memory lingered like a phantom. "Damn¡­ I really forgot what it felt like to die," he muttered, exhaling sharply. "Thanks for the reminder, freak." He clenched his fists, the image of the Prime''s raised cleaver burned into his mind. The power, the sentience, the chilling intelligence¡ªit had all been too real. And far too dangerous. "I really hate zombies," Ethan said bitterly. Around him, the cabin was peaceful. The flickering barrier shimmered faintly at the edge of the clearing¡ªan invisible dome of safety. No monster, not even a Prime, could step inside. Here, he was untouchable. For now. He turned to Gray, who lay nearby, ears perked and eyes sharp despite the fatigue. "We have to be more careful this time," Ethan said, rubbing Gray''s head gently. "I don''t want any Primes figuring out they can''t kill us." It wasn''t just a precaution. It was a real threat. If the Primes were truly sentient¡ª Capable of thinking, planning and learning¡ªthen it was only a matter of time before they realized he kept coming back. And if they couldn''t kill him? They''d try to capture him. Experiment on him. And Find out why he couldn''t die. Ethan couldn''t allow that. "This just proves it. We need to be smarter. Stay out of their eyes. Strike fast. Leave no trace." Suddenly, a sharp ding echoed in his mind, followed by a glowing system prompt flashing before his eyes. --- [System Notification] > Warning: Detected user''s corpse is on the verge of reanimation. Initiating remote disruption protocol¡­ --- Ethan''s eyes widened. "What the hell!?" Back in the region of the Prime, surrounded by corpses and shadows, the undead ruler stood over Ethan''s lifeless former body. Foul energy crackled around its gnarled fingers as it tried again¡ªand again¡ªto raise Ethan''s corpse. But nothing worked. The Prime''s eyes narrowed in frustration, its voice low and filled with confusion. "How is this possible¡­? Why isn''t he responding to my powers?" Dark necrotic energy surged once more, the kind that could raise hundreds of zombies in seconds. A normal human would''ve risen long ago¡ªtwitching, groaning, under the Prime''s full control. But Ethan''s corpse remained Still, Empty and Untouchable. The Prime stepped back, breathing heavily from the exertion. It had spent a vast amount of its power trying to animate one man¡ªand failed. "Is this the reason?" the Prime whispered. "The reason I sensed death so strongly from him? Is he¡­ tethered to it?" Its undead mind churned with ambition. "No matter. There must be a threshold. A limit I can reach. And once I surpass it¡­ once I make him mine¡­" Its eyes burned brighter with greed. "I''ll learn his secrets. And when I do¡­ I''ll become the sole ruler of the undead." The wind howled through the hollow buildings as the Prime turned, ordering the horde to move. The reanimated dead marched on, leaving Ethan''s corpse behind¡ªstill untouched, still unmoved, and now protected by the system''s disruption protocol. Back at the cabin, Ethan stood up and clenched his jaw. "I need to end that bastard before he does something stupid." Chapter 64 - 64: Ch 63. Payback Ethan stared blankly at the glowing message in front of him, tension crawling down his spine like ice water. > [System Notification] Warning: User''s corpse is approaching critical reanimation threshold¡­ His jaw clenched. "If that Prime reanimates my body, everything''s going to spiral. Fast." He paced across the cabin, mind racing. The thought alone chilled him¡ªhis body, moving around with undead instincts, possibly remembering fragments of his own life. Would it still think like him? Would it know about Gray? About the altar? He didn''t want to take the risk and find out it was better to find a solution. "Damn it¡­ I don''t even know what a reanimated me could do. But I don''t want to take that risk." He looked at the barrier shielding the cabin, knowing the safety was temporary. His mind screamed for a solution. "Why does the Sanctum even leave my corpse behind?! This wouldn''t be happening if I just poofed entirely after dying!" As if on cue, the system responded with another ding. --- [System Notification] > Reanimation threshold critical. Detected: Corpse nearing necrotic activation. --- Ethan''s eyes flared in panic as he cut the system off. "Fuck, I already know that!" But the system continued in its cold, neutral tone. >User now has three options available for corpse management in the event of reanimation. Ethan froze mid-step. "¡­What?" he said slowly. "I have options?" His voice rose an octave in disbelief. "Why didn''t you start with that?!" The system said nothing. Just that same ominous silence. Ethan scowled and muttered under his breath. "Helpful as always¡­" Gray tilted his head from the side of the room, ears twitching as he watched his master speak to thin air again. To the wolf, it looked worse than usual this time. There was no one around. No battle. Just Ethan pacing and talking to nothing like a man turning mad. Is he okay¡­? Gray thought with concern. Ethan, oblivious to Gray''s stare, focused back on the glowing interface as the system finally displayed the three mysterious options. He read through them in silence, one eyebrow raising. Then both. His expression shifted¡ªfirst disbelief, then intrigue. And then¡­ a grin crept across his face. "Heh¡­ This''ll work just fine," he said, eyes locked on a particular choice. "Let''s see how you like this, you smug corpse-hugging bastard." And with a single motion, Ethan selected the option. **** Dark clouds loomed overhead as the Prime knelt beside the cold, lifeless corpse of Ethan, dark energy seeping from its hands like tendrils of corrupted mist. A ring of silent zombies watched with glassy, motionless eyes. The Prime''s focus never wavered. "I am almost there¡­ I can feel it¡­ the link is establishing," it muttered, more to itself than to its silent horde. A shudder ran through Ethan''s corpse. Then another. Muscles twitched. Fingers spasmed. The Prime''s cleaver dug into the ground as it stood straighter, voice sharp and commanding. "You shall obey your master," it declared. "As I say to you¡­ Arise!" A deep tremor pulsed through the earth as Ethan''s corpse began to jerk violently, limbs snapping in stiff, unnatural angles. Flesh began to crack. His skin decayed with terrifying speed, paling and tearing as patches sloughed away. Strands of hair drifted into the air like ash from a dying flame. Then, silence. The corpse floated¡ªunnaturally¡ªupward, feet never bending, body stiff as it was lifted to stand. It hung midair for a moment, then lowered gently to the ground, standing tall. Its head tilted forward, and slowly, its eyelids peeled open, revealing dim, glassy eyes¡­ locked directly on the Prime. The Prime''s lips curled into a satisfied grin. "Perfect. It worked," it said with smug satisfaction. "Not that I doubted I would fail." It took a step forward, savoring its success. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Kneel." The corpse obeyed, falling to one knee without resistance. The Prime''s grin widened in ecstasy. Power hummed through its rotting veins. It felt in control. This was more than a success¡ªthis was a prize. "Now¡­ tell me," the Prime said, eyes gleaming. "Where are you from, and why do you carry the scent of death?" The zombie remained silent for a moment, unmoving. The Prime''s brow twitched with irritation as its tone darkened. "Speak." The reanimated Ethan opened his mouth. His voice was hoarse, like gravel grinding beneath rusted steel. "I¡­ came¡­ from another world¡­" The Prime''s smile faded into a look of surprise. "Another world¡­?" it echoed, intrigued. "What world?" "A new world¡­" the zombie rasped, voice lifeless. For a moment, the Prime was captivated. But it quickly shoved the thought aside. Curiosity could come later. "Why did you come here?" it asked. The zombie''s brow twitched faintly. It looked like it was thinking. "I¡­ can''t remember." The Prime''s eyes narrowed with suspicion. That shouldn''t be possible¡­ the reanimation preserves memory unless tampered with¡­ it thought, cold realization creeping in. Did he seal his memories while alive? Was he¡­ that cautious? A flicker of regret passed over the Prime''s face. "I should have captured him alive. But¡­ it''s too late to regret now." It exhaled through gritted teeth and continued, voice low. "So you have no idea why you came?" The zombie stared forward. Then slowly, it nodded. "Only¡­ a place. I don''t know what''s there¡­ but I remember the road." The Prime''s interest reignited. "A place?" Hope returned. Perhaps it wasn''t a waste after all. Perhaps something valuable remained. "Then lead the way." The Prime''s tone turned colder, almost out of habit. "But if it''s something useless¡­ I''ll make sure you suffer eternally." It knew it didn''t have to threaten¡ªits control over the corpse was absolute. Or so it believed. But the habits from its living days still lingered, especially when frustrated. Zombie Ethan rose to his feet and began walking. The Prime followed, signaling a handful of elite zombies to stay and guard its territory. It didn''t want to be gone long¡ªits domain was valuable, and the other Primes were vultures, always circling. And so they moved, the undead Ethan leading the way¡­ down a path etched in memory. **** The barren stretch of land was silent as the wind whispered across dead grass and cracked earth. The zombie Ethan stood still, vacant-eyed, as the Prime surveyed the empty field. His rotting lips curled in frustration, the decaying tendons in his neck twitching as his voice rumbled out, sharp and cold. "There is nothing here," the Prime hissed, aura beginning to ripple with barely restrained fury. "You made me leave my territory for a patch of dirt?" The ground beneath him trembled as his presence distorted the air, the surrounding undead backing away instinctively. His cleaver scraped against the ground as his grip tightened. "Do you take me for a fool?" The zombie Ethan''s head tilted, and with a strange twitch of his cracked mouth, he replied in a dry, rasping tone: "Yes. I do." The Prime''s eyes widened in disbelief¡ªhe hadn''t commanded that reply. But before he could react, the zombie Ethan''s form shimmered with flickering distortion and vanished like static through thin air, leaving behind only a fading trail of black mist. The Prime stood frozen for a heartbeat, realization crashing into him like a hammer. "I was¡­ deceived?" His aura erupted in a violent storm, flaring with crimson fury. With an enraged roar, the Prime swung his cleaver, cleaving through the earth and shattering boulders. Black energy rippled outward as he tore into the land, screaming in maddened rage, his plans crumbling before his eyes. Meanwhile, back in the safety of the cabin protected by the sanctum''s barrier, the real Ethan stood facing the now-docile zombie version of himself, who had just reappeared. Ethan blinked at the sight, then broke into a stunned laugh. "I can''t believe that actually worked." Gray stood nearby, head tilted in confusion as Ethan shook his head and said, "Guess I still have some tricks left after all." Outside, the Prime continued his rampage¡ªobliterating everything in sight. Chapter 65 - 65: Ch 64. Full Proof The barrier surrounding the cabin was unlike any ordinary wall or dome¡ªit wasn''t made of visible energy or reinforced stone. It was space twisted by the will of the Sanctum itself, woven into the fabric of reality like an invisible curtain. It didn''t repel intruders with force or sound alarms when crossed. Instead, it operated on something deeper¡ªrecognition. If one was not linked to the Sanctum, they wouldn''t even know the barrier existed. It was not a wall to the eyes, nor a pressure to the skin. The world simply continued¡ªuntil you tried to step where you weren''t meant to go. Those without a connection would find themselves unknowingly walking through an empty space, unable to ever reach the cabin no matter how close it appeared. But those attuned¡ªlike Ethan, Gray, and even the zombified version of Ethan¡ªcould pass through without resistance. That was exactly why the Prime never noticed when the undead Ethan slipped back into the Sanctum''s protected grounds. As far as it knew, the reanimated corpse was still under its control, and there was no "barrier" to stop it. And despite the Prime''s rampage outside, not even a fraction of his fury could pass through the veil. Inside, Ethan and Gray were entirely untouchable. Ethan, seated near the altar of rebirth, smirked and said aloud, "I didn''t expect the plan to work so perfectly." He leaned back slightly, his eyes flickering with memory as he recalled the system''s three options after the corpse was nearly reanimated: Option One: Self-destruct the corpse. Option Two: Allow the corpse to be fully reanimated. Option Three: Hijack the reanimation process and take full control of the corpse. Ethan had dismissed the second immediately. There was no way he would let that Prime puppet him like a tool. The first option¡ªexploding the corpse¡ªwas appealing, but it would''ve raised red flags. If the Prime later saw Ethan alive, it would undoubtedly grow suspicious, possibly capturing him alive to uncover the truth. So, Ethan had chosen the third¡ªhijack the corpse. It was clever. It let the Prime believe it had succeeded in reviving him while masking the truth. From the Prime''s perspective, Ethan had somehow resisted its control after being turned¡ªa rare but possible fluke. It never even considered that Ethan had orchestrated everything from the start. But the control wasn''t just about avoiding suspicion. Ethan had more plans for his undead counterpart. His smirk widened as he muttered under his breath, eyes glinting with mischief and vengeance. "I''m going to make that Prime''s life a living hell." **** The Prime''s rampage had turned into a chaotic storm of destruction. Its aura lashed out wildly, ripping through the land like a tempest of wrath. The very ground cracked beneath its fury, trees snapped like twigs, and the once-marching horde of undead that had accompanied it were now nothing more than collateral damage¡ªtorn apart, flung into the air, and reduced to broken corpses. "I command you!" the Prime bellowed, its voice echoing like thunder across the ruined field. "Where are you?! You dare humiliate me?! Show yourself, coward!" But no answer came. Only silence. Snarling, the Prime raised its hand to continue its rampage again when suddenly¡ªa ripple formed in the air. A shimmer of warped space, and then from it, zombie Ethan stepped out, as if he had just materialized from thin air. The Prime, unaware of the Sanctum''s hidden barrier, didn''t realize Ethan had simply crossed from safety back into the danger zone. The Prime froze mid-strike, its fury simmering as it laid eyes on the smug figure. "You dare¡­ show your face in front of me?" it growled, venom in every word. Zombie Ethan tilted his head, amusement glinting in his hollow eyes. "Are you dumb or something? I thought you wanted to see me. And now that I''m here, you''re asking how I dare appear? Are you some kind of¡ª" Before he could finish, a brutal strike from the Prime cleaved through the air, reducing the zombie to a burst of gore and torn flesh. The remains slapped wetly against the ground as the Prime lowered its hand with a chilling calm. "How dare you talk to me like that." But the silence didn''t last. As another ripple shimmered just a few meters away, and yet again, zombie Ethan stepped out, completely intact. "Next time," he said casually, brushing off nonexistent dust, "let someone finish talking." "..." The Prime stared in stunned silence. "What happened?" Ethan mocked. "Cat got your tongue?" A vein bulged across the Prime''s neck. In one sharp motion, a twisting force of energy coiled around zombie Ethan, yanking him off the ground and pulling him directly in front of the Prime''s face. The Prime''s massive eye gleamed as it scanned the body. It was searching¡ªdigging into the corpse''s essence. But before it could complete its inspection, BOOM! Another explosion. Flesh and gore detonated outward, splattering the Prime and taking out even more of the remaining zombies nearby. A crater formed at the point of detonation, but the Prime stood unfazed, its body smoking slightly¡ªbut otherwise unharmed. A third ripple formed. And once again, zombie Ethan emerged, stepping out with a wide grin. "Damn. Still didn''t affect you? I thought that one would do the trick." The Prime didn''t raise a hand this time. It just stared. And finally, it asked in a low, simmering tone, "¡­What are you?" Zombie Ethan''s grin deepened, his hollow eyes glowing faintly with wicked glee. "I," he said, stepping forward slowly, "am your worst nightmare." Inside the cabin, Ethan was laughing hysterically, his body trembling from the sheer satisfaction of how flawlessly everything was going according to plan. The walls of the sanctum-protected cabin echoed with his laughter, a wild, triumphant sound that only those who had danced with death could ever make. Scattered around him were the results of his twisted genius¡ªseveral versions of his own corpse, half-rotted and imbued with a sickly aura of undeath. They were grotesque, pale, and cold¡ªbut to Ethan, they were beautiful. Tools of vengeance and Weapons of mockery. When he had first dragged the initial zombified version of himself into the cabin, a bold idea had struck him like lightning. "What if I turned myself into a zombie willingly?" The thought was insane, reckless, and dangerous¡ªso naturally, he embraced it. He let zombie Ethan bite him, letting the infection take hold. As his body withered and he died, the system had presented him with three options: 1. Allow the transformation and grant the zombie version of himself full autonomy. 2. Trigger an explosion that would destroy the zombie body completely. 3. Deny the transformation and revert the corpse to a neutral state. He chose the first, activating the transformation¡ªand a spark of brilliance followed. If one zombie Ethan could fool the Prime, what about multiple? From that moment, the plan formed: create expendable zombie duplicates¡ªhis own corpses reanimated under his control, each one with a purpose. With each death and respawn, Ethan would make sure to select the second option ensuring that if the Prime ever got too close or tried to capture one¡ªBOOM. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was perfect. Now, outside the cabin, the latest zombie Ethan stood before the Prime, skin hanging loosely from his bones, eyes burning with an unnatural intelligence. The Prime, towering and seething, was silent, fury radiating from its very core. Zombie Ethan crossed his arms, his grin never fading. "So¡­" he said with a taunting tilt of the head, "Now what are you going to do?" Chapter 66 - 66: Ch 65. Game changer As the words left zombie Ethan''s decaying lips, "Now what are you going to do?" the Prime''s aura exploded outward in a furious, uncontrolled burst. With a deafening roar of rage, the Prime unleashed a shockwave of power that tore through the land like a divine tempest. The very earth cracked and burned beneath its fury. All the zombies that had accompanied it¡ªincluding zombie Ethan¡ªwere obliterated, reduced to ash and scattered entrails in a single, violent instant. The Prime stood alone, panting with wrath, the air around it warped by its barely contained energy. And yet¡­ no new zombie Ethan appeared. Silence. No ripple in space. No smirk from beyond the grave. No mocking tone. The Prime narrowed its glowing eyes. "You can stall as long as you want¡­" it growled, voice reverberating through the shattered plain, "But no matter how long you take, I will wait here. I will end you myself." And so, it waited. An hour passed. Then two. Then three. Five hours later, the Prime descided to leave the cursed spot no longer waiting for a trickster who would not come. And within the sanctum-shrouded cabin, Ethan was grinning like a fox that had just outwitted a lion. His hands were behind his head, relaxed, as he chuckled to himself. "It took him five hours," he muttered with amusement. "And here I was doubting if it would work. A Prime abandoning its territory for a single unknown like me? Pfft. Suicidal." He snorted. "I couldn''t see through his bluff at first, but in the end¡­ he couldn''t take the risk. That''s all that matters." But just as Ethan spoke those words, he felt a presence outside. He glanced at the cabin''s edge, eyes narrowing. Dozens of undead had gathered at the exact location where the Prime had previously stood. Their eyes were hollow, but their bodies bristled with raw aggression. The weakest among them were Rank 3 zombies, with several Rank 2s, and even a few Rank 1 monsters lurking among their ranks. The Prime, even as it had left, wasn''t done. It had given a standing order¡ªone that Ethan quickly deduced. "These things¡­" Ethan mused, watching them from the safety of the barrier, "They were told to kill me the moment I appear again in that area¡­" "Guess even monsters can be petty." But then, Ethan''s smirk widened into a full-blown grin. "Still," he said with a laugh, "he might''ve just done me a favor." He turned to Gray, his loyal companion, eyes gleaming. Before, if Ethan and Gray wanted to farm points, they had to sneak around looking for low-ranked zombies scattered in the wild. It took hours just to find a decent cluster without attracting something bigger. But now? they''ve got an entire buffet of free points right outside their door. Delivered to them like takeout. "The Prime thinks he''s setting a trap, but all he''s done is save us the trouble of hunting." With a mock salute in the direction of the Prime''s last known location, Ethan laughed again and said: "I''m not sure if that guy''s my worst enemy or my best helper." Then, with excitement burning in his veins, he turned to Gray. "Alright, pal. Let''s go hunting." **** Although Ethan had initially planned to step outside and hunt himself, caution won out over bravado. He knew the Prime could return at any time¡ªsilent, watchful, waiting for a slip-up. If he exposed himself, even for a second, he might not have enough time to self-detonate before the Prime captured him. So instead, he made the smart move: he didn''t go himself. He sent out his zombie proxies¡ªspecifically, zombie Ethan and zombie Gray. Yes, Gray too could be zombified. That had been a revelation Ethan stumbled upon after realizing the original technique worked on himself. It was risky, but zombie Gray still retained his unique traits, and those were more than enough to devastate low-tier undead. Zombie Gray, although just 2nd Rank, was a monster among monsters. He couldn''t take down Rank 1 zombies head-on¡ªthose were elite-level threats¡ªbut Rank 3 zombies dropped like flies under his claws and lightning-charged steps, especially with zombie Ethan''s gun support and constant battlefield repositioning. Ethan could have made more zombie Grays, but he''d learned early that splitting power diluted effectiveness. One Gray was better than many weak ones. So the hunt began. Zombie Gray tore through Rank 3 zombies, darting between enemies with Lightning Step, fangs glowing with electric fury. At times, he would clamp down on a Rank 2, tearing through limbs or crippling their movement. Zombie Ethan, would provide precise fire support¡ªheadshots, knee caps, neck bursts¡ªalways shooting to kill. The battle outside mirrored the old days¡ªlike the First Zone of the Sanctum, except this time Ethan and Gray were comfortably inside, sipping rationed drinks and laughing while their undead clones fought, died, respawned, and died again. It became a cycle of carnage. And that cycle continued for 12 relentless days. By the 4th day, Ethan had gathered enough points to evolve Gray from 2nd Rank to 1st Rank. He did it quietly. He didn''t want the Prime¡ªor its network of undead spies¡ªto realize Gray had grown more dangerous. Luckily, the evolution didn''t drastically alter Gray''s appearance, so it was easy to hide. That day, Gray gained a new trait¡ªone that left Ethan stunned. Trait Gained: Shadow Echo ¨C Allows Gray to split into two versions of himself, each with equal power and abilities for a short duration. It was a game-changer, but Ethan kept the trump card hidden because if the prime knew Ethan could get stronger in such a ridiculously short amount of time, he would try all means to get rid of Ethan he might even ally with the other primes just to achieve that. So for the next eight days, they continued the grind while hiding their strength. And then came the 12th day. Ethan had finally gathered enough points to evolve Gray to the rank of Prime. As the evolution process began inside the cabin, the room was flooded with radiant pulses of energy. When the light faded, Gray stood silently in the center of the room. He looked almost unchanged¡ªstill the same imposing beast, still calm, still calculating¡ªbut Ethan knew better. It wasn''t the body that always changed. It was everything else. After that Ethan opened the Companion Interface. --- S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Companion Information] Name: Gray Species: Voltshadow Age: 1 Year Current Strength: Stable Position in Food Chain: Pseudo Prime [Evolution Pathway Available] > Next Requirement: 0 / 2,000,000,000 Points (Points must be manually allocated to evolution.) Unique Traits may manifest upon evolution. Bond Strength directly affects Growth Potential. --- [Traits] Predator''s Dominion ¨C Locks enemies in place with sheer presence. Windrazor Fang ¨C Launches wind blades with every bite. Stormpiercer Horn ¨C Channels lightning through the horn to fire devastating arcs. Lightning Step ¨C Teleports short distances using arcs of lightning. Shadow Echo ¨C Splits Gray into two with equal strength. Soul Bind: Hunter''s Fusion ¨C Allows Gray and his master to fuse, creating a terrifying hybrid with exponential power amplification and shared traits. --- Ethan stared. His mouth slowly opened as His eyes gleamed. Chapter 67 - 67: Ch 66. Primes Regret Ethan sat in stunned silence. His eyes were fixed on the trait description as it hovered before him in soft, glowing letters. He read it once¡ªtwice¡ªthen a third time just to be sure. Soul Bind: Hunter''s Fusion ¨C Allows Gray and Ethan to fuse, creating a terrifying hybrid with exponential power amplification and shared traits. He muttered to himself, voice low with disbelief, "No¡­ this is¡­ this is not a normal trait." Ethan leaned back slightly, still reading it again and again, as though his mind was trying to reject the possibility. "Isn''t this too much for a new trait?" Most of Gray''s previous traits were built for Gray alone¡ªthey enhanced his body, his attacks, his speed, his presence. Ethan was never factored into them, not directly. But this? This was different. This wasn''t just a tool¡ªit was a bridge between them. He turned his eyes to the window, watching the battlefield outside. Zombie Gray and zombie Ethan were still locked in a brutal, rhythmic hunt. They cut down zombies tirelessly, almost mechanically¡ªbut it yielded no points they had reached the threshold. With a sharp exhale, Ethan raised his hand and triggered the detonation. Outside, the two zombie versions exploded in synchronized blasts, taking down a few surrounding Rank 1 zombies with them in one final, useful act of destruction. "Thanks for your service," Ethan muttered with a smirk. He then made two new proxies¡ªfresh versions of himself and Gray, built with their current strength levels. The goal? Test the fusion. See what happened when the new trait was triggered by the undead. The two zombie versions stood side by side, ready. Ethan issued the fusion command through the interface. But just as the process began, a sharp chime echoed in his mind, followed by a red-tinted system prompt: > [Fusion Failed: Lack of Souls Detected.] Ethan''s eyes narrowed. Then he sighed. "Yeah¡­ that''s fair. They''re undead, after all. So they don''t have souls." He turned to Gray, the real Gray, standing beside him with a low rumble of anticipation in his chest. Ethan gave him a serious nod. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Buddy¡­ looks like our vacation''s over." Gray let out a low, excited yelp, sparks of lightning briefly crackling across his fur. Ethan grinned and rolled his shoulders. "But first, let''s test that fusion for real." What happened next wasn''t to be shown¡ªnot yet. It was a secret for another time, but when the fusion was complete and Ethan returned to his normal form, his breath was shallow and his eyes wide with exhilaration. He looked at Gray, stunned and amazed. "Gray¡­ your new trait is so broken." Gray didn''t bark or growl¡ªhe just stared back, just as shocked. There was something new in his eyes. Something wild. Something powerful. Ethan smiled slowly, a wide grin full of mischief and fire. "Gray.... looks like we''ve got some Primes to slay." Gray gave a low growl of agreement, then nodded. Together, the Prime Beast and his Master stepped out of the cabin¡ªnot as expendable zombies, but as two living monsters ready to shake the Zone. **** At the heart of its dark domain, the Prime stood silently, tendrils of aura writhing through the stagnant air like storm clouds frozen in time. Its throne, formed of jagged bone and pulsing sinew, pulsed faintly with dread as streams of data and vision flowed into its mind¡ªdirect feeds from the countless eyes of the undead it had dispatched to kill Ethan. It watched¡­ and watched¡­ and watched. But what it saw didn''t make sense. The undead it had sent to annihilate the boy were being slaughtered¡ªby the very person they were meant to kill. Again and again. And each time the boy fell, he returned. Not through necromancy. Not through mutation. But through something else entirely¡ªsomething it couldn''t quantify. "These are not just zombies¡­" the Prime whispered, voice like wind dragging across metal. "But if he''s dead¡­ how?" It had assumed Ethan had perished and left behind a cursed fragment that somehow kept replicating his consciousness into undead copies. It had never even considered that the boy could still be alive. Its eyes narrowed. "If not for the threat of the other Primes," it hissed, "I would''ve gone myself and ended this anomaly." Then, just as the thought faded, new feed surged through its mind¡ªfresh data from the zone outside the cabin. The undead watchers had just witnessed the explosion of Zombie Ethan and Zombie Gray. Their charred remains left behind nothing. And so the horde had waited, prepared for the next wave of puppets to appear. But this time¡­ it was different. The Prime leaned forward, tension writhing through its aura. Two figures stepped from the cabin. Alive, whole and breathing. Ethan and Gray. The Prime''s vision blurred for a moment, reprocessing the feed. But it didn''t change. Ethan was alive. His wolf, Gray, now crackled with visible arcs of power. There was no rot or decay present. Just the breath of two living beings. "How¡­?" the Prime muttered, voice colder than the void. "He''s alive? But¡­ he died. I saw it. That¡­ shouldn''t be possible." The thought of Ethan being truly alive had never occurred to it. Not once. The repeated returns made it believe he was a cursed echo, some bizarre phenomenon of the zone which was why it wanted to understand the power. But now, as it watched the real Ethan and Gray calmly survey the battlefield, a familiar unease crept into its core. That posture¡­ The way they stood¡­ They weren''t rushing. They were watching¡ªwith confidence, with dominance. The same way it watched lesser beings before feeding on them. "No¡­" the Prime whispered. "That''s how a Prime watches prey¡­" Before it could process the revelation, the feed erupted in white¡ªGray''s horn crackling with thunder before a lightning storm exploded from his body. The sky roared and the earth trembled. When the light faded, all of its soldiers were dead. All¡­ except one. A single zombie, barely clinging to life, lay on the ground, its feed still transmitting¡ªalbeit at a low, tilted angle. Its scorched flesh twitched, and its vision was fragmented. But it still worked. Then came the sound. Footsteps. Measured and Intentional. Ethan walked into frame, his shadow stretching over the dying creature. He crouched, lifting the undead''s chin to his eye level. The Prime stiffened. "I know you can see me," Ethan said, voice calm¡ªtoo calm. "But it doesn''t matter." He turned the zombie''s head slightly, giving the Prime a clear view of the battlefield¡ªdozens of charred corpses lying lifeless in the dirt, smoke rising in curling tendrils. "Hope you like what I''ve done with your people," Ethan said with a casual smirk. "Because now¡­" He turned the zombie''s gaze back to his own blazing eyes. "I''m coming for you next." Bang. The feed went dark. The Prime stood motionless. For the first time in its long and merciless existence, something unfamiliar coiled inside its heart¡ªa slow, creeping sensation that gripped its core. It was fear. It took a trembling breath. "Who the hell¡­" the Prime whispered, voice cracking. "...did I mess with?" Chapter 68 - 68: Ch 67. Hybrid The sensation of fear still clung to Raghul like a shadow he couldn''t shake. It was alien¡ªsuffocating. But as quickly as it had arrived, the Prime forced it down with a guttural snarl. He was a ruler of death, not some fledgling creature cowering in the dark. "I need a plan," he muttered, clawed fingers digging into the arms of his throne. "I don''t know what this boy is truly capable of¡­ and I don''t intend to find out alone." With a flick of his mind, Raghul activated the Prime Link, a mental tether that connected him to the other four Primes in the zone. Each Prime controlled a major region, and though they were bitter rivals, the threat now warranted something dangerous: S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cooperation. Within seconds, Raghul''s consciousness emerged into a shared mental space¡ªan endless black void shaped like a warped throne room, where four other towering figures shimmered into focus. One of them leaned forward, voice dripping with arrogance. "So, Raghul," the Prime sneered, his molten eyes flickering. "Have you finally decided to surrender your region to me?" Before Raghul could respond, another voice joined. "Marrot, you fool. You think it would be you? Of all of us?" said a second Prime. This one was sculpted of obsidian and crystal, covered in pulsing lines of cursed runes. Marrot scoffed. "Bedussa, you''re the last person I want to hear that from." Bedussa retorted Her voice like snakes slithering in the dark. "Careful, Marrot. My region may be small, but I am more than capable of¡ª" "More than capable of getting conquered," another prime¡ªKaruk interrupted with a bark of laughter. "You should count yourself lucky none of us have bothered to seize it yet." Bedussa''s glare sharpened like daggers, but she didn''t retort. Not yet. The fourth Prime, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Enough." The voice was like granite grinding against steel¡ªcalm but final. Balkar. The most composed among them. Towering and silent, his body resembled an armored colossus made of carved stone and thick bark, branches twisting from his back like a crown. "Raghul," Balkar rumbled. "What is the reason you summoned us through the Link?" At that, the bickering stopped. All eyes turned to Raghul. He clenched his fist. "Words won''t do this justice. So I''ll just show you." The space around them shimmered. Then, like a projection into the void, Raghul replayed the entire encounter with Ethan: The moment he sensed Ethan''s death aura and orchestrated his execution. How he had turned Ethan into a zombie, only for zombified Ethan and Gray to return again¡­ and again¡­ without end. How the undead versions of the boy and his wolf seemed to gain tactics, awareness and even personality. And finally, how living Ethan and Gray had stepped onto the battlefield and obliterated Raghul''s forces in a single instant of thunderous devastation. The room was silent. Each Prime watched the memory as though it were a horror film, their forms shifting with unease. Their expressions¡ªif they could be called that¡ªmoved from intrigue¡­ to confusion¡­ to awe¡­ ¡­then finally, to fear. "This¡­" Balkar spoke, breaking the silence, "is no simple anomaly. This boy is a threat we cannot afford to ignore. We must join forces and eliminate him by any means necessary." There was a long pause. Then, one by one, the others nodded. If Ethan could make these tyrants set aside their ambitions¡ªhe was a problem. Balkar turned his stony face toward Raghul. "He is coming to your region first so you must stall him. Hold him long enough for us to arrive and provide assistance." Raghul nodded slowly, saying nothing. But inside, his thoughts burned. "Hold him!? You just want me to suffer losses. Then when I have weakened him, you''ll swoop in and take care of the rest!" But He said none of it aloud. Anything now could make him a sacrificial lamb. He forced a grateful nod. "Understood. I''ll prepare my region." The link dissolved. But then, Raghul felt it. A shift in the energy around his throne. A pulse in the death-scented air. A faint spark of living defiance. His eyes widened. "¡­He''s finally here." Outside, the sky darkened. Because the hunter had arrived. **** All around Ethan, the battlefield was littered with the charred husks of zombies¡ªsmoking, twitching corpses that had been obliterated by bursts of searing lightning. Gray, his loyal companion, was no longer just a fearsome wolf; he now held the strength of a Prime, and the difference was glaring. The zombies meant to slow them down had fallen like brittle twigs, barely worth a breath of effort. Ethan stood amid the scorched ruin, one hand resting on Gray''s back. He glanced around, unimpressed. "Tch. I thought the big guy would be here by now," Ethan muttered, voice echoing through the smog-filled air. "Hope he didn''t run off. That''d be pathetic." The "big guy" was none other than Raghul, the Prime whose forces had failed, again and again, to hold Ethan back. Just then, without warning, Gray vanished in a flash of electric energy¡ªLightning Step triggering in a blink. BOOM! A colossal cleaver smashed into the spot they''d just vacated, splitting the ground with such force it sent shockwaves through the earth. From where Gray appeared, Ethan looked forward¡ªseated on Gray''s back¡ªeyes locked onto the twisted figure of Raghul. "Oh," Ethan said with a grin. "You didn''t run. That makes things a lot easier." Raghul''s eyes narrowed. He had noticed something: Gray was faster now. Even before the fight began, he could tell¡ªthey had grown. "As expected¡­ they aren''t the same as before," the Prime thought grimly. He stretched his will outward, attempting to seize Ethan and Gray''s minds, to freeze them where they stood using one of his signature psychic techniques. But something strange happened. Gray didn''t flinch. He simply shrugged off the mental weight, the glow in his eyes intensifying. Raghul''s confidence cracked. Ethan smirked, Sitting on Gray''s back like a god descending from the storm. "Things won''t be the same as last time," Ethan said, his tone calm but resolute. "This time¡­ I''ll be sending you straight to your maker." He never hesitated. With a thought, he triggered Gray''s new trait. Electric sparks erupted, lightning arcing around both man and beast, turning the world into a blinding flash of white. The storm consumed them whole. Then the lightning receded. And Ethan stood alone. But he was changed. He was still Ethan, but now fused with the primal power of Gray. His body had become leaner, muscle condensed like tightly coiled steel, built for maximum force with minimal waste. His skin had taken on a pale hue, not sickly, but predatory¡ªlike a snow wolf stalking through the night. His eyes glowed gold, fiercer than ever, burning with instinct and precision. His hair had turned white, cascading past his shoulders like silver fire. It whipped in the wind with a wild grace. His nails elongated, curved slightly like claws, while faint bolts of static crackled across his body with every movement. He stood as a perfect hybrid of man and beast, of discipline and savagery. Calm, intelligent fury shaped in human form. Every movement radiated lethal intent. And in that moment, Raghul knew. He wasn''t facing the same Ethan anymore. He was facing something new. Something born from death, shaped by lightning, and forged by vengeance. And he would be the first to witness their true power. Chapter 69 - 69: Ch 68. Hydra In the heart of his territory, Balkar, the most composed and strategic of the Primes, was preparing to depart¡ªhis path set for Raghul''s region. Though reluctant to leave his own lands vulnerable, he had agreed to aid in subduing the anomaly known as Ethan. Raghul was reckless, but his death would destabilize the balance of power across Zombieland. Balkar couldn''t allow that. But just as Balkar reached the threshold of his domain, he froze. A violent tremor rippled through the psychic link connecting the Primes¡ªlike a cord snapping under impossible strain. His eyes flared with pale green light as his senses surged. "¡­How is this possible?" he muttered, voice low with disbelief. All across Zombieland, three other Primes¡ªMarrot, Karuk, and Bedussa¡ªfelt it too. The link was still faintly open, but where there had once been five minds, now there were only four. Raghul was gone. Balkar clenched his fists. They had thought of Ethan as a strange phenomenon, a wandering hazard to be monitored and neutralized with collective effort. They hadn''t seen him as a true threat to their existence. Until now. Suddenly, the sky across four separate corners of Zombieland cracked open¡ªfour titanic auras burst outward, shaking the world and painting the sky in hues of red, blue, black, and violet. The auras twisted the air, a fury long hidden by the Primes now released in full. The four remaining rulers of Zombieland had been enraged. Not merely by Raghul''s death¡ªbut by the realization that Ethan wasn''t a warning. He was a reckoning. And though fear churned in their ancient hearts, retreat was not an option. There was nowhere in this cursed land where they could hide from what was coming. And deep down, each Prime believed something else¡ªRaghul must''ve weakened him. He must''ve pushed him far enough that the four of them could finish what one could not. So they took the sky, blazing trails of power behind them as they soared at devastating speed, converging like comets streaking toward doom. Toward the battlefield soaked in scorched ash and death. Toward the very place where one of them had fallen. And there, standing in the wind beneath a cracked and dying sky, was the cause of it all¡ªEthan. **** Ethan stood alone, still as stone, his white hair swaying in the rising wind like a banner of defiance. The land around him was silent¡ªhaunted by scorched remains and thick with the scent of burnt rot. He didn''t move. He didn''t need to. Afterall they were coming to him. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He could feel them¡ªfour titanic forces hurtling across the sky, fueled by fury and the death of one of their own. Each second brought them closer, and yet Ethan simply waited, the golden glow in his eyes sharpening with anticipation. Then, in a flash of searing light and thunderous impact, four streaks of blazing aura slammed down around him, cratering the earth beneath their feet. The remaining four Primes had arrived. But they didn''t attack. Not immediately. Their undead eyes studied Ethan, circling him like predators uncertain if they faced prey or something far worse. They''d underestimated him once. A second time would be suicide. Ethan tilted his head, a chuckle escaping his lips before morphing into a sharp laugh. "I didn''t know Primes were so pathetic," he said, each word like a sharpened blade slicing across their pride. Their expressions tightened, their fists clenched, but still, they held back. Ethan''s grin widened. "The one I took down¡­ at least he had some spine." That broke them. The tension shattered like glass as the very air froze, the atmosphere dipping into a sudden unnatural chill. Rage swelled behind their eyes as the power around them pulsed like a heartbeat gone berserk. And then¡ªall at once¡ªthey roared: {"Necto!"} The ground shook. The skies cracked. The blood moon overhead bled brighter, casting a crimson hue across the battlefield. From above, a giant orb of deathly energy began to take form, its pull warping the clouds as if drawing in the hatred of the heavens themselves. The four Primes¡ªBalkar, Marrot, Karuk, and Bedussa¡ªshot into the sky like spears of light and merged with the orb, their bodies unraveling into pure necrotic essence. The orb grew as it pulsed and screamed. And then¡ª It expanded outward, morphing, twisting, evolving into a towering 17-foot undead Hydra with four snarling heads, each one exuding a different flavor of malice. This was no ordinary fusion. This was their true form. Long ago, they had been one being¡ªa monstrous hydra ruling Zombieland. But as each head developed sentience and ambition, they splintered into separate entities, forming the five Primes that ruled the divided territories. Yet, even when fragmented, their link had remained. Now, united once again¡ªdespite Raghul''s absence¡ªthey were ready to extinguish the boy who had become their shared nightmare. The Hydra''s voice echoed in a multi-tonal harmony of death and will: "Any last words, boy?" But Ethan didn''t flinch. He didn''t blink. Instead, he smiled¡ªa wild, battle-crazed grin, with electric arcs crawling across his skin. That unnerved the Hydra. And then Ethan said, voice low and eager: "I was beginning to worry this would be too easy¡­ but now?" His golden eyes flared. "Now it looks like I''ll actually have some fun." In an instant, he disappeared¡ªLightning Step triggering a sonic crack as he appeared high above the Hydra, hands crackling with raw power. Electricity roared to life, massive bolts forming a sphere of pure voltage between his palms. And then¡ª He fired it downward, a thunderous surge of light and fury erupting toward the colossal beast. The sky wept. The ground howled. The battle had begun. **** The sky shattered with thunder as Ethan''s lightning surged downward, a cataclysmic storm wrapped in his fury. The Hydra roared in defiance, each of its four grotesque heads opening wide to unleash beams of necrotic energy, sickly green and crackling with death. The beams collided with Ethan''s lightning in mid-air¡ªpower meeting power, chaos against chaos. The impact was apocalyptic. The energies imploded, creating a shockwave that fractured the ground and ruptured the very air. Ethan was hurled back, his body streaking like a comet before crashing into a towering building, leveling it in an instant. The Hydra wasn''t spared either¡ªit skidded back with earth-rending force, its massive frame slamming into a crumbling fortress, reducing it to dust and ash. Silence reigned for a heartbeat. Then¡ªfrom the debris of the ruined building¡ªfour Ethans emerged, lightning dancing around their forms like wild spirits. Lightning-forged images of the original, each pulsing with volatile energy. Without hesitation as they charged. Across the battlefield, the Hydra roared, eyes glowing with rage. It charged too, its colossal body thundering forward, each footstep a seismic quake. As they met in the heart of the ruined city, claws and fangs swung through the air with lethal precision. One of the heads slashed at a clone¡ªbut it vanished in a flicker, dodging with Lightning Step. Chapter 70 - 70: Ch 69. Shock!!! Another Ethan shot in from the side, slamming a crackling fist into the side of a Hydra head, snapping it sideways with explosive force. Snarling, a different head retaliated, lunging to bite down on the attacker¡ªbut it never connected. A gut-shaking blow crashed into the Hydra''s ribcage, forcing the massive beast to hunch backward, the wind blasted from its undead lungs. The remaining two Ethans didn''t waste the opportunity. One summoned a twisting vortex of wind, while the other gathered a sphere of lightning humming with destructive promise. With synchronized motion, they launched their attacks. Wind howled and Lightning screamed. The twin elements collided, triggering a massive explosion that rocked the battlefield and sent chunks of earth flying in every direction. After Ethan''s devastating combo of wind and lightning, the battlefield trembled¡ªbut inside the mental core of the Hydra, chaos reigned in a different form. The four remaining Primes, once mighty sovereigns of their regions, stood within the shared consciousness¡ªshaken. They had fused to become something greater, something ancient. Yet Ethan¡­ Ethan was overpowering them. Out in the real world, Ethan was a storm given flesh¡ªhis attacks relentless, his counters immediate, as though he could read the Hydra''s mind. Every tail swipe, every necrotic breath, every stomp¡ªit was all met with a brutal, calculated retaliation. When the Hydra struck once, Ethan struck five times, merciless and precise. And then the most humiliating realization of all: The Hydra¡ªmonster of legend¡ªwas trying to flee. It twisted its mountainous frame, trying to put distance between itself and Ethan. But it was pointless. With a flicker of lightning, Ethan was always there, reappearing beside it with an explosive blow, chaining attacks that fractured bones and shattered will. The battle stretched on, turning the region into a war-torn ruin¡ªcraters, collapsed towers, smoking ruins. It no longer resembled a battlefield, but a mass grave for titans. By the end, the Hydra was hardly recognizable. Its breathing was ragged, its limbs torn, one entire head severed, a gaping hole in its abdomen, its movements sluggish¡ªa dying ruler clinging to the last thread of existence. Ethan walked toward it, his white hair flowing in the burning wind, his golden eyes crackling with restrained power. He tilted his head, smirking coldly. "So," he said, voice calm but filled with weight, "any final words?" The Hydra lifted its remaining heads, struggling to form words with fading voices. Then, in a rasping, layered tone that carried the weight of centuries, it asked: "What will you gain from all this? As a living being¡­ you stand to gain nothing here." Ethan chuckled at that statement as he said "You''re wrong because I gain a lot by doing this..." He paused, as his golden eyes flashed with lightning. "But I''m too lazy to explain it to a corpse." A colossal bolt of lightning split the sky. It struck the Hydra dead-center, illuminating the battlefield in white brilliance. When the light faded, all that remained of the Hydra was ash and a smoking crater. Suddenly, a sharp chime echoed in Ethan''s mind. **** As the last echoes of thunder faded and the ashes of the Hydra were scattered by the wind, the System Notification rang out once more. --- [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] You have slain 5 Primes. You have obtained: +5 Ability Points. You may now select 5 new abilities. Opening Ability Selection Interface... --- A luminous interface shimmered before Ethan, lines of text scrolling rapidly before settling into a glowing list of potent abilities. Ethan''s eyes scanned the option. Before He calmly tapped his selections, one after another. --- [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] You have selected your abilities. You will now be ejected from the Sanctum. --- A familiar glow began to overtake Ethan''s body¡ªthe sign of ejection. His form began to fade, bits of lightning crackling away like dying embers. But then, mid-transition, Ethan''s eyes widened. "Wait¡­" he muttered. "I''m still fused with Gray. What happens if I exit like this?" He had no time to unravel the implications as the light consumed him fully. And just like that¡ªhe vanished. **** As the radiant light of the Sanctum faded, Ethan''s body materialized within the Maw, right where he had been before being pulled into the Sanctum. Time, once frozen, resumed with a sudden surge, and the dull greys of the paused world exploded back into vivid color, bringing with it the chaos of unfinished combat. Mid-air, Guardian Angel, whose monstrous hand had been inches away from Ethan''s neck before time had stopped, was suddenly free to move once more. But the opponent before him was no longer the same. A faint spark of lightning danced along Ethan''s shoulder. Then another. Within seconds, the energy spiraled outward¡ªcrackling arcs of power racing along his skin. The air thickened with pressure. A full-powered lightning surge erupted from his body, forming a golden-blue corona of raw force. BOOM! The sudden explosion of energy blasted Guardian Angel away before he could land his strike, sending him crashing into the stone wall of the Maw with a deafening impact that cracked the very structure. Ethan stood amidst a storm. His hair sparked and flowed with electric rhythm. Veins of lightning traced his arms. But more notably¡ªhis body had changed. Muscles were denser. His aura deeper. His entire presence felt untamed, otherworldly¡ªa fusion not just of power, but of two entities now.truly one. He looked at his hands, electricity dancing along his fingertips, and smirked. "I don''t believe it¡­ Gray followed me into the real world." To Ethan, it was exhilarating. It finally made sense¡ªGray''s Trait, which allowed their souls to synchronize perfectly, had tethered them together even beyond the Sanctum. When Ethan was ejected, Gray came with him, permanently altering Ethan''s real-world form. Nearby, Mirveil, still restrained, watched with wide eyes. Her analytical mind reeled. ''This¡­ how is this possible was he holding back this the entire time?'' She now realized her entire evaluation of Ethan was flawed but it was already too late to regret. Guardian Angel rose from the rubble, glaring at Ethan. His monstrous form trembled with fury and disbelief. "I didn''t know you had this ability, Ethan!" he spat. Ethan chuckled darkly, his grin widening. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Maybe if you''d asked nicely, I would''ve told you." Rage twisted Guardian Angel''s features as his body began to morph, shifting into a grotesque, corrupted version of himself¡ªbulging with flesh, bone armor cracking through his skin, dark wings splitting from his back. He laughed manically. "It doesn''t matter! You''re still at Level 3! There''s no way you can defeat me!" His voice roared as his body finished transforming. "I am invincible! Nothing can harm me! Now¡ª" SHHK. His voice choked. The world seemed to tilt¡ªbut it wasn''t the world. It was his body. Guardian Angel looked down in horror¡ªhe had been cut cleanly at the waist, and the top half of his body was sliding off his lower half, blood spraying across the floor. In the blink of an eye, Ethan now stood beside him, hand crackling with lightning, eyes glowing with ruthless glee. "Sorry¡­" Ethan said, calm as a whisper. "Were you saying something?" Chapter 71 - 71: Ch 70. Golden Booster As Guardian Angel''s upper body hit the ground, there was no moment of silence, no breath of peace. Instead, blackened flesh writhed, and in a grotesque display of regeneration, new legs erupted from his severed torso, sinew and bone reforming with unnatural speed. The discarded lower half disintegrated into ash, swept away by the ambient energy of the Maw. He rose again¡ªbloodied, half-smiling, half-snapping. His gaze immediately snapped to where Ethan''s voice had come from, but the boy was no longer there. Instead, Ethan was kneeling beside Striker, who lay unconscious, body broken and barely clinging to life. A soft glow of golden light began to pulse from Ethan''s hands¡ªhealing energy, steady and warm. The crackling storm around him dimmed just enough for his companion''s breathing to stabilize. Ethan''s voice was calm, but firm. "Don''t worry. You''ll be okay." Angel stood frozen. A healing ability? But¡­ wasn''t he a forsaken? A bottom-tier E-Rank? Even Mirveil, still bound nearby, stared with widened eyes, her mind racing. He shouldn''t be able to do this. How many abilities does he have?! Ethan, still focused on stabilizing Striker, suddenly tilted his head slightly, voice razor-sharp. "Don''t think I''ve forgotten about you." Suddenly, two perfect clones of Ethan burst forth from his back, crackling with lightning and wind as they charged at Angel with deadly intent. Guardian Angel snarled, raising his mutated arms. "You think you can underestimate me?" In a heartbeat, black tendrils exploded from his body like a forest of spears¡ªthick, writhing, unnatural veins of corrupted energy spread across the space, impaling the incoming clones mid-leap. Their forms dispersed into light and static, vanishing into the air. But Ethan was already moving. Lightning Step. In a flash, he appeared beside Mirveil with Striker, grabbing both of them in a single sweep. Another tendril shot toward them, but before it could hit¡ª Lightning Step again. They vanished. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A moment later, they reappeared on a ledge high above the battlefield, safely out of reach for now. Ethan gently laid Striker down and glanced towards Mirveil. "Watch them." As soon as the words left his mouth, a third Ethan-clone shimmered into existence, nodding wordlessly and placing itself between them and any incoming danger. And then¡ªEthan vanished once more. CRACK! He reappeared right at Guardian Angel''s side, fist already charged with blinding voltage. BOOM! The punch landed square across Angel''s face, sending the grotesque creature spiraling across the battlefield, crashing through the broken remains of the Maw''s pillars, smoke trailing behind him. This wasn''t the same boy they thought they knew. He was something far beyond. **** Inside the grand, radiant halls of the Golden Emperor Clan, the atmosphere was calm and dignified¡ªuntil the large double doors to the clan leader''s office suddenly burst open with a loud crash. Golden Booster, the clan leader himself, sat behind a desk layered with glossy photographs, each featuring him in different heroic poses¡ªarms crossed before a sunset, cape fluttering against the wind, one foot raised atop a rock. A golden glow always seemed to highlight him perfectly. Startled by the intrusion, he glanced up. "What is the problem?" he asked smoothly, before waving a hand and grinning. "Actually, never mind. Take a look at these¡ªI''m picking one for next month''s Hero Daily. Which one do you think screams ''humble greatness''?" The man who had barged in was Morningstar, the Vice Clan Leader¡ªa stern-faced hero who had long since grown used to Golden Booster''s flamboyant narcissism. But this time, there was urgency in his eyes and tension in his posture. He didn''t answer. Instead, he snatched the photos out of Booster''s hands and threw them aside. Golden Booster blinked. "Hey now, if you didn''t like them, you could''ve just said so¡ª" "This is serious," Morningstar interrupted, slamming a tablet onto the desk. The screen flickered to life, displaying a shaky but clear video feed. "This footage was recovered from a hidden cam drone belonging to one of our dispatched support heroes¡ªone who accompanied Radiant Striker to apprehend Mirveil." At the mention of Mirveil, Golden Booster''s expression darkened. His joking tone vanished like a snapped illusion. He took the tablet and watched in silence. The feed showed the chaos in the Maw. The sudden betrayal, the monstrous transformation, the violent rampage of Guardian Angel. The recorded audio picked up his voice, his twisted declarations, and the moment of utter destruction he brought down on allies. Golden Booster''s golden eyes narrowed. "¡­So Guardian Angel was the mole." His voice was cold now¡ªsharp and heavy. Morningstar nodded. "It all makes sense now. That''s how Mirveil kept escaping. Someone was feeding her everything." Golden Booster leaned back in his chair, eyes still fixed on the paused frame of Guardian Angel mid-transformation. "I''m hurt," he said at last, the words hollow. "To think¡­ someone with the potential to shine almost as bright as me was hiding a rotten core all along." Morningstar didn''t respond. He could see past the theatrics. Booster''s voice may have retained its usual flair, but his clenched fists, the slight crackle of golden energy at his fingertips, said everything. He was furious. Heroes had died¡ªambushed by someone they trusted. After a long silence, Golden Booster stood. The air shifted around him. Power rippled through the room. "I''ll handle this myself," he said grimly. "Look after the clan while I''m gone." Then, without another word, he vanished, leaving only a faint golden shimmer behind. Morningstar remained still for a moment, staring at the spot his leader had stood. Despite Golden Booster''s arrogance, he was an Overlord, a hero of unmatched strength. And now, an Overlord was stepping in. The game had changed. **** As the battle inside the Maw raged on, Ethan was completely dominating Guardian Angel, outpacing him, outmaneuvering him, and outstriking him at every turn. His blows were devastating¡ªenhanced by Flow, Force Might and the fusion with Gray, each hit carried monstrous force, enough to tear through most enemies in seconds. But Angel was no ordinary opponent. Every time Ethan tore through flesh, cracked bones, or struck vitals, Angel''s regeneration kicked in as his bones reformed, flesh stitched together, and limbs grew back like nothing had happened. He was tenacious, Inhuman and Impossible to bring down with brute force alone. But Ethan didn''t mind. He grinned wider with each moment, watching Angel''s expressions contort from pain to frustration then disbelief. With every clash, Ethan was inching closer to his win condition. At the precise moment he drove his fist¡ªcharged with Flow and Force Might¡ªthrough Angel''s chest, tearing a massive hole through his torso, the area began to regenerate instantly¡­ but Ethan''s voice rang out: "Just a little bit more..." Because he had chosen two abilities from the sanctum, crafted specifically for this moment. --- [Ability Information] ¡ª Ability Name: Vital Bloom ¡ª Ability Type: Extrinsic / Instant / Healing ¡ª Mastery Level: Peak ¡ª Tier: Uncommon ¡ª Ability Description: A refined healing technique that draws upon the user''s core vitality to rapidly mend physical injuries and restore lost stamina. When activated, Vital Bloom envelops the target in ethereal green light, accelerating tissue repair and nerve regeneration. While not capable of reviving the dead, it can restore broken bones and internal damage within seconds. ¡ª Especially effective in the heat of battle, it allows the user to stabilize allies on the brink of death or themselves in critical conditions. Ethan had used Vital Bloom to keep Striker alive. But it was the second ability that would change the game. Chapter 72 - 72: Ch 71. I Just Did Your Job For You [Ability Information] ¡ª Ability Name: Withering Verdict ¡ª Ability Type: Extrinsic / Constant / Cursed ¡ª Mastery Level: Peak ¡ª Tier: Uncommon ¡ª Ability Description: A cursed ability developed to combat beings with high regeneration. Once the user lands exactly 120 confirmed killing blows¡ªdefined as strikes that would have resulted in death were it not for external regeneration¡ªthe target''s regenerative cells begin to decay into necrotic matter. These mutated cells then infect adjacent tissues, effectively corrupting the body''s natural healing. ¡ª The effect is irreversible once triggered. It bypasses standard resistance and immunities unless removed by divine-level purification. --- This ability was utterly useless against normal opponents¡ªbecause a killing blow would simply end their life. But for someone like Guardian Angel? It was a perfect trap. **** The battle between Ethan and Guardian Angel reached its crescendo. Lightning flared, wind howled, and the very ground fractured beneath their feet. Angel lashed out in desperation¡ªhis arms twisting grotesquely into black, whip-like tendrils, snapping through the air toward Ethan. But instead of dodging, Ethan caught the tendrils, his fingers crackling with lightning. With a roar, he yanked Angel forward, using his own attack against him. Before Angel could react, a devastating punch crashed into his face, sending his head whipping back violently. The injury healed instantly, as always¡ªbut Ethan was unshaken. He narrowed his eyes and whispered: "Just ten more..." Suddenly, lightning exploded from Ethan''s body, illuminating the shadows of the Maw. He vanished, reappearing beside Angel mid-air with Lightning Step, and drove a brutal kick into Angel''s ribs, the force cracking his spine and neck as the villain was launched skyward. Before he could even begin to recover, Ethan appeared above him, his body brimming with Wind Essence, and sliced Angel''s body into bloody ribbons, severing limbs and carving deep into his core. But still, he regenerated. Still, he fled. But Ethan didn''t stop. He kept striking. Every hit counted. Every hit planned. He was not killing Angel¡ªhe was delivering the sentence. Angel tried to escape, leaping, sliding, even crawling¡ªbut Ethan was relentless, moving like a phantom of vengeance, delivering each of the remaining blows with surgical precision. Until¡ªsuddenly¡ªit stopped. Angel, eyes clenched in anticipation of the next blow, slowly opened them when no attack came. He looked up and saw Ethan¡ªstanding at a distance, silent and calm. Then Angel noticed something. His injuries weren''t healing. The burnt flesh, the severed muscles, the bleeding wounds¡ªthey stayed. Panic gripped his heart. "W-what did you do to me¡­?" The question came out broken, as his vocal cords began to rot. Ethan''s voice echoed with cold finality: "I did something about that annoying ability of yours." Angel''s body trembled at the realization of his inevitable situation as he quickly broke down and began to ramble. "No¡­ no this isn''t possible¡­ I can''t¡­ fail¡­ not this mission¡­ I can''t fail!" His voice cracked as his regenerative gift became his curse¡ªhe was trapped in a dying, mutilated body. Ethan tilted his head slightly, watching him unravel. A thought danced in his mind: "Hope I''m not becoming a sadist¡­" But then¡ª Angel, voice ragged and desperate, screamed: "If I can''t complete one mission, at least I''ll complete the other!!" Before Ethan could move, Angel''s body exploded in a spray of flesh and blood, the blast pushing Ethan back slightly. His eyes widened in shock¡ªuntil he saw it: A blur, racing through the chaos, burning what remained of his body as fuel. A shriveled, cursed Guardian Angel appeared in front of the restrained Mirveil, his arms morphing into jagged tendrils as he screamed: "DIE!!" Mirveil froze. She couldn''t move neither could she defend herself. Death raced toward her. But in the final instant¡ª A body shielded her. The tendrils impaled a chest, not hers. "Ethan¡­?" Angel''s eyes widened, shock blooming¡­ before it twisted into a sick smile. "You''re a fool! You''d sacrifice yourself for her?" But before his grin could settle, A voice echoed from behind him: "Who told you I sacrificed myself?" Angel turned¡ª But it was too late. A lightning-coated fist slammed into his face with thunderous force, sending him crashing into a wall, where he finally lost consciousness. His body sagged, defeated and broken. The Ethan that was impaled flickered, then disintegrated into motes of light¡ªa clone. Mirveil stared, stunned. She looked at the real Ethan, standing with lightning crackling around him, his white hair flaring from the static. She gasped for a split second as she saw her mother''s face overlaid on his. But she shook it away. Before the moment could settle¡ªa new presence arrived. In a flash of golden light, Golden Booster stepped into the Maw. He surveyed the devastation. The broken corpses of his clan members. The mangled, unconscious body of Guardian Angel. And Ethan, standing at the heart of it all. Golden Booster appeared beside him, voice low but thunderous with fury and suspicion: "What happened here?" The golden aura around him flared. An Overlord had entered the battlefield. And he wanted answers. **** Golden Booster arrived at the battlefield deep within the Maw, his boots crunching over shattered stone and splattered blood. His golden aura dimmed slightly¡ªnot from exhaustion, but from shock. He''d expected chaos. He''d expected casualties. But He had not expected this. The scene before him was devastation incarnate. His clan members, some of the most elite warriors of the Golden Emperor''s, lay dead¡ªmutilated and dismembered. And the one responsible, the traitorous Guardian Angel, was already unconscious, crumpled like broken armor. Golden Booster''s brows furrowed. "How?" He had alerted the Heroes at the Maw''s entrance the moment he felt something was wrong. The Maw was already on lockdown because of the Mirveil incident. But now, the danger level was soaring again. With Guardian Angel exposed as a traitor, the entire facility was back on high alert. There would be no rest for the Heroes today¡ªthey were already on their way down. But Booster had come first. And what he saw left him stunned. "The villain is already down¡­?" He scanned the battlefield, trying to find the one responsible. Then his gaze fell upon the young man standing near Angel''s unconscious body. Lightning still crackled faintly around him. Golden Booster narrowed his eyes. "Isn''t that the talent Striker mentioned¡­? Ethan, was it?" He remembered reading Striker''s report. A newly awakened talent¡­ barely two months in¡­ "No way¡­ he couldn''t have done this alone." Still, he appeared uninjured, composed and dangerous. Golden Booster blinked, then flashed to Ethan''s side, appearing without a sound. "What happened here?" he asked, his voice low but demanding. Ethan glanced sideways at him and asked bluntly, "Who are you?" Booster''s eye twitched. His narcissistic pride took a hit. But he composed himself, standing straighter, golden energy humming around him. "I''m the clan leader of the Golden Emperor''s." He pointed at the unconscious Striker and the defeated Guardian Angel. "They are are my clan members." His voice hardened. "And since this incident involves our clan directly¡­ I''ll ask again. What happened here?" Suddenly¡ªcrackling lightning erupted around Ethan. Golden Booster instinctively prepared to defend himself. But the attack never came. Instead, the lightning faded as Ethan''s transformation unraveled. His radiant white hair faded into a deep black. His lean physique returned to his original form. He exhaled slowly and muttered, "That form was difficult to hold." Golden Booster: "¡­.." Ethan closed his eyes, sensing the presence of Gray within him. The fusion had ended. He didn''t understand how it worked yet, but he could feel Gray resting peacefully. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You deserve the rest, buddy¡­" he thought to himself. Then, turning his eyes to Booster, Ethan finally answered: "You want to know what happened?" He pointed briefly at the carnage. Then, calmly¡ªwithout arrogance or flourish¡ªhe said: "I just helped you do your job." Chapter 73 - 73: Ch 72. Aftermath Golden Booster''s mind reeled at Ethan''s words. "I just helped you do your job." The arrogance was unbelievable. To speak like that to the Golden Emperor''s Clan leader, one of the top-tier Clan''s in the City? That alone should''ve sparked fury. But Booster¡­ couldn''t feel it. He wasn''t angry. Because, in truth¡­ Ethan was right. Guardian Angel had turned traitor. And Ethan¡ªnot even a recognized hero, not even registered with any formal group¡ªhad fought him alone, subdued him, and prevented even more deaths. Yes, they had lost good people¡­ But without Ethan, it might''ve been all of them. booster suddenly realized something. "Why did I trust him so easily¡­?" It was like Ethan''s presence forced him to accept his words¡ªnot magically, but instinctively. Like truth wrapped itself around him. Before Booster could dwell further, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the bloodstained Maw. Lady Fury, a woman with fiery red hair and an eye patch, led a squad of elite Heroes down the corridor. She approached with urgency but respect, her voice controlled despite the grim scene. "Booster," she said solemnly, "I''m sorry. If we had known what was happening down here sooner, we would''ve acted. Maybe lives could''ve been saved." Booster shook his head. "I understand. But there was nothing you could have done." His voice was heavy. "A disruption barrier was deployed so no signals could escape. It was meant to keep everything inside." Lady Fury''s expression darkened as she nodded. She didn''t like being blindsided¡ªand the idea of a Hero turning traitor under her watch burned. Behind her, the Heroes had already started sweeping the area. Bodies were recovered and the villains were being restrained. Striker, still unconscious, was carried out on a stretcher. Though Ethan had kept him alive, the internal damage was severe. He was the only survivor among the elite team that came to apprehend Mirveil. And he would have to live with the fact that he couldn''t protect a single teammate. Lady Fury turned back toward Booster. "It''s a good thing you got here in time. If you hadn''t stopped the traitor¡ª" But Booster cut her off. "It wasn''t me." Lady Fury blinked. "What?" Booster gestured toward Ethan, who was quietly watching from a short distance. "It was him." Lady Fury followed his gaze and locked eyes with Ethan. "¡­You''re joking." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Booster''s voice was flat. "Do I look like I''m joking?" Fury studied Ethan again. Young. Far too young. But there was something about him. An edge. A presence. ''Maybe¡­ maybe he just looked young. Perhaps he was a veteran with a unique ability that slowed aging.'' She straightened her posture and gave a short bow. "Sir, thank you. Your actions saved us from a lot of trouble." Ethan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Sir?" He couldn''t help but smirk slightly, wondering why someone old enough to be his mother was addressing him so formally. But he said nothing. And just nodded once. Just then, one of the heroes jogged up to Lady Fury, saluting. "Ma''am. The Villains have been secured and placed in containment." Fury nodded. "Good. We''ll hand them over to the wardens at Tartarus Vault." The hero nodded. "Yes, ma''am." Fury''s gaze swept the bloodstained walls, her tone turning sharp. "The Maw is now under full lockdown. Sweep every corridor, every carvan. I want a full security audit¡ªno anomalies, no surprises." She raised her voice. "Is that understood?" "Yes, ma''am!" the heroes roared in unison. She gave one last glance toward the carnage, then turned toward the exit. "Good. We''re done here. Let''s move out." **** Outside the Maw, the night air was heavy with the scent of ash and ozone. Emergency lights cast flickering reds and blues across the entrance. Ethan stood beside a vehicle, the doors still open. Inside, Striker lay motionless, hooked up to stabilization systems. Next to him stood Golden Booster, arms crossed, eyes fixed on his injured comrade. After a long silence, Booster finally turned to Ethan. His voice, usually laced with arrogance, was genuine. "Kid¡­ you did well today." He paused, then offered a rare smile. "If you ever find yourself in need¡­ the Golden Emperors will be there. You''ve earned that much." Ethan gave a silent nod, accepting the words without pride or humility. It was just another part of the job done. Without saying more, Booster stepped into the ambulance. The doors sealed shut with a hiss, and the vehicle lifted off the ground, disappearing into the night sky with a hum of antigravity engines. Ethan stood alone for a moment. He exhaled. "That was a long day." His muscles ached, his energy drained¡ªbut beneath it all, he could still feel Gray, quietly slumbering inside him. There was comfort in the presence, even if he didn''t fully understand how it worked yet. He''d check in on Gray later. For now¡­ he needed rest. He made his way to where he had parked his car. Sliding into the driver''s seat, he leaned back with a sigh, stared at the stars above for a few seconds, and then started the engine. With a quiet hum, he drove off into the city lights¡ªback to the Lancaster Estate. **** In a pitch-black chamber, where the shadows seemed alive, a lone figure stood before a glowing blue hologram. The image was distorted, its features hidden behind flickering static, like a ghost cloaked in secrecy. The voice from the hologram hissed with restrained fury. "How could you fail to kill him? And bring his body? He was just a newly awakened!" The shadowy figure didn''t move, didn''t flinch. His voice, when it came, was cool and sharp like a blade in the dark. "That ''newly awakened'' took down one of our best¡ªGuardian Angel. And he interfered with the elimination of another agent. You call him new? He doesn''t fight like it." He stepped closer to the hologram''s glow, just enough for his silhouette to gain shape they were tall, composed and dangerous. "Either you''re lying to me¡­ or you''ve gravely underestimated him." The hologram fizzled with static. Then came a long silence before a question: "¡­Do you think he had access to the ritual?" The figure scoffed. "How am I supposed to know? That was your assignment, not mine." Another silence. This one heavier. "¡­What do we do now?" the hologram finally asked. A mocking chuckle echoed through the room. "We? No¡ªyou''re on your own." He turned away. "I''ve done more than enough. It''s time you cleaned up your mess." "But¡ª" the hologram started, desperation slipping through. The shadowy figure cut the connection with a flick of his hand, and the room was swallowed in silence once again. He stood there for a moment, then whispered under his breath: "Useless. I don''t know what Master sees in you¡­" He paused, something dark flickering in his voice. "Ethan¡­ You''ve been a thorn in my back for the last time." His gaze turned cold. "But before I deal with you¡­ I need to eliminate a potential leak." With that, the figure turned and vanished into the shadows. Chapter 74 - 74: Ch 73. Another Woman Elsewhere¡­ In a sleek, modern office dimly lit by city lights, a man sat behind a polished desk, glaring at the blank holo-screen before him. "That bastard cut me off mid-call¡­" he muttered, running a hand through his silver-streaked hair. The office door creaked open. A young man stepped in, his expression tense, his hands trembling slightly despite trying to appear calm. "Father¡­ how did it go?" he asked. It was Alex¡ªand he was visibly shaken. The man, Lyon, sighed. "It seems we''re on our own." Alex''s eyes widened. "What do you mean? Are you saying Ethan''s still alive? How? He was just a Level 1!" Lyon looked at his son carefully. He could see the fear behind the boy''s eyes, the panic barely held together by pride. It had started after they rescued the people Alex had sent after Ethan. One of them had confessed so Ethan knew who had sent them. Since then, Alex had been haunted¡ªby the thought of a boy he once dismissed now rising far beyond expectation. Lyon''s voice grew heavier. "I may have to act¡­ soon." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Alex stepped forward quickly. "What about them? Won''t they try to stop you?" Lyon leaned back in his chair, the weight of decisions pressing on his shoulders. "We have no choice anymore. If we leave him unchecked, it''s only a matter of time before he shows up at our front door." A pause. "And more importantly¡­ he might have something I need." The room fell into a still, suffocating silence as the weight of that statement lingered in the air like a coming storm. **** Ethan stepped out of his car, the grand Lancaster Estate quiet under the evening sky. The familiar gravel crunch under his feet was oddly comforting after the chaos he''d just been through. He made his way to the front door, exhaustion clinging to his limbs like lead. As he pushed the door open and stepped inside, the scent of something savory wafted through the air. "Home," he murmured under his breath. The moment the door clicked shut behind him, a blur of motion came from the kitchen. "Ethan!" Lisa rushed out, her eyes wide with relief¡ªuntil she caught herself, her expression hardening instantly. With a dramatic huff, she turned on her heel and stalked back into the kitchen. "Oh, so you finally remember you have a home?" she called over her shoulder. Ethan blinked, stunned by her sudden switch. Honestly¡­ he deserved it. He''d barely been home, always off entering one problem after the other. Still, he couldn''t help but chuckle as he followed her into the kitchen. "Lisa, I¡ª" "Don''t tell me," she interrupted, stirring a pot. "You''re seeing another woman behind Sister Sophia''s back?" Ethan froze at the doorway, utterly blindsided. "What? Why would you think that? Didn''t you see the note I left this morning?" Lisa didn''t even look at him. "Could''ve been a decoy. A distraction while you went off to see some secret lover." Ethan stood there, flabbergasted. Was¡­ was his sweet little sister always like this? He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry for being an unreliable brother¡­ but what I had to do today was important." That got her attention. Lisa stopped cooking and turned to face him, stepping forward with narrowed eyes. She scanned him from head to toe, inspecting every inch of him. "What are you doing?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Checking to see if you''re hurt anywhere." When she finished, she crossed her arms and nodded with mock approval. "Looks good. At least you were careful." Ethan gave a small smile. "Yeah¡­ I always am." Lisa shot him a deadpan look. "Sure. I''ll believe you¡­ for now." Then she waved him off. "Now go clean up. Dinner''s almost ready." Ethan grinned and stepped forward to hug her. "You''re the best, Lisa." She immediately pushed him away, scrunching up her nose. "Ugh! You reek of sweat. Go! Get out of my kitchen before you ruin my food!" He laughed as he backed away. "Still the best!" "I know," she called. "Now hurry up and go shower!" As Ethan made his way upstairs, a warm feeling settled in his chest. No matter how crazy things got out there, this was still real. Still worth protecting. After a refreshing shower, Ethan made his way downstairs, the scent of freshly cooked food guiding him to the dining room like a siren''s call. Lisa was already at the table, placing the last dish down. She looked up as he entered, raising a brow. "You''re finally clean. Miracles do happen," she teased. Ethan grinned and took his seat. "Keep talking and I might leave the dishes to you." "Hah. As if I''d let you off that easy." They both chuckled, the playful banter a comforting rhythm between them. As they ate, the conversation turned casual¡ªsoft, familiar. "So," Ethan said between bites, "how was school today?" Lisa sighed dramatically. "Exhausting. Classes finally resumed after that villain incident and I had to resume my duties in the committee I love what I do but It gets exhausting some times, the only good thing is having heroes posted around the school now. I guess the Lancasters pulled some strings¡ªSophia''s influence, no doubt." Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "Good. It means they''re taking security seriously I will have to thank Sophia for that." Lisa poked at her rice. "Yeah, but it''s still kind of surreal, you know? Seeing heroes walking the halls while you''re trying to focus on algebra." Ethan smirked. "Trust me, I''d pick algebra over getting tossed around by criminals any day." "Fair enough." After dinner, Ethan kept to his word and helped her wash the dishes. Later, they sat in the living room, sharing snacks and laughing over late-night games until the clock ticked closer to midnight. When fatigue finally crept in, they parted ways with lazy goodnights. Ethan collapsed onto his bed with a sigh, staring up at the ceiling. The quiet of the estate pressed in softly around him. "I still have a lot to do¡­" he murmured to himself. The Crownspire Ascension was approaching fast. Just a week and a few days left to prepare. His hand drifted to the drawer beside his bed, pulling out the strange token Natasha had given him. He held it up, the faint moonlight from his window casting shadows over its intricate markings. "How am I even supposed to find the location for the event¡­?" he whispered. The token remained cold and silent in his hand. He sighed and placed it back carefully. "I''ll think about it later¡­" But just as he settled back into bed, a sudden warmth surged through his chest. A strange sensation¡ªsubtle but growing¡ªrippled through his core. Ethan''s eyes widened slightly. "¡­It''s like Gray is about to wake up." Chapter 75 - 75: Ch 74. Drawback* In the quiet, open expanse of one of the Lancaster Estate''s private training grounds, Ethan stood alone. The morning sky was clear, the soft rays of sunlight stretching across the tiled floor of the reinforced field. He had asked Sophia for permission to use it, and while she had granted it without hesitation, he hadn''t seen her since. His gaze drifted to the distant mansion. "She''s probably been occupied with her father''s condition¡­" he muttered, concern etched faintly in his tone. He clenched his fists. "This is why I need to get stronger. So I can help¡ªhowever I can." He took a deep breath and turned his attention inward. "To do that, I have to test my connection with Gray." Gray had woken up yesterday, his consciousness stirring once again inside Ethan. But Ethan had held off on summoning him in his room¡ªnot when there was a real risk of lightning ripping through the walls. Here, though he was surrounded by reinforced barriers with no one around so there will be no risks of being seen but even if people saw him Ethan wouldn''t care. By now, anyone who had witnessed his rise knew he wasn''t someone who could be measured by normal standards. He smirked slightly and exhaled. "Okay, buddy¡­" he said, planting his feet firmly on the ground. "Let''s let you out." The moment he opened the channel between them, a deafening crack split the sky above. BOOM! A massive lightning strike exploded into the ground before him, the sheer force kicking up a blast of wind and thunder that roared across the field. Ethan staggered back slightly, watching as a radiant shape began to take form within the dissipating lightning. From the paws upward, Gray began to materialize¡ªfirst his white fur, then his muscular frame, followed by his sharp, intelligent eyes, and finally, his gleaming horn, now fully formed and pulsing with residual energy. When the light and wind finally faded, Gray stood proud, his presence commanding and wild. Ethan blinked once before giving a small, amused scoff. "What a show-off." He approached the beast calmly, eyes meeting Gray''s. "So?" he asked. "What''s it feel like? Stepping into the Real World?" Gray looked around, his head turning slowly, taking in the sky, the wind, and the shimmer of Meta Essence in the air. Unlike the Sanctum, where time felt suspended and everything existed in abstraction, this world breathed¡ªrich with sensation, movement, and life. He let out a sharp yelp of satisfaction, the kind only Ethan could understand. Ethan grinned. "Knew you''d like it here." Then his expression turned serious. "But now we need to test a few things¡­ Are you ready, buddy?" Gray nodded, eyes glowing faintly. "Good," Ethan said, raising his hand and clenching it with focus. "{Fuse}" Energy surged again¡ªthis time controlled, focused¡ªas Ethan and Gray began their powerful synchronization. The air shimmered as their forms blurred with each other. **** In the heart of the Lancaster Estate, deep within the manor''s administrative wing, sat an office bathed in soft golden light filtering through high-arched windows. The usual presence behind the grand oak desk¡ªPatriarch Richard Lancaster¡ªwas absent. In his place sat Sophia Lancaster, poised, sharp-eyed, and draped in a tailored navy suit that spoke of both elegance and command. Stacks of documents lay neatly organized before her, some bearing the crests of affiliated families, others carrying the seal of the Hero Association. With her father''s condition still critical, Sophia had taken over the family''s affairs, while her mother stayed at her father''s side, ensuring his care and comfort. Sophia flipped through a folder, signing off on security requests and deployment forms when a firm knock echoed through the room. "Come in," she said without looking up. The door opened silently, and a suited staff member stepped in, holding a silver case with both hands. He bowed slightly and placed the case on her desk. "Your delivery, Miss Sophia." "Thank you," she replied coolly, dismissing him with a nod. The staff member quietly exited, closing the door behind him. Sophia stared at the case for a moment, then reached forward and keyed in a six-digit code on the side. With a soft mechanical click, the lock disengaged. As She slowly lifted the lid. Inside, nestled within protective foam, was a golden circular token, ornate and gleaming under the office lights. At its center was a shield, detailed with an embossed sword piercing straight through it, the emblem of the Crownspire Ascension. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sophia''s expression softened, her composed mask cracking just slightly as she reached in and gently held the token in her hand. The gold caught the light, casting a faint glint onto her determined face. She whispered quietly, the words meant for no one but herself: "This is for you, Dad." The room fell silent once more¡ªan air of solemnity lingering in the air¡ªas Sophia closed the case, her resolve hardening again like steel behind her eyes. Whatever came next, she would be ready. **** Back at the Lancaster Estate''s vast training grounds, the air crackled with residual energy. Ethan stood at the center, exhaling gently as arcs of lightning danced across his body, his white hair flaring upward from the static coursing through him. His boots skidded slightly across the scorched earth, still steaming from their earlier display. "What a letdown," Ethan muttered, his tone almost disappointed. "I thought it would be more difficult." In that instant, the lightning that cloaked his frame surged once more before violently dispersing in a flash. His form staggered slightly as he de-fused from Gray, the spectral energy separating with a resonant hum. Gray, now fully materialized beside him, blinked and tilted his head, staring at Ethan with a mix of confusion and incredulity. Ethan glanced at him. "What?" he asked, seeing the look on his companion''s face. Gray continued to stare, unblinking, his luminous eyes full of silent judgment. Ethan crossed his arms and shrugged. "You know I''m not wrong. How can we be this powerful right after fusion? I expected... I don''t know¡ªa drawback, a condition, maybe even limited access to full strength. But we went all out and didn''t even flinch." Gray tilted his head the other way, ears twitching, clearly questioning Ethan''s sanity. Wasn''t that a good thing? Why was his master complaining about being strong? Ethan let out a half-laugh and ran a hand through his lightning-charged hair. "You''re right... it''s not exactly something to complain about." He smiled, the corners of his mouth twitching with anticipation. "Anyway, can''t cry over spilled milk." He turned toward Gray, lightning flickering once again at his fingertips. "We''ve got a tournament to prepare for, Gray. So let''s go all in. Let''s show them what a monster really looks like." Gray let out a low, excited howl in agreement as the two surged back into motion¡ªa storm made flesh and fury, tearing through the training ground as their next phase of training began. Chapter 76 - 76: Ch 75. Blacksmith He turned toward Gray, lightning flickering once again at his fingertips. "We''ve got a tournament to prepare for, Gray. So let''s go all in. Let''s show them what a monster really looks like." Gray let out a low, excited howl in agreement as the two surged back into motion¡ªa storm made flesh and fury, tearing through the training ground as their next phase of training began. **** The forge roared like a beast, flames licking high into the air and bathing the stone walls in an orange, blistering glow. The temperature was unbearable¡ªmolten heat that warped the air itself. No ordinary person could survive here. The room was utterly empty, save for a single figure at its center. Clang. Clang. Clang. The relentless ringing of hammer against steel echoed through the chamber in steady rhythm, each strike purposeful and heavy. Valen Droskar stood bare-chested before the anvil, sweat evaporating off his tanned skin the moment it appeared, muscles tense, forged as much by discipline as the fire that surrounded him. His red eyes glowed faintly, locked onto the glowing metal on the anvil before him. He worked in silence¡ªfocused, methodical, merciless. The sword in progress was being tempered with a precision that bordered on obsessive. He quenched the blade in an enchanted basin of dark blue oil, watching the steam rise violently. Then, with tongs and strength alone, he returned it to the flame for yet another round. This wasn''t just smithing. It was a ritual¡ªone that refined not only the blade but the man. The flames bit into his flesh, searing away weakness, and he welcomed it. Every swing of his hammer was a vow to perfection. Finally, after hours, the blade was done. Valen held it up under the dim forge light. To any untrained eye, it was flawless¡ªgleaming silver edge, runes delicately etched into the fuller, a perfect balance of weight and form. But not to Valen. "Another failure," he muttered coldly. Without hesitation, he flexed his massive arm and activated a sliver of his ability¡ª{Titanform}. Muscle and force surged through his veins as he snapped the blade in two, the sword that took hours to craft crumbling like glass. He dropped the shards without a second glance. As he stepped out of the forge, the temperature plummeted, but it barely fazed him. Waiting by the door was a maid, eyes cast downward. She offered a white towel. "Sir, your bath is ready," she said, her tone respectful. Valen nodded silently, wiping the soot and sweat from his face. His frame was massive, sculpted like a warrior-statue brought to life, with tanned skin, a square jaw, and sharp red eyes that shimmered like embers beneath damp strands of dark hair. As he neared the bathhouse, the steam already curling into the hallway, a figure waited at the doorway¡ªhis mother. She wore a long white gown, her red hair neatly pinned, and though her skin lacked the bronze of her son, her poise held undeniable strength. Her name was Lady Virelia Droskar, Matriarch of House Droskar and a former warrior in her own right. She gave him a knowing glance. "How is your training going for the Crownspire Ascension?" Valen snorted, eyes narrowing. "Why should I put effort into something that''s already assured?" Virelia folded her arms, her voice stern. "That doesn''t matter. You shouldn''t underestimate them. Some of your opponents are just as powerful as you." Valen stepped past her, fire still dancing beneath his skin. "They haven''t met someone with real power yet. When the Crownspire Ascension begins, I''ll show them their place." Without another word, he entered the bathroom, the door hissing shut behind him. His mother stood there in silence for a moment, staring at the steam curling from beneath the door. "I hope you''re right," she whispered. **** Lancaster Estate ¨C Training Grounds The air trembled with heat and raw energy. Inside the reinforced combat dome of the Lancaster Estate, Ethan, fully fused with Gray, moved like a thunderstorm given flesh. Dozens of flying drones, sleek and agile, darted through the air with their laser turrets glowing red, locking on to his every motion. But to them, Ethan was a blur¡ªa streak of white hair and flickering lightning that moved too fast to follow. Where he appeared, destruction followed. One drone was sliced in two by a precision wind blade, another disintegrated by a spear of lightning cast with surgical force. He didn''t waste energy. Every strike was deliberate. He didn''t use Force might, choosing instead to refine the traits granted by his fusion with Gray¡ªtraits that hadn''t yet reached their full potential. His agility, elemental control, perception, and refined motion¡ªthese were what he sought to master. A split second later, Ethan appeared across the field, breathing lightly, eyes scanning the last wave of drones regrouping midair. Their glowing optics trained on him. "Let''s hope we get it right this time," he muttered, wind and static coiling around him. From deep within, he felt Gray''s silent agreement, a mental nod echoing in his core. The drones charged¡ªlasers powering up, primed to fire. Ethan responded in kind. He summoned lightning into his left hand, wind into his right, a storm of opposing forces writhing in his grasp. As the lasers began to discharge¡ª "{Storm pulse Convergence}!" He slammed both hands into the ground. A massive shockwave of lightning-infused wind erupted outward, a howling tempest laced with crackling destruction. It tore through the battlefield like a divine judgment. The drones had no time to react. They were obliterated mid flight, vanishing into sparks and shattered metal. Silence followed¡ªbroken only by the distant hum of broken generators and the crackling energy still dispersing in the air. Ethan exhaled sharply, his shoulders rising and falling. "That was exhausting¡­" The fused glow faded from his body as he defused from Gray, the white lightning flickering off his skin. He looked around. The training ground was a disaster zone¡ªcraters marred the earth, drone parts were scattered like confetti, and the reinforced walls bore deep cracks. "¡­Hope Sophia won''t mind," Ethan muttered with a half-smile. He straightened, then brought up his Status Interface. The translucent screen flickered before him as he focused on one of the new abilities he''d obtained. --- [Ability Information] ¡ª Ability Name: Manifest Armament ¡ª Ability Type: Extrinsic / Instant / Summoning ¡ª Mastery Level: Peak ¡ª Tier: Uncommon ¡ª Ability Description: Manifest Armament allows the user to summon a weapon of their choosing through a synthesis of will and provided materials. The summoned weapon reflects the user''s intent, combat style, and desired form¡ªranging from blades to ranged constructs or elemental conduits. The quality of the weapon directly depends on the rarity, purity, and metaphysical resonance of the materials consumed during summoning. Once created, the weapon is bound to the user and adapts over time with repeated use, enabling evolution based on combat experience and environment. ¡ª Note: Weapons summoned with inferior materials will degrade quickly or fail to manifest. However, those formed from high-grade materials or artifacts can rival relic-class arms. --- Ethan''s eyes gleamed as he read over the panel. **** Ethan stood in the middle of the wrecked training field, the status panel still flickering before his eyes, displaying the details of Manifest Armament. The power embedded in those words stirred something deep within him¡ªnot just awe, but frustration. "Uncommon tier¡­?" he muttered, his brows furrowing. "Seriously?" He closed the panel, the faint glow disappearing as he turned his gaze to the crater-filled ground. "This ability should be Legendary, if not Mythical." His tone was sharp, edged with disbelief. "I can summon any weapon I want based on my will and materials, and you''re telling me that''s¡­ uncommon?" It didn''t sit right with him. Not at all. It was as if the Sanctum, his innate talent responsible for granting skills, simply tossed tiers around without thought, assigning labels just to keep the balance intact for his current level. Nothing more. No foresight. No true evaluation of potential. And that''s what made Ethan choose it. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The moment it popped up among his ability options he instantly knew. This wasn''t normal. This wasn''t just another flashy ability. Even now, he could feel the raw potential coiled inside Manifest Armament, like a forge waiting to be lit. But potential was useless without the right resources. "Of course," he sighed, "it''s basically dead weight until I get my hands on top-tier materials. Common steel won''t cut it¡­ not if I want to create something worthy of the Crownspire." He paused, a sudden thought sparking across his mind. "Wait¡­ isn''t one of the Crownspire Ascension participants a blacksmith?" He smirked faintly, rubbing his chin as the idea took root. "Valen Droskar, right? Firstborn of the Droskar family. A legendary Level 7 hero¡­ and a forge freak, from the Intel Natasha gave me." He added the last part but who would care. He chuckled under his breath, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes. "Now I feel like I''m cheating," he said, amused. "But if I am handed a forge... I''m going to make sure I use it." The wind carried the soft scent of scorched metal and lightning. Ethan glanced toward the horizon, the gears in his mind already turning. Chapter 77 - 77: Ch 76. Primorite heart Ethan didn''t need to traverse a den, scale a mountain, or wage war against a beast just to obtain rare crafting materials¡ªnot when he had powerful connections. With people like Sophia, with her Lancaster influence, Natasha, who had access to elite underground channels and global information, Agent 777 who worked with the association, and even Golden Booster, the clan leader of the Golden Emperor''s. He didn''t need to search. He just needed to call. And he did. As he stepped out of the damaged training field, he pulled out his phone. The requests were simple, clear, and specific. He already had the design in mind¡ªthe vision of a weapon that would define him in the Crownspire Ascension. All he needed were the components to make that vision reality. Three days later¡­ Lisa called from downstairs, "Ethan! Your delivery just arrived!" He grinned faintly. "That was faster than I expected," he muttered, walking toward the front door. As he received the heavy black case, he looked at it with satisfaction. "It''s good to have connections." After returning to his room, he placed the case on his table. "This feels like one of those unboxing videos," he said with a light chuckle, excitement building. With a soft hiss, the case opened, revealing six rare materials resting inside, each secured in their own compartment: 1. Voltherium Ore ¨C A pale blue metal that hummed faintly with electric resonance. 2. Wyrmscale Alloy ¨C A composite made from tempered drake scales, known for high durability. 3. Celestine Quartz ¨C A crystalline mineral that glowed softly and amplified energy flow. 4. Voidthread Fiber ¨C A rare material woven from creatures in spatial rifts, ideal for channeling abilities. 5. Aethersteel Shards ¨C Fragments of a meteoric alloy, highly reactive to meta essence. 6. Crimson Ignis Core ¨C A volcanic gem pulsing with controlled destructive heat. Ethan''s gaze shifted to the final, sealed compartment. "¡­And now, the crown jewel." He carefully opened it, revealing a deep black metallic sphere with flickering gold veins running through its surface. It radiated a quiet intensity that made the other materials seem tame. "This¡­ is the difference maker," Ethan whispered. Name: Primorite Heart It was a legendary-grade condensed ore once harvested from the ruins of a collapsed Den. Not only was it extremely rare, but it also retained the lingering essence of multiple fallen champions, granting any weapon forged from it unique resonance and adaptability in battle. Ethan stared at it with reverence before nodding. "Everything is in order," he said. "Now it''s time to summon something¡­ worthy." But before Ethan could begin the summoning process for the weapon he envisioned, there was one crucial step he had to take: refining the Primorite Heart. All the other materials¡ªwhile rare and powerful¡ªcould be obtained with the right connections, enough influence, or simply an obscene amount of wealth. But the Primorite Heart, despite being legendary-grade, had ironically become the easiest to acquire. Not because it was common¡ªbut because no one wanted it because of Its flaw time. You see, the Primorite Heart wasn''t like other materials. It was a temporal metal, infused with chaotic temporal energy that needed to settle before it could be harnessed. In essence, the Primorite Heart had to mature, undergoing a crystallization process that could take an estimated 10,000 years to complete. That wouldn''t have been a problem in a world with ancient legacies¡­ except that it had only been 300 years since the Dreadbeast Invasion and the discovery of the Aether factor. Humanity didn''t have the luxury of patience anymore. Over time, blacksmiths and researchers attempted to accelerate the heart''s growth. Alchemical baths, temporal accelerators, and even spatial compression chambers were all tried. The best result? A few hundred years shaved off the timer¡ªat best. Even a gifted hero who once awakened the ability to mature inorganic materials barely made a dent in the heart''s stubborn timeline due to his low mastery. Eventually, the Primorite Heart was labeled a "trap material"¡ªlegendary in name only. So then¡­ why would Ethan choose it? Simple. Because he had something others didn''t: His fourth ability from the Sanctum. --- [Ability Information] ¡ª Ability Name: Chrono Pulse ¡ª Ability Type: Extrinsic / Instant / Time Manipulation ¡ª Mastery Level: Peak ¡ª Tier: Uncommon ¡ª Ability Description: Chrono Pulse allows the user to project controlled temporal fields onto non-living matter, drastically accelerating the passage of time in a condensed and isolated frame of reference. The field warps localized chronal flow, simulating centuries in seconds without affecting the surrounding environment. The greater the user''s mastery and Meta Essence control, the more stable and extreme the acceleration becomes. At peak mastery, it is capable of forcing inorganic materials through thousands of years of natural maturation in moments¡ªwithout degradation, only refinement. --- Ethan stood in his room, staring at the dark sphere with golden veins¡ªthe Primorite Heart¡ªresting silently within a reinforced casing. His fingers hovered above it. "To think... something so powerful could be cast aside just because no one could wait," he murmured. Then he raised his hand. "Let''s change your fate." Ethan stood in his room, the quiet hum of Aetheric silence hanging in the air. In his hand was the core of everything he had planned¡ªthe Primorite Heart, a once inert relic deemed too impractical and stubborn to be of any real use. He gently set it down on the his black table in front of him, its dull surface reflecting nothing but wasted potential. Then, as he inhaled slowly, his eyes narrowed with focus. Under his breath, he whispered, "{Chrono Pulse}." In an instant, a wave of Meta Essence burst from his body, invisible yet overwhelming, like a pressure drop in reality itself. The air shimmered faintly, and time warped around the Primorite Heart. The space surrounding it began to distort, as though the very laws of nature were being pulled into an artificial current. The blackened shell of the Heart began to shift. Its dull luster faded away¡ªreplaced by life. Red veins, vibrant and glowing like magma beneath a stone skin, began to branch across its surface. Minute fractures formed¡ªnot from weakness, but from growth. Inside those cracks, faint pulses of energy danced, like lightning trapped in crystal. Around the room, time flowed normally. But for the Primorite Heart, it was living through days, weeks, months, years, and centuries¡ªa millennia of maturity condensed into a matter of moments. The smell of ozone and burnt essence wafted through the air as Ethan''s essence poured into the spell, stabilizing it at every turn. His body trembled from the effort, sweat beading at his brow, but he endured. Then¡­ the energy stopped. With a soft hum, the glow around the Heart dimmed. For a moment, all was silent¡ªuntil a shockwave of pure energy erupted from the Heart. It surged outward, filling the room with a wild, primal force. The pressure was suffocating¡ªan ancient power being born. Then, as quickly as it came, the energy recoiled, pulling itself back into the Heart, folding in like a cloak, concealing itself. A defense mechanism, ancient and instinctive, meant to prevent detection by prying eyes. But it was already too late. Ethan knew. The Primorite Heart had fully matured. He stepped closer, placing a hand just above it, not quite touching. "¡­It worked," he whispered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "We''ve got our core." This was no longer just a material. It was the soul of his new weapon. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 78 - 78: Ch 77. Soulbound Ethan stood at the center of his room, a calm storm of purpose brewing behind his golden eyes. On the table before him were the six materials laid out with deliberate care that he had "painstakingly" acquired: Voltherium Ore, a pale blue metal that hummed faintly with electric resonance; Wyrmscale Alloy, forged from tempered drake scales, prized for its near-unbreakable durability; Celestine Quartz, softly glowing with a crystalline brilliance that amplified energy flow; Voidthread Fiber, rare and elusive, spun from the essence of creatures found in Abyss dens, perfect for channeling abilities with finesse; Aethersteel Shards, fragments of a meteoric alloy that shimmered in response to the meta essence in the air; and the Crimson Ignis Core, a volcanic gem pulsing steadily with raw, contained heat. He paused for a moment, hands hovering above the arrangement, and allowed himself a thought. "This ability... it''s somehow similar to Sophia''s Blade Summon." The comparison was inevitable. Her ability allowed her to summon a blade from a personal dimension, forged and refined to suit her style. "But mine... mine is on a different level. She summons what she''s stored. I create what I imagine." A smirk ghosted across his face. "I wonder how I compare to her now..." He had defeated Guardian Angel, a Level 6 hero, and though it hadn''t been easy, he won. Sophia was strong¡ªundeniably so¡ªbut unless she had been hiding something, the gap between them had already shifted in his favor. Still, Ethan knew that power wasn''t just numbers¡ªit was application. He''d need to spar with her soon. Not out of arrogance, but because he wanted to know. "Feels like yesterday I arrived here, clueless and unranked... and now I''m climbing toward the top." His eyes darkened slightly as he thought of the voice and the warning it gave him of an unknown enemy. One he would only learn about once he was strong enough. "But that''s later. First¡­ I have to win this tournament. Sophia''s father isn''t going to heal himself." He tightened his jaw, the weight of purpose anchoring him. "And after that¡­ it''s back to grinding." With everything in place, he took one last breath and reached out. His hand hovered over the Primorite Heart, still pulsing like a living organism of crystallized energy. Then he uttered¡ªhis voice low and clear¡ª "{Manifest Armament}." As Ethan activated the ability, a low hum filled the room. As a glowing circular rune spread out beneath the arranged materials, forming a complex lattice of interlocking symbols that shimmered with crimson and silver light. The materials responded instantly¡ªdrawn in like offerings to an ancient forge god¡ªincluding the matured Primorite Heart, which floated to the center with reverence. A surge of connection formed between Ethan and the rune¡ªa mental link that flooded his senses with raw potential. He blinked once, then smirked. "So this is how I design the weapon¡­ interesting." He focused, diving fully into the forging link. Every fiber of his being honed in as he manipulated the essence of each material, blending their traits with delicate precision. The Voltherium Ore formed the internal conductors, ready to channel electricity like nerves in a living arm. Wyrmscale Alloy wove into the external structure, making it nigh-indestructible. Celestine Quartz formed inner lattice nodes to amplify energy surges, while Voidthread Fiber etched itself into the lining, allowing the gauntlets to adapt to spatial shifts and power fluxes. Aethersteel Shards added volatile responsiveness to meta essence, and the Crimson Ignis Core served as the stabilizer and hidden furnace. At the center of it all, the Primorite Heart pulsed¡ªproviding not only raw power, but a kind of intelligent resonance while also raising the potential of the other materials. An hour passed in deep concentration before the link snapped. The rune pulsed, taking on a rhythmic thrum like a heartbeat. "Now we wait," Ethan said, sinking onto his bed. Five long hours crawled by. The rune glowed steadily as Ethan, eyes sharp, never left its side¡ªparanoia or not, he wasn''t letting anyone take what he had crafted from his own ambition. His stomach growled but he ignored it. When the rune began to dim, Ethan sat up. "Did something go wrong?" A flash burst from the rune¡ªand something small was ejected. Ethan caught it instantly. "The Primorite Heart?" he muttered, inspecting it. It was pale, drained¡ªits vibrant energy completely spent. Before he could process further, the rune flared. The air shimmered as energy condensed violently above it¡ªthen the room fell silent as two gauntlets materialized, hovering in the air like relics of a forgotten war god. They were sleek, intimidating, and beautifully forged. Colored a deep obsidian black, they shimmered subtly under the light with crimson circuit-like etchings that pulsed in sync with meta essence. The design was angular, almost draconic in shape, with thin, flared fins along the forearms resembling wing spines. Each gauntlet extended from fist to just below the elbow, molded to fit with anatomical perfection, as though they were grown rather than built. The knuckles were reinforced with jagged ridges, and the palms bore an intricate emblem that resembled a stylized eye of lightning split by a blade. Veins of molten red pulsed beneath the black outer shell, faintly illuminating as if something alive breathed within the weapon. Ethan''s lips curled into a grin. "Now that''s what I''m talking about." Without hesitation, Ethan stepped forward and slid his hands into the gauntlets. The moment he did, an overwhelming surge of energy rushed through him¡ªso sudden and immense that it felt like his skull might shatter. His vision went white, his body frozen in place as his consciousness was violently pulled into an unknown space. Darkness surrounded him. An endless void. Then¡ª It blinked. A colossal, slit-pupiled dragon eye, larger than mountains and blazing with ancient intelligence, opened before him. Its golden iris burned like a sun in the pitch-black emptiness, staring directly into his soul. Ethan was paralyzed¡ªnot by fear, but by the sheer weight of its presence. Then a voice echoed. "You are worthy to wield me." It was not spoken aloud¡ªit reverberated through the marrow of his bones, a voice that carried the tone of judgment, command, and timeless knowing. And then¡ª The void shattered. Ethan gasped as his senses snapped back to his room. He was standing where he had been, the gauntlets securely bound to his arms, now pulsing softly with inner light. He steadied himself, exhaling slowly. "That was... weird. Was that the soul of the gauntlet?" he murmured, but he pushed the thought aside. Instead, he closed his eyes and reached inward¡ªnot to the core he shared with Gray, but deeper. There, bound to him like a second heart, was a new presence: the gauntlet''s soul. A sharp ping sounded in his mind as a system interface materialized before his eyes: --- [Soulbound Armament Interface Activated] Name: No Name Description: A weapon forged by mortal hands that dared to mimic the divine. Infused with a matured Primorite Heart and constructed from rare materials enhanced by the Primorite heart, this gauntlet possesses a soul of its own¡ªan echo of something far greater. It recognizes only those worthy to ascend beyond mortality. Traits Unlocked: ¡ª [Power]: Greatly enhances the user''s strength, striking force, and physical resilience beyond standard capacity. Traits Locked: ¡ª [Mind]: Locked ¡ª [Soul]: Locked ¡ª [Reality]: Locked ¡ª [Space]: Locked ¡ª [Time]: Locked Evolution Progress: [0 / 10,000] --- Ethan''s eyes narrowed with satisfaction. "Everything is how I made it to be." The Power Trait alone was more than enough for now. The others¡ªMind, Soul, Reality, Space, and Time¡ªwould awaken only when the gauntlet evolved further. To evolve it, he needed to kill. More specifically, he had to slay with the gauntlets themselves¡ªbloodshed was the catalyst for its growth. Brutal, yes. But necessary. "Good thing," he said darkly, "there are enough dreadbeasts for me to hunt." Then his gaze flicked to the top of the interface again. Name: No Name He tilted his head. "What should I call you?" The gauntlets pulsed in response. Not violently¡ªbut warmly. As if awaiting his answer, as if it, too, wanted a name. Ethan felt the bond deepen for a brief instant. He smiled. "I''ve got it. I''ll name you¡ª" ..... A/N I know this is late to ask but how are you enjoying the story so far. If you have any ideas for the story in the long run you can put it in the comments. Thank you for reading sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 79 - 79: Ch 78. Kane Volcrest In a shadowed expanse just outside City S, a den pulsed faintly with otherworldly energy¡ªone of the infamous Worldbreaker Dens, this one known as Abyss Horn Hollow. Within it, the broken bodies of dreadbeasts¡ªhulking, minotaur-like monsters with molten eyes and stone-cracked hides¡ªwere strewn across the ground. The air was thick with scorched blood and Meta Essence residue. A squad of heroes, draped in cloaks bearing the crest of the Volcrest Family, moved efficiently among the corpses. Their movements were sharp, practiced¡ªclear signs of rigorous training. This expedition was more than just another cleanup mission; it was a trial, a rite of passage meant to harden the next generation of Volcrest warriors. As the group settled to rest briefly, one of the younger recruits scoffed, wiping blood from his blade. "Since we started, he hasn''t lifted a finger. We''ve done everything. What''s the point of him even being here?" He wasn''t loud, but the words were sharp¡ªand they drew the attention of a nearby veteran hero. The older man, a silver-haired warrior with a jagged scar running across his lip, turned slowly, eyes cold. "You can bad-mouth any of us¡ªeven the commander¡ªbut don''t ever soil the name of our leader." His tone dropped low, dangerous. "You''re new, so I''ll take it as ignorance. Say it again, and I''ll slit your neck myself." The recruit stiffened, heart pounding. He hadn''t expected such a violent reaction. Why was Kane Volcrest so feared? So revered? He looked at the older hero, hoping for an answer¡ªbut the man had already turned away, leaving the recruit to stew in his own uncertainty. Once the rest break ended, they pressed onward, deeper into the den. Their formation was clean and lethal¡ªstrikes timed to perfection, abilities weaving through gaps in armor, dreadbeasts falling one after another. But amid the chaos, one man never moved. Kane Volcrest. He walked silently behind them, a solitary figure untouched by the blood and sweat of battle. His long violet hair swayed with each step, his crimson-trimmed battle tech armor gleaming under the den''s faint luminescence. He didn''t issue commands. Didn''t offer strategy. He simply observed, silent as a phantom. The same recruit who had spoken earlier clenched his fists. He wasn''t alone¡ªother new recruits shared his frustration. Even if Kane didn''t fight, he could at least act like a leader, offer tactical insight, or rally them in battle. But he did nothing. He just watched. Then, everything changed. The squad reached the heart of the den¡ªa wide cavern thrumming with dense, primal Meta Essence. Jagged crystals jutted from the floor like broken teeth, and at its center stood a gate¡ªa shimmering veil of silver flame marking the Guardian''s Domain. Everyone stopped. The recruits looked around, confused. Why weren''t they moving forward? Then¡ªhe moved. Kane stepped past the entire group, boots silent on the stone. His armor hummed, threads of deep violet energy flickering across the plating. His eyes, previously distant, were now locked with deadly focus on the barrier ahead. He didn''t say a word. Didn''t call for support. He walked alone. The recruits froze. Was he going in alone? Wasn''t anyone going to help him? They turned to the veteran heroes¡ªbut none of them moved. They simply watched, their expressions calm and filled with something the new recruits couldn''t identify at first¡ªexpectation. That''s when it clicked. They weren''t abandoning Kane. They were giving him space. Because something was about to happen. Something only he could do. And for the first time, the recruits stood still¡ªnot with confusion or anger¡ªbut in awe, as the true power behind the name Kane Volcrest was about to be revealed. The moment Kane Volcrest stepped into the Guardian''s Area, the atmosphere shifted violently. It was as if he had crossed into another world¡ªone soaked in deathly calm and crushing pressure. The air thickened, sound seemed muffled, and ahead of him lay the heart of the den: The Blackpit. A perfectly still pool of obsidian liquid, its surface too smooth, too silent it felt unnaturally wrong. It exuded no heat, no aura, yet Kane''s instincts screamed. His mind sharpened to a singular, primal urge. Destroy it. Before he could take a step, a piercing roar tore through the cavern, echoing like thunder made of metal. The sound was followed by a violent gust, and from above, wings blazed through the darkness¡ªmassive, scaled, and monstrous. A dreadbeast wyvern, its wings fused to clawed forelimbs, descended with savage grace. It was larger than most dragons Kane had seen in ancient archives, its skin layered in blackened bone-like armor, its eyes burning with dread. Now he understood why the Guardian''s Area was so vast. It had to hold this. The beast landed, causing the very stone beneath them to crack. With a thunderous bellow that shook the entire den, the wyvern challenged him. But Kane didn''t flinch. He didn''t draw a weapon. He didn''t even speak. He didn''t have to. Because his ability {Bloodstorm Path} was always active. A cursed bloodline trait unique to the Volcrest Family, it amplified the power of its users the more they withheld themselves¡ªsilent, restrained, composed. But when unleashed, when that silence broke¡­ They became monsters. And Kane was about to break. The air thickened again¡ªthis time with the scent of iron and ozone, as if a storm had bled into the cavern. Red and violet lightning sparked wildly around him, arcing along his limbs, crawling up his spine. Then, without warning, he moved. A manic grin split across Kane''s face, wild and bloodthirsty. With a thunderous boom, he surged forward, lightning crackling in jagged bursts. The wyvern reared back and unleashed a cone of blazing fire. But it wasn''t enough. Kane raised a shield of writhing violet energy, absorbing the blast as he closed the distance. Just meters away, he raised a hand¡ªthen fired a concentrated bolt of purple lightning straight into the wyvern''s chest. The beast was sent crashing into a nearby wall, its roars echoing in fury and pain. Kane didn''t stop. He followed, a red lightning arc streaking behind him. He was everywhere at once¡ªblurring around the wyvern with explosive force, each strike heavier than the last, each movement faster. His armor pulsed with glowing crimson cracks, and his body danced with unrestrained brutality. From the outside, the Volcrest heroes watched, eyes wide. Their leader hadn''t said a word the entire expedition¡ªhe hadn''t needed to. This was why. The shockwaves from the battle shattered the edges of the chamber. Debris rained. Fire lit the ceiling. The den itself trembled beneath the force of the clash. Half an hour had passed. And from the smoke and silence, Kane emerged. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His armor was cracked and bloodstained, one gauntlet scorched, but his expression was once again serene, as if the battle had never happened. The madness in his eyes was gone, replaced by that unreadable calm. He passed the gathered heroes without a word. And none dared speak. Even the recruits, who had once questioned his place, now stood in awed silence. All doubts were erased. Kane Volcrest was not a silent coward. He was a storm waiting to be unleashed. And now they all understood. And the Crownspire Ascension will know his name as well. **** Ethan''s eyes narrowed with satisfaction. "Everything is how I made it to be." The Power Trait alone was more than enough for now. The others¡ªMind, Soul, Reality, Space, and Time¡ªwould awaken only when the gauntlet evolved further. To evolve it, he needed to kill. More specifically, he had to slay with the gauntlets themselves¡ªbloodshed was the catalyst for its growth. Brutal, yes. But necessary. "Good thing," he said darkly, "there are enough dreadbeasts for me to hunt." Then his gaze flicked to the top of the interface again. Name: No Name He tilted his head. "What should I call you?" The gauntlets pulsed in response. Not violently¡ªbut warmly. As if awaiting his answer, as if it, too, wanted a name. Ethan felt the bond deepen for a brief instant. He smiled. "I''ve got it. I''ll name you¡ª" Ethan''s eyes gleamed as the name formed on his lips¡ªan instinctual blend of power, purpose, and legacy. "Tenebris Fang." The moment the name left his mouth, the gauntlets reacted violently¡ªnot in rejection, but in awakening. A pulse of crimson and obsidian energy surged from them, wrapping around Ethan''s arms like living fire. Symbols, once dormant, ignited across the gauntlets'' surface¡ªancient runes of binding and growth, now thrumming with life. The metal shimmered faintly as if drinking in his essence, syncing with his will. Ethan staggered for a second as the soul-bound tether between him and Tenebris Fang stretched deeper. The gauntlet wasn''t just bound it had become one with Ethan. Ethan could feel its hunger, its eagerness, and¡ªmost of all¡ªits loyalty. "Let''s go," Ethan said, his voice low, charged with anticipation. "Let''s see what you''re really capable of." **** Across different cities, prominent heroes were preparing for the Crownspire Ascension. They trained relentlessly¡ªrefining techniques, mastering abilities, and pushing their limits. Weapons clashed, meta essence flared, and sweat mixed with blood as each contender sharpened their edge. The Crownspire Ascension wasn''t just a tournament¡ªit was a battlefield of ambition, and only the strongest would rise. Chapter 80 - 80: Ch 79. The List The days slipped by in a blur until, at last, the day of the Crownspire Ascension arrived. During that time, Ethan had made incredible progress. His synergy with both Gray and Tenbris had reached new heights¡ªso much so that he could confidently say he would crush his former self in a heartbeat. That growth alone proved he was on the right path. His training wasn''t confined to the Lancaster estate. He dove into multiple dens, testing his evolving skills. While Tenbris hadn''t evolved yet, he still pushed it as far as he could, driven by both challenge and purpose. He also focused on maxing out his Meta Essence, something he hadn''t done since leveling up during the battle with Mirveil. His current status read: --- [Aethermark Interface] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 3 (Warrior) Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Abilities: [Force Might] [Vital Bloom] [Withering Verdict] [Chrono Pulse] [Manifest Armament] [????] Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 150/150 Tenbris Evolution Counter: [728 / 10,000] --- He could have pushed for more. Hell, he wanted to¡ªhoping for another overflow like last time¡ªbut things weren''t as easy anymore. And now¡­ the time had come. Ethan sat in his room when he heard a ding¡ªa message popped up on his phone from an unknown sender. The moment he opened it his eyes widened. "Congratulations. You are a contestant in the Crownspire Ascension. The Ascension will begin in 5 minutes." A counter sat beside it: 4:54¡­ 4:53¡­ "What?" Ethan blinked. "How do I even get there¡ª" Another message appeared. "All 32 contestants have been finalized. Here is the list." Ethan scanned it, recognizing several names¡ªespecially the ten Natasha had warned him about. "Guess I owe her a real thank-you for the early list¡­" he muttered, scrolling through the rest. Then he stopped. One name caught his attention. Sophia Lancaster. "What''s she doing here¡­?" **** The list wasn''t sent to contestants alone. Because the Crownspire Ascension was one of the most prestigious tournaments in existence¡ªwhere the strongest of the generation would be revealed, and where even a Saint would be present¡ªthe list of participants was shared widely. Clan masters, Ascendant and Overlord families, and top-ranking officials in the Hero Association all received it. Saints were beings of such magnitude that even the most powerful found it difficult to meet them, making their attendance a rare and monumental event. But not only heroes got access to the list. With a list this valuable spreading so far, it inevitably fell into the hands of villains as well. That was exactly why the Crownspire Association always released it at the very last moment¡ªto avoid contestants becoming targets before the tournament began. In a dim, silent chamber, a cloaked figure stared at the participant list. If Mirveil had been present, she would have instantly recognized him. He was her master. No words were spoken at first. The man''s eyes lingered on one name: Ethan Cross. "So," he finally murmured, "you''ve already come this far." The device in his hand shattered under the force of his grip. Then, as if dismissing the list entirely, he said coldly, "Let''s move out." He turned, his cloak brushing against the ground. Behind him stood fifteen Sentinels, identical to the monstrous one that had once fought Richard Lancaster. Their destination: Tartarus. Elsewhere, in the office of the Green Serpents, Vice-Leader Lyon Tusk glared at the same list, frustration etched into his face. "How the hell did he make it this far already¡­ to be selected for the Ascension?" he muttered, clearly referring to Ethan. "This complicates things." Suddenly, his vision blurred¡ªhis mind pulled into a mental space. As he Knelt instantly and bowed his head. "I greet the Master." Before him stood a man cloaked in shadow, white-haired and red-eyed, his gaze suffocating despite his total stillness. His mere presence felt like a mountain pressing down. The man spoke: "Sapar has gone to Tartarus to clean up the mess his agent left behind. That leaves you for this mission." Lyon dared not move, dread building in his chest. "The boy, Ethan," the master said, voice deathly calm, "must be eliminated. We cannot allow him to earn the favor of the Saint." Lyon''s heart pounded. ''Kill Ethan? At the tournament? With a Saint watching? That''s suicide¡­'' Almost as if reading his thoughts, the master added: "You won''t go alone. I will deal with the Saint while You handle the rest." Lyon''s breath hitched. ''He''s¡­ getting involved himself?'' That revelation alone sent chills down his spine. ''Why? What happens if the Saint really chooses him? Is master afraid that what the boy possess will fall into the hands of the saint.'' But no answers came. Only a final command: "Be ready for the signal." Then, Lyon was violently thrown out of the mental space¡ªback into his office, body drenched in sweat. He exhaled¡­ then chuckled. And that chuckle turned into mad laughter. "Sorry, Ethan," he whispered. "Looks like you''ll be reuniting with your family a lot sooner than you thought¡­" **** Sophia stared at the list, her eyes locked onto one name. Ethan Cross. She had been selected as a contestant for the Crownspire Ascension, but even if she hadn''t, she still would''ve seen the list. After all, she came from an Overlord family¡ªaccess like that was guaranteed. But status didn''t matter right now. Only one thought filled her mind. She stood up abruptly, disbelief etched across her face. "How is this possible?" she muttered. She knew Ethan was strong¡ªincredibly so. But to be chosen for Crownspire Ascension? That was something else entirely. This wasn''t just any tournament. It was a proving ground for heroes who had built their legends¡ªthose with years of experience, high levels, and world-shaking achievements. Compared to them, Ethan''s feats would seem like child''s play. But¡­ No one had done what Ethan had in just two months since awakening. No one had grown at his pace. Not even the most gifted elites from Ascendant or Overlord families. She opened her mouth, about to ask the question gnawing at her mind¡ªWhy would Ethan be chosen?¡ªwhen suddenly the timer on the screen struck: 00:00 And the Crownspire Ascension began. Chapter 81 - 81: Ch 80. Welcome As Sophia opened her mouth to question why Ethan had been chosen, the timer hit zero. Her Ascension token began to glow faintly¡ªthen suddenly erupted in blinding light, flooding the entire office in a radiant flash. When the light receded, Sophia was gone. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In Ethan''s room, the same phenomenon occurred. His token pulsed once, then exploded with light. In an instant, Ethan vanished, leaving behind only silence. A few seconds later, Lisa knocked softly on the door. "I heard a noise¡ª" she began, stepping in, only to stop mid-sentence. The room was empty. "...Where did he go now?" she muttered, frowning in confusion. All across various cities, the same event unfolded¡ª32 tokens, 32 flashes, and 32 chosen were instantly teleported. Each beam of light crashed into a massive, floating arena, one after another. The contestants emerged in flashes, landing with precision and purpose. And then¡ªsilence. It was quickly shattered by an intense wave of killing intent. Each contestant locked eyes with the others, instincts sharpened. They didn''t need to be told¡ªeveryone here was an enemy. Just before tensions erupted into violence, a smooth voice sliced through the air: "Welcome to the Ascension." All heads turned toward the source. A man stood at the center of the arena, dressed in a sharp red suit, with blond hair slicked back and sunglasses resting comfortably on his face. His charisma radiated effortlessly. "Good to have your attention," he said with a grin. "Now, let''s talk rules." Across cities, powerful figures, heroes, clan masters, and even villains streamed the broadcast live. Eyes were glued to the screen. Who would rise? Who would fall? And¡ªwho would become legend? **** Before the announcer explained the rules, he gave the contestants a moment of clarity. "The 32 of you standing here," he began, voice echoing through the vast arena, "were chosen for the Crownspire Ascension because of the feats you''ve already accomplished¡ªand more importantly, the potential you possess to achieve even greater things." A quiet murmur passed through some of the contestants. "Each of you received your token from one of our collaborators or scouts¡ªpeople who''ve spent years searching for talents, matching data, studying your progress, and verifying if you had what it takes to participate in this tournament." Ethan''s eyes narrowed slightly at those words. ''So Natasha was one of them... That means I would''ve gotten the token even if Richard''s life hadn''t been on the line.'' His expression tightened. ''Just how much was she hiding from me?'' ''But if someone like her was part of the selection... then these people really are the best this generation has to offer.'' The announcer continued with a grin. "Now, the rules. It''s simple¡ªwe''ll be following a standard bracket format. Your first opponents have already been selected randomly. If you win, you proceed. If you lose, you''re eliminated. There are no retries." He held up a finger, pausing for emphasis. "And just to be clear¡ªvictory is only achieved in two ways: your opponent admits defeat or they''re no longer able to continue." A few fighters clenched their fists at those words. "But don''t hold back. The arena you''re standing on is built to suppress and nullify killing blows¡ªeven from an Ascendant. So go all out." That caught Ethan''s attention. His brow lifted slightly. ''Blocking a blow from an Ascendant? That''s no small feat... whoever made this arena wasn''t joking around.'' The announcer then extended his hand toward the far side of the dome. In a flash, a large floating screen appeared above them, illuminating the names, ranks, levels, and ages of all 32 contestants in their matchups. Gasps rippled across the arena. All eyes locked on one particular name¡ªand then, disbelief set in. Ethan Cross 18 years E-Rank (Forsaken) Level 3 (Warrior) It didn''t make sense. He was too young, too weak and had a rank that was practically a stain among prodigies. Several contestants scoffed out loud. A few just shook their heads and chuckled, already crossing him off mentally as a non-threat. "This has to be a mistake..." someone muttered. "Is this a prank entry?" another sneered. But the announcer didn''t flinch. "The matchups have been set. First combatants, prepare yourselves. The rest¡ªtake your seats in the stands." The arena itself was massive¡ªa sealed dome, crafted from sleek obsidian walls and glowing arcane lines, with no visible audience. The battles were being streamed through hidden cameras to viewers across cities. The stands were eerily quiet, filled only with the presence of the remaining contestants and a few subtle watchers. Yet somewhere, within the arena''s unseen depths, the Saint watched silently. They didn''t reveal themselves, but their presence was undeniable¡ªa distant pressure, sharp and ancient, observing the chosen with careful eyes. As contestants filtered into the stands, murmuring among themselves, the first match was about to begin. And just then¡ªSophia began walking toward Ethan, her gaze unreadable, her steps deliberate. As Sophia stood in front of Ethan, a quiet tension settled between them. Neither spoke at first. She simply stared at him, eyes sharp and unreadable. Ethan returned the stare, calm and unwavering. Around them, the other contestants watched with subtle curiosity. Whispers stirred in their minds, though no one voiced them aloud: ''Was she planning to take him out before the matches even began?'' ''Was this a preemptive strike to eliminate the weakest?'' But Sophia made no move. Instead, she finally broke the silence. "So... you were chosen." Ethan nodded. "Yes. And it seems you were too." Sophia hummed softly in acknowledgment. Then her expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing with genuine interest. "What do you plan to do... if you win?" Ethan didn''t hesitate. "Isn''t it obvious?" he said, his voice steady. "I''ll ask the Saint to heal your father." Sophia''s eyes widened in shock. For a brief moment, her composed facade cracked¡ªgenuine surprise, then something softer. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. Then, slowly, her gaze lowered as a warm feeling bloomed in her chest. ''He''s¡­ so sweet, she thought, heart fluttering unexpectedly. Even now, he''s thinking of others.'' She smiled¡ªa soft, radiant smile that took Ethan off guard. It was the first time he had ever seen her smile like that. It wasn''t out of pride or defiance¡­ it was real and Gentle. "Just be ready," she said, lifting her eyes back to him her gaze softer than usual. "I won''t go easy just because it''s you." Ethan blinked, stunned for a second, before regaining his composure. A smirk curved his lips. "I wouldn''t have it any other way. I won''t like it it was to easy." Sophia gave him a final nod, then turned gracefully and walked back to her seat in the stands. Her expression had softened, but her resolve hadn''t wavered. Ethan watched her go, then turned his eyes to the arena. The tournament had officially begun. The first match was moments away. Chapter 82 - 82: Ch 81. Acknowledged The arena fell into silence, a heavy hush blanketing the vast dome as the first match of the Crownspire Ascension was about to begin. Ethan leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. These names hadn''t been on the list Natasha sent him¡ªthey weren''t considered major threats. Still, like every other contestant in the stands, he watched with full attention. Not out of concern¡­ but out of respect. This was the opening bout of a tournament that would determine the greatest prodigy of their generation. Two figures stepped into the arena. The first was a young man with vibrant green hair and sharp green eyes, wearing sleek aerodynamic battle-tech armor. A black cape fluttered behind him, and he gripped twin daggers, each pulsing faintly with wind-aligned energy. Across from him stood a broader figure, a youth with earthy brown hair and eyes, clad in heavy battle-tech armor that clanked with each step. In his hands rested a massive battle hammer, the head of it inscribed with glowing runes. High above the ring, the announcer adjusted his sunglasses, then raised his hand. "Begin." There was no hesitation. The green-haired warrior exploded forward, the wind howling at his feet as he rocketed across the arena in a flash of movement. A sonic boom cracked the air as he closed the distance in a breath, his dagger aimed straight for his opponent''s throat. He wasn''t holding back. But the earth user was ready. Just before the dagger landed, jagged stone pillars erupted from the ground in a crisscross pattern, aiming to impale and trap the wind user. Without missing a beat, the green-haired youth leaned back, then exhaled a concentrated blast of wind from his mouth, shouting: "{Gale Vault!}" The force of the gust shot him into the sky, narrowly dodging the impaling earth. In the air, he grinned. This was his domain. With a flick of his wrists, he slashed his daggers through the air, sending razor-sharp wind blades raining down. The earth user raised his arms, stomping once as a thick rock barrier surged up to shield him. The wind user spun in midair, his voice echoing: "{Cyclone Dive!}" A miniature tornado formed around him as he spiraled downward like a comet, hurtling toward the shield. The earth user roared back: "{Terra Sentinel!}" The rock barrier unfolded like a blooming flower, forming into a towering golem made of living stone. As the wind warrior descended, the golem''s massive fist rocketed upward, colliding with the wind user''s spiraling form. BOOM! A shockwave burst from the impact, powerful enough to stir the hair and clothes of the contestants in the stands. Yet none looked away¡ªnot for a second. As the dust cleared, the two warriors were still standing, breathless but far from finished. Then, they charged. A blur of motion. Wind and Earth clashed in a dizzying ballet of blades and blows. Wind blades sliced through stone barriers. Stone spears burst from the floor, forcing the wind user to dance and flip midair. Dagger strikes met with the crushing force of hammer shockwaves, sending cracks rippling through the arena floor. But gradually¡­ the wind user began to slow. Fatigue crept into his limbs. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The earth user seized the moment. He stomped again, causing the ground beneath his opponent to seize around his ankles, locking him in place. Before the wind user could react¡ªCRACK! The battle hammer crashed into his side, sending him skidding across the arena. As he stumbled to rise, the earth user stepped forward, lifting the hammer for a final blow. But just as it came down¡ªthe wind user vanished. A soft tone rang across the arena. "We have our victor¡ªStoneheart." The announcer''s voice rang out confidently, followed by a wave of pre-recorded cheers, echoing eerily in the empty dome. Stoneheart¡ªthe brown-haired earth user¡ªcalmly turned and made his way back to the stands, his expression stone like. The announcer adjusted his glasses again and grinned. "Next match, step forward!" And just like that¡ªthe first match of the Crownspire Ascension was over. But the tension in the arena had only just begun. **** The first round of the Crownspire Ascension carried a rhythm¡ªa rising pulse that never once dulled. Each match, like the first, was a showcase of skill, power, and ambition, none falling short of expectations. If anything, some surpassed them. Tension built like a storm in every clash, and finesse colored each strike, each ability, each tactic. There were no dull moments. Each battle was a duel of conviction, the weak were mercilessly cast out, and the strong carved their way forward. One by one, contestants were eliminated, the number shrinking with every fierce exchange, leaving behind only the victors, the ones with the strength and will to continue. Then came the moment the stands buzzed for¡ªValen Droskar''s match. He stepped onto the arena floor with a silence that radiated pressure, his red eyes cold and indifferent. His opponent stood across from him, tense and ready¡ªbut to Valen, he was nothing. Just a nameless obstacle. The announcer''s voice echoed: "Begin!" And just as quickly, it ended. Brutal efficiency. The contestants barely had time to register the match before Valen''s opponent was sprawled on the ground, bloodied and broken. Not even sixty seconds. The announcer''s voice cracked with surprise but still declared: "Victor¡ªValen Droskar." As Valen walked back to the stands, the other contestants watched him in stunned silence. This wasn''t just speed¡ªit was dominance. Among those watching the live feed was Lady Yvarra Droskar, Valen''s mother. Her eyes never left the screen. She did not smile. She did not clap. Her thoughts were distant. "Children''s play," she murmured. This was only the beginning. Next came Sophia''s match. Unlike others, she used no flashy arsenal, no array of devastating powers. Only relying on her common ability "{Blade Summon.}" And that was enough. A single gleaming sword appeared in her hand. Not summoned in chaos, but with elegance. And with it, she danced. Her swordplay was flawless¡ªevery parry, step, and slash executed with precision born of obsession. Her opponent never stood a chance. One final flash of steel¡ªand the duel was over. Sophia stood untouched. Her silent nod as she returned to the stands was all that was needed. Then came Kane Volcrest. The moment the announcer gave the cue, the air erupted in a crackle of violet and purple lightning. Sparks danced like wild spirits. And in a flash¡ªhis opponent was gone. Vanished from the stage in a thunderous strike, no time to scream, no chance to react. The arena''s systems confirmed the opponent was alive¡ªbut unconscious. Deeply so. Kane turned, walking back to the stands. But as he walked¡ªhe passed Ethan. Their eyes didn''t meet. Kane didn''t even glance at him. Why would he? In Kane''s mind¡ªEthan was a footnote. And to the other contestants, Ethan''s match¡ªthe last of the first round¡ªwas just formality. They had already dismissed him. He was weak. He was irrelevant. And that''s why, when the announcer said "Begin," the world shifted. The moment the battle began¡ªreality cracked open. Ethan didn''t hesitate. He didn''t test the waters. He stepped forward and struck. And in under a minute with just a single blow Ethan defeated his opponent. The arena was quiet. Too quiet. **** As Ethan stepped calmly back into the stands, every pair of eyes followed him. It was subtle at first¡ªjust a few heads turning¡ªbut it quickly became something undeniable. The entire room, contestants from noble houses, elite clans, and prestigious bloodlines, were now fixated on one boy. Ethan Cross. Even Sophia, cool and composed, couldn''t help but blink. A brief flicker of surprise crossed her usually stoic face. "He''s gotten stronger," she thought to herself. That blow was clean, decisive and unhesitating. There was a clarity in it that spoke of someone who had seen death¡­ and learned from it. Kane Volcrest said nothing. He simply stared at Ethan as the boy walked past him, a long moment of silence stretching between them. There was no malice in Kane''s gaze¡ªjust calculation, as though measuring something he hadn''t accounted for. Then, with a quiet scoff under his breath, he looked away. The other contestants followed suit. Some whispered. Others remained silent. But all had the same thought¡ª Ethan wasn''t weak. He wasn''t just lucky to be here. He was chosen, and now it made sense. Of course, none of them would admit it out loud. They were elites. Prodigies. Warriors of pedigree. But deep down, they accepted the truth. The Ascension had made no mistake. Only the best of the best had been selected for this stage. Ethan''s victory¡ªthough unexpected¡ªsimply confirmed the standard. Call it shameless if you like. But in this world, shamelessness is a tool of the strong. They didn''t need to like Ethan. They didn''t need to cheer for him. But they did one thing without question¡ªthey acknowledged him. Still, acknowledgement wasn''t fear. Because even now, as impressive as his blow had been, none of the remaining contestants had used their full strength yet. Ethan had made a statement. But the game was just beginning. And everyone was ready to raise the stakes. Chapter 83 - 83: Ch 82. Linyae Sora In a hidden observatory room buried deep within the Crownspire Arena, the glow of screens cast soft reflections across a wall of glass. The room was silent¡ªsave for the muted replay of a single match, played again and again. The footage showed a blur of motion¡­ a single blow¡­ and a stunned silence. Ethan Cross''s match. It had lasted barely a minute. A woman sat alone in that room, legs crossed, eyes narrowed. Her sleek uniform was that of an Ascension Overseer, but her bearing carried weight beyond her title. Her fingers tapped lightly on the cup in her hand before she took a slow, thoughtful sip. "Interesting¡­" Her voice was smooth, cool¡ªalmost amused. She leaned forward, tapping the screen once more to rewind the moment of impact. Her eyes shimmered with curiosity. "Very interesting." --- Back in the arena, the atmosphere had shifted. The announcer''s voice rang out, energetic and measured as always: "The first round has now concluded. We shall proceed without delay to the second round of the Crownspire Ascension." His tone dipped, pausing deliberately to heighten tension. "And the contestants beginning this round¡­ are¡ª Sophia Lancaster¡­ And Linyae Sora." A hushed silence overtook the stands. Sophia, calm and focused, stood up and made her way to the ring without hesitation. Her footsteps were light, yet firm. Her eyes, serene yet razor-sharp. Across from her, Linyae Sora rose from her seat. Even Ethan''s gaze followed her¡ªnot out of curiosity, but from a subtle instinct. A cold pressure rippled through the arena as she moved. Not the pressure of someone trying to intimidate¡­ but of someone unbothered. Unshaken. Uncompromising. She was beautiful, but in the way a blade gleams under moonlight. Her skin pale, her hair a shimmering shade of silver-blue, and her eyes¡ªcold, detached, like frozen sapphires. Linyae Sora. A name well-known to those who understood legacy. She was born into the Sora Family, one of the Overlord Houses, renowned for their dominion over ice. From the moment she could walk, she was taught a singular truth: "To command ice, you must become it." Warmth was weakness. Emotion, a liability. The Sora family didn''t raise children¡ªthey forged weapons. Where others were nurtured, Linyae was refined. She never cried. Never laughed. Her victories were never celebrated, and her failures never forgiven. The Soras believed that emotion dulled perfection, and Linyae¡­ had come to embody that belief. Every step she took, every move she made¡ªit was with the elegance and finality of a falling icicle. --- Now, she and Sophia stood on opposite sides of the ring. One, a sharp and graceful warrior who fought with heart. The other, a cold and perfect weapon carved from years of frozen legacy. The silence between them was tense, but respectful. The announcer raised a hand, his voice echoing: "BEGIN!" And like that¡ªthe second round had begun. **** The moment the match began, the temperature in the arena plummeted. A chill unlike any other filled the air, causing some of the weaker contestants to shift uncomfortably in their seats. Frost raced across the ring, coating the ground in a thin sheet of ice. Breath turned to mist. The cold wasn''t just physical¡ªit gnawed at the bones, sapped the will, and brought with it an unnatural stillness. But standing at the center of it all, Sophia Lancaster remained unfazed, her body calm, her breath steady. Across from her, Linyae Sora exhaled slowly, cold air visibly drifting from her lips as she whispered: "{Frozen Sanctuary}." The arena changed. Massive ice pillars erupted around the edge of the ring like frozen sentinels. A gentle snowfall began, but each flake shimmered with concentrated Meta Essence. The ring had transformed into a domain of absolute frost¡ªa chilling world sculpted entirely by Linyae''s will. Frozen Sanctuary wasn''t just for show¡ªit was a tactical ability, a battlefield made to amplify Linyae''s power. This was how she fought. Cold, Precise and Perfect. Sophia, observing quietly, let her eyes scan the environment. She didn''t move. She didn''t summon her blade. Instead, her expression sharpened. "You''re not the only one with a buff ability." She spoke calmly, then raised her hand. "{Sword Spirit}." In an instant, Meta Essence exploded from her body, a wave of golden-white energy pushing back against the icy air. Her presence now radiated warmth¡ªnot heat, but clarity. The aura of a sword¡ªfocused, deadly, and controlled. Where Linyae wielded ice, Sophia had become the blade itself. Suddenly, she vanished¡ªa blur of speed¡ªand reappeared behind Linyae, her hand shaped like a knife, chopping toward her opponent''s neck. But just as her strike neared, her movement slowed. Frost snaked across her arm, the air around Linyae freezing time itself in inches. Sophia retreated instantly, her eyes narrowing. Linyae didn''t pursue with her body. Instead, ice spears manifested mid-air and hurled themselves toward Sophia with terrifying precision. With fluid movements, Sophia destroyed each spear with her bare hands, shattering them like glass. "She''s freezing anything that comes close¡­ but there must be a condition," she thought. As her feet touched the ground, the ice beneath her cracked¡ªand spikes erupted upward. She dodged at the last second, flipping backward, ice exploding just behind her. From the stands, Ethan watched silently, his fingers tightening on the seat. "Come on, Sophia¡­ What are you doing?" The match continued with Linyae pressing the attack, her movements minimal, her control absolute. Sophia was on the defensive, but she wasn''t retreating blindly¡ª She was learning. Dodging¡­ Deflecting¡­ Observing. And then¡ªher eyes lit up. "So that''s what it is¡­" In a sudden shift, Sophia charged forward, abandoning all evasion. Her movement was direct and swift. Linyae didn''t hesitate. Dozens of ice spears formed again, glimmering with deadly intent, and shot toward Sophia in a storm of white death. But Sophia''s voice rang out: "{Excalibur}." Above her, a massive golden sword formed, its blade crackling with radiant power. With a single motion, she slashed it downward. The sword cleaved through the incoming ice, shattering the attack in a brilliant display of might. "I have to act now, before Excalibur vanishes." As she closed in on Linyae¡ªstill not too close to trigger the freezing aura¡ªshe raised a hand and commanded Excalibur to strike. The viewers held their breaths. The sword didn''t aim for Linyae directly. Instead¡ª It slammed into the ground beneath her. A massive shockwave of energy erupted, and the arena cracked and shattered, launching the ground beneath Linyae upward. For the first time¡ªLinyae moved. Not by choice, but by force. Sophia''s plan had worked. While dodging earlier, she had noticed Linyae never moved from her spot. That''s when she realized the truth: "Her freezing defense only activates if she remains perfectly still. That''s the condition." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now¡ª That condition was broken. Linyae was airborne, vulnerable. Sophia moved like lightning. Appearing mid-air beside Linyae, she delivered a crushing blow to her chest. No frost slowed her this time. No resistance. The impact sent Linyae crashing back into the ring, ice shards and snow bursting around her as she landed hard against the frozen floor. The arena fell silent for a breath. Sophia landed, eyes focused, breathing controlled. The perfection of ice had finally been cracked¡­ By the will of the sword. Chapter 84 - 84: Ch 83. True intentions Linyae lay on the frozen ground, a fine mist of snow swirling gently around her. Her usually composed eyes widened¡ªjust barely, but enough. Surprise. She felt it for the first time. "Someone actually landed a blow¡­" She had fought many opponents¡ªpeers, rivals, even other Overlord family scions¡ªbut none of them, not a single one at her level, had ever touched her. Yet here and now, this girl¡ªSophia Lancaster¡ªhad done what even the elite of her clan had failed to do. Something stirred in her chest. It was faint, unfamiliar¡ªlike the flicker of a candle in a long-frozen cave. "Excited¡­?" The moment the thought formed, she crushed it¡ªemotion was imperfection. She smothered it ruthlessly, as she had been taught. There was no room for warmth in the Sora Family. No room for cracks in the ice. She stood up, her movements graceful and silent. Sophia didn''t attack her while she was down. Linyae''s cold gaze narrowed. "Is this some sort of warrior''s code¡­?" "Or is she looking down on me¡­?" But her thoughts were interrupted. "Why don''t I feel any intent from you?" Sophia''s voice echoed in the icy ring. Linyae turned to her, her face expressionless¡ªbut her attention sharpened. "In all my years of battling," Sophia continued, "I''ve never faced someone who doesn''t emit any intent. It''s like I''m fighting a¡­ statue. A weapon without a soul. An inanimate object." A crack formed not in the ice, but in Linyae''s composure. For the first time, she spoke¡ªnot to activate an ability. Just words. "Shut up and die." Her voice was sharp and brittle, wounded pride cloaked in frost. In a blink, she activated another ability. Ice surged around her body, forming into a gleaming ice armor that coated her from neck to toe. A sword of pure frost formed in her hand, its blade emitting a chilling hum. "Who is this bitch to call me inanimate¡­?" "I''m not empty¡­" "She''s going to die in my hands." For a brief second, even Linyae herself didn''t realize what had happened¡ª Sophia had touched an insecurity she didn''t know existed. Sophia smiled¡ªnot mockingly, but with genuine fire. "That''s better." "Now I feel like I''m fighting a real person." The temperature dropped again. The ground cracked. The air trembled with two opposing auras¡ª Sword Spirit vs. Frozen Perfection. Neither waited. Neither flinched. They charged. Steel and ice clashed mid-ring, the second round of their battle erupting in a beautiful storm of raw power and sharpened resolve. **** As Sophia and Linyae collided once more in the heart of the ring, the clash of ice-forged steel against blade-like hands echoed like thunder through the arena. Their strikes were relentless, their movements precise, each attack a calculated display of skill honed through years of training. Yet there was more than just technique in their duel¡ª There was beauty. There was fury. There was a storm born of silence and steel. Their footwork was flawless, weaving across the frozen battlefield like dancers in a deadly ballet. It was not chaos¡ªit was choreography. And as they moved, cracks began to spider across the ring, the enchanted ice groaning beneath the pressure of their battle. Linyae''s breaths quickened. Her chest rose and fell with effort. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the first time in her life, her heart thundered in her chest¡ªnot from fear, but from the exhilarating tension of a true fight. "Is this¡­ what it feels like?" "To go all out¡­ to crave victory with everything you have?" The thought made her press harder, her sword slicing the air in elegant arcs. But as her ice blade met Sophia''s sword-like hands, the truth became clearer. Linyae was good with the sword, she had trained in different sword techniques and most importantly she had refined them to sooth her. But Sophia was different she didn''t have training alone her ability was centered around the sword and how to make it better. So each time their weapons met, a spiderweb of cracks etched across Linyae''s Ice Armor. The buffing effects of Frozen Sanctuary¡ªonce her greatest edge¡ªwere failing to keep up with Sophia''s overwhelming offensive pressure. Linyae knew this. "But I won''t stop." "I won''t lose." "I¡ª" A brutal strike cut through her thoughts¡ªSophia''s hand struck her chest, shattering the last layer of her ice armor with a resounding crack and sending her hurtling backward. And before she could regain her footing, Sophia was already there, blinking into place beside her midair. Her hand¡ªsharp and focused¡ªcame down toward Linyae''s neck, the final blow ready to end it all. In that moment, Linyae thought: "So this is what it feels like to lose¡­" "It¡­ totally sucks." Just before the hit could land, her body vanished in a shimmer of cold light¡ªteleported away by the arena''s automated fail-safe, triggered when a participant was no longer able to continue. Sophia''s hand struck the air where Linyae had been, the wind howling from the force of the blow. A heartbeat of silence passed. Then, the announcer''s voice boomed across the arena. "The match is over!" "The victor¡ªSophia Lancaster!" The viewers erupted in a mixture of cheers and gasps, but Ethan, watching from above, simply grinned. And far below, standing alone in the remnants of shattered ice, Sophia slowly lowered her hand, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips. The duel was over. But something far greater had been awakened¡ª In Linyae¡­ and in the arena itself. **** As Sophia stepped back into the stands, her breathing steady and her expression calm, Ethan walked toward her, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp with curiosity. "You could''ve ended the match the moment you broke through her defense," he said, voice low but firm. "Why didn''t you finish it then?" Sophia didn''t look surprised. Ethan always had a way of seeing through her¡ªcutting through layers of thought as if they were paper-thin. She looked out at the now-frozen, cracked arena, then said softly, "I saw someone bound by what others expected her to be." Ethan said nothing, he just listened. "And I thought," she continued, her voice steady, "maybe I could help her escape that cage¡ªeven if just a little." A moment of silence stretched between them. Then Ethan exhaled, a small amused breath escaping his lips. "That''s all noble and all," he said, "but that''s not the only reason." Sophia turned to look at him, one brow slightly raised. "You just wanted to mess with whoever made her like that and make their years of hard work mean nothing." "Now that Linyae''s tasted what real excitement feels like there''s no more going back." Sophia didn''t deny it. She simply smiled, the kind of smile that carried no apology, only quiet conviction. Ethan shook his head with a faint chuckle, his expression somewhere between exasperation and admiration. "Still¡­ you looked damn good out there." Sophia shrugged, her voice light as she replied, "Thanks." At that moment, the announcer''s voice boomed across the arena once more. "And now¡­ the next match is about to begin!" Sophia and Ethan turned their attention back to the battlefield¡ªwhere new names would be called, and new battles would be fought. Chapter 85 - 85: Ch 84. Victors The arena, now restored after the clash between Sophia and Linyae, stood silent in anticipation as the next two contestants stepped into the ring. On one side stood a man with long, dark hair and lifeless green eyes. His battle-tech armor emitted an eerie, pulsing glow¡ªhe looked less like a man and more like something left behind by death itself. This was Drevan Hollowmoor, a Level 7 Legendary Hero, feared for reasons no one fully understood. Opposite him was his challenger: a man with tousled brown hair, a sleek visor covering his eyes, and a drape-like material hanging from his armored shoulders like a jacket. He exuded calm confidence. This was Rael Ventrose. The announcer''s voice rang out: "Begin!" Rael wasted no time. Instantly, his surroundings began to warp. Space within the ring expanded impossibly wide, and mechanical structures emerged from the floor like blooming steel flowers. It was his signature ability¡ªAbsolute Domain¡ªa battlefield-shaping power that turned any terrain into his personal warzone. From the new terrain, laser cannons surged up, locking onto Hollowmoor in perfect synchronization. They began to charge, light flickering violently at their tips. But Hollowmoor didn''t move. Didn''t blink. Didn''t even raise a guard. Then came the blast¡ªa barrage of focused energy slammed into him, the sound thundering across the stadium. The shockwave rattled the entire arena. As the dust cleared, everyone leaned forward. Hollowmoor was still standing. Unharmed and Unmoved. Rael frowned. "Tch¡­" He changed the battlefield again¡ªstructures morphed and reshaped, becoming larger, more elaborate, more destructive. A massive ring-shaped emitter hovered above Hollowmoor now, pulsing with blinding energy. Rael''s lips curled into a cold grin. "Let''s see if you can survive this¡­" The ring flashed as the emitter fired, releasing a beam that tore into the ring with apocalyptic force. The light was blinding, the pressure overwhelming. The expanded space and arena barriers barely contained the devastation. When the light finally faded and the humming ceased, Rael''s grin slowly faltered. Floating in the center of a massive, smoldering crater of molten red rock¡ªHollowmoor still stood. No damage. No reaction. Just those same lifeless eyes. From the stands, Ethan narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself: "Does he have a similar ability to Guardian Angel?..." Rael''s face twisted in disbelief. "How¡­? That''s not possible. You can''t be impervious¡ªsomething has to work!" Desperation set in. Again and again, Rael restructured the battlefield¡ªeach time more extreme, more complex, more devastating. Attacks rained down like divine punishment. For twelve full minutes, the ring was a symphony of destruction. But Hollowmoor never moved. Not even once. No dodge. No counter. No offense. No fear. And Rael was breaking. Sweat drenched his face. His breaths came in ragged gasps. His body trembled from exhaustion and depleted Meta Essence. Finally, his knees gave out, and he collapsed to the ground. Those empty green eyes never left him. Something inside Rael cracked. A deep, primal fear took root in his soul. He looked away, unable to meet that gaze, and whispered: "I¡­ forfeit." The moment the words left his mouth, his body vanished from the ring. The arena was dead silent. No one cheered. No one moved. In the entire match, Hollowmoor hadn''t made a single physical move¡ª Yet he had broken Rael, mentally and spiritually. The announcer''s voice finally cut through the silence: "The winner¡ªDrevan Hollowmoor!" Hollowmoor floated gently down from the crater and stepped out of the ring, as if none of it mattered. As he walked past the stands, his eyes met Ethan''s. Those dead, soulless eyes lingered¡ªthen moved on. Ethan exhaled slowly, suppressing a shiver. "People with death abilities always give me the creeps¡­" And the tournament continued. **** The air crackled with anticipation as the next two contestants stepped into the arena. On one side stood a man with violet hair and matching eyes that shimmered with electric intent¡ªKane Volcrest, heir to the prestigious Volcrest family and the pride of their lineage. Lightning coiled lazily around his limbs, like a dragon waiting to wake. His opponent was a cloaked warrior, her face completely hidden behind a sleek obsidian mask¡ªAria Calvine, the shadow of the Calvine house. She was a legend in the making: seventeen S-Class missions completed solo, and the thief who had once infiltrated a high-class rogue clan and escaped with their prized artifact. This wasn''t just a match. It was the collision of two prodigies, both with legacies etched in steel and storm. The arena fell silent. "Begin!" the announcer roared. Lightning burst from Kane like a dam breaking, arcing wildly as he cracked a crazed smile and surged forward in a blur of speed. But the moment he reached Aria¡ªshe was gone. She melted into the shadow beneath her, vanishing as Kane''s fist met only air. Crackling energy exploded harmlessly, scorching the ground. He paused, scanning the ring but there was no sign of her. Then¡ªeight shadowy silhouettes emerged in a circle around him, each wielding curved daggers forged from living darkness. They lunged simultaneously. Kane roared. As Lightning erupted in a storming wave from his body, vaporizing the clones into whirling mists. But the mist didn''t dissipate. It twisted and churned, gathering into a massive shape. A serpent¡ªformed entirely from shadows¡ªrose high above, its glowing eyes fixed on him. Kane''s grin only widened. Violet lightning gathered in his eyes. "Come on, then." The serpent bared its fangs and dove toward him, engulfing Kane completely. Then¡ªboom. A violent detonation of lightning and shadow split the arena apart. The serpent exploded in a flash of sparks, revealing Kane at the center, holding Aria by the throat. His hand buzzed with charged energy, ready to release a fatal surge. But shadows moved faster. Black tendrils wrapped around Kane''s body and yanked him into the darkness. Aria''s voice echoed from the void: "Now... you''re in my domain." The arena was swallowed by a black dome¡ªopaque, impenetrable. From within, flashes and distant impacts could be seen. Kane was under assault from every direction, Aria''s domain attacking with relentless precision. Blades of shadow. Spikes. Chains. His body twisted and dodged instinctively, narrowly avoiding the lethal strikes¡ªbut even the near-hits left marks and blood. The spectators held their breath. Inside, Kane remained on his feet¡ªbarely¡ªbut the lightning around him wasn''t fading. It was growing. Faster. Wilder. Angrier. From the depths of her shadow, Aria''s eyes widened. The pressure was rising. Something was coming. She didn''t wait. She charged. No stealth. No tricks. Just raw speed and desperation, aiming to end the battle before it spiraled out of her control. But she was already too late. Kane''s voice rang out like a god speaking judgment: {"God of Thunder."} A cataclysmic surge of violet lightning exploded from his body¡ªcompressed and fueled by Meta Essence, it expanded in every direction like a collapsing star. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The domain cracked. Aria was hurled from it, slamming into the arena floor. Her body trembled, blood dripping from her wounds, her breath shallow. The black dome shattered behind her with a thunderous crack, revealing Kane¡ªstanding tall, wreathed in divine lightning, his armor glowing like forged celestial steel. He raised a hand. A final arc of lightning charged at his fingertips. Without hesitation, he fired. But before it could strike her¡ª She vanished The announcer''s voice rang through the stunned silence: "Kane Volcrest is the victor!" The Viewers erupted, a mixture of awe and disbelief. Kane lowered his arm, violet lightning still flickering in the air around him. His expression was calm once more. But the storm in his soul hadn''t passed. Chapter 86 - 86: Ch 85. Siege The arena buzzed with tension as the next two contenders entered the battlefield. Valen Droskar marched in first¡ªred hair wild like a flame, eyes smoldering with power. His crimson battle-tech armor gleamed like molten steel, heavy and brutal, matching the volcanic energy that seemed to pulse from his every step. Across from him stood Nyssa Erell, calm and composed. Her silver hair glistened under the sun, and her grey eyes held the sharpness of a blade honed by countless battles. She wore sleek white battle-tech armor etched with symbols of celestial precision, her every movement light, deliberate. "Begin!" the announcer roared. In an instant, Meta Essence exploded from both combatants, flooding the arena with pressure. Valen''s voice bellowed like an erupting volcano: {"Titan Forge!"} At the same time, Nyssa raised her hand and calmly declared: {"Graviton Descent."} Valen''s body began to shift¡ªhis armor turning to molten red iron, expanding as he grew larger and heavier. His muscles bulged, heat pouring from him in waves. His red eyes became twin furnaces, his entire being resembling a living forge of fire and steel. But just as his transformation completed¡ªthe pressure hit. Gravity crashed down on him from every direction. Nyssa stood motionless, but her power warped the air itself. Her Graviton Descent twisted the battlefield, pressing down on Valen with overwhelming force. He staggered. Then¡ªhe roared. With brute force, Valen took a single step forward. The ground cracked beneath him. Nyssa narrowed her eyes and increased the gravity field. The arena groaned as the strain intensified. Still¡ªValen moved forward. Another step. Then another. But instead of fear, Nyssa smiled. Valen noticed it but dismissed it. Whatever trap she had planned, he would break through it like everything else. Then¡ª The arena floor crumbled beneath him. A hidden pit swallowed Valen whole. And inside it¡ªa swirling black void. Nyssa had conjured a gravity well, a miniature black hole. Not a true celestial body, but a devastating facsimile created through precise Meta Essence manipulation. It devoured light and matter alike¡ªand now it had Valen. From the Droskar estate, his mother watched the broadcast, arms crossed. "I told him not to be careless," she muttered. Back in the ring, Nyssa stood over the pit, her voice echoing above the spiraling force. "Just give up, Valen. End the torture. Forfeit before your body gives out." Silence. Then, something unexpected¡ªValen stopped struggling. Nyssa blinked. While the viewers were shocked by the development. Only one person wasn''t surprised¡ªValen''s mother. She smirked. "If he had been paying attention, this would''ve ended sooner." Inside the black hole, Valen''s flames flared again. His ability, Titan Forge, didn''t just grant power or mass¡ªit allowed him to adapt. His body was forging itself anew, evolving to counter the gravitational pressure. He stepped out of the black hole. The ground trembled as his molten form emerged, eyes burning hotter than ever. His armor had hardened further, red-hot plates now glowing with veins of golden light. Gravity bent and broke around him, unable to bind the titan any longer. Nyssa took a step back. She looked up at the looming figure. Her fighting spirit wavered, then vanished altogether. A soft laugh escaped her lips. "What a mon¡ª" She didn''t finish. Valen''s colossal hand came crashing down, but before it struck, the ring''s safety mechanism activated. Nyssa vanished in a flash of white light, teleported out of the arena before impact. The arena went silent. Then: "Winner: Valen Droskar!" The viewers erupted. Valen stood alone in the ring, the forge within him still burning, while back at the estate, his mother simply nodded. He may have been reckless. But he was unstoppable. **** TARTARUS¡ªthe name alone stirred unease in the hearts of villains across the continent. Located deep beneath City P, surrounded by barren steel cliffs and automated kill-zones, it was the final destination for the most dangerous criminals captured across the vast cities of the world. Tartarus wasn''t just a prison¡ªit was a fortress of technological nightmares. A place where escape was a myth, and hope withered in the humming glow of containment fields and power suppressors. Its design was brutal and efficient: a vertical maze of thousands of cells, stacked across floors and protected by grav-shielded barriers, sentient security drones, and energy-nullification zones. Every corridor was watched by auto-targeting rail turrets, every inmate monitored by neural-lock sensors embedded in their collars. --- In one of those cells, lying motionless on a stiff metallic bed, was a man once known as Guardian Angel. His once-glorious armor¡ªfamous across cities¡ªwas gone, replaced by the dull black uniform of Tartarus. His head was shaved clean, and a faint scar now ran across his brow. The power eraser collar around his neck ensured that the divine strength that once made him revered was now just a memory. "Hey, hero!" a voice sneered from across the corridor. "Aren''t you supposed to be on the other side of these bars? What''s it like being one of us, huh?" Laughter erupted from other inmates. This had become routine¡ªmockery, humiliation, scorn. Ever since someone had recognized who he really was. But then¡ªsilence. A guard slammed a stun baton against the bars, sending out a thrum of static that cut the noise. Angel didn''t move. He just stared at the ceiling, his expression unreadable. He had survived this long only because the guards kept him isolated enough to prevent the worst. But even they knew¡ªit was only a matter of time. --- Outside the cell blocks, two armored guards leaned near a console, speaking in hushed tones as warning beacons blinked in rhythm above them. "I heard the Warden''s coming back today." "Seriously? He''s done with his assignment?" "Looks like it. Guess that means no more slacking off." "Heh, you''re right¡ªwait, what''s that¡ª?" Suddenly, the room pulsed red. ALERT. ALERT. UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY DETECTED. ENEMIES APPROACHING. The guards tensed, their helmets auto-sealing as they grabbed their weapons. Across the prison, thick barricade gates slammed down over each cell as energy barriers flared to life, locking down every level of Tartarus. Inside the cells, inmates looked around, confused and alarmed. Something was wrong. Very wrong. From his bed, Guardian Angel sat up slowly. A bad feeling settled in his gut. --- Meanwhile, deep in the women''s division, another prisoner stirred. Mirveil opened her eyes the moment the alarms sounded. Her long, elegant white hair had been cut short, a crude job courtesy of the prison intake. The black prison uniform clung to her lean frame, and her red eyes shimmered faintly under the dim lights. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the barriers sealed her cell, she stood, silent, glancing around. "What is going on out there?" --- At the outer perimeter, a breach ruptured the reinforced fencing. Sparks and twisted metal clattered to the ground as a figure cloaked in black strode through the breach. Sapar. He moved with calm purpose, his face shadowed beneath the hood. And behind him marched the Sentinels, elite war machines engineered for annihilation. Sapar raised a single hand and pointed forward. "No mercy." With a gut wrenching roar, the Sentinels charged. Tartarus'' guards opened fire¡ªenergy rifles lighting up the air, alarms blaring louder than ever. The fortress of Tartarus¡ªmeant to be impenetrable¡ªwas now under siege. And within its walls, prisoners and monsters alike braced for what came next. Because Tartarus had never been breached before. Until now. Chapter 87 - 87: Ch 86. Clone and Fusion The guards of Tartarus were trained to face monsters, maniacs, and megalomaniacs¡ªbut nothing could have prepared them for the Sentinels. They came through the breach like living nightmares¡ªbiological titans bred for destruction. Their skin rippled with thick, unnatural muscle, and patches of exposed brain matter pulsed atop their heads, glowing faintly with neural power. Each one radiated an oppressive aura¡ªOverlord-class creatures, strong enough to wrestle a tank apart with their bare hands. Guards opened fire with advanced kinetic rifles, pulse rounds hammering against the Sentinels'' bodies¡ªbut it barely slowed them. They shrugged off bullets like raindrops. And then they reached the line. What followed was carnage. With a primal roar, the Sentinels tore through the formation. Arms like battering rams smashed aside guards. Teeth and claws ripped through armor like paper. Cries of pain filled the air, echoed by the grinding of bone and metal. Tartarus'' elite defenders fell one by one¡ªbrave but utterly outmatched. But they held the line. Somehow. Because deep within the facility, fail-safes were activating. One of them¡ªthe most dangerous¡ªwas being prepared. "Get the Judicator Cannon online! We need ten seconds!" The guards fought like dying men possessed, stalling the Sentinels as the Judicator Cannon was rolled forward on a grey-platform. The weapon, massive and angular, pulsed with internal power¡ªits core glowing with swirling light particles gathering at its heart. Sapar watched from behind the battle lines, cloaked as he ordered the sentinels to attack the Cannon. But it was already too late. BOOM. A beam of pure annihilation burst from the cannon''s core, cutting across the battlefield. Where it struck, Sentinels vanished¡ªcompletely erased, not even ash left behind. Their regenerative power meant nothing¡ªnot when destruction reached the cellular level. The guards whooped in raw triumph. But it wasn''t over. The Judicator Cannon, began its cooldown cycle, hissing with steam as its power core dimmed. "We''ve got one shot left¡­ in five minutes," a technician barked. Sapar raised a hand. The Sentinels, still roaring and smashing through guards, turned and rushed the cannon. "Protect the Judicator!" But the guards didn''t panic. Because they had stalled long enough. --- A section of the roof ruptured, and a figure descended like thunder, landing between the guards and the incoming Sentinels. He stood tall, bald-headed, with a long scar etched across his face like a blade''s memory. His black uniform bore silver trim and a crimson insignia¡ªthe mark of the Tartarus Warden. "The first thing I see when I return is absolute chaos" the warden will then face Sarpa. "You''re quite brave to attack my prison," "But that''s fine. We''ve got a cell ready for fools like you." His lips curled into a wicked smile. "And let''s just say... what you''ll experience will be shocking." Sapar didn''t reply. His face remained hidden beneath the hood, but his stillness spoke volumes. He had been waiting for this. With a subtle gesture, he issued a silent command. And the battlefield shifted. The remaining Sentinels stopped moving and began to merge. Their flesh liquefied and reformed, bones cracked and twisted, and a glowing core began to beat at the center of the abomination. The fusion was grotesque¡ªunstable energy radiated from the beast as it roared, a deep sound that shook the prison''s foundations. The Warden''s eyes narrowed. "...Ascendant-class power," he murmured. As an Ascendant himself, he could feel it¡ªraw, burning potential, far beyond the standard Sentinels. Sapar had been holding this one back. But now that the warden had returned he would use everything at his disposal to hold him back. **** The fused Sentinel charged, a juggernaut of muscle and psychic rage, its bellow shaking the foundations of Tartarus. Sarpa, hooded and silent, took this chance to slip away, vanishing into the smoke and chaos with calculated precision. "Stop right there!" the Warden roared¡ªbut it was too late. A colossal fist smashed into his face, sending his body flying into the reinforced wall with a bone-crunching crack. Dust clouded the air. But when the debris settled¡ªit wasn''t the Warden embedded in the crater. It was a guard. The fused Sentinel''s primitive mind stalled, confused. It had struck the Warden. It had felt the power. Then¡ª WHAM! The real Warden appeared behind it, fist glowing with power, and delivered a devastating blow to the creature''s back. The Sentinel flinched¡ªbut only for a second. With unnatural speed, it spun, grabbed the Warden''s arm, and slammed him into the ground like a ragdoll. The shockwave rippled through the prison floor. But once again¡ªthe body it smashed into pulp... was just a guard. The fused Sentinel''s limited intellect couldn''t comprehend what was happening. And that was the point. --- Tartarus had only one Ascendant in charge for a reason. It was because of the Warden''s ability "Legion Echo." It allowed him to create perfect combat clones of himself¡ªeach capable of mimicking his power, strength, and reflexes. These weren''t simple illusions; they could fight, bleed, and die. But their true strength lay in their purpose. "One guard falls? Ten take their place." They could simulate human behavior, speak like individuals, joke, laugh¡ªbut when the Warden activated them in combat, they became machines of war. A one-man army forged from a single soul. --- The fused Sentinel roared and charged again, tearing through clone after clone, ripping limbs and crushing skulls, but they kept coming. Dozens. Hundreds. Some tried to restrain it, others attacked from range. But the creature''s Ascendant-tier strength was too much¡ªno single clone could survive a full second of its fury. And yet... they didn''t stop. Then the Warden raised a hand¡ªhis face calm, calculating. "Phase Two." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Several clones surged forward, grabbing the Sentinel''s limbs¡ªand then, detonated. Explosions rocked the battlefield, throwing smoke and debris in all directions. When it cleared, the Sentinel remained standing¡ªburned and scarred, but alive. "Still not enough," the Warden muttered. Suddenly, the ground quaked. New clones arrived¡ªbut these weren''t like the others. They were giant clones, twice the Warden''s size, muscles bulging, faces blank. These hulking constructs lacked finesse or intelligence, but what they had was raw, brutal strength. THOOM! THOOM! THOOM! They charged and tackled the Sentinel, slamming it into the far wall. For the first time¡ªit was pushed back. But the beast retaliated, letting out a sonic scream that cracked walls and made the giant clones falter, their forms destabilizing. "I need to end this. Now," the Warden thought grimly. He couldn''t split focus¡ªchasing Sarpa now would weaken the clones, and the fused Sentinel would tear through Tartarus unchecked. So he made his decision. "Crush the beast. Find the villain later." With a breath, the Warden summoned more giant clones¡ªwaves of them¡ªcharging into the Sentinel. The ground shook with each clash, a battle of titans within a fortress already collapsing under its own chaos. And the Warden himself? He leapt into the air, eyes locked on the Sentinel. "Let''s see if you can handle the original." As the clones swarmed below, the Warden dove like a meteor¡ªfist first, ready to strike the core of the abomination and end the fight before Sarpa''s plan could reach its end. Time was ticking. Chapter 88 - 88: Ch 87. Worldbreaker He leapt into the air, eyes locked on the Sentinel. "Let''s see if you can handle the original." As the clones swarmed below, the Warden dove like a meteor¡ªfist first, ready to strike the core of the abomination and end the fight before Sarpa''s plan could reach its end. Time was ticking. **** While Tartarus burned in chaos, the world watched something else entirely. Far from the blood-soaked corridors of the prison, the Ascension Crownspire tournament raged on. An arena of legendary battles and rising titans. Heroes from across the continent gathered to prove their worth¡ªto rise in rank, to earn renown, and to seize their future. The next match was already underway. Two contestants entered the spotlight. Mila Thornfield¡ªa stoic woman with pale silver hair and eyes like cold steel. Juno Ashviel¡ªa radiant young Master known for her grace and valor. Only one would move forward. The other? They would be Left behind. The arena announcer''s voice rang through the skies. "Begin!" --- To understand the weight of this clash, one had to understand the Dread Beasts. These monstrous entities, born of corruption and calamity, were classified into nine ranks, each one comparable¡ªif not stronger¡ªthan their equivalent Hero ranks. 1. Lesser Dread 2. Lower Dread 3. greater dread 4. Abyss Dread 5. Titan Dread 6. Cataclysm Dread 7. Worldbreaker Dread 8. Nightmare Dread 9. Apocalyptic Dread At just nineteen, Mila¡ªwith a dangerous affinity and her family''s forbidden rites¡ªtamed an Abyss Dread, putting her power on par with a Level 4 hero. That feat alone had made her infamous. But now, at twenty-six, her strength had skyrocketed. She didn''t waste time. With a mere flick of her fingers, she summoned her terror¡ªa Reptalian Worldbreaker Dread Beast. A hulking, scaly monstrosity that towered over the ring, its body dripping with a haze of malignant power. Mila stood poised on its head, her arms folded, her expression unreadable. The beast opened its maw. HSSSSHHHHHHH¡­ A thick, swirling mist of purple toxins flooded the arena. The very air shimmered with the potency of the fog. Only Mila could survive its corruption¡ªher bond with the Worldbreaker beast rendering her immune. But then¡ª A light flared through the fog. Juno stood her ground, her body wreathed in brilliant golden flames that did not burn¡ªbut healed. Her ability: Phoenix Flame, a dual-nature power that let her both mend wounds and deliver scorching justice. The flames burned away part of the mist around her, creating a bubble of safety. Their eyes met through the mist. Mila''s glare: cold and calculating. Juno''s stare: unwavering and defiant. And then, the true battle began. --- The beast roared and lunged. Juno danced between its massive claws like a flicker of flame. To it, she was nothing more than an insect¡ªbut a persistent one. Every movement drained her. Every flame burned her meta essence. The poison mist remained, still leeching at the edges of her aura. Her Phoenix Flame kept her alive, but maintaining both offense and defense was slowly tearing her apart. Mila, silent atop her monster, watched with quiet intensity. She was in no rush. She knew endurance would break Juno. And it did. One second of fatigue. One blink too slow. The Worldbreaker dread lashed out¡ªa tidal force of muscle and rage. The arena''s defense systems activated instantly. A pulse of light, a shimmer of energy and Juno was gone, teleported out before she could be crushed. Victory was clear. --- Mila unsummoned her beast, its form dissolving into a mist that left the ring stained and silent. Without a word, Mila returned to the stands. Her eyes didn''t wander as She sat back down. The next match was about to begin. **** The atmosphere inside the Ascension Crownspire arena grew heavier with each passing second. And the viewers had barely recovered from the overwhelming presence of Mila Thornfield''s Worldbreaker dread when the next match lit up the stage. The battlefield shifted, resetting into a flat, metallic plain¡ªthe perfect ground for speed and precision. Two figures entered from opposite sides. On one side Kairo Draeven On the other Danez Mozz The announcer''s voice echoed like thunder: "Begin!" --- Danez didn''t hesitate. He screamed, channeling an overwhelming surge of Meta Essence through his body. Electricity snapped in the air as his skin glowed faintly, hair rising from the sheer power coursing through him. His muscles swelled, eyes shining with primal fury. "RAAAAHHH!" He charged at Kairo like a meteor¡ªraw power and speed crashing forward in a blur. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And then¡ª He vanished. Not Kairo. Danez vanished. In an instant, he reappeared¡ªbehind Kairo. Stunned and Confused. What¡­? He didn''t have time to think. A storm of invisible attacks erupted around him. From nowhere. No motion, no sound¡ªjust blades of impact slicing and crushing him in less than a second. Bones cracked and Flesh tore.asDanez hit the ground, barely breathing. Before death could claim him, the arena''s safety mechanism activated, teleporting him away in a golden shimmer. When the mist cleared¡ª Kairo stood alone. Still calm and silent. --- The viewers were dead silent. Meanwhile the contestants in the viewing gallery leaned forward, eyes wide. They hadn''t even seen the moment Kairo moved, let alone attacked. Even seasoned Masters were speechless. Among them, Ethan raised a brow, his lips curling into a grin. "What a fucking monster," he thought, unable to hold back the thrill. As Kairo Draeven walked back to his seat with the same indifference as a man leaving a morning stroll. --- And then came the moment the arena had been waiting for. "Next contestants¡ªstep forward!" Ethan rose. "Finally," he said, stretching his stiff body. "It''s my turn." All eyes were now on him. Was the boy who dismantled his previous opponent with ease going to shock them again? Or was this as far as he went before falling into oblivion? Murmurs rippled through the stands. As the contestants analyzed how the next match was going to be like based on Ethan''s previous feat. But Sophia, watching from her seat, narrowed her eyes. She wasn''t fooled. "He didn''t go all out in the last match," she thought. "I wonder what surprise he''s hiding this time¡­" --- The air shifted as Ethan stepped into the ring. The air buzzed again. Tension climbed. The next match was about to begin. And Ethan? He intended to end it quickly. Chapter 89 - 89: Ch 88. Overcome Ethan stepped into the ring, not clad in polished battle gear like many of the others, but wearing only a black hoodie and trousers, casual and unassuming. He hadn''t come prepared¡ªhe''d been teleported without warning, after all. And unlike most contestants who stored battle armor in rings or wristbands, Ethan had none. But he didn''t care. "I can manage," he thought, rolling his neck. "My body''s tough enough." Across the ring stood his opponent. A massive, barrel-chested man, towering over Ethan. No armor. No shirt. Just bare flesh¡ªmost notably a bulging belly that seemed to sag with weight yet radiated menace. His knuckles cracked and His eyes didn''t blink. Ethan stared, amused. "Topless? Alright then. What kind of ability does this guy have?" Before he could guess, the announcer''s voice boomed: "BEGIN!" Ethan didn''t hesitate. With a surge of Meta Essence, he invoked {Force Might}, launching himself forward like a human bullet. The floor cracked beneath his speed as he closed the distance instantly, driving his fist straight into the man''s gut with crushing force. But then¡ª Nothing. The blow connected, but the man''s stomach rippled like jelly, absorbing the impact. Ethan blinked. His fist still buried in the belly as He looked up¡ª ¡ªto see the man grinning down at him. "¡­Oh shit." The retaliation was instant. The large man''s fist came swinging toward Ethan, coated in the exact same force Ethan had just delivered¡ªredirected. But Ethan was faster. He jumped back, dodging the counterblow just as it slammed into the ground with a boom. He landed a few meters away, brows furrowed. "What kind of shitty luck is this?" Ethan thought. "Everyone else gets normal ability users, and I get some guy with a counter ability? This match is rigged." Before he could finish complaining¡ªthe ring quaked. Heavy footsteps thundered across the stage. The man was charging, a tank in motion, and then¡ªhe leapt, casting a massive shadow over Ethan. "Screw this." Ethan reached deep, connecting with the core inside him¡ªGray. Suddenly, lightning arced from his body. His hair turned snow-white, his muscles condensed, power boiled under his skin. In one fluid motion, Ethan fired a bolt of lightning upward, blasting the airborne man back across the ring. The hulking figure crashed into the far edge of the platform, lying flat. The contestants we''re shocked. All eyes locked on Ethan. Wasn''t he ranked E? How the hell did he have multiple abilities? No one was more stunned than Sophia. "How is this possible¡­? Since when did Ethan have a transformation ability ?" Back in the ring, Ethan exhaled, eyes on his downed opponent. "So he''s immune to lightning too, huh? Of course¡­" The man stirred. Lying flat, he sat upright slowly¡ªand licked his lips. A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. Ethan''s expression soured. "You just had to make this difficult." The massive man stood, pounding his fists together with a heavy thud. He looked even more excited than before. Ethan dropped into a stance. Logic be damned¡ªif the guy could redirect his powers, then he''d just have to hit faster and harder than he could handle. Did it make sense? Not really. But Ethan didn''t care. With a flicker of lightning, he vanished again¡ª{Lightning Step} activated. He appeared right in front of the man, face-to-face, electricity coiling around his fists. Round two had begun. **** The air inside the arena crackled with tension as the battle between Ethan and the hulking man reached a fever pitch. Every clash between them shook the ring, reverberating with thunderous shockwaves that echoed through the stadium. Ethan was a blur of motion, weaving in and out, fists laced with elemental fury, delivering blow after blow¡ªeach one sharp, precise, and too fast for the eye to follow. Yet despite the storm Ethan unleashed, the man before him stood firm. He was a walking fortress¡ªhis rubber-like skin absorbed lightning, his dense belly nullified Ethan''s {Force Might}, and his resistance to wind-based attacks made it feel like Ethan was fighting himself. He didn''t block, he didn''t dodge¡ªhe just took it all, unflinching and enduring. "What a shit luck¡­" Ethan muttered under his breath, side-stepping another wide swing from the man. This wasn''t strength¡ªit was the worst kind of matchup. A living counter. A nightmare. "Why didn''t Natasha put this guy''s name on the list she gave me?" "Did she want me to overcome my own weaknesses? That if I can''t handle this much, I won''t be worth her time¡­?" It made sense. Compared to the monsters on that list, this man was nothing. His only threat was compatibility. But that alone was enough to make Ethan grind his teeth. "They say it''s rare to meet a hard counter to your ability¡­ yet I''ve met two in two months." Another fist slammed down as Ethan vanished, using {Lightning Step} to evade the attack. The ground where he once stood cracked like glass. Ethan landed behind the man and noticed it¡ªthe way his shoulders sagged, his chest heaved. "He''s running low on Meta Essence¡­" Ethan grinned. "Buddy¡­ it''s now or never," he said mentally, speaking to Gray, within his core. Suddenly¡ª A burst of Meta Essence exploded from Ethan''s body, the ground quaking under his power. One hand surged with crackling lightning. The other danced with razor-thin wind blades. But he wasn''t done. Ethan activated {King of Force}¡ªhis strongest form of force might. The entire arena reacted. Wind roared across the battlefield like a vortex. Lightning arced through the air in violent spirals. Contestants in the stands shielded their eyes, feeling the raw pressure from hundreds of meters away. Ethan stood in the eye of this growing tempest¡ªcalm, collected, and terrifying. The hulking man staggered forward, fighting against the gale-force winds that now threatened to lift him off the ground. He roared defiantly, trying to reach Ethan. Ethan stepped forward. He brought his wrists together, channeling wind and lightning into a single, condensed sphere¡ªthen added more force with {King of Force}. The combination was unstable, raw, catastrophic. The air vibrated with destructive intent. "Counter this¡­" Ethan whispered coldly. He thrust his hands forward. The attack erupted from him like a collapsing star¡ªa blast of concentrated lightning, slicing wind, and crushing force. The man tried to absorb it¡ªtried to brace. But his Meta Essence was depleted. His body couldn''t take it. The moment the attack struck, the arena''s defense mechanism activated¡ªteleporting the man out of the ring in a flash of white light just before obliteration. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Silence. Then wind. Ethan stood alone in the ring, his white hair fluttering, the storm dissipating around him. His chest rose and fell. His eyes locked on the empty space where his opponent had stood. The match was hard. The odds were unfair. But in the end¡ª He still won. The pre recordings in the arena erupted in shocked applause. No one could believe it. Not even some of the stronger-ranked contestants. And in the among them, Sophia stared in awe. Ethan deactivated the fusion before turning and walking back toward his seat, not looking back even once. Chapter 90 - 90: Ch 89. Statement As the storm settled and Ethan stepped down from the ring, his breath steadying, Sophia approached him with sharp eyes and a mind full of questions. "What was that you did out there?" she asked, her voice low and direct. "I didn''t know you had more than one ability." Ethan turned to her with a calm smile, one corner of his mouth twitching upward. He could see it¡ªthe curiosity burning behind her composed expression. She wasn''t just surprised¡ªshe was analyzing him, breaking down every move he made during the fight. She knew his ability was related to Force, and what she saw in the arena went far beyond that. Lightning. Wind. A transformation that altered his physical form. None of it lined up with what she understood of his ability. In her head, a string of thoughts unraveled: ''Was the transformation responsible for the new abilities? Or were those powers separate? Could he be some kind of hybrid? Or¡­ is that transformation a catalyst?'' She needed answers. Ethan met her gaze, the smirk still lingering. "I experienced a Rank Surge last month," he said casually. "In the Duality Den and managed to cultivate another ability successfully." Sophia blinked. "¡­" She didn''t respond immediately¡ªbut she didn''t have to. Her silence was telling. A Rank Surge? That was something whispered about in elite circles¡ªa myth, really. Rumored to grant those lucky enough to survive it an increase to their current rank. Her family, powerful as they were, had only ever heard of it in theory. But now, here Ethan stood, using multiple abilities in perfect synergy¡ªForce, Lightning, and Wind¡ªwhile transforming his body. It was too clean to be luck. "If you don''t believe me," Ethan added, folding his arms, "me using more than one ability should be proof enough." Sophia narrowed her eyes, studying him. He had a point. She couldn''t refute that logic. She knew how hard it was to survive a Rank Surge. If Ethan truly experienced it, then everything he''d accomplished so far¡ªhis growth, his power, even surviving that matchup¡ªit all made sense. She stared into his eyes, searching for a crack in the story. Ethan stared right back, calm as ever. Then, Sophia broke the silence. "Okay. I believe you." Ethan let out a silent breath of relief in his head. ''She bought it¡­ good.'' Just then, the announcer''s voice echoed through the arena. "The final match of Round Two has concluded¡ªStoneheart claims victory!" Stoneheart, the rock ability user, raised a lazy fist as the pre recorded crowd cheered. His opponent, a water user, had already vanished from the ring. Sophia turned her gaze back toward the center of the arena, her expression sharpening again. "Looks like Round Three is starting." Ethan nodded. As he stepped to the side, the loud voice of the announcer thundered once more, this time carrying more weight, more drama: "The first fight of Round Three will be between¡­ Kairo Draeven¡ª" "¡ªand Sophia Lancaster!" The Pre recorded crowd exploded with energy. Ethan raised an eyebrow. "This isn''t good" **** As Sophia stepped toward the ring, ready for her match, Ethan reached out and gently drew her back by the arm. "Be careful," he said, eyes locked onto her opponent across the arena. "That guy¡­ Kairo. He''s got a weird ability. Try not to make direct eye contact with him while you''re fighting." Sophia glanced over at Kairo, then back at Ethan, nodding. "Thanks for the heads-up." "No problem," Ethan replied, releasing her arm. She gave him a quick, appreciative look before stepping into the arena, her expression cool and composed. The announcer''s voice boomed out over the arena: "Begin!" But neither Sophia nor Kairo moved. The air between them tightened like a drawn bowstring. Sophia''s eyes scanned her surroundings, reading everything about her opponent except his gaze. Everything seemed normal¡­ until she decided to test the waters. With a flick of her hand, she sent a blade of pure Meta Essence hurling straight into Kairo''s chest. The hit was clean as Blood burst from Kairo''s mouth, and Sophia''s eyes narrowed. "It can''t be that easy¡­" she whispered. She was right. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A ripple shimmered through the air where Kairo stood¡ªthen he vanished. Immediately, Sophia activated {Sword Spirit}, her Meta Essence flaring like a brilliant aura. Her power surged, and her senses sharpened to the extreme. "Cute," a voice echoed around her mockingly. Suddenly, ripples bloomed across the arena, forming a dome around her. Sophia''s eyes widened. She tried to move¡ªbut she was stuck. Trapped in his ability. Then came the onslaught. Blow after blow rained down on her from every angle, hammering her body and pushing her back to the edge of the ring. Blood spilled from her mouth and one of her knees hit the ground. Kairo stepped forward from the shadows, casual and cruel. "I''m surprised you survived that," he said, eyes gleaming. Sophia kept her head down, breathing hard, avoiding his gaze. Then, without warning, she charged, a glowing sword forming in her hand. Kairo stepped aside with ease, and she struck again¡ªand again¡ªand again. Each swing was sharp and skillful. Each dodge from Kairo was frustratingly effortless. But despite her injuries, Sophia never looked him in the eye. Kairo, unimpressed, continued to harass her with his ripple attacks, each one a slow grind on her endurance. Until at last, Sophia dropped to both knees, bloodied and seemingly finished. He appeared in front of her once more, tilting her chin up with a finger. "Just give up," he said with a sneer. "I''ve won." Their eyes met. Ethan, watching from the stands, clenched his fist. As Kairo''s ability flared to life. But Sophia vanished. Not from his ability¡ªbut from her own design. He stumbled back, confused. Then something truly unbelievable happened: The figure he''d been battling¡ªshattered. A sword taking her place as it cracked and fell. "What¡­?" Kairo muttered. From thin air, the real Sophia appeared, barely injured¡ªher eyes sharp, her breathing steady. She lunged. Her sword aimed straight for his eye. Kairo''s instincts kicked in, and his ability flared to teleport¡ª But too late. Her blade connected, cutting across his face just before he vanished completely. From the stands, Ethan shot to his feet, pumping his fist. "That''s my Sophia!" He understood it all now. Sophia had used one of her abilities¡ªSword Substitute. She had weaponized her own identity, crafting a sword imbued with her essence, allowing it to act as a decoy. The one Kairo had fought all along wasn''t even her. It was a ruse. She had waited for the right moment¡ªwhen Kairo triggered his ability, which had a cooldown period¡ªto strike with the real her. Ethan could barely hold back his admiration for her battle IQ. In the ring, Sophia calmly pointed her blade at Kairo, who now clutched his eye, a stream of blood running down his face. "You¡­ you made me bleed!" Kairo screamed, the calm gone from his voice. Sophia didn''t flinch. Her expression was cold as steel. This was no longer just a match. It was a statement. Chapter 91 - 91: Ch 90. Forced Initiation Kairo Draeven had always been different. Even as a child, he saw the world through a lens of superiority. While others laughed, struggled, or reached for friendship, Kairo observed with cold detachment. Everyone was beneath him. Insignificant. Inconsequential. Playthings wandering in a world that he alone was meant to shape. This twisted worldview only deepened when he awakened. The moment his Aether Factor emerged and his ability to control space manifested, it became a divine confirmation of what he already believed: He was untouchable. His ability was the perfect extension of his ego¡ªa power that let him bend reality to his will, folding the space around him to ensure that no one he deemed unworthy could ever land a hit. No one could touch him, much less hurt him. But now¡­ Here he stood, one eye bleeding, clutching it in his trembling hand¡ªinjured by someone he had dismissed as unworthy from the beginning. Sophia Lancaster. He stared at her with his good eye, rage slowly twisting his features. Sophia stood calmly across the ring, poised and silent, watching him. She hadn''t moved. She knew better than to rush an unstable opponent. Especially one like Kairo. Then the murmuring started. "You made me bleed¡­ you made me bleed¡­ you made me bleed¡­" The whisper turned to a growl. The growl twisted into a scream: "HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME BLEED!!" BOOM. A violent surge of Meta Essence erupted from Kairo''s body, far stronger than anything he had previously shown. The ground cracked beneath him as invisible waves distorted the air around the ring. Sophia''s expression hardened. "Just as I thought¡­ he was hiding something." But the way the Meta Essence was moving¡­ it wasn''t normal. It twisted. Coiled. Focused. Not like an attack¡ªbut like something summoning, something binding. Then her eyes widened in horror. "He can''t be doing that¡­ not here!" Gasps echoed through the audience. Some contestants stood, faces pale. A few took an unconscious step back from the ring. Kairo''s body trembled, the Meta Essence warping violently around him, swirling like a vortex being ripped from another plane. Ethan, however, was confused. "Why is everyone acting like this? What''s going on?" He could feel the energy in the air. It was intense, but¡­ familiar. Something about it tugged at his memory, at his instincts. And then it clicked. "Wait¡­ this feels like¡­ when the Sanctum gives me my ability¡­" Suddenly, the arena exploded in radiant light. A column of blinding brilliance shot upward from the ring, engulfing Kairo and Sophia. It was like a miniature sun had ignited within the coliseum, forcing spectators to shield their eyes. Ethan''s eyes narrowed. Inside the light, Sophia braced herself, sweat beading on her brow. And standing at the center of it all was Kairo, laughing madly, arms outstretched¡ªhis form beginning to shift, the space around him warping unnaturally as if the laws of the world were bending just for him. Something dangerous was being born. **** In the world of awakened heroes, cultivating an ability was more than just a matter of will¡ªit was a delicate and rigorous process grounded in the manipulation of Meta Essence, the life-force energy that governed all supernatural growth. To cultivate an ability, a hero had to store Meta Essence within a special, naturally forming node deep within their body. This node eventually evolved into what was known as a Cortex¡ªan orb-like construct that served as the core of an ability. Ability were Ranked from Weakest to Strongest: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythic and Divine The process always began at the Common level. As the hero poured more condensed Meta Essence into their cortex and reached higher personal levels, the cortex could be upgraded¡ªshifting from one rank to the next. But mere energy was not enough. Each rank required the hero to be strong enough to handle the power. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For example, a Level 1 hero could never cultivate a Divine ability. Their body, spirit, and mind would be torn apart by the burden. Only by ascending in level¡ªbecoming stronger and more attuned to Meta Essence¡ªcould one cultivate higher-ranked abilities. Now for Kairo''s situation he was currently a Level 7 Grandmaster standing at the peak of what most humans could attain before transcending to the highest tiers of power. At that level, it was indeed possible for him to cultivate an ability of Legendary rank, though not Mythic or Divine. He had been cultivating a Legendary-rank ability in secret, slowly feeding his cortex with powerful Meta Essence and shaping the orb to completion. But then Sophia injured him. Someone he deemed utterly beneath him¡ªan insect in his world¡ªhad drawn blood. His mind cracked under the weight of his pride, and his ego couldn''t take it. His arrogance refused to wait. So he made a dangerous choice: He initiated the ability prematurely. This process, known as Forced Initiation, was forbidden for a reason. If an ability was used before the cortex fully matured, it came with a cost¡ª the ability would burn out and vanish forever after a set time. The hero would have to start from scratch, re-cultivating from the Common rank. But Kairo didn''t care. Sophia had made him bleed so she had to pay." As the white light receded from the arena, Kairo was no longer human in form. His body had mutated under the strain of forced power: Green tendrils of energy snaked around his limbs, twitching unnaturally. His good eye had become bloodshot, filled with twisted fury. His once short black hair had become long and spiked, waving with unstable energy. And most terrifying of all¡ªhis presence had changed. He radiated a suffocating killing intent focused solely on Sophia. "This... isn''t just power," Sophia thought, her hands tightening on her blade. "This is obsession." Kairo smiled¡ªwild, unhinged, broken¡ªand in the blink of an eye, he vanished. Sophia immediately raised her guard, but Kairo reappeared instantly in front of her. His fist, cloaked in warped space and raw Meta Essence, was just inches from her face. That was all he needed. BOOM! The space between them rejected her presence¡ªa side effect of Kairo''s warped spatial control¡ªand Sophia was violently repelled, her body crashing against the very edge of the arena. Before she could even recover, Kairo followed up, stepping through a ripple in the air as he prepared his next devastating strike, the arena warping around him like he was its master. The real fight had just begun. And Kairo¡­ Intended to make Sophia pay at all costs. Chapter 92 - 92: Ch 91. Obsession From the stands, Ethan could barely keep himself in his seat. His fists trembled, knuckles white from how tightly he was clenching them, his jaw clenched so hard it felt like it might crack. At first, when he saw Kairo initiating an ability, he was caught off guard. "He''s cultivating?" Ethan thought in disbelief. Ever since receiving the Sanctum, he''d never had to cultivate anything. Every ability had come to him at full efficiency, perfectly tuned to his being. The concept of slowly building an ability, forming a Cortex, and nurturing it until maturity felt... foreign. But the shock quickly gave way to something else¡ªpure, burning fury. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What Kairo was doing to Sophia wasn''t just a fight¡ªit was torture. Kairo''s mastery over space was horrifying. He didn''t just use it to win. He used it to ensure Sophia endured pain no human¡ªhero or not¡ªshould have to feel. Every attack was like a tempest. But he kept her alive, just enough that the arena''s safety mechanisms wouldn''t activate, so she wouldn''t be teleported out for protection. "This isn''t control from skill," Ethan realized. "This is control born from obsession. From madness." Ethan''s hands shook, veins bulging in his arms. He could barely breathe, watching Sophia¡ªsomeone he deeply cared about¡ªget treated like a ragdoll. Every instinct screamed at him to jump into the ring, to make Kairo pay for every punch, every kick. But he didn''t move. Not because he didn''t want to¡ªbut because he knew it wasn''t his time. Not yet. He could only hope Sophia would survive this, though all hope of her turning the fight around had already begun to fade from his heart. In the Ring... Kairo was a storm of cruelty. His punches were merciless, his movements inhuman, space bending at his command as he vanished and reappeared¡ªeach time delivering a blow that could crumble fortresses. Sophia¡ªbruised, battered, bloodied¡ªwas barely standing. And still, Kairo kept coming. "Why don''t you fight back?" he snarled, delivering a crushing punch to her ribs. "Come on, FIGHT BACK!" He kicked her in the gut, sending her flying into the air, then warped above her, spinning midair before crashing his heel into her back, slamming her into the ground like a meteor. The arena cracked under the pressure. Sophia could barely move. Every breath was pain. But Kairo wasn''t done. He reappeared again, kneeing her in the stomach, flipping her across the ring. She hit the ground hard, the earth splitting beneath her. "FIGHT BACK!" "Come on, FIGHT BACK!!" His voice became a broken chant, like a record stuck on a single track of madness. He appeared above her once again as she lay beaten, trying weakly to lift her head. Kairo stepped on her skull, pinning it to the arena floor. "It''s just as I thought... You really are insignificant." "Now DIE." He raised his leg high to bring it down and end the match¡ªnot out of mercy, but out of final judgment. But just as his foot began to fall¡ª BOOOOM!!! A sudden explosion ripped through the roof of the arena, smoke and flame bursting outward as a new presence entered the battlefield. Descending through the smoke was a dark-skinned man with glowing white hair, his aura flaring with overwhelming energy. Behind him, a second figure landed silently¡ªa man in a demonic mask, his arms crossed, a quiet menace surrounding him. Kairo''s foot froze midair, halted mere inches from Sophia''s head. Then¡ª A woman''s voice, laced with fury, echoed across the arena like a divine command: "How DARE you interrupt the Crownspire Ascension!" Suddenly, space itself twisted in front of the new intruders. And another figure¡ªauthority exuding from every step¡ªmaterialized before them, facing off with calm power. The arena had changed. This fight was no longer just between Kairo and Sophia. The true players were starting to enter the game. **** All the contestants in the arena turned sharply toward the explosion, their bodies tense and eyes narrowed with wariness. Every single one of them, whether noble prodigy or rogue genius, felt the same chilling thought creep into their minds: "Who would be foolish enough to attack... when a Saint is present?" Even those from Overlord clans and Ascendant lineages¡ªindividuals raised among the upper echelons of power¡ªknew that no one survives a Saint''s presence unscathed, unless the Saint wills it. A Saint''s aura wasn''t mere pressure¡ªit was a force of nature, a law that bent reality around it. And yet¡­ the intruders¡ªthe white-haired man and the masked figure¡ªstood there. Unaffected. --- From the elevated platform, Saint Theresa, the powerful and regal overseer of the Crownspire Ascension, took a step forward, her robes glowing faintly with woven runes of sanctified Meta Essence. Her golden eyes locked onto the white-haired intruder, her voice sharp with restrained fury: "Drakos. What would make you crawl out of hiding and show your face here? I thought you were still nursing your injuries." The white-haired man¡ªDrakos¡ªgrinned as if this were a casual reunion between old friends. "The doctor said I could leave early," he said lightly. "Figured I''d stretch my body a little." Saint Theresa''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "What do you take me for? A fool?" Her aura erupted like a divine sun bursting through the clouds. Meta Essence of overwhelming purity¡ªcrushing, absolute¡ªflooded the arena, eclipsing everything the contestants had displayed thus far. It weighed on the world, making the ground quake and the very air scream. And yet... Drakos didn''t flinch. Not a step back. Not a twitch. He just stared at her, expressionless. "I''m not here to play with you today, T," he said calmly. Then, without warning, he turned his gaze toward the stands. The other contestants panicked, stumbling back in fear, mistakenly thinking he was targeting them. But his eyes were locked on Ethan. Saint Theresa followed his gaze¡ªand then turned back to Drakos with a glimmer of realization. "I won''t let you have your way." Drakos smiled again, but this time there was no humor in it¡ªonly finality. "I wasn''t asking." Suddenly, the arena shook as an explosion of pressure tore through the air¡ª And both Saint Theresa and Drakos vanished, disappearing into a higher dimension as their clash rippled through the folds of space and reality, the battlefield no longer bound to the mortal plane. Silence fell. And then the masked man, still standing calmly in the center of the chaos, took a single step forward. He moved toward the contestants, cold intent radiating from his body like an impending storm. But before he could go any farther¡ª "Stop." The announcer, a once-cheerful voice now filled with steel, appeared before him, his stance ready. "Don''t think you can do as you please just because the Saint is no longer here." The masked man tilted his head. Then with a casual snap of his fingers¡ªdozens of Sentinels appeared. The masked man said nothing, but the threat was clear. But the announcer only smiled faintly. "You''re not alone?" he said softly. "Neither am I." Suddenly¡ªdozens of cloaked figures emerged from the shadows of the arena. Each one a Hidden Guard of the Crownspire Ascension, elite protectors clad in battle tech armor, pulsing with charged Meta Essence. "Protect the contestants!" the announcer roared. And with a war cry that split the air, the two forces clashed, Sentinels against Ascension Guards, power against power. The arena had become a warzone. And far above them, in a dimension few could even perceive¡ª Two Saints battled, shaking the heavens with every strike. The Crownspire Ascension was no longer just a test. It had become a stage for something far greater. Chapter 93 - 93: Ch 92. 6th Ability The moment the Sentinels clashed with the Hidden Guards of the Crownspire Ascension, the arena descended into a spectacle of overwhelming might. Explosions of Meta Essence collided midair, shockwaves cracking the marble beneath their feet as titanic powers surged against one another. What struck the viewers the most wasn''t just the violence of the exchange¡ªit was the sheer level of authority the Crownspire demonstrated. To deploy Overlord-level Guards¡ªnot as generals, not as enforcers of law, but as mere protectors of an event¡ªwas an astronomical feat. In any other city, an Overlord would be a kingmaker, a one-man army capable of shifting regional balance. Yet here, they served as guardians, standing between the bioengineered monstrosities known as Sentinels and the gathered contestants. "So many Overlords¡­ just as guards?" one contestant whispered in disbelief. "The Crownspire¡­ it''s not just powerful. It''s untouchable." But it wasn''t overkill. It was necessity. The Sentinels, though artificial, were creatures of brutal design, each one calibrated to fight at an Overlord''s level. Their movements were precise, their strength terrifying, and their regeneration systems allowed them to recover from injuries that would obliterate most heroes. The Hidden Guards moved like shadows and lightning, keeping the battle away from the contestants. Every step they took split the air, and every strike was backed by decades of cultivation and training. Their duty was clear: Protect the future. Protect the contestants. --- Meanwhile, the heart of the chaos pulsed around the announcer and the masked man. Blow for blow, they clashed. Meta Essence rippled from every strike¡ªa duel of precision and pressure. "Who are you people?" the announcer shouted, deflecting a dark blade of compressed essence. "What do you gain from attacking the Crownspire?" The masked man said nothing, meeting the attack with stoic silence, his eyes locked past the announcer¡ªtoward the contestants. That was when the announcer noticed the distraction. The masked man''s head turned slightly, his gaze lingering just a heartbeat too long. "If you won''t answer me," the announcer growled, eyes narrowing, "then at least¡­ focus on our fight!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a sudden surge of power, the announcer activated his ability. Meta Essence flooded his lungs as he took a deep breath, then¡ª "Sonic Scream!" A devastating roar erupted from his throat, tearing through the air in concussive waves of sound-infused energy. The blast shattered the tiles, sending Sentinels staggering from the sheer force. The masked man''s eyes flared behind his demon-like mask. Without a word, he summoned a shadow serpent, a monstrous creature of writhing black mist and scaled darkness, to intercept the blast. The serpent took the brunt of the scream, but even then, the masked man was hurled backward, smashing through a wall of the arena. Dust and debris filled the air. But he didn''t stay down. As the dust cleared, the masked man rose, slightly winded, his cloak torn and the serpent dissolving into black mist. His eyes searched frantically¡ªthe boy was gone. "Where did he go¡­?" the masked man muttered, an edge of panic in his voice. But he had no time to dwell on it. The announcer was already upon him again, a blur of righteous fury and power. "Why don''t you just die!" the masked man hissed, refocusing his rage, his Meta Essence pulsing with renewed malice. And once more, they clashed¡ªtwo titans amidst a battlefield of chaos, unaware that somewhere in the smoke and dust of war, Ethan had vanished¡ªand whatever plan the masked man had, it had just been interrupted. **** Kairo stood above Sophia in the shattered ring, his chest rising and falling as his mind tried to process the chaos unraveling around him. The attack had come without warning, but instead of fear or caution¡­ a twisted smile curled across his face. "Would you look at that¡­" he muttered, voice trembling with excitement. "It''s like the heavens are smiling on me." He threw his head back and howled with laughter, the sound echoing eerily in the fractured silence. He could feel it¡ªthe protection mechanism around the ring had failed. His mastery over space made it undeniably clear¡ªthe stabilizing fluctuations were gone. The ring, once a barrier between life and death, was now just a battlefield. Kairo''s gaze lowered back to Sophia, his eyes brimming with madness. "You''re going to die today," he whispered, then growled louder, "for ever daring to draw your sword against me." His hands glowed with a swirling mixture of Meta Essence and space particles, the air around him distorting like broken glass. He raised his hand and brought it down toward Sophia, who lay helpless, her body barely responding. Then¡ª BOOM! A thunderclap split the air. Kairo''s strike hit nothing but ringstone, and the impact formed a crater, dust exploding outward. Lightning sparked violently from the stands¡ªand from within that blinding flash, Ethan appeared, Sophia cradled safely in his arms, the storm dancing across his skin. Rage burned in his eyes, but the lightning curled gently around Sophia, protective and controlled as he healed her with Vital bloom. "Don''t worry," he said to her, his voice calm despite the fury behind it. "I''ll handle everything." He turned and passed her into the arms of Stoneheart, who silently nodded, his expression grim. The earth-forged warrior held Sophia with surprising gentleness as Ethan stepped away. In the next instant¡ªFLASH¡ªEthan stood in the ring. Lightning crackled around him, his white hair whipping in the charged air. His presence turned the ruined ring into a storm zone. Kairo''s bloodlust flared as he snarled, "How dare you interfere?" Ethan didn''t respond at first. His golden eyes locked onto Kairo''s with cold fury. "Your head must really be messed up," Ethan said at last, voice low and sharp, "if you think it''s okay to try and kill someone just because the opportunity appeared." Kairo''s eyes narrowed at the accusation. "But maybe I''ve got a few screws loose too¡­" Ethan continued, lightning flaring violently around him, "...because despite the chaos, all I want right now¡­ is to rip you apart." Kairo chuckled, his grin feral. "I''d like to see you try." And then¡ª BOOM. They vanished. Only streaks of space distortion and lightning arcs showed where they moved. Ethan struck with blinding speed, his fists and kicks landing like thunderbolts, while Kairo danced through space, appearing and disappearing mid-blow. Ethan''s hits struck home, but Kairo''s ability allowed him to absorb and disperse the damage within his warped domain. Yet Kairo couldn''t land a clean hit either¡ªEthan was lightning incarnate, untouchable, unpredictable, furious. It looked like a stalemate. But it wasn''t. Ethan had been holding back. From his last visit to the Sanctum, Ethan had acquired five abilities. So far, he''d only used four. But Kairo¡ªhis arrogance, his cruelty, his attack on someone Ethan cared for¡ªhad finally pushed Ethan over the edge. "You''ll regret what you did," Ethan muttered, sparks surging around him. And as the storm gathered, the arena trembled¡ªnot from Kairo''s space¡­ but from the wrath of the storm that Ethan was about to unleash. Chapter 94 - 94: Ch 93. Abyss Just one month. That''s all it had taken for Ethan to accomplish what would take most Heroes years¡ªif not decades. Six abilities. In a world where cultivating even a single ability was considered a lifetime achievement for most¡ªE-Ranks, Ethan had shattered every expectation. To most, this level of growth would sound impossible¡ªunbelievable. After all, abilities were forged through insight, refined through battle, and tempered over time. But Ethan''s story was anything but ordinary. And his secret? The Sanctum. The Sanctum wasn''t just a sacred ground¡ªit was a divine forge, a place where reality bent for the worthy, and power flowed like a river for those strong enough to survive its trials. And Ethan hadn''t just survived it. He''d conquered it. His first breakthrough came shortly after arriving in the Main World. His foundational ability¡ªForce Might¡ªwas a terrifying tool that allowed him to manipulate kinetic force, turning every strike, step, or even breath into a weaponized burst of pure energy. With that alone, he had already outclassed most heroes. But the moment he stepped into the Sanctum again, the game changed. There, he had gained five more abilities in rapid succession: Vital Bloom ¨C A healing ability that regenerated injuries in himself and his allies with radiant life energy, allowing him to recover mid-battle and support others. Withering Verdict ¨C A lethal execution ability designed to shatter regenerative foes. Once Ethan achieved 120 confirmed killing blows, he could trigger a verdict that bypassed healing entirely, reducing even immortal beings to ash. Chrono Pulse ¨C The power to accelerate time¡ªnot on people, but on objects. He could age weapons into ruin, speed up projectiles to impossible velocities, or fast-forward traps into triggering instantly. Manifest Armament ¨C A summoning skill that let Ethan create any weapon his mind could conceive, formed out of pure Meta Essence and forged by his intent. The Fifth Ability¡­ was a mystery. But now¡­ it was about to be revealed. Kairo suddenly appeared at Ethan''s side, his hand shimmering with space distortion as he slammed a devastating blow into Ethan''s ribs. The impact thundered across the arena¡ªbut Ethan didn''t fall. Instead, light bloomed around the wound, healing it instantly with Vital Bloom. Ethan''s gaze locked onto Kairo''s, his golden eyes glowing with electric fury. His Meta Essence surged, radiating across the battlefield like the eye of a storm finally opening. The ground beneath them cracked. The sky darkened. Then, Ethan''s voice echoed through the arena¡ªcalm, cold, and absolute. "Abyss." The word wasn''t just a name. It was a sentence. The arena trembled as a black rift opened behind Ethan, its edges lined with runes older than language. Dark, primordial energy flooded into the air, and the light of the world seemed to dim around him. This¡­ was his sixth ability. The unknown gift of the Sanctum. Kairo''s grin faltered. Because now¡­ Ethan wasn''t just a warrior with speed and lightning. He was a storm tethered to a black hole. And Kairo was standing too close. **** As soon as Kairo laid eyes on the void behind Ethan, his instincts screamed in alarm¡ªlouder than they ever had before. He didn''t understand it. He couldn''t comprehend it. But he knew one thing with absolute clarity: If that void touched him¡­ he would die. With a snarl of desperation, Kairo gathered an enormous amount of space particles, pouring Meta Essence into his surroundings. The air twisted, warped¡ªspace itself bending under his command. He tried to widen the distance between himself and Ethan, folding the very world to retreat. But Ethan didn''t let him escape. Each time Kairo tried to increase the gap, Ethan was already there¡ªcloser, faster, and more suffocating. The suction force of the void intensified with every step, pulling Kairo in like a predator dragging prey into the depths. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" Kairo screamed, his voice cracking with fury and fear. But Ethan didn''t answer. His silence was more oppressive than any scream. The void behind him hummed with malevolence, devouring even sound, even light. Around them, the chaos of battle had fallen eerily quiet¡ªbut Kairo didn''t notice. He couldn''t. The only thing in his mind was survival. Cornered, overwhelmed, and unraveling, Kairo snapped. "If I''m going to die¡ªTHEN YOU''RE DYING WITH ME!" With reckless abandon, Kairo charged. His hand surged with sharpened space distortion, and in one fluid motion¡ªhe struck. Ethan''s eyes widened as Kairo''s hand pierced his chest. Blood sprayed into the air. The void behind Ethan vanished in an instant, collapsing like a snuffed flame. Kairo stared at his bloodied hand, eyes wide with disbelief¡­ then delight. "¡­Seriously?" Kairo whispered at first. "That''s it?" His lips twisted into a grin. Then a sneer. Then pure madness. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "All that flair¡­ and this is all you amounted to?!" He ripped his hand from Ethan''s chest. Ethan''s body went limp. "Pathetic." He stabbed Ethan again. "Pathetic!" Again. "Pathetic!" And again. Over and over¡ªuntil the once-blazing hero was a torn corpse at the edge of the ring. Kairo kicked the body, letting it tumble and land in a heap. His shoulders shook. Then he started laughing. "So THAT was your big power?! You thought you could stop me?! You thought you were special?! I''ll make that girl suffer for ever believing in yo¡ª" He stopped mid-sentence. The arena was¡­ silent. But not the silence of awe or fear. This was the emptiness of a dead world. There were no guards, no Sentinels, no contestants. Nothing. Just him¡­ and the ringing void of absence. "What the¡­?" Kairo muttered, stepping back. "Where is everyone¡­?" Then¡ª Crack. Bone. Shifting. He turned slowly¡ªdread blooming like rot in his chest. Ethan''s corpse was moving. Twitching. Jerking. Shaking violently like a puppet in the grip of a mad god. Kairo''s eyes widened in horror. Sweat poured down his face. "W-what the hell is happening?!" The corpse stopped shaking. Then, in one inhuman motion, it snapped upright, sitting straight as if jolted by thunder. Kairo stumbled back, panicking. "S-stay back! STAY BACK!" But the corpse rose. And charged. Kairo instinctively raised his hands in defense¡ª And then a cold voice echoed through the emptiness: "Abyss." And in the blink of an eye¡ªreality snapped back. Kairo was back in the middle of the arena. The Sentinels and guards were still locked in brutal battle. The contestants were still there. The world was still spinning. Kairo''s heart pounded in confusion, but he didn''t have time to think. Because in the next moment¡ª A lightning-coated fist, enhanced with Force Might, slammed into his face with the fury of a thunder god. CRACK. His head snapped sideways from the impact, and the world reeled. Standing before him, eyes blazing with controlled rage, was Ethan¡ªalive, breathing, and very much ready to finish what had started. "I told you¡­" Ethan growled. "¡­I was going to rip you apart." Chapter 95 - 95: Ch 94. Inner Demons As Ethan''s lightning-coated fist crashed into Kairo''s face, the impact sent him flying like a broken kite, twisting helplessly through the air before he smashed into the ground outside the edge of the ring. The arena quaked from the force of the blow. But Ethan wasn''t done. Without hesitation, he closed the distance like a storm given form. One blow¡ªto the gut, launching Kairo slightly into the air. An elbow to the head, slamming it downward. Then¡ªa crushing knee to the falling skull, snapping it upward again. The combo was a blur. A merciless, bone-shattering sequence. Kairo didn''t even have the chance to activate his space ability. And that''s because of the reason Ethan could even touch him at all: --- [Ability Information] ¡ª Ability Name: Abyss ¡ª Type: Extrinsic | Instant | Control ¡ª Mastery Level: Peak ¡ª Tier: Uncommon ¡ª Description: Abyss is a psychological control-type ability that forces the target into a trance-like illusion by exposing them to the infinite depths of the Abyss. The effect is especially potent on those with fractured or unstable minds, dragging their consciousness into an endless void of silence and fear. While trapped in this state, the target''s instincts shut down and their abilities are forcibly deactivated, rendering them completely vulnerable for the duration of the trance. --- That was the reason. That was how Ethan had landed the first strike. And now, the rest was just punishment. Each of Ethan''s fists crackled with stored Force Might, the impact of every strike more powerful than the last. Kairo''s body began to contort and cave under the brutality¡ªbones shattered, limbs bent at unnatural angles. His once-regal form was reduced to a broken husk. But Ethan felt nothing. No pity. No hesitation. Only resolve. "This¡­ is what you deserve," he muttered, eyes burning with controlled fury. Since arriving in this world, Ethan hadn''t killed a single soul. He had always believed that a hero''s duty was to save life''s not take it. But this was different. Kairo wasn''t just a threat. He was a monster. A sadist who had nearly killed Sophia. And behind that deranged smile of his lay the backing of an Ascendant family¡ªthe Draevens. Even if Ethan spared him now, the Draevens would come after him eventually. So why wait? "Let them come," Ethan whispered. "But this one¡­ ends here." He reeled back his fist, drawing all the Force he had stored. Energy crackled along his knuckles, distorting the very air around his hand. And as he prepared to bring it down¡ª The final blow, the execution¡ª "STOP!" A voice cut through the silence. Time seemed to halt. Ethan''s fist paused, just inches from Kairo''s ruined head. The air was still. The blow was so controlled that not even a breeze stirred from it. He slowly turned his head. There¡ªlimping toward him, bruised and battered, was Sophia. "Ethan¡­ don''t kill," she said weakly. Her voice was soft. But it cut deeper than any blade. **** Ethan stared at Sophia, baffled, his voice barely above a whisper. "What¡­?" He couldn''t believe it. After everything that monster did, after the torment, the humiliation¡ªshe didn''t want him dead? Ethan''s instincts screamed. His entire body was still radiating fury, his blood hot with the need to end Kairo once and for all. "Do you not understand what kind of threat he is?" "We can''t let this bastard live." He was about to argue, to protest, to explain. But as Sophia limped past him, her hand clutching her side as he stopped. Because in her eyes, he saw something far deeper than mercy. It wasn''t forgiveness. It wasn''t hesitation. It was resolve. And beneath that resolve¡­ rage¡ªsharp and cold like a blade forged in silence. Ethan''s lips curved into a faint smile, a small puff of a laugh escaping him. "You could''ve just started with that." He stepped back. Kairo, lying broken and barely breathing, looked up at Sophia with wide, bloodshot eyes. His mouth twitched as though to speak, to plead, but his battered body couldn''t obey. Sophia didn''t care. She summoned her sword, a soft shimmer in the air marking its arrival. The blade gleamed¡ªnot with light, but with finality. She raised it high, and with no hesitation, drove it down into Kairo''s chest. The steel pierced flesh and bone, striking straight into his heart. Kairo let out a twisted, wheezing squeal¡ªand then, silence. Just like that, the tormentor was gone. Sophia pulled the blade free, the blood glinting on its edge as she turned to Ethan. "Thank you¡­ for letting me do this," she said quietly, her voice trembling with the weight of catharsis. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her knees buckled slightly, her wounds catching up to her. But before she could fall, Ethan caught her, gently pulling her into a warm embrace. "Don''t worry," he murmured. "I could see you really needed this." He meant it. Ethan hadn''t cared about revenge. For him, Kairo was simply a threat that needed to be removed. But for Sophia, it was something far more personal. Kairo hadn''t just hurt her body¡ªhe had tried to shatter her spirit, to rob her of her worth. Had she not been the one to end him, that shame would have festered like rot, poisoning her growth, haunting her steps. By giving her this moment, Ethan ensured she would not carry that shadow forward. "Let''s get you to cover," Ethan said, looking toward the chaos still raging in the arena. The battle between the Sentinels and the Guards was far from over. But just as Ethan moved, holding Sophia close¡ª "WAIT RIGHT THERE!" A voice thundered across the arena like a bolt of wrath. Ethan spun around, eyes widening in shock. Charging straight at them was the masked man¡ªhis presence like a blade ripping through the air. And the announcer was nowhere in sight. ''Did he defeat him? Was the announcer dead?'' The questions piled in Ethan''s mind, but there was no time to dwell. He acted on instinct. He swiftly moved Sophia behind him, shielding her with his body. "Tenebris," he whispered. Darkness surged over his arms, encasing them in shadow-forged gauntlets, intricate veins of midnight swirling across the hardened surface. And then¡ª He punched. Straight toward the incoming masked threat, unleashing the power of the shadows with full force. Chapter 96 - 96: Ch 95. Limiters Ethan''s eyes locked on the masked man as he summoned his Tenebris Gauntlets, obsidian shadows swirling and hardening over his arms. He didn''t wait for an opening. He didn''t fall back. He charged. The masked man''s eyes squinted behind his veil, momentarily stunned by the audacity. "Is he brain-dead?" "Why would he charge head-first into me? He should be trying to preserve his life, not throw it away." A sneer curled beneath the mask. "No matter. If he wants to die faster, he''s just saving me the trouble." From the stands, the other contestants could hardly believe what they were seeing. Ethan, a Level 3, was charging head-on toward a man emanating Overlord-tier power. They whispered, gawked, some even assumed it was a suicide run. But Ethan didn''t stop. He didn''t hesitate. He collided with the masked man in the center of the arena¡ª ¡ªa thunderous boom shook the air, a flash of power lighting up the field like a meteor strike. And then¡ª Ethan was pushed back¡­ only a few meters. Gasps rang out. "What?" "He should''ve been a blood mist!" "How did he survive that?!" Even the masked man froze mid-step, eyes narrowing. "I didn''t go all-out, sure,. because I wanted to preserve his body¡­" "¡­But not even a scratch? No cracks in the gauntlets? No broken bones?" "What kind of logic-defying freak is this?" In that moment, a dangerous thought took root in the minds of everyone watching: "If it had been me¡ªwould I have even lived through that blow?" Ethan stood still, arm raised, legs shifting into a defensive stance. His breath was steady, his focus unshaken. He didn''t pretend he could win. But he could buy time. "Just hold on a little longer¡­" Inside his soul, he connected with his companions¡ªTenebris, the living embodiment of his gauntlets, and Gray, the spirit of the wolf residing in his core. "Guys¡­ we have to hold him. No matter what." A rush of emotion surged through him in return¡ªrage, loyalty, defiance. They didn''t need to say words. Their will aligned with his. "Good," Ethan replied mentally. "I knew I could count on you." The masked man charged again, this time with more force, more intention to kill. Ethan''s body surged with power¡ªlightning arcing off his limbs, the crimson glow of the gauntlets intensifying to a hellish radiance. Their next collision was a storm of devastation. Boom! The ground shattered, stone bursting into fragments, the air warping from the sheer pressure. Cracks webbed across the arena like glass under stress. And yet¡ªEthan still stood. The battle had only just begun, but one thing was already clear: This was no ordinary Level 3. **** Ethan stood firm amidst the chaos, his gauntlets cracked and glowing, his breaths deep and ragged¡ªbut he was still standing. The masked man narrowed his eyes behind the veil, his strikes relentless as he increased his speed and strength with each blow. "Why... is he still keeping up?" "I increased my output and he should''ve crumbled by now¡­" His attacks were faster now¡ªsharper, heavier. Yet Ethan matched him. Blow for blow. Step for step. "Is it my imagination... or is he getting stronger?" The masked man immediately shut the thought down. "No, that''s impossible. It has to be an illusion¡­ it must be." But it wasn''t. If he could hear Ethan''s thoughts, he would''ve known: he wasn''t imagining things. With each strike, Tenebris trait of Power fed off the masked man''s overwhelming might, multiplying Ethan''s strength, his meta essence, his reflexes. The stronger his opponent, the more power Tenebris poured into him. At first, Ethan had been pushed back meters with each clash. Then only a step. Now? Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He wasn''t moving at all. Their fists became blurs, the sounds of their blows like thunder cracking in rapid succession. The air around them distorted. The ground was already cratered beneath their feet. Sweat ran down Ethan''s brow, but his eyes never wavered. He was being pushed to the edge¡ªbut not beyond. "I can''t win. But I can stall him." The masked man let out a furious roar and leapt back, putting distance between them. Ethan didn''t chase¡ªhe needed every second to breathe and recover. The man was done holding back. He had preserved his abilities for one reason: to keep Ethan''s body intact. But now, all that concern was gone. Rage clouded his logic. If Ethan died¡ªso be it. "MAKE SURE YOU SURVIVE THIS!!" His voice echoed like a curse as he screamed: "SERPENT''S MAW!" A massive shadowy serpent erupted behind the masked man, its jaws wide open, fangs the size of swords, its body surging forward like a tidal wave of darkness aimed straight for Ethan. Ethan''s heart pounded. The serpent was too fast. Too large. Too deadly. And Sophia was behind him. If he dodged, she would be erased. He couldn''t let that happen. His mind went into overdrive. He had been using Flow the entire time¡ªhis ability to enhance and channel energy efficiently¡ªbut now he pushed it past its safe limits. Ethan made a decision most wouldn''t dare. He poured everything into Flow. All his meta essence. Normally, it seemed Ethan had bottomless reserves. But that was only because he had never reached his limit before. Humanity was born with natural limiters to prevent catastrophic damage from overexerting meta essence. No one broke those limiters. Because doing so could end a career. Or worse a life. But Ethan didn''t care. He looked inward¡ªdeep into his core¡ª ¡ªand shattered the limiter with sheer will. Meta essence flooded through his body in waves he had never known, burning through his veins like wildfire. His gauntlets sparked violently, lightning coiling around his arms, and his aura exploded with a terrifying density. His fist pulled back¡ªcoated in lightning, force, and pure resolve. As the serpent''s gaping maw neared¡ª BOOM. Ethan unleashed the strongest blow of his life. A shockwave thundered through the arena, cracking stone, ripping through the air. The shadow serpent collided with Ethan''s fist in a devastating explosion of power and darkness. The world held its breath. And when the smoke began to clear¡­ Ethan was still standing¡ªbarely¡ªbut standing nonetheless. Chapter 97 - 97: Ch 96. Genesis Ritual Ethan stood¡ªbloodied, shirtless, and shaking. His chest heaved with every breath, the skin torn and bruised, crisscrossed with wounds that bled freely. The air around him still humming from the clash with the masked man''s devastating Serpent''s Maw. But despite everything¡ª He was still standing. The arena fell into stunned silence. The masked man stared at him, frozen in disbelief. His voice broke the quiet, an unconscious whisper. "How¡­ is he still alive?" Behind Ethan, Sophia stared at his torn back, his shredded body shielding her from death. Her eyes widened, a mix of awe and guilt twisting inside her. "This is all because of me¡­" "If I were stronger¡­ he wouldn''t have to suffer like this¡­ not alone¡­" The other contestants, each of them powerful in their own right, looked on with widened eyes and stunned expressions. They had seen Ethan fight, seen him take on challenges with reckless bravery¡ªbut this? This was madness. And yet¡­ he endured. Among them all, one truth had become undeniable¡ª Ethan was the strongest. But inside Ethan''s mind, things were far less heroic. "Fuck¡­ fuck¡­ FUCK. It hurts¡­ it hurts so much¡­" His body screamed. Every nerve was lit aflame. He had never imagined he could run out of meta essence¡ªbut it had happened. He had spent everything. Pushed his body beyond its design. His legs trembled, his vision blurred. "If he attacks now¡­ I''m done. I can''t move¡­" Then¡ª Something stirred. Deeper than Tenebris. Deeper than his connection to Gray. A pulse in his core. A whisper. A pull. He had experienced it before a trigger. The moment where a hero transcends. The moment when survival isn''t enough and when the impossible is made real. He had done just that. He had stood against an Overlord and survived. If that wasn''t Worthy a trigger¡­ nothing was. Without hesitation, Ethan grasped the pull¡ª ¡ªand pulled the trigger. The effect was instant. A shockwave of energy rippled through the arena. Pure, unfiltered meta essence surged into him like a flood. His wounds glowed with light as the energy rewrote his body¡ªreforging it, making him stronger, faster, better. The masked man felt it. "Impossible¡­" He moved instantly, trying to strike before the transformation was complete. But it was already too late. Ethan''s meta essence reserves were restored. He activated Vital Bloom, his body erupting in vibrant life energy. Every wound sealed. Every bruise faded. His strength returned¡ªgreater than ever before. The masked man approached like a blur but Ethan met him head-on. This time, not as a battered Level 3 warrior but as a newly ascended Level 4 Elite. The two forces collided. Their collision was cataclysmic. Lightning exploded around Ethan. The arena trembled under the force. And in that moment¡ª Ethan''s fist crashed into the masked man''s face. The power of Tenebris the raw force from his fusion with Gray, and the strength of his new level all coalesced into a blow that could shatter mountains. The masked man flew backward like a broken kite, his body crashing into the arena wall with a thunderous BOOM. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dust clouded the air. Ethan stepped forward to follow up, but he stopped. His eyes locked onto something that made his breath hitch. The masked man''s mask had cracked. And then, piece by piece, it fell. The mask hit the ground. And for the first time¡ª The identity of the masked man was revealed. **** The moment Ethan confirmed that Alex Tusk was behind the ambush at the bar, he didn''t waste time reacting emotionally. Instead, he went to work. He didn''t have the luxury of inherited memories from the previous Ethan of this world. That meant every name, every history, every enmity had to be discovered, not remembered. And luckily for him, digging into Alex''s life wasn''t difficult. In a world driven by power, politics, and legacy, the Tusk name came with an abundance of records. It didn''t take long for Ethan to uncover the truth. Alex Tusk was the son of Lyon Tusk¡ªthe Vice Clan Leader of the Green Serpents. That revelation made Ethan pause. Not because it was unbelievable. No, Natasha had already warned him about Lyon Tusk. She told him to stay away from that man if he wasn''t ready to get swallowed whole. But now? Staying away wasn''t an option. As he pieced together more fragments of Lyon''s involvement in his predecessor''s past, Ethan felt a burning sensation in his chest. It wasn''t from fear. It was rage deep, bitter, all-consuming rage. The man tied to the death of this world''s Ethan''s parents was still breathing. That knowledge alone made his blood boil. Still, Ethan took a deep breath and calmed himself. He couldn''t afford to be reckless. He needed answers. When he found out that it was Lyon who was behind the mask, slumped and injured after his earlier devastating blow, he didn''t strike again immediately. He approached him calmly. Lyon sat slouched against the wall, blood trickling down the corner of his mouth, his breathing shallow. He didn''t move. He couldn''t. One look at Ethan''s eyes told him this was no longer a confrontation. It was a sentence. Ethan crouched down, getting eye-level with the once-powerful man. "I''m going to ask you some questions," Ethan said, his voice like steel. "And you''re going to answer truthfully. Is that clear?" Lyon remained silent. Ethan''s expression didn''t change¡ªbut his hand moved, delivering a brutal slap across Lyon''s face. Blood splattered against the wall. "I said¡­" he repeated, "¡­am I clear?" Lyon''s cold stare didn''t waver. Ethan''s grin turned twisted. "So, you''re stubborn? Good." "That''ll make it so much more fun when I break you." And he did. Ethan wasn''t just a warrior he was a tactician, a tormentor forged by countless rebirths and hard-earned pain. Using Vital Bloom, he kept Lyon conscious, even as he inflicted torment no human or hero should ever endure. With surgical precision, he destroyed Lyon''s resistance, his body, and most importantly¡ªhis pride. By the end, Lyon''s face was swollen, his shirt gone, his blood-streaked torso marred with deep bruises and lacerations. His arms trembled, his lips muttered incomprehensible words¡ªuntil finally, a plea broke through. "Please¡­ no more¡­ I''ll tell you anything¡­" The defiance was gone. Ethan smiled. "That''s what I want to hear." He leaned forward. "Now tell me¡­ why did you come after me?" Lyon struggled to speak. His jaw was nearly broken, but when he saw the cold, merciless look in Ethan''s eyes, he forced the words out. "It''s¡­ because of the Genesis Ritual¡­" Ethan didn''t speak. He let the silence force Lyon to continue. "Your father¡­ he was given a mission. To find it¡­" That part, Ethan already knew. Natasha had told him the story of his father''s mission¡ªof how Lyon may have had a hand in his parent''s deaths. What he needed to know now¡ªwas why. "What''s so special about the Genesis Ritual?" Ethan asked, cutting him off. Lyon hesitated. His lips trembled before he gave the answer that made Ethan''s heart nearly stop. "It''s¡­ because of the access it gives¡­" Ethan''s eyes narrowed. "What access?" Lyon''s next words came like thunder. "Access to the core of the Universe¡­" Chapter 98 - 98: Ch 97. Conclusion All the pieces were falling into place inside Ethan''s mind¡ªeach fragment of truth snapping into the puzzle like a lock clicking shut. At first, he believed the Genesis Ritual was merely a beacon, something that had pulled his soul into this world, a mysterious tether between dimensions. But now? "No¡­ it''s more than that," he thought, eyes narrowing. "Much more." The phrase "access to the core of the universe" echoed in his thoughts like a divine bell tolling in revelation. So does that mean¡­ the Sanctum itself is the core? His chest tightened. "The voice¡­ it never told me how I received the Sanctum," he realized. "I assumed it gave it to me. It seems I was wrong¡­" If that was the case, then the Sanctum wasn''t a gift¡ªit was a consequence. A remnant of something ancient and incomprehensible. The true purpose of the Genesis Ritual wasn''t just to summon¡ªit was to grant access to the very fabric of reality. Still processing, Ethan turned back to Lyon. "Who created the Genesis Ritual?" he asked, almost dreading the answer. Lyon, barely conscious, blood crusted over his lips, forced himself to speak. "It was¡­ the first hero¡­ the first to be detected with the Aether Factor¡­ the first to survive the super serum¡­" Ethan''s pupils dilated. That answer shook him. "A human?" he thought. "A human made something this powerful?" That shouldn''t have been possible. What kind of strength, what kind of understanding of reality itself, would someone need to create a ritual that could manipulate dimensional gateways, grant cosmic access, and bend fate itself? He didn''t get a chance to ask the next question. Because the sky ripped open. A Tear-shaped rift burst across the heavens¡ªa strange distortion in the very concept of time. And through it, crashing down like a meteorite, came a man cloaked in broken power: Saint Drakos. He slammed into the arena floor, stone shattering beneath him as blood streamed down his robes. His aura was fractured, twisted by damage and raw fury. "Curse these injuries," he hissed, rising slowly. "If not for them¡­ that bitch wouldn''t have gotten the upper hand." Ethan tensed, instantly shielding himself with instinctual caution. But Drakos'' burning gaze wasn''t focused on him¡­ yet. No¡ªit turned. Locked onto Lyon. Fury ignited behind Drakos'' eyes like twin infernos. Lyon flinched. "Wait¡ª!" But it was too late. "Useless traitor." Drakos raised his finger. A massive sphere of dark energy condensed at the tip¡ªa dense, cursed star of annihilation. Ethan''s senses screamed. He activated Lightning Step instantly, vanishing just as the orb fired. The energy exploded engulfing Lyon whole. That not even a corpse remained. The man who held the final secrets¡­ was vaporized. Ethan landed at a safe distance, fury gripping his gut. But before he could process it, light flooded the sky again. Saint Theresa emerged from the rift, divine aura blazing. Drakos scowled, backing away as her beam charged. "Tch. I''ll be back for you," he spat at Ethan. Before he vanished. As the beam struck empty air. Theresa clicked her tongue in frustration. "What a rat¡­ he escaped again." Then her gaze swept the battlefield. The Sentinels were still clashing with the Ascension guards, relentless and merciless. Theresa raised her hand. A radiant sphere of light formed in her palm¡ªsmall, no larger than a tennis ball, but humming with sacred power. Beams of divine judgment burst from it in every direction, like threads of death. Each one found its mark. Each Sentinel fell as they were impaled, silenced, and disintegrated. The battlefield fell silent. The Attack on the Crownspire Ascension was finally over. But for Ethan? It was just the beginning. Because now he knew the Genesis Ritual, the Sanctum, and even his arrival here¡­ Were all threads in a web spun by something ancient, something beyond human. And he had only just begun to unravel it. **** In the heart of Tartarus, chaos reigned like a god unshackled. The Warden, a Titan of order forged in decades of war, continued to battle the relentless Sentinels with a hundred clones at his side¡ªeach one a flickering echo of his wrath and discipline. Steel clashed against augmented flesh, prison walls cracked under shockwaves, and the air was thick with the screams of metal and fury. But amidst the storm, Sarpa moved like a shadow given will¡ªsilent, deliberate, and death-bound. While the Warden held the line, Sarpa wove through the winding catacombs of Tartarus with one purpose in mind: to find Guardian Angel¡ªthe fallen hero, now rotting in a cell, stripped of his wings and title. It didn''t take long. Sarpa stopped before a reinforced cell door. Without a word, he lifted a hand and conjured a concentrated dark beam, a pulse of malevolence that pierced straight through the steel door. The door didn''t swing open¡ªit exploded, molten fragments hissing against the floor. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside, Guardian Angel flinched backward, light flickering in his drained eyes. But then¡ªhe saw him. Sarpa. His master. His salvation. Relief washed over Guardian Angel''s face like sunlight after centuries of storm. "My lord¡­ thank you for remembering me, despite my failures¡­" Sarpa stood silent, the shadows of his cloak hiding every trace of emotion. That silence was heavy¡ªtoo heavy. Guardian Angel''s relief faltered. Suddenly panicked, he fell to his knees and slammed his forehead against the floor. "My lord¡ªjust give me one more chance! I swear I won''t fail you again! I''ll die before I do!" Sarpa remained still, unmoved. Then finally, he spoke¡ªhis voice like a blade gliding through still water. "Don''t worry." A flicker of hope bloomed in Guardian Angel''s chest. "I know you won''t fail me again." A smile burst across Angel''s bruised face. "Thank you, my lord¡ª" But the words died in his throat. As five dark spears materialized from the void and impaled him through the chest in an instant¡ªone through his heart, one through each lung, and two through his sides. His mouth opened, but no breath came. Blood poured as Guardian Angel fell forward, convulsing in his own crimson pool. His eyes were wide, staring at Sarpa not with anger¡ªbut with shock. "Why¡­?" he rasped. Sarpa turned his back, voice colder than the void itself. "Because you can''t fail me again¡­ if you''re dead." No emotion. No pity. No regret. Only judgment. Guardian Angel''s body went limp, his light extinguished¡ªforgotten in the silence of betrayal. Sarpa walked away without looking back, the echo of his footsteps vanishing into the cell block. Then, with a faint, unreadable smile tugging at his lips, he whispered: "Now¡­ it''s time for my little white fox." In a flicker of shadows, Sarpa vanished. His next target: Mirveil. Chapter 99 - 99: Ch 98. My life is mine to live Mirveil''s cell was a coffin dressed as a cage. There were no windows¡ªonly four steel walls, thick with the stench of despair and iron. A rusted latrine squatted like an insult in the far-left corner, and a piece of foam barely worthy of the word "bed" clung to the opposite wall like it had been nailed there centuries ago. In the middle of that gloom sat Mirveil. The anti-ability collar on her neck buzzed faintly¡ªan ever-present reminder of how powerless she''d become. Even a Level 1 hero could kill her in this state. But her red eye, sharp and unwavering, was locked onto the cell door. It wasn''t strategy. It was instinct¡ªa predatory reflex that refused to die. She had heard the alerts and felt the tremors. Something was happening beyond the cold steel. And then it happened. A violent blast of energy shattered the cell door, sending molten debris scattering across the floor. Sarpa stepped into the room, veiled in shadow, dread clinging to him like a second skin. Mirveil''s breath hitched. She hadn''t expected him¡ªbut the second she saw him, she immediately realised what he was hear for. Guardian Angel''s betrayal at the Maw had been the first clue. Now Sarpa had come to finish what Guardian Angel had failed to do. Her fists clenched at the betrayal. After everything she had done for him. All the blood spilled, all the years of loyalty. And now she was just trash to be discarded. A weapon too worn to wield. Her mind screamed as her heart roared with fury. "My mother didn''t sacrifice herself just for me to die like this. I am no one''s tool. Not anymore." Yes, Sarpa had trained her. Given her power. Shaped her rage like a blade to be pointed against the heroes. But he wasn''t the one who saved her. Her mother had. And that boy with the golden eyes had also saved her. But Sarpa? He was just a leash. And she would rather die free than be killed like a dog. In a flash, she lunged, body straining with desperate rage. It was suicide. Even with her powers, she''d stand no chance. But without them it was utterly hopeless. But She didn''t care. From the back of her waistband, she drew a sharpened plastic spoon¡ªfiled to a knife''s edge in secret. Her one hope was to catch him off guard. Just enough to escape. But before she could even swing¡ª "Foolish." Sarpa''s voice cut the air like a sword. As a wave of psychic force smashed into her. Mirveil''s body crashed into the wall, blood bursting from her mouth. As the makeshift knife slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor. Sarpa stepped forward, eyes blazing. "After all I''ve done for you¡­ you dare raise your hand against me?" Another wave slammed into her, grinding her deeper into the wall''s crater. "I raised you." He ripped her from the wall and slammed her into the ceiling. "I gave you purpose." He hurled her down to the floor, the impact snapping something inside her. "I gave you your life!" He whipped her across the walls from left to right like a ragdoll. Then, one final slam¡ªher broken body crashing back into the original crater in the wall. The room fell quiet, except for Mirveil''s labored, bloody breaths as she struggled to speak. Sarpa stepped closer, lifting her battered frame with his mind. "What was that?" he hissed. Mirveil opened her mouth. Then spat¡ªa bloody stain painting the hood of his cloak. "You had nothing to do with saving my life¡­ you fucking bastard." Time froze. Sarpa''s body tensed. His mind boiled. "She dares¡ª" He snapped. A telekinetic choke clamped around her throat, her feet dangling above the floor. "I''ll make sure you die brutally," he seethed. "And painfully." The pressure built. Her neck bent. Her vision began to tunnel¡ª But then¡ª A beam of radiant light erupted where Sarpa stood. His eyes widened¡ªdanger. In an instant, he vanished, teleporting just beyond the wrecked cell''s threshold. Where the beam had struck, a man now stood¡ªgleaming in golden battle tech armor, his silhouette majestic against the charred floor. He wore a cocky grin, infuriating in its confidence. "So you''re the ring leader, huh?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sarpa''s eyes narrowed to slits beneath the shadows of his hood. He knew that voice. That presence. Golden Booster. The Ascendant Clan Leader of the Golden Emperors. And the worst possible interruption. **** After the catastrophe at the Maw, it was Golden Booster who dragged Guardian Angel and Mirveil both bloodied, broken, and bound in silence to Tartarus. He hadn''t done it out of mercy. It was strategy. He knew someone would come¡ªhad to come. A snake never leaves a fang behind. If Sarpa was truly the mastermind, then eventually, inevitably, he would show up to erase the evidence¡­ to silence the witnesses. Golden Booster didn''t just expect it. He counted on it. And tonight, that gamble paid off. Sarpa had come¡ªand like the predator he was, he struck without hesitation. The walls trembled with power. Steel bent in the distance. And now, as the smoke cleared, Golden Booster stood firm, a gleaming sentinel in armor kissed by divine radiance. He glanced behind him¡ªhis golden eyes lingering for a moment on Mirveil, lying barely conscious and broken on the ground. Blood pooled beneath her. Bones were twisted at unnatural angles. Her red eye was dull. For a second, his cocky grin flickered. This was the same girl who had murdered one of his own¡ªa beloved member of the Golden Emperors. To save her now felt disgusting. But as a hero he couldn''t just let her die and she still had uses. Without a word, Golden Booster raised one gauntleted hand. A ray of soft golden light burst from his palm and washed over Mirveil, knitting flesh, stabilizing her vitals. She gasped faintly¡ªher eye fluttering with weak awareness. "Try not to die. Yet." Then his gaze turned cold¡ªlocked once again onto Sarpa. "Now, as for you¡­" In the very next breath, the air ticked. Audible and Sharp. Like the hands of a cosmic clock. "Temporal Zone." Time itself rippled as a massive golden sphere, ten meters wide, flashed into existence around them¡ªencapsulating both Sarpa and Golden Booster in its radiant prison. Outside, everything began to slow¡ªlike molasses sliding across glass. Inside the sphere, time moved normally¡ªisolated from the world, sealed in a battle arena of temporal stasis. Sarpa''s eyes narrowed. He turned his gaze upward, to the walls, then to the floor. Then, without a word, his form blurred¡ªattempting to teleport out. But Nothing. His power clashed violently against the barrier¡ªsparks and ruptures of spatial energy snapping against the interior shell¡ªbut the sphere held. "What¡­ have you done?" he growled. Golden Booster rolled his neck, a faint hum of radiant energy pulsing around him. "Simple," he said with a grin. "I trapped you¡­ so I can beat the hell out of you without interruptions." Sarpa stared at him¡ªsilent, coiled, dangerous. Behind the darkness of his cloak, rage began to stir. Golden Booster''s grin only grew wider. "Let''s see what secrets a cornered snake keeps when he''s out of time." Chapter 100 - 100: Ch 99. Temporal Zone As a Level 9 Ascendant, Golden Booster had achieved what few in the Main World could even dream of¡ªhe had cultivated one of his abilities to the Mythic Rank, a realm reserved only for the truly transcendent. That ability was known as Temporal Zone. At a glance, it appeared simple¡ªa prison of accelerated time, a radiant dome that distorted the flow of temporal reality. But beneath its golden glow lay mythic intricacy. Within the dome, time moved at such a dramatically accelerated pace that to the outside world, everything seemed frozen. It was more than a battlefield¡ªit was a clockwork cage. But what gave this ability its Mythic status wasn''t just the time dilation. It was its dual-edged mechanic: Golden Booster''s meta essence recovered at hyper-accelerated rates inside the dome. Wounds healed faster. Exhaustion faded quicker. It was as if he had plugged into an infinite reservoir. His opponent, however, experienced the inverse¡ªtheir meta essence drained rapidly with every breath, every move, every thought. It was like fighting while bleeding from a wound that wouldn''t clot. Worse still, teleportation¡ªthe favorite escape tool of high-level beings like Sarpa¡ªwas completely neutralized. Trying to teleport out of the zone was like trying to leap from a speeding train moving at the speed of light. The spatial distortion would pulverize anyone attempting it. It was a mythic-level counter to spatial and teleportation abilities. And it was working. Golden Booster didn''t wait. A beam of golden energy exploded from his palm, screaming toward Sarpa. Sarpa reacted fast¡ªteleporting several feet to the side within the zone. He grimaced instantly. "Tch. What a petty ability," he muttered. The moment he reformed, he felt it¡ªthe drain. His meta essence was being siphoned, like someone had torn open a hole in his soul. Every microsecond he spent in the zone was accelerating his collapse. Golden Booster appeared right in front of him, his movement a golden blur. "You talk too much," he sneered. His fist, cloaked in radiant, mythic energy, smashed into a barrier Sarpa barely erected in time to protect himself. The barrier shattered on impact, sending Sarpa flying backwards through the golden haze. But Booster wasn''t done. Another blow followed. Then another. Like a glowing comet made of fists and vengeance, he closed the gap and struck with the relentless precision of someone who knew the clock favored him. Sarpa''s responses grew slower¡ªeach teleport weaker, each barrier more fragile. "This is¡­ very bad¡­" Sarpa growled, beads of sweat forming under the hood of his cloak. He could feel it now¡ªhis power bleeding away faster than he could conserve it. The Temporal Zone was a battlefield stacked against him, a crucible built to burn his kind alive. And Golden Booster? He was just getting warmed up. **** Golden Booster and Sarpas clashed with the fury of titans, their battle within the Temporal Zone a symphony of light, distortion, and unrelenting pressure. Golden Booster was dominating. Sarpas, while powerful, was being pushed further and further into a corner. His meta essence was draining like water through a sieve, and every second in the Zone was another nail in his coffin. But Sarpas wasn''t some inexperienced fighter overwhelmed by circumstance¡ªhe was a veteran ascendant, honed by decades of brutal training under the infamous Saint Drakos, a man who forged warriors through agony and mind-shattering conditioning. Sarpa''s body was battered, but his instincts had been tempered to a razor''s edge. He didn''t waste movement, didn''t waste power. Every ounce of meta essence he still had was funneled into dodging, deflecting, evading¡ªdesperately buying himself time. Golden Booster stayed glued to him, unleashing a torrent of precision strikes, refusing to give Sarpa even a second to breathe. Then, Booster surged forward for what should have been the finishing blow¡ªboth fists raised high, radiant energy screaming with potential devastation. But then¡ª He froze mid-swing. His eyes widened. His golden aura wavered. As Sarpas just smiled, his breath ragged, his grin feral. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You thought you had me," he said, voice low and trembling with dark amusement. "But unfortunately for you¡­ I had a backup plan." Booster remained frozen, unable to move, confusion tightening in his chest. Sarpa''s expression twisted into a crooked smile as he began to explain. "You''re not the only one with a mythic ability. Mine is called¡­ Shadow Mist. Anyone who inhales it becomes bound to their own shadow¡ªand now, you are trapped by your own essence." Golden Booster''s body locked in place. His shadow beneath him now pulsed faintly with a black mist, anchoring him to the ground. Sarpa couldn''t help himself¡ªhe started monologuing. It was a flaw beaten into him by the chemicals and psychological warping Saint Drakos used to train his elite soldiers. Sarpa''s mind, while sharp in battle, always frayed at the edge of victory. He rambled¡ªabout how unbeatable he was, how Booster underestimated him, how the Zone was impressive but ultimately futile. "Now, all I have to do," he sneered, "is kill you¡ªand your Zone dies with you." Sarpas raised his hand toward the immobilized Golden Booster. "Any last words?" Booster''s expression didn''t show fear. He smiled. Calmly. Wryly. "In my thirty years as a hero¡­ I never thought I''d meet a villain who actually monologues about their abilities." Sarpa blinked. "Those are¡­ weird last words." Booster chuckled. "You said your ability binds a person to their shadow, right?" That question cracked something in Sarpas. His eyes widened as the realization hit him like a freight train. "You¡­ you can''t possibly be¡ª" Before he could finish, Golden Booster altered the Zone. In an instant, the lighting inside the Temporal Zone shifted. The radiant dome intensified, turning into a pure, directionless field of light. And Booster''s shadow vanished instantly. "Now that the anchor is gone I can finally deal with you." With a sudden burst of motion, Booster broke free, lunging toward Sarpas with a gleaming golden fist¡ª But just as the punch was about to land¡ª The Zone shattered. A tear in space split the air open, and from it emerged a figure cloaked in dark majesty but injured nonetheless. White hair, eyes like carved obsidian, and dark skin that radiated an oppressive pressure. Saint Drakos had arrived. Defeated at the Crownspire by Saint Theresa, he had escaped, and now, his gaze fell upon Tartarus and the two combatants like a blade descending from heaven. Sarpas stepped back, stunned. As Booster''s eyes narrowed. The situation was spiralling out of control. Chapter 101 - 101: Ch 100. Saint Theresa As a Saint wielding higher-dimensional power, it was child''s play for Saint Drakos to break through Golden Booster''s Temporal Zone. The radiant dome that twisted time itself, an ability of mythic rank, began to tremble the moment Drakos arrived¡ªreality fracturing under his presence like glass under pressure. With a mere glance and a wave of his hand, the Zone shattered into countless motes of warped light. The moment Drakos emerged from the dimensional tear, Golden Booster''s body moved on instinct¡ªhe backstepped, increasing the distance between them. Every cell in his body screamed danger. Even injured, the man who appeared radiated a pressure so overwhelming, Booster knew he wouldn''t survive if he made a single wrong move. Drakos didn''t even spare him a glance. Sarpa, recognizing the figure instantly, stumbled toward him, his voice laced with concern and relief. "My lord, are you alright? What happened to Snake Demon?" The name Snake Demon was a codename used to address Lyon a powerful operative within Drakos'' dark hierarchy. Drakos ignored the question about his own condition entirely. His tone was flat, absolute. "He betrayed us. So I killed him." The answer sent Sarpa into a rage. "That snake dared betray us?! I''ll make sure his entire family suffers for this¡ª" Before he could spiral further, Booster spoke¡ªcutting into the madness. "Who are you? Are you the boss of this masked lunatic?" Sarpa''s mood shifted instantly, regaining false bravado from Drakos'' presence. "How dare you speak to my lord in such a tone!" Booster blinked, genuinely taken aback. ''Was this man¡­ mentally stable?'' Sarpa turned to Drakos, zeal in his voice. "My lord, let me deal with him. The Temporal Zone is gone¡ªI can finish this." But Drakos merely raised his hand in dismissal. "No. We don''t have time. I need to retreat and stabilize before my condition worsens." In truth, Drakos was in dire shape. His battle with Saint Theresa had pushed his body and soul to the brink. The dimensional tear he used to escape had only worsened his injuries, and forcing a breach through Booster''s Temporal Zone had left him teetering on collapse. He was stalling¡ªgathering what remained of his vast, fractured power to teleport himself, Sarpa, and the remaining Sentinels from Tartarus. But Booster didn''t know that. All Booster saw was a man¡ªinjured, yet radiating an aura of finality, as if death itself walked beside him. For several long minutes, no one moved. Booster''s fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing. Every instinct screamed: don''t attack. Not now. Not yet. Then¡ª Drakos opened his eyes. A pulse of energy rolled outward, and he muttered: "It is done." His gaze drifted behind Booster, to the prison cell housing Mirveil. Though Booster had stabilized her earlier, she remained injured and unconscious, slumped against the cell wall. Drakos stared for a moment. Then did nothing. In the blink of an eye, he and Sarpa, along with all the Sentinels who had been locked in battle with the Warden, vanished in a burst of spatial energy¡ªgone without a trace. A heavy silence followed. Moments later, the Warden appeared, battered but alive, his armor cracked and blood streaked across his face. He looked at the scorched battlefield, at the vanished foes, and asked: "What happened?" Booster exhaled, tension finally bleeding from his body as he turned. "I have no idea¡­" He looked up, eyes narrowed with resolve. "But I feel like something big is about to be revealed." **** Back at the Crownspire Ascension Arena, the aftermath of the shocking attack was being swiftly and efficiently handled. Guards moved with precision, their formation tight as they disposed of the broken, scorched bodies of the Sentinels that Saint Theresa had personally defeated during Saint Drakos'' escape. Despite the chaos that had erupted when one of the most dangerous Saints in existence appeared, none of the contestants had been harmed. It was a testament to the efficiency and readiness of the Crownspire''s elite guard division. However, not everything had gone perfectly. The announcer, a veteran figure known for his composed demeanor, hadn''t been so lucky. Lyon, operating under the codename Snake Demon, had struck him down with a surprise attack¡ªa poisoned needle laced with a neurotoxin meant to incapacitate without warning. Fortunately, a Saint-level healer had been present at the Arena. The poison was neutralized in time, and the announcer''s life was saved. Though the Crownspire Ascension had been interrupted, it was clear to everyone that something unprecedented had occurred. Amid the assault, one individual had risen above all expectations. Someone had stood their ground, faced one of the major figures of the conflict¡­ and won. That alone was undeniable proof of strength. And that person¡ªwas Ethan Cross. --- As the guards cleaned the battlefield and secured the area, Ethan stood silently near the medical tent, his eyes fixed on Sophia, who lay on a healing bed. Her breathing was shallow, her body wrapped in glowing threads of restorative energy. Kairo''s brutal attack had left her in critical condition. Although Ethan possessed Vital Bloom, a rare ability that could heal him rapidly, its effects on others were greatly diminished. All he could do now was watch, powerless, as a professional healer worked tirelessly to treat Sophia who had fallen unconcious right after Drakos escape. Then¡ª Footsteps approached. Ethan didn''t turn. He didn''t need to. "Who was that man that attacked?" His voice was flat, strained with barely concealed tension. He didn''t bother to look up. The woman who stood behind him didn''t mind the tone. "That was Saint Drakos," Saint Theresa replied, her voice calm but edged with bitterness. Ethan finally looked up, his eyes sharp. "You seem to know him." Theresa''s gaze didn''t flinch. "We have a history." That was all she offered. Ethan simply nodded. He didn''t press further. It was already remarkable that a Saint had answered his questions at all. But then¡ªTheresa took a step closer, her tone shifting. "Since I''ve answered some of your questions¡­ may I ask you one in return?" Ethan turned his eyes back to Sophia, but nodded. "If it''s something I can answer go ahead." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Theresa''s next words caused his eyes to widen, breath catching for just a moment. "How would you like to train under me?" Time seemed to freeze for Ethan. His mind, hardened by battles and tempered through countless trials, had not expected that. A Saint¡ªone of the most powerful beings alive¡ªhad just extended an offer that could change his fate forever. **** The Crownspire Ascension was known to the world as a grand tournament¡ªa once-in-a-generation event meant to uncover the strongest combatant of the era, a proving ground where heroes and prodigies competed not only for glory but for the acknowledgment and favor of the Saints. But that was only the surface. Beneath the dazzling lights and the noble titles, a deeper truth stirred¡ªone known only to a few. It was not just about strength. Not just about prestige. The Crownspire Ascension was a selection. A silent, sacred ritual to find someone special. A Champion¡ªwho the Saints would personally train and prepare¡­ to face the [ENEMY]. --- When Saint Theresa revealed this truth to Ethan Cross, he stood in stunned silence. "The [ENEMY]¡­?" he echoed, his voice low but filled with sharp disbelief. His reaction didn''t go unnoticed. Theresa''s eyes widened. Her composure cracked for a split second as she turned to fully face him. "You know about the [ENEMY]?" It was more than a question¡ªit was a demand. Ethan''s jaw clenched. He hadn''t meant to let that slip. The shock had made him careless. A flicker of regret appeared in his eyes. Saint Theresa saw it immediately as her gaze softened. "If you do not wish to tell me," she said gently, "I understand. But I hope that, one day, when you trust me¡­ you''ll be willing to share what you know." Her words were unexpected. She could have easily forced him to speak¡ªshe was a Saint, after all. But she didn''t. She offered him respect, patience, and choice. And in that moment, Ethan''s impression of her shifted. She wasn''t just powerful¡ªshe was someone worthy of trust. --- Then, Theresa posed her question once more. "So, what is your answer?" Ethan hesitated, glancing back at Sophia. The weight of everything¡ªhis responsibilities, the hidden war, the unknown future¡ªpressed on him. "Can I think about it for a while¡­ before I make a final decision?" Theresa nodded, smiling faintly. "Of course." She reached into her robes and pulled out a small pendant, etched with celestial runes and glowing faintly with divine energy. "When you''re ready¡­ break this. I''ll come to you." Ethan took it carefully and nodded in understanding. Theresa''s eyes flicked to Sophia, still being tended to by healers. "She must be very important to you." Ethan didn''t speak. He just nodded. Then Theresa raised her hand. A brilliant, golden light surged from her palm and engulfed Sophia''s body. The healing energy was so intense that it caused the very light within the arena to dim, drawn toward her spell. Sophia''s body lifted into the air, her form bathed in radiant energy as her wounds mended before everyone''s eyes. Moments later, she gently floated back down, landing on her feet¡ªfully healed. Ethan didn''t even blink. She was a Saint. This level of miracle was within her grasp. But he still stepped forward, quietly asking: "Can you do this again¡­ for her father?" Theresa turned to him, meeting his eyes. "No problem," she said with a soft smile. "As long as I can earn your trust." Ethan''s voice was quiet, but sincere. "Thank you." Chapter 102 - 102: Ch 101. Cold Truth Darkness. That was all Sophia could see. She drifted in an endless void¡ªweightless, silent, numb. The last memory she could recall flickered in her mind like a dying flame: Ethan, barely dodging an attack from a white-haired man¡­ And then¡ªpain. The overwhelming agony from the injuries Kairo had inflicted. And then¡ªnothing. No sound. No light. Just¡­ emptiness. But then, suddenly¡ª A light. Warm, radiant, and inviting. It pulsed softly in the dark, like a heartbeat calling her home. She''d always heard stories¡ªnever follow the light¡ªbut this light wasn''t cold or final. It was comforting¡­ enticing. And before she could resist, she felt herself being pulled toward it. Dragged through the darkness. And then¡ªher eyes opened. She was no longer drifting in a void. She was standing inside a medical tent, soft light filtering through white canvas. She blinked several times, stunned, breath shallow as she tried to piece together reality from dream. The first thing she saw was Ethan. He was facing away from her, speaking in a calm yet urgent voice. "Can you help her father as well?" Sophia''s heart stilled. That voice, that posture¡ªEthan was here. Which meant¡­ This isn''t the afterlife¡­ I''m not dead¡­ Her gaze shifted and finally noticed the woman standing beside him¡ªSaint Theresa. The light she''d seen in the darkness¡ªit had to be her doing. Sophia quickly put the pieces together. ''She must have healed me. And now¡­ Ethan''s asking her to heal my dad?'' A wave of emotion surged through her¡ªrelief that she was alive, but also something warmer. ''Even now, after everything, he''s thinking of me¡­ He can be so sweet sometimes.'' Her thoughts were cut short as Ethan turned toward her. He was no longer in his transformation, but his presence still carried that same intense, battle-hardened aura. His eyes locked onto hers¡ªand for a second, she couldn''t breathe. But then¡­ his expression softened. Ethan walked forward in silence, and before she could speak¡ªhe hugged her. Sophia stood frozen, her thoughts scattering like petals in the wind. Even Saint Theresa raised a brow, caught off guard. Then Ethan spoke, voice low and sincere: "Thank God you''re still alive, Sophia." His words broke through her daze. Slowly, she lifted her arms and hugged him back. "Thank you¡­ for saving me," she whispered into his chest. A rare, gentle smile spread across Ethan''s face as they stood there, clinging to the shared moment of safety, of survival¡ªof something more. Then¡ª A soft cough. They both turned, slightly startled, to see Saint Theresa watching them with amused eyes. "Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds," she said with a teasing smirk, "but don''t you want me to help your father?" Sophia immediately stepped back, cheeks dusted with a faint blush. "Th-Thank you¡­ for your help," she said quickly. Theresa chuckled, waving it off. "Don''t mention it. It''s all for the young man''s sake," she said with a wink, glancing at Ethan. Then she turned, her tone becoming more direct. "Let''s get going, then." Both Ethan and Sophia nodded in unison. And in the next moment, Saint Theresa raised her hand¡ªand the world around them shimmered with divine energy. With a flash of light, the three of them vanished from the arena. **** As Saint Theresa vanished in a flash of divine light, taking Ethan and Sophia with her, the Crownspire Ascension officially came to an end. The other contestants were left in stunned silence, but there was no further announcement. None was needed. The winner had already been chosen. The Saint had selected her champion. Ethan was now the Saint''s Candidate. Moments later, the remaining contestants throughout the shattered and scorched arena were enveloped in beams of light. And one by one, they were teleported away, returned to the places they had come from. The battle was over. Their time in the Ascension had ended. --- Far from the arena, in the grand Droskar Estate, a brilliant glow pulsed briefly before Valen Droskar materialized in front of the main house. The air was still. The estate grounds were quiet. And then, the door opened. Valen''s mother, Lady Elira Droskar, stepped out gracefully. Her elegant robes rippled in the breeze, but her expression was tight with concern. "Valen," she called. "What happened?" After the attack on the Crownspire Ascension the live feed went dark. So people who were watching couldn''t see or hear anything. Basically everyone outside the arena was left in the dark. Valen stood silently for a moment, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. He looked like a man who had just witnessed something that rattled him to his core. Then, slowly, he began to speak. He explained everything. The ambush. The chaos. The moment the Overlord descended. And most of all¡­ Ethan¡ªa mere Level 3¡ªfighting alone against an enemy none of them could face. Lady Elira''s face shifted as she listened. From surprise, to shock and finally understanding. When he finished, Valen lowered his head. "All of us were hiding," he said quietly. "While someone weaker than us¡ªby level, at least¡ªfaced death head-on. I¡­ I have brought shame to the Droskar name." His voice cracked at the end, filled with guilt and humiliation. Elira blinked, stunned. Her son¡ªusually so proud, so sure of his strength¡ªhad bowed his head in shame. It was something she never thought she''d see. The encounter had shattered his world view. Seeing someone of lower level accomplish what he could not had pierced his pride like a spear through armor. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Quietly, she stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don''t worry," she said softly. "I believe one day¡­ you''ll be able to accomplish such an amazing feat. Just like that boy." Valen''s eyes lit up with hope. He looked at her quickly, needing reassurance. "You really believe that?" His mother gave him a flat look and responded with cool honesty. "No." Valen''s jaw dropped, staring at her in utter disbelief. "Wha¡ªMother?!" Inside, Lady Elira was almost amused, but she kept her expression steady. She could already see the fire of hurt pride building in him. Just as she intended. "Good. Let it burn. Let it humble you. Let it drive you." "You''ve spent your life believing you were always the strongest. But the world is bigger than you know, and today¡­ today you learned that." Valen stood in stunned silence, still recovering from the sting of her honesty. But then she turned and walked back toward the house, glancing back over her shoulder with a slight smirk. "Follow me inside. I made your favorite dish." Valen looked up, confused. "My¡­ favorite? But¡­ I didn''t win." She smiled faintly. "It was meant to be your victory meal¡­ but since you didn''t win, we can''t let it go to waste, can we?" Valen winced. The words stung a little. But food was food. And deep down, he knew his mother''s harshness came from love. A desire to see him grow, not stay trapped by arrogance. So he sighed, rubbed the back of his neck, and followed her inside. He wouldn''t let the food go to waste. But more importantly¡ªhe wouldn''t let this lesson go to waste either. Chapter 103 - 103: Ch 102. Hidden power After Kane Volcrest was teleported back home from the Crownspire Ascension, he didn''t pause. Not to breathe. Not to reflect. Not to speak. He walked with purpose, his violet eyes as cold as the storm that always lingered around his presence. The grand halls of the Volcrest estate were quiet, but the workers and retainers still bowed their heads respectfully as he passed. "Young Master Volcrest," some whispered, bending at the waist. But Kane said nothing. Not a glance. Not a nod. He walked past them as if they were shadows, phantoms in his peripheral vision. His destination was far more important. He was heading to the restricted area of the Volcrest estate. A place no guards patrolled, and no servants dared tread¡ªnot because they were forbidden, but because none were strong enough to even stand near it without their knees giving out. Kane reached the edge of the inner estate. Beyond him was a dense forest, wild yet perfectly maintained. Unlike any normal woodland, this forest was part of the estate itself¡ªa sealed, sacred zone for the Volcrest bloodline alone. He continued forward without hesitation. Eventually, he reached a small, artificial waterfall that cascaded down a jagged rock wall into a tranquil, crystal-clear lake. The scene was serene, almost peaceful¡­ but Kane knew better. He stood before the waterfall for a moment. And then, without a word, he leapt in. --- The instant Kane passed through the waterfall''s veil, the world changed. The air thickened, the temperature dropped. A storm roared to life¡ªa torrential downpour, accompanied by harsh winds and blinding flashes of lightning. Thunder cracked through the air like divine judgment. Most would have panicked. Most would have turned back. But Kane kneeled, placing both knees on the soaked stone ground beneath him and lowering his forehead until it touched the earth. He remained like that, unmoving, as the storm continued to rage around him¡ªpelting rain slamming against his back, lightning flashing inches from his skin, but he didn''t flinch. He had done this many times before. Minutes passed in silence, save for the unrelenting fury of the storm. Then, a voice echoed. "So¡­ you''re finally back." Kane''s eyes remained on the ground. "And for you to be here... and not standing beside Theresa¡­" "That means you didn''t win." The voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the judgment in its tone. Kane didn''t react. He wasn''t surprised by how the speaker addressed Saint Theresa. After all, the one speaking was no less revered. He was a Saint, too. A sudden bolt of violet lightning struck the ground in front of Kane, and from within the flash, a figure emerged. An old man¡ªtall, straight-backed, with long violet hair and piercing cold eyes that seemed to freeze the very air around him. His presence alone silenced the storm. The moment he appeared, the downpour vanished. The thunder ceased. The lightning faded. The world stilled. "You can look up," said the old man. Kane slowly rose from his kneeling position, lifting his gaze at last. He was not shocked to see the man standing before him. He had seen him many times before. Odin Volcrest. His grandfather. The Storm Saint. Odin''s expression remained unreadable as he looked down at his grandson. "Explain to me," he said. "Why. You. Lost." The silence that followed was heavy. And then, Kane opened his mouth to speak¡ª To explain what had happened in the Crownspire. To recount what he had witnessed. And why he had failed. **** The Volcrest family was known across the world as one of the mightiest ascendant families¡ªa lineage of power, legacy, and ambition. Their name commanded respect, their influence reached far, and their younger generations consistently produced geniuses feared by their peers. But what the world didn''t know¡ªwhat only a privileged few had ever learned¡ªwas the truth behind their rise. The Volcrests harbored something greater than bloodline talent. They housed a Saint. A being who had broken through the limits of ordinary strength¡ªan entity standing just beneath divinity. That Saint was Odin Volcrest, the Storm Saint, and though his name was all but forgotten by the masses, to those who knew, his continued presence changed everything. Yet some still wondered: "If the Volcrests have a Saint, why are they still labeled an ascendant family, and not a ruling one?" The answer was simple. Once one ascends to Sainthood, they sever all ties to worldly ambition. Their focus becomes singular: Advancement. The pursuit of the next step, the higher realm¡ªTranscendence. But that path, for decades, had been locked. Sealed. Untouchable. That was the purpose of the Crownspire Ascension¡ªto find a prodigy so gifted, so transcendent, that their very existence could shake loose the shackles of stagnation. To open the path Saints themselves could not. And now, Odin had heard the tale. After Kane finished recounting everything that transpired in the Crownspire, every word of Ethan''s battle, every shift of power, and every overwhelming feat he witnessed, the air grew still once more. Odin didn''t speak at first. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his ancient face¡ªa look Kane had never seen before. "He might actually be the one we''ve been looking for," Odin said softly, as if not entirely to Kane. Kane didn''t respond. His expression was stoic, but inside, he felt¡­ strange. Throughout his life, he had faced horrors that would cripple most. He had soloed Abyss-level dens, annihilated entire guilds of renowned villains, overcome trials most never survived. And yet, his grandfather had never once smiled for him. Never once praised him. Now, here Odin was¡ªgenuinely pleased, practically elated¡ªover someone else''s achievement. A stranger. A boy named Ethan. Kane thought about it, and then let it go. He had long since stopped caring about approval. Especially from his grandfather. When he finished, Odin simply dismissed him with a nod. "You may go." Kane turned, his boots echoing against the soaked stone floor as he walked away, leaving the Saint alone by the waterfall. But as the ripples in the lake stilled, Odin''s voice drifted into the air once more. "Are we finally going to ascend¡­ after all these years?" His expression darkened with anticipation, and then¡­ caution. "But¡­ Drakos is moving too. If he''s interested in the boy, then they will be, too¡­" His eyes narrowed, sharp as blades. "Drakos has always walked an unorthodox path. And if he reaches the boy first¡­ things may spiral out of control." He paused, staring at the waters in silence. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, as a distant rumble echoed in the sky, Odin exhaled slowly. "It seems I''ll have to step out¡­ and meet some old friends." Suddenly¡ª A violent lightning strike surged from the sky, cracking the earth where he stood. And just like that¡ª Odin Volcrest vanished. Gone from the waterfall. Gone from the estate. Gone, perhaps, to stir the sleeping powers of the world. Chapter 104 - 104: Ch 103. Healing It was oddly quiet in the Lancaster Estate. The ever-present hum of noble life¡ªthe bustle of servants, the murmurs of scholars, the occasional laughter of family¡ªwas absent. In its place was a solemn silence. Only the soft shuffle of guards'' boots echoed along the estate''s perimeter, keeping watch with disciplined eyes. Workers continued their duties¡ªtrimming the hedges, sweeping the pristine roads, polishing the estate''s grand architecture¡ªbut even they moved with reverent stillness, their voices hushed as if the entire estate was holding its breath. In one of the many rooms of the manor, deep within the heart of the estate, was a private medical ward. It was dimly lit, with only the steady beeping of life-support machines to break the stillness. Lying on the bed, pale and frail, was Richard Lancaster, the patriarch of the Lancaster family. His once-powerful frame was withered. His skin looked dry, his veins unnaturally dark from the spread of Meta-Essence Carcinoma, a rare affliction that attacked the very life force of gifted individuals. His eyes had remained closed for days now, and the prognosis had been grim¡ªif untreated, he would never open them again. By his side sat Amelia Lancaster, his wife, her elegant figure bent slightly as she gently rubbed his right hand¡ªthe one connected to nutrient and essence-enriching IVs keeping him barely alive. Her voice was soft, filled with quiet strength as she whispered: "Darling¡­ our daughter is fighting right now to save you. So please¡­ don''t give up. Keep fighting too. Don''t let her efforts be in vain." She hadn''t watched the Crownspire Ascension. Not because she wasn''t curious or fearful. But because this¡ªwatching over Richard¡ªwas more important. Then suddenly, the room was filled with light. A radiant glow burst into existence, shining like a small sun within the quiet ward. Amelia''s instincts sharpened¡ªshe stood up in alarm, rushing toward the wall to hit the emergency button that would summon every Lancaster guard to the scene. But just as her fingers hovered over the button¡ª "Mom! It''s us!" The voice was unmistakable. Familiar. Amelia froze, her hand still in the air, and turned around swiftly. There, standing at the center of the light, was Sophia Lancaster, her daughter, glowing with the faint residual aura of teleportation. "Sophia¡­?" Amelia whispered, breath catching in her throat. Sophia smiled softly, her voice gentle. "Yes, Mom. I''m back." "And Saint Theresa agreed heal Dad." Amelia''s lips parted, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her gaze shifted¡ª And there, standing beside Sophia, was Saint Theresa herself, radiating quiet divinity. Emotion overwhelmed Amelia. Her knees trembled as tears welled in her eyes, and in the next moment, she bowed deeply. "Thank you¡­ thank you for helping our family, Saint Theresa." But the Saint only gave a small smile, her tone light and slightly amused. "It''s no problem. Since my future disciple asked me to help you¡­ I decided I would." Amelia blinked in confusion, lifting her head. "Future¡­ disciple?" She glanced at Ethan, who stood beside Sophia, already looking away in embarrassment. ''Why did she say that? he thought bitterly. I haven''t even agreed yet.'' Saint Theresa chuckled softly at Ethan''s reaction before turning serious once again. "I''ll need privacy. The amount of energy required for this healing can harm Those who are not attuned to Divine essence and the fluctuations may be¡­ violent." Ethan nodded. "Understood." With that, Amelia, Sophia, and Ethan stepped quietly out of the ward, leaving Saint Theresa alone with Richard Lancaster. Behind the closed doors, the light pulsed once again¡ªthis time, with the soft crackle of divine essence awakening. And for the first time in days, hope bloomed within the Lancaster estate. **** As they waited outside the ward, the tension in the air was thick. The sunlight filtered through the trees of the Lancaster estate, but it did little to warm the cold worry that clung to their hearts. Sophia, wanting to fill the silence, began to recount everything that had happened during the Crownspire Ascension¡ªfrom the fierce trials to the sudden and brutal attack, from Ethan''s constant support to the miraculous intervention of Saint Theresa. As she spoke, Amelia''s expression grew increasingly pale. Her eyes widened with every revelation¡ªthe Crownspire was attacked, the tournament thrown into chaos, and most terrifying of all, her daughter had nearly lost her life in the madness. When Sophia finished, Amelia was frozen. And then she whispered, her voice quivering: "I''ve¡­ I''ve been a bad mother." Sophia immediately stepped forward, her tone urgent. "No, Mom. You had to take care of Dad. There was no way you could have known the Crownspire would be attacked." Amelia didn''t respond at first. Her lips parted as if to speak, but only silence came out. After a moment, she said quietly: sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''re¡­ you''re right." Sophia could see the pain in her mother''s eyes¡ªthe guilt, the helplessness¡ªand she didn''t want her to linger in it. She smiled softly, nudging Amelia gently with her words. "And, Mum¡­ you don''t have to feel bad that you weren''t there. After all¡ªEthan was with me the entire time. I couldn''t have made it home safely without him." Amelia turned to look at Ethan, who stood a few steps behind, his hands in his pockets. He looked back at them and gave a small, confident smile. "Sophia''s right," Ethan said, his tone calm and resolute. "As long as I''m there, nothing bad will happen to her." Amelia''s gaze lingered on him for a moment¡ªlong enough to see the steel in his eyes, the quiet strength in his stance. Then, at last, she smiled. "Sophia really has good eyes," she said softly. Sophia blushed, quickly looking away. "Mom¡­" Ethan chuckled at her reaction, a rare moment of warmth breaking through the heavy air. Just then, the door to the ward creaked open. All three turned instantly. Saint Theresa stepped out, her divine aura dimmed, her expression far from the serene confidence she usually carried. Instead, there was something else in her eyes¡ªguilt. A terrible feeling settled in Amelia''s chest. Sophia tensed. Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the Saint closely. Theresa''s voice was soft, but it carried a weight that made their stomachs drop. "I tried my best, but¡­" She paused. Amelia''s heart skipped a beat. "But what?" she demanded, stepping forward despite herself, completely ignoring the fact that she was speaking so sharply to a Saint. Theresa took in a breath, her expression conflicted. "I think¡­ it''s better if you see it yourselves." She stepped aside and motioned toward the now-silent ward. The three of them exchanged a glance¡ªand then quickly moved toward the door. Chapter 105 - 105: Ch 104. Devotia Inside the Ward The heavy silence that followed Saint Theresa''s words made every step feel like they were walking through fog. Amelia and Sophia had already prepared themselves for the worst. The Saint''s solemn tone and guarded expression had made it clear¡ªwhatever awaited them beyond that door was not good. But when they stepped inside¡­ Their breath caught in their throats. Richard Lancaster¡ªthe patriarch, the man clinging to life for weeks¡ªwas no longer a shadow of himself. He was sitting upright in bed, the tubes and life-support devices that once fed him gone, his skin vibrant with color, his frame no longer gaunt or withered. The Meta Essence Carcinoma that had ravaged him was¡­ gone. Amelia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in shock. Then, overcome with emotion, she rushed to his side, tears welling in her eyes as she embraced him. "Welcome back¡­" she whispered, voice shaking. Richard smiled, voice deep and steady again. "It''s good to be back." His gaze then shifted past her¡ªtoward the doorway, where Sophia stood frozen. She stared at her father, unable to move, her mind racing. Memories flooded her: childhood stories, words of advice, the warmth of his laugh, the moment there relationship fell apart, his strict gaze and finally the cold silence of seeing him bedridden and fading. She couldn''t move. That was, until Ethan gently pinched her side, jolting her from the daze. "Don''t keep your father waiting," he said quietly. Sophia looked at him¡ªhis comforting smirk, the subtle reassurance in his eyes¡ªand then turned back to her father. As She instantly dashed forward. In a blur, she crashed into her parents, throwing her arms around both of them, her sobs bursting out in heavy waves. "Dad¡­ me and Mom missed you so much," she cried, her words barely intelligible through her tears. "Please¡­ please promise you''ll never leave us like that again." Richard gently rubbed her back, a single tear trailing down his cheek. "I promise," he said, voice thick with emotion. "From now on, you''ll have my undivided attention." Ethan stood by the door, quietly watching the reunion unfold. A warmth flickered in his chest¡ªbut it was quickly followed by a twinge of distance. He leaned back slightly against the wall, his thoughts drifting. '' I wonder what Lisa made for dinner¡­'' In the Hallway Saint Theresa gave Ethan a subtle nod. As He followed her out of the room, the heavy door closing softly behind them. As they walked down the estate hallway, she finally broke the silence. "I''ve done what you asked. Richard is healed." Ethan inclined his head slightly. "Thank you," he said. "But¡­ if he was fully healed, why didn''t you just tell us right away?" The Saint stopped walking and looked at him seriously. "Because I haven''t fully healed him yet." Ethan''s brows furrowed. "What do you mean¡­?" She sighed. "The carcinoma had spread too deep by the time I began treatment. I was able to remove the illness¡­ but not without a cost." "What kind of cost?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her voice was steady, but solemn. "His Aether Factor¡ªthe core of his abilities¡ªis gone. Richard Lancaster¡­ will never be able to use his powers again." Ethan''s eyes widened. "Don''t tell me¡­" "Yes," Saint Theresa confirmed. "He''s lost everything that made him a Hero. He''ll live¡ªbut as a man without power. I left it for him to tell them himself." Ethan exhaled slowly, now understanding. To a man like Richard, losing his abilities was like losing a part of his soul. Letting his family learn that from someone else would''ve been a cruelty. Saint Theresa turned to go but stopped, glancing at Ethan one last time. "Before I leave¡­ I need to tell you something." Ethan''s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the shift in her tone. "The first time I saw you, I sensed¡­ something. It didn''t seem harmful, so I ignored it. But while treating Richard, I figured it out." Ethan raised a brow. "What did you sense?" "Devotia," she said. "...Devotia?" Ethan repeated, confused. "What''s that?" Saint Theresa blinked, surprised. "You don''t know something as basic as that?" She sighed. "Devotia is a drug that increases the affection one has for a person tp dangerous levels making it banned in all the cities." Ethan stood quietly, processing her words. She stepped closer. "You need to understand, Ethan¡­ people who have been given Devotia are capable of doing anything for those they desire and in worse cases they will throw away their life if they can''t have them." Ethan''s eye widened in shock at that revelation. "But you don''t have to worry the effects have been neutralized and I can no longer sense any dangerous effects from the one you ingested but that doesn''t mean you should lower your guard." Ethan nodded his head. " I promise I won''t." "Good." With that, Saint Theresa''s form began to glow, and in a blink of divine light, she was gone. Ethan stood alone in the hallway, her words echoing in his mind. The knowledge of Devotia stirred something deep and unsettling within him. And then his thoughts shifted¡ªback to the past. ''So Alex and Emily¡­ drugged me.'' A dark cloud passed over his eyes. His aura flickered. A cold, dangerous bloodlust seeped from his body, silent and sharp as a blade. "I should pay those two a visit." **** Within a Shadowed Chamber In a room drowned in darkness, where even the flicker of candlelight dared not intrude, a man with azure-blue hair sat cross-legged in the center of a circular sigil carved into the obsidian floor. His bare chest glistened with sweat, the skin faintly pulsing with streaks of golden light as met essence coursed through his veins. The very air around him trembled with pressure. He was cultivating a Divine Ability, the only method reserved for those on the brink of transcending mortality. He had climbed the ladder of power, shed blood and broken realms¡ªnow, he stood on the cusp of becoming a Saint. Yet the final tether remained elusive. So close, and yet still¡­ Not enough. Then¡ª BOOM! The heavy doors to his chamber slammed open, the sacred silence shattered. The man''s eyes opened, glowing like two sapphire flames in the dark. His aura flared briefly¡ªdangerous, divine, suffocating. "What could be so important¡­," he asked coldly, his voice echoing like thunder through stone, "...that you would dare interrupt my cultivation?" A woman stood in the doorway, her chest heaving. Her crimson eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her voice was clear and direct¡ªpierced by pain. "Our son¡­ Kairo. He was murdered at the Crownspire Ascension." Time slowed. The meta essence around him snapped and vanished, the sigil beneath him shattering into fragments of glowing dust. For a long moment, the man did not speak. He simply stared, as if the words needed time to burrow into his soul. Then his aura exploded¡ª A surge of golden and black light cracked the stone beneath him, and the walls trembled. "What¡­?" His voice was low, deadly. "Explain. Now." She did. Every word¡ªevery name, every fact. The opponent. The witness accounts. The impossible truth: their son, a prodigious Ascendant of the Draeven Family, had been slain by a mere Level 3¡ªa nobody named Ethan Cross. The man''s hands clenched into fists, glowing veins pulsing with pure rage. "A Level 3 dares to strike down a Draeven...?" The air twisted around him with malice. He turned to his wife, his eyes sharp enough to cut steel. "Bring me every scrap of information you have on this Ethan Cross. Family. Friends. Clan. Affinities. Weaknesses. Where he sleeps. What he dreams. Everything." "Yes, my lord," she said, bowing swiftly before vanishing down the hall in a blur of motion. Now alone in the shattered silence, the man remained still¡ªbut the fury in his soul churned like a divine storm. His fingers dug into his knees, teeth grinding. "You took my son¡­ Ethan Cross¡­" His voice was a whisper¡ªbut filled with vengeance. "I will make sure you pay for everything¡­ in full." END OF VOLUME ONE Chapter 106 - 106: Ch 105. Useless Emily stood in the hallway, watching with furrowed brows as Alex stuffed belongings into a duffel bag, shoving clothes, documents, and valuables with uncoordinated urgency. The sound of drawers slamming echoed like warning bells in the air. "Alex¡­ why are you packing your things?" Emily asked, her voice small, uncertain. "Where are we going?" No response. Alex kept packing, jaw tight, eyes cold, refusing to even glance her way. Emily stepped forward and tapped his shoulder. "Alex, please¡ªanswer me!" In a flash, he shoved her aside, sending her crashing to the ground. Pain flared in her back as she hit the floor, stunned. "Why are you such a pest?" Alex snapped, venom dripping from every word. "All you do is cling to me. It''s annoying." Emily tried to lift her gaze, lips trembling. "I¡ªI just¡ª" "Shut your bitch ass mouth." "I don''t want to hear anything from you." His next words were colder, laced with cruelty. "My dad was right about you¡­ your just useless." With that, Alex returned to packing, throwing anything valuable into the bag, acting like she didn''t even exist. Emily sat frozen on the floor, her eyes reddening with tears. Her heart pounded, not just from the pain of the fall, but from the deeper ache now tearing through her. ''Why¡­? Why would Alex treat me like this? I thought¡­ I thought he loved me¡­'' Tears fell freely as she silently wept, her world crumbling in seconds. Meanwhile, Alex rushed to the door, zipping the bag. He didn''t look back once. ''I can''t believe it¡­ Dad''s dead.'' The ring on his finger¡ªa family heirloom enchanted to glow so long as his father lived¡ªhad gone dark this morning. Alex didn''t need details. He didn''t care who killed his father. All he knew was one thing: ''Whoever did it¡­ might be coming for me next.'' Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He reached for the doorknob¡ª But before his fingers touched it¡ª CRACK! A bolt of lightning surged through the metal, exploding in a flash of light and hurling Alex backward, sending him slamming into the far wall with a crunch. His bag tumbled, scattering its contents across the floor. Emily gasped and scrambled to her feet, heart racing as she ran to him. "Alex! Are you okay?!" She crouched down, gently checking his arms, his chest¡ªdesperate to see if he was hurt. Alex coughed, dazed, before glaring up at her and shoving her away again. "Don''t touch me, bitch." The words cut deeper than lightning ever could. Emily froze in place, pain flashing across her face¡ªnot from the push, but from what he had said. Then¡ª Both of them turned toward the door, eyes wide. A figure stepped into the doorway, crackling arcs of fading lightning coiling around his body before retreating into his skin. His black hair settled back into place, his expression calm. But his eyes? They burned. "Where do you think you''re going?" Ethan Cross smiled¡ªcold, calm, lethal. Alex shivered at the sound of his voice, fear sinking into his bones like ice. **** From the moment Alex Tusk could walk, life had bent around him. As the only son of the Vice Leader of the Green serpent Clan, one of the strongest and most politically influential Clans in the City, he had everything¡ªwealth, protection, and unchecked power. He used that power recklessly. Teachers feared him. Students obeyed him. Enemies disappeared. Alex was a born tyrant, and his father never scolded him¡ªonly cleaned up the mess. He was untouchable. But then¡­ Ethan Cross entered his life. At first, it didn''t seem like much. His father pulled him aside one day, voice sharp and quiet. "Keep an eye on that boy. Ethan Cross and.report to me whatever you find." So Alex obeyed, half out of loyalty, half out of boredom. At first, it was surveillance. Then, manipulation. He ordered Emily, one of the girls he was casually seeing, to get close to Ethan. The plan was simple: gain his trust, use the Devotia drug¡ªan illicit alchemical concoction that permanently heightened attraction and emotional vulnerability¡ªand make Ethan fall for her. It worked perfectly. Ethan opened up, shared pieces of his life, and let Emily in. Alex and his handlers picked through every word, every interaction. But what did they find? Nothing. No hidden bloodline. No ancient secret. No forbidden magic. And to top it off, when Ethan awakened¡ªhe was a measly E-Rank Forsaken. The lowest of the low. Powerless. Cursed. Forgotten by the system itself. Alex had laughed when he told his father. "He''s a waste of time. Just another loser." He dismissed Ethan entirely. Another pawn broken under his boot. But then... Ethan began to rise. At first, it was just whispers. Then murmurs. Then alarm bells. A Forsaken climbing the ranks¡ªfast. Defeating monsters, outmatching awakened students, even surviving dens meant to kill. Each new report sent chills down Alex''s spine. The boy he manipulated¡­ the one whose heart he crushed for fun, the one he left in the dirt... ¡­was now standing in front of him. And he didn''t look happy. Alex opened his mouth, his voice weak with disbelief and panic. "Ethan, wait¡ª" But he never finished. CRACK! Ethan''s boot collided with Alex''s skull, sending him crashing into the wall with brutal force. Bone met concrete. His head snapped back, a sharp crack echoing through the apartment as his vision blurred, swimming with fog and pain. The room spun. His pride crumbled. The boy he once called nothing was now the storm ripping his world apart. And Alex? He was finally realizing¡ª This is what hell feels like. **** Emily''s heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the figure standing in the doorway. Ethan Cross. Lightning still crackled faintly in the air around him, his once-dark hair now dimming back to black, but that wasn''t what shook her. It was the look in his eyes. Cold. Detached. As if he wasn''t just here to confront Alex¡ªbut to end him. She watched in horror as Ethan''s foot smashed into Alex''s skull, sending him flying into the wall. The brutality of it snapped something inside her. Even as pain throbbed through her body, a quiet fury burned in her chest. She pushed herself off the floor, her eyes locking on Ethan, trembling but resolute. She moved in front of the dazed Alex, arms spread protectively. "I won''t let you harm him," she said, voice steady despite the fear. Ethan blinked, then chuckled, low and amused. His voice carried a sharp edge. "I can''t tell if you''re brave¡­ or just stupid. Don''t tell me he used Devotia on you too. that will just be hilarious" Suddenly his expression shifted to disinterest, as if she were nothing but an obstacle. Before Emily could even react, he vanished. "W-Where did he¡ª" CRACK. In an instant, he was right in front of her, hand already mid-swing. His palm connected with her cheek in a force-concentrated slap, a thunderclap of motion that twisted her face from the impact. Her cheek rippled from the force before she was launched back, crashing into the wall. As Emily''s body crumpled to the ground. Unconscious. Ethan didn''t flinch. No remorse, no hesitation. Not even the previous Ethan had truly loved her. It had all been manipulation, illusions built on lies and Devotia. She meant nothing to him¡ªthen or now. He turned his gaze to where Alex had been. Gone. A slow grin formed on Ethan''s lips. "What an interesting ability..." He lifted a hand, lightning dancing at his fingertips. "Gray." Suddenly a white wolf materialized beside him in a surge of arcane light¡ªits fur glowed with runes etched in flowing silver, and a golden horn crowned its head, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat of divine energy. Its eyes locked on Ethan, awaiting command. "Sick him." Gray let out a fierce howl, lightning surging under its paws as it vanished with a crackling step, tearing through the veil of space. Ethan remained in the silent apartment, standing over the unconscious Emily. He gave the room a casual glance, as if committing its shape to memory. Then, without another word, he turned and left, closing the door behind him with a final click. Chapter 107 - 107: Ch 106. Avenged Alex sprinted across the rain-slick rooftops, his breath ragged, chest burning from the effort. "Shit. Shit. Shit!" Each word was gasped between frantic breaths as he leapt from one rooftop to another, barely pausing to check behind him. Every glance over his shoulder brought fresh panic. Was Ethan chasing him? No... not yet. He landed hard on the edge of another rooftop and rolled behind a concrete outcrop, pressing his back against the cool surface. His heart pounded in his ears, and his muscles trembled. He peeked again. Nothing. No flicker of lightning. No cold, emotionless eyes. Just empty air. Alex exhaled sharply, collapsing against the wall. "Hah¡­ I lost him¡­" he muttered to himself, more to stay sane than anything else. "He''s probably still dealing with Emily. He might still be under the effects of the Drug... yeah¡­ yeah¡­" That lie steadied him. Just enough to keep from falling apart. But then¡ª He felt it. A warm breath. On his neck. His eyes widened. His spine stiffened. Slowly, mechanically, Alex turned his head¡ªand screamed. Standing inches from him was a white wolf, its golden horn gleaming like a crown, deep golden eyes locked onto him like a predator sizing up prey. Around it, lightning arced through the air in soft crackles of raw power. "S-Stay back!!" Alex shrieked, instantly activating his Camouflage, his body rippling and vanishing from sight. But Gray didn''t move. He didn''t need to. The wolf howled, a haunting, thunderous sound that echoed through the night as Predator''s Might activated¡ªa paralyzing aura of absolute dominance. Alex''s body froze in mid-run, his invisibility shattered as if it never existed. Muscles locked. Breath caught in his throat. He couldn''t even scream. Then¡ª Thud. From above, Ethan landed silently on the rooftop behind Gray, the crackle of lightning briefly illuminating his dark silhouette. He walked calmly to Gray''s side, placing a hand on the wolf''s head. "Good job, Gray," he said, a whisper of cold praise. Gray let out a soft yelp, satisfied, basking in his master''s acknowledgment. Ethan stepped forward, eyes on the frozen Alex. Then¡ª SLAP. A brutal backhand knocked Alex to the ground, breaking the paralysis. His body hit the rooftop hard, the impact jarring his senses. He gasped for air, instinctually trying to crawl away. But Ethan was already muttering, almost too soft to hear. "Abyss." And in that moment, everything changed. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The light in the world dimmed. The air thickened. A black mist began curling from Ethan''s body, tendrils of shadow that coiled hungrily, like something ancient had been stirred from slumber. **** "Abyss." That was the last thing Alex heard. And then¡ªthe world shattered. Instantly, reality peeled away, and Alex felt himself falling¡ªnot physically, but deeper, as if being dragged downward through existence itself. The air was gone. The light was gone. He couldn''t breathe. He clawed at nothing, panic flooding his senses, until¡ª Thud. He landed, gasping, on an impossible black surface, flat and glassy like polished void. He lay there choking, gulping in air like a drowning man who had breached the surface. The silence was deafening, but at least he could breathe again. At least¡­ for now. When his ragged breath began to steady, he lifted his head¡ªand froze. Before him, five colossal pillars rose from the darkness, stretching up into a void with no ceiling. They pulsed with a presence so ancient, so vast, that it made his bones tremble. But as he stared, horror bloomed in his chest. Those weren''t pillars. They were fingers. Each one incomprehensibly massive, each one shifting slightly, as though merely waiting. There was no end to them, no full shape to understand¡ªonly the unmistakable sensation of being beneath something that should not exist. "No¡­ no no no¡­" A primal fear erupted in his soul, more ancient than thought, as he turned and sprinted across the abyssal floor. But there was no escape. No edge. No light. No hope. The fingers began to move¡ªslowly, inevitably¡ªclosing in. The space warped. The dark twisted. And Alex screamed¡ªa raw, animal scream¡ªas the titanic hand sealed him inside, the darkness smothering sound, sight, self and leaving only Silence. --- Back in the Real World Alex''s body lay sprawled across the rooftop, limbs limp, mouth frozen open in a final, silent scream. His eyes stared blankly at the sky, glassy and lifeless. Whatever had once been inside him was gone. Utterly erased. His soul had been devoured by the Abyss, leaving only a hollow shell behind. Standing over him, Ethan''s cold gaze lingered for a moment. He whispered: "I have avenged you." Not for Alex. But for the Ethan that once existed. The one who had been manipulated, humiliated, and discarded like trash. The one who died so this one could rise. Ethan turned away. Gray, his loyal wolf, shimmered into radiant motes of light, which flowed into his body, fusing with him. And in the next instant, Ethan vanished in a crackle of lightning¡ªleaving nothing behind but an empty corpse lying beneath a cold, indifferent sky. **** In the soft golden glow of the kitchen lights, Lisa Cross hummed a gentle tune, the melody floating through the halls of the estate like a lullaby warding off the outside world. Her raven hair was tied neatly into a bun, and she wore a simple apron dusted with flour and bits of seasoning as she worked over the countertop, slicing meat with fluid precision. The knife in her hand gleamed faintly¡ªslick with blood, but only from the raw cuts she was preparing for dinner. The house was quiet, save for the bubbling from a pot and the rhythmic tap-tap of her knife on the cutting board. Then¡ª Click. The front door opened with a soft creak, followed by the sound of it closing gently. Ethan stepped inside. He stood there in the hallway, lingering with one hand still on the doorknob. His shoulders were tense, his expression unreadable as he braced himself¡ªexpecting a scolding, maybe even a thrown utensil. Lisa''s presence was immediate. She stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, the knife still in her grip. Her sharp eyes found him instantly, and for a moment, she said nothing. Their resemblance was striking. Same eyes. Same jawline. Same aura¡ªthough hers lacked the storm and power behind his. Ethan gulped when he saw the knife still in her hand. "...Hey," he said, voice cautious. Lisa just stared at him. For a few long seconds, the air was thick with silent tension. Then¡ª She sighed. "Welcome back," she said simply. "Dinner''ll be ready soon, so go clean up." Ethan blinked. He hesitated, then raised a brow. "Wait¡­ you''re not mad?" Lisa rolled her eyes as she turned back toward the kitchen. "Well, if my superhero of a big brother is gonna vanish and come back whenever he wants, I have to learn how to get used to it," she said, almost too casually. "Now hurry up go shower if not you won''t be getting any food." Ethan''s mouth opened as if to explain himself, then stopped. A grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yes, ma''am." As he passed her, he reached out and ruffled her hair. "Thanks, Lisa. You''re the best." Lisa scoffed but didn''t resist the touch. "Obviously." Ethan chuckled and disappeared down the hallway toward his room, his footsteps lighter than before. Back in the kitchen, Lisa paused for a moment, her eyes softening. She shook her head, exasperated. "Idiot," she murmured affectionately. Then she turned back to her work, humming once more¡ªas if the outside world didn''t matter, so long as her brother came home safe. Chapter 108 - 108: Ch 107. Level Registration After cleaning up, Ethan emerged from his room, now freshly showered and dressed in a plain shirt and sweatpants. The tension from earlier had melted from his shoulders, replaced by a rare calm as he joined Lisa at the dinner table. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air¡ªroasted meat, seasoned vegetables, and warm bread. Simple, hearty. The kind of meal that anchored Ethan in reality. "Smells amazing," Ethan said, sitting down. "Of course it does," Lisa replied with a smirk. "I made it." They ate together in comfortable silence at first, the kind only shared by people who didn''t need to fill every second with words. Afterward, Ethan got up to help wash the dishes, sleeves rolled up as he worked beside his sister, their movements falling into an easy rhythm while discussing talking about how they spent their days. With Ethan telling Lisa about the Crownspire Ascension but not in full details to prevent her from getting a panic attack. When they were done they told each other goodnight before returning to their rooms with a shared smile. --- Moments Later As the door clicked shut behind him, Ethan exhaled, the warm normalcy of family life finally giving way to the weight of everything he had yet to face. "Now¡­ I can check the upgrades the Sanctum got after I ranked up." He sat on his bed, his hand hovering as he brought up the Aethermark Interface. A shimmering screen projected in front of him, its deep blue glow casting eerie shadows across the room. --- Aethermark Interface Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 4 (Elite) sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) Abilities: [Force Might] [Vital Bloom] [Withering Verdict] [Chrono Pulse] [Manifest Armament] [Abyss] Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 0 / 500 Tenbris Evolution Counter: [728 / 10,000] --- Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Looks like I need to hit a Den soon to farm Meta Essence and push Tenbris closer to evolution..." He sighed. "So much for getting a break." With that, he navigated to the Innate Talent tab. A fresh glow pulsed across the screen. --- Sanctum of Beasts ¨C New Feature Unlocked Feature: Challenge Stack ¨C Upgraded Description: User can now activate up to 25 Entry Passes simultaneously when entering the Sanctum. Increases the difficulty of Sanctum challenges based on number of passes used. Grants +1 Ability per pass used upon successful clearance. (Current Limit: 25 passes = 25 Abilities) --- Ethan''s eyes widened. "Twenty-five¡­ That''s five times the previous limit." His mind raced, calculating. "At this rate¡­ I could hit a hundred abilities in just one or two more Sanctum clears." A grin tugged at his lips, excitement buzzing just beneath his skin. But after a moment, he steadied himself with a breath, eyes scanning the cooldown timer. Still ticking down. "So it''s decided¡­ Tomorrow, I''ll head to a Den. I need Meta Essence and Tenbris needs to evolve." He leaned back onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I shouldn''t ask Sophia to help me with finding a den¡­ Not with her father''s condition. She might''ve found out by now." His voice was low, thoughtful. "Guess I''ll just take a mission from the Hero Association. Like normal." The room darkened as he flicked off the lights. Outside, a faint breeze rustled the trees. Inside, the room fell into stillness. And with that, Ethan closed his eyes, drifting off into sleep¡ªhis next steps already forming in his mind. **** The sun had barely risen when Ethan finished breakfast with Lisa, a quiet yet fulfilling start to his day. He stood by the front door, a fresh resolve in his eyes, as he adjusted his jacket. Lisa, already busy with her own routine, glanced up at him. "You''re off already?" Lisa asked, wiping her hands on a towel after cleaning the dishes. "Yeah, gotta take care of some things at the Hero Association." He paused, his expression softening. "I''ll be back before dinner." She nodded, not pressing further as she understood the demands of his work, even if she didn''t fully grasp the weight of his responsibilities. With that, Ethan stepped out into the cool morning air and made his way to his hover car. The vehicle hummed to life with a low purr as he slid into the driver''s seat. Before contacting Agent 777 to help him find a den, he noted that since he was Level 4 now, he could only get Meta essence from an Abyss ranked den. He listened for a moment, nodding as the agent gave him some brief instructions about the process. Agent 777 was shocked at first by how fast Ethan had leveled up, but he got over it quickly, probably due to the side effect of his ability and his strong mental capacity from years of experience. Agent 777 then made it clear that with his new rank, Ethan would need to register it with the association to be allowed into certain restricted areas, including an Abyss ranked den. Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples at the extra workload before saying, "Maximum Effort" as he drove the hover car and left the Lancaster estate. The hover car glided effortlessly through the city streets, the speedometer pushing higher as he made his way to the towering building of the Hero Association. His thoughts wandered to the last few months¡ªranking up three times in such a short span. To most, it would have been impossible. But not to him. Ethan had proven time and again that the rules didn''t apply when he was determined. Arriving at the Hero Association building, Ethan parked his hover car and took a deep breath. The building loomed above him, its sleek, futuristic design a testament to the world''s ever-growing reliance on heroes. He stepped inside, his boots clicking softly against the polished floor as he made his way to the counter. And there she was. The guide. The same one who had given him his first mission. Ethan noticed her instantly, her head snapping up from her desk, eyes widening at the sight of him. "Well, if it isn''t Ethan Cross¡­" She said, her voice carrying a mixture of surprise and professionalism. She quickly recovered, straightening up. "It''s been a while, sir." "I''ve been busy lately," Ethan replied with a half-smile, leaning on the counter. The guide, still looking a little stunned, quickly composed herself, tapping away at her holographic desk interface. "How can I assist you today, sir?" "I need to register my new level," Ethan said casually, but there was an edge to his tone. Her fingers paused mid-air, and she glanced up at him in disbelief. "Register¡­ your new level?" Ethan nodded. "Yes I want to register as a new Level 4" The guide blinked. She had heard of heroes that level up fast, but this was beyond anything she had expected. Most heroes took years to level up even once, and some never made it past Level 2. For someone to level up in just 3 months of their awakening was unheard off. ''I guess he received a trigger after the Duality pit incident that''s the only reasonable explaination for his fast level'' "Okay, Level 4¡­" She muttered to herself as she typed in the necessary data, still lost in thought. But then, her fingers froze, as the information finally clicked. "Wait¡­ Did you just say¡­ Level 4?" Ethan''s lips curled into a slight grin as he saw her reaction. "Yes, you heard me. Level 4." The moment the words left his mouth, the guide''s professionalism vanished and before Ethan could stop her, she stood up from her chair, her eyes wide and her face flushed. She completely forgot her training and proper etiquette, her voice breaking through the silence as she screamed. "WHAT?!" Chapter 109 - 109: Ch 108. Perfect Score Ethan stood in a large metallic chamber filled with strange devices that blinked with neon lights and pulsed with soft hums. The room smelled faintly of sterilized steel and machine oil. Large support beams lined the ceiling above, and along the walls were screens displaying live biometric data feeds, rank protocols, and combat records of various registered heroes. This was one of the Association''s Verification Chambers¡ªwhere claims of rank advancement were either certified or exposed as fraud. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The guide who had initially greeted Ethan earlier had finally calmed herself after the emotional whiplash of learning that the once Level 1 recruit had somehow reached Level 4¡ªin just three months. After taking several deep breaths and shooting Ethan a still-stunned glance, she excused herself and passed the registration request to the higher-ups. Thankfully, Agent 777 had already anticipated the chaos, pre-clearing the process with the executive branch of the Association. This would''ve normally taken hours or even days¡ªbut today, it would be swift. Mostly. A side door opened with a hiss of pressurized air, and in walked a man in a crisp navy-blue Association uniform, clipboard in hand and expression neutral to the point of disdain. "I''m Mr. Thomas," he said, voice clipped and tone bureaucratic. "I will be handling your rank-up verification today." Ethan offered a polite nod and half-smile. "Then I''ll be in your care." "Hmph. Don''t worry¡ªI''ll make the process easy," Thomas replied with a forced smile. But inwardly, his thoughts seethed. ''Another one¡­ Another pampered brat thinking he can cheat the system with his family''s influence. E-rank, and you claim Level 4? What fantasy world are you living in? I''ve had enough of these frauds. Not this time. I''ll expose this faker if it''s the last thing I do.'' Ethan could practically feel the hostility leaking off the man like a leaking valve, but he didn''t even blink. There was no danger, just ego and red tape. A mild inconvenience at best. Thomas gestured toward one of the machines at the far end of the room. "Mr. Ethan, please step forward and stand in front of the device." Ethan obeyed, walking calmly to the machine. It was a large force-assessment device, standing nearly two meters tall. At the front, a thick cushion-like pad, dark grey with reinforced fiber lines, was designed to absorb and measure the full force of a strike. Behind it was a compact but dense framework of mechanical arms, pressure sensors, kinetic converters, and Aether-response detectors. Its purpose: to accurately measure the raw output of physical and Meta essence-enhanced attacks¡ªespecially during rank-up evaluations. Wires and cables ran from the pad into a series of data analyzers that fed directly into the Association''s encrypted servers. On a screen to the side, a message blinked: [Awaiting Combat Impact: Please Strike When Ready] **** The sterile white room hummed with quiet energy as Thomas adjusted his clipboard, eyes fixed on the black and gold Impact Resonance Machine in the center of the chamber. The device was designed to measure raw output¡ªan awakened''s sheer destructive force. "With his so-called ''Force Might'', this machine is the obvious choice for the first test," Thomas thought, a smug grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "A real Level 4 should generate around 10,000 points. If he even breaks 300, I''ll be impressed. Let''s see how far this ''miracle boy'' can fake it." Ethan stood before the machine, expression unreadable. His eyes scanned the device. "Should I just use King of Force and Flow? Or go all out by using Tenbris and my Gray Fusion?" he mused silently. Thomas, watching Ethan''s silence stretch, sneered to himself. "What now? Regretting your lies? Your conscience catching up to you? Good¡ªI''ll expose you for the fraud you are." But before the thought could fully form in his mind, a sudden pulse of meta essence erupted from Ethan''s body. The air snapped¡ªelectric, alive, suffocating. Thomas stumbled back, a cold sweat breaking over his forehead. Despite not being awakened himself, even he could feel the overwhelming pressure pricking at his skin like needles. Ethan exhaled slowly, drawing his fist back. His feet shifted slightly¡ªstance solid, focused. He activated Flow. Then King of Force. A subtle hum vibrated through the floor. The world grew still. BOOM. The sound was instantaneous and violent, a deafening sonic crack that shook the reinforced walls. The machine didn''t just register the blow¡ªit skidded back nearly half a meter across the shock-resistant platform. Alarms blinked red as internal dampeners overloaded. Thomas''s face twisted in sheer disbelief. "T-that''s¡­ only Grandmasters¡­ Level 7s¡­ are supposed to be able to do that!" The machine''s counter began ticking upward. 10,000. 25,000. 50,000. 75,000. 90,000. 99,000¡­ ...101,483. It stopped. The number glowed in fierce crimson. Thomas''s clipboard clattered to the floor. He stepped back, pale and trembling. His brain struggled to process what he had just seen. "I-it''s over¡­ over 100,000¡­ That''s impossible. That''s¡­ that''s not human¡­" He looked at Ethan¡ªnot as a fraud, not even as a hero¡ªbut as something terrifying, something other. "What a¡­ monster¡­" Thomas whispered, unable to tear his eyes away. Ethan simply rolled his shoulder, as if he hadn''t just shattered every standard they thought existed. "So¡­ what''s next?" he said with a calm smile. **** The testing facility buzzed with low hums and flickering lights. Ethan stood calmly at the center, beads of sweat still evaporating from his body after the intense physical and metaphysical assessments. He had undergone a full spectrum of evaluations: Reflex tests with kinetic drones .Meta Essence control drills. Durability trials. Speed runs and Ability mastery. By the end of it Mr. Thomas once-formal and distant demeanor had softened, replaced by something bordering on respect. His voice, when he spoke, carried a touch of awe. "Mr. Ethan, your results have been tabulated and synced to the Association''s server. Your rank has been officially updated." Ethan flashed a brief smile. "So that means I''ll be able to enter Abyss-ranked dens now?" Thomas paused mid-step, surprised by the question. Most heroes were content with the title, the fame, the status upgrades. Few sought the danger that came with higher-tier dens¡ªespecially heroes so young. "Y-Yes¡­ you''ll now be permitted entry into Abyss-ranked dens. You''re officially cleared." Ethan gave a small nod, satisfied. "Good. Thanks for the help." He turned, ready to leave, boots echoing softly on the tiled floor. But just as he reached the door¡ª "Mr. Ethan, wait," Thomas called. Ethan stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "What is it?" Thomas approached, straightening his jacket. "There''s one more thing. It should''ve been done when you first reached Level 3, but since you never came in for your formal rank-up, we have to do it now." Ethan turned to face him, intrigued. "And that is?" Thomas tapped a panel on the wall, and a holographic screen flickered to life with his profile displayed. "You need to choose your Hero Name. It''ll be registered across all Association records going forward¡ªmissions, broadcasts, rankings, everything." Chapter 110 - 110: Ch 109. Hero Name In this world, a hero name wasn''t just a label¡ªit was a symbol. To the people, it sparked hope. To villains, it sowed fear. And to the Association, it marked someone who had done the impossible. Only those who achieved heaven-defying feats could earn one. That''s why the requirement was set at Level 3. Until then, a person wasn''t considered worthy of carrying such a title. Ethan hadn''t thought much about it. He''d been in this world for a few months, absorbing as much information as he could, but this particular detail... he must''ve glossed over it. It hadn''t felt important at the time. Now, standing in front of Thomas with the glowing screen waiting for input, he realized how wrong he''d been. "I had no idea I''d need to pick a hero name," he admitted, brow slightly furrowed. Thomas gave a small nod, his tone even¡ªnot condescending, just clear. "Yes. It acts as your codename for the Association. All missions, broadcasts, and public records will list you by that name. Without it, your rank can be revoked." Ethan took that in silently, then nodded. "Got it." He glanced back at the screen, the blinking cursor waiting for him to define who he''d be from this point forward. ''What should I choose...'' But he didn''t dwell on it long. He looked at Thomas and said his hero name. Thomas froze. His eyes widened slightly. "Are you... sure about this?" Ethan''s answer was calm. "Yeah. It''s perfect." Thomas gulped, visibly uneasy but impressed. ''Is this the mentality of a genius... or a madman?'' he wondered. Then he exhaled and tapped the screen. "Understood. The name will be registered." Ethan gave a small nod. "Anything else?" "No, Mr. Ethan. You''re free to go." Without another word, Ethan turned and walked out of the testing room. His next destination was clear. Time to take on an Abyss-ranked mission. **** As Ethan''s hero name was officially registered, it triggered a ripple effect across the digital feeds that tracked Hero Association updates. The Hero List updated in real time, and those who kept tabs on it were immediately stunned. Screens blinked. Notifications popped. And then the forums lit up. [User 1]: Are my eyes deceiving me? What kind of hero name is that? [User 2]: Wait, wait¡ªhe''s only 18? And he already got a hero name? At Level 4? This has to be a joke. [User 3]: E-Rank. E-RANK! When did the Association get this corrupt? Do they think we''re all blind? [User 4]: We need to band together. This can''t stand. Let''s cancel him before they push him as the next poster boy. [User 5]: I don''t even know who we''re canceling but count me in. [User 6] (replying): It''s a new hero. Just got his name. [User 5]: What''s his name, so I know who to flame? [User 6]: Prime Cential. Across message boards, social media, and private group chats, the name spread like wildfire. Confusion turned into outrage. Speculation turned into conspiracy. And Ethan? He had no idea. Even if he did, he wouldn''t have cared. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His focus was locked on one thing¡ªgetting a mission in an Abyss-ranked den. He needed more Meta Essence. He needed to push Tenbris further so he couldn''t care less about what others tought. He made his way through the Association building until he reached the mission counter. Behind the desk stood the guide he''d met before. She glanced up¡ªand smiled when she saw him. At first, Ethan''s rapid leveling had shocked her. But soon after, she''d come to accept that he simply wasn''t like the others. Thinking of him as a different breed made it easier to process. "So, Mr. Ethan," she said warmly, "I assume your rank-up exam went well?" Ethan returned her smile. "Yeah. It did." "Then allow me to congratulate you." "Thanks," he said. "Are there any Abyss dens available right now? Preferably ones with a high concentration of Dread Beasts." She nodded and tapped a few commands into her holographic desk. "Allow me to find one just for you, sir." "I appreciate it." As she worked, her fingers gliding across the translucent screen, she glanced up. "Would you like me to assign a team as well?" Ethan shook his head. "Don''t worry. I''ll be fine on my own." Her eyebrows lifted, surprised. But she quickly masked it and returned to her task. She''d already decided not to apply the usual standards to Ethan. Trying to fit him into a conventional mold didn''t work. A few moments later, she looked up. "I''ve found a suitable den. I''ve sent the details to your communicator." "Thanks," Ethan said, turning to leave. But then he paused, glanced back, and asked, "By the way¡­ I don''t think I ever got your name." She blinked, clearly caught off guard. It wasn''t often someone asked. Especially not someone this talented. "It''s Jarvis," she said with a small smile. Ethan paused for a moment, processing the unexpected name. But his face stayed composed. "Alright, Jarvis. See you around." "You too, Mr. Ethan." And with that, he stepped out of the Association building, ready to dive headfirst into the abyss. **** Ethan pulled up in front of the building, the quiet hum of his hover car fading as it settled onto the cracked pavement. The structure ahead stood alone¡ªan old ten-story building cut off from the rest of the city like it had been quarantined from reality. It looked ordinary enough on the outside, weathered but intact. But Ethan knew better. This was no normal building. Association agents stood at key points around the perimeter, eyes sharp and weapons within reach. The atmosphere was tense. The kind of tension that came with something too quiet, too still. Ethan stepped out of the car, his gaze fixed on the building. From what he''d read, a black pit had formed on one of the upper floors, warping it into an Abyss Den. You couldn''t tell from the outside¡ªbut the corruption inside would twist everything. He started toward the entrance, but two agents moved to block his path. "Stop," one said, holding out a hand. "This area''s restricted until the assigned hero arrives to collapse the den." Ethan came to a stop, hands relaxed at his sides. "I''m the hero assigned to this den." The agent frowned slightly, tapping at the tablet in his hand. A moment later, his expression shifted. He blinked once, then looked up at Ethan again¡ªmore carefully this time. He wasn''t just surprised by the age listed, or the level. It was the name. Prime Cential. And it was a solo raid. For a second, the agent just stared. Then he cleared his throat, composed himself, and stepped aside. "Apologies for the inconvenience, sir. You''re cleared to enter." Ethan gave a short nod and walked past without another word. As the door closed behind him, one of the other agents leaned in and muttered, "Do you really think he can clear it?" The first agent kept his eyes on the building. "If the Association thinks he can¡­ who are we to say otherwise?" Chapter 111 - 111: Ch 110. Stone Face The moment Ethan stepped into the building, he activated the Aether Mark on the back of his left hand. A faint pulse of light ran across his skin as a translucent interface opened in front of him. [Aethermark Interface] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 4 (Elite) Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) Abilities: ? Force Might ? Vital Bloom ? Withering Verdict ? Chrono Pulse ? Manifest Armament ? Abyss Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 0 / 500 Tenbris Evolution Counter: [728 / 10,000] He skimmed through the panel quickly, confirming everything was as it should be. Once satisfied, he dismissed the interface and pulled up the mission briefing on his communicator. --- Mission Name: Corrupted Building Mission Type: Closure and Rescue Description: A blackpit has formed within a residential structure in District 69. Your task is to locate and close the source of the anomaly. If any civilians are found alive within the zone, extract them. However, your primary objective is to seal the pit. Casualties are acceptable. Dread Beast Present: Unknown --- Ethan had already read the briefing before arriving, but seeing it again still annoyed him. "Casualties are acceptable," he muttered under his breath, jaw tightening. He knew what that meant. The Association wasn''t interested in saving anyone from this place. District 69 had always been the city''s dumping ground¡ªfilled with petty criminals, gang wars, addicts, and worse. It was a breeding ground for chaos. But not everyone in that district was trash. "Just because the place is a mess doesn''t mean every person in it deserves to die," Ethan said quietly. He understood the politics behind it. Let the den swallow the district, and the Association would have one less headache. Clean-up by inaction. He sighed. "Whatever. I''m here for Meta Essence¡­ and to get Tenbris one step closer to evolution." As if on cue, a low growl echoed from deeper inside the building. Ethan shut off the communicator and looked around. That''s when he noticed it¡ªwhat had once looked like a typical lobby now resembled the inside of something alive. The structure had twisted. Flesh-colored walls pulsed faintly with movement, and viscous fluids dripped from the ceiling like sweat from a breathing beast. The door he entered through still stood behind him, but the space beyond had expanded unnaturally¡ªlarger than what should''ve been possible from the outside. Ethan cracked his neck, a smirk tugging at his lips. "This is gonna be interesting." And with that, he stepped deeper into the den, ready for whatever waited inside. **** Ethan charged deeper into the fleshy corridor, his footsteps echoing with wet smacks against the pulsating ground. Before he got too far, three figures emerged from the shadows ahead. They looked like misshapen lumps of meat, each one dragging itself forward with twitching limbs. What stood out was the massive red stone embedded in the front of each of their faces¡ªif you could even call it a face. The Association hadn''t given them an official name yet. Ethan shrugged. "Stone Faces it is." If someone wanted to crucify him for his naming sense, so be it. The name stuck, and he wasn''t changing it. The Stone Faces jerked to a stop the moment they noticed him. The red stones began to glow with ominous energy. "So they''re not just decoration," Ethan muttered. A second later, beams of concentrated light blasted out from the stones. Ethan didn''t wait. He activated Force Might and let Flow guide his movements, pushing his legs to the limit. His body launched forward in a blur. The beams missed by inches as he darted sideways, leaping onto the wall. With a kick, he pushed off again, rebounding from surface to surface. The warped hallway became a chaotic blur of fleshy walls and sizzling laser trails. Ethan kept moving, ricocheting like a bullet between each failed shot. The beasts kept firing, but they couldn''t land a single hit. Eventually, the red stones stopped glowing. "Cooldown," Ethan said with a grin. He vanished from his spot. A heartbeat later, he appeared in front of the first Stone Face and slammed his force concentrated fist straight into the glowing red stone. It shattered instantly, and the beast dropped like a sack of meat. Meta Essence surged into Ethan''s body, making his skin tingle. He didn''t stop. With two fluid movements, he rushed the other two. His strikes were brutal, efficient¡ªForce-reinforced blows straight to their weak point. Both fell before they could react, their stones crushed and their bodies twitching before going still. More Meta Essence flowed into him, and he exhaled through his nose, steadying the rush. Standing over the twisted corpses, Ethan stared down at them. "That was¡­ easy," he said. "Didn''t even need to activate my fusion." He scratched the side of his head, annoyed. He''d grown too used to fighting enemies far stronger than him. This¡ªthis felt unnatural. Almost boring. Then it hit him. "Shit. I didn''t summon Tenbris," he muttered. "That''s wasted points." He pressed a hand to his chest, channeling his core. A moment later, a dark gauntlet formed over his arm, crawling into existence with twitching, shadowy tendrils. The moment it solidified, it began to throb¡ªangry, like a pet that had missed its meal. Ethan winced slightly. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I screwed up. But don''t worry¡ªthere''ll be more Dread Beasts ahead. Plenty of points for you." The gauntlet slowly calmed, the pulsating slowing to a steady rhythm. Ethan took one last look at the remains of the Stone Faces, then turned and continued deeper into the corrupted den. **** To Ethan, the den didn''t feel like a mission. Not really. No real challenge. No overwhelming odds. No near-death experiences. In fact, it was starting to feel like a break. Sure, it was a hellish nightmare of meat walls, acidic fluids, and monsters with rocks for faces¡ªbut after the chaos he''d dealt with over the last few days, this? This was relaxing. It almost felt ike a vacation. A very twisted amusement park vacation. If amusement parks came with death traps, flesh corridors, and Dread Beasts constantly trying to kill you. Still, Ethan moved through the den with ease, tearing through every creature that lunged at him. The Stone Faces came in waves at first, but they got old fast. No variety. No tricks. Just the same old attacks, same old weakness, same old death. He didn''t even need to think about it anymore. A punch here, a strike there, a flash of fire¡ªand it was done. The deeper he went, the higher he climbed, the more the den twisted. But not just in size or structure. Something else was growing¡­ hungrier. That''s when Ethan saw them. Bodies. Human. Barely alive. They were fused into the walls¡ªhalf-sunken into the flesh, limbs twitching, faces gaunt, skin pale. The den was feeding on them, keeping them alive just enough to suck out whatever it needed. Life force. Nerves. Hope. He stopped in front of the first one, eyes narrowing. "Bastards," he muttered. He didn''t know their names, didn''t care if they were criminals or victims. Nobody deserved this. With a snap of his fingers and a thought, he summoned Gray. The moment he materialized, Ethan nodded toward the survivors. "Carry them out. Get them to the agents outside. I''ll call you back if I need you." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gray responded with a growl and began the work silently, pulling the survivors free with careful precision. Ethan trusted him. If anything went sideways, he could always summon him back in an instant and trigger fusion. No big deal. After sending off the last group of survivors, Ethan leaned against the wall for a second, letting his muscles relax. Then he flicked open his Aethermark interface. --- [Aethermark Interface] Name: Ethan Cross Rank: E (Forsaken) Level: 4 (Elite) Ability Limit: 1 (Unlocked: 100+) Abilities: [Force Might] [Vital Bloom] [Withering Verdict] [Chrono Pulse] [Manifest Armament] [Abyss] Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts Meta Essence: 500 / 500 Tenbris Evolution Counter: [2200 / 10,000] --- "Already maxed out," Ethan said under his breath. "Been sitting at full for a while now." He was hoping for an oversaturation. Enough extra Meta Essence to trigger a Rank-Up, like before. But deep down, he knew better. It wasn''t that easy. He''d already beaten the odds once. Expecting it to happen again was wishful thinking¡ªeven if he was a little broken. Ethan didn''t feel like gambling on it happening again. As for Tenbris, its evolution counter hadn''t budged in a while. Figures. It had sucked up enough from the Stone Faces. No new points from them meant it had probably hit a cap¡ªat least with that species. Ethan sighed and closed the interface. "Well," he muttered, pushing himself off the wall, "guess it''s time to finally close the den." He''d gotten what he came for¡ªMeta Essence, evolution points, survivors saved. Now all that was left was the guardian. The final challenge. The one keeping this place alive. Ethan rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles. "Let''s see what this den''s boss looks like." And with that, he stepped forward¡ªready to end it.